Tips for Making the Clothing Boxes for Women Successful
The idea of clothing boxes for women isn’t new or unique. The feedback I’ve heard from my friends is that they are very convenient but a tad pricey. Of course that depends on your perspective.
Quote of the day: “Take things one day at a time. You don’t always need to have a big picture to look ahead to-it can make your head spin.” Diane Kruger
I wanted to compare the one time experiences I had with Fashom and Stitch Fix and analyze how to make it more successful for the future. While I only participated once so far with each service, I figure that makes the comparison even.
And while the blog posts this week with my mom, Lesley and myself with our Fashom boxes were part of a collaboration, this post is not. (Feel free to look back at those posts to see what was in our boxes.) I am writing this only because I felt like we could have done things to make the experience even better for us. Besides, I always love to share any insights I’ve learned with you.
FYI, I don’t get any extra commission for you to try out either of these services. If you go through my links, you get a credit and so should I. But they do that for everyone. In fact, after you finish your first box, you’ll have the same kind of link to use.
The Big Differences
How Much is Expensive?
One is the prices. First the styling fee. For EVERYONE’s first Fashom box, the styling fee of $15 is waived. For Stitch Fix it’s $20 even for your first box. And I understand why they have to charge this. Postage and supplies are expensive. Yet it’s nice that Fashom allows you to try out the process the first time with no styling fee.
The pieces themselves are more expensive through Stitch Fix. I asked for the least expensive pieces for my box and only the print top below was under $50. Whereas for Fashom, I asked for the same, and everything was under $50 (except my velvet dress was $53). Stitch Fix does give you a 25% credit if you purchase everything. Whereas Fashom gives you 25% off if you purchase 3 or 4 pieces and 30% off if you purchase all 5. (For reference, this brought the items I kept at about $30 which I think is very reasonable).
One of the things in Stitch Fix’s favor is they do send you a piece of paper that gives you styling ideas for each piece. I’ve show what that looks like below. While I didn’t use this sheet because I get inspiration from my closet, but it could be a helpful tool for you.
Making a Connection
The biggest difference in my opinion with Fashom is that you can speak to your stylist in person either on the phone or in a virtual meeting. Sure, both services ask you questions online about your style and what you like. Sure both also ask you to give them more information. But it’s hard. You don’t know what to include and what they want to know in that additional information.
Talking to a live person, I thought was extremely helpful. The stylist asked the same questions to all of us about how we described our style, were there any materials we didn’t wear, skirt lengths, and many more. This is a service offered to everyone, and I say USE IT.
Insider tip: The call or virtual meeting time with Fashom is set up by you. AND you need to call in at the appointed time.
Another insider tip: If you are on the virtual call, they will want to see your body in person. You can’t do this on a phone call. So I would recommend to have some full body photos available that you could email to your stylist afterwards.
BEST TIP EVER: DO THIS STEP (yes, I’m yelling, haha). Don’t ignore the person to person chat because this is the best way to communicate what you want so your box is exactly what you will wear. I know it seems like an extra step, but this is key!
What’s Important to Include for Your Stylist
This is probably the most important part of the process. If you want this process to be successful, make sure you really think about what you tell your stylist.
That means you really need to analyze you, your body and the clothes you want in your box. I would suggest looking in your closet when you request your box. Do you have 10 white blouses? Then make sure to tell your stylist that information. Do you only wear black? That would be good information for the stylist to know.
Insider tip: When you sign up for either service, spend the time on the questions. Don’t just fill it out willy nilly .
For example, in Lesley’s box, she was sent a cardigan. When I asked her why she didn’t like it, she told me that she didn’t wear cardigans much. Yet I can see why the stylist sent it to her because Lesley said her style is conservative. And I’d consider a cardigan a conservative piece. Lesley did tell her stylist she doesn’t like or wear ANY shade of green. The stylist listened and didn’t send her any green items.
As for my mom, we did ask for color, so it was disappointing that one of the tops was a black and white polka dot one. However Charlotte did choose from her emailed option. And granted, my mom does wear black on the blog. So the stylist could have seen that. Also, we didn’t think to tell the stylist that my mom doesn’t like ankle pants. I wished my mom had been open to them because those black and white pants were perfect for her. The purple top was plain, so maybe we should have told the stylist that my mom likes more interesting pieces.
Insider tip: From a fit point of view, skirts are much easier to get the right size. You really only have two fit points…your waist and the length. So if you wear skirts, you’ll be more successful to request them in your box instead of pants. Which could be why my box was more successful.
Another Insider tip: People use classifications like boho and classic to describe their likes and dislikes. HOWEVER, not everyone’s definition of these terms is the same. That’s something you should clarify when you’re talking to your stylist. For example, I never thought of myself as boho, but I do love embroidery and fringe.
What Should Your Expectations Be?
If you are going through Fashom, then you actually are able to choose 5 pieces from 7 choices emailed to you. (Although, I never received this email, I was able to log into my Fashom account in order to see them).
Sure, the photos are small and of course you’re not going to know the material. BUT, if you don’t like anything, you have an option to request new things!! For golly sake, take advantage of that. It’s better than wasting their time and yours with things you aren’t going to like.
When you open your box, I suggest having a friend over too. It’s like when you are shopping. Another pair of eyes always makes things better. Your friend can give you suggestions you never thought to style. Just like Lesley and her burgundy top. I had her layer it over a white blouse and it looked great (we didn’t take photos of it for the blog though).
And try each piece with multiple other things in your closet. See how it works with your existing clothes to make outfits. Get creative and try to make at least 5 outfits with it with different color combinations. And I suggest being more open to the “styles” you don’t think you like. It may not be “your style” only because you’ve never worn it before.
Insider tip: If it doesn’t fit, get it exchanged. Email and ask them if it’s available in a different size. It’s no different than when you’re shopping in the store, and you need to go look for a different size.
Another Insider tip: EVEN if something is opposite of what you asked for, don’t write it off right away. You should try it on with many other things in your closet. For example, my mom and the black and white polka dot top. Sure, we asked for colored items instead of black, but combining it with the bright sweater really made it look so wonderful.
What is Your Definition of Success
Part of this question depends on why you would be trying this service. Does your closet need updating? Are you too busy to go shopping? Is it too much work to shop at the stores? Or are you just curious about the process?
Let’s be realistic here. When you go shopping at a store, you most likely take a couple of things into the fitting room. And rarely do all of them make the cut. Whether that’s because of how it fits or you just don’t like how it looks on you, it happens.
So when that happens with the online clothing boxes for women, I think we need to realize, it’s no ones fault. If we follow the tips I described, then hopefully you will at least find 2 or 3 pieces that you can use.
Because remember this is a business for the online companies. Their goal is to make you happy so you purchase the clothing from them. In turn, you want to be happy with the items you bought.
You have to admit that this is quite the convenient service. Sure, you have to take the return bag back to the post office (unless you purchase everything), but that’s SO much easier than returning merchandise to a retail store. Along with the shopping process to start with.
Details that Will Help the Process
Both services request you to send back what you don’t want in three days. At first it seems a little fast. But I understand the logistics. However, with Fashom you can request an extension if need be. I have no idea if you can do this with Stitch Fix.
Insider tip: When you get the tracking information, check what day it’s going to be there. Then call your bestie and see if she can come over the next day or two. Carve out the time to try the pieces on with multiple clothing items and get your friend’s opinion. I will honestly say sometimes we don’t see things the same as others. Case in point with my mom’s box. She wasn’t very excited about it, yet when I put those outfits together, they really showcased how great they were.
Then you have to go back online and sign in to tell them what you are returning and keeping.
Insider tip: Write a review of each piece. Even if you don’t think you’ll use the service again, feedback is extremely important for learning. And it helps solidify why you liked/didn’t like the piece which can help you with any future shopping too.
Who Should Try This
Honestly, I NEVER thought this kind of service would be something I would like. Just like my mom and Lesley, I really like to go out shopping on my own and choose my own clothing.
Yet, about 7 years ago, I did learn that having someone else choose some of my pieces could be good. We used to shop at a boutique in New York, and the owner would give me some items to try on. Things I would have NEVER chosen for myself. And to this day they are still my most loved pieces. Like this coat I recently showed on Instagram. In fact, the owner told me I could wear it as a dress (and in my head I was thinking NO WAY would I do that). But I tried it on the blog as a tunic and would have never thought of that if she hadn’t made that suggestion.
This could be ideal if you are going on a trip where the weather is very different than the clothing items in the store. For example, I just ordered another box requesting items I could take on our upcoming Caribbean cruise. It’s not easy to find lightweight, summery things right now in the stores.
I have to admit, having spoken to the stylist on the phone, makes me feel more vested in the experience. Almost like I made a new friend. Maybe that’s why I think you all should at least try Fashom.
Or at least spread the word to those who could really benefit from this service whether it be Stitch Fix or Fashom. Your friends that don’t enjoy shopping. A daughter that is too busy to get out and check out the new styles. Your mother who gets too tired for a full day of going from store to store. And you can also give the gift of style this year with a Fashom gift card!
Questions That You Might Have
Are these new clothes? Yes, these are all new items that haven’t been worn before.
Why do I have to give my credit card when I sign up if the first session fee is waived? This is so once you get your box, they can charge the pieces you are keeping.
Does your stylist ask about your colors? I don’t remember my stylist asking about coloring for us but I did tell her the colors we like. I think this is a good thing to bring up especially if you already know what colors look good on you for tops.
Does Fashom carry scarves? Fashom has in the past but not right now. If that’s something you would want, it’s always good to put that request in. They won’t know to start including them again, unless you ask.
Photo credit: Rob Filogomo
Thank you
I know I say thank you all the time, but I really mean it. If you are a blogger, then you know all the work that goes into everything. Even though it is work, it’s been such a joy to do this. And then to have others appreciate it too, just makes me SO happy.
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