Stitch Fix Review January 2018

After taking November and December off, I’m back to receiving my monthly fixes. Not only did I feel weird about continuing my fixes over the holidays, I also felt like I needed a break to figure out just what I needed to add to my wardrobe, if anything at all.  The time off helped and in preparation for my latest fix, I had some pretty clear suggestions for my wonderful stylist.

 I really love the entire experience, the anticipation of what my stylist will pick and then getting to try items I wouldn’t normally try.  I also have to say that I have been extremely fortunate to have had two long-term stylists that really do a wonderful job at picking items I’ll love and that work in my life and for my body.

In case you still aren’t familiar with Stitch Fix, it’s a styling service where you can set up your frequency, budget, fill out a profile that identifies your personal style and tastes, how adventurous you are and then you get a professional stylist that hand picks items to send to you to try on in your own home.  You only pay for and keep the pieces you love and return the rest in a provided bag.  It’s that easy.  There is a $20 styling fee that you pay unless you keep at least one item from your fix.  If you keep all five items, you get a 25% discount on your entire order.  You also have the opportunity to leave feedback on your items that your stylist can see.  The better your feedback, the better your next fix will be.  It’s that easy and I love it!

My favorite item from the fix, this top does everything to perfection.  I never tire of stripes and not only is this top striped, it has contrasting stripes on the cuffs and on the side.  The shape of the top and the contrasting side panels make this top incredibly flattering.  I’m curvy and this top accentuates the good stuff!  The material is a heavy knit making is perfect for these colder, winter months but I could also see wearing this into the spring as well.  This is the perfect basic piece with a little personality!

When shopping for basics, be on the lookout for ones that have a little special detail.  This is how you begin to create your own signature style and it will keep the basics feeling fresh season after season.  Classic patterns like stripes or polka dots never go out of style.  Also, shape is important no matter what your body type.  It may take a little longer to find the perfect basics but it will be worth it.

In addition to a new tote bag that I would use for work or weekend, I asked my stylist for great layering pieces to get me through these cold months.  This sweater is a great option that I can see wearing a little dressed up for work but casual for weekend too.  My work/home life attire isn’t that different so I really love pieces that are easy no matter what.  What would otherwise be a plain, grey sweater, the zippers and hi-lo hem of this sweater make it more special.  The angles actually flatter my curves and keep the sweater from feeling too boxy which often makes me look bigger than I am.  The weight of this sweater is also nice.  It’s not too  heavy but not too light.  It’s just right.

Again with basics, look for pieces that have special or unique details.  Even when a certain style isn’t your favorite or isn’t always flattering, don’t be afraid to try because those details may be just the thing to make a piece work for you.

I have really become a fan of these open drape cardigans in recent years.  They add and extra warm layer when it’s cold but they often have shape and are very flattering.  The added drape in the front not only can camouflage things you may not want to accent but also add shape similar to what a structured jacket can do.  I personally really like this option because the color is pretty and different from things I already have and it’s longer making it a great layer for over leggings or skinny pants.  The raised stitching keeps it from feeling too plain as well.

Open-Drape Cardigans seem universally flattering.  They are also often great top layers that aren’t too big or bulky.   Similar to a jacket, they can be layered over everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a dress.

As I’ve gotten older, I have really come to appreciate the importance of buying quality shoes and treating them like an investment.  Not only are quality shoes typically made better, they are often more comfortable and will last much longer.  I told my stylist that I don’t really have a lot of options when it comes to shoes through the winter and often feel like I don’t have the right shoes to wear with an outift but don’t know what to buy either.  I love the lighter color but that they still feel like winter shoes.  They are also taller in the ankle than other booties I have which makes them feel different.  Even though the heel is higher than I normally wear, these boots are surprisingly comfortable as well.  A great addition to my winter shoe rotation!

Don’t be afraid to spend money on comfortable, quality shoes.  If the cost scares you, think of your shoes as an investment in something you’ll have for years to come.  When looking for investment shoes, pick classic styles and colors.  Think neutrals in natural fabrics.  I promise you they will be relevant for years to come.

As mentioned earlier, I specifically asked for a tote of some kind that I could put in rotation now that I could carry files for work in but that also felt casual enough for the weekend.  Don’t let the photo fool you, the color is darker than it appears.

While the bag is a bit smaller than what I’d normally pick, it’s still plenty big enough for what I wanted and I made sure the straps were long enough to fit over my shoulder before deciding.  I love that it’s pretty simple but the detail around the top is a metal chain which adds just enough extra something that it’s not boring.  It’s not real leather but it has a good, quality feel to it and I’m sure that it will be a bag I use a lot.

Just like with clothing basics, accessories work the same way.  Even when looking for neutrals or basics, don’t go boring.  Find options that have a special detail that makes them feel special.

This may be the first fix ever that I didn’t get pants, jeans or skirt and I was surprised by that but when I considered my notes to my stylist Brittney, I realized she sent exactly what I asked for.  Next time, if I want, I can ask for skirts, dresses or pants or even just more tops.

The best thing about it is that so many times I love the items I’m sent but know that I would never have thought to try them on my own.  My stylist helps push me to try new things or brands without feeling like I’m not being myself and that’s the best part.

My Stitch Fix reviews are by far my most popular posts on the blog so I’d like to continue to do them for you but I want to know how to make them even better.  I’ve toyed with the idea of taking photos of me wearing my items or trying to put outfits together with them but I want to know what I can do to make them more helpful to please leave a comment below and let me know.