Stitch Fix #4 - Loving My Stylist

I have found a stylist who seems to really get what I'm looking for! Dani sent me 5 items that I liked right away, and even sent a dress she saw that I had pinned on my Pinterest board.

I've been using Stitch Fix to refresh my wardrobe, and to break my habit of trolling clearance racks for my clothes. Plus, I can't shop department stores without getting overwhelmed, yet haven't found a smaller store that I really like.  In general, my wardrobe up till now consists of Express, which I've outgrown as a 41 year old, Gap, which is not as high quality as their prices lead me to believe, Banana Republic, which is fine, but a bit boring for my taste, and a smattering of Lucky Brand jeans. I've tried my hand at consignment shopping and have come up with a few great finds, but it's time consuming and frustrating more often than not.

If you're curious about my other boxes, check out these posts  Stitch Fix #3, Stitch Fix #2, Stitch Fix #1

And a disclaimer, since I am on my fourth round of blogging about Stitch Fix. I am not a fashion blogger. I don't have great lighting or photography skills, and have yet to find a good place to take pictures of the clothes.

Without further ado...

Here's what I got in my box

Dani, my stylist wrote a great note that pointed out she listened to my requests for boyfriend jeans, and a flowy cardigan. Plus, she looked at my Pinterest board and sent the dress based on one of my pins. It made me so excited to look at everything.

Collective Concepts  Briella Dress

Collective Concepts Briella Dress

Collective Concepts Briella Dress - $68 - Kept
First up is the dress. The material is silky and it did not feel like a bag like I was afraid it would and has some shape to it that helps the fit. It's unlike anything else I have in my closet, and I can totally see wearing it to work with a jacket. The top is snug, which is weird for me considering I usually have the opposite problem, but it isn't super tight, more like it fits (whoa). I'm waffling just a tiny bit on keeping it because it is totally not something I would pick at a store even though I pinned it. The pin was more of a "I really like this, but don't know about it for me" kind of pin. And after writing that sentence, my next thought is, but that's the point of using this service and it's so comfortable!

Renee C Hubert Space Dye Open Cardigan

Renee C Hubert Space Dye Open Cardigan - $58 - Kept

I have a couple cardigans that are getting long in the tooth, so when I saw this one on Josey's review, I immediately thought, "I need one of those!". I requested hers, but got this one instead. I'm totally ok with that, because I love the light feel and space dye. 

41Hawthorn Moni Geoprint & Camisole Blouse

41Hawthorn Moni Geoprint & Camisole Blouse - $58 - Returned

I wish this was more comfortable! It looks good in pics and I liked the print, again something I probably wouldn't choose for myself, but it did not fit well. The fabric felt stiff, like my grandma's polyester, and it was tight across the shoulders. So sad.

Daniel Rainn Adalena Tie Neck Top

Daniel Rainn Adalena Tie Neck Top

Daniel Rainn Adalena Tie Neck Top - $74 - Returned
Um. NO. While I liked the eyelet fabric and the navy color, the weird bagginess of the top right at my waistline does not do my short waist any favors. There is no way to cinch the waist of the top, so it just hangs there. Pretty sure you have to be 5'9" 133lb, not 5'3" 133lb to pull off this top.

Dear John Kyleigh Straight Leg Jean 

Dear John Kyleigh Straight Leg Jean - $78 - Kept

I saved the best for last. These jeans fit like a dream! With my short waist, childbearing hips (hahaha) and butt, I usually have the worst time fitting jeans. I had specifically asked for boyfriend jeans because I wanted a more relaxed pair of jeans for fall. At the moment, I'm having skinny jean fatigue, and that's pretty much my whole jean wardrobe minus a trouser pair that I only wear to work. I don't know that I'll keep the massive cuff, but that's easily remedied with some yo.utube videos on how to cuff jeans. :)

So, there you have it a success at 3/5 kept! Much like my last box, I liked everything when I pulled it out, it just came down to fit and feel for the most part. I think I'm on the right track!  I'm not sure that I can do this every month due to budgeting (Mi.nt is like an old-school nun at Cath.olic school standing over me with a ruler, and I get rapped on the knuckles often. That's not even a stereotype at least according to my dad's accounts of his grade school). Knowing that I can order up a box whenever I want to helps to keep my clearance-rack shopping at bay.  In the long run, I think this is saving money even though I'm paying retail for the pieces.

A note about my price point. When I first started, I set all the prices to the lowest possible range. Then, I got to thinking that if something spectacular was available (better fabrics, made in the USA, etc) I should be open to considering those options too. Especially clothing made in the USA, as part of my efforts to support local ('ish) business, farming, etc. So, I upped my price to their mid-level  with a bit of sticker shock thrown in, and have found that even though the upper end is pretty high, most of my pieces are falling into the lower end range. All that to say, don't be afraid of upping your  range. The stylists don't seem to automatically send a bunch of items over a $100 just because you said you are ok with it.

Another note about stylists. Dani is my third stylist, and I was really disappointed with my second Fix. So much so that I wondered if I should even give it another shot. (although, I wear that dress a lot, so it was worth it).  I asked for another stylist and got Dani on my third box. With these last 2 boxes, she has not sent anything that that I pulled out and thought, "really?" There's definitely been a little disappointment with fabric textures, but I think part of that is a sensory issue that I have. I can't stand anything that feels itchy, and a lot of stuff feels itchy on me. I can't wear cashmere or merino wool sweaters, and certain types of synthetic fabrics are a no-go. I've been pleased with the color palette and the choices she's given me. So, if you've had a bad box or two, keep at it. Set up a Pinterest page and start pinning stuff you like, be really specific about what you are looking for, and give them your measurements! I think that has helped tremendously in the bottoms that are chosen for me. At least, the last two fit perfectly.

Interested in checking it out?  Here's my referral link. I get a $25 credit if you click on it to sign up. It's been really fun to have credits show up and then find out how people like their boxes!

#MicroblogMondays - Stitch Fix #3

This is the third round of Stitch Fix that I've tried, and I think I've hit upon a stylist who seems to understand what I'm looking for. This time around, my stylist was Danielle, and I really liked what she chose. 

Prior to this shipment I tweaked my style profile because I had been having some issues with the way bottoms fit. I added my measurements hoping that helps choose the correct size since vanity sizing is totally out of control. Sometimes I'm a size 4, sometimes I'm a size 6, if there weren't vanity sizing, I'd be a size 8. It's so annoying! I also made sure to check off colors I don't want to receive after the beige disaster from my last box, and have decided not to receive accessories. 

One more note about price levels. With  my first box I set everything at the lowest price level, and then realized that if I want to get clothes made in the U.S. or better fabrics that I need to go up. So, at this point, my prices are set to $100-150 for all the clothes. Last box, the stylist sent mostly everything in that price range, and I about choked on the prices. (yes I know, silk is better than polyester, and two of the items were made in the U.S.) What I really like about this stylist, is that she chose less expensive tops even though I'm setting the price higher. I was hoping that the price range would include less expensive options occasionally as well as the higher priced options. It makes it easier to be willing to pay more money for some of the items.

On to the clothes...

When I opened the box the only thing I wasn't sure about was the green blouse. Everything else I was super excited to try on!

Liverpool Sally Cuffed Short $48 - Kept

The shorts fit perfectly and are really comfortable. All of my shorts are old and not looking great, so these were a keeper!

Daniel Rainn Ishara Lace Detail V-Neck Blouse $68 - Kept

This top fit so much better than the Daniel Rainn top they sent me in my first box. Even though it's a boxy cut, the sleeves fit better and there doesn't seem to be so much volume of material that it's overwhelming. Plus I love the color! 

Evolution by Cyrus Senna Zip Up Cardigan $44 - Returned

I really wanted to like this Cardigan. It has a fun print and some detailing around the pockets and neckline that make it more interesting. But, it felt itchy. Since I'm not sure if it'll soften with washing, I had to send it back.

Papermoon Jerome Crochet Detail Blouse $54 - Returned

The picture I took of this on was super blurry and I'm too lazy to bother putting it on again. There were two problems with this shirt. The fabric was kind of rough feeling a la polyester of the 70's. Ick. It was too tight across my shoulders. I wish it fit and felt better because I saw potential in it - It actually looked really good with the black jeggings I had on when taking the picture.

Maggy London Bella Textured Dress $138 - Returned

I wanted so badly to like this dress! First problem - it was too small. It was tight when I put it on, and the waist hit in the middle of my ribs. Then S had to help me take it off, which was a 5 minute ordeal in which I was really scared I'd rip a seam somewhere. We got it off safely and I sadly folded it up for return. The second issue was the color is super bright and just warm enough that it didn't look awesome with my skin tone (I need cool colors).  So, because of that I'm not bothering to contact StitchFix to see if I can get the next size up.

I know, I only kept 2 items and from the other two boxes I've kept only 1 item each. However, this box was much closer to being what I wanted and for the most part I'm sending items back because of fit, not because I hate them. I'm definitely going to keep getting boxes, maybe one every other month or so and next time I'll be sure to request Danielle!

If you're interested in checking out Stitch Fix, you can go there by clicking on my referral link. Yes, I get a $25 credit when you sign up, and then you start bugging all your friends when you love it. Marketing genius!

p.s.  I realize this is hardly a Microblog.  :)

Don't know what #MicroblogMondays is? Check it out here

Stitch Fix #2

I'm writing this as S is going to bed, during which process he inquired whether I'm going to stay up until 11pm again tonight.  That's probably the worst idea since I've stayed up too late often this week and boy am I cranky.

But I couldn't wait to share my second box! This time I asked for layering pieces because in the summer my office is stupid-cold when it's 90 degrees outside. grrrr. I didn't get what I asked for and was pretty frustrated by that, plus I put myself through some serious humiliation by posting crappy pics of myself on Pinterest with some of my dresses to give the stylist what's in my wardrobe right now.

I had a different stylist and well, not thrilled with either experience, but I'll give it some time to find a stylist I like. Part of it may be how I update my profile and offer style notes, so I'll keep updating every time based on what shows up in my box.

Without further ado. Here's what what showed up in my box. *disclaimer* These pictures pretty much suck quality wise - I'm still trying to figure out where in my house has decent lighting. Plus, I need to get a taller tripod. Ah, the problems of being a fake-style-blogger.

First impressions 

Right away I liked the dress. I had just been telling a friend that I need a good wrap dress. I own exactly one, and it's got to be going on 7 years so it's time to update.  The necklace, meh. I enjoy buying accessories, and when it comes to costume jewelry I am all about the sale shopping. So, paying full price for a piece of costume jewelry is not something I'm inclined to do.  That's a pair of skinny jeans folded up under the necklace. I have 3 pairs of skinny jeans - I should have told them not to send me any. The blouse I really hoped looked good, it was pretty meh out of the box.  The jacket folded up to the side of the dress earned an "ugh" as soon as I saw it.

Amour Vert  Alessandro Abstract Dot Print Silk Blouse with DL1961 Moscow Skinny Jean - Returned

The jeans were too small and too long and I didn't particularly like the wash. Plus, I have a few already - unless these felt like pajamas I wasn't going to bother buying them.

I liked that the blouse was made in the U.S. and silk instead of polyester. Hated the colors - beige, black, brown, and hated the cut. It looked better tucked, but the colors really killed it. S declared it frumpy.

Marc New York - Betsy Jacket - Returned

I was right. Ugh. The color is all wrong for my skin tone, the sleeves were a little tight, and it isn't lined. I wish more jackets were lined and I tend to expect that they will be when they cost over $100.

Leota Dariah Abstract Print Faux Wrap Dress - Kept!

I started to worry I would have to pay for a overpriced piece of costume jewelry and then I put on this dress. It's made in the U.S., I love the length, and it feels so comfortable! It may require spanx since I'm pretty self-conscious about my belly sticking out, but I can handle that. I'm wearing it with the necklace and they go really well together, but again, I have some accessories that go with this dress already and I couldn't see paying for the $48 necklace.

I was pretty disappointed that the second box was much like the first. A whole lot of "doesn't fit" "I don't like it", "what's up with this color?"  I do like the card showing how to style the pieces and just being aware of fashion more has me re-thinking how to put pieces together that are already in my closet.  For instance, I had this pair of white jeans that I was terrified of wearing. They just hung in my closet for several months, tags still on, and I finally got up the courage to wear them.  I thought about what I had that would look good with the jeans and gravitated toward this jacket that I don't wear enough. Normally I wear the jacket with a black t-shirt to tone it down, but this time, I thought about what I've been seeing on Pinterest. So I went for bright color paired with a pattern - whoa. Getting' crazy!

Please excuse the funky angle - selfies in my cube are hard to do!

I still recommend checking out this service considering that I've been happy with at least one piece in each of my boxes. I think that this is something that could take a few rounds to get dialed in with a stylist.  If you're interested in trying it for yourself, here's my referral link.

My first Stitch Fix

I've been following along Leah's blog posts about her Stitch Fix's and I finally decided to give it a try.

I like shopping and putting outfits together, but have realized lately that my go-to brands are letting me down. I used to be a die-hard Exp.ress girl, but over the past few years the quality of their clothing has been declining, and I'm on the older end of their demo (or out of it at this point). So, I've switched to G.ap and Ban.ana Repu.blic with mixed reviews. Ga.p seems to be suffering the same quality decline,  and I haven't been happy with some of the pieces I've purchased. Bana.na Repu.blic is more expensive and usually higher quality, but it's a little more subdued than I like to be. I've tried Ann Tay.lor and have never really liked the fit of their clothing, I wish I could pull off Anthro.pologie, but that's not really me either. Large department stores are overwhelming and I hardly set foot in them.

I don't know where to shop anymore! Thus, enters my first Stitch Fix box. When I signed up for the box, I filled out a survey with a lot of detail and set up a Pinte.rest board. I tried to be as specific as possible about what I'm looking for (don't need jeans, need business-casual attire for work). Then, my box arrived in the mail!

Ama.zon and Zul.ily sure could use some pointers on efficient packaging from these guys

Pixley Edmund Chevron Henley in purple, $54. It's a keeper!

Love the fit and drape, plus it's really soft.

Liverpool Anita skinny pant, $78, Returned.

The material was heavenly, I wish they fit better, but they were a tad tight in the waist and too long.

Fate Jeromy Striped Sweater, $58, Returned

Obviously sheer and needs a cami. Didn't like the fit or feel of the sweater, it bugged my skin.

Daniel Rainn Luigi Lace Insert Printed Blouse, $48, Returned

Too big. It hung on me like a bag and wasn't flattering at all.

Market & Spruce Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan, $68, Returned.

Zipper was difficult to use, sleeves too long, overall didn't fit well.

After reading Leah's posts, I wasn't expecting to love the entire box on my first try, so I'm ok with  keeping one shirt. One problem I'm having is paying full retail price on clothes. Trolling clearance racks and 30-40% off online sales is my specialty. The shirt may be the first piece of clothing I've purchased at full price, like ever. What has become clear lately though, is that I still spend quite a bit on clothing, and I don't have a sense of how much I'm spending until I look at the credit card statement months later. Plus, I may be snatching up deals just because they are deals and not because I really need a certain piece to complement my wardrobe. 

As I get ready to transition back to work and out of my sweats, I'll definitely keep using Stitch Fix, and see where it takes my wardrobe. I love anything that gets delivered to my home!

If you're curious about Stitch Fix and want to check it out for yourself, you can follow my referral link and sign up yourself!