I'm sure that by now you've heard of StyleMint. It has been mentioned a few times by other Babblers, but nobody has done an in depth review of it.
I was really excited when I first heard about StyleMint because the concept behind it made so much sense -- it is the idea of providing customers with that perfect t-shirt that can be worn with anything. Given that I've often struggled to find basic t-shirts that fit me that way I want, I was definitely intrigued.
Newbury, StyleMint, $29.99
Camden Colorblock, StyleMint, $29.99
Upon further investigation, I learned that StyleMint is like a club. You become a member and then pay $29.99 a month (which is equal to one credit). This credit can then be cashed in for a product. You can keep that credit for up to a year, but you can't accumulate more than five credits at a time. Each credit will get you a t-shirt (with free shipping and returns). There are a few items on their site, such as sweaters and cardigans, that cost more than one credit.
Now, you're not absolutely locked into paying every month. You have until the fifth day of the month to log onto StyleMint and click 'skip month.' Do this and you're not charged (so you don't receive any credits). If you don't do this, your credit card will be charged $29.99 (and you accumulate one credit). You do have the option to buy more than one shirt a month. In fact, you can make a purchase at any time (you don't need a credit to do so, you can simply pay with a credit card the way you normally would when shopping online).
There are new styles every month so you don't have to worry about getting bored with their merchandise. They also try to help you find the styles you want. When you first join you take a style quiz and then get suggestions about what t-shirts you might like. Each month your updated suggestions appear at the top of your "showroom."
Courtesy: StyleMint
Courtesy: StyleMint
I've now placed two orders with StyleMint and here's my opinion:
Their products are of very good quality. Both of the shirts I bought are very comfortable. I did run into issues with their fit. Their crewcut t-shirts seem to run true to size, but their others shirts run pretty large (at least with the ones I ordered - and a few quick searches showed that this is true for others also).
After I ordered a shirt, I realized I had ordered it in the wrong size. By the time I could get ahold of a StyleMint representative, the order had already been processed so they couldn't change it. However, they did put an order in for that shirt in my correct size and did not charge my credit card. They simply told me to email them when I got the shirt in the incorrect size and that I would be emailed back a return label. (I don't know if the fact that I wasn't charged was a mistake or company policy - but either way, if I did not return the one shirt, I'm sure I would have been eventually charged for it).
Their website is a little hard to navigate. There were other shirts available that were not recommended for me, but I couldn't easily find them. I had to google "StyleMint" and the name of the shirt (for example, "Life is a Mountain Not a Beach") in order to find the link to the shirt. And the only reason I knew about this shirt at all is that is was on the StyeMint homepage. It would be ideal if there was a way to see absolutely every shirt available - not just the ones recommended for me.
Courtesy: StyleMint
Life Is a Mountain, Not A Beach Tee, StyleMint, $29.99
Honestly, the only thing that really annoys me about StyleMint is the "club" aspect. I don't see why it couldn't operate like a regular store. Although I have placed two orders with them, it hasn't been from credits that I've accumulated. I 'skip' every month because I don't want to have to worry about having a credit that I have to hurry up and spend before it expires. StyleMint claims its prices are so low for what they offer because it takes out the middleman (the retail stores), but I don't see what that has to do with their club format.
Overall though, I do like StyleMint. Their shirts are nice enough that I probably will shop with them again.
No...Is a Full Sentence Tee, StyleMint, $29.99
Posted by sami on February 22, 2012 at 05:11 PM EST #
Posted by Auntie May on February 23, 2012 at 01:10 PM EST #