Stitch Fix: My First Fix!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you a special edition of Talia True Life: I’m Addicted to Online Shopping. This week’s episode is presented by Stitch Fix.

Because when I’m not up making fudgesicles at midnight, chances are pretty high that I’m online shopping (or pinterest-ing, with the intention of online shopping).

How’s that for a tag line?

You guys. I tried SO hard not to get sucked in. Really, I did! From what I had heard about Stitch Fix, I already had a feeling that it was going to be right up my alley – and I just KNEW that I would be hooked immediately…

Online shopping (taken to the next level)? Check.

Stylish and unique items? Check.

Ability to return the items that you don’t like, free shipping included? Check.

Really, what’s NOT to like?

Oh, nothing. That’s what I thought.

After reading countless Stitch Fix-related posts from my favorite food bloggers and contemplating joining Stitch Fix for no less than than a year, I was peer pressured into I finally let a few of my lovely co-workers talk me into trying it out – and obviously I used one of their referral links, because I like when other people save money, too :)

Now let me preface the rest of this post by saying that I am a pretty avid bargain shopper – just ask my mom, who taught me all of her tricks (with a shout out to Jo-Ann for teaching HER!). I kid you not, I look forward to Sunday morning coupon-ing. Also, I refuse to pay full price for anything. Nothing about Stitch Fix screams bargain, so this was a huge leap for me. Something to be proud of? Probably not.

Irregardless. Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of my first Stitch Fix experience (and by ‘whirlwind’, I obviously mean long-winded and detailed). And then I dare you not to try it out for yourself :)

Stitch Fix: the Deets

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service for woman. You take a few minutes to fill out your Stitch Fix Style Profile online, which will relay information to your new Stitch Fix personal stylist about your sizes, style, likes/dislikes, budget, etc. Once you complete your profile, schedule your first Fix; you can choose to have them sent automatically (as often as you’d like) or manually (as often as you choose). Then, just sit back and wait for your package to arrive!

Upon receipt, you have three days to decide which items you want to keep and which you want to return. One of the best parts about this service is that you have time to think about your purchases, as well as the ability to see how each of the pieces mix into your current wardrobe. It’s expected that you’ll take these three days to try on your new items with your current clothes, shoes and accessories to see what works – or doesn’t (and, if you’re like me, ask family & friends for lots of advice!). Once you’ve made your decisions, log onto your account online and ‘check out’ – this is where you will let Stitch Fix know which items you are choosing to keep or return and why. This is a good opportunity to explain to your stylist your thought process on the items you are returning, as well as what you liked about the items you have chosen to keep. This will allow them to better assemble your next Fix, should you decide to schedule another!

Stitch Fix provides you with a postage-paid package so that you can send back the items you choose not to keep. They really make it SO easy – which, in turn, makes you want to do it again and again and again..

Stitch Fix: the Pros

– It’s like having your own personal stylist. Ever wish you knew someone who understood your clothing likes and dislikes, and would take care of shopping for you, bringing back cute, stylish clothes that you never would have found for yourself? If so, this is totally for you. The ‘hardest’ part is filling out your Style Profile. Stitch Fix takes it all from there!

– Access to brands/items that you can’t find elsewhere. I’ve been getting sick of buying clothes from the same stores and brands from which everyone else that I see and know also buys their clothes; Stitch Fix gives me access to tons of brands that I’ve never heard of before!

– It’s exciting! If you’re anything like me, there’s a certain adrenaline rush that comes with ordering something online and having it show up at your doorstep days later. Stitch Fix takes that excitement to the next level: you know that you’re getting something awesome in your package and the anticipation of waiting/wondering is like a natural high! (do I sound like a drug addict? Because that’s sort of how it makes me feel).

– 25% off your total purchase if you keep all items in your Fix! Yup, you heard me: twenty.five.percent.off. It’s like you’re being rewarded for buying more… they are SO in my head.

– There’s a referral bonus! For each friend who signs up and orders their first Fix, you will earn a $25 Stitch Fix credit. So guys… in case you decide to try it out, here’s my referral link :)

Stitch Fix: the Cons

– There is a $20 styling fee charged for each Fix. I mean, this makes total sense – you’re paying for a personal stylist to pull together awesome items for you, of course it’s not free! But hey, sometimes I’m a little cheap.

– The price point is a little higher than I’d normally choose. Again, sometimes I’m just cheap – but other times (most times), I’m a bargain hunter and am constantly obsessed with love using coupons. You always have the option to choose “the cheaper, the better” when selecting pricing in your Stitch Fix Style Profile, so that’s almost a ‘pro’ to this ‘con’ (if that makes sense).

Stitch Fix: my first Fix

I scheduled my first Fix in mid-July, choosing to receive it in mid-August. I intended for this Fix to be more of a ‘trial run’, so that if I liked the outcome, I could choose to schedule another! Obviously, I’m already hooked… and here’s why:

Gilli | Alenna Elastic Waist Dress ($64)

This is the first item that I tried on, and I loved it immediately! The dress is a comfortable cotton/jersey material, really light and flowy. I don’t own anything else in this shade of blue, and I think it would be perfect for spring/summer! The fit is just right, too – loose in all the right places and the elastic waist sits at a good location on my torso. Howeverr…. the bargain hunter in me came out all too quickly and I realized that the $64 price tag was a little more than I might be willing to spend – especially on an item that I’d only wear a few times during the four or five months of warm weather that we get in New England each year. Well that, and I know I could find something similar at Old Navy or Target for a fraction of the price. Great selection, Stitch Fix – but a little too pricy for my wallet/liking!

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Kensie Jeans | Kaleigh Ankle Biter Skinny Jean ($88)

These jeans fit like a glove and were an immediate YES! I knew that the color would be versatile enough for year-round use (and I’m crossing my fingers and toes that colored jeans don’t go out of style anytime soon). It’s no surprise that I’m incapable of wearing an adequate amount of clothing in the middle of winter, so the fact that these are ankle jeans doesn’t even phase me – I’ll definitely be rocking them in the middle of February. Beauty before comfort, my friends.

This was probably more of an impulsive buy than anything else (the price was a little steep for my liking, at a whopping $88), but I’m already banking on the fact that they are going to get their use – in fact, I have a feeling I’ll be wearing them every other day while we are in France! And they really are a gorgeous emerald green color… I couldn’t say no! #winning

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Daniel Rainn | Portrero Graphic Print Scoop Neck Blouse ($68)

I tried this shirt on with the emerald green jeans, hoping that they would be a match made in heaven. I wanted so badly for this Daniel Rainn shirt to be a perfect fit – it was such an awesome selection! The pattern is interesting and different than anything I own, and the black sheer back (not pictured) is relatively scandalous – but in a super classy way. There are small details (like the black cap sleeves) that make this shirt really unique. However, the shirt itself is incredibly boxy, and even with skinny jeans it’s not flattering enough to justify the $68 price tag. So back in the box this item went – what a bummer!

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41Hawthorn | Filbert Polka Dot Print 3/4 Sleeve Blouse ($58)

Navy blue + white polka dots? Stitch Fix, it’s like you know me! I was SO excited to pull this shirt out of my box and even more excited once I tried it on. The fit is flattering (though it’s a little hard to tell from the photo), I really like its length, and the detail on the sleeves adds a nice touch (not pictured). I was all set to make this one a definite YES – until I went upstairs, looked in my closet and realized that I already own no less than four navy blue shirts with a white detail. I couldn’t justify another shirt that is so similar to the rest of my wardrobe, so back in the box this item went… double bummer..

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Bay to Baubles | Joycie Layered Carved Metal Pendant Necklace ($38)

Fun, costume jewelry is my weakness – I’ve spent far too much money in the past few years on fun earrings, enough bracelets to line each arm and huge, colorful necklaces. Naturally, I was excited to see that Stitch Fix included a piece of jewelry in my first Fix! This simple, silver necklace is far more basic than my usual purchases, yet still pretty bold and elegant in its own way. I tried it on with both shirts in my Fix, as well as the blue dress (pictured), and then went upstairs to see how it would look with the other items in my closet. Unfortunately, I realized that shape of the necklace didn’t seem to complement many of the shirts I already owned. It looked great when paired with the neckline on the Gilli dress, but I don’t have a ton of other options with that same cut; the necklace would never get the chance to stand out the way it should. Also, I wasn’t in love with it – so back in the box!

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Overall, I give Stitch Fix an A-/B+ on this first shipment – and give myself a solid B on selection. Did I really need to spend $88 on jeans? Probably not. Should I have kept the super cute necklace that was only $38? I don’t think I would have regretted it had I kept it! I ended up keeping on the Kensie jeans, and the $20 styling fee was refunded since I ended up making a purchase from this fix.

Once I’m back from France, I’ll probably schedule another Fix, requesting to receive some fall/winter work clothes. Fun scarves, cute dresses and skirts, tons of layers – I’m already excited for the next box to arrive at my doorstep!

On second thought, maybe I should schedule my next Fix now, to be delivered a few days after we get home.. after all, I’m probably going to be battling some post-travel depression and will be in serious need of a little pick-me-up!

And the addiction grows.

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post! I purchased these items on my own. However, this post does contain referral links that gives me credit towards my next Fix. Really, you’re just helping to feed my shopping addition :)