Thursday, January 22, 2015

Stitch Fix #1

SO EXCITING!


So, I finally caved and signed up for Stitch Fix, and my first shipment came in today! If you've never heard of this, let me be the one to tell you about it! Details below...

You sign up online (just follow the link above) and fill out a quick style profile about what you do and don't like to wear. You will be given a stylist who will pick out and send you 5 items that they think you will like based on your likes and dislikes. I also began a Pinterest board and linked it to my Stitch Fix style profile so my stylist could really get a good idea of what I like. It's $20 per shipment for a stylist fee, but it's included if you buy any of the items. Fun!

Lately, I've been feeling pretty... sad about my clothing situation. I sold/am selling a lot of things that I didn't wear anymore, and I still have a ton of things that I don't love but keep because I need clothes. A girl can't wear the same thing every day, right? I love fashion and enjoy wearing new clothes, but I hate shopping. This seemed like a good way to find cool, trendy items that work for me without having to waste my time searching for the perfect whatever at a mall or online. I can never find it! Stitch Fix amps up the excitement of getting new clothes because, while you have a say in what you get, it's not exactly spelling out for you. Instead, it's a wonderful surprise waiting at your door!

Though I'm not a writer or blogger, I wanted to share this experience for a few reasons. When waiting for my Fix box, I read a bunch of blogs from sticherfixers and I really loved it! It was helpful to see what I could expect and to know that I wouldn't love everything in the box. My expectations were real. Also, I want to get feedback from readers about items that I'm undecided on, in case I'm really stuck. So, feel free to leave comments! Finally, I will send this to my stylist so she knows what I look like, my body type, what I like/dislike, and what I'm really looking for from this. All very useful.

When I signed up, I had to wait a bit for my first shipment, but I was pleasantly surprised that it arrived 4 days early (eeeek!!!). They sent me a shipping email with tracking information saying it would be on my doorstep in 2 days, and I almost couldn't sleep the last 2 nights.

I was suuuuper excited to come home and open up my first box, and I must say, the packaging is adorable. Great first impression!


 There was also a card included with a letter from your stylist and suggestions for how to wear each piece. I had 2 sweaters, a top, a skirt, and a necklace. I initially loved everything I saw! My stylist noted my fondness for polka dots and skirts, which she saw on my Pinterest board. It seemed like she nailed it.


So, here's a rundown of what was in the box, and how I felt about it:

 

Item #1: Renee C- Macklin Polka Dot Print V-Neck Blouse, Navy


Cute coming out of the box, though probably not something I would've picked out from a store. I tend to gravitate towards brighter colors, but of course I still gave it a try. When I put it on, the arms were too tight and the rest was too big! I looked a little sloppy, plus I was afraid I was going to hulk out of the sleeves. I know I have chubby shapely limbs, so we can chalk that one up to my body type.

Ultimate decision: Nope. Cute dots, but weird fit. Bummer. Also would've preferred a brighter color.

Side note: I learned two things about myself today. 1). I love my new house, but the lighting SUCKS. I have nowhere to take decent pictures. 2). I have no idea how to photograph myself! I'm hoping this improves rapidly with practice. I apologize for everything until then, and I'll try harder next time. 

 

 Item #2:  41Hawthorn- Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan, Jewel Tone Purple


Love the color. I put on my Pinterest board some pin with 10 or so jewel-toned items with a comment about loving jewel tones. My stylist definitely understood! It covered my butt (hooray!), and I will take any excuse to wear leggings, so I tried that first. Then I tried it with a belt and a bun. Pretty, but I feel very "school teacher" in it. I know I am a school teacher, but I don't feel like I have to look like one. Finally, I tried it with a black dress, as recommended in the suggestion card. Still undecided.

Ultimate decision: Open to suggestions? I'll prance around at home in it a few more times before deciding. Great color, and I love long sweaters, but it might be a little plain.

 

Item #3:  Bay to Baubles- Cadence Double Layer Square & Triangle Necklace, Silver

 

I'll admit, this is pretty precious. And it brings out my inner elementary school teacher, because I immediately thought how I could incorporate it into my lesson (yikes). Nonetheless, I am drowning in jewelry, so with the exception of something wildly fantastic, it's probably out. I still tried it on and photographed, just in case. Maybe a little hard to see, but it's understated and dainty with a triangle and a square charms.

Ultimate decision: Nah. I'll stick with what I have already. I was a little disappointed that I missed out on a 5th item here, but to no fault of my stylist! Now I know. I will remove jewelry from my style profile on Stitch Fix so everybody is on the same page.

 

Item #4: Pixley- Pheobe Chevron Print Sweater, Grey


This one is totally cute. It's pink and grey, and even though I'm not a pink girl, I find myself wearing it all the time. I am increasingly attracted to grey, so that was right on point, and I've been seeking a decent, substantial sweater that doesn't make me look chunky for quite some time. So, I tried it with my black dress pants first, and then I got real and put it on with my jeans, typical necklace, and standard lazy side-ponytail. The pants don't look any different in my pathetic bathroom lighting, but I promise they are! :)

Ultimate decision: Yes! After taking it off, I realized it's cashmere. Sigh and swoon. Even though I don't look too thrilled in my 2nd photo, I promise I'm super happy!

 

Item #5: Market & Spruce- Reanne Skirt, Dark Grey


So, again with the grey, which I'm totally fine with. My stylist noted that she saw I have a thing for skirts on Pinterest (totally true), so she included this because ruching is so flattering. It looked cute and comfy at first glance, so I tried it on with a lacy black top. Once on, I was very confused: how does this thing work? I couldn't figure out how to orient the ruching, and it seemed pretty tight and short. Hmm. 

 Uh-uh The ruching just looks lumpy and squeezy. Not so flattering.
Errrr, how is this thing supposed to lay?
Ultimate decision: One guess.... NO.  Maybe I'd need to size up for this to be better? I'm not sure that would completely help. But really, I'm just not that into it. I have a number of other cute skirts that work much better for me. 

So, how do I feel after my first Fix? Pretty great! I was hoping at least one item would work so I wouldn't have to pay the $20 styling fee, so I'd call it a success. If I had loved and bought every item in the box, I would've gotten a 25% discount, but I'm happy it didn't happen right away as I need to prepare myself financially! I will definitely be doing this again next month.

If you're interested in trying it for yourself, check it out here! As my Kindergarteners say, it's "easy peasy, lemon squeezy!"

4 comments:

  1. I personally love the burgundy sweater! No surprise since it's one of my fave colors and I'm also mad about cardi's. Looks fantastic when you cinch with skinny belt. It's a keeper!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Miss J! I wasn't sure about the belt, so I definitely appreciate the positive comment! :)

      Delete
  2. I love the pink and gray chevron sweater. It is cute, bright, and totally you! Question- how do they price the pieces they send? Are they reasonably priced, or super expensive? This is a super fun idea to spruce up your current wardrobe!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On the website they say that the average price per item is $55. I had 2 items under $30, 2 at about $50, and the cashmere sweater, which is $70. I normally don't buy tops above the $60, but for an occasional splurge (and cashmere), I'm willing to adjust my budget. Plus, they take off the $20 styling fee if you buy something, so somehow that helps!
      I thought it'd be fun too, and would help get me out of my fashion rut. I'm going to continue doing it once a month, so we'll see how it goes!! Thanks for commenting :)

      Delete