Stitch-Fix Style Review

My own personal stylist? Uh, yes please!

I don’t really consider myself vain. (I suppose the definition of vanity would not allow someone to think it of oneself.) However, it might be nice to have an outfit or two that fits (thanks, GAPS!) which also does not have child- or kitchen-related stains. Might I be able to have an single outfit as such, styled by Stitch Fix?

I decided to check out Stitch Fix based on a Facebook recommendation. I ordered my Stitch Fix kit to be delivered on October 20. For whatever reason, it arrived on October 25. Not a big deal for me. I’ll just live in baggy jeans a few more days! I had to pay a $20 “styling fee” on the front end with my order; however, that initial $20 can be subtracted from total cost of the items I choose to keep.

When I ordered my kit, I was asked a lot of questions in order that they could choose some items that I would like, that would fit me, and that I could afford. There were about five different screens of questions, some with a scale for rating, some with open-ended answer boxes to type a reply. At that time, I wrote:

I stay at home, but I try to not just wear sweat-pants. However, my chosen career raising and homeschooling 5 little ones needs stretch! I’m often nursing a kid, so pulling up a top is better than a dress. I’m also in the kitchen a lot, so easy wash fabrics are a must.

I also noted that for a formal dress or a coat, I might consider paying over $50, but all other items needed to be under $50.

I received my box and felt really nervous before I opened it! A little crazy since it was just a bunch of clothes, right?! It was kind of like it was my birthday, but I didn’t know if I’d like my presents! Here is an overview of the five items I received:

And, here are the prices:

How did they look? Decide for yourself. (The boots/shoes are my own!)

How’d They Do?

Stitch Fix did well with my sizes! The arms on two of the items were snug, but since I never once answered a question for them about the circumference of my upper arms or distance from my wrist to shoulder, it’s not something I could have expected them to get perfect. The pants and coat sizes were great! However, I found that the cost of the items sent to me were generally higher than I specified. (Note that two items they sent me were over $100 each.) I also was surprised that I only have three days upon receiving the items to decide what to keep and postmark what I want to return. That’s a pretty quick turn-around for a busy mama who doesn't go to the post office every day!

Here are the comments I left on the website for each item when I paid.

Scarf (Keeping): I generally wouldn’t like to have Stitch Fix send accessories. However, I did end up liking this and I think it will complement several things I already own. (Also, I specifically requested no animal prints. Does whole elephants count as animal prints? Maybe not?!)

Black Blouse (Returning): Arms were too tight. Didn’t really like the fabric. More into neutral colors than black.

Tee-shirt Top (Returning): I liked the idea and fit of the top, but the arms were about 2 inches too long. The fabric seemed a little thin and skimpy. I was going to keep it anyway, but then I saw it was dry clean only.

Wool Jacket (Returning): The sleeves were about 4 inches too long. I really like the color and style, but it’s out of the price range I requested.

Suede Pants (Returning): These felt really good on! The fit of the waist was perfect and they were wonderfully stretchy! They were too long, however, covering most of my feet. They also were beyond my requested price range.

All of the items were very stylish, but didn’t necessarily feel my style. Some of my requests were respected, but not all (prices, washable, etc). I don’t covet the stylist’s job … how to choose clothes for a person you’ve never seen or met? Hopefully my feedback will help them for the next time around, because I’d like to give it another chance.

Here’s my request for my next Stitch Fix shipment:

Just looking for cute everyday stuff that I can be comfy in this winter at home and/or have a ladies night out. I really would like this fix to respect my price quotes and preferences. I know, I’m pretty picky, so I’m probably hard to shop for;) But I’m definitely on a budget! Thanks!

In the meantime, Stitch Fix has given me some great ideas of what to look for Goodwill or ThredUP.

If you'd like to try a Stitch Fix stylist, please sign-up through this link. (I’ll get a credit to use toward buying clothing for myself and my family. Thanks.)