First Impressions: Short Story Box

First Impressions is a series that introduces and reviews new brands to My Subscription Addiction, drawing from readers' requests for an insider's first look. Interested in seeing more reviews from this brand, or have another box in mind that you'd like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.

Being short has meant a lifetime of grabbing a stool every time I want to reach something, never being able to see much of anything at concerts, and, oh yeah, struggling to find clothes that actually fit. Which is why Short Story Box immediately caught my eye. A clothing subscription that's made just for those of us under 5'4"? I had to give it a try!

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

First off, how does it work?

Short Story Box uses the basic styling methods of many of the clothing subscriptions out there. When you sign up, you go through a quiz asking you dozens of questions from your height and weight to what you think of various styled outfits. But there's one major difference: every item the stylists pick out is for us shorties! The brand only stocks clothes in petite sizes — although still inclusive, as they do range from 00P up to 18P.

Subscribers pay $25 as a styling fee, and that money is put toward any clothes you buy. A pre-paid shipping label is included to send back any clothing that isn't a fit.

Short Story Box Review

I don't enjoy clothes shopping. If you're wondering why on earth I'd try Short Story Box, well, it's exactly because I don't enjoy shopping that a box of clothing picked out for me and delivered right to my door has always appealed to me. Now add in the fact that they're going to send me pants that won't drag on the floor — or require me to spend extra on tailoring — and I was eager to give it a try.

I told the brand I was looking for nice tops I could wear that would look professional when I was out shooting as a photographer but would still allow me freedom to move around, and I told them to skip accessories and shoes as I have that covered. I also mentioned that I tend to get cold easily, so I preferred fabrics with a bit more heft to them to keep me warm.

What Was in the Box

More Cats Less Plastic Tote by Mimi & August ($28)

I have to admit I was a bit torn on this bag. On the one hand it absolutely cracked me up, and I could see myself toting it to the grocery store or the farmers' market. On the other hand, I had said no accessories (and the accessories section literally says bags along with scarves and jewelry), so I was a bit disappointed to see this in the mix. I also couldn't see myself paying $28 for it — cute as it was!

Rolled Mock Neck Sweater by Dreamers ($58)

This sweater is so, so comfy! It definitely fit the bill of being a heavier fabric to keep me warm, and the oatmeal color is a perfect fit for my tastes. Bonus: As a petite, the sleeves didn't envelop my hands!

Harper Straightline Cardigan by Cielo ($58)

I loved the overall fit of this cardigan and the fact that it had pockets (hey, a girl loves her pockets!). It's versatile too — something you could dress up or dress down. The bright teal was a bit too bright for my tastes, and I found it odd that the stylist said she noticed me "rocking this color in a photo," when I didn't supply any photos to the brand.

Aspen Everyday Dolman Top by Laila Jayde ($54)

This top was incredibly soft, and I wanted to love it just for that! It also was the right coloring for me — I definitely stick with more muted and basic colors. The one thing that held me back was how it clung around my mid-section despite being more relaxed on top — the fit was just not right for my pear-shaped bod.

Bridget Highwaisted Stretch Skinny by Liverpool ($89)

These jeans were far and away my favorite item in the box. They were perfect from the high waist down to the ankle length — no dragging on the bottom and no awkward top halfway up my torso either. They were also that perfect dark blue/black that you can wear to work or just wear to hang out on a Saturday and a soft denim that would be easy to move around in (key for my work!).

Lena Surplice Jumpsuit by Petite Assembly ($64)

This wrap style jumpsuit was the least favorite item in my box, but that part really comes down to me and body image. I just do not do jumpsuits of any kind. The fit was good — not too long, not too short — but as my teenager put it, "It would be much better if it were a dress."

What I Loved About Short Story Box

This was my first try with a clothing subscription, and I loved the ease of having someone else pick things out for me instead of having to go through the stress of picking through rack after rack trying to find something that's right.

I loved that the stylists focused on clothing that was going to keep me warm and was easy to move in, just like I asked, and finding jeans that were the right length plus sleeves that didn't make me feel like I was wearing my husband's shirts was a huge change for me!

I was also happy to get the pre-paid package in the box, so I could send things back without having to pay more fees. Plus, they slipped a free measuring tape in there so I can do measurements to be more exact in my information for them to use for next time!

What I Didn't Love About Short Story Box

I was a little bummed to get a tote bag in the box when I'd said I didn't need accessories and very confused by the stylist's comments about seeing a photo of me when I didn't supply any!

Who is Short Story Box good for?

If you're under 5'4" and struggle to find clothes that are cut for your shorter legs and arms, Short Story Box might be the right fit for you. They did a great job of finding items that were truly made for us short folks!

Verdict

Although not every item wasn't a win, I'd definitely give Short Story Box another try. I loved being able to sit at home while someone else did the heavy lifting, and overall they picked up on many of my requests and made them work with their selections.

Have you tried Short Story Box? What did you think? 

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