Fashom Style Subscription Box Review #1

I am sure by now many of you are familiar with styling subscription services. Stitch Fix hit the scene about 8 years ago and then it seems that many new styling services started following suit. I sort of ignored the whole idea of a styling subscription service, being quite content with my own ability to style myself. I started paying attention when Gwynnie Bee, a subscription service that specializes in plus size clothing, started making its rounds into my pop up ads. But still I didn’t have much interest in such a service.

Many fashion bloggers were reviewing all sorts of subscription box services extending beyond style and fashion. I reviewed the GlobeIn subscription service way back in the beginning of my blog. They are dedicated to supporting artisans in third world countries. And while I received some really cool items that I still use today, it wasn’t something that I really wanted to commit to on a monthly basis.

As far as the styling subscriptions, I do prefer to shop in brick and mortar stores for myself. I enjoy the hunt for good bargains and fun pieces. However, I recently am on a spending freeze so I am avoiding stores altogether. So when I was given the opportunity to try some pieces from Fashom, a newer styling subscription service with a focus on offering clothing crafted from sustainable vegan materials, I thought why not give it a whirl. I can get my fashion fix without even leaving my house. And I will only be tempted by the pieces they send me rather than a store filled with temptation.

So before I share the items in my very first Fashom box, let me quickly explain to you how it all works. Then you can head over to my YouTube channel and check out my short video and my initial reactions to the items sent to me as I unbox them and am seeing them for the first time. My first reactions actually were a little bit off.

This is how Fashom works and how it’s different from other subscription styling services.

• After creating your account, you will be asked to fill out a style profile. This includes your sizes, you complexion, your style preferences, and your desired price points for each category of clothing.
• Your personalized stylist will send you a preview of items and you choose 5 of them that you want to try on at home. The nice thing about Fashom, is that YOU pick what ships to you. You do only have 2 days to pick your items once you receive the email letting your know that your choices are ready. If you don’t submit your choices within 2 days, your personal stylist will pick 5 items for you.
• If you want more options to choose from, just email your stylist and ask. They will promptly add a few more items to your choices. You can always log in to your account and change your style preferences as well.
• You also have the option of scheduling a video call with the Fashom Styling Team to discuss your personal style and get an even more personalized service.
• Once you have chosen your items, your Fashom box will be shipped out within 2-3 days. Try everything on at home and decide what you want to keep. You have 3 days to make your decision. Indicate your choices on the Fashom website and you will be charged at that point for the items you will be keeping. Anything you do not want to keep, you just place them in the prepaid return mailer and send them back.
• You will receive a 25% discount if you keep at least 3 items and a 30% discount if you decide to keep all 5.
• The prices are very budget-friendly and average out to about $35 per piece.
• There is no subscription fee & your first styling session is on us. The styling fee is $15 for any subsequent styling sessions, but the fee is applied as a credit if you keep something from your order.

Now let’s get to the business of checking out the items in my very first Fashom box. My personal stylist first sent me 7 items from which I could choose 5 to try. I had some trouble picking 5 of them mostly because the items were very summery and I was interested in items more appropriate for Fall. So I sent a quick email asking for more options. A few more items were added to my selections within a few hours. I picked my items and my Fashom box arrived at my doorstep in just a few days.

Item 1: Chris & Carol Floral Woven Dress-$45

I love the colors and the print on this dress and the high low hemline made me feel all flirty feminine. The fabric is a light airy chiffon and the dress is fully lined. If I saw this dress on someone else, I would absolutely deliver the sincerest of compliments on how pretty it is. But…it is really not my style. I just can’t see myself wearing this dress. Verdict: Returned.

Item 2: Bloom Red Floral Maxi Dress-$43

When I first unboxed this dress, I stated in the video that the cross front top was probably going to be unflattering on me. Turns out my initial reaction was wrong. I actually really loved the fit of this dress on me. And it has pockets! The maxi length was perfect on my 5’7” frame and the red, white, and blue floral print is so pretty for Summer functions. However, Summer has gone. Also, as much I did love this dress, like the green floral dress, it just isn’t something I can see myself wearing very often. Verdict: Returned.

Item 3: Unika Tunic Top-$35

This item is labeled as a tunic, but I found it long enough to style as a mini dress over tights. I love the boho style and the fun mixed patterns in the fabric. You could absolutely style it over pants or leggings or wear it as a mini dress as I did. I actually really do like this tunic however it was a bit tight in the shoulders and I really didn’t like the fabric. I debated heavily about this item but ultimately decided that due to how tight it was across the shoulders I would probably steer away from wearing it. Verdict: Returned.

Item 4: Andree by Unit Embellished Embroidery Tunic Top-$39

When I first picked this top to be shipped to me, I was actually a little unsure if I would like it. It was difficult to tell the length and volume of it from the thumbnail photo but I liked the boho style so I gave it a try. Turns out I love it! The embroidery is so pretty and the mauve color is definitely one of my colors. You can wear the sleeves unrolled or they have the button tab to keep them rolled to half sleeves. The sleeves felt a little bit snug getting my arms through them, but once the top was on, it was comfortable. Plus it matches perfectly with my mauve sandals. This tunic will be adorable styled over cut off shorts in the Summer and I can easily layer a cardigan over it in the Fall. Verdict: Kept.

Item 5: Windhorse Stitched Uneven Tunic Dress with Pockets-$48

Maybe I am a bit basic and boring, but a little black dress that can be styled casually is totally my jam. Add some fun details like creative piping and an asymmetrical hem and I am completely on board. I pretty much knew I would love this dress at first sight. It has 3/4 length sleeves making it perfect for the Fall transition season. You can wear it bare legged, layered over stockings or tights, over leggings, or over jeans. It is super comfortable and I just wanted to twirl around and around in it. I think this dress will be in frequent rotation in my Fall and Winter wardrobe. Verdict: Kept.

Another great thing about Fashom is that they support Second Chance Rescue NYC who have a mission to reduce animal overpopulation in shelters, rescue and rehabilitate critically injured and neglected animals, and connect the community to services that enable animals to remain in their homes. This mission strongly aligns with Fashom’s mission to offer clothing and apparel made with sustainable vegan materials only. For every style box sold, Fashom donates $1 to Second Chance Rescue NYC.

I have to say as a newbie to style subscription services, this was a super fun process. I never had to leave my house and I wasn’t tempted by a store filled with cute things. The return process is the easiest thing ever. I just folded up the unwanted items, placed them in the mailer, sealed it up, and stuck it in my own mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. Since I only kept 2 items, I didn’t receive any additional discounts, but that’s okay. I have an overflowing closet already, so I was not going to be tempted by a discount to add more things that I may not wear. I am finally becoming more particular about the things I add to my closet.

Have you tried a subscription service? I know that most of them have also added men’s items to their collections so anyone can give it a try. I wonder if my husband would like a service like this because he hates clothes shopping more than any person I have ever met. I have to go buy a bunch of things and bring them home for him to try. Then I have to go make the returns of the unwanted items. It is a very tedious process. Time to go get him set up with a style profile, I guess!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

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