Fashion Adventure: Stitch Fix - Team Ashlyn

I will try most things.  I was on a business trip in Boston when I noticed this woman's really awesome sweater with elbow pads... yes. I'm obsessed with elbow pads.  I'd been searching and  thrifting everywhere and found NOTHING that had elbow pads at a reasonable price. When I saw hers and she told me where she got the sweater and how much it was, I was sold.  So I went on my mobile device and bookmarked the site for later.  Back at my hotel room I began browsing the site.  The styles were awesome, the clothes looked great.  It would definitely be the upgrade I needed.  My only concern was how would the clothes fit me.  I admit I was a bit apprehensive, but when I saw the detailed measurements, I felt a lot more comfortable that my Stitch Fix stylist could handle my athletic body and odd measurements (#sprinterproblems- there's almost 20 inches of difference between my waist and my butt/thighs).  So I waited until my budget would allow and I signed up.

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What is Stitch Fix?
It's essentially Netflix meets "What Not to Wear".  You pay a very small fee per month and they mail you 5 items catered to whatever it was you described in your profile.  It also helps for you to link your photo sharing social media like Twitter and Instagram. The items you don't like... you mail them back in the provided envelope... pretty simple business structure.

Getting a box feels like xmas.  When I opened the box, I was shocked that they paid such close attention to my requests. Like there was nothing in there that I hated.  I was expecting to hate at least one item... so yeh I'm getting my whole first box- kuddos to Ashlyn you deserve a raise.  Am I excited to do this again? Yes.

These are my suggestions for a successful experience (not that I'm an expert yet, but here are my takeaways from this first round): 

1. Be clear. Clarify your wants, likes and needs in extreme detail.  Women have a tendency to be kind to others and mean to themselves. This just makes us disappointed and bitter.  Make sure you are extremely clear about your likes and dislikes.
   
2. Be focused.  I have to say. I love lace, but I look stupid in it. Even when it's an accessory on stuff like a cuff or collar I just feel stupid.  I think it's because I'm not super feminine so I hate really girly things but love womanly stuff. So I made it clear that lace was NOT my thing. There was no lace. There were elbow pads and zippers and bright colors... yes! #TeamAshlyn
   
3. Be reasonable. To help make your decision, I suggest trying on the new items with other items in your closet.  Make sure that your new clothes will play well together with your old ones. 
   
4. Be fun but realistic.  Don't pressure yourself into buying the whole box if a piece doesn't fit. And don't have unrealistic expectations.  I expected to hate all the items, not because I don't like surprises but because many "shopping" experiences lead me into a two hour excursion with maybe two items purchased. Do I expect Ashlyn to be on every time... probably not. I don't have that expectation for this experience.  I do however expect to have a bit of fun and a fashion pick me up once in a while. 
   

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Get your own personal Stitch Fix stylist:   https://stitchfix.com/referral/4699844