Stitch Fix Adventures: A Review of My Experiences (Plus a Few Tips!)

Hi, friends! I’ve been using the Stitch Fix styling service for a few years now and have been meaning to do a review post for ages. Chances are you’ve tried it, or at least read about it, but I still hope that sharing some of my experiences may help you get a better box the next time you order.

The first photo in this post (the cobalt blue dress and coral necklace combo) happen to be from my latest box — the first box where I kept everything! In my keep-everything box, I got two dresses (a coral one in addition to the cobalt), two necklaces, and a striped green tank with a zipper (see photo below snagged from the Stitch Fix blog). The green tank was my least favorite item in the box, and normally, I probably would have sent it back, but because I loved all of the other items so much, it made sense to keep it (so I could receive the 25% discount!). I also really love how Stitch Fix styled it with white denim. I could totally see myself wearing this to summer picnics and brunch dates! :)

I thought it would be helpful to explain how I use Stitch Fix (and how it works if you’ve never heard about it before).

Stitch Fix is an online styling service. You fill out a style profile, and then you can either set your account up to receive fixes monthly, or you can manually order them whenever you want. I choose to order fixes seasonally, so I usually get about four a year.

Many people ask me about the prices, and they have various pricing options you can select from when you set up your account (I’ll be honest, I select the cheapest one), but the items are still not going to be Target-priced, obviously, so I use the service to add fun, unique pieces to my wardrobe each season. I find it’s a fun treat a few times a year.

When you request a fix, you pay a $20 styling fee (but if you order something from your box, that $20 comes off the price of that item). So, as long as you purchase at least one thing, you won’t be out that $20. It’s also free to ship back anything you don’t want. They send a pre-addressed and stamped envelop with your box, so it makes returns SUPER EASY.

A few Tips/Things I’ve Learned:

1. Set up a style board on Pinterest (and leave specific notes to your stylist). Since I pin often, I’ve found it best to leave specific notes on styles/items I really want my stylist to pay attention to (see below). (You might also notice the cobalt dress with the coral necklace on my board, which is something I received in my summer fix!!)

2. While you can mention you’d like certain items you’ve seen on the Stitch Fix blog or Instagram, don’t get your heart set on receiving those specific items. I’ve never once received EXACTLY the item I’ve requested. I’ve often been sent something similar (like the chevron dress above), but I’ve never received the exact item I listed. Which brings me to my next tip…

3. Allow yourself to be surprised! Once I stopped getting certain pieces in my head that I couldn’t wait to receive, I started having a  LOT more fun with my fixes. It’s fun to be surprised! That’s not to say you shouldn’t be specific in your profile and requests — definitely try to be as specific as you can in your style profile and the notes to your stylist about styles, colors, looks you like and don’t like— but don’t go about your fixes as though you are ordering specific items from a catalogue or online shop. That’s not really how it works! ;)

4. Try everything on! The coral tulip-sleeved blouse below is one example of something I didn’t like  when I pulled it out of the box. I loved the color, but didn’t think it would look good on me! I never buy tops like this! I tried it on and LOVED it, though! ;)  And it’s super versatile! I’ve found I can pair it with jeans (as pictured) and also with a cute navy striped skirt they sent in the same box. Such a happy surprise!

And my final tip…

5. Contact customer service if you genuinely get a fix that doesn’t reflect what you requested, or if you’re having trouble with their service in any way. When I first got started, I got a disappointing fix, so I contacted customer service for help, and they were AWESOME. They have an amazing customer service team, and if you aren’t getting fixes where you like at least one to two items, they really do want to help you get it figured out. And they will! :)

A few last thoughts:

I’ve had the most luck with dresses (and I’ve started to be pretty specific about the styles of dresses I like and don’t like), but I’ve also received a few super fun tops and accessories!

I’ve also started giving my stylist a pretty specific request for the TYPE of items I’d like in each box (i.e. dresses and tops or tops and accessories, etc.). I’m finding that to be pretty helpful.

They also now offer Petite sizing! YAY! YIPPEE!! They continue to update and evolve their services to better meet the needs of their customers, which I think is pretty awesome.

Well, I hope this post was helpful in some way for you, and if you order a box, let me know how it goes! :) If you’ve already ordered, what was the best item you received? I’d love to hear about it! :)

(P.S. STITCH FIX IS NOT PAYING ME TO POST THIS REVIEW, HOWEVER I AM INCLUDING MY AFFILIATE LINK THROUGHOUT THE POST. BASICALLY, WHAT THAT MEANS IS…IF YOU DECIDE TO SIGN UP AND YOU USE MY AFFILIATE LINK, I WILL RECEIVE A $25 PRODUCT CREDIT TO USE TOWARD FUTURE FIXES. IF YOU DO SIGN UP using MY LINK…THANK YOU!! ALSO, AS A STITCH FIX CUSTOMER, EVERYONE RECEIVES A CUSTOM AFFILIATE LINK THEY CAN USE AND SHARE WITH OTHERS.) :)

 

Weekending: Crafty Mart’s Mom & Pop Shoppe

Despite the unpredictable (and mostly windy/overcast weather), I spent my Saturday surrounded by color and inspiration — eating good food, drinking hot coffee, and wandering around Crafty Mart’s Spring Mom & Pop Shoppe.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I love the Crafty Mart events, because they bring together a unique group of local artists right in the heart of Akron. It’s such a joy to celebrate talent and creativity and support people’s passions.

This is Ashley, the owner and creator of Truckshop. I fell in love with her creatively curated mobile fashion boutique (check out all of the bright color, sparkle, and polka dots!!). She was so much fun to meet and talk with, too. I loved hearing her business story, and talking with her further confirmed my dream to work with creators, makers, and dreamers to help them live and tell their inspired stories.

So sad she didn’t have the polka-dotted number in my size. I was smitten!

I did snag these sparkly earrings and fun black-and-white chevron scarf, though.

Also, did I mention there were mini donuts?!

I’m still regretting the fact that I passed up sampling some of these sweet treats from DonutLab. They smelled incredible! (And what’s a better pairing than coffee and donuts, I ask you!) ;)

I also came home with this darling piece of art by Ivy Axe. It’s the perfect addition to my little gallery wall of art. Filling my home and life with beautiful art makes my heart very, very happy.

It was a great day, and I think it was just what I needed. I feel refreshed and ready to tackle some new creative projects of my own!

Rivet & Sway Review

Last week, I got my home try-on frames from Rivet & Sway. I had such fun trying on the five different frames I picked out and trying to decide which were my favorite (with the help of friends and family, of course!).

I recorded this video to share the five frames I selected, as well as my thoughts on Rivet & Sway’s home-try on process.

Peet’s Coffee is my new fave (hello, almond milk lattes!). I wish EVERY coffee shop offered that in place of soy. Also, I am loving this Punchline frame in Neapolitan (how can a girl resist a pair of pink specs?!).

While helping me decide, my sister even tried on a few of the pairs. Aren’t these such a fun look for her? :)

*NOTE: Rivet & Sway did not contact me about doing this review. I wanted to share this company with you, because I was inspired by their products and because I enjoy reading others’ thoughts when I am considering trying a new company or product. 

Hello, 30! (A 1920s-Inspired Celebration)

I was blessed to spend Saturday celebrating with friends and family at an early 30th birthday party. It was quite the event! ;) We enjoyed lots of good food and plenty of delicious desserts (including a raspberry-filled cake with polka-dot candles!), great music,  much laughter, and maybe even a little dancing!

Everyone dressed up in their best twenties attire, too. I wore this dress from Ruche, my grandmother’s pearls, and a glittery headband and flower hair piece. I also carried one of my favorite vintage clutches (metallic gold with a bow on the front) — an amazing garage sale find from my college days. My shoes were even dolled up for the occasion (I added gold glitter to the heels using gel medium).

It meant so much to me to be surrounded by the people who mean the most to me, friends and family who share life with me and know where I’ve been and where I hope to go. People who know my heart and my dreams and who encourage me to be the best version of me that I can be.

The decorations were amazing, too: beautiful flowers, polka dots, touches of glitter, and lots of sparkling votives. My friends did an amazing job capturing the glitter and glam of the twenties and creating the perfect party atmosphere.

And the photo booth I dreamed up with my sister was an absolute blast. If you ask me, a party isn’t a party without a little silliness — and a great deal of picture-taking. ;)

(Ha! Outtake!!)

It was truly a special evening, and it was the perfect way to begin a new chapter and season of my life.  Here’s to new chapters, seasons, and adventures! I can’t wait to see what my 30th year holds.

P.S. In the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a recap of my 29 Things and sharing my new 30 Things list.

xo

Inspired Style: Gatsby Glam

I saw The Great Gatsby last weekend, and ever since , I can’t quite get that sparkly style out of my head. I thought it would be fun to create a little Gatsby-inspired style board, so I dreamed up the following ensemble.

I’d pair these items with my favorite dark blue skinnies, and I’d carry one of my vintage clutches (in metallic gold). What a happy yard sale find that was years ago! :) I love to imagine that my pretty little clutch saw her fair share of fabulous parties. ;)

The sequined peplum top, metallic shoes, and crystal gem bracelet are all from Ruche; the bright cocktail ring is from Nestled.

And here are a few Gatsby-inspired gowns I’m loving from Ruche:

Don’t you just love the bright colors and glitzy, glam-y touches?

Have you seen the movie yet? If so, what’d you think?

Happy Weekend!

Peter Pan Collars and Coffee Shops

Today didn’t feel much like spring at all — with its angry raindrops, dreary skies, and cold, blustery winds.

But I ignored the uncooperative weather and donned my new Stitch Fix peter pan collar top, a cozy gray cardigan, and my favorite red ballet flats and headed out for a brunching date with some dear friends.

I love coffee shops — especially when they’re tucked away in cozy historic buildings with pine floors and tin ceilings.

After brunch and coffee and catching up, we headed out to explore a little cluster of shops and boutiques.

It may have been a day filled with rain and cold and gray, but it was also a day filled with sweet friends and hot coffee and unexpected adventures.

And aren’t those the best kind?

Inspiration Date

Do you ever schedule inspiration dates with friends?

They are one of my FAVORITE ways to spend an afternoon. If you’re not familiar with them, they usually involve good food, laughter, lots of inspiration-gathering (and often an impromptu photo shoot or two).. ;)

And after a particularly tough and discouraging week, an inspiration date was exactly what my heart needed, and so, that’s exactly how I spent my Saturday.

I met up with my sweet friend GinaMarie who happens to have one of the most creative, inspiring spirits I know and whose heart is a beautiful reflection of The Creator. She is such a joy to be around.

We talked art, design, branding, and life and heart stuff. It was so, so good. She fixed us an amazing brunch, too: quinoa pancakes with a blueberry lemon lavender compote. (I will definitely be snagging that recipe from her soon!)

Later, we may have sampled some amaretto pie, too… ;)

Despite the temperature, the sun was out, so I couldn’t resist wearing my new mint jeans and pairing them with a pair of bright pink ballet flats (yes, my feet were COLD, COLD, COLD!).

P.S. Isn’t this textured brick wall the perfect photo backdrop?! We thought so. :)

* * *

If your heart is in need of some renewal, I highly recommend scheduling an inspiration date with a sweet friend or loved one. Talk about your dreams, passions, and sweetest hopes over brunch, coffee, and your favorite treats. You’ll be blessed and refreshed.

Living With Art + Color

It’s no secret how much I love color and art. When I’m surrounded by bright, happy shades and beautiful artwork, I just feel happier — and more inspired.

So, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the ways I embrace color + art in my home — and my life.

I created this Be Still and Know collage last winter. It serves as a beautiful reminder each day.

I love a good art cluster on the wall. I like to combine my own artwork with precious photos and inspiring artwork by others. Each piece I add to my curated collection tells a story and means something to me — which makes the whole display all the more special.

This wall holds art by some of my favorite artists: Heather L. Murphy, Sarah Ahearn Bellemare, Dinara Mirtalipolva, and Michele Maule.

And I made the polka-dotted bird piece, of course! It was one of the first collages I ever made, actually! The Explore collage above was the first! :)

I’m a huge fan of comfy, cozy pillows — and of course I can’t resist playful patterns and pretty palettes.

I collect milk glass, and this lovely bowl has held pumpkins, fruit, and festive pinecones over the years. It belonged to my grandmother (and I believe my great-grandmother before that), so it’s one of my favorite items in my home. (I adore the sweet scalloped edges and the little teardrop shapes in the glass.)

I like to add fun details wherever possible — like these cute + quirky handmade clay birds that my elementary art school teacher made.

Don’t feel like you have to confine your art and color to just your walls. Consider making your cupboards happy with multi-hued dishes + cups.

Fiesta dishes were on my wish list for a very long time, so I was excited to get a set of them for Christmas this year. (The tall blue drinking glasses are vintage and were a birthday gift a few years ago.)

Tea or coffee brainstorms are much more inspired with a pretty mug (and a cookie). ;)

Don’t overlook your wardrobe or accessories when it comes to adding colorful, artful pieces. This purple hue is one of my favorites, so I couldn’t resist adding this silk scarf to my collection. (Plus, it has little birds on it, which made it even more perfect for me!)

Ah, I am quite the notebook addict, and is it any surprise that I keep a colorful array of pens and notebooks at-the-ready to record every idea, hope, prayer, and daydream?

This adorable set is from Target. I love the sweet quotes, and — of course — the polka dots.

And just for fun — a photo of Mia. Because she always enjoys participating in my blog photo shoots! ;)

* * *

What about you? How do you incorporate color and art into your home and life?

Together in 10 ~ Favorite Accessories

Sharing a few favorite accessories for today’s Together in 10 Post.

Lately, I’m loving:

*This vintage-inspired Peter Pan collar necklace

*Polka dots (always)

*And bright pops of color (especially this chartreuse-y/yellow shade)

Tomorrow, I’ll be back with the next Staying Creative post, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.

In the meantime, this afternoon marks the end of my holiday vacation, and while I do have a few projects to tackle, I’m also looking forward to a bit of quiet time, as well. The message at church this morning really inspired me to be more intentional about seeking this year. I want to be intentional about establishing a rhythm of prayer + scripture reading, and I want my time with Him to be the first thing I do each and every day. It has to be the foundation.

I’d love for you to join me in establishing a daily rhythm. I will be participating in #SheReadsTruth, as well as the #PurposefulProject, and you can connect with me about both of those plans and on creating a #DailyRhythm  on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I’d love to be able to spur each other on!

P.S. Speaking of spurring each other on, have you joined The Influence Network yet? I am loving being a part of that — it’s seriously blessing my socks off already! We’d love to have you. I’ll be writing a more detailed post about it soon.

Happy Sunday!

K

Together in 10 ~ My Sunday Best

Popping in to participate in another week of Together in 10 Sunday Best.

This week, I’m featuring a handmade vintage-inspired brooch I wore on Tuesday (and also in my eBook video shoot last weekend!). I bought this at a craft fair I participated in during the spring, and I love the way it looks pinned to my chambray shirt. The brooch was made by a local crafter (love supporting artists and shopping locally), and it has just the right amount of whimsy and charm. I love statement pieces that have some personality. I also like the way this one has a bit of a vintage feel, while still being fun, fresh, and a bit quirky.

So, there you have it. My Sunday Best pick of the week. ;)

What are you up to today? I’m off to church and to run errands, and then I’m looking forward to putting ornaments on my little tree.

Happy Sunday, friends! Stay warm + cozy!