Showing posts with label Stitch Fix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stitch Fix. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

My Monthly Subscription Box List - Updated

Time to update my Subscription Box List....  See my post here of what I've subscribed to in the past.  I may have gotten a little carried away with having so many of them, but in my defense, many of these boxes do allow you to skip months or schedule your deliveries.  (The boxes with the stars * beside their name are the boxes that allow you to do so).  I'm not actually getting all of these each month.  (Just when I want to receive them/can afford them).

1.  Julep Maven * - $19.99/month
2.  PopSugar Must Have Box - $39.95/month
3.  Birchbox - $10/month - Update:  Cancelled on 7/18/15 due to trying to become more minimalist
4.  Ipsy - $10/month - Update:  Cancelled on 7/18/15 due to trying to become more minimalist
5.  Stitch Fix * - $20/month non-refundable styling fee 
6.  Hello Fresh * - $69/week for each delivery + shipping - Use code XT3PSB to get $40 off your first box.
7.  Graze * - $6.99 - $25 depending on which size box you choose to receive.  (I'm currently signed up for the 8-snack box for $11.99/week
8.  Raw Spice Bar - $6/month - Fresh, authentic spice blends created by top chefs for your next globally-inspired meal.  **My favorite foodie box so far.  It's so affordable and the spices are wonderful!**
9.  Little Lace Box - $59.99/month for a single box, $149.97 for 3 boxes (6-month subscription), or $269.95 for 6 boxes (annual subscription) - boxes are delivered every other month.  I signed up for the 6 month subscription and will get my first box in June.  Click here to get 15% off your first purchase from Little Lace Box.
10.  Fabletics * - $49.99/month - Buy items as an outfit or individually.  You can skip a month or make additional purchases at any time.  I've ordered several times from them now.  Each month their pieces have proven to be well made, quality pieces.  Plus, if you spend over $49, you receive a free magazine subscription to various publications of your choosing.  So far, I'm REALLY pleased with the quality/price/style of their items!  Use this link/referral code to check them out now and get your first outfit for 50% off!!
11.  Golden Tote * - $56.95 ($49 + 7.95 shipping) or $149 (free shipping on the $149 tote) depending on which tote you choose.  For the $49 tote, you chose 1 item and Golden Tote will send you 1-2 additional items based on the style profile you fill out when registering.  You are able to view available items for both totes to make your choice from.  For the $149 tote, you choose 2 items and they send you 3-4 additional pieces.  I've purchased one Golden Tote so far and LOVED IT!!
12.  Club W * - $39/month + $6 flat rate shipping for 3 bottles of wine.  (Shipping is free if you purchase 6 or more bottles of wine for the month).  When you sign up, you'll complete a "Palate Profile".  Each month, Club W will make recommendations based on their assortment of wines they think you would like to try.  You can choose their suggestions, or make your own selections.  They give a wonderful description of each wine, including telling you where it's produced and what notes of flavor it offers.  Click here to receive 50% off your first 3 wines.   
13.  Hamptons Lane *- $47/month (free shipping).  **Click here to receive $10 off your first box.**  On the first of each month, Hamptons Lane reveals their curated box for the month.  After seeing what's inside the box, you have the option to decide whether to purchase the box or skip the box for the month.  (You also have the option to purchase boxes from previous months as well).
14.  Serendipity by Little Lace Box - FREE for current Little Lace Box Subscribers.  $9.99 month for non-active LLB subscribers.  Every other month (on the months LLB does not ship), Serendipity will send 5-7 items (including full-size items) that weren't quite the right fit for the LLB curated box.  Most items will be make-up/beauty items.
15.  BespokePost * - $45/month (free shipping).  **Use code "myfirst" to receive 25% off your first box.  On the 1st of each month, BespokePost emails you the new theme box selections for the month.  You have until the 5th of the month to select your box or to choose to skip the month.  This is a monthly men's subscription box, but I liked some of their box selections, so I decided to join and purchased their "Copper" box, featuring supplies (including 2 real copper mugs) to make Moscow Mules, for $33.75.

Have you tried any of these boxes?  If so, which ones are your favorites?  Know of a new subscription box?  I'd love to hear about it.  (Please do not include referral links to any of the boxes listed above though).

XOXO,

Stephanie

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Subscription Boxes - What I've Tried and What I Currently Subscribe To....

I LOVE SUBSCRIPTION BOXES!!!  Let me just put that out there!  I'm at the age where I rarely receive "presents" anymore, so these are my monthly "gift" to myself.  If I had an unlimited budget (and unlimited closet space), I would probably subscribe to every box out there.  If you're like me though, you have to be choosy.  Here's the breakdown of what I've subscribed to in the past and what I subscribe to now:

Past Subscriptions:


1.  Julep Maven - $19.99/month - This was the very first subscription box I ever subscribed to (in August, 2012).  At that time, there weren't a whole lot of subscription boxes out there.  (Not nearly as many as there are now). I still subscribe to this box to this day!  The best part about Julep Maven is you can skip a month (or several) if you want to and can choose from several different versions of the box based on your preference of colors/items included.  You also can order "add on" items when choose to receive a monthly box at discounted prices.


My favorite item from Julep - their Freedom Polymer Top Coat.  It leaves a beautifully glossy finish, which I love!!




2.  PopSugar Must Have Box - $39.95/month - One of my all-time favorites!  I've subscribed to this box off and on since August 2012 depending on what my budget has allowed.  Each month you receive hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, beauty, and food categories.  You can't skip months unfortunately, so at times when I've re-subscribed, I've had to wait a few months to receive my first box.  I think this time around, it's going to be a keeper though.  It is definitely my favorite out of all the boxes I've ever subscribed to due to the variety of items/categories.  


My favorite item from Pop Sugar - that one's a toughie!  There have been so many wonderful items that I still use from this box!!  The one I use the most though is the pink Wet hairbrush I received in my October 2013 box.  I still use it every day!




3.  New Beauty Test Tube - $38.90/quarterly when I subscribed in September 2012 & 

4.  New Beauty Test Tube - QVC Version - $39.16/quarter when I subscribed - I subscribed to both of these for two quarters each (and received 4 boxes/2 of each total).  What I quickly discovered is that the products in both boxes seem to repeat a lot.  The magazine is full of ads and not much else.  There were some high-value samples mixed in with more affordable full-size versions of products (mainly lip glosses).  I cancelled box boxes though after 2 quarters due to lack of variety.  

My favorite item from the New Beauty Test Tube boxes - The Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss from the October 2012 QVC NBTT box.  I still use it to this day and love the plumping feature and the smooth, creamy texture.




5.  Beauty Army - $12/month - You choose up to 6 of the 9 samples they have available for the month.  You are able to skip months if you don't like the available choices.  I did this subscription for a few months, but ultimately cancelled it.  I just didn't feel the samples were worth $12.00 due to size and available options.  Never really found a "favorite item" from this box.

6.  Glossybox - $21/month - This is another box I signed up for in September 2012.  You receive 5 travel-size beauty items.  I liked this box and found some products I really liked.  Ultimately, I cancelled this box when I started focusing really strongly on my budget.  

Favorite find from this box - GK Hair Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner.  I received both in the September 2012 box and they made my hair look/feel soft and shiny!


7.  Goodebox - $16/month - You receive "healthy, sustainable beauty products".  I wanted to try organic beauty products, but decided after a few months this box just wasn't for me.  A lot of the earthy colors didn't work well with my skin tone and some of the products didn't smell good at all!  Never really had a favorite find from this box!

8.  Eco-Emi - $15/month - Another eco-friendly box I tried, but just didn't fall in love with. This box sent a lot of tea, which I'm not a fan of.  Subscribed for a few months, but then cancelled.  No real favorite from this one either.


9.  Conscious Box - $20.90/month - I subscribed to their vegan box for a few months, but then cancelled it.  (I think it's pretty clear the vegan/eco/organic boxes just aren't for me).  


10.  The Big Pink Box - $25/month - Features items made by women for women.  I did this box for one month and wasn't impressed!  It contained a shirt that was way too small (the box doesn't ask for your size), handmade soap, some glitter, a plastic key chain, and some small eye shadow pigment pods.  I did order some of the Spectrum eye shadow pigment that I never ended up using.  I did order their very first box (in September 2012), so more recent boxes may be much better as the company grows.  Not sure though.


11.  Birchbox - $10/month -  There was a wait list to receive the box when I signed up in 2012 and I was SOOO excited when it came.  I received my first Beauty Blender Sponge in that box, which has become one of my all-time favorite products!  I kept this box for a few months, but ultimately cancelled it after I fell in love with IPSY (same price/same type of products) and was narrowing the scope of my budget.  I just signed back up for it today though (use code BB50OFF) and am getting my first box for $5.00.  I changed my beauty profile a bit, so I'm excited to see what's in my first box!


12.  Ipsy - $10/month - I LOVED my monthly Ipsy bag!  Each month, they send you 5 deluxe and full-size beauty items based on the beauty profile you fill out.  Plus, you get a cute make-up bag each month too!  This was the subscription box I kept the longest.  The ONLY reason I cancelled it (in March 2014) was because I had sooo much make-up that I just didn't need anymore make up at the time.  I still probably don't need anymore make-up, but I went ahead and signed back up for it again today.  I would definitely recommend this subscription to everyone!!!


13.  Stitch Fix - $20/month styling fee - Stitch Fix is another one of my favorites!  After completing a style profile (which allows you to fill in your size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle), they send you 5 items to try (and buy if you like them).  If you purchase all 5 items they send you, you receive 20% off the purchase price.  Your pre-paid $20/month styling fee is also applied to your purchase.  I've been impressed with the stylists so far.  They view your Pinterest page (if you link it) and really seem to listen to any requests I've had.  This is a great way to update your wardrobe if you don't want to go to the mall.  The only downside though is that if you don't purchase all 5 of the items, you do have to pay their regular price.  There have been times when it's been cheaper to buy all 5 pieces with the discount and then I've listed items that I don't like/don't fit on eBay.  Click on this link to try Stitch Fix for yourself!  


14.  Hello Fresh - $69/week for each delivery + shipping - I received this box on 4/29/15 and then went on vacation for a week.  The items for the 3rd meal in the box are still in the freezer waiting to be cooked.  I had a $40 off coupon code (XT3PSB) and ended up getting my first box for $44 with shipping, which I felt was a good price for 3 meals for 2 people.  I'll post a few of this box as soon as I cook the last meal (stuffed peppers).  You can still use code XT3PSB to get $40 off your first box too!


15.  Graze - $6.99 - $25 depending on which size box you choose to receive.  You'll receive 4, 8, or 20 snacks weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the frequency you choose.  Customize based on your preferences/food choices.  Receive your first box free by clicking on this link!  As I mentioned in my blog post yesterday, I LOVE this box!!


So, as you can see, I've had quite a few boxes over the past few years!  Here's a list of what I am currently signed up for:


1.  Julep Maven - $19.99/month 

2.  PopSugar Must Have Box - $39.95/month
3.  Birchbox - $10/month
4.  Ipsy - $10/month
5.  Stitch Fix - $20/month styling fee
6.  Hello Fresh - $69/week for each delivery + shipping (haven't scheduled my next box yet though at this point since I still have one meal left from the last one).  Use code XT3PSB to get $40 off your first box.
7.  Graze - $6.99 - $25 depending on which size box you choose to receive.  (I'm currently signed up for the 8-snack box for $11.99/week
8.  Raw Spice Bar - $6/month - Fresh, authentic spice blends created by top chefs for your next globally-inspired meal.
9.  Little Lace Box - $59.99/month for a single box, $149.97 for 3 boxes (6-month subscription), or $269.95 for 6 boxes (annual subscription) - boxes are delivered every other month.  I signed up for the 6 month subscription and will get my first box in June.  I'll post a review once it comes.  Click here to get 15% off your first purchase from Little Lace Box.
10.  Fabletics - $49.99/month - Buy items as an outfit or individually.  You can skip a month or make additional purchases at any time.  I've ordered twice from them now.  The first month, I ordered an outfit they put together.  The 2nd month, I purchased items individually based on the outfits shown.  I'll take photos and do a blog post soon.  So far, I'm REALLY pleased with the quality/price/style of their items!  Use this link/referral code to check them out now and get your first outfit for 50% off!!
11.  Golden Tote - $56.95 ($49 + 7.95 shipping) or $149 (free shipping on the $149 tote) depending on which tote you choose.  I just ordered my first Golden Tote and chose the $49 tote to try it out.  You chose 1 item and Golden Tote will send you 1-2 additional items based on the style profile I filled out.  You are able to view all available items for both totes, but since I wear an XL and their sizes only go up to a L, I chose the smaller tote to see how their items fit.  There were some really beautiful dresses (as well as jeans) in the $149 tote (you choose 2 items for that one and they send you 3-4 additional pieces), so if the pieces fit well and are of good quality, I may try the $149 tote at a later date.  Again, I'll post a review once my tote arrives.

The beauty of many of these boxes is that you can skip or pause your subscription if you'd like to (especially the more expensive ones).  You can cancel all of these subscriptions at any time.


Have you tried any of these boxes?  If so, which ones are your favorites?  Heard of a new subscription box?  I'd love to hear about it.  (Please do not include referral links to any of the boxes listed above though).


XOXO,

Stephanie

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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.... 



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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.

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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

Monday, June 16, 2014

STITCH FIX - June 2014 Review - #5

I'm a little behind getting this review posted, but here it is - my review of my June 2014 Stitch Fix Box.

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

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 5th 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.


After having Erica for the past several months, I was disappointed to have a new stylist at first.  Alas, Krystal did a really great job though!  This was my most affordable box yet AND I really liked what Krystal selected for me overall.  

Here's what was in my box:


Kut from the Kloth Jenna Bermuda Short - $68
Papermoon Lexis Chevron Print Henley Tank - $48
41Hawthorn Addison Striped Knit Cardigan - $48
Bay to Baubles Jazz Gem & Chain Statement Necklace - $38
41Hawthorn Filbert 3/4 Sleeve Popover Blouse - $58

Pieces #1 & #2 - The Jenna Bermuda Short and Chevron Print Henley Tank -


The top was a piece I had pinned on my Pinterest Board and initially, I loved this outfit.  I loved the bright colors and the way the shorts fit (they're perfect for my new job).  However, when I looked at the top the next day, I began thinking the zig-zag pattern looked like a Charlie Brown shirt.  Plus, the color didn't lay right on me (it literally bulged out on the right side).  (A plus - the fabric was SO soft and comfy).  Once I realized I would be sending the top back (and therefore not getting the 25% discount for buying all 5 of my pieces), I decided I couldn't justify spending $68 on a pair of shorts either (even though I LOVED the color of them).  

VERDICT:  RETURNED BOTH

Piece #3 - Addison Striped Cardigan


This was another item I'd pinned on my Pinterest Board, so I was delighted when my stylist sent it to me.  This piece was right on!  It fit great, the fabric was soft and stretchy, and the price was perfect at $48.

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #4 - Gem & Chain Statement Necklace


I really debated about keeping this necklace.  I had actually pinned the teal/yellow/peach version of it on my Pinterest board and I don't have any white statement necklaces.  In the end though, the links connecting the two side pieces to the center piece just didn't lay right on me.  Plus, I really like my statement necklaces to be more colorful.

VERDICT:  RETURNED

Piece #5 - Filbert 3/4 Sleeve Popover Blouse

There's no photos of this one.  Although I LOVED the color, it was just way too small.

VERDICT:  RETURNED

In the end, Krystal absolutely nailed my style!  She sent me multiple items from my Pinterest page, which I love!  I had requested less expensive pieces this time (the merchandise total for my last box was $326).  She did a great job of keeping the pieces more affordable (the merchandise total this time was $260).  In the end though, I decided to just keep the navy/white cardigan.  Had the coral shirt fit and the zig-zag shirt laid right, I probably would've kept the whole fix and gotten 25% off my purchase for buying all 5 pieces.  Alas, it just wasn't meant to be.


For my next fix, I did request some stretchy tops and items from the Papermoon brand.  (I seem to like their pieces a lot).  That's all the direction I gave my stylist for my next Fix, so I'm excited to see what she comes up with on her own.

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

Friday, April 4, 2014

April 2014 STITCH FIX Review - My 4th One!

The past week or so has been pretty rough, so I needed a little pick-me-up!  This Fix (my 4th one) provided just that for me!  


Stitch Fix is like a big hug in a box!  


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

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.

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Enough technical stuff - Here's what was in my 4th 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've been fortunate enough to have the same stylist for the past 3 months.  Once again, I really felt like Erica (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 #3, I specifically requested some pieces that I was looking to buy in Box #4:  a coral/peach top like one I had pinned from Forever21 and a pair of Kut from the Kloth Denna colored denim jeans or capri pants to wear for Spring.  She sent me just that, as well as other items from my "Wish List".  (She's a new bestie and she doesn't even know it)!

Normally, I decide pretty quickly what to keep and what to send back.  This time, I solicited feedback from the readers of this blog and waited the entire 3 days to decide.  It was a tough decision!

Here's what was in my box:


Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse - $54
Florence Colorblocked Dress - $68
Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer - $78
Collie Graphic Panel Detail Blouse - $48
Denna Colored Skinny Jean - $78

Piece #1 - Let's start with the Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse - $54



The color and cut of this shirt are dead-on as far as my style goes and what I requested (this is almost exactly the color of the Forever21 top I had pinned).  It's even sleeveless too, which is perfect for Spring.  The only problem was the size.  The top buttons were pulling so far apart from each other I can't even post a photo for the sake of descency.  Bummer!  If this top were one size larger, it would be hanging in my closet right now for sure!  

VERDICT:  SENT BACK

Piece #2 - Florence Colorblocked Dress - $68


This is the first dress my stylist has sent me.  When I Googled my shipment and saw this dress was included, I secretly hoped she sent me the navy version with green accents.  However, in person, the green was really pretty too!  The length is good for work or for wearing casually.  It's just fun and Spring-y!  


VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #3 - Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer - $78



I had specifically requested this royal blue blazer after my first fix that I saw several other Fixers receive and Erica didn't forget.  The color is so vivid in person!  I absolutely love it!!  And I really like the striped cuff detailing a lot more that I thought I would.  The fabric is heavy, yet stretchy and looks great with the Denna Jeans that also came in this fix!  It would also be great with white pants/capris or regular jeans as well.  However I pair it, it would be perfect for chilly days in the AC at work!  The only reason this piece went back is due to the fit.  Between my broad shoulders and ample cleavage, this blazer just wouldn't button.

VERDICT:  SENT BACK

Piece #4 - Collie Graphic Panel Detail Blouse - $48


This was actually a top I had pinned onto my Pinterest board after seeing it in another Fix.  I love the bright color (it's technically orange) and how it can be dressed up for work or worn casually with jeans.  (It looks really cute with the cobalt blue jeans in this Fix).  The length is perfect for me too!  Unfortunately, it was just too snug right now.  I debated on keeping it for when I lost some weight, but I'm trying to stick to my budget, and that just doesn't allow for me to purchase anything that doesn't fit just right at this time.

VERDICT:  SENT BACK

Piece #5 - Kut from the Kloth Denna Colored Skinny Jean - $78


I requested another pair of Kut from the Kloth skinny jeans after receiving a dark navy pair in my 2nd Fix.  I literally wear the pair I got before at least 3 days a week.  That's how perfect they fit and how much I love them!  


This pair is also fabulous!!  I had pinned cobalt blue jeans on my Pinterest board (and even have a cobalt blue mani/pedi right now), so I was so happy when I saw these in my box!  The length is a tad long on me, but can easily be hemmed after I shrink, errr, wash them.  The best part - they match the blazer PERFECTLY!!!  Like - to the point I can wear them with the blazer as a suit perfect.  

VERDICT:  SENT BACK (See Below)

In the end, Erica absolutely nailed my style on this one!  She sent me the blue blazer, coral top, and colored denim jeans I had requested.  She also sent me the orange/navy top I had Pinned too.  I had requested less expensive pieces this time (the merchandise total for my last box was $316).  Specifically, I said no more $98 pants for blouses over $40.  This one had nothing under $48 in it and came in at $326 (even higher than the last one), so I was kind of bummed about that.  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 $76.50.  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 would be $229.50 (plus, the pre-paid styling fee).


Here's How the Original Post Read:

I'm still trying to decide what to do.  I definitely want to keep the blue pants ($78) and probably the blue blazer ($78) and dress ($68) too.  Those 3 pieces alone will cost me $224 minus the pre-paid $20 styling fee = $204.  For $25.50 I can keep the other two tops and wear them once I lose weight.

What do you think I should do?  I need some help deciding!  Luckily for me I have 3 days to do just that before I have to check out.  (I was just at Kohl's yesterday and they do not have anything like these pieces that are cheaper or that fit me.  I was looking since I already knew the prices of what was in this box).  I'll update this blog post once I decide what I'm keeping.

Here's the Updated Decision:

I had originally planned on keeping the pants for sure, but in the end, my budget only allowed me to keep 1 piece right now.  I eliminated the two tops and the blazer due to fit issues and was debating between the dress and the pants.  After thinking about it (and trying both pieces on numerous times), I decided to keep the dress.  Wearing a dress it outside of my comfort zone, but having the dress on made me smile when I had it on and it was the piece I kept thinking about.  The fit is versatile too - it fits now, but it will also fit when I lose weight.  I also reasoned that buying pants right now when we're on the brink of warmer weather maybe wasn't the best way to go.



For my next fix, I did request the same cobalt blue Denna Skinny jeans in a Capri pant version, as well as the navy sailboat sweater I've seen other Fixers receive.  I also noted in my feedback (again) that I wanted all tops my stylist sends me to be under $40 unless they're tops I've specifically requested (like the sailboat sweater).

I scheduled my next Fix for May 1 to give me time to lose a few lbs and save money up for Spring clothes.  (There are currently Fixes that can be scheduled for 2 weeks out though).

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