I’m currently trying Stitch Fix using the “the cheaper, the better” price range setting. It’s not ending up to be exactly cheap so far, but it’s a fun experiment. I earn a commission through links in this post.
I know that’s a long title, but whatever.
Let’s start with the aforementioned skirt, I suppose.
Before we do that: I’m sorry that these photos are kind of bad. It was cloudy, dark, and rainy, so we couldn’t go outside, and the inside light was really terrible. Also, a kitchen makes a cluttered backdrop. Apologies!
So, this is a pencil skirt ($44), and it doesn’t look terrible from the front.
But, YOU GUYS. THE BACK. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?
Why is it bunchy elastic? Who could possibly look good in a skirt like this? No one’s rear view is improved by bunchy elastic in the back of the waistband.
I really cannot envision a type of body that this would be flattering on. You could have a perfect shape and still not look fabulous in this skirt.
And even if you let the shirt fall down past the waistline, the skirt still lays really weird in the back, and it is totally not flattering.
I thought pencil skirts were supposed to be kind of form-fitting from top to bottom, and this one definitely doesn’t do that.
A definite no for me!
The shirt ($36) I’m wearing was also part of the fix, but I wasn’t a fan of how it fit, and the back fabric was pretty transparent.
Next up: a dress ($44).
I don’t think this dress is terrible, but it’s not a great color on me and it was too big. It gaped at the armholes and was probably roomier and more shapeless than what was intended.
Neeeeext!
I like this t-shirt ($34). It’s a soft, yet substantial fabric, it drapes nicely (when it’s not wrinkled from sitting in a pile waiting to be photographed for a few days. Ahahahaha.), and it fits me really well.
Yay for a thing to keep!
And lastly, here’s one more knit shirt ($34).
I didn’t end up keeping this one, but now that I look at it in the photograph, I kinda wish I had.
(a thing that did not happen when I saw photos of the pencil skirt. !!!!)
The flower pattern was a little out of my comfort zone, but as I see it in the photo, it doesn’t look as overwhelming as I thought it did.
Ah well.
You live and you learn!
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And that wraps up this fix.
What do I think of Stitch Fix so far? Well, I have to say that I’ve definitely had more misses than hits from my stylists, which is a little surprising to me.
remember this sweater??
I feel like I have a fairly easy-to-dress body shape, so I’m not sure what the problem is here, especially since tons of other people routinely keep everything in their boxes.
I have much better luck when Lisey goes shopping for me, actually. Maybe Lisey needs to go work at Stitch Fix and send me boxes of clothing. 😉
On the other hand, the things I have kept from Stitch Fix are getting lots of wear, and I really do love them. And since I hate shopping for clothes, Stitch Fix is a handy way to make sure I get a few updated things here and there.
So I feel like it’s been worth it to sift through the things I haven’t loved so much.
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If you’d like to try Stitch Fix, click here and fill out a profile. You’ll pay a $20 styling fee, which will be applied toward anything you keep, and then Stitch Fix will send you a box containing five items for you to try. Keep what you want and send any rejects back with a prepaid label.
Want more Stitch Fix posts? You can find them all right here in the clothing category.
Natasha
Saturday 7th of July 2018
I tried stitch fix and cancelled it after two boxes. I can do much better at my local marshalls than what they sent me with the cheaper the better option. The second box had the same flowery T-shirt as yours, it was too low cut. And the stylist completely missed the point that even though I’m in my 20s I’m a Mama of 3 littles and like my clothes classy and modest. The clothes were pricey but cheaply made, flimsy baggy polyester stuff.
Ruby
Saturday 7th of July 2018
I contacted Stitch Fix and demanded that my account be permanently deactivated after the last box. They were nice and did so. Honestly, it was like they looked at what I did not want and sent all of it to me.
I do much better for a tiny bit of cash with Swap.com.
Barb F.
Friday 6th of July 2018
I, too, laughed at the sweater picture again. Makes me think of flying squirrels every time. I, personally, hate shopping--finding things, changing into them--out of them--back out to the rack--repeat. Exhausting unless I have a runner (hubbie or daughter) with me so I can stay in the dressing room. Hubbie has done some online shopping for me and is actually pretty good with his picks. And unwanted items are easy to return in the bag they came in. Thrift stores and consignment stores exhaust me just looking at the racks. Usually grouped by color, good luck going through an entire rack of blue denim skirts to find the size wanted. Would rather go pay a department store price and just look at racks of clothes in my size. But with coupons, of course... and maybe on sale, too.
Kristen
Friday 6th of July 2018
I feel the same about shopping, especially by myself. I usually just end up super frustrated!
Jen
Friday 6th of July 2018
I'll be in the minority, too, and say I don't mind the skirt. I love the scalloped hemline! But I do think the pockets are pulling unnaturally. Maybe it's too small across the booty (wink wink) and that's why the waist is bunching up? I actually think the tee shirt looks a little small too, and I wouldn't pay $34 for it, but if that's in your budget and YOU like it, you do you! LOL!! Were the shorts from the box? I agree with those who've said they're too short. To me, they're more suited for one of your pretty teenage daughters!
Don't you just love putting yourself out there for all the "internets" to critique! You're a good sport, Kristin!
Kristen
Friday 6th of July 2018
Yeah, it's sort of like it was too big in every place except the booty! Clearly it must be designed for a shape that's different than mine.
It's so funny you say the tshirt looks too small because just yesterday someone was telling me that it looked too big. Heh.
Liz
Friday 6th of July 2018
You have probably answered this question before, but why do you promote subscription sites like Stitch Fix and Thred Up on your blog instead of advocating local second hand or thrift shops? It would seem to me that especially with those with a family, that second hand and thrift shops would be a much better way to save money on clothing than any second hand subscription or shopping site.
Kristen
Friday 6th of July 2018
So, Stitch Fix I'm just trying as an experiment because I've never seen someone try it long-term with the "the cheaper, the better" option ticked off in the profile. I thought it would be a useful experience to blog about, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it to someone who really needs to pinch pennies.
ThredUp I feel more comfy recommending wholeheartedly because it's like having a thrift store right in your home. It's pricier, yes, but it's a great option for people who have limited local thrifting options, and it's way, way easier than visiting thrift stores. Some people love thrifting and some people have a lot of local spots to visit for secondhand goods, but that's not true for everyone.
I hope that helps to answer your question!