I don’t like shopping. Malls overwhelm me with their loud music, bright lights, overabundance of items, and invasive smells. Plus, half of the time I am uncertain about what I’m actually looking for or where to find it. So, I avoid malls in general and department stores altogether.

When I first heard about Stitch Fix my reaction was: I bet I can’t afford that. We had little spending money and even less certainty about money coming in. So I continued shopping clearance at Target, buying items that are $8 or less. However, two years later I’m sighing at those t-shirts that have lost their shape and faded. They are not flattering. They are not interesting. I don’t like them.

I’ve tried online shopping and I think I like that even less than in the store. How do you know if a piece is good quality? There are three thousand times as many items and I just don’t have time to sort through them all.

I began researching Stitch Fix after moving in with my parents last month. Since they’ve blessed us with a rent free home for now, I figured maybe I could afford a couple new items. Last week I filled out my Stitch Fix profile and placed my first order.

On Monday, it came!! I was so excited I didn’t even think to take a picture of the cute box before I ripped into it. Here is what my personal shopper Michelle picked out for me:

{Photos taken by my hot husband, Tim, with my Samsung Galaxy s4 in the least interesting corner of the house.}

Hem & Thread Highly Lace Detail Knit Top

Soko Claris Lariat Spike Necklace

(Bonus: Trades of Hope  earrings)

white top

You guys, when I saw the lace on this top I jumped up and down. I love the detail along the neck and back. And while I’m learning to embrace my “new normal” body, I always appreciate when a top does not hug or stick in uncomfortable places. This drapes nicely and is perfect for skinny jeans. However, because it is semi-sheer, the shirt requires a cami and I don’t like how the straps (not to mention bra straps) show through the lace shoulders. Is this normal? Am I old??

Michelle mentioned that the necklace “was handcrafted by artisans in Africa and, as a company, Soko promotes ethical and fair trade practices.” This is a major plus for me. The more I consider where our clothing and accessories are made and under what conditions, the more I feel responsible to change my shopping habits. I won’t say more now, because that is another post entirely, but the statement alone was almost enough to sell the necklace to me. At first I wasn’t certain about the design, but I love how it looks with this top.

The earrings here are just a bonus. My childhood friend Jamie is a Compassionate Entrepreneur through Trades of Hope. Last week she had a drawing on her FB page and I won these earrings! I never win anything, so I was pretty excited that these came in the mail. The earrings are also fair trade, made by women in India. They are perfect with this outfit, don’t you think? And versatile. You’ll see them again with the dresses below.

Ezra Maud Mixed Material Knit Top

black and white

I squealed at this shirt. It has stripes and polka dots. It is light weight, long enough to wear with leggings at the end of the day, and just plain adorable. The floral pocket threw me off at first, but I now think it’s fun accent. Again, loose around the tummy and oh so comfy. I’m not sure if this picture does the shirt justice, but can you see how excited I am?

Gilli Vivian Dress

20150729_190259_1I mentioned in my Stitch Fix profile that my sister Anna is getting married in the fall. Michelle included two dresses in this shipment for the showers and events that will happen before the wedding. I wasn’t sure about this one at first. I borrowed the belt from Anna and that made a huge difference. Both Anna and Tim liked it a lot. The dress is beyond comfortable and I feel I could dress it up or down with just a change of shoes. It could also be paired with different colored belts or scarves for a creative touch. Modern, young, and versatile. Excellent dress.

41Hawthorn Renesme Graphic Print Faux Wrap Dress

20150729_190842_2I have been looking for a wrap dress for quite some time now. This dress is heavier than the first one with a slip underneath the skirt. I enjoy the colors and print. There is a tie around the waist (can you see it?) and I think all in all is flattering. I think I would love something like this for speaking engagements or work, but not for wedding events.

So what will I keep?!

Stitch Fix offers a 25% discount if you decide to buy all five items in your shipment. This is super tempting. In this shipment, if I bought 3 of the items (1 top and both dresses) it would be almost the same price as all 5 together. However, at this time I am going to be picky. I chose…

my stitch fix picksThis shirt is fun and the dress feels wonderful on, how could I go wrong! It’s true, I loved that first ivory shirt – and the blue dress is quality. It was hard to part from them. But, the bra strap showing on the shirt (again, am I old?!) and the slightly professional style of the dress make it easier to let go. I love the necklace, but I just can’t keep everything. Thankfully Trades of Hope sells some beautiful items. Jamie, I’m going to be calling you up!! I have my eye on this necklace instead.

So what’s my take away? Will I shop with Stitch Fix again?

Absolutely.

pinterest logoThree reasons:

1. It’s so easy. I love that someone else is picking out 5 items for me. I think Michelle got a good sense of what I like and what I’m looking for. Not only that, but they send cards with each item suggesting what to wear with it. This girl needs all of the fashion advice she can get.

2. I can stay home. Between work and mothering, I feel like I don’t have time to shop. Stitch Fix lets me pick out my items on my own time, during odd hours when mama gets a break.

3. It’s fun! Who doesn’t love receiving a package? Especially one with the element of surprise! I’m not sure if I would have picked either of these items for myself on my own. Now I have some fresh pieces in my wardrobe – and I love both of them!

It might be a few months before I place another order, but if you’re interested, I’ll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, what do you think? Have you shopped with Stitch Fix? Where do you find your best clothes?