My First Stitch Fix

I finally did it! My first Stitch Fix has arrived.

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, it's an online styling service for women and here's how it works: Go to stitchfix.com and sign up by filling out a pretty in-depth style profile. When you are ready, schedule a "fix" for $20. You will be matched to a personal stylist who will hand select five items that she thinks fit your style and size. A pretty box will arrive at your door and you get to try on every item in the comfort of your own home (and pair with items you already have). Then decide which ones you want to keep and which you'd like to send back in the included pre-paid shipping bag (free shipping both ways) and check out online. If you keep any of the items, the $20 styling fee is applied to that cost. (In other words, you only actually pay the styling fee if you don't purchase anything.) Another neat feature is if you choose to keep all five items, you get a 25% discount on everything. You can schedule fixes as frequently or infrequently as you like. For now, I signed up for a one-time fix to see how it goes.

SO.MANY.STRIPES

My sister-in-law Kristen has had Stitch Fix for quite some time now and every time she got a box, it was like Christmas. I loved watching her try on the clothing and helping her decide (or at least giving my opinion) on which items to keep. I didn't think it was a good service for me because after reading pretty much every blog review out there, the prices don't quite fit my "penny pincher" budget. For Christmas, however, Kristen got me a gift card to Stitch Fix, making it impossible not to give it a try. Here I am SEVEN months later, finally signing up. (Well, if I'm honest, I've had my style profile set up for many many months, just never scheduled an actual fix.) I explained to my stylist that I had a baby in December and am still a bit squishy in the tummy (hence why I've been stalling scheduling my fix), thus I am mainly looking for tops that would help hide that area without looking like I'm wearing the wrong size.

Here's my fix: 

THML Betsey Abstract Stripe Fit & Flare Dress - $68

This dress fit PERFECTLY! The fabric was on the thicker side, which I loved. It felt well made and sturdy. But, I don't really have a need for a dress like this right now. Plus, I don't love the beige against my skin tone. If I was still teaching, I would've considered this dress, but for now, it's not for me. RETURNED

Renee C Gabe Maxi Skirt - $48

I LOVE maxi skirts! The material on this one is super soft. I own several other maxi skirts/dresses and I've never paid close to $48 for one, but this one feels like it will last forever. Some of my others are clearly cheaply made and the fabric has started to pill or lose shape; I do not think this one will do that. Stitch Fix also has a blog post on this specific skirt and how to wear it six different ways (it's long enough to be a strapless dress). This was the easiest decision in the box. KEPT

Pixley Rexford Mesh Neckline Tank - $54

So if I'm honest, I "cheated" and looked up what I was getting in my box before it actually arrived. (Clearly, I have zero patience when it comes to surprises.) This was the item I was least excited about. Every other item seemed to have potential, but this one was just a bit out there for me. Plus, paying $50+ for a tank seemed a bit steep.

It's hard to tell from the pictures (sorry for the terrible quality -- I'm new to this), but it's a brown shirt with black mesh at the neckline. I know that the black and brown combo is in, but I have not been able to embrace it yet. (I'm far too OCD for that.) I specifically asked my stylist for tops that would hide my squishy post-baby midsection; this shirt definitely does that, but maybe a little TOO well for my taste. RETURNED

Fun2Fun Sonoma Striped Sleeveless Top - $38

When I saw I was getting this shirt, I thought I was going to hate it. I didn't. (This is one of the biggest reasons to do Stitch Fix -- find clothing you would NEVER pick up in the store yourself.) I actually thought it fit very well and was even flattering. The orange didn't look nearly as bad on me as I expected and it was the cheapest item in the box. Cheap always screams my name. BUT, I told myself not to make my decisions solely based on the price. I also have decided that for this service, I must LOVE the item in order to keep it, and I just don't love it. I think if the hi-lo wasn't quite so extreme, I would've kept it. The back was so long that I felt like I had a tail. I hope I don't regret this one. RETURNED

Pixley Fiona Maxi Dress - $78

I have this dress pinned on my Pinterest style board (I highly recommend having a style board if you're going to do Stitch Fix as it greatly helps the stylist see what you like), so I was already in love with this dress before getting it. None of my maxi dresses (or any that I've ever seen) have the lace detail at the top like this one. I love the colors, the pattern, everything. I read a couple of other ladies' reviews on this dress and all of them stated that it felt like wearing pajamas and it showed every curve you have. I 100% agree. On one hand, the dress is super flattering because it hugs all the curves (see pic#1), but on the other, it shows ALL my flub spots I would prefer to keep hidden (see pic below).

This is likely the most unflattering picture I will ever post of myself. #postbabybelly

Already being super self-conscious of my UN-FLATtering tummy, I was unsure about this dress. Like I already said, I was in love with it before I even got it, it fit well (too well?) and was extremely comfortable. Even still, I was hesitant. It showed a lot of pudge, the price was way higher than I would ever typically pay for a maxi dress, I would need my mom to hem it (see pic#1), and I can't nurse in it (meaning I could only wear it for seldom occasions right now). If we look at my pro/con list, the cons should've won, but this time, along with the advice of my mom, husband and sister-in-law, the pro list trumped. I considered sending it back and waiting until I got in better shape and then ask Stitch Fix to resend it, but I decided it wasn't worth the risk of them not having it anymore. The biggest deciding factor was knowing I would regret it if I sent it back and never saw it again. KEPT

UPDATE: After having this dress about a month, I put it back on for the first time. I wasn't super excited about the fit anymore. The underarm was sagging a bit and I still hadn't hemmed it (thus couldn't wear it). I got bold and decided to email Stitch Fix customer service and see if they would exchange for a smaller size. They did.

 The left is the small and the right is the medium (same day). Surprisingly, tighter is actually better for my currently squishy tummy. It helped to create more curves instead of trying to hide everything. Plus, please notice the length. SO MUCH BETTER! I am thrilled a took the chance and asked for a smaller size.

Overall, I was very impressed with my first Stitch Fix. When I filled out my style profile (which includes sizing), I wasn't sure how accurate it was because I am somewhat in-between sizes. I was nervous that only a few items would actually fit, narrowing my choices greatly. I am pleased to say that every item fit and I got to make my decisions solely on style and what I liked. I haven't scheduled my next "fix" yet, but I'm sure I will in the near future (yay birthday money!)

*This post contains referral links. If you sign up for Stitch Fix using my referral link, I will receive a $25 credit to use toward future purchases.