Stitch Fix Box Review – September 2014
I subscribe to a monthly shipment from Stitch Fix, an online personal shopping service. Women who try the service create their own custom profile so that they can try new wardrobe additions to fit their lifestyle, figure, and needs.
September was box #5 for me. Through my first four boxes, I kept a total of eight items, so my batting average is 40% (or 2 out of 5 items). From what I understand, that’s the ratio the company shoots for so their analytics must be working well for me!
Here’s how it works: Users complete a detailed profile online. A stylist for the company reviews this data (which includes personal style data, sizing, and feedback from past shipments as well as special requests for an individual box shipment) and hand-selects five pieces for the “box” which is shipped to the customer for a $20 styling fee. Once received, the customer has three days to try on the items and determine what they would like to keep or send back. The customer then logs onto their account to give feedback on all five items and pay for selected items (the $20 styling fee can be applied to any purchases in that shipment). Any unwanted items are returned via an enclosed postage paid envelope that can be dropped at any post office.
A couple of things were interesting about my September box. First, I feel like they actually read my notes this time (which was something I complained about in August). Second, my box was late. It was only a day late (arriving on a Monday rather than a Friday) but alas, it arrived on a day that I was heading out of town for the week. I also forgot about it after it didn’t arrive on the date I’d marked in Outlook so I wore a dress to work that day. And so because of that, I don’t have time for actual “try-on” photos this month, but I did get quick snaps of each item.
The lack of try-on photos is a shame for you, but a blessing for me… because some of those would have been awkward. Really AWKWARD. But no worries… my October box arrives very soon and I promise to plan better!
So onward to the reviews we go….
Daniel Rainn Jerome Crochet Trim Silk Blouse – $68
So it’s funny… I specifically asked for pieces in red and black so I’d have things to wear for football game days (I graduated from Texas Tech). I got this maroon (Texas A&M colored) top. But I loved it enough to keep it anyway. It was comfortable and breezy enough to wear here in Texas (where we get heat well into autumn) but in a great fall color and a good layering piece. I thought the price was a bit steep and didn’t really look closely enough at that in my haste to process my returns before leaving for the airport. But I’m glad I didn’t hesitate on this – I ended up wearing it for the Friday night festivities at BAcon in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago and it was perfect for an evening outdoor party. Keep.
Kensie Jeans Kaleigh Ankle Biter Skinny Jean – $88
After last month’s box with the cute Kensie jeans (that were just a bit too tight in the waist), I was anxious to try this brand again. Alas, same problem here that I had in August – they fit great until it comes time to button them – and then they cut into me. I think this brand may not be a good fit for me after two tries with the same fit issue. I loved the red color, but I do already own bright red jeans as well so this one was definitely going back. Pass.
Kut From The Kloth Baxley Zipper Detail Skinny Jean – $88
I pulled these out of the box and had two thoughts. One, these are totally adorable. Two, there is NO way my curves are squeezing into those skinny things. Guess what… I was wrong. They fit like a glove. I love the zipper detail on the pockets. This is a brand I’ve passed up on the racks before and now I’m going to look for it in the future. Total win… I am willing to cough up $88 for black basics that fit well! I also like that the dark black color and nice fabric texture makes these a piece I could wear with a jacket for work or with a casual top for the weekends… this will be a great packing piece for my fall trips! Keep.
Market and Spruce Colibri Abstract Print Sleeveless Top – $44
I really liked this when I pulled it out of the box. In fact, I was certain it would be a win… my colors, sleeveless (which means great for Texas seasonal layering), and a reasonable price. But ugh… my boobs got in the way of yet another cute top. It looked obscene instead of adorable, which was a shame. Pass.
Pomelo Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee – $44
This is more than I will typically pay for a t-shirt, especially one that truly LOOKS like a plain t-shirt. The fabric was ridiculously soft though (like cashmere) and if it had fit like anything other than a plain t-shirt, I might have wrestled with keeping it, especially since I loved the color. But I have plenty of soft t-shirts that I can throw on for the same effect. Pass.
At the end of the day, my total was $156. My $20 non-refundable styling fee was applied against this balance. My two items even make a cute outfit together… maybe I’ll get down to Kyle Field for an A&M game this season – if I do, I at least have a game day outfit for that!
Stitch Fix is a “no commitment” service. You can sign up for a single box or shipments at set intervals that you choose (every 2-3 weeks or monthly). Right now, they only carry sizes up to a US 14 or XL, but they do appear to be growing as a company, so that may change in the future.
If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix, I’d love it if you used my referral link as a blog reader. (Disclosure – I do receive store credit for any new customers I refer.) And if you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experiences!
My “keep” average after Box #5 is still 2 pieces per box (10 pieces kept from 5 boxes total – or 40%).
I just received my second fix, and I was sent the most magic of black pants. They are Liverpool brand, which is a new one for me. Highly recommend!