A bad stitchfix...and how to fix it

Remember Stitchfix? Ok, you probably never forgot, because it's constantly all over the blogosphere, but it's been a while since I had a fix of my own. Actually...It's been about a year and a half. I didn't have anything against it, per se...I guess I just didn't have a huge need for clothes. And/or, I was constantly transitioning between sizes, so the idea of someone else finding a good fit for me seemed a little unlikely. But then I went and got knocked up, and serendipitously they just announced they're now offering maternity clothes (and petite sizes...but I don't know nothin' 'bout that.) So though I have a good bit of maternity wear (or more accurately, non-maternity but big-like-a-sack wear) I figured I'd give it a shot again. I made some quick updates to my profile, and scheduled my fix.

The day it arrived, Dustin tossed the box to me on the front lawn, and I unpacked my goodies with my neighbor-friends while the kids ran amok. And as excited as I was to give the maternity stuff a shot...I was a little underwhelmed with my assortment. There were a couple cute pieces, but overall it just didn't live up to my expectations. I brought it all in to try on (and snap awkward selfies to blog about, obviously...) and as I completed my fashion show, I realized that my stylist hadn't done me wrong, really. It was more that I set her up to fail. See- the Stitchfix stylists are good, but they're not mind readers, and I think I had just as much of a hand in the missteps as my girl Kate did. So if you're thinking about scheduling a fix of your own, please learn from my mistakes.

First of all, let me just say that my fix wasn't terrible. It was actually all pretty close to my style...But as a whole, I just felt like it missed the mark somehow, and while all the pieces were just fine, none of them were wow-worthy.

Stitchfix Fix #1: Be Specific
I realized the biggest miss in my box...it was stuff more suited to cold weather when I was hoping for Summer. But did I tell them that I wanted Summer threads? Nope. Sure, Spring is on its way, so I'm sure they have seasonality in mind, but if I was really hoping for warm-weather duds, I should have said so. And even worse- I realized that some of my answers to the survey questions probably lead them astray. There's a section about what parts of your body you like to flaunt, and I answered it pretty conservatively...mostly in an effort to avoid short dresses, or thin strapped tanks. I may have overcompensated a bit, and let them to believe long sleeves were the way to go. Next time, I'll just put my limitations and wishes in the notes section. Based on the personalized notes they send (so cute!) I know they read every word, so if I had just thought things through a bit I might have realized I wasn't being totally clear. They're not mind readers...so more info is never a bad thing.


Stitchfix Fix #2: Pin it to Win it
One of the coolest parts of the Stitchfix profile is that you can link to a Pinterest board, in order to give them a better sense of what you love. Fun! So I sent them my Fashion board, and waited for the perfect picks to roll in...

Well...not so perfect. (ok...I actually like the plaid poncho..maybe more for September than now...But the vest? No thanks). But before I hated on the vest too much, I remembered that maaaaaybe I had a ton of vest pins on my Pinterest board. I have a green utility vest that I actually really love, but I struggle a little with knowing how to style it, so I pinned a bunch of inspiration looks to help me put together more outfits with it. But Stitchfix doesn't know that...they probably just think I really like vests. Whoops.

Also I realized after re-looking at my board, I have a lot of fall looks in there...Or looks that I sort of like for one reason or another, but my reasons might not be totally clear without explanation. So while my Pinterest board wasn't exactly hurtful, I'm not sure it was very helpful either. Stitchfix actually suggests creating a board specifically for your stylist- with looks, pieces, colors etc. that you love. You can even write notes in the captions of the pins to clarify what you like about the pic (rather than just re-pinning whatever non-sense pops up there, like I do on 99% of my pins). I think taking a little bit of time to curate the collection of what I showed them, would have gone a long way to helping them nail my style and wishes.

Stitchfix Fix #3: Get Adventurous
Ok...in a lot of ways...Stitchfix can't win with me. If they give me something that is too "out there", I hate it and send it back. But if they send things that fit in perfectly with my style, then I get disappointed that it's not special, and just blends in with the other 37 grey/navy/stripe/cotton t's I already have. Yeah. I'm a difficult customer.

Do I love that grey t? Yeah. It's ridiculously comfy, has some cool subtle texture on the sleeves, and fits great. But....do I already own at least four similar pieces? Probably. And even if not, it's hard to get too jazzed about something so simple. Even if it's totally in my comfort zone (literally and figuratively). (Full disclosure...I might keep this anyway. I'm a creature of habit, who can't even follow her own advice.)

So next time, I'm going to convince myself to take some risks. I still believe in being honest on the survey (with them and with yourself). There are colors I don't like (and I'm just never going to like) and pieces that just don't work for me (hey there, pencil skirts) so let's not waste our time. But if, for example, I have the urge to try more florals, or wear more maxi dresses, Stitchfix is a fun way to experiment a little, without the commitment. By all means, tell your stylist what you don't like and what you don't need, but then be sure to be at least a little open minded about trying something new when that little patterned box arrives.

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Have you tried Stitchfix yet? Did you love it? Or did it leave you wanting more? I think half the fun of Stitchfix is the surprise, and with a little bit of thought, you can set yourself up for a good surprise. 

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Psssst....Want to get all the Bowdenisms news delivered right to your inbox? 
YES PLEASE! Subscribe via email and never miss an -ism.  xox.

Fixed-up

It's been a while since I've done a fashion related post. Probably because it's been a long while since I wore anything but a nursing tank and sweatpants. Ohhhhh babies. So glamorous.

But Summer's over (so a tank with jean shorts isn't cutting it), and I'm back at work now (so a tank and jean shorts definitely isn't cutting it). And though nursing is helping me shed the pregnancy pounds, I'm not exactly back where I was, or where I want to be, so getting dressed- flatteringly- is still a bit of an art form.  I do have tons of clothes, but I have considerably fewer clothes I'm excited about. And we all know that full closet, isn't the same as a good closet, so I've been in the market for a few pieces that would help me feel excited about getting dressed in the morning. Problem(s) with that? With two kids it's a liiiiiiitle hard to get out to the mall. And even when I did get out to the mall? I found out I hated the mall. I used to be fun to browse around, pile up an armful of goodies and do a dressing room fashion show with my friends. But now any shopping trip I have is squeezed before or after work, or into the briefest of nap-times on weekends, and the entire time I'm out I can hear an imaginary clock ticking telling me I need to wrap it up and get home to the kiddos (only sometimes that imaginary clock is actually a real baby, and the ticking is actually wailing). Plus, trying on clothes when you still feel like you have to hide the leftovers of the kangaroo pouch is not much fun. This size jean is too big, that size is too small, this shirt is too loose, that one is too tight. It's a tall order to dress a postpartum mama, and though I consider myself fairly good at this whole shopping thing (it's kinda my job...) it still isn't my favorite stage to wade through.

So....I decided to outsource it!
Remember StitchFix?

I wrote about them a few times before, and after a bit of a rocky start, I found myself completely addicted. I got seven fixes over the last year, and it started to become an event at work, with people gathering around my desk every time that signature box showed up. I even got a fix or two after I found out I was pregnant with Fin! But once I moved from "adorable bump" to "self-conscious waddle" I took a break from the fashion service, and just stocked up on some mumu's (I kid. But I did hit the Old Navy XL clearance section pretty hard.)

But a few weeks ago I decided it was the perfect time to get back in the game. I've gotten a couple new pieces of clothing since Fin was born, and have come to learn that anything that makes me feel pretty (or thin...or BOTH) is worth its weight in gold. So though we're not exactly swimming in money these days (we're swimming in diapers...which is similar, yet completely different), I am trying to splurge a little to feel good about myself. Nothing crazy, but a new pair of jeans to work while I'm in between sizes, a few new tops that I can nurse in and look presentable at the same time, and an armful of fake gold bangles to make me feel fancy? Yes please!

I updated my StitchFix profile, telling them what I was looking for (and what I wasn't), and scheduled my fix for the week before Piper's birthday. (I mean, I did play a rather large role in all of that...I should get a present too, right?)

And when my magic box of sartorial surprises arrived? It came with the nicest note ever. Never mind the clothes. I'm just in this for the fan mail. (xoxo Jackie!)

People gathered around my cube to see what treasures were enclosed...and I was pleasantly surprised by the options I was given. Not that I don't hope for keepers...I just try to keep my expectations low so I'm not disappointed.

Here's what was included this time around:

I did a quick fashion show at work, and knew there were some definite contenders in the mix. But I needed to try them on at home (and not over my current outfit) to know for sure. 

So I rounded up my peanut gallery, and checked out my fix. 

(And to get a little Show Your Real with you, this was a no-shower day, so I'm rocking a stubby pony, with greased pinned back bangs. And my makeup wasn't exactly holding up. Oh...and our room is a mess, I'm the most awkward selfie taker ever, my bedroom mirror is broken and my eyes are two different sizes. Soooo, yeah. I'm practically a professional StitchFix model. Prepare yourself.)

First up was a blouse that I sort of liked in the box, and then reaaaaally liked on. 

It's blue, which is my weakness, it has a fun print, it makes me feel skinny, and I can nurse in it. That is a lot of wins for one shirt. 

Next? A sweater my coworkers dubbed: The Pitt Cardi (like University of Pittsburgh, not like armpit. It was a compliment). I really liked the colors and the print- but the cut was a little too short for me. It's also a bit more preppy than I normally am but overall was a pretty good try. 

And then...there was a robe. 

Ok, it's a sweatshirt cardigan...with a belt...which is practically a robe if you ask me. Sorry, Jackie. Not a fan. 

Though it did make me look tough (rough?):

Moving on...
This one is pink. And fancy. Which is code for so not me. It's pretty...but just isn't a fit for my lifestyle.(I'm not sure "attempting to survive each day" counts as a lifestyle really, but still.) Back in the box. 

Last...but not even close to least, is this stripey number. 

This....is my jam. The minute I opened the box it started calling my name. Do I own 17 striped grey 3/4 sleeve shirts? Yes. But do I own this striped grey 3/4 sleeve shirt? No! Or should I say: Not yet!

I was pretty much certain I was keeping this guy, but wanted to try a few different things to be sure. I wasn't 100% sold on the hem in the front. It was feeling a little frumpy, and wasn't quite as flattering as I wanted, so I tried tucking it in, which I liked, but didn't love. (And I needed to tighten my belt one more notch, but give me a break...it was a long day...)

So I tried it with shorts, to see if it would be a good match with my summer uniform. 

Still ok, but not knock my (polka dotted) socks off. 

So then I tried it with a scarf rolled up underneath. You know...just in case, somehow, someway, I end up with pregnant belly again someday...

Yesssss. That's the stuff. 

(If Dustin is even skimming this, he is rolling his eyes in exasperated fear, whispering "Too Soon"!)

But in the end, I wasn't completely sold on it, and felt like I could probably find something similar at Forever21 if I was absolutely dying to complete my Striped Shirt Archives. 

So I hemmed and hawed about the whole thing for another day, totally torn on what I wanted to keep (and maxing out the "keep things for 3 days" rule. But I finally went with my gut and kept the blue blouse. It was a bit more than I usually like to pay for a shirt (meaning- it was more than $15) but I really loved it and knew I'd regret it if I sent it back. Again, a little splurge, in order to feel excited about getting dressed in the morning, and look pulled together without trying? Worth it. 

Since then, I've already worn my new top twice; Once for impromptu family photoshoot in the park (It's hiding under another recent "splurge" of mine: a $30 Forever21 jacket I wear every. single. day.) and once the next day. (Because we all know that Sunday/Monday outfits doesn't count as a repeat. Totally different audiences.) If I was a better fashion blogger (or even a fashion blogger at all) I would have thought to take a picture of my outfit...Bonus points for looking off in the distance all thoughtful-like. 

But....I didn't. But when we get the professional pictures back from our park trip, I promise to share (as long as my eyes don't look wonky!)

In the meantime, you should sign up for a fix of your own! If you follow my link, I get referral credit, and you get a box to impress your coworkers, bore your children, and entertain the internet masses. Aw, yeeeeah.

Fixated

When I first told you about Stitchfix, I told you how easy it is for me to get addicted to things.....

And it turns out, I became a Stitchfix addict. Over the last few months, I’ve gotten five fixes. Have I kept anything? Ummmm no. But partly because I didn’t care so much about the actual shopping part. I just really liked getting surprises in the mail. Whether I ended up getting anything or not, I loved every second of waiting for my package, tearing open my box, and seeing my mystery picks. And then there was always the fashion show around the office. Can’t beat that. 

If you missed my last post on the subject, you may be wondering...

What is stitchfix? 

Pretty much this:

Need a refresher on how it works?

Pretty much like this: 

Now that style profile is no joke. Stitchfix has all kinds of info about me on file. They know my sizes, my likes and dislikes, they even have links to my blog and pinterests boards. Plus I update my profile after each fix I receive, telling them what I liked and what I didn’t so they could nail it the next time. And when I found out I was pregnant, Stitchfix was pretty much second in line for the announcement (after Dustin.)

"Guess what! I'm pregnant....and you guys are among the first to know!!

I know you don't officially do "stitchfix maternity" but I was hoping you could help 

pull things that would have some longevity of use. Anything longer, stretchy, and/or without a formal constructed waist.... I'm still in my first trimester, so I'm not huge, but pieces that could grow with me a bit would be great."

That might seem a little personal...but it turns out I have a personal stylist. Her name is Margaret.

See? We're tight.
(I'm a little bit joking, but she did answer about a milllion of my questions via email this time around, so even if she has other clients, she's still very patient and attentive.

Since I haven’t kept anything (I came reaaaaaaally close, but couldn’t quite pull the trigger on any of them), I haven’t posted about it. BUT...this time? They got me. Each box comes with 5 pieces, and this last shipment had two items I was swooning over.

First, this emerald tunic:

(excuse the wrinkles. It will obviously never look like that when I wear it. ha.)

Pantone has officially named this the color of 2013, and I couldn’t be happier. I love this rich tone, the drapey rayon, and the roomy silhouette. (It might actually fit me for another two weeks!) I can see it mixing in with the multitude of blues and neutrals that I already own, and will be an easy layer piece. It seems super versatile, plus, it’s perfect with a scarf. Sold. Wait....almost....because we have this contender too: 

Cream and tan polka-dot sweater with open knit back.

You guys. I pretty much die over this sweater. I don’t know what it is that has me so transfixed (oooooh stitchfix pun, yes!) It might be the super soft fabric, or the tiny knit dorito (seriously, that’s what it’s called) at the neck, or the striped cuffs....Or it could be the itsy bitsy dot pattern, or the beautifully stitched back panel. Or the roomy silhouette (for real....girl needs a little extra space these days).

I love them both, but was completely torn over which to keep. So naturally I took to facebook and instagram for advice. 

30 some comments later green was the clear winner with the masses....but I was still torn. I actually have to return the box today and I’m still not sure what I'll keep. I might just say "Happy Early Birthday to Me!" and keep them both. Tempting.....

{Edited to add...kept the green. I'll miss you dot sweater.}

I DID. I did love my fix!

Now go get yours!

Three Ways to Wear It: Cowlneck Sweater

They say when it rains it pours, and in Bowdenisms land, it has been pouring lately (in a good way!) Those who know me "in real life" (quotes are inappropiate there I guess, as it really is real life, it just sounds odd...) obviously know what I do for a living, and understand how important it is to me. But I rarely, if ever talk about it here in anything more than a round about way. Well today worlds are colliding...I'm sharing some "bits and pieces of our little lives" on the American Eagle blog. Check out my dorky self here.

And if by chance you wandered over here from the AE site- Welcome! Stay a while! And don't worry, I'll serve up a little bit of fashion before forcing some baby pictures on you.

And now, on with your regularly scheduled programming. Whatever that means.

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A few weeks ago I sign up for Stichfix and shared the (mixed) results. But though I didn’t love everything in my box, the yellow sweater had potential, and I decided to keep it. With the fall weather coming and all the “back-to-school” sales (that technically shouldn’t apply to me anymore…) going on, it’s hard to keep the lid on my clothing purchases. Everywhere I look is stuff I need. (duh- want). So to curtail the spending before it spirals out of control, I’ve made a new shopping rule for myself:

In order to buy a new item, I have to be able to 

picture wearing it at least three different ways.

I figure if I can’t immediately picture how something can rotate into my wardrobe, and do double triple duty, then it doesn’t deserve a spot in my closet. And since playing mental stylist isn’t as fun as playing real stylist, I thought I’d get you all involved. So with that- a new Bowdenisms feature is born: 

Sweater- Ya via Stitchfix.

Here’s my new sweater, in all it’s cowl-y, drape-y, mustard-y glory. I knew I liked it, but I wasn’t 100% sure how I planned to wear it. Fortunately Stichfix gave me a bit of a headstart, with the styling card they included:

Unfortunately, their suggestions weren’t exactly me. I like the idea of the loose silhouette over a body-con dress, but such a look really isn’t practical for my ladder-climbing, baby-wrangling centered life. (Not to mention the yellow +black/white stripe combo was a little too BumbleBee chic for my taste). But the look was right up my alley. I do have a strict “leggings are not pants” policy though, so I knew I’d have to swap those for a similar look, but in a slightly more forgiving jegging. With those rules in mind, and a closet full of neutrals in my arsenal, I began my three look challenge:

Blue & white striped 3/4 sleeve T- Urban Outfitters.

 Skinny Jeans and Boots- AE (obvs!)“P” necklace- Max & Chloe.

If I can figure out how to pair something new with the plethora of white/grey/navy in my closet, I consider it a win. If it also works with stripes? Then I’m pretty much in love. So pairing this sweater with a heavy-rotation closet favorite was pretty much a no brainer. 

It’s a simple look, with classic skinnies and a riding boot that fits my style to a T. And by “my style” I mean, anything that requires next to no effort, but looks like I tried. In real life I’d probably add a chunky ring, a twist band, and at least seven bracelets to the mix, but all that comes about as natural to me as putting on my underwear, so it almost goes without saying.

For the next look, I wanted to mix it up a bit and see if this sweater could help push me out of my another-day-another-jean comfort zone. I liked Stitchfix’s idea of pairing it with a dress, but I knew I’d have to cas it down a bit (cas- like an abbrev for casual…can I even use that in writing? Totes just did!). And of course we’d have to get some more navy involved somehow (I yam what I yam).

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Blue & white marled yarn dress- Urban Outfitters. Boots ZigiSoho from DSW

Belt- came attached to a shirt from Forever21. Yes, I’m that classy.

I bought this dress while I was pregnant, so the fact that I’m still able to wear it either means I’m a frumpy mess, or a repurposing genius. Let’s just go with option #2 for now. This dress has an empire waist and a fuller skirt than the Stitchfix suggestion, so I knew I’d need to cinch it in a bit, or end up looking like a yarn obsessed bag lady. (With kittens in my boots!) Recently “put a belt on it” has been my outfit version of Porlandia's "Put a Bird on It."- in my wardrobe, you can put a belt on it and call it fashion. Done!

There would probably need to be some leggings involved, but droopy little knit legs hanging from my closet door just weren’t selling it, so you’ll have to imagine that part.

P.s.- Please don't judge the boots. They're on their last leg foot, but until I find the perfect replacement, I refuse to part with them.

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White tank- Old Navy. Necklaces and Leopard belt- AE.

Jeans- Gap. (circa 2003?) Gladiator sandals- DSW

For the last look, it was back to jeans, but rather than dark skinnies, I tried an old pair of Gap "Long and Leans" (they were my jam in college. So was saying "my jam"!) They're falling apart (insert old person rant about pre-distressed jeans being for sissies, here), and don't fit at all, but I actually kind of like them that way. I just cuff the bottoms and call them boyfriend jeans. They all but require a belt, so I added my new favorite piece- a touch of leopard. I'm strangely obsessed with leopard these days, (ok...maybe for a while now) and though too much can make you look like an 80's music video reject, when done right it can act as fun, preppy-glam twist on a neutral. 

In a similar high-low play, I stuck with a plain ribbed tank but added a pile of pearls. The whole look ends up half downtown-dude, half uptown-girl. If I actually put it on, I might end up wanting to swap the pearls for another bold, but slightly less traditional necklace, and trade the sandals for ballet flats, or some Chuck's...but even if it's not 100% perfect, sometimes you just have to give things a try.

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Alright...it's your turn to weigh in. What do you think of my first three pairings? How would you wear it? Share your style skills with the group!

And did all this fashion fun make you want to get a fix of your own? Do it- and report back!

In a Fix

Confession time: I have a bit of an addictive personality. Thankfully it's less of the literal chemical dependency kind of addition, and more of an intense love and pursuit of a few favorite things. I often start grilling another grilled cheese before I've finished my first, I have no problem listening to a current favorite song on repeat five times in a row, and just the sound of a coke can opening makes my heart happy.

It's simple joys.....Three more loves: I love surprises. I love packages in the mail. I love clothes.

And as it turns out, I'm not the only one. (imagine that...)
And as it also turns out, there is a brilliant company that saw addicts like me coming, and invented Stitch Fix. Not familiar? Think of it as a 17 Magazine quiz, meets personal shopper, mixed with a mystery goodie bag...

....and now you can start to understand how I could get addicted.

It's basically a box of clothes and accessories that are handpicked for you based on your preferences, and shipped directly to you for easy in-house shopping. Here's how it works: you sign up, fill out a style profile, pony up $20, and wait for the fashion to roll in.

Yep. It's pretty much that simple.The survey asks a TON of questions about your style and your shape, in order to tailor your box to your unique wants and needs.

Snapshot of my style survey. 

After you spill your fashion guts (they ask everything from your weight to your opinion on polka dots) you schedule "a fix"- a box of five items chosen just for you! You can try everything on at home (no scary fluorescent lights), you can test things out with the rest of your existing wardrobe (avoiding the guessing game of whether this top will really go with those pants.) and there's no hassle (free shipping! no lines!). If you want to purchase something, your $20 styling fee is applied as a credit toward the purchase of anything in your box. If not, you just toss anything you don't want back in the box, and send it back (free returns!).
 
I first heard about the idea from fellow blogger and Pittsburgh mama, Kacia, and I'll admit, I was a little skeptical at first. I mean, paying $20 for what basically amounts to a blind date with clothes? (You just have to meet....I know you'll be a perfect fit....Just trust me!) I wasn't so sure..But there was something irresistible about the dress-up adventure of it all (again: surprises, mail, clothes....I'm powerless), so I took a chance.

And a few days later, I got my first fix!

I'm pretty much like a five year old on Christmas morning whenever I get a package in the mail, so I wasted no time tearing into my box and rummaging through the tissue paper to see what treasures StitchFix had in store for me.

And first out of the box...were these jazzy little numbers...

And that's when I started to get nervous.

These are bad, right? Like, not my style, not anyone's style B-A-D. I mean, unless you count characters from the Cosby show, or elderly garage sale enthusiasts, I cannot imagine anyone wearing these. Just bad.

My big balloon of enthusiasm had sprung a slow leak....But I kept unpacking, hopeful that the earrings were a fluke, and better style awaited. The next item out of the box:

And "out of the box" is right. This thing was so far out of my comfort zone I had a hard time even understading what it was exactly. Turns out it's a black sweater-knit tank with gold thread. Oh- and it's backless.

Naturally.

Perfect for a night out at a Steeler bar? Absolutely. Appropriate for my life? Not even close.

(It was around this stage in the process that I texted my friend and fellow StitchFix-er, Meg, something along the lines of "AT WHAT POINT DID I TELL STITCHFIX I WAS A HOOKER?!" She insisted upon an immediate Skype session, where she proceeded to confirm all my fears. This was bad, friends. Really bad.)

See that face? That is not the face 

By now my excitement balloon was starting to wheeze, as it continued to deflate...But there were still more items. More chances for redemption. My third piece:

Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum, right? One minute I'm blingin' in a skimpy sweater tank, the next I'm blanketed in four layers of navy polyester. Now, honestly, this one doesn't look so bad in pictures...but the effect in person is a bit too "Big Love meets GoGo Dancer" for my taste.

I mean- check out these sleeves!

My balloon was now not only deflating, but whooshing around the room like a crazed bumble bee as my disappointment mounted. But we weren't done yet...Perhaps this could still be salvaged.

Ok, stop the leak. Now we were getting somewhere.This piece wasn't hideous. Actually, it was downright pretty and it fit well, taking it light years ahead of the last few missteps. But it still just wasn't really me. It's dressier than I ever really have the need to be (but then again, I borderline wear sweatpants to work some days, so some slight gussying up wouldn't exactly kill me) and I'm not really a black lace girl.

I could definitely see it on some of my friends though, so I'll give StitchFix a B for effort on this one. (no that's not really a saying, but an A just seems too generous. Like a trophy just for participating. Can't get behind that.)

Four down, one to go. My balloon of hope was now more of a latex raisin of hesitation. All my fix-fears rested on this final item. But thankfully, they saved the best for last:

Let's evaluate: 

• Great color
• Cozy cowl neck
• Casual but polished
• Cool bohemian artsy vibe

This I can work with. Break out the helium, my hope was lifting off again. 

Yep. This one has definite potential. It works with my style (and by that I mean: I can wear it with jeans), but it's enough of a stretch that I wasn't 100% sold right away. I think that's a good thing. A little push out of my standard fare. It's got a quirkly little hem line that may or may not make it look like I'm wearing an art smock...upside-down...But again, I kind of dig it.

So that's my first fix. Judging by the drama of it all, you might also think it would be my last fix, but joking aside, it was actually pretty fun, and I did get one piece out of it that I like. Plus, when I emailed StitchFix to tell them I was a little less than thrilled (I tried to be honest, but at least managed to steer clear of the words Hooker or Fundamentalist Cult Member in describing their choices)- they were really understanding and helpful:

"We're so sorry to hear that we've disappointed you:( We really appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your feedback. I want you to know that our stylists really do care about packing great Fixes and listening to your comments, thus I talked to your stylist to get a better idea of why she sent you the items she did. You were ranked high in boho, classic and casual and everything else had a lower ranking, so she really focused on boho casual in styling you, while giving you pieces with a funky twist (as mentioned in your notes).  

Maybe if you would like to provide us with a little more direction about what you are looking for? I would be happy to add as much information about your style preferences as you would like to your profile. :) Often times, information like links to pinterest profiles, stores you shop at, celebrity styles you would like to emulate and blogs all better help us in pinpoint your style. Please forward along any style preferences, aesthetics or links that can help us! Sometimes, it just takes us a try or two to really "get" your style!"

See? It almost makes me forget those hideous earrings. Almost.

Plus, they provide a form for feedback for every item, in multiple categories, as well as an overall rating, so that they can do better the next time.

I'll definitely give it another try (addict, remember?), but I'm making some revisions to my style survey that I hope will help my "stylist" nail my look a bit more accurately. In looking back on my profile, I realized that my responses could have been part of the problem. I think I was a little worried about being too rigid and narrow-minded, so I left things a bit too open to interpretation. I didn't want to eliminate too many things because I worried I wouldn't get the best selection, but by not being totally honest, I made it impossible for them to really understand my style. 

So for the next round I'm making some tweaks: 

• Avoiding jewelry- I truly don't need any more baubles (I know...can you imagine me turning down jewelry?!) and my taste is particular at best when it comes to stuff like that, it might be better to just steer clear of that whole arena for now. 
• Saying no to black and red. They're not always terrible for me. But they're a risk I just don't need to take.
• Limiting the number of categories I'm open to. It's not true that I "never" wear dressy things, but it is true that I don't need anything in that vein. 
• Being honest about who I am. I felt pressure to sound "cool", and hoped it would help me receive more unique items in my box. But I think I would have been better off sticking more accurately to the true core of my style. Checking a box that says "Edgy" is "not me at all" doesn't literally mean I've given up all rights to be anything other than a twinset loving sorority girl. It just means they may think twice next time before sending me a backless sweater tank. The style survey is not the final word on who I am as a woman- it's just a tool to help a stylist stranger pick out good stuff for me to have fun with playing dress up.

So what about you guys? Are you intrigued? Scared? Jonesing for a "fix?"
Are there any other (shopping) junkies out there looking for a quick mail order (fashion) high? 

Give it a shot! You just might get addicted....