Stitch Fix, February 2018
I haven't done one of these since November!
(I decided once a month was too much, so I spaced out my Stitch Fix deliveries a bit.)
In case you're just joining us, I'm giving Stitch Fix a test run for a year or so, using their "the cheaper, the better" option as a price point.
I was curious what would happen with that set as a parameter, and I'm sharing my experience with you (the good, the bad, and the ugly).
Let's be honest...the bad is the most fun part!
I didn't keep anything at all from the last Stitch Fix (you can read about it here), so this time I requested a new stylist.
And here's how that panned out.
(Just FYI, you pay a $20 styling fee to have a box sent to you, and then the $20 fee is credited toward anything you keep. Also, you get a discount if you keep everything in the box. I've never done that yet, though.)
First up, we have a cold-shoulder knit top ($38). I've never owned a cold-shoulder top, but I like that this one has small cut-outs. It fits me great, hangs nicely, and is loose enough/long enough to look good with skinny pants.
I can see dressing this up and it also works for casual wear.
So, thumbs up here.
Next up, a bell-sleeve light pink top, which looked very cute on the style card.
But not so much on me!
Perhaps this would be flattering on someone with a very curvy build, but I don't think it does me any favors.
I feel like the shirt pulls weirdly on the snap closure. And the waist is sort of a weird not-fitted-but-not-exactly-loose-either style.
Plus, there is literally nothing keeping the shirt shut aside from the snap, which is a little disconcerting.
And bell sleeves...not a bit fan of those, mainly because they're such a pain when you want to wash your hands!
I also got a tote bag ($58). I love the color and the style, but whoa. It's awfully big!
I just can't see carrying something like this around on a regular basis. I don't need that much stuff with me!
Next up: a funnel neck top that I like much better than the pink one. It's soft, it's nice and long in the back, and it's a stripe (I have mostly solid color long-sleeve tops).
I feel much better about it than this photo conveys. 😉
Plus, it's warm and cozy, which is very important for winter fashion (a lot of winter fashion will not keep you at all warm!).
And the fifth item was the pair of jeans I'm wearing in all the photos.
The stylist sent me a long size, which meant that uncuffed, these were way too long for me. I'm kinda tall, but my height is 100% not in my legs (all torso!), so I never need a long length in jeans.
They do look cute cuffed, but I felt like the fit was just a tad bit too tight to be comfortable.
While I'm willing to pay a fair amount for jeans that are super fabulous (I've bought two pairs from Stitch Fix thus far), I get pretty picky at the $88 price point. I need to be bowled over to buy jeans for that much! 🙂
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I think the cold shoulder and the striped funnel neck look good on you! I love big bags but that one doesn't scream keeper at me.. The Bell sleeved shirt.. yeah.. the sleeves are TOO much and I have to agree that style blouse is better fitted for a curvier gal! Jeans... I looked at your photos closer once you spoke about the jeans... I can see what you are saying... in some photos they are baggier at the knee.. but look like they are being pulled at your upper thigh crotch... and if you can only wear them rolled due to length.. send them back!
Hi Kristen! Love the stripey shirt. Looks comfy. Also the jeans look great on you but I get that they're expensive. Personally I buy all mine at the Salvation Army. The bag is huge! I could pack for a week in that thing. Blue shirt is a cute style but looks like that weird synthetic slippery fabric. The pink one is bad. I love your Stitch Fix posts. They're so much fun to read!
I love the cold shoulder top on you!!! I also love the bag, and have two almost exactly like that because they're such a great style - in butternut and navy - mine are soft so slouchy when not full but can take everything. I carry a water bottle, apple, and other stuff all the time 🙂
Kristen--I like the blue striped top, the jeans, and the bag ( for travel and lib. books, shopping.) I don't get why people want holes at the shoulder! The first top looks like a piece of pastry. I love your hair and your sneakers. What are you keeping?
Keep the cold shoulder top and the striped, rolled neck type layering piece. The rest needs to be returned. The worst of this lot is the pink (bad color on you) top that is really ill fitting. I am more endowed and would be nervous wearing it with just a snap closure!
I agree. I'm not a fan of the cold shoulder style personally, but it sounds like you like the top and fit, so you should keep it.
I love these posts! They are fun. Thank you because I would never do this myself, but I love living vicariously.
Like the cold shoulder one on you! striped is ok, not my favorite neck line. Jeans are ok. Bag would go back. (its a clothes thing, a bag you could get anyplace.) as for the bell sleeved one, not my style. But I think the biggest issue is that it is not a color that works well with your skin tone. Just washes you out.
Wonder what you will keep. I am guess just those two pieces.
(you didn't say how much each piece was)
Nice styling and modelling! I'd keep the first top for sure. I don't know how much it is, but I'd totally keep it if it's $15 or so. It's body flattering!
I don't really like the other tops or the jeans either. The pink top could be for a pregnant woman like me hehe.
cold shoulder top looks cute on you, and the striped one. not a fan of any of the other things!!
I wouldn't keep any. The cold shoulder top is bunching up oddly in the armpit area and it will be out of style soon. You deserve better styling and colors.
I love the cold shoulder top. It just shows a small slit of shoulder which is much different from the big, round hole, cold shoulders I have been seeing. It's nice and classy. I love the look of the pink shirt but since it is ill fitting, gets in the way, and you will have to find a thin shirt to wear underneath for decency...you will never wear it. I also love the jeans but since they are tight and you have to roll them up every time, send them back. I do like the bag but I have a few large bags for day trips and such, however, this one seems sorta bland. I feel if you are carrying a huge bag then it needs to make a statement. I like these posts, they are fun!
I love the striped top. It looks perfect for cold/cool weather, and rainy days too!
The pink top and huge bag is a good outfit to hide a pregnancy lol everything else looks good
I’m thinking to give stitch fix a try since having 3 little ones I haven’t gone shopping for myself in 2 years .
Keep the striped funnel-neck. It looks really good on you. That's all.
Personally the striped top would be the only one I’d keep... question, do you have to pay another $20 fee to switch stylists? If not, is there a limit to how many times you switch?
There's no fee to switch stylists. Interestingly enough, I read an article a couple of months ago discussing how Stitch Fix determines the items they send. The stylists (sometimes a machine) work with AI and Data scientists to select clothing items. Certainly changing stylists might change selection, but the amount that it changes will be tempered by the use of the algorithms they use. It's rather fascinating. I think the article was at Computer world.
I emailed Stitch Fix and complained that the stylist wasn't following my requests and they credited me the $20.
I love the cold shoulder top and the funnel-neck top. I agree with you on everything else. I thought the jeans looked a little too tight. I love these posts.
Not a fan of any of this stuff but totally enjoy your modeling! Thanks for including that hilarious weird sweater in the first pic. 🙂
I'm so far behind on fashion, I didn't know those were called cold-shoulder tops (I can see why, though). However, I agree with another commenter that they are trendy, which means they will probably go out of style soon. Other than the shoulder slits, I actually liked the top. I like the striped top, too. The bag would be too big for me too. I agree, if I pay that much for jeans, I don't want to have to hem or roll them, plus the way they bunch up along the legs is just not flattering in my opinion.
The pink shirt did nothing for you at all. Wrong color, wrong style, and that tiny snap would make me nervous, too. I can't stand long draggy sleeves, so that shirt is a no to me, from any angle.
I've never owned a cold shoulder top either. I think that one looks nice on you, and the striped one too. Those are the only two items I would keep.
Honestly, I wouldn't keep any of it--your usual style is much cuter than what Stitch Fix sends you.
These look adorable! I love that cutout shoulder shirt!
I just (and I mean literally JUST) ordered for the first time from ThredUp. I'm sorely lacking in cute tops; I like to get shirts that can be worn either at work or at home, which is a tough thing to do. I just got 14 shirts for $100, so hopefully most of them work out.
Thanks for the Stitch Fix review! I'm tempted to do the styling boxes but haven't made the jump quite yet. I have a curvy figure so it's almost always better for me to try on clothes in store. Hopefully I'll have a good ThredUp experience that'll expand my horizons. 😉
I'm not exactly sure what the stylist does for you. Aren't you picking out these tops and bottoms on your own? Why not just shop online? I have no trouble filling a cart through both Macy's or Penney's. And both stores have fabulous sales with lots of coupons. Did you mention the cold-shoulder top cost $38? That seems a lot. If you catch the sales, you can probably do much better than that at your favorite department stores while shopping online without a "stylist".
I agree with Anne. Seems like most of what you are sent are "no" items rather than "wow, this looks great!" items. The only top I really like is the striped funnel neck. I think in a year the cold shoulder top will look outdated and it's more than I would pay for a fun trend. I do like the rolled up jeans, but if they aren't comfortable, then they aren't a win. They look cute, though.
No, the stylist actually picks the clothes for me! That's kinda the appeal...someone helps you try stuff that they think would look good on you.
I agree with all of your thoughts, Kristen. Those items that you liked looked very nice and ones that you weren't crazy about were not as nice looking. I did like the jeans, however. And depending on how long you wear them and how many times a week they're worn, they may end up costing very little per year. The money spent on nice jeans are always paid up front and the cost per wear is always the last to figure out.
Blah I hate cold shoulder. It's not you it's me 🙂 The stripes are cute! I agree the jeans are nice but not $88 nice. I know you switched stylists but I'm not sure this is convincing me that StitchFix is a good bargain. But I'm in the market for work clothes so that's a whole different beast!
I’ve had surprisingly good luck with Stitch Fix and workwear. You just have to be very specific in your comments section before ordering about your likes/dislikes and what kind of things you’d like them to send. I’ve learned that I don’t care for their sweaters at all, but seem to do well with pants and tops.
I tried stitch fix several time without much luck. I recently just tried trunk club and I will never go back. You can actually chat with a stylist on trunk club and preview your trunk. And the styling fee is waived if you have a Nordstrom card—which I signed up for—so there is zero pressure for you to buy something you are not completely happy with! Also UPS will come pick up the return— just all around easier and better customer service experience in my opinion!
I think the funnel neck top is flattering on you, it’s the only thing I would keep. The cold shoulder top looks like it will wrinkle easily and just doesn’t strike me as your style. As others have said, those are trendy right now and you could find one cheaper pretty easily. Let us know what you decide.
I LOVE the striped top. I want it! It love that slightly athletic, casual, cozy vibe. Looks great!
You should keep the jeans. Having them a little on the tight side keeps you from getting "baggy bum". I thought while I was scrolling down "I love those jeans" and then voilà , they were part of your Stitch Fix!
I also thought you looked very comfortable in the cold shoulder top therefore, pulled it off nicely.
The whole time I was reading I kept thinking how good those jeans looked! I would have definitely kept those, but I am 5'0 so finding a good pair a jeans is SUPER difficult for me. I agree with the pink top, not a fan of bell sleeves. I probably would have kept the tote though. I have lots of small kids and don't carry a diaper bag, so a big purse is a must. I try stitch fix too, and it is very hit or miss for me. The first time I kept everything, the second time I kept nothing. Hopefully the third shipment is awesome or I might have to stop.
Yeah, I feel like it's taking them an awful lot of fixes to figure out what works for me. I expected some bad ones at first, but I'm a little surprised I haven't had a fix yet where I wanted to keep everything.
Maybe I'm picky??
I wonder if you switched your "cheaper the better option" then you would get a few more "wow" pieces. You are already getting the expensive jeans that everyone else gets. The tops you're getting just seem like more expensive versions of Target. Maybe by increasing the price point you'll get tops and jackets more unique? I guess that defeats the purpose of your experiment though.
That's an idea! I could try it for one fix and see what happens.
I just received my second Stitch Fix box. I'm 64, and a slender size 6. Was worried about receiving clothing too young for me. Asked for classic, each piece between $50 and $100. No shoes, bags, etc. I kept 4 of the 5 pieces in the first box and all 5 in the second box. Costs about $250 per box with the discount. I'm really loving the clothing . . . and loving not having to shop. I've gotten dresses for work, cropped jeans and pants for casual, and really, really cute tops. Right now I'm doing once a month, but will likely slow that down in a couple of months. I hope you will try increasing the cost for a month or so and see if you like the product better!
I think the cold shoulder top looks great one you and the neutral dark color should keep it looking fairly classic even if cold shoulders become less popular. I think it gives interest to what would otherwise be a plain top. The bag is nice but my problem with large tote bags is everything gets thrown in and lost inside and you're left digging around like a madwoman whenever you need a chapstick or something. I love the Stitch Fix series!
Wooooo I want this subscription so bad! But I know it's more bang for your buck at a thrift store...but omg the second picture (cold shoulder) is stunning on you! Love that color with your hair color. It's so regal. They did a decent job with some of the others too!
Thank you!
Hahaha, I've been waiting for this! Isn't it awesome that you can try this out and feel virtuous about it cause you are entertaining us? I was thinking the cold shoulder top might be cute under a little jacket as well for a dressy look. I think you should go for it! I'm very much feeling like I need to be careful not to dress too young anymore and I'm regretting some of the fun styles I didn't try so you can wear it for me!
You are correct with the shirts. And I didn't like the pink one because I didn't think the color was you and then the style wasn't quite a match either.
As for the jeans, I was wondering about them because you always look nice in jeans. I didn't think that these jeans looked as good as the others you have do. And then at $88. I would return them too. I cannot imagine paying $88. for a pair of jeans!!!! (I think the most I've ever paid was $35.!)
I agree about the pink top. UGH - those sleeves! The other tops are cute on you. I like the bag! Big bags are my thing, but I don't need another!
But I just gotta say, if I was modelling clothing in my back yard right now, I would be standing in at least 3 feet of snow! That's life in northern British Columbia, this year anyway!
I bet! I don't know how you guys make it through such long winters. I get pretty antsy for spring by the time our winters end!
The striped top is best on you. The cold shoulder top looks good on you, but it also makes you look way young - almost too young. Everything else should go back.
Since you asked!
Keep nothing. You are so beautiful but none of these flatter you, and the prices are terrible.
I think by going to any decent department store (during a sale or using coupons) with helpful sales-ladies and the ability to try stuff on, you could get a great basics wardrobe or pieces to fill in with what you have FOR MUCH LESS MONEY, time, and aggravation. Then you could have fun at thrift stores or smaller shops buying some things to make your look unique.
These services seem like the worst idea ever.
I love the first top, and I usually don’t like cold shoulder.
Stripes are OK, but for me: NO horizontal stripes 😉
I hear you about the bag and jeans. The bag is great for airport travel or maybe big city life.
Definitely keep the cold-shoulder and the funnel-neck tops! I also thought the jeans looked really cute on you with the cuff. I don't know if it's fashionable to have a cuff on jeans, so maybe you'll start a trend/fad?
Oh, it is definitely trendy to cuff jeans, at least according to my teenagers. And teenagers are generally trustworthy sources for this type of information.
You look good in all of them, I agree with your verdict. And trust me, curvy women are not comfortable in shirts only held with a snap!
The striped top was cute! (And probably the only piece ow would go for. The jeans looked nice, but for $88 they've got to be perfect.)
Personally I don't like cold shoulder tops, however it VERY flattering on you.
Now about that pink top. I'm sure it's a lovely shape and colour... on someone else. It did gave me a good laugh. Although since it only fastens on the top there it might be a good short for stashing snacks into the movie theatre.
Haha! A good use for all that extra fabric.
I got the same exact blush top in my Stitch Fix last month! I ended up keeping it even though I wasn't 100% on it to get the 25% discount (I loved everything else in my box). Like you, I don't love the bell sleeves, but when I tucked the bells into the arms so it just looked fitted, I really liked the look! I may end up cutting off the bells or sewing them into the arms.
I am also considerably curvier than you (34ddd) and I loved how it fit on me, so I think you were right on that front 😉
I hope you keep the cold shoulder and striped funnel tops. Both look fantastic on you!
Haha, yes, that is definitely curvier than me! I often feel like really loose, flowy tops look better on people who have more curves. I just kind of get lost in them!
The cold shoulder top is cute...plus sometimes it's just fun to have something trendy to play around with. The striped top is great too. I agree with many others that they both look good on you.
I don't understand, though, why a stylist is sending you even one thing that isn't in your color wheel.
I was literally just thinking about your stitch fix posts the other day and wondering when we'd see one again!
I like the striped shirt best. The cold shoulder top is cute, but it's probably going to be out of style soon. I feel like it's been around a year already. The pink - that just blends with your skintone too much. I don't think that's the right color for you.
Yeah, I feel like colors that match a person's skin tone too closely usually don't look that great.
I do love these posts and all the discussion in the comments!! I agree with your observations. Jeans look awesome on you, yes especially cuffed. But of course, comfort is important, so I am with you. And you look so terrific, frankly, and youthful! Now the ugly, as you say. ALL this wardrobe is overpriced mediocrity. Go to TJ Maxx and find this or nicer for 1/3 of the price. There is nothing in the Stitch Fix "fashions" you shared so far is particularly fashionable or stylish. All of it is a run of the mill, Walmart -style (and probably grade) stuff -- it is okay for everyday wearing, not horrible - but definitely not worth the price tag when you have so many options around to buy exactly the same for a lot less. Oh, I totally understand the joy of getting these packages like with any subscription (been there myself!). You have a right to overpay for your indulgences, yes, absolutely: your money, your choices! But staying honest with yourself is critical. So, back to your question: would I keep any of these? Not at this price.
I gotta agree. I couldn't find the price of the striped top, but no way would I pay $38 for the other even though it is ok. For $38 I could get a cashmere sweater at TJ Maxx.
I would and do pay good money for jeans that are well made and fit well. Those are hard to find and last forever.
Very true about jeans. As for cashmere, ehhh, in my experience, bargain price usually does mean cheap quality when it comes to cashmere. After a few of them not lasting more than a season, I studied online high end, reputable brands that make the real deal (at prices closer to $1000 a piece), and hounded eBay and consignment stores for those items. I recall one cardigan I got for $90 by Isle of Sky. Very happy to report zero piling, shrinkage and stretching for years. Precisely, what Kristin concludes in many of her posts: it is worth to pay extra for superior quality.
I love that these posts get so many comments, but I don't think SF lives up to its promise. Buy a top or two, but don't buy stock in the company!
It is fun reading these posts. I really like the cold shoulder top on you, and I particularly like the colour on you, I think it's useful to have a few good interesting tops for different functions & if you feel good in it & it goes with a couple of different pants/skirts you own keep it. I do like getting some items in fashion but if I find something I love I wear it til it's worn out & don't care if it's no longer trendy - wear what you like & what makes you feel good - much better to wear a cold shoulder top you look awesome in after it's peak trendiness has past than a trendy style that doesn't suit you. I think the pink top is kinda shapeless & too pale on you. If you need some new winter tops I would also keep the stripe top, I think it looks good & as you say all your others are block colours & you sound like you really like it & it's warm.
The cold- shoulder and gray striped sweater looked great. I also thought the jeans looked great on you. The wash is nice. That pink shirt is just no. It's not you. It's the top. That bag is a good color, but seems more fitting for someone carrying their laptop and such with them.
I love the Stitch Fix posts! It will be hard to top the "flying squirrel" sweater though. Thanks for the entertainment!
I know, right? That was entertainingly unflattering!
Just clicked on the referral link and it says something about getting a free fix because I know Steve! WHAT?
Hmm. I just redid the links...is it working properly now?
Yes! Now it says Kristen! 🙂
I also like the striped shirt, but am not a fan of cold shoulder anything. And the jeans just do not fit you right: any time pants have horizontal wrinkles, it's a clue that they don't fit right.
Oh man that batwing thingy was pathetic! I am not impressed with this box of items. I love the cold shoulder top, that's it.
I love shopping at my local consignment shop.When I worked and had extra $$ --I shopped more.. I LOVE ME some chico's and name brands.And yes,I bought more clothes than I needed. In retirement,I still get a shopping urge now and then,so I turn in some of my current items in my closet and I "buy" a few tops or jeans at "Turnstyle". All name brands and in great shape.I got a pair of NOT YOUR DAUGHTERS JEANS for $11 last month on clearance!! FIT LIKE A GLOVE! They have Lots of Chico's tops and some Ann Taylor too.. love love love my consignment shop.I often have "credit" so I can have a small shopping splurge without breaking the budget.
If you are an easy to fit figure the mail order might work, I am hippy and smaller on top, long legs, and need a tad more ease in the waist ..so I must try on.
Love this post though.. fun!! Good luck with future boxes!
I have that tote bag!!! I use it for work and get a ton of compliments. But I use it as a laptop bag that you can also cram other stuff in.
In related news, I have been using thredup lately with great success. I was even happy with my resale amount ($60) although maybe my expectations were just really low after your readers' comments.