Stitch Fix Box #3

So, dear Stitch Fix stalkers out there, I got my third fix in the mail.  I still think it’s funny you guys are all into this, but I love having my friends “over” and making these decisions with you.  If you want to get a history of why I do Stitch Fix, you can read about my first box here (cliff notes: I have no time to shop, all the good stores are a long drive away, and nothing fits me.)  If you want to see box #2, you can find that here.

But that was summer.  The temperatures are dropping and I’ve got my Fall layers out.  In my notes to the stylist this time, I mentioned that I’ve always wanted to try out a dolman top.  I also said I could use either a black or grey pair of dress pants, and the rest is just wardrobe freshening-up.  I have some interest in a colder weather dress as I love to wear dresses to church.

Also, I have a Pinterest board for my stylist to review, of stuff that catches my eye in the fashion world.  You can find that here.  Stylists love Pinterest boards.  It’s a big jumping off point.

I will remind you that this last spring I did a major overhaul in my wardrobe.  Using the KonMari method, I went through and got rid of 80% of my clothes.  I have a very minimalistic wardrobe now, keeping only items that I absolutely love and fit me perfectly.  I’m so in love with my tiny wardrobe.  I don’t want a huge one again.  However, I think it’s good to freshen things up so it doesn’t get boring.  Just know, the standard is higher than most people’s.  It has to be a knock-me-over-I-LOVE-IT! sort of reaction.  Yes, that means I spend more money per item in clothing, but I no longer buy clothes randomly off the clearance rack that are only so-so.  In the end, I’m spending quite a bit less overall because I’m not nickeling and dining my way to a wardrobe where I exclaim I have nothing to wear.  In fact, I don’t think I’ve said that once since I’ve made this huge switch.

On the touchy topic of money, Stitch Fix has a referral program, where you get credit if you tell someone about it and they sign up.  Actually you get the credit when they order their first box.  I have about $100 in referral money from previous blog posts, so I was excited to see what I can get with that this time.

Also, with this program, you can set the costs of items.  All of the categories I have set at “the cheaper the better!” option except for pants because I tend to have an odd shaped lower half, being both skinny, short, muffin top, and birth-bearing hips, and have better luck with more expensive bottoms.  So I give my stylist a bit more wiggle room there and have it set a notch above “the cheaper the better!” to “$50-100” for pants.

So without further ado:

Marlow Printed Dress $118.

This dress has a very high quality feel to it.  It better for being over $100.  Really, I usually only spend that amount on a dress if I’m a bridesmaid.  My stylist was very excited to send me a dress with sleeves, and said they were a great length…and they were…for someone who isn’t a petite.  If I’m being honest here, I’m not sure that non-petites understand the challenges of petites.  Cropped things don’t work for us, and the biggest challenge we face isn’t the length of items, it’s the necklines that go much too low and are much too wide.  The neckline of this was fine, and the pattern was fun.  But it was over budget and arms that were awkward for my frame.

Status: sent back.

Rowson Colorblock Striped Sweater $58.

I had accidentally pinned this sweater a few different times on my board, so I’m not very surprised I got it in my box.  I think the green color is fun.  I like the long length of this.  It feels on trend, and cozy.  I have a sweater similar to this in a different color, that fits me better though, and cost me a ton less.  Plus it was really on the thin side fabric-wise.  I’d have to majorly layer this piece to make it work in our cold climate, and I don’t have layers that go with this.

Status: sent back

Gideon Polka Dot Sweater $68.

I love polka dots in general, as seen on my style board.  I also like the long length of this, and it was very cozy and warm.  This was Knut’s favorite item in the box, though it was more of a shrug favorite, than a “you must keep this!” favorite.  The extreme contrast just made me feel louder than I wanted to feel for an outfit.  I just wasn’t crazy about it.

Status: sent back

Emer High Waisted Trouser $98.

(Seen above.  Sorry I don’t have a full length shot.)

So these pants are all the rage on Stitch Fix.  They come in many colors, and people love them.  They are cropped.  Knut explained to me this is the style, and they go with high heels.  (He was reading the how to style brochure that came with the box.)  I looked it up on Pinterest to see how others wore it, and it actually looks pretty cute.  I was thinking that since they were cropped they would be normal on me, but they were actually cropped, so maybe they sent me a petite?  I was also worried they would just be really expensive leggings.  They weren’t as tight as I was anticipating, but they don’t have a zipper.  I got a good aerobic workout getting these things on, but they were comfy once they were on.  I wish they had a zipper.  The fabric feels high quality, but I really don’t see me wearing these a lot.  Plus, I know a place where I can get dress pants I love for $70 that are actually a length I like and have a zipper.  I was just thinking they could save me a long road trip to get there.  It’s the top end of my price point, and I’m just not that excited about them.

Status: sent back

Corinna Striped Dolman Top $48.

This was also pinned a few times.  Do I have a thing for stripes right now or something?  I had asked for a dolman and I got one.  I really don’t have them much in my wardrobe and I’m seeing them everywhere.  The bagginess is pretty cozy.  I think I could get into this, but the huge, HUGE problem is the neckline was just balancing on my shoulders.  It was falling off all the time.  I know it’s the style, but that’s my shopping issue.  It’s the style, and it’s everywhere, and I live with toddlers and little people who pull at my shirt constantly and I can’t have one that’s falling off my shoulders.  I did consider just stitching up the neckline a bit, but when I looked at the construction, I realized it would be a rip-apart-the-whole-thing-and-redo sort of project, not just a few stitches.

Status: sent back.

Thoughts about the box:

So a couple things.  First, this is by far the most expensive box I have gotten.  Honestly, I did the math to see if I could keep all 5 items and get the 25% discount that happens when you buy the whole lot, and use my $100 credit but I still couldn’t swing it then financially.  That will be #1 feedback I give to my stylist this time.  I know they have cheaper stuff, and she was sending me stuff I had pinned, but I didn’t know how much they were when I pinned them.  Plus, pinning isn’t requesting.  It’s just telling them what you like.  I would really like her to pay closer attention to the price point I have in my profile.  It doesn’t have to be followed to the letter, but I’d like it at least leaning in that direction.  I don’t mind spending a lot on one big item I’ll use a lot, but when the whole box feels like big items, I can’t do it even if they’re gorgeous.

Second, nothing really got me excited to wear.  I’m not sure if it’s me or them, or just a lack of communication or education on petites needs, not just petite labels.

I’m learning more with each box about how to explain what I want, and communicate to my stylist and myself what I’m really going for.  I’m going to leave some detailed feedback on this box, and I’m thinking of more specifics of what I want in the next.  I’m thinking I want a denim layering piece, either jacket or vest or something, but all of them that I find locally are all ripped up (for style…which I don’t like) and are too big on the shoulders.  I may put them on a hunt for those.  Also, I’m thinking of a cable-y warm sweater.  Maybe I’m just cold today on this chilly morning as I think about this.

If you DO want to sign up for your own Stitch Fix box, please use the referral link here, because that would be a blessing to me.  This process is completely trial and error, and I think a big part of this is I’m super hard to please in the clothing department.  If you don’t want to sign up, but just want to stay a stitch fix stalker, that’s fine too, and you can check back later for the next box.  And there will be a next box!