STITCH FIX REVIEW - July 2014 - #7 - Julie Understood my Style!

This is my 7th Stitch Fix and it was definitely a good one!  It was packed full of color and unique patterns, which I LOVE!!!  (Kind of like a Starburst exploding out of a box)!  At first, I had decided to keep the entire fix.  However, the great part about Stitch Fix is that you have 3 days to decide what to keep/send back.  After two days of deliberation, I finally decided on two great pieces!  Read on to see what made the cut.... 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First - a little bit about what Stitch Fix is and how it works:

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell them your style, size, and budget preferences, and they'll send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. Each Fix™ is unique and hand-picked just for you.

How does it work?

1. Sign Up (you can click on this link and do so) and Complete Your Style Profile - After signing up you can start immediately on your Style Profile.  They need to know your size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle to get your Fix right. The Style Profile will take about 10 minutes to complete.

2. Schedule a Stitch Fix - Pick a shipment date, and they’ll send you a box of 5 clothing and accessory items they’ve hand-picked just for you.  You can even opt to schedule a monthly delivery if you'd like.  You pay a $20 styling fee when your stylist selects the items in your Stitch Fix. This $20 fee will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment.

3. Try On All Of Your Items - Try on everything they send you—you never know what you’ll like until you see it on (trust me on this one). Pair each piece with items already in your closet to try different outfit options. Each item includes style cards with ideas and inspiration on how to wear it.

4. Decide - Take 3 days to decide what you’ll keep. Return the items you don't want in the pre-paid mailing bag (they include this in your box) at any USPS mailbox.

5. Check Out - Login to your account and pay for those items you kept.  If you buy all 5 items you save 25% off the entire shipment price.  Make sure to leave them feedback on your Stitch Fix shipment so they know what did and didn’t work for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enough technical stuff - Here's what was in my 7th Fix....

First off, they add a nice little envelope with a note from your stylist about why they selected the pieces they did for you, as well as styling cards that give you ideas on how to style each piece.

I had a new stylist again this month, Julie!  At first I was a little annoyed that my stylist has continued to change the past few boxes, but honestly, overall Julie did a GREAT job picking out things I liked, that fit, and that were around the price point I was wanting (the cheaper the better).  

Here's what was in my box:

41Hawthorn Apollo Sleeveless Geo Print Sheath Dress - $68

Ezra Hailey Geo Print Tie-Waist Dress - $58

41Hawthorn Alessandra Striped & Colorblocked Blouse - $54

41Hawthorn Breyson Split-Neck Tab-Sleeve Knit Top - $48

Le Sample Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank - $48

Pieces #1 - 41Hawthorn Apollo Sleeveless Geo Print Sheath Dress - $68

I like three things about this dress - 1.  The bottom half is a dark color (black), which is slimming, 2.  It has a unique, printed top, and 3.  the price point was GREAT!  However, this dress is hanging on the mannequin because it was just too small overall.  (Sad face)!  

Here's the dress styled with a black cardigan (to calm the print down a bit) and a Lia Sophia necklace.  This is how I would most likely wear the dress for work.

VERDICT:  SENT BACK

Piece #2 - Ezra Hailey Geo Print Tie-Waist Dress - $58

OK, first of all, please forgive the facial expressions.  I was trying to hold my stomach in so much that I ended up making goofy faces, which I didn't notice until I went to write this blog.  I should've put some Spanx on, but I just got home from work and didn't feel like wrestling with that contraption.  

Back to the dress...  On the card, it looked blue and white, but in person, it's actually a beautiful purple-y blue color with pink and white accents (see photo below).  

Adding the pink sweater really brought this dress to life and made me fall in love with it!  (White would've looked great too, but I'm a color person).  It is so comfortable on and will be great for work or for wearing casually.

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #3 - 41Hawthorn Alessandra Striped & Colorblocked Blouse - $54

This was a top I have pinned on my Pinterest board.  I LOVE the hot pink/navy color combo! (Necklace is from Lia Sophia).  I know it's bubbling in the front right now, but I gained weight over the last 3 or 4 months and am currently in the process of losing it again.  Once I lose about 5 lbs, I think this tank will lay right.  It's really well-made too and the fabric is dressy enough that this will be great for work with a navy or white cardigan over it.

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #4 - 41Hawthorn Breyson Split-Neck Tab-Sleeve Knit Top - $48

When I took this top out of the box and realized it was knit (AKA - stretchy), I literally stood there making the "aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh" sound as if it were sent from above.  OK, so maybe that was a little dramatic, but when I Googled this shirt, I couldn't tell what fabric it was and figured there was no way it would fit.  In person, the fabric is so silky soft and stretchy!  It's also bright pink, which I LOVE!!  I was initially in love with this shirt (in case you couldn't tell - ha!).  However, after thinking about it for a few days, I decided the top just wasn't flattering on me.  Plus, it had a dark spot on it that I couldn't get to come off.

VERDICT:  SENT BACK

Piece #5 - Le Sample Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank - $48

I had the navy/bright yellow version of this top pinned on my Pinterest board and was hoping they would send that one.  However, the kelly green/pink combo is great too!  The fabric is really stretchy, which I like.  The embroidery is also really well done and pretty!  In the end though, I just didn't like the cut (shorter in the middle/longer on the sides) and decided the horizontal stripes (especially bright green ones) weren't flattering.

VERDICT:  SENT BACK

In the end, Julie did a great job!  She sent me several items from my Pinterest page, which I love!  She also kept the pieces affordable, colorful, and sent ones made with stretchy fabric (which I had requested).  The merchandise total this time was $276.  If you keep all 5 pieces, you get 25% off your purchase for buying them all.  Since I wasn't keeping all five pieces and getting that discount, I decided to keep only the pieces I really loved.  My total for the two tops was $97.29 (after the $20 styling fee was deducted).  That may seem like a lot for two pieces, but considering one piece was a dress, I'm happy with it.  

For my next Fix, my note to my stylist was, "Would love the Cheyenne Cross-Front Short Sleeve Top. Love bright colors, stretchy fabrics (for my large chest), and the pieces HAVE to be affordable. Would also love the Nora Solid Jersey Dress, Blue/White Adrianna Maxi Dress, or any of the other items pinned on my Pinterest page. Would like a pair of bermuda shorts too (black or a bright color)."  We'll see what she sends.  :)

If you like this blog and want to sign up for your own Fix, please click on this link.  If anyone signs up by clicking this link, I will receive a $25 referral credit towards my next Fix.  :)

XOXO,

Stephanie

Stitch Fix #2 - March 2014 - Even Better than My First One!!

I have been anxiously awaiting (OK, stalking) my 2nd Stitch Fix box and it did not disappoint!

Stitch Fix is like Christmas morning for adults and what you see below is the present!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First - a little bit about what Stitch Fix is and how it works:

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell them your style, size, and budget preferences, and they'll send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. Each Fix™ is unique and hand-picked just for you.

How does it work?

1. Sign Up (you can click on this link and do so) and Complete Your Style Profile - After signing up you can start immediately on your Style Profile.  They need to know your size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle to get your Fix right. The Style Profile will take about 10 minutes to complete.

2. Schedule a Stitch Fix - Pick a shipment date, and they’ll send you a box of 5 clothing and accessory items they’ve hand-picked just for you.  You can even opt to schedule a monthly delivery if you'd like.  You pay a $20 styling fee when your stylist selects the items in your Stitch Fix. This $20 fee will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment.

3. Try On All Of Your Items - Try on everything they send you—you never know what you’ll like until you see it on (trust me on this one). Pair each piece with items already in your closet to try different outfit options. Each item includes style cards with ideas and inspiration on how to wear it.

4. Decide - Take 3 days to decide what you’ll keep. Return the items you don't want in the pre-paid mailing bag (they include this in your box) at any USPS mailbox.

5. Check Out - Login to your account and pay for those items you kept.  If you buy all 5 items you save 25% off the entire shipment price.  Make sure to leave them feedback on your Stitch Fix shipment so they know what did and didn’t work for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enough technical stuff - Here's what was in my 2nd Fix....

First off, they add a nice little envelope with a note from your stylist about why they selected the pieces they did for you, as well as styling cards that give you ideas on how to style each piece.

Great touches!  Once again, I really felt like my stylist took the time to choose items she thought I'd like by looking at my Pinterest boards and notes I wrote on my profile (which I update after each fix) I filled out.  Plus, in my feedback from Box #1, I specifically requested some pieces that I was looking to buy in Box #2:  navy pants/jeans, a royal blue top, and/or a particular dress I saw another Stitch-Fixer received in their box.  My stylist definitely listened to my feedback and sent me navy jeans and a royal blue top as requested (actually - the royal blue top was one I had pinned on Pinterest from another person's Fix).  I had pinned the navy tulip top as well.  

THANK YOU FABULOUS STYLIST!!    

Here's what was in my box:

Ivy Tulip Print Tab Sleeve Blouse - $68
Abigail Colorblock Lace Trim Top - $58
Burlington Ruffle Overlay Sleeveless Blouse - $48
Denna Skinny Jean - $78
Leopard Print Infinity Scarf - $28

Piece #1 - Let's start with the 41 Hawthorne Ivy Tulip Print Tab Sleeve Blouse - $68

This was the piece I was most excited about when I Googled what was in my box.  I had pinned this shirt a while ago, and was so excited my stylist noticed and sent it to me!  I literally took it out of the box saying, "please, please, please fit!!".  

I was instantly impressed with the quality of this top!  The fabric is actually heavier than I thought it would be and it's very well made.  It's silky to the touch also, which I like.  Plus, this shirt is one I had pinned on my Pinterest board and have wanted for a while.  It's a bit small overall, but I am losing weight, so I decided to keep it!   

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #2 - Mystree Abigail Colorblock Lace Trim Top - $58

This is the royal blue top I had pinned on Pinterest.  My stylist noticed and sent it to me.  Talk about a great layering piece!  

I can wear this to work with black pants and a suit jacket, or more casually with jeans and a cardigan like I did in this photo.  The back is made of a soft, black polyester/spandex material, so you don't really have to worry much about whether this top will fit or not since the back stretches. 

The detailing on the front is really beautiful too!  I like the slight sheerness to the top, shoulder area.  It's double-lined though, so you don't notice your bra straps under it.  The top is a great length too, which I like!  $58 is more than I would usually spend on a top, but since this is one I pinned and had on my wish list, I decided to go for it!  I think I'll wear this top A LOT!!

VERDICT:  KEPT 

Piece #3 - Papermoon Burlington Ruffle Overlay Sleeveless Blouse - $48

When I Googled what was in my Fix, I was probably most skeptical about how this piece would fit since the fabric doesn't "give" much.  (As I mentioned before, I'm very busty).  Much to my delight, when I slipped it over my head IT FIT!

I added a grey cardigan as the styling card suggested and then began pondering... Normally, I like my tops to be a bit longer in the front (by about an inch or two).  This top has a high/low design.  Also, despite the bright color (which I LOVE), it was kind of boring to me for $48.  The fit of the next piece (the Denna Skinny Jean) was actually what decided the fate of this blouse (and the scarf)! 

VERDICT:  (I'll tell you in a second)  :)

Piece #4 - Kut from the Kloth Denna Skinny Jean - $78

I made the mistake of drying the pants I got last month in the dryer (and turning them into ankle-length pants.  Luckily for me, that's in style right now), so I specifically asked for long length pants/jeans this month to make up for my lack of laundry prowess.  Plus, 5'7" is kind of that weird height where you can go with normal length pants or long ones depending on where you want them to hit you.  I chose the latter!

That being said, I was still skeptical!  After all, what are the odds of pants fitting two months in a row that a person who has never met me picked out for me?!  Well, when the jeans are made of cotton (and 2% Spandex) and your stylist listens to the feedback you give re:  color/length, those odds are amazing!  And the price point was perfect!!  These little beauties are mine (and the fate of the blue shirt and leopard print scarf is sealed - welcome to my closet!!).

(Yes, I know this isn't the best butt-selfie!  Just wanted you to be able to see the back pockets).  :)

  

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #5 - Enter the last piece - the 41 Hawthorne Leopard Print Infinity Scarf - $28

I didn't need this scarf!  In fact, I already have a leopard-print infinity scarf that has a darker brown background.  However, the softness of the fabric and the overall quality of the scarf (much nicer than the one I already own), sold me on it.  Plus, this one looks better with my leopard shoes (from Victoria's Secret).  Grrr!

VERDICT:  KEPT

In the end, I loved this Fix even more than my first one!  I had requested less expensive pieces this time (the merchandise total for my first box was $310.00).  This one (which included the more expensive tulip print top that I had pinned on Pinterest), came in at $280.00.  However, if you purchase all 5 of your pieces, Stitch Fix gives you 25% off your purchase.  In this case, the total discount for buying all 5 pieces would be $65.00.  Stitch Fix also deducts the pre-paid $20 styling fee from the purchase price of whatever you buy from your Fix for that month.  So, the cost for me to buy all 5 of my items was $195.00 (plus, the pre-paid styling fee).

I already scheduled my next Fix for 3 weeks out and I can't wait!  This time, I requested some Spring clothes (a coral/peach top like one I pinned from Forever 21, the Barcelona blue/green striped top I've seen other Stitch Fixer's receive, and maybe a fun dress than I can throw a cardigan over for work).  I can't wait to see what my stylist sends me in my next fix!

What did you think of the pieces I selected?  Do you think I should've kept them all or sent some back?  Let me know.  And if you like this blog and want to sign up, please click on this link.  If anyone signs up by clicking this link, I will receive a $25 referral credit towards my next Fix (which I really could use since the boxes they send me seem to be right on)!!  :)

XOXO,

Stephanie

My First STITCH FIX Box - I'm Hooked!! - February 2014 Review

I have been on the wait list for my first Stitch Fix box since the end of October 2013, but it was well worth the wait!!  I'm totally hooked!

First - a little bit about what Stitch Fix is and how it works:

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell them your style, size, and budget preferences, and they'll send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. Each Fix™ is unique and hand-picked just for you.

How does it work?

1. Sign Up (you can click on this link and do so) and Complete Your Style Profile - After signing up you can start immediately on your Style Profile.  They need to know your size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle to get your Fix right. The Style Profile will take about 10 minutes to complete.

2. Schedule a Stitch Fix - Pick a shipment date, and they’ll send you a box of 5 clothing and accessory items they’ve hand-picked just for you.  You can even opt to schedule a monthly delivery if you'd like.  You pay a $20 styling fee when your stylist selects the items in your Stitch Fix. This $20 fee will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment.

3. Try On All Of Your Items - Try on everything they send you—you never know what you’ll like until you see it on (trust me on this one). Pair each piece with items already in your closet to try different outfit options. Each item includes style cards with ideas and inspiration on how to wear it.

4. Decide - Take 3 days to decide what you’ll keep. Return the items you don't want in the pre-paid mailing bag (they include this in your box) at any USPS mailbox.

5. Check Out - Login to your account and pay for those items you kept.  If you buy all 5 items you save 25% off the entire shipment price.  Make sure to leave them feedback on your Stitch Fix shipment so they know what did and didn’t work for you.

Enough technical stuff - Here's the goods....

First off, they add a nice little envelope with a note from your stylist about why they selected the pieces they did for you, as well as styling cards that give you ideas on how to style each piece.

Great touches!  I really felt like my stylist took the time to choose items she thought I'd like by looking at my Pinterest boards and notes I wrote on my profile I filled out.

Here's what was in my box:  

Ambrose Bird Print Button-Up Blouse - $38

Ivy Abstract Chevron Tab-Sleeve Blouse - $68 

Corinna Striped Dolman Top - $48 

Alan Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Jacket - $58 

 Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser - $98

Piece #1 - Let's start with the YUMI Ambrose Bird Print Button-Up Blouse - $38

This blouse is a beautiful dark emerald green color.  At first though, I hated it b/c of the metallic gold foil birds on it.  And I thought the gold foil piping on the shoulders made it look like a bad Christmas present.  For some reason though, I was intrigued by it.  I decided I like the black buttons on the front and sleeves and it fits well.  I ended up wearing it to work yesterday (I put a picture of it on my Pinterest page) and I must say, I think it's growing on me.  I even received compliments on it.  

VERDICT:  KEPT (I'll explain later).

Piece #2 - 41HAWTHORN Ivy Abstract Chevron Tab-Sleeve Blouse - $68

When Stitch Fix ships your "Fix", the items in your box show up when you log into your account so you can provide your feedback re:  how the items fit, the price, how you like the style, etc.  So, of course I logged on, wrote everything down, and promptly Googled the pieces to see what was in my box.  Of everything, this was the piece I was most excited about!

I love the color combination (royal blue, off-white, and black), the cut, style, etc.  I love the v-neck and the tab-sleeves.  It's made of 100% Polyester, which is nice for layering sweaters on top of (but not nice for stretching to fit my DD chest).  I wanted SOOOO desperately for this blouse to fit!!  As you can see from the right photo though, I need to drop the lbs I just gained while on vacation and maybe a few more.  One day though, I will rock this little beauty! 

VERDICT:  KEPT 

Piece #3 - 41HAWTHORN Corinna Striped Dolman Top - $48

This top was what I was least excited about when I Googled everything ($48 for a striped top - I initially thought "no way"), but honestly, it turned out to be my favorite piece!  The burgundy/oxblood color is something I've been obsessed with and have pinned frequently on my Pinterest boards.  This top is so well-made, comfortable (made from rayon/polyester/Spandex), and warm that I decided it was a definite keeper.  In fact, I wore it today to work with my black skinny jeans and tall black boots and LOVED it!

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #4 - SWEET RAIN Alan Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Jacket - $58

I had actually pinned this jacket on my Pinterest board and noted I would like it in charcoal (the color in my pin) or navy.  My stylist saw my pin and added this to my box (yeah!!).  Again - she paid attention to what I like and I feel loved!! :) 

Zipped up, the jacket is a bit snug (I seriously gained all my vacation weight in my boobs), but hanging open, it looks great.  The versatility of this jacket definitely sold me on it.  And did I mention how soft the material is (acrylic/nylon blend)?  It feels amazing on!!

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #5 - MARGARET M Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser - $98

When I saw Stitch Fix sent me $98 pants, I was bummed b/c I figured I'd definitely be sending them back due to price alone.  Plus, what were the odds they'd fit me well enough to make me spend that much on a pair of pants?  In person, they are the softest, silkiest pants I've ever worn.  (They're made from a rayon/nylon/Spandex blend).  They're stretchy too - and oxblood red!!  Maybe it was the euphoria of getting my first Stitch Fix box or maybe it was the fact the oxblood top, oxblood pants, and charcoal jacket looked really cute together, but I decided the pants were hopping in my closet too.

VERDICT:  KEPT

So why would I buy my entire fix when I didn't (initially) like the green top and the print blouse didn't fit right?  Let me explain...  I LOVED the striped dolman top, charcoal grey jacket, and the pants.  These 3 pieces total cost $204.  However, if you purchase all 5 of your pieces, Stitch Fix gives you 25% off your purchase.  In this case, the total value of my Fix was $310.00 (which means my discount for buying all 5 pieces would be $72.50).  Stitch Fix also deducts the pre-paid $20 styling fee from the purchase price of whatever you buy from your Fix for that month.  So, the cost for me to buy all 5 of my items was $217.50.   

For me - it was a no-brainer.  I would either pay $204 for the 3 pieces I really liked or pay $13.50 more and get to keep the Ivy Chevron Tab-Sleeve Blouse that will look fabulous on me once I lose some more weight.  And the emerald green bird blouse - well - maybe it will grow on me eventually.  

In the interest of full disclosure - I received a $20 promo code in my October 2013 PopSugar Must Have Box, so I actually didn't have to pay the $20 styling fee for my first Fix  (I did pay for all the clothes though).  I definitely don't plan on spending $200+/month on clothes, but I love the excitement and convenience of having a personal stylist send clothes to my front door.  How much easier does it get?!  I did schedule my next Fix, but requested the pieces be a bit lower priced.  Like this box, I also requested clothes only (they also offer jewelry and scarves) and specifically requested some pieces that I'm looking to buy (navy pants/jeans, a royal blue top, and/or a particular dress I saw another Stitch-Fixer received in their box).  I can't wait to see what Stitch Fix sends me next month!

What did you think of the pieces I selected?  Do you think I should've kept them all or sent some back?  Let me know.  And if you like this blog, please click on this link.  If anyone signs up by clicking this link, I will receive a $25 referral credit towards my next Fix (which I would really be so eternally grateful for)!!  :)