Stitch Fix Review: The Appeal

Click here to read my first review of Stitch Fix and an overview of how the process works.

Click here to read my second review.

Click here to read my third and most recent review.

If you read my last review, you will know that I was thoroughly disappointed in Stitch Fix. Throw-in-the-towel disappointed. It's actually been four months since I gave up on this concept.

If I quit the Fix, why am I trying again? Purely on the hope that any combination of the change in weather to autumn clothing or additional time to hammer out the kinks of their 'beta' phase will result in a box that is actually styled for me.

Look, I'm really not looking to be blown away. My expectations were very, very low. The only criteria I really had was that the box feel like it was meant for me. Meaning two things: 1) No flowy polyester tops and 2) NO FLOWY POLYESTER TOPS! After glancing over the content of my other Stitch Fix boxes, over 50% of the items were flowy polyester tops, even though I specifically said no polyester. Granted, I did end up keeping two if those blouses, but a large part of the decision to keep them was the fact that I'd lose the $20 fee for the box if I didn't keep something.

Now you fully understand my mindset, here's what they sent me!

Look! No, polyester blouses! A step in the right direction! Here's the break-down!

Santos Stripe Detailed Crew Neck Sweater by Tulle, $58. There were a lot of great qualities to this sweater. The knit was thick and dense. There was the cute detail on the back of the neck with a button closure. The colors were pretty and vibrant. Unfortunately, the pros did not outweigh the cons. The stripes were really unflattering, drawing all the attention to my belly. And a pull-over sweater is really not practical for Arizona. Back in the box.

Susanna Metallic Dot Crew Neck Sweater by Kensie, $78. I really liked this sweater. The knit was nice, the two tone affect from alternating the direction of the knit to form polka dots was adorable, and the yarn had metallic flecks in it. It was really nice, but it wasn't worth the price. I couldn't justify spending nearly $80 on just a top. A nice, structured jacket or dress, maybe, but not a simple pull over sweater. Back in the box.

Justin Floral Print Cowl Neck Tank by Hourglass Lilly, $48. I really wish Stitch Fix had more tops like this one. High quality cotton and slimmer fits. Unfortunately, I didn't keep it. I have a similar shirt from H and M for less than half the cost. The cowl neck was too low and the pattern was a little outdated. Also, the fern leaf right across my belly kind of highlighted it. Back in the box.

Zoey Interlocked Triangle Charm Necklace by Bay to Baubles, $32. I love this necklace. I have wanted one of these for quite a bit. The intertwined pair of charms. My eyes had been on circular ones, but the triangles are adorable. The chain seems a bit short, but I love the style and the quality. In a change of pace, the quality and price seemed to line up. It stays!

Ken Windowpane Print A-line Dress by Collective Concepts, $78. I really didn't like this dress initially. It was very boxy on the hanger. On me, though, the cut was more flattering than I expected, but not great. The material was terrible, polyester. And the print really wasn't doing anything for me. Back in the box!

This box was probably close to being my favorite, tied with the first box. However, I finally grasped the problems I've had with Stitch Fix during these trials.

1. This box was better than the previous three, but the price and quality really don't line up. I have my price setting to the $50 to $100 range, with the exemption of jewelry. I really wanted Stitch Fix to introduce me to high quality staples, but it has been mainly average quality trendy pieces.
2. They don't know how to dress women with different body types. While I do love my body and I am at a healthy weight and size, I will admit my shape can make me difficult to dress. I carry a lot of my weight high on my hips, it's who I am and I accept it (and detailed thoroughly in my style profile). Yet, the clothes I was sent tended to either be flowy, trying to hide it completely and turning me into a tent, or highlighted it, making me look worse. I did some research into other reviews from other women on Stitch Fix and the was a definite pattern to the ones who loved their boxes: their bodies were designed for clothes. No quirks. Slender bodies who could probably make anything look good. Take that how you will...
3. The lack of variety in the Stitch Fix 'closet'. Even though you have to take a style profile quiz before your first box, you better fit into the Stitch Fix 'style' before you consider signing up. I really hoped there would be more staple pieces, like classic button up blouses, cardigans, blazers, and trousers. The boxes tend to lean trendy and girly, in the cuts and prints. 

At this point, I don't know if I will try Stitch Fix again. Like I said last time, I may try again if I can get some proof that things have changed. That the odds of me being happy with a box have gone up. Right now, I just don't know. Not a strong appeal.

*This post was not sponsored by Stitch Fix. All opinions are my own.*