Blogging

I got my October box of Stitch Fix clothes last week, delivered to my door step between home showings. And then I was super bummed because I had to wait all day to open it and try on my stuff! Because, you know, selling a house and keeping it clean and all that.

Am I the only one who physically can not get dressed without tearing my closet/bathroom apart? And when I’m trying on my SF stuff, I get so excited that there is no way I’m hanging stuff up in between pieces. I’m just tossing it on the bed, over the shower, etc.

So I finally got it all on, and photographed, and then I was like, GASP, I still haven’t told y’all about my trip to the Stitch Fix HQ and warehouse last month!

Because, you know, selling a house and actually going crazy and all that.

All the excuses are mine.

Anyway, because I know some of you are interested, here’s the rundown of what they sent me this month, a condensed version. (But certainly not lacking in awkward posing on my part while Scott shoots. This ritual is basically the opposite of foreplay between us.)

1. Just Black, Adorra skinny jeans, $88– Cute fit. Love them. But I have enough skinny jeans. Going to ask for boyfriend jeans next time because I’m becoming adventurous like that. Send back.
2. Market and Spruce, Nolen Printed Detail Henley Tank, $54- I’m not a huge fan of sleeveless tops, but this will be cute under a cardigan for the fall. I adore the pop of color and pattern on it. Keep.
3. Loveappella, Will Mixed Material Knit Top, $58- I like the stretchy fit and the fun texture. Good layering piece. Keep.
4. Kut From The Kloth, Tatiana Graphic Print Button Front Blouse, $68- I really wanted to love this one because it was so pretty in the box. But my boobs are dream killers. Send back.
5. RD Style, Meredith Faux Leather Elbow Patch Cardigan, $68- Obsessed. Elbow patches. Just like the one I added to my Pinterest board recently. Y’all, seriously, make a board for your stylist. Keep. Obviously.

Now, onto the trip.

I don’t want to go on and on about how lovely it was, and how much they spoiled us. They DID spoil us, and it WAS so lovely. And I’m sure most of you would already figure that about what is, quite honestly, a media trip meant, in part, to drum up positivity about their brand.

So yes, there were fancy dinners, and lovely gifts, and there was a trip to the dry bar, and a makeup artist, and a professional photo-shoot.

Hello, new headshot.

And there was sight seeing…

and a lovely row home that I shared with 6 other positively amazing, kind bloggers (Erin, Jen, Kilee, Molly, Natalia, & Veronika).

What I want to tell you all the most about this trip, though, was how I came away with so much respect for Stitch Fix as a brand and an employer.

As a brand, it was clear that they are always working to evolve and grow.

I got to pack a fix! It’s actually quite a workout and test of one’s attention to detail.

We questioned them about expanding to serve larger sizes, internationally, men, maternity. It’s all stuff they seem to be considering. They explained that they are very intentional about making sure they can do something right before taking it on. And I can definitely understand that line of thinking.

Getting a little background on the Stitch Fix story and their plan for the future over a picnic lunch

They have to research the right brands, and make sure they make quality clothes that will work. They have to be sure shipping internationally can be done in a timely fashion that works with their business model. The last thing they want to do is grow too quickly, it seems, and have the customer experience lack because of that.

There’s a lot to take into account, and after seeing how massive the backend of their operation is, I can understand why it’s SO much more work than many of us realize.

But they listened to all of our suggestions, and answered every question honestly. They even spoke openly about that time a blogger (and friend of mine) got a pair of shorts with a Nordstrom Rack tag on it with a price cheaper than they were charging. You can hear more about their explanation here. (And yes, I’m totally buying their reasoning, especially after seeing up close how they operate.)

As an employer, I have to say, they seem pretty kick ass. From the fully stocked break rooms in both the headquarters and the warehouse, to the fun, casual atmosphere, it appears to be a really great place to work.

After getting to know so many people who make Stitch Fix run smoothly, including a lot of tattooed musicians packing boxes of clothes at the warehouse, you can tell that employees from all steps in the process take tremendous pride in what they do. And it’s clear that Stitch Fix values them.

Break time jam sesh at the Hizzy (warehouse)

Honestly, it all made me feel even better about supporting them, and about giving my money to a company that is founded by a woman, employs stylists who get to work from home at hours that are convenient for them, and helps artists and musicians keep a steady paycheck while pursuing their passions.

So while, yes, I can find clothes similar* to these for cheaper if I do the digging, I feel good knowing that I’m not just paying for awesome clothes AND a styling service from Stitch Fix, but I’m also helping them do the great things they do, both as a brand and an employer.

Oh look. Looks like they drummed up some positive press from me anyway. Totally deserved, in my opinion. Full disclosure- they paid for my trip out to San Francisco, but I wasn’t compensated for this post or even required to write it. And I don’t get free fixes from them, just in case you were wondering, but I do get credits for people signing up for SF under my referral link.

*Rest assured that if you find a piece  Stitch Fix sent you for a cheaper price elsewhere within 7 days of receiving it, they will match that lower price, and adjust it for all future clients.