My First Stitch Fix

We are exiting the world of fitness, food, and fun for a minute an entering the world of fashion.  I am not an expert in the fashion world.  I definetely did not get best dressed in high school and I am quite certain that when people  see me they do not think, “wow, she has great style.”  Let’s face it, I wake up and immediately put on my workout clothes.  When I finally take a shower at about 2:00 pm I put lounge clothes back on– every day.

Even when I worked out side of the home as a teacher I still wasn’t  the best dressed.  If I found a pair of pants or shirt I liked, I bought it in almost every color.  Express editor pants, Banana Republic sweaters & blouses and Express classic button up shirts were about the extent of my wardrobe.

In my recent years I have become a big TJ Maxx shopper.  I also hit up Ann Taylor Loft and Gap occassionally, but mainly 90% of my wardrobe is from TJ Maxx.  I love the price of TJ Maxx, it is convenient and I don’t have to deal with the mess of the malls.  The problem with this is that I don’t always find something I love.  I find things I like, buy it because it is cheap, wear it once or twice, and then feel like I need to buy something else for the next time I have something going on.

Recently I was looking for a cute outfit for my second 30th birthday celebration and it was an ultimate fail.  I even tried some of those trendy boutiques and everything looked terrible on me!  After spending three hours shopping and then coming home and spending 2 hours shopping online I was over shopping.  I wanted to just wear workout clothes to my birthday party.  Luckily I eventually found two shirts from The Limited that I really like.

After that experience I decided I did not want to do that again and I despise shopping.  I had heard of Stitch Fix several times before, but always thought it would be out of my price range; after all, I love TJ Maxx.  Until I read Ruth’s post from Living Well Spending Less about Stitch Fix.  Ruth believe that it actually saves money in the long run- and I believe that.  Although the shirts are $40-$60 it is a good, quality shirt that if I decide to keep it, it will be one I love.  Not just a $25 shirt that I sort of like and am buying because it is only $25 and I will wear it once and decide I don’t like it- repeat that trend again and you have a shirt from Stitch Fix.  The same goes with a pair of jeans.  I can’t tell you how many $40-$50 pairs of jeans I have that I don’t really love or feel confident when wearing.

With all that being said, I decided to sign up for my first Stitch Fix.  I signed up online and filled out my style profile.  I spent a great deal of time updating my Pinterest Style board so that my stylist could really know what my style was.  HOWEVER, I made the mistake of not linking the exact board and linked my whole page instead.  Note: link the exact board you want your stylist to look at when putting together your fix. 

I stated that I wanted mostly “Laid Back & Casual” clothes, but one piece per shipment for a “Date Night” would be nice.  I also stated my style was: classic, preppy and casual chic.  I told them that I did not want any orange clothing and that the only part of my body I really liked showing off was my arms or shoulders.  I also sent the stylist an additional note that I would soon be taking a trip to Napa and some pieces for my vacation would be great.  Here is what I received in my first fix:

1. Poppa Open Cardigan by Dahlya- $58- RETURNED

This was my least favorite item of the whole fix.  I know most people would love this, but I do not like the flowy cardigans at all.

2. Saintella Embroidery Detail Top by Skies are Blue- $48- RETURNED

I loved the color of this, but the embroidery of this shirt was not me and I did not like how it fit on me.  The material would have been perfect for my trip paired with a pair of fun, colored shorts.

3. Meryl Tulip Print Sleeveless Blouse by Pixley- $54- KEPT!

I loved this shirt! I am a sucker for anything navy blue that shows my arms.  I feel like this shirt will be very versatile for me this spring and summer.

4. Kyleigh Straight Leg Jean by Dear John- $78- RETURNED… and am REGRETTING IT!

I really liked these jeans and when I got home today to see the mailman had already picked up the items I was returning I was upset that I didn’t keep them.  These jeans fit me great, they were the perfect length and I felt awesome in them- that is rare for me.  The reason I didn’t keep them was because I had a hard time spending $78 on jeans if I am not quite down to my pre-baby size.  I know once I am done nursing I will drop some more inches in the waist.  Once this happens, I am going to request to have these jeans again.

5. Dillon Stone Bangle by Bay To Baubles- $28- RETURNED

This bracelet was cute, but nothing to write home about so I returned it.

You may think, “well that was a waste, you only kept one thing.”  For me, that was the BEST shopping experience ever.  It took me less than 10 minutes to decide what I wanted and I didn’t have to leave my house.  I have a super cute shirt I can wear to a nice dinner with my husband, with a pair of shorts in the summer and with jeans and flats as I am touring the wineries.

Once you decide what you want and do not want, you get on the Stitch Fix website and give them feedback and let them know what you are keeping and returning- you have 3 days to decide.  During this process you are able to tell your stylist exactly what you liked and didn’t about each piece.  I am confident that with each fix I get, it will match my style even better.

I am excited to get my next fix, and am planning one more before my trip.  The nice thing about Stitch Fix is that you don’t have to get it every month like a subscription- it will come as you please.

Your turn- tell me!
Have you ever tried Stitch Fix? 
Would this be a service worth it to you?

If you haven’t tried it and are interested, please use my referral link.