Right off the bat, let me say that StitchFix is a splurge. It’s not frugal. It’s not thrifty. It’s a luxury.
What is StitchFix? Go here to read the skinny. That’s a referral link, by the way. That means if you get a fix, I get credit to spend on more clothes.
If you are opposed to luxury by principle and feel uncomfortable about treating yourself to superficial delights, then you will scoff at StitchFix. If that’s you, don’t even sign up. You will think about the prices more than the convenience. You will feel guilty instead of having fun.
No judgement here. I get it. I have been that person —the one who would never consider StitchFix because it’s “too expensive.” I would look at those price tags and think of dozens of practical ways to spend that money on other family members, on the house, or on vacations.
But this is a new season in my life, and I’m learning to invest in me, even splurge on me.
It’s a Reward That’s Not Food
I remember going to the grocery store with my mom and loving to hear her use the word splurge because that meant we were getting a box of cookies or some ice cream treat. Back then splurges were pretty simple. But they were also almost always something edible and unhealthy.
With my new exercising habit, I want reward myself with things that are not food related. Workout clothes and new running shoes are obvious rewards for consistent exercising. But StitchFix is another positive way I can reward myself for exercising.
By staying fit, I’m saving money on health care costs. A StitchFix is far cheaper than a medical procedure or a month of therapy with a psychologist.
By exercising, I’m keeping my body fit and attractive. What better way to reward myself than to clothe that body in pleasant, well-made clothes that further boost my confidence?
It Encourages a Smaller, but Higher Quality Wardrobe
Before moving to China, I had the typical closet with gobs of clothes bought on sale. But I wore the same small subset of clothes over and over. Those were my favorites because they were the right color, fit, etc.
When I lived abroad, I realized that most people in the world don’t have the volume of clothes that is common for Americans. I learned to live with a much smaller wardrobe of favorite pieces that I wore more often. I was willing to pay more for individual articles of clothing to make sure I had a very functional wardrobe instead of a packed closet with “nothing to wear.”
I’ve noticed a tendency to start hoarding clothes again now that I’ve been in America for 4 years. StitchFix reminds me to keep my closet stocked with fewer but beloved pieces.
Time is a Precious Commodity
If you have more time than money, then StitchFix isn’t for you. In other words, if you would spend 5 hours to save $50 – $100, then StitchFix will feel like a bad deal. If you are willing to spend more to save time or to reduce frustration, then you should give StitchFix a try.
Yes, I can (and do!) buy cheaper clothes at Target, Old Navy, and thrift stores. But that can take a lot of time and also expends quite a bit of emotional energy.
When I go thrift store shopping, it’s more of recreational shopping than serious “I need XYX” shopping. Because, honestly, you never know what you will or will not find at a thrift store. It’s just fun to browse. In fact, going to a thrift store with a precise shopping list is a recipe for disappointment, in my experience.
The idea of spending 6 hours at the mall to come out with three tops is depressing to me. I don’t think I’ve saved any money on a day like that. Instead, I think I’ve wasted a lot of time.
Dragging clothes around a department store to the fitting room and then back and forth for different sizes is exhausting. Why, oh why don’t department stores have carts for the clothes?
Or if you go somewhere with a shopping cart, then you have to abide by ridiculous limits on what you can take into the fitting room so you are spending an inordinate amount of time redressing yourself, counting hangers, etc. It’s a huge hassle.
When I come home from one of those trips, I’m exhausted and often frustrated, especially if I didn’t find things that worked for me.
So StitchFix has the potential to save you time. Realize that initially you will have to invest time by setting up your account, explaining your style, your sizes, your preferences, and maybe making a Pinterest board to help your stylist. However, it’s much more enjoyable for me to do that in the comfort of my home versus shopping at a strip mall.
It’s Really Okay to Simply Splurge
My last reason is that I don’t need a reason. As my mom says all the time, “If it makes you feel good, it’s worth it!” I can splurge on myself if I want to as long as my financial obligations are taken care of and I’m not going into debt for the splurge.
There’s a lot of guilt in the (Christian) homeschool mom community that says it’s wrong to spend money or time on yourself. It’s selfish.
That’s ridiculous.
And I can tell you from experience that when you deprive yourself and don’t invest in things/experiences that make you feel pampered and valuable, you will burn out emotionally. Please believe me. That martyr role may work for you now, but at some point it’s going to bite you.
So, yes, StitchFix is a splurge. And it’s a good splurge for me! In my next post, I’ll be sharing about my first fix — the 5 pieces I got, what I kept, and what I returned.
What do you think? Are you at a place where you can splurge on StitchFix? Or do you splurge on something else to make yourself feel pampered?
Misty says
I would LOVE to try Stitch Fix, but they don’t offer bigger sizes. I am just a hair on the plus side. I have heard a lot of other people say the same. Maybe eventually they will make it a great fit for ALL sizes :/
Congratulations on your splurge!!
Jimmie Lanley says
Thanks, Misty! I have heard that StitchFix doesn’t sell plus sizes. That’s a bummer!
Toni says
I agree. I always say if you are not happy and fed emotionally how can you give to someone else? I’m not into clothes but as a musician I buy tons of classical piano music, manuscript paper for writing music and guitar and piano gear. To my way of thinking I can be amuch better mother and wife if ‘ME THINGS’ are taken care of first.
Good for you on doing for your self what you love!! A much better reward system than food!
Marianne says
I totally agree Jimmie. I finally took the plunge and ordered my first ‘fix’. I didn’t know what to expect but I ended up loving it! The clothes were excellent quality and truly things that I liked and would have bought elsewhere without the hassle of shopping. I look forward to my once a month fix. It is a nice reward for being a hardworking mama! Nice review!
Cait @ My Little Poppies says
I recently took the plunge, too, after months of *almost* signing up. Looking forward to it!
Ann says
Not to mention that when I am in the store trying on clothes, I am ALWAYS asking the clerk(s) if what I’m trying on looks good. I am very unconfident about picking the right clothing! It would be nice to have something that somebody knowledgeable has already decided will be right for me. But I’m still balking at the expenditure… maybe I can ask for it for Christmas? 🙂
Jimmie Lanley says
I hear they do offer gift certificates.