A fail of a Stitch Fix
(Usual disclaimer: If you hate Stitch Fix posts, I totally understand. They're polarizing! But you've been apprised of this post's content, so if you are in the "I hate Stitch Fix posts!" camp and you keep reading....well, you are proceeding at your own risk. 🙂 )
This shipment from Stitch Fix was quite un-fabulous.
Which has been my experience more times than not!
So you might ask, "Well, WHY did you get another box??"
Apparently people on Google found my old Stitch Fix post that had a $50 referral link, so now I have hundreds of dollars of Stitch Fix credit that I need to use.
I can't cash it out, after all! So I need to keep getting some Stitch Fix boxes until I find something I want to buy.
(This is, quite obviously, a first world problem. I'm not actually complaining. And besides, this will provide entertaining blog fodder.)
Item #1 : a pair of wedges
I don't dislike these shoes per se.
But I have really wide feet, so my toes barely fit in the toe strap, and the side of my foot is sticking out over the outside edge of the shoe.
I don't think that's flattering or comfortable, so these are a nope.
Item #2: a blue sleeveless shirt
A high-yoke, loose knit top always makes me think of old maternity fashions.
(I'm sure I don't have to tell you that's not a favorable impression. Ha.)
So, nope for me on this one.
Item #3: a white sleeveless shirt
I thought maybe I would like this one!
But untucked it looks shapeless and unflattering.
A half-tuck into shorts isn't a lot better. Since this top is a combo of knit and stiff woven fabric, it hangs weird.
A half-tuck into jeans is an improvement from the front.
But if you look from the side, the woven part sticks out kinda weird.
So, also a no.
Item #4: a floral maxi dress
When I saw this in the box, I thought maybe it would be good.
But when I put it on...it was not.
The back view is ok.
And from straight on in the front, it's not terrible.
But the pre-defined waistline hits me in my ribs, not at my waist (hazards of being long-waisted!). So that means the waist is hitting at a wide part of me, not a narrow part.
Since it hangs down from there, it really just makes me look a lot thicker around the middle than I actually am.
Also: when an elasticized waist hits at my ribs, it feels a little uncomfortable to breathe. Like, not impossible to expand my ribs; just harder.
And there is no point in paying for a dress that makes breathing harder!
Item #5: orange floral....shorts (!!!)
I saved the worst item for last: these orange floral shorts.
I look like I'm wearing men's swim trunks.
I really see no way that I could ever look cute in these. So. Much. No.
I sent everything back in the prepaid package with nary a second thought!
A new plan for next time
To try to make my next box better, Lisey redid my profile and made some Pinterest boards for me (because obviously I have been a fail at this!).
I have high hopes about this new strategy because Lisey often knows what jewelry or clothes I want even when I myself don't know what I want.
I'll let you know how this goes when my next box arrives. We bumped up the ship date because Lisey is very excited to see how her efforts pay off.
So, look for a followup post soon!
I liked the blue top, blue is such a pretty color on you! But I totally understand how personal associations with clothing styles affect whether one likes them or not. I know chokers have come back in style, but I don’t wear them because I wore them all the time when I was 15 and I think they look too young for me 🙂
I actually really like the dark blue top and would wear it often.
I like the blue sleeveless shirt and it looks great on you!
I agree on the rest though:-)
I agree. I thought it looked "you." But I think you know you better since we've never actually met. 🙂
Some of the stuff I saw little to no issue with- I thought you looked nice.. but I am VERY picky about vision of myself..
BUT
You were 1000% percent correct that those orange shorts are HIDEOUS! lol
I thought the blue sleeveless top looked great, but oh my you are right about those shorts! Wow they are something .
I actually liked the white shirt, but then, I never, ever tuck shirts in anyway. I wouldn't have actually bought it myself, however, just because it's white and therefore destined to be ruined immediately upon wearing in my dirtier-than-average life. It looked nice on you in the pictures, I thought, but then, pictures are not real life.
I have never done stich fix... afraid!
I thought the blue shirt looked ok on you. But if you do not feel great in it, it will just hang in the closet!
The shorts seem to fit you nice, but as for the print... yikes!
I see what you are saying about the dress, I thought it was ok, until that side view! why do they always put the waist elastic so high???? or it seems like they do!
I guess, better luck next box!
I liked the blue shirt as well, and I love your Stitch Fix posts!
I am kind of confused by Stitch Fix. I have had some amazing boxes, but it seems like the more specific requests I give (I recently asked for several options of high waisted pants), they don’t fulfill it. It’s weird because I always thought they wanted more feedback!
I think the color of the dark blue top looks very nice on you and I liked the white top until I saw the side view. Better luck next time.
Oh those "men's swim trunks"! Lol. My first box is coming Wednesday but yours scares me!
Where do you find stuff to pin to pinterest? Is it whole outfits or pieces?
All i did was the profile...the facebook group has got some really cute things this week, so fingers crossed
You can search for fashion on Pinterest...the idea is more that you pin looks that you like vs. individual pieces. That way the stylist can get an idea of the styles you like.
Thanks! I am gonna try that...i did get my pinterest board linked today!
Haha I enjoy the Stitch Fix posts!
I have the opposite problem--I'm drawn to maternity fashion without being pregnant! It's my deep, abiding love of being comfortable. Back when Target was in Canada, I'd always be strolling around and go, "Hey, those clothes over there look really nice!" ...."Oh. Maternity." Stretchy waistbands? Loose fits? Drapey cardigans? SIGN ME UP!
Haha, well, you will be ALL SET if you are ever actually in the market for maternity clothes.
Me too! I love plus size styles too but the smallest size is too big, I wish they came in a UK 14/Aus 12. It's so sad, retailers here are always complaining about poor in-store sales but no-one sells what women really want to buy - the average Australian woman is a size 14 but very few stores sell clothes that fit or flatter that size. I shop online because most shops here only sell clothes in the latest two fashion colours with the perennial white & black options & I look terrible in harsh white & black.
Do you stick with the same stylist or go with whoever? I had good luck with one person and over time she was able to pick pieces that complemented things Ive kept in prior fixes. I mostly used stitchfix for my work wardrobe though so that might have been easier. I also always leave detailed comments about what I liked and didnt like and that also helped with my fixes.
They've kind of shuffled me around...there was one I liked, but then I think she went on maternity leave or something.
Maybe that was her blue shirt?
Hahahaha. Almost snorted coffee out my nose!
Good one. Thanks for the laugh.
I just wore a tank very similar to the navy blue one yesterday...it’s maternity and it fits great over my 34-week bump. 😀
Ahahaha, see? That's what I'm saying.
If you haven't yet, you could also make a Pinterest board and pin all of your stitch fix review posts. I don't know how much time the stylists get to actually go through your information, but I'd think they'd be thrilled to have a detailed explanation of why you've disliked everything you've sent back.
All those items looked vintage but not in a good way. I'm unimpressed with Stitch Fix based solely on these posts but love them anyway. SO entertaining!
This is exactly how I feel when I read other people's Stitch Fix posts. There's just something so fun about seeing everyday people try on clothes. It's like living vicariously or something!
Oh, but where did you get that the black tank in the last photo?? I have such a hard time finding good tanks - most are too tight or the straps are too long (making it hang baggy and weird), or the fabric is SO THIN. I like yours!
That one is from Old Navy; I got it last year, I think. It's sort of a muscle-T cut vs a tank top, and I really like the fabric.
It's better than everything in my Stitch Fix, and I think I just paid a few dollars for it on clearance!
I think the shorts were very flattering on you!!
Can you use your credits outside of boxes? I complete my looks of shop my looks outside of styled boxes. That way I can look at them and decide or I can rebuy something that worked in a different color.
As an adult male who more or less has worn a uniform for the last decade or more all of this seems like so much work to me. My wife absolutely hates clothes shopping because, she said, it's like 99% disappointment all the time.
I'm with the Battras. This Stitch Fix thing is so. much. WORK! Just ick. It's not bad enough that you must try everything on & ship it back, then just to wait to start the process all over again. Clothes shopping is already time-consuming & frustrating but @ least one can hang up all the rejects never to be seen again @ a store. IMHO, the entire Stitch Fix process amplifies all the horror inherent in shopping for clothes.
The only +s are your reactions & the entertainment value for your blog.
This year what little clothes we've bought have been online from traditional retailers. Here you can't try on clothes any more in store so it's either buy it online or in store, try it on and then return it.
It's one reason I've done the uniform thing. I find something that works and buy multiples of it.
Interesting about not being able to try clothes on @ a store. I have not a clue what is being done where I live as I avoid clothes shopping as much as possible. I last bought new retail clothing 20 years ago to supplement my borrowed & hand-me-down maternity wardrobe. If I must buy something, it is always @ a thrift shop. Now you've piqued my curiosity & I am going to check out local thrift stores to ascertain their current policies.
Battra92, I'm 100% with you about buying multiples. Less work, better outcome.
Your wife is spot on about clothes shopping!
I liked the look of the navy shirt. I could not tell from the pictures that is was big around. I disliked the sandals and I have the same problem with my feet. The dress was not flattering nor was the white shirt. The shorts did not look bad but I don't see them being your style, they would not be mine either.
Thank you for a diversion into a First World issue for a change. I love almost all your posts and today's was one that harkens back to earlier times.
I am in a distinct minority but I love the orange shorts. They say summer fun. They say lively and vibrant. The fit was excellent. Pair them with a peach, white or black tee. And my daughter likes the orange shorts even more than I do. A white top similar to the one made out of the strange fabric would go well with the orange shorts.
Me too! I have a pair of orange/white shorts and I adore them! I usually wear navys and teals, and those shorts are my one item of excitement in my wardrobe.
I wouldn't have kept any of these items BUT these posts are my favorite. I can't help it. I know I'm here for the frugal stuff, but I love any and all of your clothing posts! Maybe you could let your daughter pick you out another box of stuff? That was really fun!! 🙂
Your Stitch Fix posts are my favorite as well! I liked the blue top and the orange shorts.
I ended up ending my Stitch Fix subscription because while they were nailing it for a few months, they changed my stylist to someone who apparently believed all plus-size women should be shrouded in black and navy, and when someone asks for "big, dangly earrings" they really mean "please send me studs". And my profile has always said "no shoes (I'm a size 12, shoes never fit well), no bags/purses (I own 1 purse, and that's already 1 purse too many)", and they kept sending me shoes AND a bag/purse, meaning out of 5 possible items, 2 were already a "no".
I like the white top and the orange shorts!
Sigh, I can remember when I could tuck in tops.......decades ago.
Currently living on 1200 calories per day and can NOT get that scale to move.
Hazards of being in your eighth decade. (70s)
Oh I relate. I'm eating less food than I ever have in my life, exercising more consistently than before, and I just had to go UP a size. And I'm only in my sixth. Sigh.
I love SF posts!! I've been super lenient with them these past few months - several warehouses have shut down, there were layoffs, the inventory has been depleted. I'm in a few SF facebook groups and it seems like everyone's asking for athleisure/comfy/joggers/etc right now - which I totally get!
The stylist I previously had is now gone and I was so upset, she was fantastic and picked out the best pieces. The stylist I received after her? I ended up with my first fix where I kept all 5 items. She takes the time to go through my Pinterest board and chooses pieces based on my feedback. You can tell she puts thought into picking out items for my box.
I wouldn’t even have tried on the maxi dress. I LOTH maxi dresses. And you are right about the orange shorts. LOL. I do, however like the blue and white shirts.
Some of the items looked okay on you, but in general I agree with your assessment. I did like the first blue top actually. I'm also in the group who really like your stitch fix reviews.
I tried stitch fix a few times. I found that it does not work well for me due to my height. Despite being very clear about my height (6'0), and inseam requirements (35-36"), I never received anything that fit quite right. Skirts, pants, sleeves were all too short and waistbands always hit the in the wrong place. However, I will say the quality was pretty decent for the items I received.
I thought the blue shirt was cute and didn’t look maternity to me. I agree about elastic waists—they’re not usually flattering and I’m long waisted and have big boobs so elastics waists are always a hard no for me. I bought a loose flowy sundress from J.Crew recently that I love and get lots of compliments on.
Yes, I can totally imagine that if you are busty and long-waisted, the elastic waists would be even more problematic! A loose style probably looks awesome on you.
I would have kept the blue top (love!) and white top. I also would have kept the shorts if the inseam was around 5". I think I should have gotten your box.
I find these posts fun, and I love the commentary. I can't wait for the next shipment !!
I would never do stitch fix but I really like your reviews. Every time I think about that weird turtle sweater I still laugh. I liked the blue top myself. Your description of the orange shirts was spot on...yuck!
Ha! I loved the shorts!
I know! That sweater was really...a thing.
Oh thankyou I'm laughing now
I actually love it all except the maxi dress-especially the blue tank top!
I love the look of the blue top, but agree with the rest. And you're welcome to keep doing them, I love them! And its your blog, no need to apologize! 🙂
I also really liked the navy blue top!
I love the orange shorts and the blue top, though not together! Do I wear sleeveless tops? No! Do I wear shorts? No! But I think both looked great on you; however, we have to go with our Own taste and comfort zone. I love these clothing posts!
none of them suited you. Best to send them back.
I really liked the blue shirt on you. I don't see maternity at all. I partially disagree about the orange shorts. I can see that they are a bit "loud" for your style, but the fit looks great. I don't mean to be creepy, but you have fabulous legs and the length / cut is great for showing them off. ☺️
I love both the blue top and the adorable orange shorts. The rest I agree should be sent back. I would totally rock those shorts and I am no teeny bopper.
Aww, thank you. That is not at all creepy coming from you. If a random dude said that to me, it would be totally different!
Make sure in the stitch fix comment to stylist you tell then you updated both places. I've done that and they didn't notice until after the shipment. However, I usually have good luck with them.
Ooh, good point. I just left a note.
I really liked the dark blue top. But I'm older than you, so loose-fitting tops please me now that my post-menopause shape is...well...let's just say "different". Everything else, though, I totally agreed with you on. But I showed the floral shorts to my daughter (24 yo), mostly to ask "who would wear these?" and she pronounced them "quite cute". So I guess it's really true that "there's no accounting for taste."
You're brave to even try Stitch Fix. I still get nervous when I order stuff online even when I've picked it out. I miss dressing rooms.
Totally agree with your last paragraph!
If only I could send the shorts to your daughter. Then they could do some good in the world! 🙂
Agreed about the dressing rooms. I need new shoes. I ordered online but poor Zappo's is probably going to have numerous returns from me even though I ordered a brand that works for me.
PS: Few men would wear swim trunks that are that snug.
Hey William, have you been to Europe lately? Seriously have to avert your eyes from men on the beaches there. What is with those guys?
I have. What I saw were very small swim suits rather than tight but long swim trunks. When in Rome, literally.
No wait. When I Rome I didn't worry what the Romans did. I chose not to wear Roman-style swimgear myself.
I liked the navy blue top on you. The orange shorts fit pretty well, but orange floral shorts? Uh, no.
I remember when I gave Stitch Fix a try, I'd said in my profile, "NO ORANGE." So my first box included THREE items that had orange featuring prominently in the items' patterns.
Yes. Sometimes it seems like the stylist doesn't read the profile very carefully. Some stylists are a lot better about that than others.
At least around here, Stitch Fix seems to be the employer of choice for people who can’t get any other jobs- people just out of jail or rehab, which is the demographic of my clients, parents of babies/kids whose day care centers are closed, seniors/retired/unemployed. That’s probably not true everywhere, but it’s a good option for some people. However, as we see from your posts, it is NOT the right fit for everyone, job-wise!
Aww, I think that's great!
hmm that sounds like another comment - you don't think your stylist is a computer that registers words?
I thought the blue shirt was pretty and since I never tuck, I would have kept it. Of course the price would have dictated the decision, credit or no credit. Would you consider adding the prices?
You know what's funny? This time I didn't even look at the prices (I wasn't considering keeping anything!), and I don't have the price card anymore. I tried to go back into my account, but I'm not seeing where I can get that info now.
I know the prices were on the page where I scrolled through checkout, but I didn't pay any attention and I could not tell you any of the prices now! I'll be more organized next time.
You're right. Ship 'em back. At best, the tops are a "meh". They look like the kind of thing that was popular about 10 years ago. I'm surprised they included shoes--that seems crazy difficult to get right on anybody, especially that style. I can see where you feel stuck with using Stitch Fix. I don't mind the posts--I'm just baffled that using Stitch Fix seems easier. To me it seems like so.much.hard.work. and I like to lighten my workload whenever possible.
Love the shorts!! (And I am firmly in my 40s.) I wouldn't pair them with black but with a white top or blue, they would be totally fun.
totally!
The orange shorts were adorable...also thank you so much for explaining why I hate certain dresses fit on me. I’m long waisted too and it never occurred to me that the “waist” was in the wrong spot.
It is SUCH a persistent problem for me. Every jumpsuit I've ever tried on has the same issue as well, in addition to giving me a wedgie.
I do a lot better in a true empire waist or something that doesn't have a super specific waist, like a tshirt dress or a knit bodycon dress.
I agree about the long waist!! So helpful. I am 5’11 and just overall a long person. I feel like a lot of midi/fit and flare dresses hit me at my rib cage and I’ve been trying to figure out why I don’t like them!
I might have kept the blue tank. I might have kept the white one, too. I wonder if it would look good under an open cardigan. I think the white shirt is something I would have wanted to like, but know that my kids would stain it in about 2 minutes flat.
I love that you kept the orange shorts for last. Those were... special.
I'm glad you have all of that referral credit to keep the boxes coming! The entertainment value is excellent.
At this rate, I am going to have many posts of blog fodder before I spend my credit. Ha. Which will be a little annoying for me, but very good for all of you!
I agree with sending them back. While I thought the tops were kind of cute, they weren't cute enough to keep, to me either. The shorts appeared to fit well - could you ask for those in a different color? - but I can see the color/print isn't your style at all. I myself look terrible in orange, so the color alone would have made me send them back. The dress just wasn't going to work, nor were the shoes. I can't imagine ordering shoes and having them fit. I have hard to fit feet.
I'm only 5'2" and the waistlines on dresses like that are too high for me. I have an average torso for my height and my waistline is not long. If anything, it might be a tiny bit short. Who are they making these waistlines for?
I love these posts, so you aren't bothering me by posting them. Of course, you have a way to go to top that one sweater you received that time...
The flying squirrel sweater is legendary around here!
I have terribly hard to fit feet as well; wide toe box, super high instep, thick ankle. So many ways to go wrong.
I love the blue floral top!!! I just had baby #4 and I need some flowy tops and they are IMPOSSIBLE to find anywhere. What is the brand of that one? I love the embroidery.
I wish I could tell you; I sent it back, and I can't find anywhere in my account where I can find information about my rejects.
If someone knows where to find that, lmk, and I'll look it up for you.
Did you kept the little cards/styling guide that came with your shipment? If so, it will have the information.
I also liked the blue shirt on you.
Sadly, no. It already went out with the recycling.
I loved the blue top, and the white top was also cute!! But you have to feel comfortable in your own clothes.
I might of kept the white and put a few stitches in the waist, to give it some shape.
Oh my!! That’s one butt ugly collection! Sorry! have to laugh/.. who did your shopping???????? So NOT YOU!! Good luck with your daughter’s new profile for you!! I like these posts! Would never try to buy clothes through a service,though...
You would hate my style then! Ahaha! I really like those pieces
I agree with you on most of those, but I thought that blue top was very cute!
I really like that blue shirt, particularly the detailing. I thought I would be alone, but looking through the comments, it looks like a lot of people liked it! I also like the orange shorts but nor for myself :).
I think the navy tank top looked so cute, but I am partial to anything blue+white 🙂 I agree about passing on everything else though! Hopefully your next box will be better.
I love your SF posts! I thought the navy tank top was really cute on you, but everything else was a miss. And I totally get the long- torso issue. I have such a hard time finding tops and dresses. I have good luck with Old Navy tall sizes— reasonable prices, and they usually get the waist in the right spot on me, although not everything comes in tall, unfortunately, and you also have to order tall sizes online. At least returns to the store are easy!
I thought the blue and white sleeveless tops looked good on you -- but if you don't like them that's what matters. I enjoy these posts and seeing your perspective on the clothes.
I love your Stitch Fix posts! Can't wait to see if your daughter's choices help the selections. If you didn't like them, they had to go, especially when in the case of shoes they don't fit, not comfortable or safe.
I am long waisted too, it can make it interesting to get a good fit for sure.
I think the blue sleeveless top looked awesome on you!
I think the blue and white shirts both looked nice on you! But I totally get it about clothes, if the fabric lays wonky or pooches out or whatever, it's definitely a no-go for me, too. I love your Stitch Fix posts, looking forward to the next one!
I love your SF posts. I totally understand what a pain elastic waisted dresses are for we long-waisted people! And I also don't like tops that are half knit and half woven fabric. UGH! I look forward to Lisey's "choices."
I'm so glad you do these. I'm a frugal clothing shopper, but I find stitch fix posts as fun as HGTV shows where they renovate and professionally decorate homes. I don't plan on doing it ever, but it's such fun mind candy. I love your other posts, but I also really enjoy these random stitch fix posts!!
Me too
Based on the photos I thought that orange shorts looked really good on you! I really liked that print as well.
The first box I got from Stitch Fix was just about perfect, but things went weirdly downhill after that. I was later sent items, styles and colors I had specifically asked not to receive and I finally sent an scathing break-up email to them in frustration. It was as if the stylists skimmed the profile and remembered only the negatives.
From the first box, though, I did get an idea of some new things that look good on me and I branched out in my thrift shopping, so it worked out in the end.
Usually I agree with you about what looks good and what does not, but today I really like all the clothes!! No so much the shoes.
I LOVED those shorts! They are totally my style and not for everyone, but they are so cute!
I recently received the white sleeveless top in burgundy. I really like it but am afraid that the two materials won't look so good after I wash it.
Oh, interesting! I hope it stays nice-looking post wash.
I loved the navy-blue shirt that you thought looked like a maternity one 🙂 To each her own!
I agree!
Me too!
I concur with all your decisions but yay for a stitch fix post - these are fun. I find trying on unflattering things helps me learn what I really like, what suits me & why. When I got to the shorts I let out an involuntary "nooo" - and go Lisey, can't wait to see the results
I think the white shirt looked good.
Just found this post after searching for "stitch fix sending old styles". I'm new to Stitch Fix, and my first box was decent, but waaay too expensive. So it returned it. All of it. I've got another Fix coming today and I snuck a look at it online. What I've found is that the clothes sent (when I googled them) seem to have been Stitch Fix staples for 3 years. What's up with that? I decided to try Stitch Fix to get new styles, not dated ones. Have you found this to be the case as well?
Boy, I'm not sure! I haven't googled to see if my items are new or are staples.
Got a few stitch boxes. The first was ok, second was better, 3rd- some ok, some not, and it’s just been downhill from there. Their idea of casual is either business casual or activewear. There is no in between..and even posting things I like on my profile didn’t clue them in. This last fix was a hard no on everything and to appease me, they tried to fix it and it didn’t get better. My profile specifically says “no critter prints” and they sent the most awful scratchy leopard cardigan and from my last feedback I was totally disgusted with a particular color green...which they sent again. I’m over it. I give up.
Oh my gosh, those shorts were adorable on you. With a white t or tank, you would have looked so summery.
Wow, some unflattering items for sure. Surprisingly, I'm seeing this in July of 2021 and SF is still sending out many of these same items now. They ask for feedback, notes, requests, etc., and then largely ignore them and send whatever old inventory they have on hand. The stylists always write, "While I couldn't find what you were looking for..." I will say after a year of style pass (with a stylist who really tried) I have bought some of my very favorite items from SF along with a few I regret purchasing, but am not that interested in getting fixes sent now due to the prices going up (maybe from the huge % of stuff sent back) and the prevalence of baggy gaudy dated polyester blouses. I hope they sent you some good stuff and you had fun picking out items to use your credit.