As the fabulous and wise Coco Chanel once said, "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." Currently I am failing in this department and so I am sure that all people remember is that my everyday uniform is a t-shirt, jeans, and a sweatshirt. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of being fashion forward. I watch "What Not To Wear" and read Glamour Magazine. I look enviously at my friends as they join me for mundane tasks such as a trip to Costco or Target, but still look polished and put together. I spend a lot of time on Pinterest and have several fashion themed boards to assist in putting together a decent outfit, but alas that still has not resulted in a change in wardrobe. What I really need is a personal shopper, and about a year ago that is exactly what I stumbled upon. I noticed a friend had tried a mail order shopping service called Stitch Fix. This is a mail order personal shopping service and I have been very satisfied with the results.
Stitch Fix currently offers a wide variety of styles for women that include specialty sizes such as maternity and petite. They have also recently introduced the option of shoes so they can style you from head to toe! Signing up is quick, easy, obligation free, and the initial cost is a mere 20 dollars which will then be credited towards any purchase you make. Each Fix will include five items. These items may be anything from a beautiful coat to a rocking pair of earrings! Once you have scheduled your fix your Stylist will get to work!
Here is how it works:
1. Go to Stitch Fix and create an account.
2. Complete the Style Profile. This is where you give a general sense of what you like and dislike in the fashion world. You will also input your sizes and write a brief description of what you are looking for. This part is the MOST IMPORTANT!
3. In the description portion of the Style Profile, provide some references to famous people, TV or Movie Characters, for example "I really love Effie Trinkets style in the Hunger Games! She is so bright and colorful!" or "Jess from New Girl is my fashion muse. Please send me pieces that look like something she would wear." They have fashion for every style and every occasion.
4. Schedule the frequency of your fixes. I'll be honest. I wasn't sure how this was going to work out so my first Fix was a one time thing. I figured at the very least all I would be out is $20.00. You have the option of a one time fix or regular fixes. It all depends on your experience, budget, and fashion needs.
5. Once your Fix arrives you have three days to try the items on in the comfort of your own home, keep what you like and return what you don't. It's really that simple! Checkout online is easy and fast. You are also able to rate each item. The more feedback you provide the more clear your personal style will become.
6. Each fix includes a Fashion Card that comes with pictures and suggestions from your stylist on how to wear the items that were sent and what to pair them with.
Tips for a Successful Experience:
1. Give it a few cycles.
2. Once you find a Stylist that you like, request them every time!
3. Create a Pinterest Board. I have linked my Stitch Fix Pinterest board here if you would like to check out mine!
4. Find those style icons that speak to you and reference them frequently.
5. Never settle for any item that you don't love. Be specific and clear in your feedback.
Now let's talk cost. The average price of an item can range anywhere from $25.00 to $125.00 depending on the item. Outerwear, jeans, and some dresses have been the most expensive items to arrive in a Fix for me. As I mentioned before the $20.00 styling fee is automatically applied to whatever purchase you make, and if you decide to purchase all five items you will then receive a 25% discount. To be honest most of the time I am only in love with one to two items, and am a frugal individual so if the item is not absolutely perfect I will not buy it, but I have on two occasions in the last year of fixes purchased all five items. They were too good to pass up, and I was able to pass on a few items to my sister who is WAY better at this fashion game than me! Stitch Fix has improved my wardrobe, my accessories, and in turn my confidence. I feel good getting dressed for a date, going to work, or running errands on weekends. I have noticed that looking in my closet is not an unpleasant experience any longer. Though I am far from becoming a fashion icon anytime soon, at least I am comfortable with the progress I have made and am confident in the way that I now present myself to the world!
