Once I had my second child, I no longer enjoyed shopping. Taking two babies under two to a store seemed more like a sweaty wrestling match with bottles, cheerios, and toys flying than a leisurely trip to the mall. So when I finally found Stitch Fix three years ago, I was ecstatic. It was glorious! It eliminated all the work and did it for me.

So how does it work? Stitch Fix is an online styling service that provides you with 5 pieces personalized to you. Items range from clothing to shoes to accessories. When signing up for Stitch Fix, you fill out a style profile to give them an idea of your price range, body shape and size, preferences, and style. You also have an opportunity to write a note to your stylist explaining any specifics for that fix (i.e. particular needs, upcoming events, must haves, etc).

Unlike most subscription services, there are no set number of required fixes. You can sign up for as often as monthly or simply schedule them along the way as needed. After you sign up, you are charged a $20 styling fee, which is then applied to any items you decide to keep. If you love and keep all 5 items, there is a 25% discount applied to your entire purchase. Once they are mailed to you, you have 3 days to choose what you like and what you don’t, check out on an app on your phone, and then throw the pieces you don’t want into a prepaid envelope they provided and pop it back in the mail. Super simple and you never have to leave your own home. See what I mean, glorious, right?

Ok, so you’ve signed up for Stitch Fix…now what?

1. Fill out your style profile accurately and often. Don’t think of it as a one and done. As your style evolves, needs change, and size fluctuates, make sure to adjust accordingly to your profile. I typically adjust my apparel to avoid and accessories to avoid each fix depending on what I want. If I know I have too many dresses in my closet, I will mark it as something to avoid for a few fixes; however, when my needs change, I make sure to adjust.

2. Be as honest and specific as possible throughout the entire process. If you liked or didn’t like something, say exactly why in the check out. The top seemed too large in the chest, I like a higher rise, I prefer the length to be a few inches longer, I steer clear of white. Tell them exactly why you passed on the item. In the same vein, let your stylist know just why you kept a piece. I loved the v neck and bright color, this empire waist was so flattering on my body type, this piece is perfect for a mama on the run: casual, easy to wash and wear, and affordable. The more you tell them, the more specifically they will be able to tailor your fixes to you.

3. Leave a detailed note each time. Specifically include upcoming events, types of pieces you’re expecting in the fix, types of things to avoid, and any other details to help your stylist deliver. The more information you give the better.

4. Utilize Pinterest. Set up a Pinterest board and link it to your profile with pins that accurately show your style. This is one of the best ways for your stylist to get a sense of your true style with visuals. It also allows them the opportunity to give you exactly what you want. My stylist typically makes it a point to send one piece each fix directly from my Pinterest board. If you’re asking for maxi dresses in your next fix, pin several styles you like to give your stylist a better idea of what you’re looking for. You can follow my Pinterest Board to see what I’m loving at the moment and get tons of ideas.

5. Play the Style Game. Stitch Fix has a style game on Facebook messenger that gives them further understanding of your personal style. How it works: sign up to play the game and you are eligible to play 3 games a day where you like or dislike a Stitch Fix piece, your answers are then added into your style profile allowing your stylist to see what you liked. My stylist makes a point to try to get one piece I liked from the style shuffle each fix, which I love.

That being said, it’s important to remember that your stylist is checking your likes when playing the game. If they show a piece you love like black high rise jeans, but you already have a pair in your closet, hit the dislike button to ensure they don’t show up in your next fix. Also, if you love something, click on the picture, save to your phone, and upload it to your Pinterest board to show your stylist how much you love it.

6. Request the same stylist. When you love a stylist, let them know. I e-mailed customer service to let them know I’d like to keep my same stylist for each fix. My stylist Courtney, really listens to what I say and makes a point to try to deliver. The more fixes you have together, the more your stylist will come to know your personal style, and the better the fixes will become.

7. Try EVERYTHING on. Seriously, friends, try it all on. You just never know. Check out a perfect example of this here in my May fix. Sometimes your stylist may see something in a piece, that you don’t. Best case scenario, you surprise yourself and end up loving it. Worst case, you have an opportunity to give a more detailed description of just why it’s not for you.

8. Lastly, utilize costumer service. Stitch Fix is known for their amazing customer service. If there is an issue with the quality of a fix or individual piece, they always really try to make it right, and I love that about them.

So have signed up for Stitch Fix yet? If so do you have any other tips you use to get the best fix? Can’t wait to connect with you and hear your thoughts!

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