Switching careers in your 40’s is terrifying yet exciting. I have been working a Lab for almost a decade. My current wardrobe pretty much consists of scrubs and workout clothes. Not very exciting. I struggled to even find an outfit to wear for the interview. My new position gives me an opportunity to wear business casual clothes.
I can’t remember the last time I went shopping. It was definitely pre-covid time. I jumped online to start shopping but came to a quick halt. Hmmm, what styles do I even like? What’s flattering on my body shape? What size am I? Haha. Like I said, it’s been years since I shopped. I started randomly ordering from multiple stores-Gap, Old Navy, Loft, Kohls, Express etc. I ordered multiple items in multiple sizes…regular…Petite. Ugh. Return after return after return.
I was talking to one of my friends about clothes and remembered she had used Stitch Fix in the past. I asked if she was still using it. She said she does and receives a “Fix” quarterly. I decided it was worth checking it out. They had a deal going on for first time customers. They wave the Stylist fee for the first month. Ok, so no loss if I didn’t like it.
Let’s talk about how it works. A delivery is called a “fix”.
- Each “Fix” includes 5 items. You can choose how often you receive an automatic “Fix”. Their options for women are every 2-3 weeks, monthly or every three months. You don’t have to sign up for automatic deliveries. Once your account is set up, you can order one anytime you want. You can also skip an automatic delivery if you want to.
- There is a $20 Stylist fee for each “fix”. The good news is, you get to use that fee towards your order if you decide to keep any of the items. Another perk is receiving 25% off your entire order if you keep all 5 items. You can exchange the items for another size at no cost to you if needed.
- So how do they know what to send? You fill out an extensive questionnaire. This includes everything from sizes to preferences. They save your “Style Profile”. You can update this information anytime. Each time you log in, you will be presented with a few clothing items that you give a thumbs up or down to. The more you do this, the better they get to know you and your style.
- Your order arrives, then what? You have 3 days to decide what (if any) you would like to keep. The package includes a bag with a pre-paid shipping label to return unwanted items. There is also information describing your items and how to style them as well as a personalized note from your stylist. If you aren’t happy with the stylist they have chosen, you can choose an option for a new stylist next time.
- You can also browse their online store and purchase items or create a “wish list”. I did end up buying three items aside from my “Fix. You never know, one of those items in your wish list may end up in your delivery the next month.
Pretty simple right? I thought so. I was excited to try out this type of service. They have been around for a while and my friend seems to like it. I filled out the questions. Ready. Set. Go! I couldn’t wait to see what would arrive in my first “Fix”. Being that they had that deal going on, it was a win win. If I liked anything, I would get the free $20 towards it. If I didn’t like any, it wouldn’t cost me anything. I opted to not receive any jewelry or shoes in my packages.
The package arrived. I opened it with anticipation. I know-it sounds like a kid on Christmas but who doesn’t like to receive surprises in the mail? The first thing I noticed while opening it was the beautiful attention to detail. The items were neatly wrapped. There was also an envelope which included pictures and style ideas for each item. There was a personalized note from my stylist. The five items included a skirt, cardigan, two shirts and a pair of pants. I was skeptical. After all, I had spent so much time returning items over the previous week. How could someone pick out the correct sizes? Well, they did! I absolutely loved each item my stylist chose for me. I was most surprised by the skirt. It’s not something I would have even tried on yet it fit perfect and complimented my body shape.
Decision time. What would I keep? They give you a price breakdown online before you purchase. I decided to keep everything. I received the $20 towards the purchase as well as 25% off my entire order because I kept everything. When I checked out, I had the opportunity to give feedback and to send my stylist a message. I let her know that I would like to try a dress for the Fall season.
I had my “Fixes” set to monthly so I just received my second order. Prior to this order I received an email with several items. I could pick up to 5 to be included in my next shipment. I picked two shirts and a pair of pants. I left the other two items up to my stylist. Again, packaged nicely, with return envelope and item information. The stylist listened; she included a beautiful long sleeve fall dress as well as a coat. I was very happy with this “Fix” and kept all the items. I did exchange the dress for a different size (free shipping).
You are probably asking yourself; how much is this costing? When you fill out the signup questionnaire, you chose the price points you are comfortable with. The first order was about $175 for all five items. Not too bad if you ask me. The next order with about $220. That is a bit more than I had hoped to spend which brings me to my next topic, the negatives. Cost.
The service itself is cheap, $20 to see if you like anything and if you keep one item it’s like getting it for $20 off. The issue comes with liking the items they send. I changed my automated shipments to quarterly-because I like everything! It was costing me too much. Haha Doesn’t seem like such a negative. I am still looking forward to my next “Fix”. If I had the money to spend, I would continue with monthly deliveries. That is the only downfall I found.
The clothes are good quality. They have a mix of brand name and boutique style brands. Overall, I would say it is absolutely worth trying. Just be prepared to like everything. I really thought I would only like one or two things. I was wrong. I started looking into other services for comparison. I may try another at some point. If I do, I will let you know how it works out. Happy shopping! Comment below with your “Stitch Fix” experience or if you have tried another style service.
~Passionate Pisces
Heidi – thanks for this honest review. I used to love shopping, but not so much any more. I see the Stitch Fix ads, but was unsure. I think I’m going to try it!
You should! I would love to hear about your experience if you do.