Every fall I feel the need for new clothes. This is for a variety of reasons but mostly because I never take the time to buy “classic” pieces, instead I feel bad for spending money on clothes so I shop the clearance racks, buy things that are just ok and then end up hating them or they fall apart. So I’ve been a pinning fool lately, studying what I really like, how to dress for my body shape which is pretty much a rectangle with a muffin top. I don’t have a defined waist, when I gain weight I gain it all over my body. Cameron Diaz is a rectangle or boyish figure who obviously hasn’t birthed four children so I am similar to her body shape, just add on a muffin top.
A few months ago I heard about Stitch fix, a service that has stylists pick out clothes for you from designers. You fill out an extensive questionairre on your likes, dislikes, etc. and can even link up a pinterest board so they can get a better idea of your style. To receive a stitch fix you pay $20, they send you five items which could include accessories and it comes all styled in a box for you. The clothes even have a tag that shows you two ways to style your items.
They suggest you try them on and style them to get the full effect. You have three days to decide if you want to keep some or all of it. If you keep all 5 items you receive a 25% discount and the $20 is credited as well. If you want less than 5 items, your $20 is credited towards the total. If you want nothing, you lose out on your $20 and ship it all back in a nice little bag that comes in the box. The return shipping on items is free. When you send clothing back, they want to hear from you about why you sent it back. You have a chance to give your feedback about the fit, price, color, etc. which is nice. You can get a stitchfix scheduled for once a month or whenever you want one you just go and order it up. I have not scheduled mine every month as I really don’t have a ton of money to spending on clothes but it is fun to try out and see!
My first stitch fix came in August and I just took some bad camera phone pics in my closet so these are definitely not quality shots. I have yet to master the art of taking pics of myself with this thing. The only thing I kept out of this one was the beautiful gold and mint necklace I am wearing for most of the shots.
I really loved the raspberry shirt but it was too big, the blue shirt with white polka dots didn’t fit right and even the black and white chevron wrap was fun but it was too big as well. The only thing I didn’t like was this last shirt with the peter pan collar, just not my style although the navy and white stripes were great!
I signed up for another stitch fix but this one didn’t arrive until today! I had to wait a month which was a long time for me as my birthday is fast approaching and I plan to shop with some birthday money. Here’s what came in this month’s box and I had my hubby take some pics but again, these are not optimal photos, I am not a clothes blogger, I am sick and I have no makeup on and didn’t put much effort into my hair today either as evidence in some of the photos with a rooster tail. This month was all clothes, no jewelry which I was kind of bummed about. I am pretty sure I asked for layering shirts and this is what I got.
This shirt I really like. It suggest a light blue cardigan over it but I don’t own one in that color. I am still undecided on this shirt because it’s $48, it kind of hugs the gut and I could do a lot of damage at H&M or even Target for that price.
This chambray shirt was ok but I already have two so I don’t really need another one. This was a weighty shirt and the back is longer than the front so that was different but not worth it for me to keep it. Plus it makes me look shapeless.
This red, black and white striped shirt is fun. It didn’t fit me right, can you say gut hugger? I tried adding a blazer to it but still no dice. It suggested a light blue cardigan and scarf which I don’t own. Maybe that’s why I look unhappy in the second pic? Either way this shirt was just not flattering to my muffin top.
I wasn’t sure about this cardigan and I think it’s a no. They suggested it with an orange t-shirt but I don’t own any t-shirts so I went with my coral tank which is more tight fitting than the t-shirt.
This shirt I LOVE! I want to keep it, it fits great, it looks great on me which is a definite plus and it’s navy. What else can I say? Well ok, it’s $68.
They suggested a coral sweater, I went with my favorite mustard/gold one from Target. Although I really like the tulip sleeves so not sure I would wear anything over it but switch out to coral pants? Or maybe a gold/mustard patterened scarf instead?
So there you have it, my two stitch fix experiences. It is fun and I think worth a try if you are stuck in a rut, hate shopping for clothes or just want something different that maybe you wouldn’t pick for yourself or isn’t available at the mall or Target.
If you sign up for stitchfix, please click here to sign up soI will receive a $25 credit for referring you. If you have used stitch fix before I’d love to hear what you thought about it. And as I prepare my closet for some must have basics, what are your must haves in your closet?
That is a cool concept!
What did you decide to keep and how much did you end up spending?
Was it worth it?
<3
Here are some thoughts from someone who doesn’t know you, has never even seen you except for the pictures in this post:
I think the navy/white polka dot blouse is really cute on you.
I don’t see the muffin top that you refer to (I think you may be overly sensitive about it, exaggerating it in your mind). The top that you thought emphasized the muffin top looked cute to me. I did not notice any muffin top.
We all have preconceived notions about our bodies. We get stuck in a rut. Having a fresh set of eyes, so to speak, to style us is a good thing. That’s one of the best things about StitchFix, imo. Those girls are not locked into your (narrow) perception of what looks good on you.
I am not affiliated with StitchFix, nor am I even a customer of StitchFix. I just wanted to encourage you to widen your perspective a bit. Give the peter pan collar a whirl. That shirt looked cute on you.
Riley
And P.S.:
When you’re sick is not the time to try on clothes. We never look good when we’re sick. 😉