The other posts in this series:
Does Buying Children’s Clothing Online Make Cents?
Twice: Second Time is a Charm? (Online Thrifing)
Thred Up Review: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down? (Online Thrifting)
I Don’t Buy Clothes Online…CONVERT (Thrift Stores)
I was raised on second-hand clothing. I’m raising my kids on second-hand clothing…it’s just our thing. Second hand kids’ clothing is a great way to save money while dressing your children in stylish, quality clothing. From thrift stores to online shops, there are plenty of places to find gently-used pieces for a fraction of the retail. But I know from talking to some of you, that’s just NOT your thing. And you know what, that’s okay.
Several of my friends are in the camp that like to buy new, expensive, well-made clothes and wear them for years and years. My frugal friend, Kate from Venison for Dinner, is astounded that I don’t spend big money on shoes.
Some people like to spend money on clothing and shoes.
Some people, like us, prefer to save on clothing and shoes and instead buy expensive appliances. It takes all kinds to make the world go round. 🙂
My Clothing Philosophy
I’m in the camp that likes to pay $10 for a pair of shoes and replace them 2-3 years later. But some of my friends would rather pay $150 for a pair of shoes and wear them for 15 years. Which is better? It’s a toss up!
So, if you’re a mom and it’s hard for you to get out of the house but you would like to add some nice, new things (because that’s how you roll) to your closet, what are you gonna do?! Especially if you live in the back woods of Southwest Virginia? I’ll tell ya – you head to the internet.
I wasn’t even going to do a Stitch Fix review…because when I first saw the numbers online, I almost passed out and fell on the floor, foaming at the mouth. THAT COSTS HOW MUCH?! RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But here’s the thing – if clothes are important to you, then spending money on nice ones is okay. Just like it’s okay for me to spend money on fancy kitchen gadgets. As long as we can all agree to pay cash. 😉 Deal?
My friend Nikki likes to buy well made, nice clothing. So she wanted to try Stitch Fix and she agreed to let me write about her experience…because she’s awesome. I only hang out with awesome people.
How Stitch Fix Works
You sign up with Stitch Fix and you are immediately assigned your own personal stylist. For real. How cool is that?! It’s kinda like the movies. Hollywood!
Your stylist gets to know you – you tell her about your lifestyle, the things you like, what your preferences are and specifically, your measurements.
Then, each month you receive a Stitch Fix box from your stylist with 5 items inside.
You don’t pay shipping, but you pay a $20 stylist fee that is taken off your order if you keep anything in your box.
After you try it all on, determine what you like, you see if you want to send any/all of it back. If you send it all back, you pay a $20 stylist fee. If you keep even one piece, that fee is taken off.
If you determine that you want to keep all the items in your box, you’ll get 25% off the total bill along with your $20 stylist fee.
I’ve heard several people say that they love that their clothing arrives and actually fits because they’ve sent in their measurements.
A Stitch Fix Example
Here’s an example. Your box arrives and your total is $262 for all 5 items. If you choose to keep one, you can take $20 off. If you choose to keep them all, your total is now $181.50 for 5 items which averages out to $36.30 each.
This sounds like a LOT to me. But I know I’m super cheap frugal ornery. However, even I know that $36/each for high quality, well made clothing is a good price. If you like this type of clothing, then this is an excellent way to save while staying at home.
There is no charge to return items, as long as you keep at least one.
You make sure to leave feedback on your items, so your stylist gets to know you even better.
Who Is Stitch Fix For?
Stitch Fix is for you if:
- You like to buy new, brand name clothing
- You can’t get out much to do a lot of clothing trying-on
- You live in a rural area and find it hard to find what you like
- You have the disposable income to afford this expense each month
Who is Stitch Fix Not For?
Stitch Fix may not be for you if:
- You don’t have much to spend on clothing or don’t like to spend much on clothing
- Name brands don’t matter to you
- Your name is Stacy Myers
- You don’t have the internet
- You don’t like getting mail
A Note about Stitch Fix and Budgets
I know several friends have found great success with this mail-order program. I want to make a special note that if you do decide to try this, please budget in for it each month. Buying things for yourself is GREAT! However, buying things for yourself at the expense of a need is not great. Not at all. Off pulpit.
I’ve used Stitch Fix twice and just received my second box this past week. I kept everything because they pretty much nailed the fit. I have a much smaller waist than my bubble butt (heh) and have a really hard time finding clothes that fit well, especially jeans and pants. They have sent me 3 pairs of pants that fit like a glove and are amazingly comfortable. The first time they sent me a sweater that I didn’t love and had some weird stitches. They gave me a credit on top of the discount and in the end it was actually cheaper to keep the sweater than to send back one item. I can always send it to the consignment shop! This time around they sent a pair of shorts that I really like but the waist it too big. It fits perfectly rolled down however and since they are shorts and I rarely wear them (I just wanted a pair of jean shorts to have on hand since this summer seems pretty warm so far) it was more than worth it to keep them. I wore them all day yesterday and honestly the rolled waist is not a big deal at all. Again it was much cheaper to keep the one item than to send it back with the 25% off. My per item cost ended up being about $40 but I usually end up paying over $100 to find one pair of jeans that fit. I have whittled down my wardrobe and won’t be doing this on a regular basis but when you know what you are looking for and don’t have time to find it, this is a great solution. I also shop at the consignment store I bring my clothes to and get great deals on designer clothes. I’ve gotten Ralph Lauren cashmere cardigans for $7! So in the end it evens out for me. Even a frugal minimalist can like something like this 🙂
I’m enjoying our new minimalist life here. 🙂
I love this series! I have been shopping with ThredUp since they were a box exchange program between moms. I do still get some things for myself and my son there, but the prices are a bit more than I’m looking to pay most times. Also the brands are getting more obscure so fit is not easy to gage.
I also use Twice some, but honestly, only with a significant coupon. They don’t have a lot in the larger sizes I need.
I wrote all this to let you know about a site I discovered a week ago. Swap.com. Their prices are more in line with what I’m looking for ($3 – $12) and brands I’m familiar with. I got my first box today. $29 for 3 shirts, 2 tanks and a swimsuit! Half still had tags! I haven’t bought kids clothes from them but will soon. They also have a swap program that I don’t quite understand, but on the whole, I’m happy. I thought this might interest you!
Thanks for sharing! I love that sometimes Twice sends out 40% off coupons! I’ll have to check that other site out – these were just the ones I chose to write about…I knew I couldn’t possibly cover them all. 🙂
I just signed up last week to receive a Stitch Fix box in June. I try to keep a very small wardrobe now as it is so much easier to maintain. I have always shopped thrift stores as I hate paying retail prices, but usually things do not seem to fit me right, but there is nothing that I loathe more than trying clothes on at a store. I work in an industrial environment so I am lucky enough to wear jeans every day (they’re really the only thing that go with steel toed boots), but I would love to have some grownup blouses other than the haynes t-shirts I’ve been buying for years because they’re easy. I would love that perfect pair of jeans, a nice top and beautifully paired cardigan; however, with a toddler (and my aversion to shopping) that’s not going to happen unless someone else looks for me.
Oh, Amanda! I so hope it works out for you!!!
I’m with you on the used clothing, except I do spend on shoes for all of us. Old shoes are terrible for your feet and back.
Unless they are cowboy boots -then they are already worn in. 🙂
I need to preface this by saying I do thrift & discount. Never pay retail. I tried 2 online stylist companies because I’ve gained weight ( can you say, When are you due sweetie) & was tired of hunting for one thing to feel comfortable in.
I just got my first Stitch Fix & MM Lafleur box. MM Lafleur is totally free but more expensive. I will say the MM lafleur dress made me understand the difference in good tailored clothing. Looked like I lost 20 pounds & my tummy! And it came with a free Gift.
Stitch Fix on the other hand found a navy wrap Dress that I’ve been subconciuosly looking for, for years.
If anyone else is interested, The other main Difference is Stitch fix is CA & MMLaFleur is NY. I do like you can control the shipments so even if you wanted to save the investment for a special occasion, I think it’s worth it.
Thank you Stacy so Much for doing this topic! I learned a lot about online thrifting! You Rock!
Thanks so much for chiming in with that information!
Stacy, thanks so much for going over all these options for us. I’m still stuck in that not-a-convert yet” state, but I’ll cave in someday (maybe tomorrow! I’m fickle!) and be using these posts as my guide into this mess.
I understand that state – I was there. 🙂
Hi Stacy! I love your blog- so fun and helpful! I too am fairly frugal but I do love my Stitch Fix boxes :). I did want to point out that you don’t have to get it every month. I only sign up to get mine 4 times per year, which correlates with when I get my work bonuses. That helps me justify spending the money. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for adding that in, Shannon!
I use stitch fix, but have my shipments schedules for every 3 months. You can even only ask for shipments for special occasions. Every month was too much $ for me, but I budget for every 3 months, and that works much better for me!
Thanks for chiming in with your review too! 🙂
Stacy, I think you’re just adorable. I also gasp at spending $33 for a regular, not super special item of clothing. Maybe if it was a dress for a daughter’s wedding or something, but otherwise $5-6 seems about the right price for a top. I also know several people who think Stitch Fix is great, and I’m happy for them. I think I might just have to try ThredUp, though. Thanks for all your reviews and for blogging again. I missed you.
I just love Thred Up. It’s just my style. 🙂
I love stitch fix! My third fix is getting styled now. I can’t wait. Thanks for sharing this with your readers!
I hope you’ll send pics!