It’s time for another Stitch Fix review! They seem to be a reader favorite, and they are a personal favorite, as well. If you’ve missed my other reviews of this clothing subscription service, check out Stitch Fix review 1 (where you’ll also learn exactly how Stitch Fix works), Stitch Fix review 2 and Stitch Fix review 3.
Stitch Fix #4….the Fix that Never Was
About six weeks ago I logged into Stitch Fix to place an order for my fourth box. I was really shocked to see that the wait time for a fix was almost 7 weeks long. Yikes! I was hoping to get a box of clothes that would be appropriate for the cruise I would be going on November 1st. So I sent customer service an email and politely begged them to help a girl out. They were totally sweet and agreed, stating that my box would arrive on October 25th.
On October 26th I got the email that my box was on the way. I was a little bummed because I thought it would be arriving on the 25th and now it would be cutting it close in terms of the timing, but beggars can’t really be choosers, right?
So when I still hadn’t received my box 2 days before vacation time, I checked the FedEx shipping information, and all FedEx had was package shipping information. They didn’t show any record of actually receiving the box. Yikes! So I emailed Stitch Fix, and after 24 hours and having heard nothing, I went to their Facebook site and put out an SOS. That worked, and I got in touch with someone and explained that I was leaving the next day for a week-long vacation, that I had been planning on using the clothes as some of my wardrobe for the week, and that if it arrived while I was gone I wouldn’t be able to return it within the 3 day window. Basically, it was a hot mess.
Stitch Fix determined that the package was lost and offered to send me another package the week I returned. I agreed, but asked for different clothing since I wouldn’t be needing clothes meant for 90 degree weather anymore. I also asked for them to refund the $20 styling fee for box #4 since I never even got to see the clothes. They agreed to do so, although I am frustrated that I can’t find any record of that happening in my account information (Stitch Fix doesn’t seem to show a record of previous orders for you to review, which is something I wish they would change).
Stitch Fix #5
When I got home late in the evening on the 7th, my fix was already at my house. This made me panic a little bit because of the 3 day window. I knew I wouldn’t be able to try stuff on and snap photos Friday, which meant it absolutely had to be done Saturday. I was a bit more rushed than I wanted to be, and I was surprised to get the package that early since I told them I wouldn’t be home until the 8th. But whatever…getting a box of clothes is always fun, so why rain on the parade?!
My Least Favorite Box
Alas, my string of bad luck with Stitch Fix wasn’t over, yet. This was by far my least favorite fix. The packaging seemed a bit sloppy, as the cards that come with styling suggestions weren’t even attached to the clothing. Perhaps since it was a “re-do” box they were just in a terrible hurry? I also had a stylist I had never used before and I just don’t think she had a good read on my style preferences.
Here’s what I got:
The color of the Leighton Twist-Front Sheer Blouse from Kut From the Kloth was very pretty, and the price was right, but I was swimming in this top. It is meant to be drapey, but it felt like I was wearing a sack. No good! Also, it was far too similar in style to the green top that was in fix #2 and that I already purchased. Seemed like a mistake on the part of the stylist to send me something so similar to something I’ve already received.
This is the Kensie Olivina Slub Knit Long Sleeve Sweater. And it came with a hole in the sleeve. 🙁 So even if I had liked it, I would have returned it. This also tells me that this is the type of garment that will very easily get ruined, which means it isn’t practical for me.
Also? I totally don’t like it! It reads as a bit too “sporty” for my taste…I don’t care for the sporty look at all. This was just a huge miss, all around.
Let me give my stylist credit where it is due: the style of this coat is in line with my tastes. I like the drapey, flowy, romantic look of it. But alas, the fit was weird! I totally didn’t like how it looked with the belt, so I left it off altogether. And the sleeves were rather snug. In this picture, I’m in a sleeveless tank, so it fit. But if I had on a sweater or basically anything with sleeves, it would have been uncomfortably tight. Also, since it is wool, it is itchy, so wearing it with sleeveless stuff is never going to happen. And finally, it just isn’t something I need. About a month ago I picked up a gorgeous Bebe black coat at Unclaimed Baggage for just $10 (they were have a special coat sale the day I went). So a $98 jacket that would serve the same purpose just isn’t going to happen.
This is the Zouk Ronda Dot Print Sleeveless Dress, and not to be overly negative, but I might as well just be honest…I pretty much hate everything about it. It is polka dot that is venturing into animal print, and I detest animal prints. It is too big in the chest (which is a problem I never ever experienced, so I can’t imagine who this dress actually fits well!), and I would never have a reason to wear it since I don’t work in an office setting, and this dress just screams, “wear me in a cubicle, please!”.
And finally we get to the piece that I actually kept. This is the 41Hawthorn Aleah Heathered V-Neck Dolman Top. And honestly, I didn’t love it. I liked it ok. And I didn’t want to lose my $20 styling fee credit. The color is nice and on trend. And the bat-wing style is in right now, even though it is a trend I’m not too excited about. But Tim said he liked it an I was feeling so sad about returning the whole thing, so I just went for it. I will say that it is a very cozy and comfy top, and I’m glad to have something so casual that looks nice in my closet. But if it had been in a box with better selections, it likely wouldn’t have made the cut.
Why I’ll Order Stitch Fix #6
Whew! I’m a little worn out from all that complaining! I bet you are, too. And you’re probably really surprised to hear that my Stitch Fix dud isn’t going to stop me from ordering Fix #6 (I actually have it scheduled already…second week of January!). I’m not giving up because I’ve personally experienced what a fantastic job the stylists at Stitch Fix can do, and I have reaped the benefits of not having to look for fun new clothes for myself (I just don’t have time and I’d rather poke my eyes out with a fork than take my girls to the mall. Totally serious).
Here’s my assessment of what went wrong here: Stitch Fix has skyrocketed in popularity, and the demand for fixes is greater than the supply of stylists who work there. As a result, they are backlogged and probably overworked right now. And when you are exhausted, you don’t do your best work! My fix got thrown into the mix at the last minute, and all the stylist had to go on was my previous info, which she probably didn’t have enough time to properly review, and she knew that I DIDN’T want summer stuff anymore. So she just threw together what she could as fast as she could (this is my assumption…I don’t know if this is how it actually went down).
I trust that by January, Stitch Fix will have adjusted to the growth and hired more great stylists so that everyone isn’t over worked and can put together killer fixes. I still dream of the day when I get the perfect fix and keep all 5 pieces. I want that 25% discount that you get when you order the whole thing! 🙂
So yes, even though this go around was rough, I would still absolutely recommend that you try out Stitch Fix. I’ll be back for more, and I’ll be sure to tell you all about!
Just wanted to write and say I love your stitchfix reviews! I just got my second box from them and have become a little obsessed looking at blog reviews to find out what other people are getting and what they think. I’m a mom of two kids under 3, so this is definitely going to be my new way to shop. Such a bummer about the box that never came, I would be really disappointed. And I had to comment on this particular post because while I’ve agreed with most of your decisions, I actually loved both the coat and the polka dot dress on you! Ah well, glad you have since found some pieces in other boxes that have worked.
Hi Megan,
You totally made my day with your comment; thank you! It has definitely been a roller coaster ride with Stitch Fix, as I had quite a few “not so great” boxes, but my last one was really good! And I agree that the coat was really pretty, but the fit was so strange and the darn thing was ITCHY!!! What have you gotten that you really love?
Wow that explains why my boxes have been so awful. And I looked up the items coming in my next box – most were reviewed in September and November, so I guess I am getting a box full of returns. I felt like that is what happened with my box last month, them seemed like items from the clearance rack that no one wanted. But then when I check the blogs, these are the items other people get and return, too. I think I’m going to give up – they have had 5 chances to impress me. Also the fit/proportion on many items is odd.
Oh sister, I’m right there with you. My last box was so disappointing that I decided not to even blog about it. It was my 8th box and I’m only ordering #9 because I still have a little bit of credit. I’m hoping I can at least blog about 9, and talk about my reasons for giving up on Stitch Fix. I’m so bummed about it, because I think the concept is SOOOOOO awesome, and I have been a happy customer, too. But something funky has been going on since about October… 🙁
I have never heard of this site before and I appreciate your honest review. I’m going to be needing some post-baby clothes soon and this sounds like a great solution to the dilemma of “taking a baby and toddler out in the freezing cold so mama can try on some clothes that won’t fit” scenario. Thank you for sharing!
Oh I really do think that Stitch Fix has the promise of being a busy mom’s best friend! I hope you’ll give them a try when you are ready!
What a great review. Instead of merely bashing the company and complaining, you gave an honest and non-emotional review of the entire process. I commend you for that one! I also suggest you share this review with Stitch Fix. If they’re experiencing growing pains, I’m sure they’d love to know where they can improve.
Thank you, Andrew! And the CEO of Stitch Fix did reach out (not because I’m so awesome, but rather because SHE is so awesome!) and thanked me for my honest feedback and for my continued support of Stitch Fix. I believe they are doing really great work, and in the fickle fashion business, there’s just no way to please everyone all the time!
It’s pretty typical that companies will go through growing pains and it sounds like they are going through one. Now it will be interesting how they handle this growing pain. I like the item you kept, it’s really cute on you.
Oh thanks! Now that I have worn the top a few times, I like it more. Very nice to have something ultra comfy to throw on that isn’t a sweatshirt! And I’ve got my fingers and my toes crossed that the next fix will be better. I believe it will be!
Bummed to hear they’ve gone downhill lately! Hope you’re right and they will step it up. I really do love the dolman top on you. Glad you kept it.
Love the V-neck you kept – it looks great on you & though it the ‘wing’ styled sleeve is a trending style now the overall look of that top I think is somewhat timeless. 🙂 Loved the $98 coat the way you modeled it but definitely not the price tag. The sporty sweater was a cool sporty look but definitely not a mom practical item (cute on you but not your look) and big oops on the hole that came with it. 😉
You are too sweet! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
I love that last shirt, and totally dislike that one sweater. I think the cards things are new. I’m not scheduling a fix until January because of travel, so I’m not sure, but I think they aren’t attaching them any longer.
Yes, agreed. The more I look at the one I kept, the more it is growing on me. I guess it just didn’t make a stellar first impression. And the more I look at that blue sweater with the hole in it, the more I hate it. I’m sure it would look cute on someone out there, but definitely not me!
Well I think you looked totally cute in all of it, but I can sure understand why you didn’t want to keep it (especially the one with the hole in it– yikes!). And if it makes you feel better, I agree with your husband about that top you kept– adorable! The color looks fantastic on you.
So sweet! Thanks, Sonja!
After 4 fixes where I kept a total of 2 things, I gave up on stitch fix. Their stylists cannot dress normal sized women with large breasts.
Bummer! Sorry to hear that they just never clicked with you. I’m on the larger end (waist AND chest) and I’ve had some fantastic finds with previous fixes. But after this fix, I can definitely see that they do sometimes miss the mark. Hoping for better luck next time!
Sorry to hear it’s not going so well now! I raved about Stitch Fix to my friend, and she signed up a couple of months ago. They told her they wouldn’t be able to give her a fix until January! After some complaint, she figured out pretty much what you said – they suddenly became super popular and have such a backlog that they can’t keep up. She’s pretty bitter about the whole thing. Not cool! I’m hoping they will have hired more people and gotten things figured out by the time I’m ready for some transitional post-partum clothes!
I’m not sure if other people recently are experiencing spotty fixes, but I have definitely heared an outcry from folks who are having trouble getting fixes scheduled in a reasonable amount of time. They will most definitely have to get that straightened out…shoppers are way too fickle to give them too much wiggle room on that. A few dud boxes and/or a few lengthy waits will be all it takes for a lot of folks to let go. I love the concept, so I hope they get it all straightened out before folks start jumping ship in droves!