Having a personal stylist is normally reserved for the likes of Victoria Beckham or people who have their lives together (ha!), whilst the rest of us are left to muddle through pages and pages of trousers online until we feel a little bit sick.
However, Stitch Fix, the personalised styling service, promises to bring bespoke clothing suggestions to the masses, meaning you can get stylish clothes, chosen specifically for you delivered straight to your door.
Your Stylist will curate a five-item Fix with just the right pop of colour for you, from hot pink blazers and minty green maxis to vibrant accessories from over 140 brands, including French Connection and Fabienne Chapot. Your Fix will also include a personal note from your Stylist, advising how to wear each item and how to blend them seamlessly into your existing wardrobe.
And if you're thinking, 'gosh, that sounds expensive!' it's actually very reasonable. You simply pay a £10 styling charge and that £10 will be deducted from the cost of anything you purchase from your Fix. You can set your limit for how much you're willing to spend during the initial questionnaire.
What I asked for:
So, I was quite specific and stated how I was on the hunt for versatile midi dresses that I could wear throughout summer. I told my stylist how I didn't mind spending a little extra as I was looking for staple pieces I could reach for time and time again. I also mentioned the colours I preferred wearing (warmer colours and neutrals) and how I was a sucker for a fun print...
Here's what arrived in my first Fix...
NOTE: I am a size 10 and 5"6.
1) Dress Illeta, Mango, RRP £35.99
First up we have this summery strappy frock from Mango. Although I am a huge Mango fan (who isn't, tbh) this dress felt out of my comfort zone. An arm, shoulder and chest-baring midi dress? Me? It felt like a big ask.
When I tried it on though, I was pleasantly surprised. It definitely looked laid-back and summery and could definitely see myself wearing it whilst ambling to Sainsbury's or a last-minute picnic date in the hot sun.
Verdict: I decided to send this one back. It was the hardest decision of them all. I did like it, I really did, but because of the, whispers straps I just felt a little too exposed. Sorry.
2) Archana Dress, Fabinne Chapot, RRP £125
When I saw this frock, I knew immediately I must keep her forever! A fun wrap midi that can be dressed up or down is quite honestly my love language. I adore tie waist and the thigh split for a dress that is both flattering, bold and work-appropriate _(_well, for media type offices anyway!)
I wish the dress was a little bit longer as I prefer a midaxi legnth style, but the great thing with Stichfix is that you can add notes for your stylist to keep in mind for next time.
I also wish it was sliiiiiightly cheaper, but I know I'll get lots of wear out of this dress for years to come.
Verdict: I decided to keep this one. Bravo, Stitchfix!
If you like this dress, you can shop it, here.
3) Dress Grape, Mango RRP £35.99
Another Mango number and I think this dress has to be my favourite. Such an easy, chuck-on dress that has a flattering tie waist that ensures I don't look like a potato. The summery print is fun without being 'too much' and I can't wait to wear this all day, every day this summer.
Verdict: keeping this one, ta!
4) Eva Straw Round Shoulder Bag, Joules, RRP £29.95
Next up we have this gorgeous woven bag from Joules. I'd never normally shop in Joules, so it was nice to dabble in different brands. This bag definitely reminded me that I need a woven bag for summer, but wasn't sure if this bag was the one. I loved the oversized shape, but the handles actually had a neon orange underside (the photo does not show this at all, sorry!) and for me, it was sadly a dealbreaker.
Verdict: Was a toughie, but decided to send this one back.
5) Zoe Leather Lace Up Platform Trainer, Vagabond, RRP £90
So my stylist reckoned I needed some versatile white sneaks for my influx of midi dresses and she was not wrong. I really love these platform trainers and they feel like a really great wardrobe staple, especially when you need something a little smarter than your Adidas Ozweegos...
All in all, really happy with these, though a pal helpfully pointed out that I need cooler socks. You can't win everything, eh.
Verdict: Keep! Watch me have my life together in Vagabonds, baby!
If you like the shoes, you can shop them on Office, here.
Final verdict:
I kept three things out of the total five sent and I was really impressed with my box. I was pretty specific with what I was looking for, so I think that really helped. I really enjoyed the process of having a self-indulgent quiz to fill out and waiting for my surprise, hand-selected clothes to arrive in the post.
There is the option to sign up for a rolling membership if you wish, or you can just order boxes as and when you need them.
I personally love the idea of ordering a Stitch Fix at the beginning of a new season, so you can get some really great staples for the months ahead.
To build your own Fix or to find out more, visit Stitchfix.co.uk
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Pros:
I found the sizing to be spot on for every piece. I am a size 10 and I mentioned in the quiz how I'm a typical pear shape. You can add specific measurements during the online quiz.
You can try things out of your comfort zone. Especially great if you find yourself in a bit of a clothing rut.
You can set the price. If you're looking for hero wardrobe staples or affordable seasonal switch-ups, you can let your stylist know how much you're willing to pay.
You can make changes in advance. You can cheat and look at your Fix beforehand and accept or decline any from the list. If you don't like any of the picks, you can simply decline them all and the stylist will have another go.
Cons:
The post office dash. It's likely that you won't like every single item (especially at first) so a trip to the post office carrying a large box is probable.
It can take a few fixes to really nail your 'style'. Reviewers online found that their first box was often their worst, as the stylist needs as many pointers as possible to get it right.
The clothes skew slightly older. It's not necessarily a bad thing but if your style is daring wrap tops and zebra print flares, you're probably in the wrong place. Think elevated wardrobe staples rather than this season's 'it' dress.
Sometimes clothes can be cheaper on other sites: you pay the RRP at Stitchfix, however, you may find that item in promo deals on various retail sites. E.g. the Vagabond trainers actually had 36% off at Office, which is a tad annoying!