Stitch Fix #19 Review - March 2016

Stitch Fix Review - March 2016

Note:  This point contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!  :)

I'm almost tempted to call this an April fix, because we're so close . . . but I guess it is still March.  Our weather has been so lovely lately that I find myself looking forward to summer already.  (Ask me about that again in July or August.  I may have a different story!  Ha ha.)  Ironically, the day that I took these pictures was a freakish 60 degree day (with wind and clouds)!  We're already getting used to 80s and 90s, so it was funny to see how it affected everyone.  It was a super low energy day for both me and my students!

After a cloudy morning at school, I went home, took a short nap, and woke up to sunshine - just in time for my pictures!  I had a blast trying on these clothes.  It turned out to be a fun afternoon!  In fact, this is one of the best fixes that I've gotten so far!

I became a member of Stitch Fix in January of 2015, and I am definitely a fan!  My closet has improved 1000% since then.  I've found that fashion can be addicting, though.  In October of 2015, I tried Golden Tote, another clothing-by-mail service!  I may never see the inside of a mall again!  :)

If you've never heard of Golden Tote, you can follow the links below to any of my reviews and get the scoop on this other great service.  It's a little different than Stitch Fix, but I've found it equally fun!  I've gotten five totes so far, along with a couple of mystery totes.  (Those weren't quite as successful, but what can you do?)  It's addicting!  Anyway, here are my Golden Tote reviews if you're interested:

Golden Tote Review - March 2016
Golden Tote Review - February 2016
Golden Tote Review - January Mystery Totes
Golden Tote Review - December 2015
Golden Tote Review - November 2015
Golden Tote Review - October 2015

OK.  Back to Stitch Fix!

If you're reading this, you probably already know the ins and outs of Stitch Fix.  If you've never heard of it, here are the basics: 

To get started, you go to their website and fill out your style profile!  That gives you a chance to show your stylist your measurements, usual sizes, how you like things to fit, and the styles that generally appeal to you.  If you're interested in checking it out, please consider following my link to schedule your first fix!  (I just recently joined Stitch Fix's affiliate program, which means I get a small commission for anyone who signs up using my link.  However, my opinions are always my own and I pay for all of my own fixes!)

When you order a fix, you pay $20.00 to have your own personal stylist look at your style profile and preferences (which can include a Pinterest board).  They will choose five clothing and/or accessory items specifically for you.  They are shipped right to your doorstep!  You have three days to try the items with other things in your own wardrobe and decide if you want to keep them.  The $20.00 styling fee is credited toward any items that you decide to purchase, and you receive a prepaid shipping envelope to return anything that you don't want.  If you happen to keep all five items, you receive a 25% discount on the whole box!  You can choose to receive fixes every month, every few weeks, or only once in a while.  Here are some links to my previous reviews, if you'd like to check them out:

February 2016 - #18
February 2016 - #17
January 2016 - #16
December 2015 - #15
November 2015 - #14
November 2015 - #13
October 2015 - #12
September 2015 - #11
Stitch Fix Keepers
September 2015 - #10
August 2015 - #9

Stitch Fix just recently made a big announcement.  They now have SHOES available for all of their customers!  Just take a look at some of the cute styles:

And how about these?

Laser-cut booties?  Leopard sandals?  Umm . . . yes, please!  If you're already a customer, you can go to Stitch Fix's website, update your style profile, and request shoes!  :)  If you're not a customer, well . . . here's one more reason to join in the fun, right?  :)

In light of this recent announcement, I was hoping I'd get a cute pair of shoes this time.  I had a few styles pinned on my Pinterest board.

It is possible to peek at what you're getting in your fix once it has shipped.  I have to admit - I usually do.  This time, I resisted.  I didn't peek, so it really was a surprise!  When I first saw the box, I thought, "Oh, no - it's not big enough.  I didn't get shoes!"  Well, when I opened the box, here's what I saw:

I did get shoes!  Stitch Fix just puts them in a cute duster bag instead of a shoe box.  :)

I was delighted to see that I had been assigned the same stylist that I've had for my last few fixes - Lauren!  Here's her sweet note to me:

I was so excited as I unwrapped my fix and saw the great things that Lauren chose for me - so much color!  Polka dots!  Shorts!  :)

Here's what I got:

1. Dolce Vita Brannon Loafer Flats - $98.00

I had these shoes pinned on my Pinterest board.  I can't seem to resist polka dots - especially when they involve black and white!  I think these would go with just about anything.  

I received a size 10.  That's my usual size, but I have a pretty narrow foot, so sometimes a 9 1/2 works better.  I was disappointed to find that these shoes were too roomy.  They looked cute, but they felt too wide.  I knew it would bug me and I wouldn't be happy with them.  They're not cheap, either!  I definitely don't want to pay that much for shoes that don't fit right.  

I was just going to send them back, but I decided to check with Stitch Fix's excellent customer service to see if I could get a smaller size.  

I'm glad I did!  They have a 9 1/2, and I should have them soon.  I really hope they fit!  There's a good reason that I'm taking this chance - more about that later!  Read on . . . 

Verdict:  KEEP

2. Level 99 Cindie Linen Short - $78.00

and 

3. Skies Are Blue Bradie Embroidery Front Knit Top - $54.00

What a cute outfit, right?  Last summer, I begged for colored or printed shorts.  I did get a couple of pairs of shorts that I kept, but nothing too exciting - pretty basic.

I love the color of these!  They're a linen blend.  I have a feeling they'll stay pretty wrinkled while I wear them, but isn't that part of the look (with linen)?  I don't know.  I hope so!

One of the things that I like about these shorts is the waistband.  I hate gathered elastic waistband shorts!  I've never found them flattering on me.  Well, these have a real waistband and they have a perfect relaxed fit.

I also like the length.  I don't mind showing my legs, but Daisy Dukes are not happening.  Ha ha.  I don't like Bermuda shorts either.  This short-ish medium length is great for me!

They match perfectly with this lovely Skies are Blue top!

Look at the back detail!  I love it!  :)

The only thing that spooks me about this shirt is that it's mostly rayon.  I've had a couple of bad experiences with rayon lately.  I've lost a couple of cute tops to shrinkage.  In fact, I'm even thinking of updating my style profile to reflect that I'd prefer not to receive items that are 100% rayon.

Well, this is so soft and stretchy.  It couldn't shrink, could it?  Won't that little bit of spandex help?  Well, I'm going to take the chance and just be very careful not to shrink this shirt!

Seriously, how could I send back this outfit?

Verdict (shorts):  KEEP

Verdict (top):  KEEP

4. Level 99 Giovanni Straight Leg Jean - $108.00

I had this pair of jeans (styled with a cute printed red top) pinned on my Pinterest board.  I was hoping to receive both, but Lauren let me know that the top wasn't available.  I was happy to receive the pants, though!

Hmmm . . . yellow pants.  I don't think I've ever had a pair.  The top and blazer pictured above was what I wore to school the day that these pictures were taken.  I had styled them with black jeans and grey boots.  As I examined my fix, I realized that swapping the black and grey for these pants and the shoes would create a much more fun look.  I had to try it.  I think it works!  What do you think?

These are some pretty skinny straight leg pants.  Wow.  These will be good motivation for me to stay the same size.  :)

As with most of my skinny pants, I could tell within 10 minutes that I would need a belt to keep them where I wanted them.  This is what I've been using lately for that very purpose:

I recently ordered this invisible belt (Beltaway brand) from Amazon and it has greatly reduced my frustration with skinny pants - as long as they have belt loops!  It's not a perfect solution - it's not really meant to look stylish, but as long as it's covered by a shirt, it improves the situation immensely!

Yes.  I could become a fan of yellow pants.  They're pricey, but I think I need to keep them!

Verdict:  KEEP

5. Collective Concepts Soloria Cold Shoulder Top - $54.00

This is my first cold shoulder blouse.  I know they're kind of trendy right now.  I really like the look!  I think they're cute.  This particular top is another item that I pinned to my Pinterest board.  I couldn't resist the colors and pattern.  I was really happy to see it arrive in my fix!

Here's a view from the back!  This shirt shows both of my tattoos!  Winning!  (Right?)

Lauren suggested pairing this top with either the pants or the shorts.  Well . . . I'm not sure if I've totally bonded with the two of these together, but my blue Tieks help to tie the look together (I think).

I can think of a few other things I could wear with this top - jeans, the blue pants from my last fix, khaki shorts, etc.  I think it will be pretty versatile!  It's not really a work top, but I only have about six weeks to go until summer vacation, so . . . why not?  :)

Verdict:  KEEP

So . . . let's go back to the shoes.  At first, I was just going to return them.  However, once I tried on the other four items, I realized that I liked everything!  With the 25% discount, the shoes were basically free.  Once I found that there was a smaller size available, I decided I'd take my chances and try an exchange.  If they don't work, my plan B is to sell them on one of the Stitch Fix Facebook groups that I belong to.  I figured it's worth a try!

UPDATE:  I'm so glad I exchanged the shoes for a smaller size!  I love them!  :)

I loved this fix!  It was so much fun - probably my favorite so far!  I will be definitely be requesting Lauren for next time!  :)

By the time my next fix arrives, I'll be SO close to my summer vacation.  I just want all the fun clothes.  All of them.  Ha ha.

By the way, if you'd like an easy way to check out items that other people have received, you can check out some other great Stitch Fix reviews by visiting this linkup:

http://crazytogether.com/april-stitch-fix-review-giveaway-link-35/2/

It's hosted by Maria of Crazy Together and Kinder Craze.  She received some great items this month as well!  Check it out!  :)

Please comment!  Did I make the right calls?  Have you received any of these items?  What did you think?

How do you feel about the big SHOE announcement?  Will you be requesting shoes in your next fix?

Thanks again for reading!