A while back I wrote a post about Stitch Fix. If it’s not your thing, I get it. I don’t listen to Serial or do Cross Fit, go ahead and skip this one if you need to. I just wanted to share why I still value Stitch Fix as a shopping resource and appreciate that I can use it on my terms.
I put my Fixes on hold back in November for a couple for reasons. The first reason being that I was sensitive to non-essential purchases as we moved into the holidays. I wanted the leeway to buy gifts for friends and family, putting this particular me-thing to the side felt good. The second reason I did it was that I got a fix that disappointed me.
When I sent that last fix back I explained that I needed to be heard when I responded that I did not want to receive lacy or boxy things. Part of the problem may have been how I use Pinterest. When I joined Pinterest I named my boards whatever I wanted, not what might help them be found and followed. I have a board called Self, which I made to help me remember things when I get in a rut:

I also have boards for Mileage (about getting out of your own way), DIY (but the kind that multi-thumbed, sloppy people like me can maybe do), and even one that the girls pin to called Daughters’ Picks. Back to my point, Stitch Fix uses your Pinterest boards to inform how they shop for you. I have pinned things on my Wear board because I thought they were lovely, but not for me, more like, “Damn, I am glad that she can wear that.” For example:

A week ago I got an email saying my Fix was on the way. I tried to remember what I had changed in my profile to try to re-synch what they were picking with what would actually work. The box felt different when it came, heavier. I felt the same: giddy to have a box addressed to me with surprises inside that I could keep or send back.
I carried my first fix of 2015 up to my room. It had a pair of pants, which at first glance seemed to be similar in style to the two pairs I kept from an earlier fix. There was a black top, with velvet trim that I loved at first touch, a grey top that looked boxy, a large skirt, and a bag.

I went immediately to the black top, pulling it over my head, and purring as it clung to my body in the coziest, most appealing way. Here it is in all the glory of our very high-traffic bathroom. I have a long torso and this shirt, even with its curves sides, covered the whole thing. It reminds me of a Free People thermal that I wore into the ground.

It also has extra long sleeves which have these delightfully, unexpected buttons. It also has a quirky little pocket, which adds no bulk. A seam runs diagonally across the body, which makes it fit like a second skin without the sausage effect.

This is the kind of shirt that I live in, but can rarely find when out shopping. I wasted no time in putting this guy in the keep pile. Here it is in my V-neck sweater stack, waiting to surprise me one morning with the rare, “Oh, my gosh, I get to wear this today!” closet euphoria. I’ve paid my share of $34 tickets on long sleeves shirts that I spend the entire day tugging down to cover my abdomen, or pulling at the sleeves so that the shoulders seams stretch across my shoulders. The shirt was $68, which when you account for the $20 styling fee that I would (happily) pay whether I kept it or not, it is sort of $48. Done.

Let’s talk about the skirt though. The note said that they saw something similar on my Pinterest board. I went back to look, and there is indeed a skirt in a pin about needing to “conquer the skirt and bootie look.” The skirt they sent was shorter. It’s the length that makes me look like how Rip Torn might look in a skirt. It hits about three inches below my knee. I looked absurd. However, if I were a skirt kind of person, I would appreciate the fabric. It was thick enough to not show any lines, but still buttery and fluid enough to have a lovely drape. It also had pockets! Alas, I am not meant to be the forever home for this one. Back it goes.

Next up, the pants. I am on the fence. These pants are very much like some that I already have. The problem that I have with these skinny, jeggingesque pants is that if the waist goes over a certain height I feel like my pelvis-into-mid section looks to be approximately the size of Wyoming. Here they are from the front. See how they kind of boxify me?

Ok, this one is hard to show. Here they are from the back. It’s not good. I’d have to wear something long and untucked and never, ever wear a belt. I like belts.

If I really wanted to try to make a go of it, these pants can give good ass, but I know myself. Even if they look ok, I will not feel good in them. I have tried to override this feeling before. One of those gifts about being 41 is knowing the things I cannot change about myself and accepting them. I know, I expected the wisdom of my 40s to be more noble. Nope. Hitting my forties didn’t make me a better or different person, I am simply more willing to admit that I know myself better. Back ’em right into that return pile.

There is still the issue of the grey shirt. It had long sleeves and the feel of the fabric was nice—like the love child of a sweatshirt and a great t-shirt. The back had that split thing I can’t explain. Look at this.

I think that back flap is a neat concept, but rarely have I seen it work. It either seems sort of like a flowy, cropped kaftan or plain slutty. Neither are looks that I am going for, but I decided to try it. I had the grey pants on when I first tried it. The thing is, the shirt feels great. The quality of the fabric and the craftsmanship are both excellent.

I can’t wear it with these pants; it feels at once to be too much and not enough fabric. I tried it with a skirt that I haven’t been able to match with anything. I don’t blame this on the shirt. I think maybe my skirt is just a bust.

I am conflicted about the bag. I never buy bags. This bag is not a style that screams me, but it is kind of fun. Briar loved it, “Please keep it, Mom. It’s reversible. It could be so useful.”


I tried it with my typical weekend or Friday outfit—jeans and a plaid flannel. It worked. This may be one of the times I need to lean on the part of Stitch Fix that is so fascinating to me. I never would have picked this bag, or even shopped for a bag, yet I often complain that I don’t have any bags that work with professional outfits. I think I’ll send the grey shirt back and keep the bag. This puts my total cost $116, with the $20 I was already charged for the styling fee deducted for a total of $96.

I maintain that after my holiday shopping experience and my increasingly complex schedule, having options sent to me is a luxury that scratches a necessary itch. I don’t have a great mall close by and what I can buy locally, I do. Like the plaid, flannel, Horny Toad top I bought at a friend’s shop. It has a buttons in the back that I can loop so that I can wear my weekend uniform and still show my waist. It looks great with the navy pants from an earlier fix, or at home in a pair of Alternative leggings from a local boutique.

I don’t go in for pedicures or blow-outs and I sometimes envy those who do. I think having a treat that you can swing financially and that makes you feel good is a very worthwhile investment. As I think about ways to take care of myself, Stitch Fix still falls squarely in the worth it category. I’ve loved hearing how friends and family have loved theirs too. You can adjust your price tolerance at any time to have less or more expensive items sent. Switch from requesting professional clothes to date clothes, to errand running stuff. You can rant to your stylist about what you received, or you can gush about how you are in love with a piece.
Here’s my link if you are ready to give it a try. Stitch Fix isn’t sponsoring this post or doing anything special for me beyond what I pay for in my subscription. I just believe in balancing my complaining with praise. If you end up using my link I will get a $25 credit, which is cool, but not necessary. Ultimately I just hope everyone finds a little treat for them, however that may manifest.
Tagged: body, fashion, Stitch Fix
I love the options in your fix this shipment! I am intrigued by the split-back top. I think I’d wear it – with a tank under it so I had coverage, though. You’d still see the architecture of the top without the breeze, ha.
I love the idea of this, but I’ve been trying to shop more sustainably, which, from an ease standpoint, means second-hand or spending a LOT of time looking at materials and manufacturing practices (yay Everlane, but their styles are limited in scope and shape, so I can’t shop exclusively there; yay, Horny Toad, but their items have been hit or miss in long-term fit/quality for me). So I like this, but I don’t know if I can opt-out of mass-produced stuff made under crazy conditions in Bangladesh, which I’m trying to do these days.
It’s balancing things like that against the VERY reasonable New Year’s post you made about just doing what feels good without the grandiose betterment plans, and then my brain starts to smoke. Y’know?
Anyway, I may give it a shot, but that’s been my hesitation. I appreciate the post!
I totally hear you. I go back and forth on consumerism, purchase habits, this vs that. Even though I think the word intention gets bandied about a lot, I do think that if we begin to treat each choice with intention, we will make incremental change that matters. Thank you so much for taking the time to read, reflect, and comment so considerately!
I just know what they’d send me. Mother of the bride. I”m just not ready for the menomama look. (also, NO to the boxy cut up shirt they sent your way) I agree, not flattering BUT the hugging top with the awesome buttons. OH YEAH all the way.
Oh, but how we would all enjoy your play-by-play of trying it all on! 😉
I SO wish I could try Stitch Fix! I love the black sweater, the buttons on the sleeve are a gorgeous touch.
I feel so lucky to have it! I wish I could be one of your twins. Such fun wardrobes 😉
The skirt you can’t match + this top would be perfection, IMO.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polyvore.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-thing%253F.out%253Djpg%2526size%253Dl%2526tid%253D108846484&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polyvore.com%2Fdaniel_rainn_shoulder_pleat_blouse%2Fthing%3Fid%3D108846484&h=300&w=300&tbnid=fl8e-D3bmDnERM%3A&zoom=1&docid=bGUMV_4fTrnRlM&ei=Q2SqVOnnOsmwggS0i4H4Bw&tbm=isch&ved=0CEwQMygdMB0&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=1341&page=2&start=22&ndsp=28
I think you might be right.
I love StitchFix! When I signed up, the note to my stylist was kind of funny, I identified myself as “athletically edgy.” They did great; I was really impressed.
Love that you know what looks good on you and what doesn’t. I agree, this awareness comes with age. And, really? Wyoming? No, no, girlfriend. I admit, I’ve seen you in way more flattering pants, but you look great. 🙂
LOVE the black top and it looks great on you! I have the same long torso issue…constant battle to find stuff that is long enough to cover!
Long torsos unite!
What is the name of the black top you received? I’d like to request it in my fix. Thanks!
Katie, it’s Laila Jade. They call it the Adair V Neck Thermal.
Love that black sweater with the accent buttons. After reading your posts about Stitch Fix, I may get the courage to try the service. Thanks, Amanda.
This was such a fun post! The first two lines made me laugh out loud. It’s so true that we can only get into so many things. We all have our “musts.” I’m with you on skipping cross fit. I love the idea of StitchFix and have read about it around, but your post has been the most positive. I totally get what you mean about scratching that itch. Still, I do love to pop into stores sometimes, not that I have much time. I MAY do it! We’ll see! Keep reporting on what you get.
I love this day in the life type post! You are so gorgeous and you are right – the black top was awesome. I tried Stitch Fix but I have a short torso and long legs and I’m only 5’2″ so I have such a hard time buying clothes. Plus, I have a big rib cage and my top is a size bigger than my pants. I love what you said about being in your 40’s and accepting. YES to that but it also doesn’t feel noble:( What I really love is how this post is about self-care and how that is so important in whatever way we choose to spend our time and energy and money on ourselves.
Oh I love you. Those jeans are awful. OMG you are so fucking hot – how could they send you those? xoxo