Category Archives: Fave Fix

Fave Fix: GoodBelly 12-Day Belly Reboot

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The holidays tend out to bring out the crazy in all of us, right?

Case in point: After months of excess, we toss kale in our grocery carts and halfheartedly call it “eating healthy” (even though we’re buying roughly twice as many calories per serving in food now, as compared to the holidays, says this study) or commit to a crazy cleanse or restrictive diet that’s destined to leave us yoyo-ing throughout 2015.

Why abuse your gut in an effort to lose it?

My suggestion instead: Be nicer to your belly with a 12-Day Belly Reboot.

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The kind folks over at GoodBelly contacted me to check out their new program, which launched just in time for the New Year. During the Reboot, you drink one 8 oz. glass or one shot of GoodBelly a day for 12 days. Along the way, you’ll be able to track exactly what’s happening in your body and get extra motivation in the form of tips and coupons.

“Since probiotics do their work in the belly and beyond, there hasn’t necessarily been a way to see tangible results of their impact on overall health, ” said Alan Murray, CEO of GoodBelly. “Our new Belly Reboot was created to offer consumers a way to really track and understand how probiotics can impact the way they feel in just 12 days.”

Made with the well-researched probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V®), GoodBelly supports digestive health. Unlike many other live and active cultures, though, LP299V survives passage beyond the stomach’s acidic environment in order to support the rest of the digestive system, and ultimately overall health.*

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GoodBelly offers multi-serving quarts and single serving shots, available in flavors like Blueberry Acai, Mango, Pomegranate Blackberry and Strawberry. Each serving packs 20-50 billion live and active probiotic cultures to promote healthy digestive and immune systems, as 70 percent of the body’s immune system resides in the digestive tract.*

I kicked off my  12-day test just as things got hectic around the holidays. The juice was delicious, and the shots were convenient (some sweet, some tart, depending on the flavor), but best of all? Between last-minute shopping stress, unusually decadent meals, lots of travel and — to top it off — an especially active cold and flu season, I was not only able to stave off sickness, but also keep my energy up and banish bloat.

If you’re on the supplement bandwagon, like me, you may already take probiotic pills. In that case, GoodBelly’s a great way to add some variety (not to mention extra vitamins and calcium) to your diet. And if you’re new to the idea, it’s an easy — and delicious — way to augment your healthy eating habits for 2015.

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“We believe that what you eat and drink has a direct impact on your overall health,” said Murray. “Which is why we’re committed to creating functional beverages in exciting flavors that are easy to drink and absolutely delicious.”

Now, that’s really going with your gut.

For more information on the GoodBelly 12-Day Belly Reboot, click here.

*Some studies suggest GoodBelly’s probiotic may help balance the bacteria in your gut when consumed daily as part of a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle. GoodBelly is a food product and not a treatment or cure for any medical disorder or disease. If you have any concerns about your digestive system, please consult a health care professional.

Dressing Up in the Hottest Activewear From Down Under

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As you can imagine, working for a fitness start-up certainly has its perks. Sure, taking meetings over yoga mats and counting spandex as “business” attire is great, but what really gets our blood pumping is partnering with some pretty spectacular brands — and getting to give people a heads up about stuff we absolutely love.

Case in point: Lorna Jane, which I was introduced to while living in San Francisco. At first, I questioned whether Australia’s leading women’s sports label could compete with the likes of Lululemon and Athleta, even in a city that’s synonymous with yoga pants.

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But we really identified with the brand’s positive message and Move Nourish Believe philosophy — not to mention their clothing is the kind that’ll get you stopped in the street by people who want to know where they can get it. Needless to say, it wasn’t much of a shocker that that brand took SF by storm; if it was cute, colorful and functional, you could bet it came from Lorna Jane.

So when I heard they were bringing a store to the Portland area and that they were giving our team at Fit Approach (SweatGuru’s sister company) an opportunity to go in for a personal styling session to try on the new fall line, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to contain myself. But the grand opening day finally came, and at last week’s party I met with a stylist who asked me about my typical activities and clothing preferences before pulling several looks to try.

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First up was this green tank with a black sports brand and leggings. Normally I don’t like workout wear that’s super fussy or has a lot of details, but the strappy back totally converted me (see bottom left in the first picture above); it was as interesting to look at as it was comfortable. Sold!

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Next up was a robin-egg blue sports bra with animal print capris and a bright pink hoodie. I had seen these pants online and was dying to try ’em on in person to see if they lived up to the hype. From the funky snakeskin-type print to the abstract lines, yep — another winner.

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Third was a cute cut-out sports bra and track jacket with some not-so-basic black capris. And, clearly, I have no clue what to do in front of the camera.

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After that, the stylist wanted to switch things up a bit with a pair of harem pants and a hooded vest. The mix of colors and prints was really fun, and I was pleasantly surprised with the pants; I’m not typically a harem pant kinda gal, but these had built-in bike shorts for support, which was brilliant!

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Finally, though, came my favorite outfit of the evening — a neon yellow sports bra and cobalt top with abstract printed tights. As far as I’m concerned, you can never go wrong with a special sports bra, a vivid top and crazy pants.

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In the end, I went with the last outfit and ended up buying some pieces from others — the green top, black sports bra and animal print capris — which I’ll probably piece together as a separate outfit. But, as you can see, it’s easy to get carried away in there!

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Another highlight of the evening was getting to hang out with half of the Team LUNA Chix PDX Run Team (from left: Carolyn, Megan, Tiffany, Kristin, me), who came out to support our teammate Tiffany, who works at Lorna Jane. We may run together, but from the looks of this picture we consider shopping a sport, as well 🙂

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A big thank you to the team at Lorna Jane for setting this up. While I did receive some clothes, all opinions are my own.  I would never promote a brand that I didn’t love. 

StitchFix Shipment No. 4 Review

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Although I only kept two items from my previous StitchFix (read about it here), I’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of box number four. Once again I requested Becca, but this time asked her for some edgier pieces to carry me through the holidays and into winter.

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

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

First up was the Pixley Robyn Teardrop Branch Necklace ($34). I like the design and the shape, but the color wasn’t as bold or exciting as I had hoped. Sometimes it’s had to tell, though, until you get it on and see how it works with an outfit, so I put it in the ‘maybe’ pile.

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Next was the Andrew Marc Bryn Sheer Top Textured Dress ($148). I love a LBD (little black dress) for the holidays, and totally agree with Becca that this one’s “the definition of elegance” with a sheer paneled top and shimmery bottom. The shape is super flattering, although the waist will need to be tailored a bit (I was pinning it back with my hand in the shot above), plus it’s versatile enough to be worn a few different ways.

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Third was a pair of Just Black Jake Slim Bootcut Jeans ($88). Becca was pretty accurate with sizing, and dark denim transitions well from day to night, making this a nice double-duty item. However, I’m starting to accumulate quite a bit of denim, so this was another one to mull over in the ‘maybe’ pile.

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After that came the Market and Spruce Janet Striped Cross Front Sweater ($74). I wrestled — literally — with this one, putting it on upside-down at first (oops!). But once I untangled everything and got it on properly, it was not only cozy, but also a lot different from anything else I’ve got in my closet. Becca suggested pairing it with some heeled ankle boots and a bright scarf for a casual look, which I thought would be fun for winter.

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And, finally, was the Renee C Rocca Chain Trim Open Cardigan ($68). It’s cute, in theory, and I like how the chain-link trim could add some edginess to my wardrobe, but as soon as I felt the fabric I knew it was headed to the ‘no’ pile. Instead of a nice, rich wool, it’s a stiffer, scratchier polyester-type material, which is probably meant to withstand the weight of the metal. But, sadly, it just wasn’t doing it for me.

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So what did I end up buying? Because I was waffling on pretty much everything, the true test was running it by Hubby for a guy’s opinion. Of course, he agreed with my initial reaction to the chain-link sweater and that I didn’t need (another) pair of jeans. The necklace wasn’t met with much enthusiasm, either. And his word to describe the cross-front sweater? “Frumpy.” So out that went, as well!

In the end, the dress was the only clear winner. With a little nip and tuck from the tailor, it’ll be a great LBD for this year’s holiday parties, and since it’s a classic silhouette, I’ll likely keep it for years to come.

My next fix is scheduled for the end of January, and I requested some dressy casual blouses and tops for work. I also asked that we brighten up the color palette to try to combat the inevitable winter doldrums and start looking forward to some bolder items that can be worn for spring.

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! 

Fave Fix: PrAna Early Winter Collection (& discount code!)

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Whether it’s comfort, performance or style, workout clothing should have a clear purpose.  In my case, obnoxiously-bright gear just so happens to get me motivated to work out, even when it’s cold, wet and otherwise crappy outside (and, as I found out last week, it also gets me called out at the gym as a “Californian,” but I digress…).

You know what’s odd, though? Despite all the tanks, tops, sports bras and capris I’ve amassed over the years, I had yet to try anything from prAna. I’ve got a few friends who swear by the brand, and I know they sponsor the lovely LUNA Chix Pro Team, the most successful, longest-running team in the history of professional MTB and XTERRA racing, but that was the extent of my knowledge of them.

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So I considered it kismet when prAna partnered up with Fit Approach to help get the word out about the new Early Winter Collection. Getting to check out an organization with a mission of being socially mindful, environmentally sustainable and that offers gear that not only withstands the rigors of the outdoors but also the demands of world-class athletes? Well, that’s a no brainer.

As it turns out, the 22-year-old company was started by Beaver Theodosakis and his wife Pam in their garage in Carlsbad, Calif. and continues their commitment to sustainability, community and right action to this day. Their purposeful garments are designed for freedom of movement with hidden technical features — and what started as a cult favorite within the yoga and climbing communities has extended to people who share a love of the outdoors and related lifestyles.

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Knowing that I’d soon be facing a dreary Portland winter, I decided to test out the Drea Jacket ($99) and Prism Capri Legging ($70) for keeping my core warm and spirits high, respectively. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll continue the SF trend of wearing workout gear around town and sport these puppies both in the gym and out and about for errands.

Yes, the Drea is another fleece hoodie; we’ve all got a few rotating in and out of our wardrobe. But what makes this one so special is that its made from a moisture-wicking stretch performance fleece, so you can throw it on after spin class or an hour of yoga without worrying about getting overheated or pitting it out at brunch. Ribbing at the side body and hood give it a more fitted shape, and built-in cuff hand warmers help keep fingers toasty.

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And the capris, well, they’re quickly becoming my go-to when I’m looking to spice up my outfit with bottoms that are durable, flattering and (most importantly) fun. The “stylized stitching” is supposed to add sporty flair, but I found it quite functional — strategic placement under the knee on both front and back conveniently help keep the pants from riding up.

Mindfully designed. Built to last. And best of all? Available at a discount, just in time for holiday shopping! Use KineticFix’s special code (pspf14kf) at checkout for 15% off your entire order.

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Happy shopping…and sweating, friends 🙂

Fave Fix: FlipBelt running belt

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Running is a constant game of trial and error. Sometimes you strike gold with a shoe that complements your stride or a gel that sits well on a sensitive tummy. Other times you strike out, be it a chafe-y short, a hat that overheats…or that time I tried to outsmart myself during a half marathon and store two gels in my sports bra (long story short, it ended very badly for both ‘girls’).

So I’m always on the lookout for gear that allows me to take any element of chance out of runs, particularly the long ones where there’s A) a higher risk of something going awry, and B) decent odds that I’ll be a good distance from home when it happens. And bonus points if it allows me to go hands-free, because we all know that the amount of “stuff” you have to carry is directly proportional to your mileage — meaning, mo’ miles, mo’ problems juggling my keys, phone, headphones, gels, water, etc.

Enter FlipBelt, which is one of those so-simple-it’s-brilliant products — literally, it’s a tubular fabric waistband in which you can tuck all your must-have items while exercising (click here to see it in action). And to keep everything even more secure, all you have to do is flip the belt inward, effectively “locking” the openings against your body so nothing pops out.

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Easy-peasy. But does it work?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had notoriously bad experiences with products that sit around my hips while running. Be it my mechanics, anatomy or just personal preference, I get super annoyed when anything slips, bounces or is at all noticeable (again, like that time I tried a hip hydration pack and ended up having to strap it — mid-run — around the lower half of my butt to keep it from jostling around = #RunningFail).

The shot above is of me in the FlipBelt with six gels in it, plus my keys (there’s even a handy little lanyard key clip if you’re especially OCD about losing them, like I am). I took it for a few test runs during some of my recent treadmill workouts, so it got put through the paces thoroughly at both a walk and a jog.

My verdict? It didn’t budge, bounce or otherwise both me. Success!

The only con I can see is that it isn’t waterproof, but that’s probably so you don’t end up with a big, hot ring of sweat around your waist. And if you want to store your phone in the FlipBelt and keep it from getting wet, there’s an easy fix: just slip it in a waterproof Ziploc bag, and you’re good to go. When you’re using it to play music, however, or want to access it more often, like I do, then you may want to opt for an armband for regular access.

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Not only is it easy-care (the fabric is machine washable), but it’s also so easy-wear that I’m even considering breaking my “nothing new on race day” rule and using it in my upcoming marathon to tote all the essentials — nutrition, phone and keys — for 26.2 miles.

For more information or to order one of your own, visit FlipBelt.com.

This post was sponsored by FlipBelt through their partnership with Fit Approach. I was not compensated monetarily, but was provided a FLipBelt for review. As always, all opinions are my own.

StitchFix Shipment No. 3 Review

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After my stylist nailed my previous StitchFix (read about it here), I couldn’t wait for my third box to arrive. Not only did I re-request Becca, but I also mentioned that I was going to be moving to Portland and would love some new items for fall.

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

If the move taught me one thing, though, it’s that I need to streamline my wardrobe; I’ve been holding onto items that should have been cleared out a looong time ago, so for every new item I take in, I’ve decided to donate an existing one. Now, let’s take a look at came in this month’s box!

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First was the Collective Concepts Diane Abstract Dot Print Button Up Blouse ($34). At first glance, I wasn’t sure. The shape and collar are fun, but I don’t usually like short, wide tops that accentuate my hips. The print is fun, though, and I love the contrasting color, so it went into the ‘maybe’ pile.

Next was a pair of Kut from the Kloth Sonja Straight Leg Jean ($78), according to the list — but the style was actually the Catherine Boyfriend Jean, which I actually like better because I can roll the bottoms. Plus, I just ripped a pair of jeans getting into the car (whoops), so these were a total ‘yes!’

Third was the 41Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse ($48). Great color, slim shape, and I can wear it either loose or tucked in to both pants and skirts, so it’s super versatile. Another ‘yes!’

After that came the Bay to Baubles Lysander Gem Stone Statement Collar ($44). I like the departure from the typical bubble necklaces, and it’s got some good color in it with the white, blue and orange. But at $44, I’d want to make sure I was in love with it. Again, another ‘maybe.’

And, finally, came the Sugarlips Corra Striped Fit & Flare Skirt ($68). Yikes. All flare and not much fit there, huh? I like where Becca was going with this (and she said she pulled the look based on my Pinterest page), but it was just way too long and poufy in the waist. A definite ‘no.’

So what did I end up buying? The jeans and the pink blouse made the grade; I sent the blue top back because it was just too short and wide, and same for the skirt because, well, it made me look too short and wide. And the necklace…as much as I like it, the quality didn’t feel like $44, so it went back, as well.

My next fix is scheduled for mid-November, and I requested some fun pieces for winter and the holidays. I even mentioned that we could go a little bolder in my notes to the stylist, so I’m excited to see what she chooses.

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…woohoo! 

Fave Fix: Ahnu Sugarpine hiking boot

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Having left behind the epic trail scenery of San Francisco and Marin, it’s about time we checked out what Oregon has to offer on those just-gotta-get-out-of-the-city days. And after living on both coasts, plus a few cities in between, I’d say there’s hardly a better place to be in summer than the Pacific Northwest, especially if you’re into hiking…and, oh, waterfalls.

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So a few weekends ago when we had some friends in town from the Bay Area, we decided to whet our appetites for adventure by paying a visit to Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls. It’s home to one of Oregon’s most popular trails — a moderate, 2.2-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain to the top of the 542-foot, “two-tiered plume that plummets into a misty, mossy forest grotto.”

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Not only was it a great way to work off the Blue Star doughnuts we inhaled for breakfast that morning, but it was also a good opportunity for me to test out my new pair of Ahnu Sugarpine hiking boots. This style came highly recommended by Melissa, a friend and former colleague who now works for the company, in anticipation of me taking to the beautiful, bountiful trails of Oregon.

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Aside from getting a few compliments from fellow hikers on my way up the switchbacks — this style is known for its bright color, yet low profile — I was more interested in the function rather than the fashion of these shoes. But true to Ahnu form they performed beautifully, giving me just the right amount of traction, support, stability, shock absorption and protection…in what felt as comfy as my favorite pair of sneakers.

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Did I mention they’re waterproof, too? I’ve been hearing that kind of gear will come in handy for the season that follows summer up here: Rain.

This isn’t a sponsored post; just helping a friend get the word out about a great company with good products. For more information on Ahnu, visit the site here. 

5 things I love about the Runtastic Orbit activity tracker

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Earlier this month, I mentioned that my friends at Fit Approach asked if I’d like to check out the new Runtastic Orbit. While I had yet to jump on the fitness tracker bandwagon — because, hey, I’m fairly active as-is and already track my weekly mileage — I thought it’d be fun to experiment with a different way of quantifying my weekly activity.

To be honest, though, I wasn’t expecting much more than a glorified pedometer. But after a few weeks of testing this puppy, I’m officially converted!

Rather than ramble off a full list of features and benefits (for all that info, visit the site), however, I want to address exactly WHY I’m digging the Orbit so much. Here are five reasons why it’s become my latest training buddy:

1. It’s user-friendly

Although I work in tech PR, I can be surprisingly un-techy at times. But the Orbit was easy to set up and simple to use. Just charge it, download the accompanying Runtastic Me mobile app, press the navigation button, and you’re good to go. Who wants to read through a complicated owner’s manual when the goal is to just get moving?

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2. It’s cordless

Charging aside, that is — and even then the battery life is about five days. But when it comes to syncing, there’s no need for pesky USBs, which makes it much easier to use on the fly. All I do is open the app and have my Orbit nearby, then all the information transfers quickly and seamlessly from the device to the app dashboard for me to access (and pore over…see no. 5).

3. It’s durable 

While it’s not (yet) tracking activities such as swimming and biking, the Orbit is waterproof up to 300 feet. To put that in perspective: Most other wearables on the market can barely handle a shower. It’s nice to know I can go about my day, whether I’m at the pool or doing dishes, and not have to think about removing it.

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4. It reminds me to move

What good is tracking all of this activity (or lackthereof) if you aren’t able to act on it and establish better habits? I do a lot of computer work (i.e. sit on my butt for hours at a time), but I can set the Orbit to vibrate when I’m idle for more than an hour, which is a great reminder to keep me from sitting in one spot for too long.

5. It helps me sleep

Well, not literally — as great as it is, the Orbit can’t sing me a lullaby or rock me into REM — but having the ability to view sleep length and quality has gotten me into the habit of trying to hit the sack a bit earlier. Yes, having a competitive streak can also come in handy when it comes to getting in good slumber time.

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Courtesy of tomsguide.com

And coming soon, Runtastic promises to add some handy Orbit features, such as mood tracking and ambient light measurement to give you reminders when it’s time to reapply sunscreen. It’ll be a great feeling to know that your wearable’s not only got your back, but will also keep it from getting burned!

For more information, visit the website here.

I was provided a Runtastic Orbit device for review. All opinions are my own.  

Fave Fix: Tieks ballet flats, take two

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Work hard, train hard, wear flats.

That might as well be the active gal’s mantra — well, at least here in San Francisco.

Why? We walk. Everywhere. And then there are the hills.

So it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise to me that Tieks has been one of the most consistently-searched terms on the site since I did my first post about ’em last fall.

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No, the company didn’t send me a free pair to review. I bought ’em myself after reading some glowing recommendations elsewhere in the blogsophere.

Ok, and maybe Hubby had hit his limit of me attempting to configure date-night outfits around sneakers, too. 

But, regardless, they’ve become my favorite “dressy” footwear…so much so that I requested a second pair for a recent birthday.

Because I won’t bat an eye at crazy endurance events, but ask me to wear heels, and it’s GAME OVER.

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KineticFix is on summer vacation, so I’m revisiting some of the most popular posts in the meantime! 

StitchFix Shipment No. 2 Review

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If you still haven’t heard of StitchFix, you gotta check it out (and, no — they don’t pay me to say that; I’m just a fan).

It’s a personal styling service for women where you fill out a profile and receive a handpicked “Fix” of five clothing items and accessories unique to your taste, budget and lifestyle. Buy what you like, return the rest. It’s as simple as that.

After my first Fix, I was intrigued. And after my second? I’m officially hooked.

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Knowing that it takes a cycle or two to get to know specific style and sizing preferences, I wasn’t shocked when I kept only one of the five items the first time around.

But after providing detailed feedback on what fit, what didn’t, what I liked, and what I didn’t, my StitchFix stylist absolutely nailed it this latest package.

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First was the Gilli Gabbiey Sleeveless Maxi Dress in Teal Green ($74). Love the color, the style, the fit and how comfy it feels. A keeper, and this will be so great for summer travel!

Next was a pair of Margaret M Duboce Straight Leg Jeans in White ($108). White jeans are tough enough, let alone when you’re pairing a straight leg style on an athletic body. But I’m glad I went against my initial reaction of, “No. Way.” and tried these on. Success!

Third was the Alternative Apparel Welch Tie Dye Print Button-Up Tank in Light Grey ($74). Another style that I might not have chosen for myself off the rack, but the fit was great and Hubby loved it, so my decision was made.

After that came the Pomelo Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan in Coral ($74). The shape is very unusual — the zipper zips on the side, and the neck drapes into a cowl — so I think it’ll make a fun layering piece for travel.

And, finally, came the Pomelo Moni Stud Detail Tile Print Top in Black ($58). This was the only one I was wavering on, but the fit and details worked well — plus if you keep all five items you get an extra 25 percent off the entire order — so it was a no-brainer.

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Add said and done, I purchased the entire shipment, and I’m thrilled with how Becca (my stylist) did. In fact, I even requested her again for the next shipment, which I’ve scheduled for September.

Next time around, I requested some fresh items for fall. And I’ll be updating my personal Pinterest page, which she said she used as inspiration. Can’t wait for the next one!

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!