Stitch Fix: How to get Better Fixes

Let's talk about Stitch Fix -- the personal styling box service in which you receive great new clothes selected just for you by a personal stylist.

I signed up for this service in January 2016; compared to those ladies who have received twenty and thirty fixes, or more, I'm a novice.  But in all of my fixes, I've only returned three items: I returned one purse because even though I requested a purse, I didn't care for the color.  I returned one top because even though it was very close to one I pinned on Pinterest, it just wasn't flattering on me, and I returned a pair of distressed jeans. I requested distressed jeans, but after looking at them in person, I decided I liked naturally distressed jeans after all.

Everything else I have received has been great!  That's about a 91% "keep" percentage.

So, what is the secret to getting great fixes?

First, the background: what is Stitch Fix and how does it work?  My standard blurb:

Go to the Stitch Fix site and fill out a personal profile. This is where you can set your price points and provide basic information as to your likes and dislikes.

You can schedule a "Fix" at any time or set up a recurring date if you wish. You pay a $20 "styling fee" for each box which applies to your purchase should you keep anything in the box. If you buy all five items in the box you also get a 25-percent discount on the total. 

The box includes a pre-paid bag for you to return what you don't want to keep. Just drop the clothes you're returning into the bag and drop the bag into a mailbox.  Easy.

 For each referral, or friend you get to sign up, you also get a $25 credit to your account once their "Fix" ships. The service uses your profile that you fill out as well as access to a Pinterest board you give them (optional) where you have pinned styles and clothes you like. 

If you Google "Stitch Fix Review" you'll find lots of blogs with lots of women sharing photos and reviews of their boxes. There are also multiple Facebook pages/groups where people buy/sell/trade and discuss their boxes.

If you look at those Facebook boards, you will probably see a lot of negativity.  Don't read the comments or posts, as a rule.  Just look at the pictures of the clothes, and find what you like.

Rule No. 1:  Create a Pinterest board that you will link to your SF profile.  Before you request a Fix, take some time to pin current Stitch Fix clothes to that board.  If you pin something that is a year old, you probably won't get it.  If you pin something from Zulilly, Nordstrom, Belk, or some other site where you like to shop, you probably won't get it.  Stitch Fix has their own brands, for the most part.

When you pin something, "Edit" the picture to leave commentary for your stylist about what you

like about the pin.  "Pinning this for the purse - don't like the dress but I love the bag!" Or "Love this top but would prefer it in yellow if possible."

Where do you get these pictures?  Check the Facebook boards.  Here is one called Stitch Fix B/S/T and Discussion.  Here is another called Stitch Fix b/s/t Large and XL.  Here's one called Stitch Fix Jewelry and Accessories.  There are lots more.  Follow them, and pin clothes that you like to your Pinterest board.

Where else can you get pictures?  Follow Stitch Fix on Instagram.  Follow the Stitch Fix blog.

The more Stitch Fix clothes you pin to Pinterest the better off you will be.

Rule No. 2:  Leave detailed notes for your stylist.  Once you request your fix, you are prompted to leave a note for your stylist.  Do not underestimate this step.  This is where you tell the stylist what you would like to receive or if you have any special events coming up you'd like to prepare for, if you're pregnant, if you want to receive all tops, if you want a Kate Middleton inspired fix, if you don't want to receive any shoes....leave it in the note.  Leave it in the note even if it's already in your profile.  If you just say "Surprise me!" in your note, do not complain if you don't like what you get.  Be as specific as possible.  If you ask for something you can wear to the office - how formal or informal is your office?  Do you work at a veterinarian's office washing dogs all day or as an attorney?  Be specific.

Rule No. 3:  Leave detailed feedback when you check out.  If you return something, explain exactly why. If it's a fit issue, explain what that is: was it too long? Too tight?  Where?  Wrong color?  Too loose?  This refines your profile and helps your stylist pick better for you in the next fix. If you return something and don't leave feedback, how will your stylist know what to avoid next time?  Don't just say, "It's not me."  Why isn't it?  Leave specific feedback.

Rule No. 4:  Do not confuse Personal Stylist with Personal Shopper.  If you know you want a fringed top you saw at Ann Taylor, go get it.  If you know you want a pair of yellow shorts, go buy them.  Stitch Fix is a styling service and will send you clothes that fit a profile you submit and refine. It's not a personal shopping service.  From time to time you will get something that you initially think is not "you".  Give it a try before you rule it out.  You might be surprised.

Rule No. 5:  Update your Pinterest board each time you get a Fix.  Take off what you have received.  You might want to shuffle items bottom to top or rearrange them.  I try to put my most current "wants" at the top of my board.  The stylists don't have all day long to work on just your fix, so the easier you make it, the better.  Do not expect them to scroll through your Facebook page and Instagram page to try and figure out your style.  Can I emphasize enough the importance of the Pinterest board?

Rule No. 6:  If you like your stylist, you can keep your stylist.  If you want to keep your stylist, SAY SO in each note when you schedule.  The system is designed to keep you paired with your stylist if you keep a certain number of items, but never assume that it will work that way.  If you request a certain stylist and it by chance goes to another one, your fix will be bumped over to the one you have requested.  Always say so if you want to keep your stylist.  Alternately, if the relationship just isn't working for you, say so.  Ask for a new stylist.

Rule No. 7:  Keep your expectations real.  Inventory is sometimes limited and just because you request a Stitch Fix blouse you saw on Facebook does not mean you will get it, but your stylist will try to pick something similar.  Keep in mind seasonal changes.  They probably won't have shorts in fall.  In fact, they may not be able to send you four pairs of shorts in the summer because everyone wants shorts and inventory is limited.  Be open minded to new things.  So often I see on the Facebook boards, "I requested this top and didn't get it!  My stylist didn't even read my note!"  More likely is that the stylist just didn't have that top in inventory.

That's basically how to get fixes that will be successful.  If you get something that doesn't fit, the company will usually be able to swap sizes with you.  Just email customer service, explain the problem, and wait for an answer.  It's usually within two days.  You can hold off on returning items until you hear from them.  Stitch Fix is known for excellent customer service.

Now, go update your Pinterest board and request a perfect fix!



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Loose Thoughts

Time to build an ark.

It looks like we're going to need an ark.  I was going to fertilize my lawn this weekend but I think I'll hold off on that as it appears it would all just wash away.  I love the rain but I'm feeling the need to batten down the hatches and hunker down.

The Cammie Book: As I noted yesterday, blogging has been light here lately.  I'm five months away from deadline on the Cammie book and that's consuming all of my mental and physical energy right now.  I'm heading back to Natchitoches over Spring Break to nail down a few details my publisher has asked for and I'm looking forward to that, actually.  I have loved the research aspect of this project -- it's truly been a labor of love.  However, we are not quite done yet, so ...wish me luck, please.  And if you feel so inclined, don't be shy about hitting the tip jar over in the sidebar.  Research takes money: gas, photocopies, lunch, postage, ink....help a girl out if you can.

The Louisiana Primary: Well, Cruz almost pulled off Louisiana, didn't he.  I expected Trump to win it and I maintain my position strongly OUT of the Trump camp.  I've been told that people like him because he is bombastic and will say things nobody else will say; they like him because he has his own money and nobody can buy him.  My personal opinion is that he is a buffoon, a clown, and a reality TV candidate who has offered no real substantive solutions to anything other than "build a wall."  Obviously we have no perfect candidate. But Trump is farther from perfect than most.

On a side note, I'm wondering how far in advance the ballots are printed?  Mike Huckabee dropped out the first week of February, but he received 645 votes. Jeb Bush received over 2000 votes.  Outside of early voting when your candidate may actually still be in the race, why would a person vote for someone who isn't even running?

Glenn Beck is predicting a brokered convention:

They are working on a brokered convention. Any sane leader of the party sees this is a two person race and asks the others to get out to bring us together. They are looking at a war on the floor! It could spill out further.. As I was listening to them and saw the loyalty oaths the party is along people take and the loyalty oath Trump made people take I couldn't stand it.

We are in real trouble, I'm afraid.

Political Clown Parade predicts Marco Rubio's presidential dream is over and I'm inclined to agree.

Stitch Fix:  I'm still getting Stitch Fix boxes - three so far.  I didn't blog the last one because I had to

Photo from Stitch Fix.

get two things altered: I got some flared jeans I requested and some white jeans, both too long.  It was okay because I had requested them no matter the length and they do fit perfectly otherwise.  All three of my boxes have been 5/5's - I've kept all five items in each box.  I'm requesting this green and white jacket in my next Fix -- I love this!

I have almost ten people who have signed up for Stitch Fix through my referral number, none of whom have ordered a box yet.  If they all ordered a box then I'd have a $200 credit!  Order a box for crying out loud!  It only costs you $20 and that applies to the total shipped to you if you decide to keep anything in the box.  If you hate it all, returning it could not be easier -- they include a prepaid mailer bag; just dump the clothes into the bag and drop in a mailbox.

Spring Projects:  We have ripped up the carpet in the living and dining rooms and have a guy coming to give an estimate on refinishing our hardwood floors. I'm also going to get estimates on good quality laminate.  I will always have dogs and dogs and carpet do not go together.  In fact, after pulling up this carpet, I can tell you that I will never have carpet again!  Can't wait to get the rest of it out of here.  If you know someone good who either does refinishing or installs laminate, let me know.  If you have experience with either or recommendations of one over the other, let me know.

In other projects we have trimmed five crepe myrtle trees, refreshed the mulch under the magnolia tree, pulled the pine straw out of the azalea beds and put down new mulch, and started weeding the back beds.  There is still a lot to do outside but I don't have Spring Break for three more weeks (and it'll probably rain and be cold that entire week, as is my luck.)

I'm going to head out and get some work done outside before the coming deluge and then spend the afternoon with Cammie.  My procrastinating must come to an end.

Stitch Fix Box Number Two Review: Another 5/5!

Fix number two is another 5/5!

I'm addicted!

When I scheduled this Fix I updated my note to my stylist and requested some black slacks appropriate for work. My profile indicates that I teach school so I sit on the floor and I scrape against file cabinets and things.  I needed something comfortable. Also, I had updated my Pinterest board and pinned a necklace I loved that I'd seen on a Stitch Fix Facebook board.

This, I think, is the key to getting what you love, or at least improving your chances of getting something you love in your box.  

I've been following a couple of Stitch Fix boards on Facebook: Stitch Fix B/S/T and discussion and Stitch Fix Jewelry and Accessories.  Sometimes people get on there and just complain about how ugly this or that piece is, but I like the boards because I can see pictures of the clothes that people post which helps me get ideas for my Pinterest board, which in turn helps my stylist send things that I like. If I get something I don't like, it's probably because it just isn't a good fit.  

Yes, I've only had two boxes, but they were both 5/5's!

Okay so here's box two:

First item was one I pinned and specifically requested.  The Brixon Ivy Pinson Drape Cardigan:

Brixon Ivy Pinson Drape Cardigan

It is absolutely perfect for spring and even for summer in air conditioned buildings.  It's hard to tell in this photo how pretty it is.  This is the photo I pinned on Pinterest:

This is not me.

I used to be that skinny....

It is lightweight.  It's a sort of heather gray color with a lovely pale pinkish drape. The sleeves are 3/4 length.  It is soft and it is super comfy.  I love it.  Love!

I have pinned a lot of orange things -- I suddenly have a love for orange.  So, my stylist sent me this fabulous Papermoon Shurman Pullover Sweater.  

Papermoon Shurman Pullover Sweater

It is 55% cotton, 45% acrylic and is hand wash. It's hi-low which means it's longer in the back.  I like this.  

The sweater is fabulous with the infinity scarf I got in Box No. 1:

Perfect match.

In that first sweater photo above, I'm wearing the black slacks that came too.  Black slacks don't photograph well, at least not for me, but they are fabulous.  I'm going to live in them.  The slacks are the Lysse Izzie Straight Leg Pant and are pull on.  I pulled them out of the box and figured I would look like a stuffed sausage in them, but no.  And they are uber comfortable!  I can wear them with everything.

I also requested and received this necklace:

Zad Nayeli Mixed Beaded Necklace

I saw it on the Facebook board and pinned it. The turquoise isn't as dark as in the picture I pinned, but I love it nonetheless.  

The last item in my box today was this blouse:

41Hawthorn McQue Solid Lace Sleeve Blouse

I had asked for something purple and had pinned a couple of sweaters.  If I was to send anything back, I guess it would be this.  I love the color, but I don't love the lace sleeves.

Sleeve detail

But, it looks amazing with that drape cardigan, and with the turquoise necklace, plus it's cheaper to keep it and get my 25% five-item discount.  I'll simply note that I'd like to avoid lace sleeves on my feedback note when I check out.  But, again, it's beautiful with the cardigan and I can also wear it with the cardigan I got last Fix.  And I might grow to love lace sleeves (but I doubt it).  I can see that I will need to request a yellow cardigan and perhaps a fabulous yellow tote in a future fix!

I'm addicted.  Two 5/5 fixes right off the bat?  Yes, please!

If you're still waiting to try it, go ahead and give it a shot. Your $20 styling fee goes toward whatever you buy and even if you only like one thing, that's a great deal!

Here's the usual blurb:

Go to the Stitch Fix site and fill out a personal profile. You can schedule a "Fix" at any time or set up a recurring date if you wish. You pay a $20 "styling fee" for each box which applies to your purchase should you keep anything in the box. If you buy all five items in the box you also get a 25-percent discount on the total. 

 The box includes a pre-paid bag for you to return what you don't want to keep. 

For each referral, or friend you get to sign up, you also get a $25 credit to your account once their "Fix" ships. 

 The service uses your profile that you fill out as well as access to a Pinterest board you give them (optional) where you have pinned styles and clothes you like. If you Google "Stitch Fix Review" you'll find lots of blogs with lots of women sharing photos and reviews of their boxes. There are also multiple Facebook pages/groups where people buy/sell/trade and discuss their boxes.

Stitch Fix Review: My First Fix is Fabulous!

It's like Christmas!

It's here!

My first "Fix" from the online styling service, Stitch Fix!

I love everything in it.  At the bottom of this post is My Basic Blurb about how Stitch Fix words and here is the post I did with some reviews of the company.

So this Fix was filled with some really basic things that I wanted and had pinned to my Pinterest board and reflects exactly what I wrote in my note to my stylist when I scheduled the order.

First and foremost, I got the Kut From The Kloth bootcut jeans which fit better than any jeans I've ever owned.  They are exactly perfect in length and waist.  They are perfection and very, very comfortable.  Total love.  I will live in these jeans.  Forever.

Next was this black, jersey Dolman top - absolutely perfect.  I love the length and it is as soft as it can be.  I had requested a black top and the stylist delivered.

41Hawthorn Queensland Dolman

I love the fit!

Next out of the box was this gorgeous dark green tab-sleeve blouse.  I indicated on my profile that green is a favorite color and a fondness for jewel tones and again, the stylist listened.  This is a medium and is a little snug, so I'm swapping it out for a large; I have broad shoulders. It's polyester and the color is perfect for me. This photo washes it out a little, but it's a lovely, rich dark green.

41Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse

I also got this beautiful checkered infinity scarf which is great because I needed one.  The colors are a beautiful orange, cream, and gray; it's not too bulky when you put it on, and it's absolutely the softest material ever.  I can wear this with a lot of things I already have as well as with the black top I received today, or even the green one.

Octavia Tina Checkered Infinity Scarf

Finally, this fab grey cardigan - they call it Gino Mixed Material Cardigan, and it's perfect for me.  The color will go with almost anything I have and it's light enough to wear well into spring. I love the drape front and the sleeves are plenty long without being too long on me.  If it looks bulky in this picture, it's not; it's lightweight and very nice.

Skies are Blue Gino Mixed Material Cardigan

I'm not into selfies but here is the cardigan on:

Everything I received in this fix (except for probably the scarf!) is hand wash, hang dry, which is great.

Stitch Fix also includes a styling card for each piece and a note from your stylist with suggestions.

The best part -- since I love all five items, I'll get a 25% discount on the entire order!

So, I know some of my Facebook friends are thinking about trying it and my recommendation is to go for it.  I'm totally ready to schedule another Fix!  From here, I'll update my Stitch Fix Pinterest board; when I schedule my next box there is a place for me to leave a note for my stylist about what I'd like to get. For example, if I want another pair of jeans but in a different wash, or some trousers for work, or just all tops, they'll do that.

When I originally signed up, I signed up for a once a month box, but I may change that and request another one in a couple of weeks and then settle into a once a month thing. If you don't want to make that kind of commitment, you can absolutely schedule just one box at a time.

At any rate, I'm quite pleased with the things I got and the quality is better than I was actually expecting. I'm already looking forward to Box #2!



Go to the Stitch Fix site and fill out a personal profile.  You can schedule a "Fix" at any time or set up a recurring date if you wish. You pay a $20 "styling fee" for each box which applies to your purchase should you keep anything in the box. If you buy all five items in the box you also get a 25-percent discount on the total. 

The box includes a pre-paid bag for you to return what you don't want to keep. For each referral, or friend you get to sign up, you also get a $25 credit to your account once their "Fix" ships.  The service uses your profile that you fill out as well as access to a Pinterest board you give them (optional) where you have pinned styles and clothes you like.  

If you Google "Stitch Fix Review" you'll find lots of blogs with lots of women sharing photos and reviews of their boxes.  There are also multiple Facebook pages/groups where people buy/sell/trade and discuss their boxes.

New Clothes on Your Doorstep? Yes, Please!

I've received a couple of messages about Stitch Fix and how it works, so I've gathered a few reviews for you.

My first box won't arrive until Monday but for those still curious about it, I've rounded up a few links and reviews to aid your research.

This one from Business Insider touches on the algorithms that help the stylists pick your "Fix."

The company uses that feedback to better inform an algorithm that helps stylists select items for me and customers similar to me, Stitch Fix founder and CEO Katrina Lake later told me. "The algorithm will often be better than a stylist in determining what a customer will like," Lake said. The technology understands written feedback, in addition to rating systems. 

 This one from Buzz Feed explains the numbers behind the start-up company:

It’s the first “fix” that’s the hardest. After that, the experience becomes addictive. So says Katrina Lake, the 31-year-old Harvard Business School graduate who founded Stitch Fix, the buzzy e-commerce startup that mails users five items a month pegged to their tastes, as determined by a combination of algorithms and human stylists. Seventy percent of people who get their first Stitch Fix box end up getting another within 90 days. The company’s goal is for customers to keep at least two of the five items, a conversion rate that would draw the envy of the most successful brick-and-mortar retailer

Here is a Q & A with company founder, Katrina Lake.

This New York Times piece discusses various e-commerce options including Stitch Fix.

Forbes has also reviewed the company.

In all honesty, it's not for everyone.  I know plenty of people who get a major thrill out of bargain hunting and finding a 75% discount on a pair of jeans, but then there are people like me who hate to shop.

So, I'm going to give it a try.

Want to give it a shot with me?




Here's my basic blurb about how it works:

Go to the Stitch Fix site and fill out a personal profile.  You can schedule a "Fix" at any time or set up a recurring date if you wish. You pay a $20 "styling fee" for each box which applies to your purchase should you keep anything in the box. If you buy all five items in the box you also get a 25-percent discount on the total. 

The box includes a pre-paid bag for you to return what you don't want to keep. For each referral, or friend you get to sign up, you also get a $25 credit to your account once their "Fix" ships.  The service uses your profile that you fill out as well as access to a Pinterest board you give them (optional) where you have pinned styles and clothes you like.  

If you Google "Stitch Fix Review" you'll find lots of blogs with lots of women sharing photos and reviews of their boxes.  There are also multiple Facebook pages/groups where people buy/sell/trade and discuss their boxes.

Stitch Fix Box No. 1 Headed My Way!

Okay so I got a notice today that my first "Fix," or box, is on the way from Stitch Fix.  I'm pretty excited!

As I posted last week, it works like this: you fill out a profile, pay a $20 styling fee, and schedule your Fix.  You receive five hand-selected items and your $20 applies to the price of anything you keep. If you buy all five, you get a 25% discount on the entire box. You send back what you don't want in the prepaid bag.

No more long, wasted hours at TJMaxx or Belk thumbing through racks of clothes! And with Stitch Fix, if you have a special event coming up, just leave a note for your stylist when you schedule and you can request specific things.

I literally have need needing a new pair of jeans for six months.  I can't make myself go shop for them.  Hate it.

Since I posted last week, I've discovered a couple of Facebook boards where people buy, sell, and trade items that they decided not to keep.  You might, for example, hang on to that one top that didn't fit just right so that you could get your 25% discount by keeping all five. Then you can go to the boards and sell the top; or perhaps you wore it a few times and decided you didn't like it after all - you can sell your gently used items there too.

I'm not sure how much of that I will do, but I've had fun just reading some of the posts - it never occurred to me that you might return a top because it "clashed" with your tattoo.

I've done some research, too; this seems to be a very popular service and there is an entire cult of people on the web posting pictures of themselves in Stitch Fix clothes because if someone signs up using your referral link (see how I did that!?) then you get a $25 credit toward your next Fix.  It's a perpetual cycle! You get enough people to sign up through your link, you can get free clothes!

So yes, I'm here hawking my referral link, but really I figured why not try it?  What do you have to lose but maybe $20, and that's only if you hate everything they send you.  I'm thinking it could be fun.

My box should be here soon, so I guess I'll join the cult of Fixers and post pictures of what I receive. I requested jeans (with flared or bootcut being my preference).

If some of my local buddies would try it with me, we could swap and trade, if we got something we didn't love, without dealing with Facebook boards!

Sign up and try this with me!