Stitch Fix: July 2015

Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service.  It’s an easy and fun way for busy women to update their wardrobe without the burdens of actual shopping.

It’s easy – they send a box of pretty pieces selected based on your style profile, pinterest boards, and any special requests you’ve made.  You try everything on; keep what you want; send back what you don’t.  It’s easy, addictive, and fun!

This is my sixth fix, but the first time I’m actually blogging a review.  Maybe at some point I’ll do a retroactive review of pieces I’ve kept previously…but don’t hold your breath.  With that said, let’s roll right into the review:

Stitch Fix #6

Specific Requests for this fix:
1. “Subtly feminine” details – particularly lace or scallops
2. A pair of shorts or colored skinnies

Who Styled Me: Lindsay

Piece #1 – Daniel Ranin Croft Button Down Blouse – $68

I’ve never really been drawn to floral patterns, because they made me feel like an old lady. News Flash: at 31, I have officially reached old lady status.

I’ve been struggling in previous fixes because my natural style doesn’t complement my current body shape. I love structured designs, fitted silhouettes, and geometric patterns – none of which really suit a lumpier-than-usual mommy body.  I’ve had to ask for loose-fitting pieces, and have been disappointed when the pieces I’ve received don’t have the shape that I’ve always been drawn to.  Or when the patterns I love don’t flatter my body shape.

But this piece is perfect! The floral pattern is bright and fun, with subtle chevrons that satisfy my need for symmetry.  I can wear it to work, where I spend a vast majority of my time; but it could also work on the weekend, on the rare occasion that I wear something besides athletic apparel.

Verdict: KEEP!

Piece #2 – Just Black Dean Skinny Jean – $78

I’m so torn about these pants. They are EXACTLY what I asked for – colored skinnies in a turquoise color I love.
If I hadn’t taken pictures in them, I’d be none the wiser and I would have them hanging in my closet already.  But after looking at these photos, I just don’t think they flatter my body the way they should.

I’m not tall – 5’4″ – but am usually too tall to wear Petite sizes.  These pants are a 27P, hitting me well above the ankle.  I think that’s a style that works well for some women, but I just feel like it makes me look even shorter than I already am.

Not to mention they reveal my busted soccer-player ankles.

I’m so sad to see these go back, but $78 is a pretty high price to pay for something that isn’t perfect.

Verdict: Return

Piece #3 – 41Hawthorn McQue Solid Lace Sleeve Blouse – $48

This is a piece I had pinned to my Pinterest board when I first signed up for the service. It perfectly fits into my request for “subtly feminine” details, and solid colors are usually right up my alley.

But this top is just a little too delicate for me. It looks OK from the front, but a turn to the side reveals that “not a baby” bump that I can’t seem to shake.  At one point, I was dealing with so much static in the material that the shirt was literally clinging to my belly.

Verdict: Return

Piece #4 – Market & Spruce Bri Knit Cardigan – $48

Here’s the redemption piece.  After two pieces that I really wanted to love, but just couldn’t, I put on this cardigan and immediately felt like myself.  Simply stated, this is me. The cardigan is perfectly soft, doesn’t have buttons (so I don’t have to worry about whether it will or will not button on any given day) and makes me feel comfortable, yet put together.  In fact, looking at these pictures with all 3 pieces, I’m having second thoughts about returning the others. This sweater is that good.

Verdict: KEEP!

Piece #5 – Brixon Ivy James Laser Cut Dress – $78

First things first: It zips!
Second: it doesn’t draw all the attention to my midsection!
Do we need a third?

When I saw this piece I prepared myself for disappointment, as the last time I attended a wedding I had to try on half my closet to find a dress that actually fit correctly.  But this dress fits like a dream. The detail in the skirt draws the eye away from the belly, and is perfectly geometric and symmetrical while still adding a feminine touch.  As a bonus, the material is really lightweight, which will be perfect for an outdoor wedding I’ll be attending this fall.

Verdict: KEEP!

Summary:

Lindsay is my new favorite person; I feel like she “gets” me.  Every piece was perfect; I really could have kept all five.  In fact, I’m having more second thoughts (third thoughts) after doing the math and realizing that keeping all five wouldn’t be much more than keeping three, factoring in the 25% discount for keeping all 5 pieces.

Looks like I still have some decisions to make.

All in all, this was a great fix! Do I really have to wait until September for the next one?
(No. The answer is always no – you can move up a scheduled fix at any time! But my wallet and my husband appreciate the every-other-month plan.)