History-

Dressing well is an important skill for success. My mother had it right, but maybe not the best messaging medium. Suggesting girly dresses to a teenager who clearly did not have all the right looks in 1984 was not helping.  By the time college came, classic or frumpy with little girl prints was about as much as I was willing to try. Thank goodness for the GAP. Regrettably, there was no transition to Banana Republic or anything else.

Basic and a couple of lucky signature pieces got me through a twin pregnancy and into mid-management. Now with 2 daughters of my own and a fashionista nanny, it’s time to grow up. My nanny saved my daughters and changed my view of dress for success.

A girlfriend from work kept wearing the cutest outfits. A couple of compliments, a short conversation and a recommendation for StitchFix was on my to-do list. Her summary of this novel clothing idea went like this- “the clothes come to you, it’s a bit spendy, and it has made me try some different ideas.” It still took me 6-8 weeks, a lot of semi-spam email and one free coupon to waive the $20.00 styling fee. Here’s how it is going.

Fix #1

StitchFix #1 arrived in December around Christmas. Relief and disappointment swept over me when reviewing the contents. I completed the style questionnaire as accurately as possible and obviously forgot some important information. However, the SF also must have read my notes. There were no shoes, jewelry or accessories. Yet, maybe they did not read closely. I live in a warm climate year-round and the fix contained wintery items- namely a sweater, a pair of long pants and a long sleeve, light flannel shirt. For the most part, the colors were not what I requested either. The items were black, maroon,  and cream with a few hints of blue. Since this fashion experiment had yet to cost me a penny, although not a success, it was not yet a failure either.

If the items were offered to me in a store dressing room, they would have been sent back without hesitation. At home, why not try it on? After all, a stylist selected the items for me based on my comments. Here’s how it turned out…There was a wonderfully fuzzy, cream with periwinkle blue-striped sweater. I wanted to buy it so badly and maybe I should have but I don’t need sweaters often. This would have been an indulgence. Writing about it today and after a wardrobe review, it would have worked. It rained more than usual this winter.   Item #2, a crocheted, maroon shirt with princess capped sleeves which made me look 65 and dumpy. If the material were a skirt, I think it would have been great. Around my face, forget it. My whole family said, “ugh.”

The next two items were a pair of black stretch leggings patterned with a herringbone sort of texture and a maroon, white and black plaid flannel shirt. This is why I tried Stitch Fix in the first place. The two pieces fit or mostly fit. They both seemed a tad big- although I don’t feel like my body is swimming in either, there is definitely room if I gain 5 pounds. Weight gain is not the point the fix either. It was ok. Stitch Fix is not a custom tailor and I am frugal, to say the least. (This could possibly be another reason for the overall condition of my wardrobe.) I bought both of these items.

Regrettably, I do not remember the final piece. It may have been a dress. It apparently was not memorable and it went back, too.

Overall, a 40% keep rate, 60% return. This could easily have been switched around with the addition of the one-that-got-away sweater. I admit to using my climate as an excuse, but my conservative spending habits may have held greater sway. I spent about $120.00 and purchased the 2 most expensive items.

From a business model point of view, this is probably almost fine with StitchFix.  Although, the 3 days is enough to try and buy with a bit of pressure to commit, it is more than a store. It is spendy for me, but not outrageous. When I factored in the horrible gas prices, time saved and the psychologically safe zone of my personal mirror it might be worth it.

The final StitchFix test arrived. How would the clothes and my updated look be received by others? Here’s a sampling…”Is that new?” “Great colors!” “You went shopping. I like it.” “Stylish.” and from my recommending friend, “You tried it.” And so I did and am going to try it again.

Final Fix#1 notes-  Overall Quality- solid. The purchased items are holding up well. They have been worn several times and with positive comments each time. Both items have been machine washed without problems. There was no pilling or bleeding of colors. The buttons on the shirt could be sewn tighter, but again I should get several more wears easily. I heard a few stitches on the pants pop or break while I figured out how to get the pants on, this has not affected wear or fit yet.

Stitch Fix Wish List: It would be great if SF kept a list of items sent and the reviews I write for each piece. Having my notes would help me better make requests and mini pictures of my purchases could be added to my Pinterest board.