How and Why I use Stitch Fix

Several people have asked me why I would pay for a personal shopping service instead of picking stuff out myself so I thought I’d write up a post of why and how I use Stitch Fix.

The Why – –

1. Convenience: Let’s face it. I have a 6 year old and 1.5 year old at home with me most the time, whether the big kids (10 & 8) are at school or not.  If you’ve never dragged a preschooler and a toddler to the store with you to shop and try on clothes, I invite you to take mine. If the toddler isn’t pulling things off the racks as we pass, the preschooler is darting down aisles to see his own stuff. For this reason alone, Stitch Fix has been worth every penny I’ve spent.

2. Education: When I first signed up for Stitch Fix, I felt very adept at picking out jeans and t-shirts, but not much else. As my profile got more detailed (with all the specific feedback on what they’d sent me), the stylists got better at matching what I wanted with things I never would’ve thought to pull from the rack. I also love how they send you style cards for each item with suggestions on what to pair it with. Now that I’ve gotten a few seasons worth of clothes, I’m actually getting better at picking my own adventurous clothes in the off chance I’m able to go shopping. It’s almost as if the stylists mentor you on what works with your personality and tastes. (Thank you, Catherine!)

3. Self-care: I used to feel guilty treating myself to something nice. Growing up we didn’t buy new things very often or do costly activities. I never felt deprived, but I was aware of every penny I spent as an adult. Many times, I’ve talked myself out of a purchase I actually need because it caused so much anxiety. I tend to shop at discount stores (Marshall’s, TJMaxx, etc.) but they require having the time to sort through a lot of clothes to come up with something I can wear.  When I started shopping at “real” stores in the mall I realized how cost-comparative Stitch Fix items actually are and stopped feeling guilty about the cost difference between some items at Marshall’s (although lately not so different) and items in my Fix.

Stitch Fix gives me the opportunity to feel like I’m pampering myself at a minimal cost with something that benefits me in the long-term. For the cost of a mani/pedi, I can add something to my wardrobe that I feel confident in. I no longer feel bad about paying for a shirt that’s versatile and is quality made.

Tips – –

1. I don’t love every stylist employed by Stitch Fix – – It’s the truth. I’ve gotten 10 fixes and at least two of them have been very, very disappointing. Clothes are subjective just like art, writing, and humor. One of the great things about Stitch Fix is if you love a fix, you can request the same stylist. I highly recommend this method as the stylist can really hone in on how to best shop for you over time.

2. The Stitch Fix feedback/notes fields only allow for a certain number of characters. Because of this it can be difficult to explain everything to your stylist (unless you aren’t overly detail-oriented like me!) Create a style board on Pinterest to educate your stylist on your newest crushes. Pin items and outfits you love. You can even pin a Stitch Fix item you’ve seen on someone’s blog and request it by name if you want. You can write in the Pinterest notes something like, “I’d love to get something this in my next fix.”  Reference if it’s the color or shape or both that attracts you to the item.

3. Be as specific as possible when keeping or returning an item. Instead of saying, “didn’t like” or “didn’t fit”, I’ve said things like, “This was too boxy and didn’t do anything for me.”  Or “This reminds me too much of the maternity clothes I’ve been wearing for the last 10 years!” Or “I really liked this shirt, but can’t stand 3/4 length sleeves.” Or, ” this pattern is too busy, big, colorful, etc.”   Before curating your fix, a stylist will go back over past notes to help direct her shopping. The more info you give, the better suited your fix will be.

4. Be patient. I wasn’t in love with my first fix. It was average at best. But I loved the idea behind Stitch Fix and decided to try it again. And again. And again. My fixes get better with time because I’ve employed the tips above. If you love the idea of having Christmas in a box arrive on your doorstep a few times a year, I highly suggest being patient and honest with your stylist if a fix is disappointing.

The How – –

1. Wardrobe building – As I said, I’m pretty adept at choosing foundation pieces for my classic wardrobe. Seriously, I’m the bomb when it comes to picking a pair of blue jeans or black pants. I use Stitch Fix to add pizazz to my wardrobe – – I tend to get them seasonally to add a piece or three to that year’s wardrobe. Out with the worn out things and in with the new. This keeps me current at a small cost.

2. Cost cutting – Believe it or not, Stitch Fix can save you money over time. Because it’s a referral structure, every time one of your friends schedules their first fix, you get a credit in your account, just like many of the other shopping sites out there (I’m looking at you Birch Lane, Joss & Main, Birchbox, Popsugar).  Because I love Stitch Fix, I’m comfortable talking about it – – in fact, I love getting other’s opinions on the clothes I get, which gets the word out more, too. So over time, I can earn credit here and there to put toward my purchases.

Have you received a Stitch Fix? If so, tell us in the comments how and why do you use it?

If you’d like to try Stitch Fix, go here.