Signing up for a fashion service often begins with a questionnaire that helps the stylists pick out the clothes or accessories you want and what they think will suit you. This lowers the risk of hit-or-miss items, but the real beauty of it is that the stylist may send you something amazing that you might never have chosen for yourself.
Image courtesy of trunkclub.com
NORDSTROM’S TRUNK CLUB
https://www.trunkclub.com/
Here’s one of the most popular subscription boxes from one of the best department stores: Nordstrom’s. Don’t have a Nordstrom’s near you? Don’t have time to stroll around the store? Is shopping online too overwhelming? Then Nordstrom Trunk Club may be the right solution for you. For women and men, the Trunk Club offers every size from 00 to 28W and XXS to 4X, every style for every budget, free shipping and returns for the items you decide not to keep, and your $25 style fee is applied to your purchase. (If you have a Nordstrom credit card, the $25 style fee is waived every time!) Trunk Club is not actually a subscription service. It offers the flexibility to try it once or whenever the mood strikes and your schedule permits. Take your Style Quiz and get ready to shop but before you do, check the Women’s Blog to get a sense of what’s trending.
Rather RENT than BUY? Try…
RENT THE RUNWAY
https://www.renttherunway.com/
Do you love what you see on the runway but you can’t afford the couture price tag? Why not use Rent the Runway, the largest shared online designer closet. This exciting and unique service offers over 750 designers, including Ulla Johnson, Victoria Beckham, Poco Rabane, Nina Ricci, and Chloe, with fashions ranging from sizes 00 to 22, and styles with a retail value of up to $3,500. What’s more, Rent the Runway’s closet is constantly changing — and because new fashions arrive weekly, the typical member rents an average of $37,000 in clothing a year. You begin with four items at a time, but you can always add extra spots or shipments. Thousands of member reviews help you determine your own style, and RTR’s personalized fit tool helps you find your correct size. There’s zero commitment because you can cancel your membership at any time for no extra cost. A one-time trial month is $69, and $94 a month after for one shipment of four items a month; you’ll receive two shipments a month of eight items with full closet access for $99 for the first month and $144 a month after; and for weekly shipments, you get 16 items a month (four items at a time) for $149 for the first month and $235 a month after that. Cleaning is always included, and items arrive in sealed, recyclable plastic garment bags. Also, as a member, you get first dibs on deals and exclusive discounts should you choose to purchase the clothing that you’ve rented.
Image courtesy of stitchfix.com
STITCH FIX
https://www.stitchfix.com/
Stitch Fix can be for just about anyone: women, men, and children. For us gals, we start by choosing between various sizes, including women’s, plus, petite, or maternity. Their labels include Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Barbour, and Ralph Lauren, among many others, with thousands of styles. You’ll take a quiz to help your stylist determine and guide you on your style, and fit, and even your budget. Then wait for your box, shipped free, to arrive regularly, or Stitch Fix allows you to shop and choose a “Fix” of curated pieces whenever you like, with no subscription required. Before anything is shipped, you’ll receive a preview so you can collaborate with your stylist, and you’ll know up front what each item costs. Then, five items at a time will be sent to you. If you keep all five, you get a 25% discount (plus an up-front $20 styling fee.) There’s a prepaid return label with each order for returns and exchanges and yes, return shipping’s always free too.
Image courtesy of dia.com
DIA & Co.
https://www.dia.com/
Dia & Co. offers a personalized style plan specifically for plus-sized women. To begin, you take Dia’s wonderful Style Quiz that unlike stores acknowledges that every brand has its own sizes and measurements. What’s more, if you are a pear-shaped figure, say, you may take a larger size in pants and skirts than in your blouse or shirt, or vice versa if your body is more heart-shaped. Discovering your shape means ensuring success when it’s time to pick your outfit. Dia & Co. allows you to try a one-time box curated for you by a stylist before you sign up for the regular subscription. And when you don’t know exactly what you want, you can go to their website for their suggestions. Right now, for example, you can check out the Spring Essentials Box, Spring Dream Denim Box, Spring Dress Obsessed Box, or you can get a Summer Preview. Shipping is always free for Style and Active Boxes, and orders are typically delivered within two to five business days.
By Laurie Bogart Wiles