The Battle of the Boxes

Confused about which styling service you should try? Here’s a simple table to help make the decision easier…the opinions are mine and based on my experience and my personal likes/dislikes only.

Stitch Fix Trendsend Wantable Style Edit
Is there a styling fee? $20 – non-refundable but applied to anything you purchase $0 $20 – non-refundable but applied to anything you purchase
How many items do you receive? 5 It varies. You receive 2-3 complete outfits. 5
Are accessories included? Yes Yes No – Wantable have a separate accessories subscription service
Can you exchange for a different size? Yes – if it’s available Yes No
Can you exchange for a different color? No Yes No
How many days do you get to try on the items before you need to ‘check out’? 3 5 5
Do you receive a discount if you keep your entire box? Yes – 25% keep all discount No 20% keep all discount
What brands are featured? Examples:

Kut from the cloth

Kensie

Daniel Rainn

Plus Stitch Fix in-house labels such as Pixley and 41 Hawthorn

Examples:

Kut from the cloth

Lush

Allison Joy

Billabong

BB Dakota

Click here for a full list

 

Examples:

French Connection

7 For All Mankind

BB Dakota

Kensie

Wooden Ships Hudson

Waverly Grey

How regularly can you receive boxes? Every 2-3 weeks

Every month

Every other month

Every three months

Every month OR whenever you request one Every month (you can skip a month if you wish)
What are the unique features of this box? Style cards show you two different ways to style the outfit Linked to an actual store meaning size exchanges and color swaps are easy. You can also buy anything you don’t receive in your box. Hmmm…
What is customer service like? Excellent Excellent Wouldn’t do a size exchange so not as accommodating as Trendsend or Stitch Fix.
Pros Excellent customer service

Style cards

Highly personal notes from stylists with the opportunity to keep your stylist from month to month

25% keep all discount

Very flexible subscription options

Offers items on sale

Linked to store for easy exchanges

Complete outfits sent

Can request a one-off box without committing to a subscription

 

20% keep all discount

The box it comes in is fabulous!

Cons Even if you request an item, you can’t be sure you will receive it.

I had fit issues with the first few boxes and some really ‘off’ stuff sent. You have to persevere as it definitely gets better with time!

 

Expensive. If you were to keep your entire box, it would easily be $500-$1000!

As you can see all the items on the Evereve website, it’s less exciting than Stitch Fix where you have no idea what you could receive!

I personally thought the quality of the clothing was very poor

Impersonal

Overall impressions The original and my personal favorite! I love the element of surprise, the personal notes from your stylist, how closely they look at your Pinterest board and the style of the clothes. I love the fact you get entire outfits and sale items. However, it’s a bit too expensive for me and not really my style. Definitely more ‘boho chic’ and ‘edgy’ than Stitch Fix. Not a fan. I thought it was poor quality clothing and impersonal (both the stylist’s note, styling advice and customer service).

 

Rating (out of 10) 9…it’d be 10 if it was a little cheaper! 7…mainly due to style 3…not impressed!
Want to sign up? Click here for Stitch Fix Click here for Trendsend Click here for Wantable

Stitch Fix: Reveal and Review – November 2015

Stitch Fix: Reveal and Review – November 2015

This week is the last week I have at home with my baby before returning to work L so I scheduled my November fix to come on Thursday to cheer me up. Well it definitely did! Not only did it come three days early (!) but it’s my best yet! Just what I needed. I had a new stylist, Jessica, (I’ve never kept the same one twice) and I will definitely be asking for her again. In my style note, I requested an elbow patch sweater (unfortunately they didn’t have the exact one I wanted), dresses and pencil skirts for work. I loved that Jessica clearly paid attention to this note and also my Pinterest board as she sent a top I’d pinned ages ago! I was impressed and excited to try it on. If you want to find out more about how stitch fix works, click here.

Let’s take a look at this month’s goodies…

Papermoon Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse – $38

I love this top! It was also on my Pinterest board! This is the second time I’ve had the exact itemed I pinned which is one of the things I love about Stitch Fix – you pin it, you get it! This top has a light and romantic feel and can easily be worn with lots of items already in my wardrobe. The fit is perfect. It’s a definite keeper! Here I experimented with the ‘winter white’ trend pairing it with my white skinny jeans…

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Outfit details:

Jeans (American Eagle)

Necklace (Bancroft Leighton Metal Bauble Necklace from Stitch Fix)

Boots (Aldo – find similar here)

Status: Kept!                

Brixon Ivy Cyndi Lace Pencil Skirt – $74

This was the first item that jumped out at me from my box and was therefore the first one I put on! The Brixon Ivy label, which is one of Stitch Fix’s in-house brands, is one of my favorites. As my stylist directed, I paired it with the Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse and I love the combination. It’s definitely something I can see myself wearing. I paired it with my target flats making it an easy outfit I’d definitely wear to school.

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I also tried it with my new booties from Forever 21 which, in my opinion, gave it a slightly more ‘edgy’ feel. What do you think? Too cool for school?!

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Outfit details:

Booties (Forever 21)

Necklace (Bancroft Leighton Metal Bauble Necklace from Stitch Fix)

Status: Kept!

Pixley Kathy Striped Fit & Flare Dress – $68

When I first saw this in my box, I thought it was a bit boring. Stitch Fix seem to love stripes and I’ve seen this dress around a lot on the boards. Well from the minute I tried it on I could see why! I LOVE it! It’s so flattering and I had lots of fun experimenting with different accessories (accessorizing is my Achilles heel…I’m normally terrible at it!). Even the husband approved! Here’s the different looks I tried…

Warm and cozy…

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With booties…

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Classic (ignore the horrible, white, bruised legs!)…

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And lastly, with a pop of color (my favorite!). More suitable for Spring but I couldn’t resist trying this out for now even if only round the house…

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This dress is going to be worn next week when I go back to school. The perfect pick me up.

Outfit details:

Outfit no. 1:

Scarf (Buy similar here)

Boots (Aldo – Buy similar here)

Leggings (H&M)

 

Outfit no. 2:

Booties (Forever 21)

Necklace (Romolo Delta Geo Necklace from Stitch Fix)

Leggings (H&M)

 

Outfit no. 3:

Black flats (Target)

Necklace (Romolo Delta Geo Necklace from Stitch Fix)

 

Outfit no.4:

Coral flats (Steve Madden)

Bag (Longchamp)

Belt (buy similar here)

Status: Kept!

London Times Cassia Dress – $68

Whether to return or keep this dress was one of the hardest decisions this week! I love the print and think it looks very cute how I’ve styled it. BUT, I’m not 100% sure… I feel it’s possibly a bit old, it’s slightly too big, and the material is not as soft as I would like for a $68 dress! So it’s going back. Plus after deciding to keep the fit and flare dress, I couldn’t really justify spending the money on two black and white dresses in one month. It also lacks the versatility that the fit and flare dress has. But it does look cute…

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Outfit details:

Scarf (Buy similar here)

Boots (Aldo – Buy similar here)

Leggings (H&M)

Status: Returned (hopefully I won’t regret this!)

RD Style Meredith Faux Leather Elbow Patch Cardigan – $68

There was an audible sigh when I pulled this from the box. Not my style and not my color. But I always try everything on. At first, I wasn’t convinced when I paired it with my jeans, but then I tried it with my faux leather leggings and really liked it! It looked kinda ‘edgy’ and fun. The elbow patches are cool. However, I just don’t think I’d wear it that much so it’s going back. I’m definitely still on the lookout for some elbow patches this season, however. Watch this space!

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Outfit details:

Faux Leather Leggings (Buy similar here)

Black cami (H&M)

Status: Returned        

 

Overall impressions:

This was a fabulous fix! I had a lot of fun putting these outfits together and digging things out of the bottom of my wardrobe that hadn’t seen the light of day for years (I’m talking about you, my cozy, chunky scarf!). I could easily have kept all 5 items but my bank account is pleased I didn’t. It’s my best fix to date and I’m excited to see what Jessica chooses for me next month.

What do you think? Do you agree with what I’m keeping? Will I live to regret not keeping that Cassia dress?! Let me know in the comments below.

If you’re interested in trying Stitch Fix, click here.

2015 fall and winter essentials

Fall is finally here in North Carolina and as the winter months and darker evenings creep in, I have finally put together my ‘wardrobe must haves’ for the next few months ready to share with you. Here is my 2015 fall and winter essential wardrobe. All items I own and use regularly to mix up my fixes as you can see in ‘The Fix Mix’ where I add my more unique and stand out pieces that I receive in my different subscription boxes to spice things up. This list is your go-to foolproof-fashion guide. There are endless possibilities with the items below and you will see most come from stores such as Target making it easy and affordable to put together an effortlessly classy wardrobe. I’ve included the links to where I bought these items to make it even easier.

Fall and winter essentials2

 

  1. White Camisole – H&M – $5.99
  2. Black Camisole – H&M – $5.99 
  3. White tee – Abercrombie & Fitch – $15
  4. Black tee – Abercrombie & Fitch – $15
  5. Pixley George Crochet Detail Knit Top – Stitch Fix – $44 –
  6. Plaid button down – H&M – $29.99 
  7. Chambray button down – Target – $22.99 
  8. White button down – Target – $16.99 
  9. Braeve Printed tunic – Trendsend – $24.99. 
  10. Polka dot sweater – New Look – $30. It’s a UK brand and I bought this in the sales a few years ago. However, Stitch Fix currently have a similar polka dot sweater.
  11. Navy blue layering cardigan – Target – $22.99 
  12. Yellow layering cardigan – Target – $22.99 
  13. Gray layering cardigan – Forever 21 – A few years old. You can buy similar at Target for $22.99 
  14. Cozy sweater – American Eagle Outfitters – from 2014. Here’s a similar one for $44.95 
  15. Just Black Adorra Skinny Jean in dark navy – Stitch Fix – $88
  16. Just Black Connely Skinny Jean in black – Stitch Fix – $78 
  17. White jeggings – American Eagle Outfitters – $44.95 
  18. Black open drape cardigan – Marshalls – You can buy similar at Target for $22.99 
  19. Basic black leggings – H&M – $9.99
  20. Faux leather leggings – New Look – $30. It’s a UK brand and these are old! However, these leggings are everywhere at the moment. Stitch Fix have some amongst other places.
  21. Faux Leather jacket – Target – $44.99
  22. Navy Sherpa lined vest – Abercrombie & Fitch – old but you can buy similar here for $80
  23. Brown flats – Target – $16.99 
  24. Black flats – Target – $13.99
  25. Faux Suede Slouched Gray booties – Express – $59.99
  26. Brown flat leather boots – Aldo – $130

Happy mixing!

XOXO

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a fun, personalized styling service that delivers five clothing items and accessories unique to your taste, budget and lifestyle straight to your door. First, you complete the ‘Style Profile’ which allows your stylist to see everything from your measurements to your likes and dislikes. You can rate different styles and let them know what you do not want to receive. Hate polka dots – just click no. Just had a baby – let your stylist know in your profile. Everything your stylist needs to know about you is on this profile (which is fun to complete and only takes about 10 minutes). In my opinion, one of the best (and most important) parts of the style profile is the links you can post to your social media. My Pinterest board provides clear guidance to my stylist on the looks I am going for and is also where I pin exclusive Stitch Fix items that I’d like to receive. It works. I’ve often received the items I pinned. Click here to take a look at my board.

Once you’ve completed your style profile, you pick the date you’d like to receive your shipment. Here you can also request specific items in your note to your personal stylist e.g. I would really like to receive fall layers, a pair of black skinny jeans, a statement necklace, etc. You can opt to receive ‘fixes’ every 2-3 weeks, monthly, every other month or every three months. Stitch Fix will send you a selection of five clothing items and accessories handpicked by your personal stylist (you can choose the types of accessories you want in the style profile e.g. just scarves, no shoes, handbags only, etc.) You are charged a $20 styling fee which is applied as credit towards anything you purchase. I have yet to pay the fee as always buy something from my fix!

When your fix arrives, after you inevitably spend the previous days refreshing the tracking information every few minutes on your phone, it is like unwrapping your presents on Christmas morning. The surprise is the best bit! You have 3 days to try on everything in the comfort of your home. Always try on everything as things that don’t look that appealing in the box, can look great on. Equally, your ‘unicorn’, an item that is desperately wanted by the subscriber but rarely seen, may not live up to your expectations. You can spend the time creating new outfits by pairing what’s in your fix with the items you already own in your closet. A new trend of taking photos and sharing on the very active facebook group ‘Stitch Fix B/S/T and discussion’ helps subscribers decide what to keep and what to return. If you buy your entire fix, all five items, you’ll receive 25% off the entire purchase.

Check out by logging into your account online or on the new mobile app. Each item you are asked to give feedback on, from the fit to the price. You select whether you are keeping it or returning it. Make sure you give detailed feedback in the comments boxes as it helps your stylists get to learn your style better and personalize future fixes. You’re only charged for the items you keep. The rest send back in the provided pre-paid shipping envelope. Pop in your mailbox and you’re all set.

If you choose to receive regularly scheduled shipments, a new fix will automatically be scheduled. It’s very easy to change this date or skip the fix if you’re heading out of town or need to save some money.

It’s a fun and exciting new way to shop! If you want to try Stitch Fix, click here to get started…

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