My first Stitch Fix!
Ok, guys. You ready??
I told you I signed up to try Stitch Fix, using their "the cheaper, the better" option, and here's how my first box turned out.
(I had very low expectations, as I hear from tons of people the the first box is usually Very Not Good.)
Joshua happened to have a day off (Yay! I hardly see him these days.), so he took pictures for me.
He just snap, snap, snaps away (just as he did years ago!), so there are always some very...interesting pictures of me.
So, I guess we'll start with this shirt. I like the color of it, and I think it fit me right.
But the baggy dolman style sort of made me look shapeless in my torso, which is hard to see in these photos.
I should have stood straight on so you could see the problem better.
This was $58.
Next up, a $44 sleeveless blouse.
This is an accurate portrayal of how I feel about the shirt.
I have narrow shoulders to begin with, and the a-shape of this shirt only serves to emphasize this, while making me look wider than I am in the middle.
I'm pretty iffy about the print too, as I'm not convinced purple and coral are meant to be best friends.
This next shirt ($58) is definitely better, but still not really great on me. It feels a little short in the front.
Though the length is fine in the back.
And the last top is this cardigan, which is super soft, very well-made, and has a lovely drape.
Buuut...when you see it from straight on, you realize it has the same problem as the purple and coral blouse. My shoulders look narrow, and I look like I have no waist.
Having no visible waist is less than flattering.
So, I'm not keeping any of those tops.
However, the one thing I AM keeping is the jeans I'm wearing in all the photos. They're Liverpool Elizabeth skinny jeans, and they're $78, which is more than I've ever paid for a pair of jeans in my life.
However, they are definitely way better quality than the $29 skinny jeans I currently have from Kohl's, so I decided to keep them to see if they hold up better.
(The elastic in one of my Kohl's pairs fell apart in less than one winter's worth of wear...like, the jeans got bunchy the way swimsuits do when the elastic goes.)
If I kept nothing, I'd have paid the $20 styling fee, so I was going to pay $20 regardless. And since I did like the jeans, and they were so well-made, I decided to fork over the additional $58 to be able to keep the jeans.
Hopefully it was the right choice!
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So. There you have it.
I'd promise that my modeling will be better next time around, except...it probably won't be. I'm a frugal blogger, not a fashion blogger. 😉 But I'll do my best.
I'm curious to see if my next box will contain more wins, since I gave super detailed feedback to my stylist about price points and what styles didn't work for me this time. We'll see!
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If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, here's my affiliate link.
P.S. Last time I wrote about Stitch Fix, someone wrote in to tell me I was being devious. Which made me laugh, because I always announce referral/affiliate links.
Deviously yours,
Kristen
Hmm.... I used to love your blog, but lately it seems like there is a lot of referal links and publicity for products, and very often only relevant to USA. You have readers around the world.
Plus, 78$ for a pair of jeans is far from frugal...
I guess I just have to let go of the "old blog", but I had to voice my disappointment this morning at I read yet another product-geared post. I am not saying this to be rude, I just really miss your regular posts.
I understand where you are coming from.. but the way I see it is that she is sharing her frugal ways, ideas and plans... Sometimes frugal is defined differently by different folks..
Stitch Fix has a growing crowd... its a great option for busy people, people in less populated areas or those who hate dealing with crowds.. She is trying it out and trying to share the most frugal aspect of it.. Jeans come in all price points and quality.. I am an odd shape fit.. properly fitting pants and comfortable quality shoes are always an issue for me.. Would I buy a pair of perfectly fitting jeans for $78? ABSOLUTELY.. I would rather pay that 2 times and have 2 pairs that always work RIGHT.. than have the handful in my closet that I am just not loving...
There is a difference between being frugal and being cheap. If all you want is cheap, then yes, $78 is way too much. Cheap would be $5 jeans at a thrift shop.
Although people would LOL if I called myself frugal considering I pay 1K-3K for purses and am a regular Sephora customer, I love these things and am now in the stage of life where I can afford it. But, I still color my own hair, cut my families hair to save money and don't eat out nor do I drink anything but water.
Kristen's getting older and is continually growing. If getting some nicer clothes helps her enjoy life more, then go for it! Everyone knows her family isn't suffering for it.
I did not mean that she can't get 78$ jeans. I meant that the title of the blog being "frugal girl", this does not seem in line with frugality for many. I never said anything about her family suffering... not sure where you got that. She actually sound like a really good mom.
I appreciate your feedback, I do. I'll try to remember my international readers more often.
$78 is definitely more than I've ever paid for a pair of jeans. But I did pay that much for my American Giant hoodie, so this is not completely out of character for me.
My $30 pair of skinny jeans from Kohl's is now useless to me after only a single winter's worth of wear. My money was basically wasted and now I have a pair of jeans that are good for nothing. The fabric isn't even good for reuse for some craft project because of the elastic issue. So, they're just trash, which is a bummer.
So, if these jeans last three years instead of a single year, then they'll have been worth it to me. Time will tell!
Take them back for a refund. They should not have fallen apart!
Kohl's will take back items at any time. Especially since they wore out way too soon. You don't have to have the receipt.
Oh wow I didn't know Kohl's would do that for you. That sounds amazing! I have heard so much about the good deals at Kohl's but haven't shopped there much yet. We usually just go to the outlets and search for reasonably priced quality items. I, however, have returned a pair of work caprice that wore out after a few washes. Thanks for the heads-up!
Hmm. I hadn't thought about that...do you think they'll take them back even though they don't exactly have holes or anything? It's a little bit hard to see the problem with them until I'm wearing them, and then you see the bunching and bagging.
Thanks for your answer.
I used to sell expensive denim and I would tell people: $150 jeans should fit better and last longer than your $15 pairs. If you can (truly) find $150 jeans at your thrift store for $5, good job! I however, don't have that type of patience or success. So I choose to save money elsewhere and look for decent deals ($75 or so) because how I look and feel in expensive denim makes it worth every penny. So my "frugality" i.e., $75 jeans doesn't match someone else's idea. However, to me, with my desires and budget, it's frugal compared to $150! Besides, I can sell my used jeans for more than some people pay for new ones. I get 5+ years worth of wear out of other ones. If you start posting about your three vacation homes, luxury vehicles and numerous tropical vacations I'll probably quit reading. Until then, keep up the good work and I'll be a faithful reader. Love your honesty!
You need to look at price per wearing. .. if you wear those jeans 78 times they're $1 per wearing. If you wear $30 jeans 15 times you're at double the price. I have $60 dresses that I've worn once. I have $60 tops that I've worn 30 times. Which was cheaper?
Kristen, I find your blog to be far from commercial. You only review and recommend things you truly believe in and have actually used in your home. This is why I have stuck with your blog for years: I don't feel like I'm reading paid advertising.
And frugality doesn't have to be one size fits all. Yes, I notice you seem to be purchasing higher quality items than before, and that is fine! You're going for lasting value and I think that's commendable. No one should be expected to stick to a beans-and-rice budget (just an example) if their income now allows for some luxuries. Besides, a $78 pair of jeans is a better value if they last 5 years, compared to a $25 pair that doesn't hold up.
Not trying to create a comment argument, but I wanted to voice my continued readership and support of your blog.
And I just happened to have used your link this morning to sign up for my first StitchFix!
I would definitely pay $78 for jeans that fit perfectly because I would wear them until they were falling apart. Every pair of jeans I buy, I don't like for some reason or the other. The ones I have on now were perfect when I bought them but now they slide down due to my lack of a butt. Not a good lack of butt, either. Just widespread flatness that won't allow my pants to stay up!
I bought a super expensive (to me) pair of stitch fix jeans because I just loved the fit and they seemed so we'll made. They have held up very well and now thanks to stitch fix, I know the size and brand of jeans that I love so I buy them super cheap on thredup or poshmark - perfect frugal solution 🙂
So, I struggle with trying Stitch Fix because of exactly this. I'm not going to pay that much for any one item. It's just not something I can or want to do (unless it's boots.... I love boots!)
I'm interested to see whether you get some items from a lower price point next time since you said you were very specific on that to your stylist. If getting them to get clothes that are cheaper in the boxes is possible, I might would try it.
Thanks for the pics!! Joshua did a great job!
You should try MixandMatchBox.com same type of service but you get 6 plus pieces 25% if u keep 6 even if they send u 8 ...they have a 25.00 styling fee which they are running a promo 15.00 off. Using relaunch15off so u get it for 10 ..this is my 8th Go for it style box and they really follow your budget with awesome pieces I'd try I do have referral code but won't put it on another person's blog
I can tell you from experience, you will not get anything at a lower price point. I did Stitch Fix years ago - I got about 5 boxes and nothing was ever under $48 and I did the same as Kristen marking the most cost effective option. I thought they would get the hang of my style by sending things back with me telling them why I did not like the items and they never did. It turned out to be a waste of my money due to the "styling fee". I still have a $20 credit with them that I won't spend because I just refuse to go back. In my opinion this company does not mix with a frugal lifestyle at all.
That's so weird. Like, I wonder why they even have a "the cheaper the better" option if that's not going to get you things under the $50 price point. Huh.
I wondered about that. I love the idea, alot. But I'm more of a lower price point than they seem to have . I need to check out that other option mentioned though! Maybe a better results??
I got a cardigan for $20 from Stitch Fix. I'm actually wearing it now, and it's one of my favorite fall/spring pieces. I've also had a few items for less than $40 that I did not keep, one of which I still regret not keeping, 3 years later.
I thought you looked good in every top and had a hard time seeing the "flaws" even when you pointed them out. However, if you aren't comfortable in them, that's all that matters.
I'm so glad you wrote about this! I have received 1 Stitch fix so far and kept 1 thing from it! I get my next one today! I had the same thing with shirts not fitting properly! I did like the idea of getting things shipped to me without leaving to go shopping for it!
Stitch Fix wouldn't be for me for several reasons. I despise trying to find clothes that work for me, and I'm a difficult fit. I just hate the whole process of trying things on and everything. I wish that wasn't the case! But I do enjoy hearing your reviews about it.
I actually think you look GREAT in all the tops, although I agree about the one that seems too short in front (I HATE those!)
I was signing on to make the same comment so I'll just second yours. In particular I thought the purple coral top was the best! It was so peppy and cute.
That blue top that you didn't like the length of- I have an almost identical top from Sears Outlet that was $7 on sale. Weird to see that.
I think it is very interesting to see you do stitch fix, and your take on it. I've seen other bloggers do it, but not frugally! So, keep it up! And, unfortunately, from what I've seen, $78 for a well-made pair of jeans is pretty cheap. With clothing, you get what you pay for. I can't afford them at this point in my life, but I'd love to get some great jeans someday, and that price would be decent, in my opinion. $40 or $50 for a top? Hmm... I would have to love it beyond words, so I can see why you sent the others back.
Stitch Fix to me seems pretty pricey. I was quite surprised at the prices and feel that for myself I would way rather shop at TJmaxx and Marshalls when I need new clothes. So they send random clothes in someone's size and then there's the hassle of sending back whatever one doesn't like plus a styling fee? Not sure how long Stitch Fix will be around from what I'm seeing but I'm guessing it's not a sustainable retail model.
They send specific clothes in your size and all you do is put them in a pre-posted bag to send back. Quite easy, and no hassle compared to shopping with kids in tow!
Thanks for doing this post! I know many don't see stitch fix as frugal, but I have found it to be wonderful! Life circumstances (we live at specialists' and therapy appointments) right now make it incredibly difficult to go to any store, and clothes shopping is almost out of the question, and stitch fix has provided me with high quality clothing that I can mix and match (each of my 5 boxes over the last 4 years, I emphasized that part, and let them know what I have in my wardrobe already), which allows me to have a small wardrobe and still look put together for all of the appointments we go to. The styltist know what he/she is doing with clothes. I'm not good at that. They have time and resources to pick clothes. I don't. Yes, it's a bit more per article of clothing than I'd usually pay, but I'm not just paying for clothes; I'm paying for someone else to choose the clothes, teach me how to pair them and send them to my home so I can try them on with what I already own. And the returns are a breeze, usually because my husband drops the envelope in the mail drop on his way to work!
Yes, going to stores can be a huge time suck! I work full time (and so does my husband) and we have two toddlers, so I'm at a point where shopping in stores just isn't on my priority list. Time is valuable, too!
That's exactly where I am. I've been online shopping more and more lately, because taking my two little ones to the stores with me is just so hard; I can't think when they're with me. And leaving them with my husband to head out in the evenings isn't always optimal, so it's hard to fit shopping in! I've been strongly considering StitchFix for this reason! I need new clothes pretty badly... actually maternity clothes since we have one on the way. I've heard StitchFix now has maternity options as well, so we'll see!
Oh, yes, shopping for any clothes is impossible with little kids.
Food shopping, too! My children are willing to sit in a grocery cart for approximately 5 minutes and when I let them walk the aisles our grocery trips take 3x as long. If we're organized, we place a grocery order with our store and just run in to pick it up. They still accept coupons and I think it saves me from impulse purchases, too 🙂
Try online Gap Factory and Old Navy. They have trendy maternity pieces that aren't to expensive and if you sign up and then wait for an email they have great deals. I just got 6 sweaters (non-maternity) for $98 because I got a 30% off and free shipping coupon.
Ha, that last part made me chuckle! I've thought about trying Stitch Fix but so far have been too cheap to fork over the money. I've heard mixed reviews from people so I'm really looking forward to seeing how your next box turns out.
I'm definitely interested in the concept, I just usually do not spend that much money on clothes but it may be worth it if they are good quality.
I love your non-modeling modeling shots - much more fun 🙂
I am a little wide/shapeless in the middle and I am envious of that cardigan! Could you tell us the brand name? I just got a message that my next Fix is going to be styled 🙂
I also love your blog and I'm excited that you're doing Stitch Fix because trying new things is fun and I appreciate that your philosophy of frugality makes it possible for you to prioritize quality. I also had a pair of Stitch Fix pants fall apart and they immediately refunded me the total cost, so if your new jeans are a bust, you're going to be in good shape!
Sure! On my invoice, it's listed as 41Hawthorn, and it's called the potina draped cardigan.
So good to know about the quality issue...it sounds like Stitch Fix has good customer service.
Thanks 🙂
I just git a similar sweater at Target for $25.
I am also too cheap for stitch fix, however, I loved seeing the experience and finding out what the “cheap” option really means price wise. Cheap means lots of things to different people and I understand that $50 for a dressy top is cheap for some other people. I have enjoyed Thredup and many of the other things you have reviewed here 🙂
You are hilarious. I love it!
I love the idea of Stitch Fix, I think the ideal would be for someone in real life to go with me to the store and honestly tell me what looks good and help me branch out. I think we all see our "flaws" as glaring and an outside voice of reason would be helpful.
The prices do seem high and if there is any "joy" in shopping, it is in finding something wonderful on the clearance rack. I would feel like it was just paying "full price," and that would be disappointing.
Please keep up the reviews, I may not use Stitch Fix or Dinnerly, but I still enjoy reading honest reviews about interesting products and services.
Yes! A personal shopper to go with me to a store would be great. On the rare occasions I go shopping, I tend to just gravitate toward things that are already in my comfort zone. So, a personal shopper to nudge to try new things that would flatter me would be awesome.
I'm hoping Stitch Fix will do that for me...we'll see!
Most department stores have personal shopper services that are free. You just need to call and schedule an appointment. They will work within your price points and what you tell them about your style. Then, you just try on the clothes they pick for you and buy what you like.
I love our post! The ladies in my office have been talkling about Stitch Fix for a year now. We have been trying to convince someone to try it out so we could see how it works. Definitely keep having Joshua take the pictures!
I realize not everyone is going to relate to this type of post, but I like when things get reviewed now and then, because I've found them very helpful! I don't plan to use Stitch Fix because I'm a used-clothing gal, but I'm glad to see someone try it so I could see what it was about, and get an idea of a price range. Now I know. Oh, and $78 for a pair of jeans makes me say ouch, but since I work with young women wearing $150 jeans, $78 really isn't that high, unfortunately.
I didn't immediately think, "Oh, Kristen looks like a triangle in that shirt," when I saw the sleeveless top, but you know, it does kind of look that way, now that I look at it again. And if you feel like it accentuates the negative and hides the positive, you aren't going to wear it, so no point in keeping any clothes like that.
People like my late aunt would have LOVED Stitch Fix, because she hated shopping with a passion. It was hard to drag her into any store for any reason. This would have suited her perfectly!
I've never considered Stitch Fix before, but I always, always enjoy reading Stitch Fix posts. It's just so much fun to see people try on clothes!
Love this review!
Eh, people aren't going to be happy about affiliate links. 😛
Interesting--so are you getting one box a month from Stitch Fix? It's a bit too rich for my blood, personally, but I suppose it's valuable if you want a personal stylist and more high-end clothing. Also, for $50+ you make sure you REALLY like the clothes and don't just keep them because it's easier.
That is so true. I'm guilty of sometimes buying cheap stuff from the clearance rack mainly because it's cheap. Which is sort of dumb. Stitch Fix has the opposite effect...I will definitely only keep something in this price point if I super love it.
THOSE Prices just aren't that frugal..too rich for my blood too.
agree
Those prices are not cheap, but they may well the frugal if the products last longer. There is a difference between cheap and frugal.
I agree. I've been buying cheap jeans and struggling with them not lasting, so I've been contemplating buying better quality (though more expensive) jeans. It might be a stretch financially, but better in the long run.
You're way too hard on your body image (ain't we all?) I thought you looked super cute in the purple top! I read your blog for entertainment and some knowledge. I enjoyed the pics so even though I'd never do fashion over the internet, I thought this was a great post! Personally, I LOVE Gabe's, if you have one nearby. I buy high-end jeans for pennies on the dollar.
Oh, it's not that I'm down on my body. I'm pretty content with my size and shape (though of COURSE I can pick myself apart if I try!). It's more that I felt like these tops just didn't do me any favors...like, they weren't flattering on me.
And for $50+, I better LOVE the shirt.
I feel the same way when I read other people's Stitch Fix reviews. It's just so much fun to watch a real person try out the clothes!
I did stitch fix for a while and I have to say their selection of jeans are the best. I wasn't as crazy about the tops and I definitely felt some were a bit cheap looking. I also feel like they chose some items that were out of my comfort zone and I really liked. I also felt liked they paid attention to my feedback and their customer service is really great. I have tried just online shopping for myself but still prefer stitch fix. Returns are super easy.
Yes. I'm hoping that this will at least push me out of my comfort zone.
I loved the idea of Stitch Fix so when they started carrying plus sizes I took a look. After viewing multiple videos of Stitch Fix try-ons it looked like they sent the exact same thing to everyone who was plus sized. So I have to question the personal shopper aspect. I also know that I would equate paying $20 if I sent eveything back tyo leaving a twenty on a dressing room floor. It looks like you received nice things through, so maybe they just need to work out the plus size kinks.
Oh wow, that is weird. I wonder if that's just an issue with their new plus sized program. I hope they figure out a way to make that more personal!
No, I don't think its limited to the plus sized program. I saw multiple bloggers with vastly different body types/styles receive the same items. (I did a search for stitch fix review posts after I got several lackluster Stitch Fix boxes where the stylist clearly didn't listen to my feedback). I think they get large batches of certain items and send them out, so there isn't an unlimited selection for the stylists to choose from. I have gotten some nice items that I wear often, but I stopped after about 3-4 boxes.
You got me interested, so I googled and read some September 2017 Stitch Fix reviews. I did find one blogger who got the same orange top that I did, but everything else I saw was different from my fix. Some people got dresses and shoes and jackets, for instance.
I'll keep an eye out when I get my next fix and see how much overlap there is! And I'll let you know if my stylist listens to my feedback as well. I'm not affiliated with Stitch Fix, so I'm free to say whatever I want, good or bad. 🙂
I tried StitchFix, too, and didn't buy anything from the first box. (I haven't gotten a second one yet.)
I had specifically said NO ORANGE, and TWO items in the box had orange in the pattern. The maxi skirt would have been perfect except for the UGLY purple/orange/white print, and the top was actually OK (navy background with some smallish orange flowers), but it also had Dolman sleeves (YUCK) - what's with the Dolman sleeves???
One top (soft denim) was really cute, but the size on the tag was a size larger than I usually wear, but it was too small!
There was a really cute bracelet, but it wasn't worth $28.00.
Then there were the skinny jeans. They fit like a dream, but I'm not ready to pay $98.00. I MIGHT have gone for $70.00, because I have a problem finding non-blingy jeans in my size and length.
I didn't have to pay the $20.00 styling fee for my first box - I think it was an introductory deal.
After I sent it all back with a comment that the stylist didn't listen to me, I got a nice email saying they were sorry and would assign me a different stylist. We will see what we see when we see it!!!
It looks like are buying from many more brands beginning recently, so I guess they have a bigger selection now than a couple years ago when I tried it. I think what irritated me as that I specifically pinned bloggers pictures to show what kind of styles I wanted and I got completely different stuff. I asked for a fun brjght sundress for a tropical vacation and they sent a black work-appropriate thick material sheath, for example. I specifically said no jewelry and I got one piece each time. Like they really were NOT listening. They just picked random stuff in the right size from the price category (cheap as possible) that I chose.
Frugality is not always limited to $$. If I drove to the nearest and tried all those outfits, it would take me a few hours. And those mirrors and lighting!
I have a friend who hates shopping, has to look professional for work and was trying to get out of a rut of always wearing the same thing. She loves Stitch Fix because after the first few boxes, the stylist really got a handle on her body type so they clothes fit better and the stylist chooses pieces that my friend would not ordinarily gravitate to but which look awesome on her. I have been seriously thinking of trying it now that they do plus size.
I hear that a lot...that you have to be patient through a few first bad boxes because it takes a while for your stylist to understand you and your style.
I'm going to send my stylist a link to this post so she can see all the outfits on me. I'm hoping that'll help me skip a few bad boxes!
Love seeing all the color in your tops! I’m sure you’ll find some keepers soon.
Jeans are totally worth the investment.
I love your pictures, very funny! I’ll be interested to hear if you try another fix and how the jeans hold up.
This is so fun! I'm curious about Stitch Fix and people's experience with signing up for it. And I gotta say, I am LOOOOOVING your "model poses", awesome!!! Haha Keep up the good work! I hope you'll do some future Stitch Fix posts-maybe we will be able to see a "progression" if your stylist is able to better match you with items you like even better . . .
And maybe my model poses will get better too. Ha.
LOL - your face in the photo with the peach top! Yeah, I will say that the one thing about Stitch Fix, in my experience, is that you have to go into it partly for the fun, experimentation side of things. It's not an entirely efficient process towards getting the things you definitely need - it's meant to help you try new fun things and get out of your comfort zone. I've had a few packages that have failed miserably, but you have to kind of accept it as part of the territory and not take it too seriously. JMO
I'm not a fashion/clothes person so I would never use this service but I had to comment and say I found this post hilarious! The pictures and commentary gave me a good chuckle. I do like the cardigan though. I would totally buy that.
1) I love the photos of you - they're very authentic. It helps show how the clothes really look too. I get similar results I ask Hubs to take photos of me - I think guys just have a different perspective on what you're looking for in a photo 🙂
2) I don't find your blog particularly un-frugal lately. I think you're just entering a stage where you don't have to pinch every single penny, and that's ok. Not all your readers are there. And that's ok too. I also already have a well-informed opinion of Stitch Fix, so your review is interesting to me.
3) $78 for a decent pair of jeans is not that much, IMHO. Fast fashion has completely taken over and I won't get into that whole debate, but I recently paid $68 for a pair of jeans that didn't last 3 months. So if they last, they'll be worth it. I buy "nice" jeans secondhand now to get around the fast fashion problem. If any of your readers find quality (I mean lasts-over-a-year-with-regular-care quality) jeans for under $70, I'm all ears!
I love the coral dolman top on you, but agree about the others. I'm in the UK and liked the post, even though we don't have and I wouldn't use stitch fix. You're a frugal blogger not a money saving website so I'm not expecting you to go out researching UK/Australia etc versions. That's what the comments section is for!
My partner thinks spending more than £20 on anything is too much so it's a nightmare to get him new things. Typically we found a good pair of jeans in the January sales for £10. Which is great, but means it reinforced his ideas about the cost of clothes!
I apologize if this has already been mentioned but I have 2 pairs of Liverpool jeans from Stich Fix. They are pricey, but I can promise you that they hold up beautifully! I've had both pairs over a year, and they look the same, and fit the same as they did on day one!! IMO they're worth EVERY penny!
Cheers!
Danielle
Ooh, that's encouraging to hear!
I am a slightly larger woman so I have been really pleased with Dia&Co. I just loved the items they sent me. Like Kristen I am all in for comfort. I have kept many pieces I have received. Overall the price was right on. You can not find women's sizes that are decent in many local stores. I opted to get a box every other month for a while and then stopped b/c I do not need much since I am a nurse. I was so happy I did not have to go out and try things on. I am so critical of myself and how I look. Being frugal is not all about scrimping and saving each dime. I call myself frugal on a daily basis but there are many things I love and will not think twice about buying it.
I won't be trying Stitch Fix, but I like seeing the clothes you model. I thought everything looked cute on you! Could you share the brand of the skinny jeans that you bought at Kohls that fell apart?
Sure, they're the SO brand from the juniors section. Oddly, one of the colors I bought held up all right and the other color had the elastic problem. I wonder if the one color of fabric was faulty?
Wow, you got a lot of comments on this Stitch Fix. First, your modeling is just fine, cute even.:-) Second, I am starting to worry about all the jeans stories out there. I own two pair, and they've both held up for a decade, and they are ordinary jeans (like the old style Lee jeans), not expensive jeans. I dread when they finally wear out (or when I outgrow them!), because I fear the replacement jeans will be inferior.
I do think women's jeans especially have gotten to be more cheaply made, largely because of the skinny jean phase we're in. The fabric tends to be stretchy and thin, as opposed to the heavier jeans fabric in days gone by. I think that makes them wear out faster.
Perhaps boyfriend jeans will make a comeback, and then we can all have heavy duty jeans again!
Oh, I can hardly wait for the "skinny jeans" fad to be done. Almost no one looks good. Even slender, shapely ladies look like sausage legs. It's hard to find any good jeans that fit, are comfortable, last without sagging, and cost under $100. Believe me, I have tried MANY.
If you hadn't kept something, you would have had to pay these folks $20 for sending you a random box of unflattering, out of season, over-priced clothing. That twenty bucks would be a deal-breaker for me, no matter how much I liked those jeans. Maybe you should look around a little bit--Zappos has fast, free shipping and free returns, for example. I hope you don't think I'm being too critical but I don't see how you could do any worse for yourself than Stitch-Fix did, especially if you're willing to pay retail. Maybe you could do a little research on what styles flatter your body type and shape?
I just returned to stitch fix after many months off because I was frustrated by what I was receiving...high prices and not me. Interesting about your post that I received 2 of the same shirts that you did just last week. This makes me think they are more formulaic than I thought. Enjoy your blog and this post. Loyal reader!
I am going to be a voice of dissent and say:
1) I don't love any of those tops and feel like they all appear rather overpriced. Agree the best piece was the drapey cardigan.
2) I actually think the jeans are too big on you (slightly, like maybe 1 size)
That said I agree it's still fun to try these services! I am a Trunk Club member (I do not really have a particularly frugal streak, but I still really like your blog!) and have gotten things I really like from there, but also my share of shapeless and ill-fitting items (sent back of course!!)
I really feel like buying some quality items is incredibly frugal! I have pants I bought at the Gap that I've worn at least 10 summers. Plus my Lulu's which are over a $100.00 keep lasting year after year and still look and feel great. Sometimes it really is more frugal to buy quality and to get years of wear out of something! I thought the coral top looked great on you! The color is really pretty on you and I think you should rethink keeping that one! I really enjoy your blog.
Can I be your Devious Friend in CA?
I'm FIRE, so I don't really have to be thrifty now that the goals have been met and exceeded. I also don't have children. Cant play the piano either. I still love, love, love your blog! If blogs like yours had existed way back when, my FI journey might not have felt so lonely.
As to the clothing, we are somewhat similarly built and I completely understand and agree with your analysis. But hey, jeans shopping is second on the shopping misery scale only to swimsuit shopping. I'd call it a win and keep trying. Tops are way easier than jeans.
And that multiple "issue" is ridiculous. It's not haute couture, people! I buy stuff at Costco, especially workout gear. I know they sell metric crap tons of every item, but I rarely see "my" stuff on others. When I do, I compliment them on their choice of retailers!
Keep on being you, dear Kristen.
I just want to say here, that you are my one of my two favourite bloggers (other is NonConsumer Advocate) and I stick here because of your compassionate, loving and frugal view of life. Thanks!
On that note, I was raised and we continue to practice the basic motto of: "A poor person can't afford to be cheap." and "Cheap things are expensive". So, even when have struggled, and thankfully we have not been in that position for a few years, we have made an effort to buy the best quality we can afford at the time. Things last longer that way and thus, for example, while I could buy my kids $15 shoes that will fall apart in less than one season, we have bought $35 shoes (on sale, good quality) for the kids that have lasted for our 3 kids and are still good enough to hand down to other children. The cost per use is much much lower this way and better fitting. Applies to jeans, pots, and things all around. To me, that is frugal: to use your money wisely in a way that fits your priorities, your values while good for health and the environment. And I see this in your posts, so thank you and keep it up!
Can you specify that you only want specific types of clothing? For example, I wear skirts and dresses only-no pants. Or jewelry...not a fan of bracelets or necklaces. Can I control those things with Stitch Fix?
The idea of paying more for well-made clothing I love is something that appeals to me, mostly because when I love my clothes, I want them to last. Loving an outfit but only being able to wear it a few times before it's stretched out, pilled, or stained is frustrating.
Yes! You can tell them no shoes, or no pants, or no jewelry.
I also only kept a pair of jeans from my first stitch fix box!
Thanks so much for this post. I, too, have been curious about Stitch Fix. This post was really great !
Just wanted to let you know that your current version of frugal is more *my* style. You were too penny pinching for me in prior years HOWEVER, I loved your blog then too. It's *you* that keeps me here. You are a very likable person.
Did I already mention the book Dressing Your Truth? I think it would help your stylist send you better stuff. You can get that book at the library.
On the jean issue, denim fabric is not created equal. I can't tell you when I bought my last pair of jeans and have been having difficulty finding a new pair at any price. There is one company Diamond Gusset that is made in America. Their jeans are about $70-80, they have waist and leg measurement which makes it wonderful for different size people. I have not bought from them because they did not have my size in stock in the store in Lynchburg, TN but the quality of the fabric was nice. I will not buy a pair of jeans that are made to look worn and are ripped.
I was at my friend's house when she got her box and I went " Holy crap" in my head when I heard how much everything costs. She got a pair of earrings for 28.00( costume jewelry). The pants she got were 88.00. I didn't think anything looked so amazing to be worth that much $$. I buy great clothes( on sale plus coupons) at Macy's. I don't think I've ever spent 88.00 on a pair of pants.
I like your product recommendations. Of course, l haven't used a ton but over the years the ones I have used work incredibly well. Particularly the metal straws and Tubshroom (glorious Tubshroom, you have changed my life!). Seriously, we have not had a single clog since and it catches ALL THE HAIR.
Keep being your devious self
Hi Kristen,
I am trying Stitch Fix too with similar results. I sent back everything in the 1st box. After some sizing adjustments and detailed comments, the 2nd box was perfect. Like you, I also paid more than I usually do for the jeans but they are so comfy. I am updating my wardrobe after several years of wearing the same things. I would rather have a few high quality items that fit me really well than a closet full of clothes that are just ok. I hope your second box is as fun as mine was! And the real test will be when I see how well the clothes last after repeated wear but I'm excited to find out.
Shipments definitely differ depending on the stylish. Some really pay attention to my profile. Others, not so much!
The drapey, loose thing you describe above is THE STYLE of the moment. EVERYTHING in the consignment shop I visit nearby looks just like that - and it's NOT a good look for me! Because of my bust size, it ends up making the rest of me look huge (when I'm not huge)... and big in the middle which is no bueno for a mom who has had 7 pregnancies.
I am pretty explicit about not liking baggy clothing on my profile. Some listen, some don't. I always buy the whole box though and sell the unwanted stuff at full price on the Stitch Fix Buy /Sell / Trade group on Facebook. (Easy and fast and better than eBay and the like.)
I do tell the stylist when they've messed up though! They'll sometimes float you a credit if they miss the mark. ALSO... I have sent back items after wear or wash that weren't up to par, quality wise, and they're refunded me AND given me a little credit to boot. Pretty impressed with that.
Where are people buying the expensive denim that looks and feels great?! I buy Old Navy and they're okay, but I would love jeans that I'd describe as making me look and feel great. 🙂