So, I Tried Stitch Fix: Here's What I Thought

A dear friend texted me the other day with a $100 referral link for Stitch Fix. I had heard of Stitch Fix many times, and I'd also considered getting one many times before! But I had previously been pretty hesitant because I have somewhat particular taste for clothing and didn't want to feel compelled to keep some items that did not fit my taste.

But the $100 referral link was definitely enough to get me to try it out! 

So How Does It Work?

Stitch Fix is a shopping service that you can subscribe to to send you just one, a monthly, or a quarterly 'Fix' with five clothing items. When you download the App or create your login, you take a pretty fun style quiz. It asks for the basic details like height, clothing/shoe size, and whether you're an athletic/curvy/pear-shaped build. But it also asks what stores you like to shop at typically, what issues you usually have with clothes (e.g., for me, I said sleeves are often too short, and I like things that are roomier in the hip). Then you vote up-down on several different looks: something frilly, something edgy, something athletic, something business-y. All of this is to give information to your stylist who will pick your five items for your Fix.

Then you can give preferences for whether you want accessories, handbags, shoes, shorts, and things like how often you'd like items that are professional/date night/casual/athletic. By the end of all this information gathering, Stitch Fix should have a pretty good sense of what kinds of things you usually wear, and what you aspire to dress like.

I ordered my Fix last Wednesday, the 27th. You're given the option to schedule it: So I asked for it to be delivered February 3rd. Once I ordered my Fix, the $20 styling fee was charged to my credit card.

Here's What I Thought of My First Fix

So the first thing, I did schedule my delivery for February 3rd, but it arrived early, January 30th. It was no problem, because I was home. But I could see that discrepancy being a potential problem if you schedule it around times when you are not home. So be aware that it might not be delivered precisely.

Second, I was pleased with the variety in my Fix. I received a long open sweater, a long-sleeved top, a pair of cuffed jeans, a black handbag, and a pair of shoes. The sweater, jeans, and shoes were more on the casual side. The handbag could be casual-professional-or evening. The top was casual, but worn differently, could be business casual. At this point, I'm not going into an office, so the balance of casual to dressy was fine for me.

D'orsay flats. Nude and cheetah.

Quilted, small cross-body handbag. Gold hardware.

Cropped, cuffed, distressed jean. Dark wash,
stretch in the fabric.

Mauve and black striped top. Shirttail hem. Soft, stretchy fabric.

Plum open cardigan with multi-colored flecking. Long length.

Unfortunately, I only kept two of the items. But that was actually better than I had anticipated! Can you guess which things I kept and which I returned?

The first thing I pulled out of the box was the plum cardigan. Unfortunately, I was able to decide pretty quickly that this was not my style. It was a little too shlubby--not enough structure. And the plum was a pretty color, but I did not care for the colored flecking. *Returned.*

Next, I took a look at the striped top. I loved the fabric. And I love a striped top! And I love a shirttail hem to cover my bum a little. So far, so good! When I tried it on, however, the cut up the side was a little too short for my long torso, and the area around the hip bunched a little. *Returned.*

I tried the jeans on with a few items I already own. I have never had a distressed jean! It felt a little adventurous to try. Also, I had specified that I like items fitting for a curvy person, and they fit extremely well for my shape! The only issue was that the rise was a little low for my preference, and the distressing was just a little too much. I waffled a lot on this decision, but ultimately: *Returned, but it was a close call.*

So, you know the two remaining items were the shoes and the handbag! Those were what I kept! Let me tell you what I liked about them.

First, the shoes. I remember Toms being all the rage when I was about fifteen. But I hadn't given them a second thought since then. I was surprised by how comfy these were right out of the box. And I was impressed by the style without sacrificing comfort. Although there's too much snow on the ground to wear around now, I look forward to pairing these with items once it warms up!

As for the handbag, I loved the simple shape. It has a clasp at the top without a flap. I love the quilting to give it texture and the appearance of being a little more high-end. I wouldn't want many more purses in my Fixes but I was pleased with this option. 

Bottom Line?

I haven't done any shopping essentially since the pandemic begun. I've purchased a couple known quantities on line, but missed the fun part of shopping and enjoyed Stitch Fix for giving me the experience. I wish I had liked some of the clothing enough to keep, but at least for a few, it was a close call. With my $100 referral credit from my friend, the total I spent out of pocket to cover the styling fee and keeping the two items I decided on, I spent $35. For a new handbag and a pair of shoes, I feel good about that! 

Today's Delights:

• We got Chick-fil-a for dinner last night which was a bit of a treat!
• Our cat was very funny and sweet yesterday!
• Today is a new day. Yesterday on the whole was extremely challenging. If you're the praying kind, I would appreciate your prayers.

Find something to delight in, A