Stitch Fix Review – Women’s Clothing Subscription Service – July 2013

I've been thinking of subscribing to Stitch Fix for almost a year now. There were two things stopping me: 1) I thought it was a pricier service than it is (I selected the price range of $50-$100 an item, but they have an even less expensive option) and 2) I hate going to the post office to mail returns. I live less than a 2-minute drive from the post-office, so I decided it was worth a trip to the post office to try out Stitch Fix. (You mail back any items you don't like and you're never charged for them).

So here's a little more information on how Stitch Fix works from my experience signing up:

1) You take a very detailed survey about your style, your size, your body-type etc. I was impressed with how much information they were collecting and felt like I could get a very good box based on all these data points. You can let them know how willing you are to try pieces outside of your comfort zone, and if there any pieces you love or don't ever want to see in your StitchFix box. (If there are any materials (example fur), patterns or colors that aren't you - you can let them know that too!)

2) After you fill out your Style Profile, you can schedule your Fix. You can select a monthly subscription or a one time Fix to try out the service. And you can select when you want the Fix shipped. (Good news- you can cancel your subscription from the website - no need to call in). The styling fee is $20 and that includes shipping and return shipping if you don't keep any items.

3) A StitchFix stylist selects 5 items for you based on your Style Profile and ships them out to you!

4) You try on the items and decide which ones you want to keep. (If you keep all 5 items you get a 25% discount on the entire box). The $20 Stylist fee you paid for the box also goes as a credit toward any item you decide to keep.

5) Log on to your Stitch Fix account and let them know which items you are keeping. You can give them feedback on why items worked and why other items didn't so they can' learn more about you and what makes a great box for you.

6) Ship back what items aren't perfect within 3 business days of receiving your Fix. (They include a pre-paid mailer return bag).

The one important thing to keep in mind is that your shipments should get more and more accurate every month with feedback. I decided to go into this subscription knowing that even if I returned everything, it would be OK because the feedback I give on the items will help my Stylist put together a better box for me next month!

The Box: Stitch Fix

The Cost: $20 Styling fee (Pay for whatever items you keep minus the $20 credit).

The Products: 5 clothing and accessory items selected for you based on your Style Profile

Staccato Natalia Stripe Draped Front Cardigan -Value $58

Each item also comes with a styling advice card featuring two different looks:

I thought I was going to love this piece. It's super soft and high-quality (I'm surprised it is only $58), plus I love nautical stripes. The only reason this cardigan didn't work for me is when I put it on the draping hit me wrong and made me look a lot wider. I decided not to keep this item, but gave my feedback to StitchFix that the style and quality were spot-on, but that I need a draping cardigan that doesn't flare out as much!

Fun2Fun Sheer Tab Sleeve Blouse - Value $48

This turned out to be my favorite item in the box! I don't think I've really ever bought any emerald green clothing items, but I really like this color once I tried it on! The shirt is loose but drapes beautifully too. I'll be pairing this with jeans!

LovePosh Abstract Printed Dress- Value $48

This is another item that I normally wouldn't pick out for myself but I was surprised how much I liked it when I tried it on. After much debate I decided to return it since it's a little on the short-side for work - I don't know how often I'd end up wearing it.

Sanctuary Cotton Tab sleeve Shirtdress - Value $98

This is the priciest item in the box (I set my personal range for clothing to $50-$100). This piece is definitely high-quality and worth the price. I love the material and the color, but unfortunately this dress is drop-waist. I wish I could pull off the drop-waist look, but I don't have the body-type for it, so this item goes back as well. I let my stylist know not to send drop-waist dresses from now on.

Angie Striped Tank Dress - Value $58

So, I decided to get very particular with whether I keep an item or not from this box. Basically I want my StitchFix items I keep to be my favorite items in my closet. This dress is really cute, but the elastic waist on it can rise up and create a poofy top look, so I decided to return it as well. I left that comment for my stylist as well. Hopefully they don't think I'm crazy! My plan is that if I'm very picky and give a lot of feedback I'll start getting boxes that have more pieces that are 100% perfect for me.

Verdict: This first Stitch Fix box met my expectations for their service, and the site is very easy to use. They want you to try out items and give their stylists feedback, so I have no problem returning 4 out of the 5 items this month. I'm excited to see what my August box will include! I also really love the emerald green blouse - so that's an immediate win for me. Another pro: everything fit me correctly - their sizing system works! (Some items may not have had a flattering fit, but they were the correct size). Also, everything in this box was my style - really a few items just needed a couple of tweaks. Nothing was way off!

For me, the pricing of Stitch Fix works if my stylist really learns what I love, and occasionally sends me pieces that push me out of my comfort zone to expand my wardrobe. Do you subscribe to Stitch Fix? Have your monthly boxes improved with feedback each month?