Subscription Box Showdown: Stitch Fix VS StylingOn

After seeing a gazillion raving blog reviews, I got swept up in the Stitch Fix excitement and signed myself up. My first box was a little off mark, so even while I ordered my second box, I continued the quest for the perfect fashion subscription. I eventually stumbled across StylingOn, for which I could only find about 2 reviews. I wasn't too surprised since they don't offer the $25 referral reward that Stitch Fix does.

As a public service for the subscription addicted, I decided to face off these two services in a fight to the death, where death means absolutely nothing.

SUMMARY

Stitch Fix
Fill out an online personal style quiz, and request a single style box or subscription. Receive 5 pieces of clothing and/or accessories hand selected for you. Try on and return what you don't want within 3 days. Provide online feedback for next box. Charged for what you keep.

StylingOn
Fill out an online personal style quiz. Discuss specific needs with your assigned stylist. Review multiple hand selected Look Books online and decide what you want in your box (approx 5 pieces). Charged for those pieces. Try on and return what you don't want within 10 days. Provide feedback to stylist. Refunded for what you return.

WEBSITE & EASE OF USE
Winner: Stitch Fix

Both websites walk you through a fashion personality quiz to determine your sizing and preferences in terms of style, fit, color and (in the case of StylingOn) brand. Both purport to offer both a subscription and a one-off ordering service. I signed up for monthly boxes with Stitch Fix  but can't quite figure out how to do so with StylingOn. Luckily I can just notify my stylist when I'm ready to start a new box.

StylingOn's concept for their website is really cool, but I feel like the processes aren't really being followed and the tools only partially used. I use my phone and Kindle to navigate online, so it's really important to me that mobile sites are usable. Unfortunately, I can't get to my personal page through StylingOn.com (I have to navigate directly to the client area login page). I was also unable to enter credit card info online. There is a Virtual Closet that I still haven't figured out how to use, and although my Look Books were posted quickly online, they were a bit difficult to navigate mobiley (you're welcome, Oxford Dictionary). Luckily, I've been able to contact both my stylist and the owner, Lidia, directly with my questions, and was able to get my box ordered without difficulty.

Stitch Fix, on the other hand, has a very streamlined, well-tested website and ordering process. I haven't noticed any glitches or deviations from what they promise.

COST
Winner: Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix charges a $20 styling "fee" which is applied to anything you purchase in a given month. The average price point is about $68/garment. No shipping costs, even for returns.

StylingOn has no styling fee but charges $20 in shipping, not applicable to anything. The minimum costs per garment is $100.

BRANDING/CLOTHING QUALITY
Winner: StylingOn

Stitch Fix might be cheaper, but I still feel like I get a better deal with StylingOn  The point of this journey was to round out my newly purged closet with some higher quality pieces. I updated both profiles to request more expensive pieces, so I am willing to pay a little more if the quality is there, but StylingOn was the only one to deliver.

StylingOn offers designer brands at a variety of price points, starting at about $100/piece. A few of the labels include: Elizabeth & James, Theory, Ted Baker, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo and Stella McCartney. All of the clothes in my LookBooks were beautiful, and I wish I could have purchased everything. The prices on my pieces seemed very fair (my stylist said she was looking for sales & good deals) and I didn't locate them cheaper elsewhere.

Stitch Fix works with over 200 brands like 41Hawthorne (their own), Daniel Rainn, Kut from the Kloth, Collective Concepts and Kensie. I typically see the same brands popping up repeatedly on reviews across the web. I also know that some of the brands they carry can be found in markdown stores like Nordstrom Rack (Daniel Rainn shirts for $24.99 instead of $60). They aren't exactly the same pieces, and Stitch Fix is charging a fair price (MSRP), but knowing the markdowns I can find with a little leg work makes paying more tough to swallow. These brands are on par with most of what is already in my closet. Even when I increased my preferred price points with Stitch Fix  the brands stayed the same (actually got a bit cheaper).

PERSONAL STYLIST
Winner: StylingOn

Stitch Fix assigns a stylist, and I believe you can request a specific one that you like. A cute printed note is included in the shipment from your stylist. I can't recall the name of my first stylist.

My stylist at StylingOn is Brooke. I know what she looks like, I know her inspirations and style preferences. I even know her daughter's name and age. I'm not a stalker, although if she keeps hitting it out of the park I might become one! We've had two phone calls and have exchanged half a dozen emails. She followed up via email the morning my box arrived to get my feedback. Inside the box was a handwritten Thank You card. Brooke listens to me, understands my pain points, and shows genuine excitement for finding perfect pieces. She rocks, and we're already discussing my next box.

CONVENIENCE
Winner: Stitch Fix

Both services advertise free return shipping in a pre-paid envelope, but I only received a pre-paid FedEx label in my StylingOn box. Not a big deal, but I need to find a bag to return my stuff.

Stitch Fix gives you 3 days to try on and return, you are charged for what you keep.

StylingOn charges you up front for the clothing. You have 10 days (nice!) to decide on returns. It can take up to two weeks to receive your refund.

CLOTHING SATISFACTION
Clear Winner: StylingOn

This is personal preference (natch - it's my review), but the StylingOn process lends itself to a higher satisfaction rate. You spend much more time with your personal shopper discussing ideas, and you review everything online before confirming what will be sent to you in your box. By the time you receive your box, you're mostly confirming fit and quality, whereas reviewing a Stitch Fix box is a bit of a crap shoot. I love the element of surprise with Stitch Fix, but StylingOn was definitely more on target.

Out of the 5 pieces in each of my two Stitch Fix boxes, I kept one. Box 1: a pair of jeans (see review here). Box 2: a bracelet (which I didn't really want but didn't want to lose my $20).

Collective Concepts Spectra Fit & Flare Dress
The hubs said this added 40 lbs so...
DEFINITELY RETURNED

Under Skies Jasmine Blouse
UGH - awful shape for the girls
RETURNED

Bay to Baubles Rhinestone Bangle
Not my favorite but I can mix & match
KEPT

Mia Melon Paloma Cutout Jersey Top
Mildly Ok, but I own better
RETURNED

Olive & Oak Alvah Hi-Lo Blouse
This was a better fit, but nothing special
RETURNED

Of the 4 pieces I requested in my first StylingOn box, I kept a Theory black silk shirt and a Joie chambray button up shirt. A beautiful black Helmut dress didn't fit quite right and a feather cuff bracelet wasn't quite as bold as I was hoping, but I still loved those two pieces and it was painful to send them back.

Feather Cuff Bracelet
Pretty, but snags and not statement enough
RELUCTANTLY RETURNED

HELMUT by Helmut Lang Dress
Couldn't pull it off
RETURNED

Joie Chambray Blouse
In love with this lightweight top!
KEPT

Theory Black Silk Shirt
Beautiful & expensive feeling
KEPT

OVERALL WINNER
I seriously didn't plan to have them each win 3 categories - I HATE ties! I refuse.

In terms of price, convenience and tools, Stitch Fix has the edge. In terms of what is more important to me: personal touch, quality and overall satisfaction - StylingOn wins hands down. So I'm calling the ball - THE WINNER IS STYLINGON.

Obviously it's a matter of personal taste, and I totally understand why so many women love Stitch Fix. If they carried more of the style I was looking for or could better dress my shape, then I never would have strayed. I did and I liked it; StylingOn now has my heart and my wallet.

Stitch Fix Review #1 - March 2014

***I've Moved! Come visit the new blog at Http://mywhitepaperpackages.com!***

For the most part, I plan to write about things I really love. However, I've really enjoyed reading other people's Stitch Fix and box subscription posts, and I find them helpful. So, regardless of my opinion on an individual subscription, I'll offer it here.

My first Stitch Fix box arrived yesterday (you can see what it is and how it works here). The contents were posted online once it shipped; but I'm a sucker for surprises, so I gritted my teeth and waited. I'll just cut to the chase, I was a bit disappointed.  Not in the quality or fit of the clothes, but regarding the overall style compared to what I was looking for.

Nice clothes, not what I was looking for (mostly)

I recently went through a massive closet purge, which I haven't done in the nine years since I moved to Arizona. During that time I graduated from my 20s to my 30s, started a career in software consulting, got married, finished a career in software consulting and had a baby. It was time. I either gifted, consigned or donated everything in the following categories:

• Didn't fit perfectly
• Hadn't worn in two years or longer
• Was yellow or brown (intentionally or unintentionally). These are horrible colors on me!
• Wasn't flattering on my body type
• I purchased thinking I was 5 lbs away from really rocking it. Oh, I went those 5 lbs. In the opposite direction.
• Gave me that feeling in my tummy that I also get watching the opening credits to M*A*S*H.

As I pulled each article, I realized I felt better and better without reminders of money poorly spent or weight never lost. I was left with a closet full of pretty good, well fitting casual pieces, with some nice dresses and jackets. Looking over what remained, I realized it was time for my closet to MATURE. What I lacked were standout pieces. I needed high quality staples, and I wanted some unique glam and funky pieces to add interest.

I signed up for Stitch Fix and filled out my style profile, anxious to see what fabulous stuff they would send. High on the request list were a great pair of jeans and blazer. I said I would invest more than my guideline budget for really fantastic pieces. I made sure my Pinterest board reflected my taste and hoped for the best.  My only concern was that every blogged Stitch Fix review I read seemed to reflect very similar style and price point. I wondered if most people fill out their profile similarly or if Stitch Fix tends to cater more to one style demographic.

When my box arrived, this is what I received: 

Wrap Dress, Tunic

Blazer, Bracelet, Jeans

I apologize for the poor lighting and lack of truly full length pics. I would have had to interrupt my husband's battle with influenza to have him snap pictures of clothes I wasn't keeping. I couldn't figure out how to word that request!

Bay to Baubles Lory Rhinestone Circle Wrap Bracelet ($32)

Meh

This leather bracelet has a ring of tiny rhinestones. It just isn't my style. I'm tall and like bigger, statement pieces for balance. Plus the magnetic clasp means I would lose this within 5 minutes. 

RETURNED

41Hawthorn Melinda 3/4 Sleeve Blazer ($78)

The blazer is a beautiful aqua color, but the silhouette is a little square for my taste. I feel a bit boxy with it hanging straight down. I like the pics better than the reality. It was perfectly adequate, but I'm only going to buy stuff I LOVE from now on.

Collective Concepts Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Tunic ($68)

Once again, beautiful aqua fabric (sale at the textile mill?) but clearly this tunic does nothing for me! It hangs straight down from the girls, hiding any shape I have. Belting it at the waist just shows off my horrible belt collection and emphasizes my short waist. I'm not against getting things tailored, but the length is also too long and cuts me in half vertically. Couldn't even pull off an artfully sloppy tuck. I asked for longer tops but this was too long and too shapeless for me.

RETURNED

Lily Emelda Zig-Zag Wrap Dress ($108)

Great silhouette from the side

Too Peg Bundy from the front

This dress had the opposite problem, it couldn't contain my shape! Totally not their fault that I'm nursing a baby and pretty much out of control on top, but it couldn't even fully cover my bra. My son would appreciate the easy access, but I don't want to have to turn my porch light off on Halloween.

It also had a horizontal pattern (don't need that optical illusion) and thread unraveling on the tie.

Overall the shape and fabric are great for me, but true wrap dresses are tough for obvious reasons and the print, while pretty, is not what I'm looking for.

RETURNED

Just Black Jake Slim Bootcut Jean ($88)

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Wouldn't it be great if you could actually see them?

Loved the fit, length and leg shape. They have a perfect rise and are an incredibly soft stretch denim. I needed a dressier jean and this is it. I love that I can comfortably wear silk tops and black with this midnight blue denim. I am really impressed my sorcerer, err stylist, nailed jeans in one try with no fitting room.

KEPT

In Summary

In order to have a lucrative business Stitch Fix probably orders bulk for wholesale pricing. Including pieces from their proprietary clothing line would increase margins (41Hawthorn - I'm pretty sure they include at least one piece in each box). I'm still concerned that so far what I've seen of their inventory is all pretty similar in style. This would be a dream come true if it's what I was looking for.

I was pleased to discover that the fabrics were nice and the colors beautiful.

My closet already comprises decent basics, and I was hoping to take everything up a notch and discover some edgy glamorous stuff that I would be hard pressed to find at my local department store. After re-reading my style profile, I understand why each piece was selected, even if I had a different vision in my head. Updates have already been made!

Other blogs have warned that it takes a couple of boxes of feedback to nail down your preferences, so I'm not giving up just yet. I am very happy that the jeans were totally worth the whole box and my $20 styling fee didn't go to waste. Stitch Fix is extremely convenient and a great idea; it just may not be as custom as I was hoping for!

If you're thinking, "This chick is crazy! I loved the contents of her box!" Then by all means, sign up here!

How Stitch Fix Works

• You create an account on Stitch Fix and fill out a semi in-depth style profile. You fill out your stats, general proportions, areas of confidence or insecurity and the fashions you like. They've included helpful graphics to assist. You also list the type of clothing you want (business, casual, date night etc.) to see more of and anything you DON'T want in terms of color, pattern, style etc. 
• Add any additional comments for your stylist (i.e. "I really hate monkeys on my clothes" or "Would love to try something lime green" or "Please include lots of sexy dresses for an upcoming event!").
• Attach link for your LinkedIn or Pinterest style board (if available)
• Schedule when you want your first box.  I love that you can have them arrive monthly or have NO COMMITMENT and schedule random boxes at your convenience. To me that's one of the most appealing things about this subscription service.  I don't feel like they are just trying to rope me into a recurring payment. Warning: there is usually a backlog/waitlist of about 5-6 weeks if you order them one-off.
• They styling cost is $20 per box, but you can apply that towards any and all clothing purchased from that box.
• When your 5 clothing/accessory items arrive in the mail, try each one on with your current wardrobe (they include example cards that show you how to style them if you aren't sure). 
• Go online to checkout. Note what you do or don't like about each and be sure to give detailed feedback regarding each one.
• Within 3 days, place all unwanted items in the included pre-paid envelope and drop in the mail.
• Your credit card will be charged for those items you kept (minus $20 fee).  If you decide to keep all five, you get 25% off your order.

Trinny & Susannah's 12 Body Shapes - They get it!

***I've Moved! Come visit the new blog at Http://mywhitepaperpackages.com!***

Not quite an apple? Not quite a pear? Maybe you're a skittle!

I have been stymied for years by the standard 4 (sometimes 5) female body shapes as stated by most fashion resources. I've studied them and studied myself, but I could never settle on one because some aspect was always off. I'm not an inverted triangle because I don't have broad shoulders. I'm not an hourglass because my hips are fairly narrow. When I gain weight it goes to my tummy - does that make me an apple? That doesn't seem right either. 

Most common female body shapes as listed on Wikipedia. There are more options on an In & Out menu!

When I signed up for Stitch Fix they suggested providing my body type to my stylist, if known. Once again, I hit a wall while reading their descriptions - nothing fit! So, like all thorough researchers I turned to popular online opinion. After extensive Google searches, I finally came across a UK stylist duo named Trinny and Susannah. I hadn't heard of them before, but they starred in BBC's "What Not To Wear" and tout themselves as the "World's Favourite Makeover Queens." After perusing their site, I highly recommend checking out their work.

I was thrilled to see they've defined twelve much more descriptive body shapes (based on proportions, not size). They are as follows: Skittle, Goblet, Hourglass, Cornet, Cello, Apple, Column, Bell, Vase, Brick, Lollipop or Pear. They break down each body type in their book "The Body Shape Bible", but several online blogs also provide a wealth of information.

The Trinny & Susannah Female Body Shapes as interpreted by Nina Squirrely

I found a great decision chart on Body Shape Style that quickly derives your shape through a series of short questions. It turns out I'm a lollipop, essentially straight except for the, ahem, lollipop area. It was fascinating to read through the different body shapes along with the benefits and challenges of each. You may still not be a perfect match, but I'm guessing you can find something more accurate than your horoscope. 

Great Quiz from Body Shape Style. She also includes lots of info for determining and dressing your shape. FYI - before you skittles get confused, that's apparently Brit-speak for a curvaceous bowling pin.

Once you know your shape, blogs like Idealist Style are great resources for guidelines on how to dress or not dress for maximum effect. You can avoid most of the trial and error figuring out which clothing silhouettes, patterns and fabrics worked for you. Other people have already figured it out! 

I am constantly refining my understanding of what works on my shape. The information I've found recently is a great validation of that. Having a shortcut to this information would have been awesome in my teens and twenties. Frankly, I would love to get back the embarrassing amount of time and money I've wasted on unflattering styles that I bought because they looked great on my friends (or Kate Moss), or were 85% off with a designer label. It took me a surprisingly long time to learn that clothing isn't a deal at any price unless you actually wear it.

What's the point of all this awkward self-examination (aside from getting a cute new nickname - Helloooo Cello!)? To save you time, money, and heartache in the dressing room. Wouldn't it be fabulous to know what style of dress will flatter you BEFORE you try on two dozen that are completely wrong? How about discovering clothing that makes you look 10 lbs lighter, but that you had never previously considered? 

I believe when a woman hates shopping, it's often because they either get overwhelmed with options, or can't figure out why the things they gravitate towards never look right. Why not take what others have figured out for you and incorporate it to make shopping less headache-inducing? For example, if I didn't understand my body shape, I would have tried countless high-waisted skirts this season, because I think this trend is classy and adorable! But I know better so I can save myself the frustration.*

Funny...I swear I tried on a similar outfit...somehow it looks different on the VS model

Whether you are shaped like a pencil or a Big Mac, you can learn how to make the most of your assets by drawing attention to them. It's much easier to embrace your body when you are working with, not against it. Incorporating a few tips and tricks regarding your own beautiful shape can make a world of difference to your confidence, because you are making conscientious, informed decisions as you get dressed each day. 

*Fine, I still tried. But at least I didn't beat myself up when I predictably looked like a disproportionate freak who had no waist and her knockers resting on her hips. I just marched myself back to the lower waisted tulip skirt section where I know I belong.**

**Ok, ok.  I bought one.  Just ONE.  And using my creativity I found a way to make it flattering.***

***I haven't found a way to make it flattering. It looks awful. I put it on once and had to take it off before leaving the house. The tags are no longer on it so I can't return it. Don't tell my husband.

Stitch Fix - Potential WPP?

After reading and re-reading reviews on Stitch Fix, I finally took the plunge yesterday and signed up for their subscription styling service.  To be fair, this can't officially be classified as a white paper package YET because I've only just signed up.  I will keep you posted on progress and let you know if it ends up making the official cut!

Apparently Stitch Fix was started over 3 years ago by Harvard student Katrina Lake (well don't you feel like an underachiever, now?). She grew her business slowly so I'm not surprised I only recently became aware of this brilliant business model, but I'm suddenly seeing it everywhere!

Unlike many of the reviewers I read, I actually love to shop and feel like I have a pretty good handle on what silhouettes, colors and fabrics flatter me (No thanks to me - I married into a family that ran a modeling agency for years. Eventually my survival instincts kicked in and I started absorbing the education my future in-laws were beating me over the head with.). Still - I love something even more than shopping - surprises!!

Filling out the style profile on www.StitchFix.com

This is why I'm excited:
1. Package in the mail! Woot woot!
2. Maybe I filled out my online profile SO WELL that my stylist will be able to use her psychological voodoo to know what I will like even better than I know myself.
3. Everyone online seems really happy, in general, with their subscriptions.
4. I took the time to put together a Pinterest board as suggested. All the beautiful clothing I saw got me really geared up. I recommend doing this, based on other people's feedback that it helps your stylist zone in on what you like.
5. My $20 subscription fee is credited towards anything I decide to keep.
6. When I end up with the absolutely perfect box and decide to keep all 5 items, Stitch Fix will give me 25% off the entire order.
7. I love the idea of having pieces I may not otherwise try sent to my house so I can try them on with my current wardrobe.
8. The stylists include styling suggestion cards for each piece. I'm always looking for new ways to put looks together.
9. There seems to be more of a human element with this one than other similar services out there.

These are my concerns:
1. I've seen a lot of similar Stitch Fix pieces across various blogs. Many of which I'm not super excited about, although I can see the appeal from the perspective of different fashion personalities. I'm hoping that my heavy leanings towards classic and romantic glam will make a box that I haven't yet seen online.
2. I'm a procrastinator (no really, the 2 years it took me to start this blog wasn't because I'm a perfectionist). It's entirely possible I will end up with a closet full of stuff I don't want because I fail to drop returns in the mail or cancel my subscription. At least it will all be 25% off!
3. I have huge nursing boobs right now. Gigantor. These 34Gs no longer fit in beautiful Victoria's Secret bras. Or in half the clothes I own. They easily look obscene, require an official over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder and will likely be tough to style.
4. My Pinterest board may be slightly optimistic when it comes to how much skin I'm willing to show. That's the problem when the styles I like are all on leggy, tanned 22 yr olds.
5. If they are too good I'm not sure I can afford to love everything I get every month!

Have you signed up for Stitch Fix or a similar subscription service?  If you're interested, you can sign up here. Any suggestions for how to get the most out of it?  What do you love or dislike?