Stitch Fix Review: Houndstooth & Elephants, Oh My Fix Four
/My wardrobe is pretty much cabi. As I have said before, I don’t really like shopping. I have a hard time finding stuff that fits and I like. Plus, it takes so much time! So, cabi was a perfect fit and literally often a perfect fit. And while I adore cabi, it means my wardrobe is limited by being mostly a single brand. Stitch Fix may be my perfect solution to that. I don’t have to shop. I don’t have to waste time driving to the mall or store or boutiques. I fill out a style profile, I tell my stylish what I want, and each month a box arrives with a variety of brands that my stylist thought worked for me and my requests. It’s wonderful. The clothes fit perfectly into my wardrobe and lifestyle. Now my wardrobe is a mix of cabi and Stitch Fix. I find myself reaching for some of my favorite Stitch Fix pieces time and again. They mix beautifully with cabi and add a depth to my wardrobe and style!
But, sometimes the clothes are not me or don’t fit. Not all Fixes are perfect. But so far, I have loved at least two items from the Fix. Let’s see how this next Fix works!
About Stitch Fix
For those who are unfamiliar, Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You fill out a profile, provide links to your social media and perhaps a Board on Pinterest of your style and things you like, and you get a box of five items shipped to you. You set the price point for the box and the frequency of the boxes. Stitch Fix hooks you up with a personal stylist, who sends a note and styling suggestions each time. You can leave the stylist a note before she prepares your box, letting her know your clothing needs, plans, and so on that may impact her choices. You can get clothing and shoes (and perhaps jewelry and other accessories, but I have only gotten shoes and clothes so far). There is a $20 styling fee, but this is taken off anything you purchase. Also, if you purchase all five items you get a 25% discount.
Feel free to check out my Pinterest board for my Stitch Fix stylist. I’m not so good about remembering to note why I am pinning the piece until I pin it. I think the interface just doesn’t match my flow (I say as someone who does research on the user experience with interfaces, so I may not be just making this up).
My Style Profile and Requests
My default pricing is $50-100 per item (it can be adjusted based on type, but I keep it the same), but I moved my price range down to “the cheaper the better” for several areas. I said I wanted more sneakers, since I loved the ones last time, or some nice fall boots. I expressed general interest in fall clothes.
Unboxing
Interested in my initial reactions? I made a video of the unboxing (disclaimer: I’ve only ever done two other videos and I used my laptop, so it is not high quality). It’s casual and you get to hear my voice and learn more about me.
The Five Items
I received three tops, one pair of shoes, and one pair of skinny jeans. I’m posting an initial review next to each items and my final decision in the Final Verdict section.
1) 41HAWTHORN Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse:
I love navy and dark blue colors and have been trying to get more of them, because they go well with my eyes. This is a great color. It’s a ¾ length sleeve blouse in a semi sheer polyester. It buttons part of the way down, and has some nice gathering at the shoulders. The band color is nice, and the sleeves can roll up. This would be a good summer work blouse, light and cool, yet appropriately professional. The fit is somewhat loose/baggy but fairly flattering. It will work well casually, over skinny jeans or even leggings. It’s a nice blouse, with some nice features, but is not particularly special. I think I would wear it, but I’m not sure if I would wear it enough. I have a lot of nice blouses in my closet.
Cost: $48.00
Verdict: Undecided right now
2) SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers: I love these! The houndstooth print is so much fun! But, they are $98! I don’t tend to spend that much on any footwear other than really nice boots. Also, I think I am an 8.75 in SeaVees, neither the 8.5 or the 9s fit as well as I would like. I find the shoes less comfortable than I would like for sneakers—possibly because of sizing. But, so cute! So fun! Perfect for chasing the toddler around the park or dressing down a fancy skirt.
Cost: $98.00
Verdict: Would be a yes, if not for cost—undecided
3) MARKET & SPRUCE Dollie Tie Back Neck Knit Top: This is very soft and cozy. I love the baggy drapes. I also adore the tie back neck. The grosgrain ribbon bow adds a touch of whimsy and pretty to a casual sweater/sweatshirt. The keyhole in back adds a bra-friendly flash of skin and makes the top even more fun. This is great over leggings when you want to feel like you are wearing PJs. It would look great with the khaki, olive, and army green that are all the rage. This is also very on-trend with the cute loungewear trend. I hope this works with the Spacedye M’legging and the Trek Jogger for stylist comfort!
Cost: $54.00
Verdict: Keeping!
4) PIXLEY Ellie Printed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse: My initial reaction, shown in the video, is “meh” about an elephant print. I know my toddler would love it, but it’s a bit out there for me. I also have some cute print blouses in my comfort zone that don’t get worn enough. The print is beige and black, making it less crazy than it could be, which helps. It’s also a semi sheer polyester, so it breathes easily and work well for work. The ¾ length sleeves are fixed and cannot be rolled up or down. I do like it on me. It can be dressed down or up easily. It would be cute under a blazer or over leggings. The name is cute.
Cost: $48.00
Verdict: undecided, but do like it more than I thought
5) LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean: I have a lot of great cabi jeans, and have requested to not get jeans. These are really more like leggings, with the band-style leggings waist, and sewn on front pockets and “zipper area” (real back pockets). They are very comfortable, and the band will probably work better with my belly (although it does show through some of the tops). It is oddly baggy at the bottom—maybe they are too long? A dark skinny jean/legging can easily be dressed up for a date and down with a sweater or tunic. Depending on your workplace, you could even wear them to work. Of course, they will look great with boots. This nice dark color makes them more versatile, allowing them to be dressed up more. I can see reaching for these when I want the comfort of leggings and the look of jeans. Or when I am bloated.
Cost: $78.00
Verdict: Undecided but leaning yes
Final Verdict
This Fix grew on me. I loved the sneakers and the tie back top at first. But, the other pieces went from “meh” to more and more me. I realized the jean leggings were very comfortable and versatile. The waist was perfect for weight gain (stupid medication), but would also work when I took some of the weight off. I really wanted the sneakers, but the price… However, if I bought the whole fix, I got the sneakers pretty much “free” as they were close to the same amount of my 25% discounts. And I liked the shirts. The more I tried Ellie the more the elephant print grew on me. The Colibri blue top was also very versatile and such a great color. Soon, I have convinced myself to keep all of it (exchanging the sneakers for a 9). I’m very happy I did! I’ve worn all of the pieces. The sneakers are great. I adore styling the Colibri blue top, and even had fun with Ellie. The jeans have become a staple. I wore them a lot recovering from my sinus survey and since then when I want comfort and style. I can’t wait to rock them with some over-the-knee boots this fall. So, while I was not convinced at first, this was a great Fix and a welcome addition to my wardrobe. It just goes to show, you should always try on, always evaluate the place of a piece in your wardrobe, and always try styling it. Then you will know if it really works for you or not.