// a STITCH FIX-ation //

Imagine our excitement when we got the opportunity to interview a buyer for one of the fastest growing clothing e-tailers in the industry! What company you ask? The answer: STITCH FIX {StitchFix.com}. With a very unique business model and rapid growth, Jen Benzian is definitely one the best in her field. Not only is she talented but she is a complete doll and what better way to get the fashion scoop than from one of the best inside the industry. Jen helps us break down how STITCH FIX works and takes us behind the scenes for a look at what it is like being a clothing buyer...happy reading!

X,

Ken&Cas

Tell us a little but about Stitch Fix and what makes it special.
Stitch Fix is the first fashion retailer to blend expert styling, proprietary technology and unique product to deliver a shopping experience that is truly personalized for you. Simply fill out the Stitch Fix Style Profile and our personal stylists will handpick a "Fix" of five clothing items and accessories unique to your taste, budget and lifestyle. Simply buy what you like and return the rest.

We serve a wide variety of women from all walks of life, but each Stitch Fix client shares one thing in common - she is time starved. Whether she is juggling a full-time job with long hours, raising a family, or doing both, the Stitch Fix client wants to look and feel polished and on-trend, but doesn’t have time to shop. We ship clothing and accessories, selected just for her by our expert stylists right to her door, making shopping a delightful and effortless experience.

What do you love most about being a buyer and working for Stitch Fix?
I love delighting our clients and making her feel fashionable and confident! I also love our company culture. We continuously make time to spend outside of work like happy hours and team lunches. The Stitch Fix team is my family!

How did you become a buyer and do you have any advise for our fabulous readers who may be interested in coming a buyer?
I started my career at Macy’s in the buying office and fell in love with the fast paced environment and the art and science of buying. From there, I moved up in the company and was able to work in different areas such as juniors, contemporary and kids. My advice for someone trying to get in the industry would be to try get an internship at a fashion or retail company to get your foot in the door, and work your way up from there.

How is being a buyer for Stitch Fix different than being a buyer for a traditional Brick and Mortar or online store?
As a department store buyer you are reliant on the customer coming into the store, walking by the right department, seeing the piece they might want for sale. Even then, it might not fit them well, or flatter their body, and they might walk right by an item that would fit them better because it lacks hanger appeal.

Here at Stitch Fix, we are able to get information about what our client wants, so we’re able to use that information to buy items that we think our client will want, and send it right to her door, to try on at home with her own wardrobe. Our stylists are able to push clients out of their comfort zones, and can get them to try on items they never would have picked out themselves at a store.

Apart from Stitch Fix, what are your go-to online shopping sites?
I mostly shop on Shopbop.com, and eBay.com when I am looking for vintage items.

What is your go-to look?
Boho meets edgy, with a touch of vintage. I love boho prints for tops and dresses, and add throwing on a leather biker jacket to give the look some edge.

What are some of your favorite brands?
I love Zara for trendy items and fast fashion, and I pretty much live in J. Brand jeans and a tee on the weekends. Of course, I love Chanel, Helmut Lang, Joie, and Equipment for when I can splurge a bit more.

What is your favorite trend everyone should make sure to have going into spring?
I am loving all of the mixed media that is going on – knit shirts with cute prints in other fabrics like silk mixed in. It is a great way to update a basic tee!