Taking Care of YOU!: Stitch Fix

Anyone reading this probably spends a lot of time taking care of his or her little ones. Some of them are littler than others and some of you have more than one, which means we get even less time to do some of the simple things in life. As I've mentioned in other posts, shopping, spa time or even  therapy are all activities that often get pushed to the back burner. To give a colorful (slightly TMI) example, I am deeply ashamed to admit that I have not seen my lady doctor since six weeks after I had Dallas. As I have mentioned, he'll be three in April. Meanwhile, I have attended probably 40+ wellness visits, dental appointments, emergency rooms and Quest labs to ensure he stays alive. The model for self care, I am not. I did make that OB appointment, though, for anyone who is deeply concerned for my well-being. 

All of that said, this is my first post in a series that I will be sharing called Taking Care of YOU (remember that person?) focused on making my One And Done readers aware of products, services and general coping mechanisms that have helped me to, as I always say, "stay sane" - or even just stay ME - in this all-encompassing and all-consuming world of parenthood. I hope that even just one of them will resonate with you and make your life easier in some way. Here goes! Don't forget to comment below about how fantastic they all are. ;)
   

Taking Care of YOU Tip #1:  Stitch Fix

If you're appropriately caught up on this blog, you are aware of the challenges I have faced with shopping in the traditional sense. Enter Stitch Fix...the working-mommy-but-still-hard-core-clothes-horse's best friend. To start, you go to the website and fill out your style profile where you answer questions related to sizing, style and price (because some of us just aren't willing to spend $200 on a pair of pants, no matter how awesome they make your butt look). You can even attach a link to your personal Pinterest style board, if that's something you do. I love it because I can always tell when my stylist for that "fix" (Yep, that's what they're called.) has really spent time looking at mine. More on that in a minute.

For each fix you are charged a styling fee of $20. It basically covers the work your stylist puts into picking out your items. That $20 can be applied to whatever pieces you ultimately purchase from that fix. Good deal. Every fix comes with five items for you to choose from (one of them usually being an accessory - scarf, jewelry, etc.) and you can decide if you'd like to receive fixes every 2-3 weeks, every month or every other month. 

As an added personal touch, each fix comes with a special note from your stylist (who is different every time) explaining what they were thinking and any considerations about their selections. This really makes the process feel special and, in my opinion, is a really nice extra. 

You get three days to try it all on and decide which items you want to keep and which you're sending back. Shipping is free both ways and Stitch Fix sends you a pre-paid priority postage bag to send back the items you're not taking. From there, you simply check out online telling Stitch Fix what you're keeping, what you're sending back and why. The "why" is very important. For each item, there is a place to give feedback on fit, style, price, and a comments box for anything else you want to share. Providing clear and specific feedback is the key to receiving perfect future fixes. Don't skimp!

Bonus: If you absolutely love everything in your fix and decide to keep all five items, you get a 25% discount on the grand total. What???

I just happened to receive my latest fix today (I'm set up for once a month), and here are some photos that should bring the service to life for you, if my gripping commentary has not already done its job:

The outer box: Can't wait to open it!

The inner box: Cutely custom and with instructions!

My personal note and postage-paid return bag

The goods: More super cute custom packaging!

Item #1: Sexy taupe suede jacket

Item #2: Springy patterned tank

Item #3: Floral and gold statement necklace

Item #4: Black and white crossover sweater

Item #5: Dark, high-cuffed denim

Special note from my stylist, Kate!

Styling suggestions for each piece

Pricing sheet (Note: 25% off if you keep everything!)

I highly recommend Stitch Fix. I have purchased at least one thing from each fix, and have been receiving them for over 6 months. Their email customer service is responsive and friendly, and I really feel like the stylists understand my overall style, fit and sizing. It's something I look forward to receiving every month, and is such a convenience. I can't wait to try it all on!

To read about it for yourself, check out the Stitch Fix website. They have a great style blog that you can subscribe to as well. Or, if my post has been so convincing on its own that you just HAVE to try it now, feel free to use my referral code! Once you're as hooked as me, share your own code with a friend to receive a $25 credit toward a future fix! 

And daddies, I know this one has been primarily focused on the moms, but don't fret!!! There are similar shopping services for all of you fashion forward dudes out there who don't have the time or inclination to shop. Trunk Club and Bombfell offer similar services for men. Obviously, as a lady, I have not tried these and am not up on all of the details - styling fee, average pricing, days to send back, etc. Of course, I would love to hear from the dudes and daddies that do try them out! 

Stay tuned for more Taking Care of YOU posts!  And please comment below on anything you try as a result of reading or any suggestions you have for me! I'm always looking for new ways to feed my various addictions, vices and neurosis while continuing to effectively care for my child, maintain a positive bank account and keep my job. 

Stay sane and shop on...from home!
-Regan