I was first clued into Stitch Fix almost a year ago. I was out for drinks with my sisters and a few friends, and admired the adorable pair of patterned pants one of the girls had on. She gushed about how they came from Stitch Fix and how her stylist knew her so well every box was awesome. I’ll admit, I was intrigued and immediately went home and looked it up.

For those unfamiliar with Stitch Fix, it’s a pretty simple and great idea. You pay a $20 monthly styling fee and you get sent 5 fashion items every month (or less frequently if you prefer). You try the items on in the comfort of your home, then pay for and keep what you want, sending back what you don’t want. The box also comes with outfit suggestions for each of the items, usually showing two different ways to wear each thing. There is also a personal note from your stylist giving a little explanation about the items and why she included them in your ‘fix.’

To make sure your ‘fixes’ are tailored toward you, your style and your budget, you can link a Pinterest board to your account, as well as leave your stylist notes. When you first begin you fill out a style profile with all sorts of details to help your stylist really know you, your likes and dislikes as well as your body shape. You also get to select the price range with which you want to stay within. You can switch these things up at any time, and send a personal message to your stylist to clarify as needed.

I tried Stitch Fix for 4 months, which means I received 20 items from my stylist. And after the fourth month I put a hold on my account and don’t plan to get another fix, at least not for a long while. In all I kept 4 items, only 2 of which (a floral maxi skirt and a black cowl neck sweater) I wear with any regularity. After a four-month trial I realized Stitch Fix isn’t really for me. But why?

Why Stitch Fix Wasn’t For Me:

• The three-day return policy is too restrictive. Some weeks I’m too busy to make it to the post office at all that week. Since one month I just couldn’t swing it, I was charged for every item in the ‘fix’ - all of which I planned to return.
• I’m really picky about my clothing. Maybe it comes from being a style blogger and looking at clothes all the time, but as the years go by I am more and more picky about the clothing I put on. For instance, I don’t wear sleeveless tops or mini skirts. I don’t like sheer blouses that require layers underneath to make them public-appropriate, etc…
• The ‘fixes’ didn’t fit my personal style. I have a pretty specific style. A number of the items sent to me were things I would never in a million years wear. They were things I wouldn’t reach for in a store and certainly things I would not buy.
• The clothing items seemed expensive for the quality. Most ‘fixes’ if I were to purchase every item in the box would have set me back nearly $300. That’s a lot of money when only adding 5 items to my closet. One item that I LOVED and wanted to keep, got sent back when I noticed it was WAY outside my determined price range - $125.
• The suggested outfits just weren’t me. I really loved looking at the stylist suggested outfits for each item, but I looked at them knowing I would never wear any of the looks.

All of this is not to say Stitch Fix is a bad idea. On the contrary! I actually still think it is pretty genius. I also think it provides an amazing service to a certain group of women, making it an awesome thing for a lot of women.

Why Stitch Fix Might Be For You:

• Creates outfits for those that have a hard time putting their own together. With the little style guides included in the ‘fix’ they make it easy for those who have a hard time creating an outfit or specific look. (For instance, for those who like shopping mannequins in the store - this service is for you.)
• Updates the wardrobe for those who hate to shop. The stylist does all the work for you. You don’t need to go to a store. You don’t need to wade through piles of semi-folded clothing or combat the dressing rooms. You get the benefit of new clothing without the shopping struggle.
• Introduces new styles into a tired closet. For those who know they need to update, but don’t know where to begin or what trends work, Stitch Fix takes care of that for you. Every item I got was current and trendy. Nothing came across as old or out-of-date.
• Helps those who don’t know or have a personal style. A lot of women are clueless as to their own style and are willing to try anything. Stitch Fix allows you to try a whole slew of different looks and styles, while usually staying within your general criteria.

What do you think of my Stitch Fix Review? Have you tried the service? Could it be for you?