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I’ve wanted to try Stitch Fix since I first heard about it.
I’m so inept with clothing and fashion. In high school, my stepsisters would joke that I was going to end up on What Not to Wear. I’ve gotten better since then, but it’s still a struggle for me.
But when my husband and I decided to open a retail store, it was time to make a change. I didn’t have any nice clothes, and I didn’t have a single pair of pants that fit me post-baby. But how to even get started?
First, I joined Cladwell to help me get an idea for what colors look good on me and what kinds of pieces I should get. It doesn’t have a ton of features yet, but just giving me the color palette was huge for me and totally worth the $15.
But now I had to actually find and pick out clothes to fill an interchangeable capsule wardrobe. That was really intimidating for me. I have never had great luck in thrift stores, which is about where my budget is. Pinterest helped me generate a basic idea, but I knew I needed help getting the ball rolling.
So I finally made the leap to join Stitch Fix. I figured I may as well let a professional help me get started. And, to be blunt, that scared the crap out of me. Filling out the style profile did not do anything to calm my fears. I realized I knew nothing about my body type or even what size I was. I still didn’t have a good grasp on my style or what I was looking for. What if I hated everything they sent? What if nothing fit me? What if the world doesn’t make pants that fit my mama pooch and my lack of a butt at the same time? What if everything made me look frumpy or accentuated my thick waist?
What if I can’t afford any of it? Our budget is tight. Food shelf and WIC coupons, can’t remember the last time I bought anything for myself, tight. We set aside a chunk of our tax refund to dress ourselves appropriately, but every fiber of my being resisted the idea of paying more than $10 for an item of clothing. And the idea that I might lose the $20 styling fee because nothing was right?
But I did it. I bit the Stitch Fix bullet. And here’s how it went:
Ruth Split Neck Top – $68
I loved this top. It was comfortable, it looked good on, it was a nice color. It was exactly what I was looking for. I loved everything about it. I don’t know if I’ve ever spent so much on a shirt in my life, but I was ready to make the leap.
Then the thought occurred to me as I was taking laundry out of the dryer. I checked the label. Dry clean only. I did some research. Nope, that’s not just a nice suggestion. Rayon cannot be washed, and it’s risky to even hand wash. Maybe on a thrift store shirt, but I’m not taking any risks with a $68 shirt.
I mean really. Who sends a dry clean only shirt to a mom? What, am I supposed to just never wear it around my son to avoid spit up, drool, food, breast milk, etc. getting on it?I can’t even feed myself half the time without getting something on my shirt! Just this morning I spilled coconut milk all over myself while making a smoothie. Why do people even bother with this kind of fabric?
At first I was just disappointed, then I almost started to cry, then I got irrationally mad. I really liked this shirt, and it is HARD for me to find clothes I like. Especially post-baby! Well, I learned my lesson. Check the labels. If it can’t go in the wash, don’t even bother trying it on.
Verdict: Return
Ruth Split Neck Top over Adorra Skinny Jean
Making faces at the baby
Adorra Skinny Jean – $88
Gulp! I’ve never spent so much on jeans before! But honestly, what are the chances of these fitting my stomach, hips, AND butt? Pretty good, actually.
First thing that came out of my mouth, before I even had them all the way up: “These are SO comfy!”
Surprisingly, they fit! And they have pockets! They aren’t perfect by any means. My poor flat butt. But they fit better than anything has fit since before I switched to maternity pants (that’s how small my butt is – XS maternity pants didn’t fit my pregnant hips and butt). They are petite sized, so they aren’t too long. They are shorter than I would have picked for myself, but since I’m a boots or sandals type of girl, I think they will go great with all my shoes.
I’m so excited by the prospect of a pair of jeans that fit – and a really nice looking pair, too – that I bit the bullet and decided to spend the money.
Verdict: Keep
Marielle Knit Top – $44
First reaction pulling it out of the box: That’s a lot of fabric for a small.
I love the colors, but there was just no shape to this shirt. I was swimming in it. Too bad. As the cheapest item in my fix, I would have liked it to have been the piece I kept.
Super cute, but it also clung to my body weird after moving my arms around. Still rocking the jeans, though!
Verdict: Return
Rebekah Ponte Blazer – $98
First reaction: So much white! I don’t think I can pull off that much white.
I want a blazer, but navy or gray is more what I’m going for.
Plus, I just didn’t like the fit. It didn’t have much structure and it didn’t help give me the appearance of a waist at all. Am I asking for too much from a woman’s blazer? Plus it seemed way too large in the shoulders and chest. It got all bunchy and baggy around the top once I started moving my arms.
Looks better from the back – so I feel like it was the right size. Just not good for me.
Cameryn Skinny Pant – $88
I really need some dress pants, but these pants were all kinds of weird. First, there was no zipper, fly, etc. And the waistband wasn’t super stretchy. I was worried I’d bust a seem pulling them over my hips.
They did fit decently over the mama pooch. So points for that. They were a good length, too.
But things continued to get weird. How can something be baggy and tight on the crotch at the same time? It was just uncomfortable and weird. Add in that they didn’t fit my butt at all, and it was pretty sad.
Verdict: Return
Conclusion
I think my stylist is getting some really good notes after this fix, and she was on the right track. I am sure I wasn’t the easiest person to create a fix for. I’m confident my next fix will be better, but I’m still terrified about the fit factor. And I’m still hung up on the budget. I have a bit more confidence right now, so I’m going to try thrifting it a bit more. There’s also a designer outlet near us where I always find great boots and my husband always finds great pants. I don’t know when my next fix will be, but after I fill out my wardrobe a bit more, I’ll definitely try again.
Have you tried Stitch Fix? How do you like it? If not, what has kept you from it?
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Oh Chloe I have been in your shoes! I have raised 4 kids and know all about tight budgets but let me tell you I wear designer clothes and NEVER spend more than 5bucks on any one item!( I am a stay @ home wife and this is my rule to keep me in my budget. ) I shop all the thrift stores and goodwills in my area. About 75% of what I find still has tags on it. I never purchase anything without trying it on first and everything I buy has to have a purpose. For example, cute tank top that can be worn with skirt, or layered under a sweater or blazer. If I buy something loud and crazy like a wild skirt then it must go with something I already have (this keeps me from buying things I will never wear because I don’t have something to wear it with) I built a wardrobe that has a lot of basics but is extremely versatile. I have basic colored tank tops and tops both short and long sleeves that can be worn with jeans, skirts, or pants and easily layered under a sweater or jacket. I do buy scarves and necklaces in crazy prints or colors because they can easily jazz up an outfit. I luv shoes(my weakness) but I try to keep them comfortable-flats, boots, cute sandals, and of course wedges-they can dress up an outfit but keep you from breaking your neck while chasing kids. I am all about comfort when it comes to clothes. Even though my kids are grown I still chase my grandkids around. I understand your dilemma with post baby body. I am going thru menopause and some days I have tummy bloat-so I always have those blah day outfits that make me feel good when I don’t have time to try stuff on. ( like a maxi dress with a crop jacket or a pair of skinny jeans with long flowing top and cute shoes and jewelry.) Honestly I knew nothing about fashion but I taught myself and you can too! I hardly go to the store without someone commenting on my cute outfit and I luv being able to say my WHOLE outfit cost lest than 15 bucks(shoes and jewelry included!) I know you can do this too! Start by buying a few fashion magazines or googling them online. Take an honest look @ the styles that are in and pick the things you like. Then go to those thrift stores and dive in..it will take awhile in the beginning to figure out what works best for your body style but remember that it will get easier! Don’t be afraid to take a friend with you or to ask a total stranger for an opinion on something your trying on. Don’t give up when you feel you didn’t find anything that day. And if you honestly cant figure out what to wear with it don’t buy it. Keep it simple in the beginning, basic colors and styles. Then start branching out as you get more comfortable with your choices-buy a couple loud tops or a crazy skirt(I luv skirts they hide a multitude of sins-big hips, and thighs, skinny waist no butt etc.) Try to go through your closet every 3 months and get rid of things that just aren’t working for you-this allows you to remember what things you need when you go shopping so you don’t pass on a white top(because you have one in your closet but it doesn’t fit you right) I mean hey we go through our kids clothes and cycle them out why not take care of ourselves too. ( I know a stay @ home wife talking but I do raise our food and can everything, as well as clean houses-so I know how hard it can be to find time)I keep a small sack in my closet-if I try something on and I’ve lost weight or gained and don’t like how it fits I toss it in the sack and then cycle those clothes out of my closet when its full. Yes I’m OCD. Anyway, I know you probably didn’t expect all this crazy advice but how the heck can someone who cant see you help you with your wardrobe. You can do this!! And save your self lots of money!! I used to be afraid too but now people come to me for fashion help so I have confidence you can do this too! No one can know your style but you-you have to find it and find what makes you happy!! Clothing is an expression of ourselves-so learn to express yourself and have fun while you do it!! Clothing should make you happy! You will surprise yourself so don’t be afraid! Oh and I used to bring my kids with me to shop so I hope that works for you too-I do know how hard that can be. My last word of encouragement (at least I hope this has been encouraging lol) You are embarking on a major career move-you are a business owner- you need to express confidence and taste in fashion and yourself to be a successful business woman. Don’t be afraid- you are a fashion goddess in the making- you can have the confidence so you can help your customers feel confident with their purchases. You can SHOW them how to be confident and fashionable. I wish you the best!!!
Thank you for sharing and the advice! I always have trouble at thrift stores, but I do love checking them and Goodwill out. I get most of my clothes at a designer outlet. A bit more expensive, but I always find some really good deals!
I haven’t tried it and likely won’t. My spouse is temporarily retired from work and I’m a full time stay at home mother so we’re on a fairly tight budget ourselves. I follow Imogen Lamport at Inside Out Style blog and she helps you figure out what works best for you. She does color, body shape, face shape, personality, and special recommendations like if you have a large bust. Helpful as I’m a V shape and do have a proportionally large bust. I must try three sizes per item on first as I fit a range of sizes. I have from small to 1X in my wardrobe. Slip on styles I usually need a smaller size. I have proportionally short legs as well. Styles with a closure I usually need a larger size. Most pants slip off of me when I move. Probably because I have a large waist, narrow hips, and a small butt. I mostly wear dresses. Stretch fabric or shapeless with a belt works best for me. Also took the email course from Dress Your Truth. It goes by your energy type. I am a Level 2 which is water energy. We like to be soft and subtle. Comfort is king to us. I get most of my clothing from discount and thrift stores. Occasionally my mother, sister, or brother gift me clothing. That is helpful as I can’t save on bras (due to size and the fact I can’t find them locally) and with contacts and glasses (due to prescription as I’m severely nearsighted and have astigmatism).
Thanks for sharing what you do!