Category Archives: Fave Fix

StitchFix Shipment No. 8 Review

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I scored two great pieces from my last StitchFix (read about it here) after asking my stylist for items that would help me bridge the gap between my usual wardrobe and maternity wear.

Both the Henley and the Dolman sweater I chose have worked out great; not only are they comfortable and stretchy, but their bright prints have also helped camouflage that first-trimester “baby beer gut” I’ve been sporting .

For my eighth fix, I warned my stylist that I’d be 20 weeks pregnant, so we’d be starting to venture into Belly Territory. Between one pair of inset panel and two pairs of full-panel jeans, plus a few belly bands, I told her I was set with bottoms.

So I requested some forgiving tops and sweaters for fall, along with a potential dress for a maternity dress for any special occasions that might pop up.

New to StitchFix? Read all about how it works here. 

Let’s take a peek at what came in this month’s box, shall we?

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First up was the Laila Jayde Placer Knit Poncho ($58). It may not look like much at first glance, but the fabric immediately won me over because it feels super luxurious and soft.

It’s that same Dolman style that I’ve seen in my previous two fixes, however, and hubby wasn’t crazy about the neckline when he saw me with it on. Honestly I felt a bit like a bat with wings when wearing it, but between the forgiving black color and stretchiness to accommodate a growing belly, I decided to mull it over as I went through the other items.

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Next was the Pale Sky Flanders Pintuck Detail Maternity Blouse ($68). Right off the bat, I wasn’t crazy about the pattern, but I have several similar blouses that I wear quite often, so I figured it was worth a shot.

Once I had it on, it was quite cute — and something I could dress up with leggings or dress down with denim. And even though it’s an extra small it’s pretty roomy, too, which is perfect for both during and after pregnancy on those days when I’m just not feeling like wearing anything too clingy.

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Third was the Brixon Ivy Lawley Cable Knit Open Cardigan ($68). It’s a rayon, nylon and angora cashmere blend, so this also felt pretty amazing to the touch — a lot more expensive than the price tag.

I love the design, particularly how the neckline swoops down into deep pockets. But (bummer!) the feedback I got while modeling it was “frumpy,” which is exactly what I’d like to avoid when I’m already feeling that it’s becoming more challenging to dress my rapidly-changing body.

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After that was the Mystree Bethany Pull-Over Sweater ($68). Did your heart just sink, like mine did when I saw that there was a second gray sweater in the box?!

The acrylic knit was soft, but between a ‘blah’ design and a ‘meh’ color, I decided pretty quickly that this piece wasn’t worth it. Especially when I tried it on and wasn’t thrilled with the fit, which hit awkwardly at the hips and was snug in all the wrong places. Boo.

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And, finally, came the Leota Maternity Dariah Maternity Abstract Faux Wrap Dress ($108). I swore up and down when I got pregnant that I’d never wear one of these rayon/spandex wrap dresses, but I stand corrected.

Again, lesson learned about needing to try a piece on before passing judgement because it fits perfectly, hugging in all the right places. Besides the bump (which you can’t really see from the head-on pic below), I actually feel like some semblance of my old self while wearing it, which is is WIN.

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So what did I end up keeping?

The dress was a keeper, no question, along with the blouse, which I figure I’ll wear quite often over the next year or so while I’m expanding and (slowly) bouncing back. But the three sweaters didn’t make the cut; I just couldn’t justify paying $60-70 for each when I wasn’t bowled over with any of ’em.

My next fix is scheduled for early January, and I requested some more belly-friendly maternity clothing since I’ll be about 30 weeks along by then and probably looking for some fresh ideas for dressing the bump (other than sweats). I’m excited to see what kind of magic my stylist can work!

Want to try StitchFix? Use my referral link to fill out your style profile and get started.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I simply love the service and think it’s fun to share my experience. I pay for Stitch Fix on my own. If you sign up using my referral link, I’ll get a credit…so thanks in advance for fueling my next fix! 

My New Breast Friend

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Although each pregnancy is different, there is at least one constant that every woman can count on: Managing the moving target of rapidly-growing boobs.

With a new set of knockers comes a whole host of fun side effects, such as tenderness, veins, pigment changes, bumps and leaks. While I’ve yet to deal with the latter items on that list, I have outgrown all of my bras and am in desperate need of solid support for any kind of high-impact activity.

The only problem? Well, when you go from being able to wear pretty much any sports bra to suddenly needing to be picky about certain features, you don’t have a clue about where to start.

Luckily, Zensah came to my rescue. Not only is the company considered a pioneer of graduated compression apparel, but they’ve also created a new line of seamless sportswear designed with a second-skin fit for greater performance, comfort and mobility.

Having landed in foreign territory, I saw the “high-impact support for larger cup sizes” description of the Gazelle Sports Bra ($53.99) and figured it would do the trick. It’s designed with both encapsulation and compression to provide comfortable support — not to mention it’s seamless, which is a lifesaver, because when you’re eating and peeing around the clock, all you want to do is cut down on any added potential annoyances.

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As you can see, the engineered fabric creates a separator with shaped cups that contour to the body (i.e. encapsulate the ladies) for a natural, smooth fit. Zensah’s high-density Zupport Yarn™ also helps support its claim that this is the first truly seamless sports bra to support mid-to-high-impact activities (i.e. compression at its finest).

Factor in wide, soft straps to prevent dig-in and zoned ribbing for extra support and, according to the company, it’s also 250% more supportive than their other seamless styles. Plus it’s pretty cute, right?

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From the back, you can see how it’s got a body-mapped design for breathability, plus a keyhole to encourage freedom of movement. The proprietary fabric is moisture-wicking and anti-odor to help keep you fresh and dry, too.

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Best of all? I flipped it inside out, and it’s truly seamless! I’m usually skeptical about that claim since any kind of rogue raw edge can rub and chafe, but this one’s soft and smooth.

Ok, ok, I know — enough about what it’s made of and what it looks like. Does it actually work?

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Well, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. I tested the Gazelle on several runs and it did not disappoint.

In fact, on my very first run with it, I had the best four-miler I’ve had in months. I’m not sure if it was that there was no painful jostling — or maybe because my rib cage could finally expand properly — but I could barely feel it on, it was so comfy.

And that, my friends, is the mark of a good bra.

So good, in fact, that I’ve also resorted to wearing it under street clothes while I’m on my next mission: Upgrading my real bra. Sigh.

Any other tips for wrangling ‘the ladies’ while working out? 

StitchFix Shipment No. 7 Review

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My previous StitchFix (read about it here) netted me five new pieces for my summer wardrobe. With colorful staples — a dress, a top and three blouses — that were both comfortable and flattering (not to mention a 25 percent discount for ordering everything in the box), it was pretty much a no-brainer.

So no pressure for my seventh installment, right?! Not only did I request some transitional pieces for late summer and early fall, but I also asked my stylist to add some color because I always love seeing what they end up choosing based on my Pinterest page.

New to StitchFix? Read all about how it works here. 

Let’s take a peek at what came in this month’s box, shall we?

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First up was the Papermoon Garland Geo Print Maxi Skirt ($58). I’m a huge fan of maxi skirts; I just got one from Forever21 that I absolutely love and have been wearing non-stop, so I was excited to see this in my fix.

Although this version didn’t have a fold-over waist (which I prefer, especially now that I’ve got a growing belly to take into account), I like that it’s a print that’s different from anything else in my closet. Plus, Liz (my stylist) mentioned that it would be able to transition easily from summer to fall with a few accessory changes, which made it even more appealing.

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Next was the RD Style Angus Split Back Mixed Material Sweater ($68). I’ve got a few black sweaters already, but this one piqued my interest because of the unique details on the back.

It’s tough to see in the picture (which is the back of the sweater), but there’s a keyhole opening up top, three button details in the middle and a sheer panel along the bottom. The elbows also have cute patches, plus the bottom has a flattering asymmetrical hem.

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Third was the Pixley Edmond Chevron Print Henley Shirt ($54). Quite frankly, it was love at first sight — and touch — with this shirt.

I like that it’s a fun twist on the traditional chevron print, but I love that it’s just so dang comfortable. Seriously, the material is like worn-in PJ’s, yet the style is perfect for going casual with jeans or dressing up with leggings or a skirt.

I’ll gladly trade in my work-from-home sweats for something like this, so it’s definitely a keeper!

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After that was the Market & Spruce Sawyer Space Dye Dolman Sleeve Knit Top ($58). As I mentioned in my last fix, the word “dolman” used to make me shudder, but now this style’s actually growing on me.

Not only is this sweater a new color and print for my closet, but it’s also loose, stretchy, breathable and airy (read: belly-friendly), which is perfect — both for the transition of seasons and the transition of my body. I’d wear it solo on warmer days and layer it under a scarf or blazer for when it gets cooler.

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And, finally, came the Pixley Linden Sheer Detail Sleeveless Top ($54). The sheer panel up top won me over for looks, but I knew this would be one of those pieces I’d have to try on to see if I really liked.

Liz suggested pairing it with the maxi skirt, which you can see in the image below. But black’s so versatile, I could wear it with a number of skirts and pants already in my closet, which is always the mark of a good wardrobe staple.

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So what did I end up keeping?

The Henley and the Dolman sweater were the winners for this round. Because my Forever21 maxi was only $13, I was having a really tough time justifying the $60 price tag on this one (yikes!), and although I liked both the sheer top and back-detailed sweater, I didn’t love ’em enough to shell out another $125.

My next fix is scheduled for mid-October, and I requested some belly-friendly maternity clothing since I’ll be about halfway through my pregnancy by then. Can’t wait to see what comes next, as I’ll take all the help I can get when it comes to figuring out how to dress a bump in non-workout attire!

Want to try StitchFix? Use my referral link to fill out your style profile and get started.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I simply love the service and think it’s fun to share my experience. I pay for Stitch Fix on my own. If you sign up using my referral link, I’ll get a credit…so thanks in advance for fueling my next fix! 

Brace Yourself: Title Nine Fit Fest (+ giveaway!)

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If you read my recent piece on the nine things you just shouldn’t wear when working out, you know that one of my pet peeves is unsupportive sports bras. Because the last thing us ladies want to worry about during a workout is painful, sag-inducing bouncing, right?

Ain’t nobody got time for that. 

But who actually enjoys shopping for sports bras?! Most of us are unsure about our size (all the measurements!) and are even more clueless when it comes to how it should fit (strap ’em down or hike ’em up?). And don’t even get me started on the process of trying them on; it takes a Cirque-du-Soleil level of contortionism to wrestle into some of the styles out there.

If you’re anything like me, you emerge a hot, sweaty mess from the dressing room with nothing more than a deflated ego to show for all that effort. So you make an educated guess, hope for the best, shell out some cash and then get the hell out of there with something — anything.

Sound familiar? 

Well, it turns out that bra experts at Title Nine feel our pain — literally — and are making it easier (and more fun) to find the correct sports bra by hosting local “FitFest” events to help every athlete find her perfect fit and get on the road to a more comfortable workout.

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As we all know (or should know), the most important foundation for any workout is a bra designed specifically for each of our unique body types, sizes and activities. Title Nine’s FitFest aims to help ladies address all those pain points — and more — by featuring:

  • Personalized bra fitting advice from a “bravangelist” expert
  • An expanded assortment of bras for every size and shape
  • Bras for different activities: sports, work-to-workout, everyday and date night
  • A “Bounce-ath-a-lon” for people to put bras to the test, with stations like hula hooping, jump roping, running and burpees
  • Snacks and drinks (because, duh, pretty much anything is more fun with a glass of vino in hand)

So when the invitation for Portland’s FitFest landed in my inbox, I knew we were in store for an interesting evening of bonding over…boobs! I’ve never been professionally fit before, and with all the different workouts I do, I figured my Bravengelist would have her work cut out for her.

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Jamie, Tasha, Liz and I met up for happy hour, and then we made our way over to the event to check things out. After mingling with some of Portland’s fittest ladies (bloggers and industry folks), the Bravangelists met with us one-by-one to get down to business.

First, they took personalized measurements and asked a few questions about our preferences, lifestyle and favorite activities. Next, they combed the racks for styles that would be a good match.

My Bravangelist, Jamie, pulled several bras that would be good for high-impact workouts, as well as a wide range of cross-training activities. Basically, I told her I needed the girls to be able to take whatever I throw at ’em, so she went straight for the heavy artillery styles with all kinds of snaps, straps and adjustable pieces.

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As I tried on each style, Jamie came in to check the fit and how well it performed with a variety of bounce tests. Mostly this consisted of me jumping up and down to test the support of each bra.

Normally I grab a cute one, guesstimate my size and try it on to make sure it fits ok, but after going through the FitFest, I see now why it’s so important to try a range of styles at once. Not only does it give you more variety from which to choose, but when you try them on in succession, you also have a much better idea how they perform in comparison to one another.

Also — I’m not a fan of mirror selfies…but in the interest of #keepingitreal,  I’m including one shot of the bra I ended up choosing.

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I picked Moving Comfort’s She Be Fierce Bra in Celery Stripe ($44), which delivers all the features us less-endowed ladies demand without feeling overbuilt, overpadded and overdone. It’s easy on/off, there’s separate encapsulation inside to avoid the dreaded “uniboob,” plus the material’s supposed to dry crazy-fast after the sweatiest of workouts.

And I just love the name, which happens to be based on Shakespeare’s line, “And though she be but little, she is fierce.” Whether he was talking about this bra or the wearers, I’d like to think he was right.

But the best part of the evening? 

Well, if boobs are funny, then boob balloons are funnier. And apparently we’re all 30-something-going-on-13 because we really got a kick out of these things.

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Interested in attending a FitFest in a city near you? Visit TitleNine.com for a full list of participating locations and details.

Or, better yet, CLICK HERE TO ENTER my giveaway for a FREE PERSONALIZED FITTING (either in-store or by-phone, depending on location) and ONE SPORTS BRA! 

Note: Winners within driving distance of a Title Nine store will be asked to redeem their prize at the closest/preferred retail location.

Good luck, and remember to give your girls some support!

Recipe: Baobab Recovery Smoothie

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After spending too many hours passed out on the couch after long runs, I finally perfected a formula for being able to salvage afternoons after intense training sessions:

Hot shower + Smoothie (*consumed in shower) = Ticket to feeling like a million bucks

And the more nutrient-dense the smoothie the better, so my body can start repairing itself as I go about my day.

Which is where Baobab comes in: I just heard of this most “super” of the superfruits recently and decided to give it a whirl after learning about its almost-too-good-to-believe benefits…

  • More antioxidants than any other superfruit, even acai, blueberries and pomegranate
  • High soluble fiber content (50% by weight)
  • A raw, whole, organic food
  • Ethically and sustainably harvested, even helping impoverished African communities
  • The planet’s highest plant source of calcium
  • More iron, potassium and magnesium than most other superfoods
  • Six times the Vitamin C of oranges
  • Rich in electrolytes and has a very high bioavailability
  • Contains no fillers or added sugar, sodium or preservatives

With a sweet, tangy and pear-like flavor profile, it’s an ideal addition to recovery smoothies to help boost your immune system, minimize inflammation and enhance digestion after tough workouts.

I think it’d work best for enhancing the flavor of berry-based smoothies, but I put it to the test in my standard peanut-butter-and-banana protein shake and was pleasantly surprised by the light taste and slight tang.

It did the trick post-run, but it’s also an excellent option for a quick grab-and-go breakfast!

Baobab Recovery Smoothie

Ingredients: 

Directions:

  1. Add first six ingredients to blender, and blend until desired consistency.
  2. Top with sprinkle of granola. Relax, sit back, and enjoy!

Fun fact: Since Baobab has a high pectin content (around 25%), it offers the benefit of being a natural thickening and binding agent for a nice, rich texture in recovery shakes.

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Harvesting baobab provides a cash crop for women in southern Africa and encourages protection of ancient Baobab trees, so it’s an ingredient you can actually feel good about using.

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Plus, the flavor’s also light enough where it’ll blend in seamlessly with pretty much anything — from smoothies and other drinks to oatmeal, baked goods, yogurt and sauces. Cheers to that!

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Got any other good tricks for post-workout recovery?

StitchFix Shipment No. 6 Review

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My previous StitchFix (read about it here) netted me one new top. I ended up playing it safe with something I knew I’d wear consistently, so I’ve been eagerly anticipating a spring shipment in order to brighten up the ‘ole wardrobe.

For my sixth installment I requested some seasonal colors and a maxi dress for warmer weather. I also asked my stylist if she could track down one of my all-time favorite StitchFix tops: the 41Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse, which I love pairing with boyfriend jeans and ballet flats.

New to StitchFix? Read all about how it works here. 

Let’s check out what came in this month’s box, shall we?

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First up was the Gilli Sebastian Maxi Dress ($74). While I usually try to steer clear of horizontal stripes, the nautical colors are one of my favorite combos for summer.

Initially, I wasn’t so sure about the waist, though; it hits somewhere between bust and waistline (neither an empire nor a true waist). But it was actually quite flattering when I tried it on, so into the ‘maybe’ pile it went.

Plus, the fabric’s super soft and comfy. Jersey FTW!

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Next was the 41Hawthorn Queensland Dolman Jersey Top ($48). Uh oh.

Any time I see the word “Dolman” (i.e. loose, baggy top with tight sleeves) I run for the hills because the style’s never worked for me. The color, however, is one of my favorites, so I figured I’d give it a shot.

Out of the box? Meh. But once on? Loved it! Not only was the jersey soft and stretchy, but the cut also worked better than I expected. Into the ‘maybe’ pile went this one, as well.

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Third was the 41Hawthorn Moni Geo Print & Camisole Blouse ($58). It’s the same style as a previous StitchFix top I bought, just with a different pattern and color scheme, so I knew it’d fit nicely.

The only questionable part was the sheerness fabric; I wasn’t sure if I’d love the look of the camisole peeking through, but then again it could be a light and breezy option for the warm summer months.

Liz (my stylist) also mentioned that I could wear it two ways — with jeans for a casual look or with white pants if I wanted to dress it up. I like having options, and I love those options to be no-brainers, so this one also went into the ‘maybe’ pile for later, too.

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Finally came the pieces I’d been waiting for: the 41 Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse ($48) in two colors (aqua and purple). As I mentioned above, I’d gotten one of these in deep pink in a previous Fix and loved it.

Why mess with a good thing? I was thrilled when Liz included not one, but two, of these in vibrant, gem-tone colors.

Dress ’em up or dress ’em down, these tops are versatile, chic and make for an effortless outfit. Less spandex, more real clothing — that’s my mantra for the season — and my two new blouses should help.

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So what made the cut? Drum roll…everything!

I’ve already worn the dress to a family dinner, the Dolman top to a weekend brunch and one of the blouses to drinks with girlfriends. Liz nailed it, and with all of these colorful basics to mix and match for summer, plus a 25 percent discount for ordering everything in the box, it was an easy decision this time around.

My next fix is scheduled for early August, and I requested some transitional pieces for late summer and early fall. Can’t wait to see what comes next, but in the meantime I’m looking forward to some consistently-warm weather, so I can pull the shorts and while pants out of storage to pair with my fun, new tops!

Want to try StitchFix? Use my referral link to fill out your style profile and get started.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I simply love the service and think it’s fun to share my experience. I pay for Stitch Fix on my own. If you sign up using my referral link, I’ll get a credit…so thanks in advance for fueling my next fix! 

8 Tips for Ditching Runner’s Trots for Good

To quote that infamous childhood book, “All living things eat, so everyone poops.”

True enough, especially if you’re a runner. And if that’s the case, there’s a good chance you know this all too well, having likely discussed it extensively with a handful of close runner friends.

The Diarrhea Dilemma

While we like to think our workouts are accompanied solely by philosophical conversations, some inevitably spiral into war stories about bodily functions. But as prevalent as these intestinal issues (aka “Runner’s Trots“) may be, it’s a topic that’s not addressed in all circles.

So what’s a trot-troubled runner to do?

Well, first, realize that you’re not alone — more than half of us have experienced exercise-related GI disturbances. And, second, there’s a lot you can do to prevent (best-case) and handle (worst-case) it. But it also helps to understand exactly what’s happening so you can make an informed plan of attack.

Desperately Seeking…A Restroom

According to the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, “there are three main causes of GI symptoms: physiological (reduced blood flow to the gut), mechanical (bouncing effect of running, for example) or nutritional.”

As you exercise, the body diverts blood flow away from internal organs to support working muscles and cool the surface of your skin. Combine that with intestinal “jostling” and heavy/fatty/fiber-filled/sugary foods, and you’ve quite literally got a ticking time bomb in your gut.

Avoiding The Runs on Your Runs

Don’t want to make “that” emergency call during a long training run or veer off-course for a mid-race porta-potty pit stop? The former used to happen to me frequently, and the latter got me at mile 16 of the 2002 Chicago Marathon…sans TP; ’nuff said. 

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Here are my eight tried-and-true tips for taming those tummy troubles for good.

1. Develop a pre-run routine. Develop a system (mine’s coffee) to “get things moving” before you head out the door, and you’ll drastically decrease your chances of a mid-run meltdown.

2. Hydrate before, during and after. Dehydration compounds stress on the GI tract, so be kind to your colon and it may just return the favor.

3. Avoid common triggers. Things like NSAIDs, ibuprofen, sugar and fiber are known to irritate or stimulate your intestines, so refrain from ingesting ’em in advance of workouts.

4. Track your habits. Keeping tabs on what you ate and how it affected you during a run can be quite revealing! I know that quinoa, for example, leaves me doubled over…while I can eat potential triggers like dairy, beans, dried fruits, etc. with no issue.

5. Experiment with fuel type. Again, what works for a runner and his/her digestive system can vary from person to person, so take the time during training to see what agrees with you — and what doesn’t.

6. Play with fuel timing. Some people start jogging while chewing their last bite of breakfast, while I prefer to give myself a few minutes to digest before heading out the door. It may take some trial and error to find your rhythm, but it’s well worth the time.

7. Slowly increase intensity. Going too fast or too far too soon can result in GI backlash. Allow your body to acclimate to the stress of speed workouts and long runs by easing in with a warm-up and building a foundation before going all-out.

8. Whip your gut into shape. I consider probiotics my secret weapon for not just gut balance, but also overall health. After experiencing success with them over the past few years (i.e. long runs that bring joy instead of fear), I’ve been taking Sound Probiotics, which came highly recommended from my Coeur pal, Erin, who’s also an accomplished Iron(wo)man.

A little PSA: Sound’s the first probiotic engineered for the competitive athlete.

Why’s this important?

Well, during training you’re more susceptible to illness and fatigue due to the sheer amount and intensity of exercise. And since as much as 80 percent of your immunity resides in your digestive tract, I consider these little pills my insurance policy for optimizing training and recovery.

After an initial adjustment period (very mild bloating), I’ve been thrilled with the results. Not only have I been able to up my mileage without incident, but I’ve also managed to avoid all the nasty bugs circulating this season — which is especially impressive considering my daily ClassPass studio-hopping habit.

That’s a small investment for exponential results. Need more incentive? Use code KINETICFIX for 10% off if you want to try ’em yourself. 

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If all else fails, though, consider stashing some toilet paper and a few wet wipes in your run belt for peace of mind. Plotting routes with public restrooms also helps, but if you’re concerned it might be something more serious, consult with your doctor to check for underlying health issues.

And whatever you do, don’t underestimate the effect that soothing your gut can have your overall experience, let alone performance, during training and racing. After all, as marathon legend Bill Rogers once famously said, “More marathons are won or lost in the portable toilets than at the dinner table.”

How do you prevent those mid-run stomach rumbles? 

The Case for Yoga Pants (+ prAna Discount Code!)

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Throughout my high school and college running days, “workout gear” meant — quite literally — anything hanging on by its last thread: extra-large cotton t-shirts, stretched-out tube socks and over-sized shorts with elastic waists, for example. You get picture.

But my attitude changed in 2002 when I bought my first “splurge” item — a Brooks long-sleeved tech shirt — at the Chicago Marathon expo. In a classic rookie move, I wore it for the first time to run 26.2 the next day…but miraculously it performed beautifully in all of its sweat-wicking, non-chafing glory.

That experience forever changed my view of workout gear: No longer were my tops and bottoms merely “something to sweat in;” they became part of my training arsenal — not only to keep me comfortable and to help me perform, but also (occasionally) to be a major motivating factor in getting my butt up and out the door for workouts.

Because, let’s face it, when we look good, we feel good. And when we feel good, we can take on the world. Or at least a 6 a.m. spin class.

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Case in point: When prAna and Fit Approach partnered up last month for the #TakeTheLeap challenge in which we were encouraged to #BringYogaBack for 30 days.

I knew it was going to take a lot more than old fashioned willpower to get myself on the mat throughout the month. Don’t get me wrong — I love yoga — it’s just a challenge being present and working quietly when your default is hard-charging, goal-oriented workouts.

But when prAna sweetened the deal by throwing in an outfit from their new Early Spring collection, I knew we were speaking the same language. If you build it, they will come; it you make it cute (and comfy), they will om.  

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First on my wish list was the Florence Capri in Neon Orange ($79). Because neon orange.

If the color’s not enough to get your heart pitter-pattering, the design will have you swooning. From the flattering wide waistband to the compression Chakara performance fabric to the smooth seams, these pants fit like a second skin — without being overly constrictive.

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And then there’s the Piper Top in Cool Green ($69). I stepped slightly out of my wheelhouse with this one; I’m not usually partial to blousy tops, but sometimes you just need a nice, relaxed drape to skim, rather than squeeze, your stomach.

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Another lovely detail is the drawcord hem; loosen it up for longer coverage, or cinch it up to shorten the length and for added security — aka if you’re not into baring that belly during inversions.

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But my favorite feature that made this pick a no-brainer? The straps!

They’re adjustable, and I’m not just talking about the bra-type sliders. Nope, these babies can be converted from traditional shoulder straps to an X-back for both support and style purposes.

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Mindfully designed. Built to last. And best of all? Available at a discount, just in time to brighten up your wardrobe for spring! Use KineticFix’s special code (psps15KF) at checkout for 15% off your entire order.

Happy shopping — and sweating, friends!

Fave Fix: BioSkin Calf Skin Sleeves (+ giveaway!)

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During a particularly mucky morning workout recently (#BecausePortland), I bit it while running up some slick stone stairs and slammed my right shin directly into the corner of a step. It was one of those moments where your heart stops, your stomach drops, and a split second before the pain hits you try to do a full-body scan to assess the situation.

Fortunately, it was nothing too serious (aside from ego damage). It’s taken a few weeks, but the nasty bruise has finally subsided.

Unfortunately, though, this incident coincided with me needing wanting to ramp up my mileage base to get ready for the upcoming race season. And although a goose-egg lump and lingering tenderness certainly didn’t pose a huge threat, I figured it’d be the perfect opportunity to test a new pair of Calf Skin Sleeves that BioSkin sent me to check out.

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BioSkin designs and manufactures compression supports, orthopedic braces, and human performance gear for the orthopedic, sports medicine, and recreational sports markets worldwide. They’re an Oregon-based (Ashland) company, and I love their mentality — i.e. they chose the location not because it’s the easiest place to run a manufacturing business, but because it’s such a great place to live.

It’s this kind of attitude — quality over quantity — that usually carries over into great products. Especially because they also believe in focusing on the little details, which can make a big difference when you’re talking about products that people wear on a daily basis.

So, why compression? Well, it not only cuts down on muscle vibration, but also helps ensure that your muscles are in the proper position to maximize force production without wasted energy. Decreased muscle fatigue and improved proprioception also protect you from injury by giving you more precise control of your body.

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My first thought, out of the box, was that these aren’t your average compression sleeves. I wear a good amount of compression gear, but I’ve never run across anything quite like this; BioSkin uses a special material (non-neoprene and non-latex) that not only allows your legs to breathe, but also keeps it from sliding down your leg during vigorous activity.

They feel less like a sock and more like a super-thin wet suit. Getting them on can be a workout in and of itself — these suckers are tight! — but throwing on a thin sock makes it easier to shimmy them on over your heel and onto your leg.

The feel does take some getting used to at first; like I said, they’re designed to fit snugly. But I’ve been actively seeking a higher level of compression for my legs since my tibia injury last fall, especially because I envision it being a free mini-massage with every step.

And as much as I like them for workouts, I l-o-v-e them for recovery days. Whether it’s an easy session of running or biking, or just an off day, I’ll throw them on and feel noticeably less discomfort and soreness. BioSkin for the win!

Speaking of winning (I know; horrible segue) BioSkin’s been kind enough to provide me with a $20 gift card for one lucky reader. Enter here via a Rafflecopter giveaway!

Are you a fan of compression wear? When do you wear compression sleeves/socks? 

StitchFix Shipment No. 5 Review

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My previous StitchFix (read about it here) was a success — I scored an adorable LBD, just in time for holiday parties — so much so that I knew it’d be a hard act to follow.

For my fifth installment I requested some dressy casual blouses and tops for work, along with a brighter color palette to carry me from the gray of Portland winter into spring.

New to StitchFix? Read all about how it works here. 

Let’s check out what came in this month’s box, shall we?

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First up was the Braddon Airy Knit V-Neck Sweater from RD Style ($68). Pretty color? Check. Luxurious feel? Check.

I loved how soft and cozy this one was, and the fit was flattering with the slightly longer back, however the loose knit is slightly concerning for someone who is pretty active — a.k.a. prone to getting it caught on something.

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Next was the Giorgio Cowl Neck Long Sleeve Thermal Top from Splendid ($84). Again, great color and super-soft fabric. And although you can’t see it well in the picture, it’s got a delicate waffle weave, which makes this top a perfect mix of dressy-casual.

But $84? I’m on a budget and would have to love it to justify that price.

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Third was the Quito Open Drape Cardigan from Market & Spruce ($68). It’s not something I’d typically wear, but that’s what I love about StitchFix — the stylists help push you out of your comfort zone.

Becca recommended pairing it with chambray, and I thought it might go well with some of my cowboy boot collection, as well!

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After that came the Filbert 3/4 Sleeve Popover Blouse from 41Hawthorn ($58). Becca knows me well enough by now to know that the jewel-toned blouse is my sweet spot. I love pairing it with boyfriend jeans, ballet flats and simple jewelry.

But I’ve got these in pink, blue and a black checkered pattern; do I need one in green, as well?

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And, finally, was the Emer Bootcut Pant from Margaret M ($98). She nailed it with the size, and I love a simple, classic pant with a figure-flattering bootcut.

However, I’m not sure if I can shell out $100 for a basic black pant when it’s more of a want than a need at this point.

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So what made the cut? I was stumped, so I used three lifelines (my sister, a friend and my husband) to help narrow things down. Look number one got thumbs up from my girlfriend, but a thumbs down from my sister, so that was out. Look number three got a yay from my sister, but a nay from my girlfriend, so that was out.

And when I polled Ben, he just asked if I really needed another piece of clothing right now, so that didn’t help much.

In the end, I went with the green top (look number four). Sure, it’s the “safe” choice, as my sister said — but it’s also the one I’m sure I’ll consistently get the most use out of, which means it’s the best value. The others are great, but I see myself wearing them maybe once or twice, so I’m staying conservative this time and going with the sure thing.

My next fix is scheduled for early May, and I requested some bold, bright colors for summer. I also asked that she throw a fun sundress or skirt in the mix so I have something fresh and fun to wear for my birthday festivities later that month, so I’m excited for shipment number six!

Want to try StitchFix? Use my referral link to fill out your style profile and get started.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I simply love the service and think it’s fun to share my experience. I pay for Stitch Fix on my own. If you sign up for Stitch Fix using my referral link, I will get a credit…thanks!