As I wrote in last weekend’s post, I’ve been getting a little tired of my casual-mommy look. Up until last year, I spent much more of my clothing budget on work clothes, since I (1) spent more of my days there and (2) believe in dressing well for work. It’s time for a shift, however; I’m doing my work at home now, and I’ve lost all the pregnancy weight. But I wasn’t sure how to go about updating my style; after so many years of dressing the same way, I felt I needed some fresh ideas.

Enter Stitch Fix.

I first read about Stitch Fix on a blog. Then I saw it profiled again on another blog, and suddenly it seemed like all the bloggers I regularly read were using this cool, new service. So I decided to check it out. Stitch Fix is basically an affordable, interactive personal-shopping experience. You start by filling out a fun, detailed questionnaire about your lifestyle, sizes, price point, and style preferences. Then you choose a date to start your “fix.” Around that date (mine came a few days early), you will receive a box with five pieces of clothing, all chosen specifically for you, lovingly wrapped in pretty paper, and including suggestions for how to style each piece. The pieces don’t necessarily have to be worn together; the idea is to try them on with other items in your closet. You decide what you want to keep, and whatever you don’t want, you mail back within three days. You don’t even have to go to FedEx or UPS (which is good, because I don’t know the difference); you just stick the included bag in your mailbox. Then you go back to Stitch Fix and tell them which pieces you’re keeping, and why or why not, so they have more information to go on for next time. You can schedule a new “fix” to come every month, or self-schedule whenever you choose. The best part? The $20 styling fee is absorbed into the cost of the clothes, so as long as you keep at least one item, it won’t cost you any extra. If you decide to keep all 5 items, you get a 20% price break on the lot.

Here’s what I loved about my Stitch Fix experience:

1. It was fun. I scheduled about three weeks out, and I spent the whole three weeks building anticipation for my special clothing “gift.” When it came, I couldn’t wait to open it. It was the highlight of my week.

2. It saved me discomfort and indecision. Trying on clothes at home is so much better than trying them on in a store. I tried my items on with things I already had, and was immediately able to determine whether they would work or not.

3. It saved me time. Even though it was only my first “fix”, and the stylist only had my initial questionnaire to go on, she hit pretty close to the mark. I ended up keeping two of the five pieces, though I might have kept a third, but the price point was a bit higher than I wanted (I included that in my feedback). I would have spent a lot more time shopping to find those seemingly perfect-for-me pieces.

4. It inspired me. The experience of having someone else choose clothing for me opened my mind to new style possibilities. One of the items in the box was a pair of black skinny jeans. I have always stayed away from skinny jeans, thinking them uncomfortable and unflattering to my decidedly pear-shaped silhouette. But guess what? If I wear skinny jeans tucked into boots, they look awesome, AND they’re very comfortable. Shortly after the “fix,” I ended up buying a pair of Lucky Brand skinny jeans (on sale) and a new pair of brown equestrian-style boots. I LOVE them, and I never would have bought them if I hadn’t tried on those black jeans Stitch Fix sent me.

Want to see some of my new, updated wardrobe?

This black-and-white chevron sweater dress came in the Stitch Fix box. It’s extremely comfortable and looks instantly cute with black leggings and boots. I love the triangle-shaped pleats and the tie that can go in the front or the back. The dress feels very “one-of-a-kind” to me.

I paired this infinity scarf from the “fix” with a sweater I already owned. Shortly after, I bought the skinny jeans and boots pictured. I love this outfit, especially after my new haircut!

None of these clothes are from the “fix”, but the outfit was inspired by it. Same jeans and boots as the last outfit, with a colorful Lucky Brand top and a soft grey cardigan from ModCloth.

What do you think?

Disclaimer: I was NOT paid by Stitch Fix to review their service; I discovered and enjoyed it on my own. However, if you’re interested in trying it, I’d really love if you got to the website by clicking on any of the Stitch Fix links I’ve provided in the post; they’re embedded with my member number, and I’ll get some referral credit toward my next “fix” if you decide to try the service. Thank you!

(At the moment, Stitch Fix does not handle plus sizes; as they expand the company, they will be adding a wider range of sizes.)