Liz’s Stitch Fix Review – September 2018
I recently started subscribing to Stitch Fix again after taking a break for a few years, and this is my third shipment!
If you aren’t familiar, Stitch Fix is a monthly clothing and styling subscription service. When you initially sign up, you take an in-depth survey that asks you about your clothing size, personal style, and price preferences. Your stylist handpicks five items based on your preferences within the survey. The fee for this service is $20, and that includes free shipping as well as free returns. If you keep any of the items they send you, you get to deduct the $20 fee from the total. If you keep all five items, you also get a 25% discount!
FYI – My items are reflective of my style and price preferences, so your Stitch Fix may be completely different!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
Stitch Fix now offers services for Men, Kids, Maternity, Petite, and Plus Size!
About Stitch Fix
The Subscription Box: Stitch Fix
The Cost: $20 styling fee (pay for whatever items you keep minus the $20 credit)
The Products: 5 clothing and accessory items selected for you based on your Style Profile.
Ships to: U.S. only
Check out all of our Stitch Fix reviews!
Each box comes with a free return bag. All you have to do is package up anything you want to return and send it back. Super easy!
When you first sign up for Stitch Fix, you’ll fill out a survey to give your stylist specifics on your size, style, clothing needs etc. And the best part is you can also leave notes for exactly what you are looking for. In my case, I told my stylist that I love maxi dresses and that I need bold tops that are good for filming unboxing videos. (That means eye-catching but not distracting.) As you can see on the note included from my stylist, she used that feedback!
And there are also cards for each piece to give you styling ideas.
This is the invoice that was sent in the box. As you can see, it provides specifics on the brand, size, and price of each item. They also give instructions at the bottom for how to check out and either purchase or return your items. My total came to $423, but with the 25% off if I keep everything, it would be $317.25.
OK, here are the pieces:
TOMS Majorca Cut Out Suede Heel SIZE: 8.5 Cost to Keep $109
I’ve never tried TOMS sandals before, and these were surprisingly comfortable!
Even though I liked the look and the feel of these sandals, I’m not OK paying full price for sandals at the end of summer. I’m in fall mode! And I wouldn’t wear these until next year probably. These will be returned.
LAUREN RALPH LAUREN Yadira Knit Dress SIZE: 6 – Cost to Keep $94
This is a slinky jersey fabric with gold metal detail at the collar. I love the burgundy wine color (very appropriate for fall), and I think the fit is flattering, but the fabric is a little clingy. At the $94 price point, I’m still debating this one.
41 HAWTHORN Zander Sweater Dress SIZE: M – Cost to Keep $88
On the feedback from my last fix, I told my stylist I didn’t want any sleeveless items. (I had previously noted I didn’t want to show my arms in my style profile, but the stylist on my previous fix had still sent sleeveless items) In the letter for this fix, my stylist noted that I didn’t want to show my arms and included this blazer below to pair with the sleeveless dress.
I would have preferred instead that she just not select a sleeveless dress for me, but at least this is progress? Maybe I’m the only person who doesn’t like sleeveless styles?
Anyway, this knit dress is really cute. I think the cut is flattering, and the knit fabric is forgiving. I’m not sure I’ll keep it though because 1. it’s sleeveless, and 2. I don’t love knee-length styles. (I’m super picky, I know.)
KENSIE Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer SIZE: M Cost to Keep $88
I love the fun polka dot lining of this blazer! (I believe it’s designed to be worn cuffed.) I don’t own any blazers (I’ve never had to wear standard formal clothing for a job, so it would be a foreign object in my closet.) Right now I’m debating if I should keep it since it’s a good classic to have, or if I should send it back because I may never wear it…
TINSEL Hattie Two Pocket Button Down Top SIZE: M – Cost to Keep $44
As soon as I put this on, I knew I was keeping it. There’s something about fall that just makes me want to buy plaids and flannels! I like the v-neck cut of this shirt, too.
Tips for signing up for Stitch Fix with UPDATES:
- When you are filling out the style profile, be pickier than you think you should be. There’s a section with different body parts to let them know if you like to show them off, show them sometimes, keep them covered, etc. (Arms, torso, cleavage, legs, etc.) I was neutral on showing off my arms, but the reality is I don’t really like/wear sleeveless tops, so I should have just taken a firm no on that one. (You can always update your profile at any time, too.)
- On the final page of your style profile, you can leave detailed notes. Your stylist will read these, so make sure to get as specific as you can. If you’re going to an event and need an outfit for it, give all the details. It seems like some of my style profile requests/preferences are being seen as more of suggestions than requirements. I’d recommend spelling out anything that is important to you in this section, even if you feel it’s already been covered by some of the questions.)
- Create a Pinterest board with outfits/styles you love. When you are filling out your style profile you can share this and it’s a great way to give your stylist a visual of what you like.
- Go into it knowing that your first shipment likely won’t be 100% perfect. Mine was pretty good, but I left notes on everything, even the items I liked so that my next shipment will be better. Think of the first box as a trial run!
The Verdict: One clear winner, and a few maybes, I think this Stitch Fix is an improvement over last month! For my next fix, I’m going to try making a Pinterest board and sharing it with my Stylist – I’m guessing that will give me a huge improvement in matching my style. (If you have a Pinterest board for Stitch Fix, let me know if it’s working for you!)
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Stitch Fix curates its boxes based on each individual’s preferences as well as what’s available. What you get might not be the same as what I got, but you also might get something that fits your style and body even better than the looks above! Sign up and see what they choose for you!
What do you think about Stitch Fix? Have you tried them yet?
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Written by Liz Cadman
I loved all the items on Liz!
I also had problems with StitchFix not following my profile or feedback and continually sending items that showed areas I didn’t want to show. Also they don’t have really warm items for winter. I think it’s just not considered by them to be fashionable to be warm or not showing a lot of skin!
It seems odd Stitch Fix seems to have so much trouble finding sleeved tops and dresses — I wonder what’s going on.
I was surprised to get a fix a few weeks ago with a knee length sleeveless knit dress I would have considered in June, or on clearance, but clearly wasn’t appropriate for fall in Minnesota. They also mentioned in their note that they only had a single style of button up chambray blouse in my size, and were sending it because I requested one, even though the style didn’t match my preferences (it’s covered in little metal studs, but has such nice fabric I bought it anyway).
The Stitch Fix Algorithm article is a pretty interesting read: https://algorithms-tour.stitchfix.com
Looking at how the process works, especially the machine learning sorting step, my guess would be that other clients in the same size range have said they wanted sleeves, got sent sleeveless pieces, and bought them anyway, training the system to try sending sleeveless pieces anyway, just in case.
I find that article reassuring somehow, that if I look at Stitch Fix feedback as an optimization problem it makes more sense and I can get better results.
Is stitch fix brand new items? Someone mentioned it was used but looking at your review, I think they may be thinking of possibly another subscription box service.
They are new (unless maybe they send out items that have been returned and people call those new?). They have tags.
Liz, I hear you about the issue of sleeves. I don’t mind showing my arms, I’m just always cold, and I need the sleeves for warmth! It does seem ridiculously hard to find dresses that have short sleeves!
Ive already purchased three plaid shirts for Fall alreadh lol
My stylist refers to my pinterest board regularly. So, I definitely recommend that. I also think that if you choose more classic type things in your style profile, that you might get things that are closer to what you are looking for. Their little daily style finder quizzes help a little bit too, if for no other reason than they help me be more specific in my feedback. I think I’ve only ever sent anything back twice.
I have a definitive inverted triangle shape, high bust, wear mastectomy bras, and won’t wear anything sleeveless or with cut-outs. Time and again I get tank tops, cold-shoulder styles, and tops with vee necks which, on me, always plunge well below my bust. Have tried saying “If it’s knit and has a crew or jewel neckline, just send it” and have been told regardless of season that they carry very little that matches that description. Seriously? Seriously.
I guess I’m the only one who hates sleeves…lol…even in the winter I mostly wear sleeveless…if I have to I’ll put on a sweater or jacket but I live in South Texas and we have nicwe winter’s usually. I realized a few years ago that not a single person has ever come up to me and said “you really should cover those arms”. Once I made that realization I was FREE!! I do understand body image issues (I do have my share) but I’m of the mind that as long as I like it when who else !atters?
The burgundy dress looked fantastic on you. I pretty much like all of it and was envious that I couldn’t fit into any of it…lol.
I for one am obsessed with that sweater dress and really wish I could buy it somewhere!
I agree with the other comments about the blazer! As tall and thin as you are, you could rock a structured blazer and look stunning. This unstructured one looks kinda cheap & frumpy to me. Same for the black dress. The first dress and the plaid top look great, though!
Anyone else remember when Liz was too shy to show herself modeling clothing? Now she’s a total pro!
Sending a blazer to get around the sleeveless issue is not acceptable when there must be plenty of short sleeve dresses in their warehouse.
Haha I have one move : hand on hip 🙂
Agreed. However I do find it interesting that I have had my feedback blatantly ignored before too. In fact this is a direct quote from the stylist note in my most recent fix:
“I want you to know that I’ve studied your profile and I’m aware of all the preferences that you have. But sadly, we just don’t always have the types of styles available that you’re asking for. The same is true or this Fix. We didn’t have the types of styles you were hoping to see this time.”…. the note goes on to then say “I know both [two of the items] are above your preferred budget but I thought each piece matched your style pretty well.”
I don’t know if I should be annoyed or impressed by this honesty. I, like Liz, have asked for “bright colors and nothing sleeveless” in a fix and literally received a black tank top :p
I will continue to subscribe but really found this last note to be interesting. I sent all 5 items back.
Liz you are great at modeling! Your signature pose works 🙂
That is really interesting.
I thought so too. I thought to myself, so you’re sending me stuff that you are *admitting* does NOT match my style preferences OR my preferred price range… Hmmm.
Like I said, I do love the service and will continue to subscribe since I have had many great fixes. Just found that honesty to be refreshing and annoying at the same time lol.
*should have said “…the same is true OF this fix” not “or” this fix. Sorry for the typo!
I don’t like knee length dresses either. It’s weird, but I don’t like my knees and knee length dresses draw attention to them. I have very strong thighs so I think my knees look big. I am trying to get over it, but really prefer something calf length or short. It’s hard with dresses.
Not weird!! I have a joint issue that makes my knees look super knobby and I hate drawing any attention to them
Love the flannel on you, Liz! I also think the first dress looks really great. Possibly a great fall pick!
I find that having a Pinterest board has helped immensely for my Fixes. I’ve actually been sent a few things that I had pinned, and a lot of what my stylist sends now she notes that she’s chose because it matches a cut, print, etc. that she saw on my Pinterest board. Definitely would recommend!
Sleeveless is my very biggest pet peeve with Stitch Fix. SF just doesn’t carry many Summer weight shirts or dresses that aren’t sleeveless. Love the service and options in the fall and winter but I have little luck during warmer months.
I would be so upset about getting that sleeveless dress. I have had much better experiences with stitch fix. I would ask for a new stylist. Or cancel.
I like the shirt. Everything else looks outdated. The dresses look like last year sales and I think the blazer isn’t structured enough.
I totally agree about the blazer-it needs to be taken in. It’s too boxy!
Liz,
You’re definitely not alone in not liking sleeveless clothing. I received many in my Wantable boxes even though I specifically said I wasn’t interested. Toms has some cute boots and booties and great sales you could find those shoes at a better price when they have a sale.
Glad to hear I’m not the only one! Time to go lookup TOMS boots! 🙂 thanks for the tip!
Btw if you don’t mind past season 6pm has a good selection too.
Count me in the sleeves-please club…