Stitch Fix

I first learned about StitchFix several months ago, after seeing a review on a blog. It looked interesting.

A few weeks ago, a couple friends blogged about their experiences with the company...and I decided to try out this "personal stylist-shop-by-mail" company. 

I am SO glad that I did.

If this is all new to you, here's how it works:

1. You sign up (via an invitation link) online, and once your account is created, you complete your style profile. This part is fun...it's kind of like a quiz. You fill out size, fit, and style preferences, as well as a price range you prefer to shop within. You can also link to a Pinterest board, so the stylists can get a good sense of your style.

2. There is a wait time currently involved...but between signing up at the end of February and getting approved, I only waited 11 days. 

3. Once you're approved and your style profile is complete, you schedule when you'd like to receive your first order or "fix." A StitchFix stylist handpicks items for you based on your profile; the fee for this service is $20...but you can apply the full $20 towards your purchase.

4. The package ships USPS and include 5 items. When your StitchFix box arrives, you get to try on clothes in the comfort of your own home...and with pieces from your own wardrobe.  This is one of my favorite features of the company. 

5. Within three days, choose what you love and then send back the rest, using the prepaid Priority envelope enclosed. Go online to StitchFix and checkout. You complete a survey for checkout, which further defines your profile and gives good feedback to the stylist for next time. You pay only for what you keep...and if you keep all items sent, you get 25% off the total purchase. 

6. Then, choose to schedule your next StitchFix shipment as frequently or infrequently as you like! I love that you can leave a note for your stylist about an event or season you want kept in mind when selecting items!

So...here's a review of my first experience with StitchFix.

This peek into my box shows the fresh mint green packaging design! I love good packaging!

Here are the five items I received, reviewed below. I was excited about each piece...and I think that my stylist did a great job in selecting a variety of items for me.

1. Rocco Faux Wrap Tank Dress. I was excited but doubtful when trying this on. I always like the look of wrap dresses, but they are usually a bit low-cut for me.  This was a faux wrap, and it surprised me. The color and fabric and style were gorgeous. The bodice fit beautifully and the neckline was perfect...no camisole needed! The fit from the front looked great...but sadly, it was quite snug in the back.  Sadly, not keeping this one.

2. Stanley Hi-Lo Jersey Loose Tee. I loved the design of this shirt (especially the keyhole back), and it is really comfortable. It is shorter in the front, longer in back...which normally would be great for me, but the front of this was a bit "tent-ish" and didn't look very flattering. It was better tucked into a skirt...but for the price, I'd want it to work both ways. I'm returning this one.

3. Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan. I'm a cardigan girl. In every season, you can find me wearing one. This cardigan is so soft...it fits well...and hangs beautifully. I would never pick this color up in a store...but I was surprised at how well this shade of purple works with my coloring. I'm keeping this one for sure. (And wore it yesterday, as you can see below!)

4. Marci Dot Stripe Tabsleeve Blouse. This is another great example of something that I would probably pass by in the store...but when I tried it on, I really liked the design. But I love the pairing of blue and green SO much...and the striped pattern is fun and definitely different than anything I currently own. The sleeves can be worn long or buttoned up like shown...I like versatile pieces. Unfortunately, the upper part of the sleeve was really snug...which was disappointing, as it fit well everywhere else. Another return.

5. Wavy Chevron Bangle Set. This set of five bangles is fun. I liked them immediately. Gold and light turquoise. They fit nicely. But I don't wear bracelets all the time...and since I already have some in a similar color, I decided to return these as well.

A few other things to note:

Each item includes an attached style card, styling the item two different ways. (One of the cards is pictured above.) The card that accompanied my cardigan suggested a navy shirt and long turquoise statement necklace. I had similar pieces already in my closet...and when I tried them together, I liked the combination!  I have a summer outfit it will also pair well with...and loved the other suggestion of a striped maxi dress. I want the pieces I keep to be ones that are unique and versatile.

I have a tendency to buy similar items. My closet has a section full of neutral-colored sweaters! So the fact that someone sends me a variety of items, including some that might push me slightly out of my comfort zone excites me!

I have to admit that while I still enjoy the traditional method of shopping, it is harder for me to manage lately. Shopping with three school-aged children in tow is not easy...and I find that I will often buy a shirt or scarf or skirt hoping that it will match well with something I already own. Sometimes it does...but quite often, the shade or fabrics don't work well together. And then I have to make a trip for returns. These days, I don't want to use my spare time on those kinds of errands. So I love the ability to easily drop a package in the mail to return.

And as far as price goes, my least expensive item was $38 (the bracelets) and the most expensive item was $78 (the dress). I selected the "least expensive" options for accessories, jewelry, and tops and the "$50-100" range for dresses, bottoms, and outer layers. (This is fairly typical of the pre-sale prices of items I buy traditionally.) The price ranges increase in $50 increments up to $200+.

One last thing. This is not a sponsored post. I am receiving no compensation for this review from StitchFix. However, much like other online retailers (like Zulily, One Kings Lane, Sole Society, etc.), StitchFix promotes their brand through referral links. So if you sign up through the links I've given here, I earn a one-time credit with StitchFix if you purchase. (And once you sign up, if you share your referral code with your friends, YOU earn credit! Win-win!)

Have you tried StitchFix? I'd love to hear about your own experience! And if you have any questions, ask in the comments, and I will reply there!