Stitch Fix #2: A Mix of Hits and Misses
If you read yesterday's blog, you know this worn out mama could use a pick-me-up. I've been to the doctor either for myself (I have been having some weird wrist pain) or one of the girls (rashes and checkups) FOUR times in the last 2 weeks. Eloise hasn't been sleeping very well, Annabelle is teething, Dan has a lot on his plate at work (he always does!), and our schedules have just been crazy busy, with no plans of slowing down as we ramp up to the holidays.
So imagine my excitement when I pulled into the driveway last night - with both kids crying in the car - and saw my Stitch Fix box at the doorstep, 2 days earlier than scheduled! I know I've said that I usually don't get Fixes this close together, and typically schedule them if I need something for a special occasion, but life has been crazy these past few weeks and I felt like now was a good time to treat myself!
If you have never heard of Stitch Fix (<--- referral link!), allow me to enlighten you! Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription service that sends you 5 pieces at your decided frequency. You pay a $20 styling fee every fix, which ultimately is put towards the cost of whatever items you keep. If you end up keeping all 5 pieces, you actually get a 25% discount! You can choose from Automatic Fixes (every 2-3 weeks, every month, every other month, or every 3 months) or do On-Demand fixes. I don't know what I'm going to wear tomorrow, let alone next week, next month, or next quarter, so I choose On-Demand fixes, and usually schedule a fix when we have something coming up, or in this case, when I want to treat myself! When you sign up, you'll fill out a detailed style profile that includes things like your sizes, style preferences, how you like things to fit, and budget. They offer "regular" sizes, petite, AND maternity sizes as well as accessories, bags, and shoes! You can let them know what you do and don't want to receive in a Fix. For example, I don't really need any more jewelry, so I simply tick the box that says I don't want to receive any of that in my Fixes. For each Fix, you can leave your stylist a note if there is something specific you're looking for, and this helps to choose more applicable pieces for you. Stitch Fix isn't just for the ladies - they have it for the gents, too!
Unlike when you are shopping at a store, your Fix is delivered right to you so you can try everything on in the comfort of your own home and see how it goes with what you already have in your wardrobe. Included in your fix are these cute little cards for each item that give you styling ideas, which I love! They also send a postage paid package so when you decide (it has to be within 3 days) what you want to keep and what you want to send back, you just check out online and then put whatever you're sending back in the package and put it in your mailbox. Easy peasy! Another awesome thing about Stitch Fix is that when someone schedules their first Fix through your referral link, you get $25 in credit to use on your next Fix! Um, can you say awesome?
Want to see what I got in my previous fix? Check the link below!
Now, let's get to my latest Fix! This is actually my 9th Fix, but the 2nd one I'm reviewing on the blog, so we are just going to call it #2.
In my last Fix, I really liked how my stylist Ashley picked some items for me that I typically wouldn't have picked for myself. She pushed me just enough outside of my comfort zone to try something new but not so far outside that I wouldn't even entertain it. Poor Ashley, I had a whole host of requests for this Fix. I asked for another pair of jeans to try as well as some black booties. These 2 were essential, as my jeans currently have about 3 holes in areas that should NOT have holes, and the black boots that I currently own have been kept black at the bottom for 2 years with the help of a sharpie. (I am cheap, what can I say?) As far as tops, I told her I wanted a chunky sweater in oatmeal or cream, possibly some jewel tones, and some seasonally appropriate prints, as I already have a lot of winter solids in my wardrobe. Oh yes, and I asked for items that were more budget friendly. Like I said, poor Ashley! She did a FABULOUS job coming up with items though. Take a look at what she sent!
diba Brodie Faux Suede Buckle Bootie
Like I said, I am in desperate need of a new pair of black boots. I tend to keep shoes for LONG past when I should, and the current ones I have are a testament to that. The leather has been wearing off for some time now, and I've been taking a black sharpie marker to the worn spots for 2 YEARS to keep them looking black. TWO YEARS people. It's time. I wanted a pair that can be worn casually, but can also be dressed up so I can wear them on Christmas Eve, for example. Ashley hit the nail on the head with these boots, and they are at a pretty good price point for a nice pair of booties as well. I love the buckle detail! The heel is a bit higher than what I normally wear, but not so high that I feel that it affects my gait. It actually makes me feel a bit more put together walking around in a bit of a heel again! I'm wearing the boots in all of the following photos, so you can see how they look with other pieces. I'm thinking these are a definite keep - what do you think?
Retrod Cavallo Poncho Sweater
Makers Lianne Skinny Jean
Ashley did a great job with the color and softness of this poncho sweater, but I have something VERY similar in grey that I got in a Fix around this time last year. I think the neckline is great, and is perfect alone or for throwing a scarf over without it looking too bulky. It's also very forgiving in terms of hiding parts of my body that I'd rather not flaunt. I just don't know that I need another poncho sweater in my collection. I don't have a ton of sweaters, so if I'm going to get another one, I'd probably go with a different silhouette. I'd love to hear your feedback though!
As for the jeans - I love them! Not as comfortable as the pair I got in my last Fix, but the price point is also $30 less. And they are still comfy. They are a bit tight in the waist, as I still have some of that post-partum pooch, as I like to call it. One great thing about Stitch Fix though, is that if you love something but it is not your size, you can exchange it for something that DOES fit. I'm definitely leaning towards keeping these jeans, but just exchanging for a size up. Thoughts?
Absolutely Alena Pullover
I want to like this sweater, I really do! It's SO soft (think fuzzy baby blanket soft!), and I am all about the festive colors and fun print. In the photo, it looks much more flattering than it does in person (usually it's the opposite, I don't know how that happened). Even Dan said that when I'm standing normally, this sweater makes it appear like my posture is much worse than it really is. I just don't think it's super flattering. I have a long torso and short legs (though the boots make it seem otherwise haha!) so I have to be careful on where tops hit me. Similar to the sweater in my last Fix, I don't really feel like this one hits my hips at the right spot, and if I keep it, I think I'd be constantly trying to pull it down. Such a bummer, because I LOVE the print and color!
Fun2Fun Kennedy Sleeve Detail Blouse
Oh my heart, I think we finally have a winner for tops! This is a lighter material, so not quite the cozy sweater I was hoping for, but I LOVE the versatility and fit. It's a different silhouette than a lot of what's in my closet, which I like. It's a bit more fitted than a lot of what I own, but is still super forgiving to my shape. It moves so nicely too! It IS a bit shorter than what I typically wear, but unlike the Alena Pullover sweater, I don't feel like this one hits my hips at an awkward spot. I love the subtle polka dot print and the flare of the sleeve to give it a bit more dimension. This is perfect for layering in the winter with a scarf and duster cardigan (hello, perfect Thanksgiving outfit!), and can be worn into the spring and summer as well because it's lightweight. I'm pretty much sold on this top. Do you agree?
Overall, I was very pleased with this Fix, and will definitely be requesting Ashley as my stylist again. I feel like the more she gets to know my style through my Pinterest board and feedback on Fixes, the more she will fine tune what she sends. I have a sneaking suspicion that a few more fixes from her and I'll be saying that I'm keeping all five items!
In the meantime, I need your help! What should I keep, what should I send back? What do you love and what do you think just doesn't work for me? Help this mama out!