Gettin' My Fix - Stitchfix #14

I really think Ja'nae just gets me. My last fix was on point and this was one also delivered. I had specifically requested some dark wash slightly bootcut jeans as well as a silver pendant necklace. Both pieces were included, but I ended up returning them. I tried the jeans first, excited to see that they were Kut from the Kloth, a denim brand I have had good luck with. However, they were too short and too boot-cut for my taste. In the short time I wore them, they also stretched, sagging around the waist. But I really liked the lighter wash and plan to look for some similar skinny jeans at TJ Maxx.

The oatmeal colored sleeveless top with lace trim by Loveappela was super cute...totally my type of thing, but it wasn't flattering. Kind of blah. And the pendant necklace was cheap looking and a bit too bulky to be something I'd wear often. Three strikes!

Then I pulled the Market & Spruce Henley Style Stop out of the box. Yum! A bold navy and white checked pattern, a flattering pleat in the back, and soft flowy material made this an instant favorite. I put it on and knew it was a keeper. I debated a bit longer about the navy linen blazer from Skies Are Blue. I really liked it, but wasn't sure if I had enough complimentary pieces. I tried it a few ways and realized it would be great over dresses for all of my business meetings (hahaha) or more casually paired with gray, white, or regular jeans. I don't have any other blazers and really liked the way it fit. Keeper!

While I only purchased two items, this latest Fix really hit the nail on the head. I made sure to relay that in the feedback survey, which is a helpful way of sharing why certain things worked and others didn't, hopefully making the next shipment even better. 

Lucky Number 13

StitchFix sucked me back in. It didn't take much - just an email offer that was too good to refuse. $49 for UNLIMITED fixes over a year. Plus, that $49 gets applied to your order. So essentially, the offer was a free personal stylist for 12 months. Sure, I don't really NEED any clothes...at all. Like I literally have nowhere to go that requires certain clothes. But then I thought about it/stretched way into the ether to find some excuse and realized that with this consulting stuff, there have been some meetings where I've been flummoxed about what to wear. After seven years in the JMBT basement in jeans and comfy sweaters, I didn't exactly have a robust professional wardrobe. Uh huh.

So I ordered a fix. I don't know if they are wrong or if I am wrong (fancy that), but StitchFix said it was my 13th delivery! That surprised me, but I gotta say, JaNae really delivered. More so than with any of my other shipments and stylists, she absolutely nailed my preferences. I really, really liked everything in the box which is pretty unusual. 

The first thing I tried was a pair of black, pull-on, slightly boot cut, patterned pants made by Margaret M. Trouser type things, but in a heavenly stretchy material. They fit great but as I moved around in them, the waistband gapped and they got a little saggy in places. I have a pair of business appropriate black pants that I like, so I didn't think it was worth the $98 for these. On to the green crochet detail top by Skies are Blue. Love it. Totally my thing. So much my thing though, that I already have a few similar tops. And apparently, it wrinkles easily. Back it goes!

From there, I moved onto the open detail cardigan by Bobeau. At first, I didn't get it and the draping seemed weird. Actually, I decided against it, but when I put it back on today to take a photo, I fell in love with it. I found a second button to help get the drape just right and the material is incredibly soft. I can see myself wearing this often. While it's not super warm, I do have to remember that while we have 3-5 months of tundra, it does eventually get warmer here. So I'm leaning toward keeping it...eeek.

The other item that's a definite keeper is this slouchy pullover sweater with contrast detail by Harper Lane. OMG. While I love it and it's something I'm totally comfy wearing, it's also something I'd never pick off the rack to try. Which is what I love about StitchFix. Take me out of my zone...a little bit anyway. The final item in the box was a lovely warm brown tote. The straps on my current bag of choice had become frayed and gross so I really needed a replacement. Unfortunately, while I loved the color and the texture, this one was just a bit too small to be useful for what I envisioned. Very tempting, but not worth $54.

All in all, I was super impressed with the Fix this time around. I'm going to have to employ some major self control to not get fixes up the wazoo. It's so fun though!!!!

True Confession - Stitchfix #8

I had an out of body moment and before I knew it I was logged onto Stitchfix ordering up another shipment. I think I blacked out. Anyway, it arrived as we were scrambling off to who knows where and I barely had a chance to try stuff on much less document the madness. I returned three items and kept two.

My stylist, Claire, faithfully honored each of my requests. I needed a pair of dark wash skinny jeans to go well with boots. The "Just Black" pair she sent were the perfect color but way too snug, low waisted and "ankle-length" which should just be called "awkward-length." Returned! I also wanted a cozy, warm, high-quality (wool, cashmere, aka material warm enough to keep me defrosted during February) sweater. She delivered with two. One was an oddly shaped "cross-over" number that clung to the wrong places, was baggy in the other wrong places and looked like it was designed for a non-human. The second sweater was almost a keeper...soft oatmeal color, warm, cowl neck, slouchy, fun zipper detail at the wrists, but it was slightly too big even accounting for the loose style. I knew if I kept it, I would never reach for it in the morning.

I snagged two great transitional tops that will hopefully be good for layering as it gets chillier. The first one, as Simon says, is "just a grey tee shirt." He's right. Until you see the back. Surprise! When I pulled the second top out of the box, I wasn't sure what to make of the pattern. But I tried it on, it worked, the material was super comfy and it fit well. Keeper! Whether or not I keep Stitchfix is another question...

Stitchfix #8 - The Final Farewell

Adios Stitchfix! The decision to say goodbye wasn't because I was enormously displeased with this month's box, although trust me, there were two stinkers in its contents, but it was more that I now live 5 minutes from an outlet mall. On a recent trip, I snagged a crazy amount of clothes for a crazy small number of dollars and the experience was more fun than opening the delivery. So we're done and I feel good about it. Especially because of these...

What...the...heck. A of all, I'm not even sure what is supposed to be happening with that dress. It's just bad. Real bad. Not even sure I should be posting the picture bad and glad the photos came out fuzzy bad. And then the sweater. Sweater coat? Sweater curtain? What on earth is up with THAT?

So yeah those two were just so absurd that it wasn't even worth trying to comprehend. I actually really liked this blue marled sweater by Kensie. It was cozy and warm and nice, but it was also a tad too expensive for its casual-ness, if that makes any sense.

I came out of the deal with this neat black and white infinity scarf and some grey jeans. I've been hunting for some great grey skinny jeans for awhile now and these ones by Mavi did the trick. Hopefully they'll be a "go-to" during the rapidly approaching jeans and boots season. But that is that and I'm over Stitchfix. Kudos to them for the brilliant business idea and great customer service but I guess I'm going back to my old school shopping ways.

It's Here! Stitchfix #6

Stitchfix is an addiction. I've gotten used to the excitement of coming home to a box of surprises and may have to reign it in a bit. I signed up for another shipment in August but the move in September could provide a catalyst for a break...

Haley was my stylist again and did a pretty good job. Actually, I think I've only ever kept tops from fixes and with this go around, I found a dress and necklace! I started with the two blouses -- the Egret Embroidery Tank Top and the Anabelle Lattice Detail Sleeveless Blouse, both by Under Skies. I liked them a lot. The embroidery tank was quite similar to an item from my first fix. Same designer, same issue with the armholes. And while the Annabelle top fit slightly better I knew I would never wear it given that it would require a strapless or racer back bra, and I just can't be bothered (lazy).

Then the shorts. As we may recall, the last time Stitchfix sent me shorts, they also sent me over the edge. Entirely different story with these babies made by Level 99. They fit great, were incredibly comfortable and were a fun pattern. Generally, if I integrate patterns into my clothes, it's usually only with tops so I was excited to see a way that I could spice things up on the lower half. Plus, they were my three favorite colors - black, white and grey. HA. However, they were $78 and you know what, I just don't wear shorts enough to justify that. And when I do, it's generally at the lake where honestly, the fanciest item I put on my body is a v-neck tee shirt. Reluctantly, they went back.

I wasn't holding out much hope for the Nils Swing Dress by Three Dots. Three Dots is a great brand that features super soft comfy material and this dress is stretchy, silky cotton bliss. I put it on, and honestly, it wasn't bad. I was shocked. Somehow, a dress with a seam at the hips wasn't an utter nightmare on my weird torso. Then I started to really like it. Simon did too, so it's a keeper ( please don't say you think it is horrid). Oh! It has pockets!!! Eeee!

The necklace really forced me out of my comfort zone in accessorizing...basically that's the "I have one necklace that I wear with everything zone." But I've been eyeing pieces like this, it was a good deal ($38) and I enjoyed how it looked with the dress. Someone please toss out some ideas on how else to wear this. I've never tried such a bold, chunky piece...help!

So that's the fix. Let's take a moment to acknowledge Merwin, who sat patiently as I hemmed and hawed over these things. Thanks little doggy.

Stitchfix #5 - Is The Stitch Fixed!?

Well ladies and gents, I caved. After my last Stitchfix, I emailed customer service summarizing my complaints and letting them know I was canceling. They responded by offering a credit to try again. So I figured why not give it a last ditch whirl. 

Haley delivered. She seriously nailed it. Integrated every request I had with thoughtful comments about how each item addressed previous issues I had mentioned. This was as close as I've come to keeping everything and still haven't pulled the trigger on returning things. As of now, I plan to hold on to the two tops and return the dress, necklace and pants. Not without a lot of hemming and hawing though.

The box arrived Tuesday night and I got home late because of a work event, but dove right in. I immediately fell in love with this Madeleina Embroidery Detailed Tank by Renee C. Don't tell me it's hideous because I wore it to work on Wednesday! 

Next up was this coral Twist Front Dress by Under Skies. Dresses are really hard especially with this latest "fit and flare" craze. This dress really worked. Like actually flattering. Super comfy and at $58, a pretty great deal for a versatile summer item. However, the body in it didn't really work/doesn't work out and pays for it with a pot belly. I was uncomfortable because of that. I can't imagine wearing spanx to work on a hot summer day or running around holding my breath and sucking it in for an entire day. I think I have to send it back. Sigh.

I really, really love the Tazo Mixed Print Floral Tank by Pomelo! It fits perfectly and has colors I normally wouldn't pick. The Bella Boutique Macy Delicate Crystal Tassel Pendant Necklace (seriously, does its name need so many words?!) was nice, but I have similar items and wasn't sure I wanted to invest in another. And these pants! I've been looking for a pair like this. Nice cropped length, basic grey. They were pretty flattering and comfortable but the waist was kind of flappy and I feared that given their material, they might stretch a lot. Plus, they were $108, a bit much for such a casual pant.

I'm so pumped with this latest delivery. Do I re-enlist?! 

Stitchfix #4 - The Breakup Box

What is that expression? All good things have to end? My journey with Stitchfix came to abrupt stop yesterday with the arrival of box #4. As you might recall, it was getting a little iffy last time when I returned all 5 items from my last fix. The nail in the coffin was these:

I'm not quite certain what "Emma" was thinking. Maybe these are uber trendy for this season but even if a crystal ball from the fashion future pegged stonewashed denim cargo shorts as a must have for the next century there is no way I would ever wear them. Never. No. Just no.

I still got excited when I saw the box at my doorstep and will admit that I love the concept of having a secret little present shipped to me. But it's no longer worth it. While I've liked most pieces, sizes and fit have been a struggle. This time I had a new stylist who was excited to have selected these items for "my trip." She mentioned it twice on her note to me as justification for the pieces and the funny part is, I'm not going on any trips and never included anything about a trip in my profile or feedback. So now I have these amazing denim cargo shorts and just no where to wear them!

This fix included two shirts, a pair of skinny jeans, the dreaded shorts, and a necklace. The Adora Skinny Jeans in "canteloupe" were pretty awful...bright, nearly florescent orange that someone hip to the jive might be able to pull off, but not me. They're pictured in the photo of the necklace below. I was excited to get a taste of their accessories with the Bella Boutique Claire Sterling Silver Tassel Necklace but at $58 with a strange blend of silver and gold, it wasn't quite what I wanted. And unfortunately, yet again, I got a really cute top that is just too big. The Laine Hi-Lo navy blue shirt with the cutout detail really was kind of cute, but as you can see, the arm pit area did not quite fit. I kept the Cosette Top by Ezra. Nice comfy knit shirt in a neutral gray fancied up a bit with the crochet detail.

As I mentioned in my feedback and message to customer service, the sizing stuff just isn't worth the hassle anymore. I would rather browse through Nordstrom Rack or even Target and pick things I'm really comfortable wearing that are flattering. I am glad I tried it and can imagine that it works well for other people, but it turned out not to be my jam. Adios Stitch Fix!

It's Here! Stitchfix #3

This one was a let down. I expected this to happen before now, but it turned out that I kept nothing from this shipment, which included some white skinny jeans, a racerback tank, short sleeved blouse, striped jacket, and a dress.

I have a few complaints. Stitchfix is big on promoting detailed feedback, which I have provided. For example, when they sent me a belted dress in Fix #1, I explained that items that hit at the waist never, ever work. This fix's dress had a distinct waist. I had also mentioned that while I love flowy, blousy tops, they always require a smaller size than typical straight fitting shirts. I got another flowy shirt that I loved but was too large. So I have no idea how it works and whether it's formulaic or whatnot, but the whole point is, it's not supposed to seem formulaic. They market it as a personal stylist who selects things just for you and those previous bits of feedback sort of felt ignored.

All whining aside, I do think I will try again. A few of the items were near misses, certainly more so than my above tirade would make it seem. When I took it out of the box, I hated the Myla Tribal Detailed Racerbank Tank by Collective Concepts, but when I put it on, I actually really liked it. The coral color was fun and those black and white V details were really great. But the racerback style is tricky and actually, the armholes were too snug and after a few minutes, it became uncomfortable. Not sure it flattered my hip area either...

You'll see the Kensie Ankle Biter Skinny Jeans. In white. Tight white. The photo does not reveal the bumps and lumps but they are there. The end. I liked this assymetrical Mojo Striped Ponte Moto jacket by Sanctuary but it arrived with some dirt on the sleeve. Not sure I wanted to pay for it and risk not being able to get it clean. Plus, me and mostly white clothing tends to not end well.

I shall not bother to terrorize you with a photo of me in the Mathilde Cap Sleeve Abstract Print Dress by Angie. It wasn't as terrible as one might think but the top was way too big, even if you account for the intended blousy style on this type of thing. I liked the pattern but the polyester/rayon blend felt icky. And finally, the near-miss of this Lace Detailed Short Sleeve Blouse. Again with the polyester and again with the too-largeness. It really doesn't look awful in the pic but it wasn't worth it. Plus, it was incredibly sheer (like, hello, belly button sheer). In my feedback, I described my disappointment both specifically and generically. Hopefully that will improve the next one due to arrive mid-May!