Verdicts on five women's online personal shopping services

Star Tribune reporter Sharyn Jackson tried five women's online personal shopping services. Here are her impressions:

What: Boxes include six to eight items.

Process: A questionnaire asks about the kinds of activities you like to participate in with your family. It wants to know what grades your kids are in and your job status. You give your hair, skin and eye color and pick out favorite outfits among several photos.

Human interaction: None during the style process, but returns and exchanges can be made in store.

Returns: Moderately easy. There's a prepaid mailing label in the box.

Cost: Free.

Verdict: While it may seem antithetical to the whole shop online thing, the in-store exchange policy is a sweet perk. As a non-mom, the style wasn't really for me. I didn't try on the floor-length plaid tunic they sent.

Process: The lengthy questionnaire asks for height, weight, bra and dress size, as well as fit preferences. Browse photos of clothing collections loosely grouped into categories. After saying what you'd be willing to spend on various pieces, you can write a note to your stylist about specific items you're looking for. Leaving detailed feedback after each Fix leads to better selections in subsequent boxes.

Human interaction: a personalized note from the stylist, explaining the selections.

Returns: Easy in a prepaid bag you can leave for the letter carrier.

Cost: $20 per box for a "styling fee" that is credited to you if you buy anything. Subscribe to receive boxes regularly or request them when want. If you buy everything in the box, you get 25 percent off the whole order.

Verdict: Like getting a surprise present, it was lots of fun to find a Fix and see what had been picked out for me. Because of the full-box discount, I am now the proud owner of a plaid poncho I never would have picked out for myself.

Process: The first step is to pick out photos of clothes you like for your "closet." Then answer questions about body shape, color preference and items to avoid sending. A short while later, you get a text with a link that shows you what will be in the box. You can swap things out or just go with it.

Human interaction: None.

Returns: Easy in a prepaid bag you can leave for the letter carrier.

Cost: $49 a month, plus $5 accidental damage insurance.

Verdict: Getting to see and swap what's in the box before you get it took some of the fun and mystery out of the experience.

Process: A brief questionnaire asks for your job title, the amount of black you like to wear, and, most fun, who your "girl crush" is. (Choose from Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and Sonia Sotomayor, among others.) Prices are steep; dresses are $165 to $350, separates can reach $230 and accessories start at $45.The catalog is limited, so subsequent boxes may include the same pieces in different colors.

Human interaction: None.

Returns: Difficult. You have to find your own packaging and shipping.

Cost: $25 styling fee, waived if you buy something.

Verdict: The professional clothes are beautiful. Prices were out of my range, but if I was looking to invest in a piece that looks like it'll last, I'd go for it. The inclusion of a book about work-wear in my first box was a curious addition.

Process: Answer a slew of questions about your job, how you dress and your favorite pieces in your wardrobe. Upload a headshot and full-length photo. Once matched with a stylist, you can talk by phone or via e-mail.

Human interaction: Lots of back and forth.

Returns: They don't send you anything until you buy, so there's nothing to return.

Cost: Free for the first time, and it continues to be free as long as you buy something every 90 days.