Personal styling with Stitch Fix

With my new(ish) job, my newly rekindled love of running, and my new paleo-ish way of eating that has allowed me to get a bit leaner, I've also been trying to build up a new wardrobe. I've been ruthlessly cutting out things I never wear or that make me look or feel the least bit frumpy. Actually, "new" wardrobe might be misleading. Most of my clothes come from Boomerang, the awesome new, used, & vintage store here in Brattleboro, Vermont. I also order online from Garnet Hill and the Gap and sometimes J. Crew if I'm feeling really profligate.

Also I recently hired a personal thrift shopper who I love, but that's a whole 'nother story.

This story is about Stitch Fix. My first box came today!

What is Stitch Fix? It is brilliant, that's what. Well, it's brilliant if you like to fill out forms, avoid stores, talk about yourself, and buy things online, all of which I do. Stitch Fix is like a virtual styling service. You fill out an online style profile, give your credit card #, and set up a "fix." They select clothes and sometimes accessories (new) based on your profile. Stitch Fix charges you $20 for each box they style, but if you buy anything from the box the $20 turns into a credit. You try everything on and just return whatever you don't like. What you keep you get charged for. It's kind of like Netflix for clothes. You have to return items you don't want within 3 days.

Here's what I wrote in my style profile under "Anything else you'd like us to know?":

I hate crew necks, except on cardigans for which I require crew necks. I feel uncomfortable in skirts that are much shorter than knee length. I am a huge fan of very drapey cowl necks. I won't wear yellow but I love orange. Skinny jeans are not a good look for me and I refuse to wear boots over pants. I adore gauzy layers, ruffles, ruching, and odd seams. I love grey, black, and white/cream "uniforms" that I perk up with pops of red, green, purple or orange, be they a simple belt, a peek of tights, or an entire top. I have a horror of appearing middle aged or soccer mom-ish. Thanks for your help! I'm a busy mom and frugal, but always excited to find something that makes me feel like I look good.

I had no idea what to expect, not even what kinds of items would be in the box or how many. I was a little worried when I found the box was so light.

And when I opened the box, it wasn't heaping full either. There was a modest bundle wrapped in tissue, and an envelope with an invoice, some explanations, and a little gift of stickie notes. They sent me five items to try on.

Collective Concepts, Ivy Paint Stripe Tab Sleeve Blouse

First up was this gauzy collarless blouse with tab sleeves. It is very sheer (I'm wearing a camisole here) and a lot paler than my usual clothing choices. It is taupe-ish with rosy horizontal stripes. I am not sure about horizontal stripes actually, and this is not a color I'd ever try on in a store. Looking at this picture though I kind of like the pirate-sleeve effect the tab is giving. I'm undecided on this one I guess. I'm not sure what I'd wear it with besides jeans, and I really need stuff for work.

Lola & Sophie, Thayer Jersey Crossfront Top

Excuse my smudgy mirror in this pic. This crossfront top was kind of bananas. I loved the color--a rich royal purple that doesn't come through in the photo. I love the sleeve length. I love the idea of drapiness in the center there. But this piece had 2 problems for me--it was a little tunic-like in what I think is a matronly way. Also, it has deep cleavage both coming and going.

Problem area #1

Basically the whole front is only joined together where it crosses, so there are huge flaps both at the decolletage and at the tummy. The slightest breeze or shift or lean could expose half your torso. So this one was a NO.

Natural Life, Chaimbers Knit Cowlneck Top

Love. Simple. Grey. Soft. Cozy. This is definitely where my $20 credit is going. Boring old grey, je t'aime!

Ark n Co, Paseo Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

What the heck, Stitch Fix, did I not say "I feel uncomfortable in skirts that are much shorter than knee length"?? This is much shorter than knee length. That said, it looks kind of good. However, I don't have any call for a short dress with a plunging neckline in my life. It doesn't seem crazy enough for party-wear, yet it's too crazy for work.

Spun Scarves by Subtle Luxury.

Here's that darn dress again with the fifth item, a gigantic gorgeous rayon scarf. This thing is about six feet long and three feet wide (I may be exaggerating) and costs about twice as much as I'd ever want to pay for a scarf. $55.

Scarf detail: "antique fleur"

The scarf is really pretty though. Just the kind of subtle green and muted pattern that I like.

Stitch Fix tag

Each piece has a hang tag with styling ideas. The other side is a written overview of the piece, like catalog copy.

I like Stitch Fix! It was fun to have an impromptu Monday night fashion show. My immediate problem is to decide what to keep and what to send back. What do you think?

If you're interested in Stitch Fix, here's a referral link where you can get on a list: http://stitchfix.com/users/signup/?referrer_id=3030348 . This is still a beta thing so I have no idea how Stitch Fix is ultimately going to pan out. Just for disclosure, I was not compensated for writing this post (I paid for it, actually). But I would get a $25 credit if you signed up through the referral link. :)