January Stitch Fix Review: Stylish hibernation is a thing, right?

New year, new Stitch Fix box! I decided to kick off 2016 with some style, thanks to Meredith, my stylist at Stitch Fix. I loved the last fix she sent, and was pleased to see that my request to have her style me again had been granted with my January Stitch Fix.

I asked for casual clothes that are warm and cozy for the Midwest winter. Although I cannot actually hibernate (or so I’ve been told), I’m not opposed to feeling like I am. Stylish hibernation is a thing, right? If not, it should be. My first thought when I opened the box and saw the neatly folded pile was that there are a lot of neutrals here.

Here’s my January Stitch Fix review – see what made it into my closet for keeps and what got sent back to the good folks at Stitch Fix.

Concord Reversible Plaid Chevron Scarf – $38

What I Liked: It was soft and warm

What I Didn’t Like: The idea of a reversible scarf is really appealing, but I’m not a huge fan of these two prints – chevron and plaid – together, particularly in those two colors schemes. Also, it was really, really bulky and hard to style. It felt a little like a neck brace when I tied it the way the style card suggested, and was just too voluminous when I left it open.

Verdict: Returned.

Maureen Twisted Seam Elbow Patch Sweater by RD Style – $64

What I Liked: I liked that it was longer in the back and covered my bum.

What I Didn’t Like: I know Meredith said that elbow patches are on trend and I know she’s right, but when my husband and daughter each said separately, “Elbow patches? Really?” I thought that I would probably hear them say that in my head every single time I put this sweater on. I also thought that the fit wasn’t stellar – it was boxy, the sleeves were really long, the elbow patches were a bit low, and while the neckline wasn’t bad, it wasn’t great. Nothing about this was overly flattering, and while I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it either, and it felt like, at that price, I should love it to keep it.

Verdict: Returned.

Lawley Cable Knit Open Cardigan – $68

What I Liked: I adored the pockets of this sweater, and that it fit the bill of warm, cozy and comfortable, which is exactly what I asked for in the note to my stylist.

What I Didn’t Like: Meredith had no way to know that I already have two cream colored open cardigans, including one that is ridiculously similar to this, without the pockets and not as soft, of course. Sadly, though, at this price, I just couldn’t justify keeping another one, especially considering that so many sweaters in the stores are on sale right now. I may ask for it in my next fix in a different color.

Verdict: Returned, sadly.

Aleah Heathered V-Neck Dolman Top – $48

What I Liked: I don’t have a ton of brown, and I liked this color. The cheapest top in this fix, I also liked this price. I’m also a fan of v-necks, and thought that this paired nicely with the Sofia Hammered Square Collar Necklace from my last fix.

What I Didn’t Like: The 3/4 sleeves are fine, but not overly toast given that the high here on Sunday will be 17 degrees (the low will be 2 – brrrr!) But I do think this will get wear in other seasons

Verdict: Kept

Joylyn Ponte Legging by Lysse – $78

What I Liked: The burgundy color was fun. I don’t have any bottom pieces in this color, and I like it. I also like the Meredith pointed out that these would work really well with the black and cream poncho from my last fix. Love that she remembers that and is helping me assemble outfits.

What I Didn’t Like: The fit and the price. These were a medium, and I know I ate too many cookies at Christmas, but putting them on was a blow to the ego. Big time. They weren’t even close to being comfortable, and not even acceptable to show a photo. That bad. I did some googling and it seems I’m not the only one to find that these run small. Even if they had fit, the price is too steep for me, especially for leggings.

Verdict: Returned.

So, I only kept one item this time. What do you think? I did make the right choices? What would you have kept? And how many cream open cardigans can one reasonably have in her closet?

If you want to see my initial thoughts and unboxing of my items, you can check out the Periscope video that I did and shared on YouTube:

How Stitch Fix Works

It is a personal styling service for women. You fill out a questionnaire that includes questions about your style, size, and budget preferences, what you want and what you don’t want. They use that info to pick out five items (tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, coats, etc.) and mail them to your door, so you can try them on at home and see how they work with pieces you already have in your closet.

You have three days to decide what to keep or send back in the prepaid mailer they include in your box. There is a $20 styling fee that is applied to your order, and that is charged whether you keep any items or not. If you keep all five items, you get a 25% discount on everything. You are only charged once you “check out” at Stitch Fix.