Retail Therapy

Product Review: Aftershokz Trekz Titanium goes PINK

- Mel

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Pink to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Trekz_Titanium wirefree headphones

I think a common problem among runners is keeping earbuds in (those of us who enjoy training with music). It took me a while to find a pair that wouldn’t consistently pop out — or wouldn’t outright HURT my tiny ears. So when the opportunity to try an outside-the-ear, wireless headphone product came up with BibRave, I jumped at the chance to try these out.

Product Highlights: Trekz Titanium Pink are wireless, sweat-resistant and perfect for runners. They don’t go inside your ears, so you don’t need to worry about them falling out! Trekz Titanium Pink are flexible and lightweight — made with a titanium frame. Designed with an open ear concept, the limited-edition hot pink headphones keep you aware of your surroundings while you listen to music, all while raising awareness of breast and ovarian cancer. ‘Tis the season to go PINK.

A photo posted by Mel! (@melliesmel) on

First impression: Obviously, I LOVE the color. And I’m completely digging the wireless, bluetooth connection. My first use, they were comfortable, and I was impressed that I could really get them to stay in place, since the band wraps around the back of your head. I’ve read a few other reviewers recommend fitting above a low ponytail, but I’m a high bun lady and I didn’t have any movement. While they didn’t sit quite the same over a hat — I had to adjust them a few times — for the most part, I forgot they were there.

Usability: I didn’t read any of the instructions before use and found them completely user-friendly and easy to figure out. It only took a couple minutes to pair with my iPhone. They came already charged up and all the buttons and controls were fairly intuitive for turning the unit on, changing the volume, and forwarding tracks on my playlist. I really liked the voice prompts, too, for confirming the headphones were on. Charge time is up to 2 hours, and battery life will last 6+ hour with continuous playback, or 10 days on standby. You can also use these for phone calls!

Aftershokz blogger product review bibravepro

How to wear: The transducers rest on the cheekbones, just outside of the ears. The frame loops over, with the band resting behind the head. Because it’s a new “thing,” I had a short adjustment period, feeling some heaviness when resting over my ears on one of my long runs — kind of like the feeling when you wear a pair of sunglasses for too long. But thereafter, I haven’t experienced it again. The Trekz come with fitbands to help with fitting smaller heads, if you’re worried about any flopping or movement.

The concept of the outside-the-ear headphone is excellent, but listening to music this way is definitely unusual — to be honest, it was a little unnerving jamming out and still hearing birds and crickets. After a few wears though, I barely notice them now. I even ran in them for my 5-mile race! The sound is super impressive, with toggles for the EQ to pump up that bass.

30-something Approved: I am completely sold on the cord-free lifestyle, and I will definitely continue using these for my outdoor runs. I also realized how convenient they were for work, so I can listen to my podcasts and not completely drown out my coworkers. For times when you want to jam and drown everything (and everyone) out, earplugs can be paired (though I’ll probably just switch back to my noise canceling earbuds.

Aftershokz Go Pink trekz

#AwareWithPink: Afershokz is donating 25% of each unit sold from September 1st to October 31st to Bright Pink — a non-profit whose mission is to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer, empowering women to be proactive about their health from a young age. Every time the hashtag #AwareWithPink is shared on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, AfterShokz will donate an additional 25 cents to Bright Pink to help fund their continued efforts.

Bonus: Use code PINK at check out when purchasing the limited edition pink headphones, and receive a FREE small portable storage case to go with your Trekz Titanium headphones.

The home furnishings shopping adventure: Iowa edition!

- Mel 3 Comments

Last weekend, the boyfriend and I planned a shopping adventure, to fill in some missing decor around the house and buy things that we know we definitely needed (like, new guest towels). Here are the places that were included in the fun:

30something shopping Iowa house
Shopping haul!

at home – we had one of these stores in Pittsburgh, but it felt like it was always either Christmas decorations or crap that dropped off a truck. Our store here is AMAZING. Like HomeGoods amazing. We found an outdoor rug for the deck and a bunch of little vases for various spaces in the house. And placemats that match the kitchen for 50% off! It definitely takes some time to look through everything but it was worth it.

World Market – we shop here pretty often because of the amazing deals on wine (no shame; we’re used to paying so much more for alcohol in Pennsylvania), and I’ve missed this store since living near one in Ohio. PS: They do FREE wine tastings on Saturday afternoons, so I need to reorganize my shopping habits. I intended to purchase a pink chair for my office, but they didn’t it have in stock. I did find two little adorable boxed fake succulents and a bottle of Reisling that’s shaped like a cat though! 🙂

Spoiler alert: I found an actual office chair — not just a tufted dining chair — that I liked even better later in the day.

Bed, Bath & Beyond – we received a 20% off ENTIRE ORDER coupon in a welcome letter from our local store manager (hooray, moving discounts!), so we filled the cart with a bunch of stuff we needed. I threw some shade at the price of bathroom garbage cans ($40??? Seriously?!); however, I found my matching flatware set from Oneida, which I’ve been trying to match online (not knowing the name) unsuccessfully since two Thanksgivings ago. BIG SHOPPING WIN!

Homemakers – we found this place totally by accident, and decided that after a much-needed lunch of Mexican food, we’d circle back around to check it out. Right upon entry, we were greeted by a giant Adirondack chair that I just HAD to climb in for a photo.

homemakers beach chair iowa

This was definitely my favorite stop of the day!

Since this place was more for furniture than decor (though they do have much of both!), we were looking at some shelves/entertainment center options opposite our TV. I think we finally came to an agreement of how to decorate that wall in the basement and purchased two tall shelves to anchor the TV — and I need to measure the remaining distance to see if a credenza that we liked there will also fit. This is also where I found my aforementioned sweet upholstered (!!!) office chair.

Best of all though, we had a SUPER friendly salesperson and he loves Cleveland more than Pittsburgh, so we gave him all our money (kidding, kinda). Seriously though, he gave us a few ideas of day trips that were totally in line with our interests and I LOVE THIS PLACE SO DANG MUCH. He even told us about the warehouse history — it used to be a Parker Brothers factory!

Normally we would have also stopped at Pier1, but I’ve already been there twice in the last few weeks. 😉

PS: my blush accent chairs for the living room are STILL back-ordered from Home Decorators. GRRRRR.

Product Review: Wantable Fitness Edit #2

- Mel

This post contains referral links.

30-something Therapy_Fitness Edit 2

This is my second Wantable Fitness Edit [referral link]. I received a couple new brands in this box, along with some repeats from my first box; however, this one was a bust compared to last month.

30something Shape Activewear Wantable

1. Shape Active Long Sleeve Drop Tail Tee in Heather Gray XS ($44.00) — A repeat brand from last month, I feel like Shape activewear is all over the place in terms of quality. I do like this top — the Tencel fabric is really soft — and the fit is a true XS. Though, it’s not really all that long in the back, which is what “drop tail” in the description would make you think. Plus, when using the thumbholes, the arm seams feel twisted and tighten up the sleeves in a weird way. I have enough long-sleeved layering shirts, however, so I’m sending this one back. I would honestly be really concerned about wearing and washing this one, too, since it feels really thin.

30something therapy Wantable Prismsport activewear

2. Prismsport Lifestyle Peplum Jacket Saddle in mustard snake print (?) S (original $158.00 LOL; on sale for $94.80) — Another repeat brand from last month. Um… yeah. This jacket is ugly AF and not at all my style. #sorrynotsorry

I’m already not a fan of overly-feminine details on athletic wear – a ruching here or a feminine print there is OK, but I will NEVER wear something like this to work out in. Despite that, and even considering maybe wearing it casually, it feels reminiscent of a neoprene jacket that I had to wear when I worked at a zoo. Just, all over NO on this piece. I mean, it’s not even lined. Where the hell am I going to wear this? I’d be offended and angry if it didn’t make me laugh so hard.

30-something Wantable Just Live brand
I normally don’t take such extreme close-ups of my chest, but this front fastener needed that treatment.

3. Just Live Power Through Legging in Rustic Watercolor XS ($86.00) — I felt “meh” about these pants the second that I pulled them out of the box. The print is nice, but there’s something about the thickness and slickness of the fabric that I did not like. The product details state that they’re made from a signature YOLON blend (whatever that is) and are “fade proof, odor resistant, and designed to provide superior workout-enhancing compression.” The fit was great, though because of the compression, I struggled with some bunching above and below my calves. They weren’t impossible to put on when compared to other compression pants that I own. Still, I didn’t feel enough love to want to keep them.

4. Just Live Girls Best Friend Sports Bra in Rustic Watercolor S ($52.00) — This is the same watercolor print as the Just Live leggings. With all the terribleness of a front-zip sports bra thrown in. Interestingly, it did fit really well for being a small (I’m a genuine 34A cup), but there’s a tiny catch hook inside the zipper that kept unlatching and I was only taking pictures, so… this piece was also a NOPE.

30-something Soybu Wantable Fitness Edit

5. Soybu Camii Legging in Gemstone Space Dye XS ($64.00) — I think the prices of the two leggings in this box should be swapped! Is this something with space dye fabric, by the way? I noticed that space dye is always cheaper on Fabletics apparel too. The quality of these leggings per the price are fantastic — these are super soft and have really nice seams. I don’t own a pair of stirrups either (the stirrups can be “hidden” when bunched up at the ankle). I believe that I’ll find myself wearing these often for yoga and lounging around the house. The colors in this print are so pretty too!

The merchandise total is $340.80; if I were to keep everything in the box, I would get a 20% discount (and deduct the styling fee of $20) and the total would be $252.64. Since I really love the Soybu leggings, they’re totally worth paying an additional $44.00 to keep. Everything else was returned in the pre-labeled USPS bag that Wantable provides with every shipment.

Since we anticipate moving next month, I’ve skipped my shipment for March. But I’m excited to see what early-spring pieces I’ll receive in my April Edit!

Product Review: Wantable Fitness Edit

- Mel

This post contains referral links.

Since I work out a lot and generally wear casual clothing, I like the idea of a Stitch Fix-esque subscription service for athletic apparel. I recently signed up for my first Wantable Fitness Edit [referral link] because I’ve been bored (and somewhat) disappointed with Fabletics lately, which I’ve subscribed to for a couple years (certainly not purchasing every month, but have had a good run). Fabletics bottoms have been awesome, but their tops are just plain awful in regards to quality, material and sizing (I even tried a dress once, which had ZERO STRETCH, and just no).

I received five items from Wantable to try on at home, with a good variety in items and brands. Wantable offers a similar discount to Stitch Fix when you purchase everything from your box. Imagine my immediate disappointment, then, when I received an incorrect item in my Edit. Wantable customer service took care of the problem via email AND offered a discount (in form of a return) when I returned the incorrect item and if I purchased the other four things (which, I did). There was no charge for returning items.

For athletic brands, I am all over the place in terms of sizing – and somewhere between an XS and S (even though I’m generally a size 2 in street clothing). Even at lulu, while I am regularly a 4, some of the same-numbered-sizes tops can be too tight in the band or upper arms. Often in other brands, I cannot fit bottoms over my calves (sometimes, more incredulously, over my thighs); I guess my shoulders are kind of broad for a broad my size too. SHRUG.

Wantable Fitness Edit, apparel, exercise, 30-something

Here’s what I got in my first Fitness Edit (prices indicated are full-price before discount):

1. Glyder Elongate Legging Spanish Tile Jacquard XS ($70.00): I love the pattern on these, and think that I would wear them for both exercise and casual. Although, I was a little disappointed at their performance in hot yoga (falling down in the back/band stretching out). These are pretty tight-fitting in the legs, otherwise, so I can’t imagine wearing something SMALLER than an XS – these already were difficult changing into after sweating/freezing outside from my run (note: I haven’t run in them yet; don’t think I would either) and OMG they are a little tight on my large-for-my-body calves. Fabric quality and stretch is definitely in line with the price though. Even better with the “buy all the items” discount.

2. Shape Active 2-in-1 Twist Back Athletic Tank Heather Crystalline XS ($58.00): I LOVED this top, so much so that I was willing to overlook the fact that I could barely pull the bra on. There was ZERO stretch, and I ended up ripping the seams open on the band (Seriously, WTF?!). I thought the top itself was still worth the price though, despite the awful bra (thankfully, they are separate pieces). The fit is perfect and the thin mesh layer in the open back was completely breathable – and it worked really well in hot yoga for me.

Wantable Fitness Edit, athletic apparel, 30something, shape sports bra

3. Pink Lotus Shirred Bust Racerback Bra XS (clearance item: $39.00): super cheap deal for adding another sports bra to my arsenal, so kind of hard to pass up. I loved the print, and the fit was pretty good, albeit a little bit snug on the bottom band (at least it stretches!); although, there was no separation for the bra pads (and it was impossible to get them to sit in the cups properly, so I removed them both because I would seriously rather have some pointy nip action than a uni-boob.

4. Prismsport Loose Tank XS ($48.00): I legit needed a top like this! Simple, racer-back style that fits really well. I like the semi-sheerness to show off a cute printed bra underneath. This will be a very versatile top for my varied workouts (though probably not in the dirty-ness of the CrossFit gym).

5. Trina Turk tank ($76.00) in a beautiful teal green (but a size Large, whomp). I LOVE the Trina Tank brand and have never tried their workout clothing. It looks to be of the same quality and design standards that you would expect from Trina Turk, however. Disappointed that this wasn’t meant for me. Though for a tank, I had a bit of sticker shock!

30-something Wantable Fitness Edit Trina Turk tank

My box was supposed to include another pair of pants – Moto Leggings from Pink Lotus (XS) that seemed to match the sports bra in the box (I couldn’t find my packing slip, and when you don’t purchase an item, the price doesn’t show online in my account, but I think they were priced around $78.00).

Overall, I like the subscription, and their customer service did good by me. I’ll certainly order another Fitness Edit in February – and I hope that I have more success with sizing and accuracy. If you’re interested in signing up for your own Fitness Edit, feel free to use my Wantable affiliate link! I promise that I’ll work on getting better pictures of this gear as I wear it, too!

Product Review: Apera Bags Performance Duffel

- Mel

I’ve been on a search for the perfect gym/workout bag for far too long. Last year, I was gifted this Gaiam yoga bag for Christmas. It proved to be too small for my two-a-day run//yoga//run//club necessities; the shoe pouch was also too small for my Size 9.5 sneakers. And once I upgraded my yoga mat to a Manduka, I could no longer use the straps underneath to carry under the bag (the Manduka mats are, like, 10x heavier than those everyday, cheapie mats). Then, I received another bag this year courtesy of Chelsea Collective preview party. I really wanted to like this bag — my shoes fit after a little Tetris-ing, there was plenty of storage, and the straps were the right size — but I missed having an exterior pocket to hold a water bottle, of all things. Plus, the zippers seemed overly difficult to move and the bag overall feels a little cheaply made.

On Black Friday I saw a tweet about Apera Bags and a 20% sale, so I finally decided to make the Big Purchase (I consider dropping $100+ on a workout bag a Big Purchase). I landed on the Apera Performance Duffel.

apera bag review 30something therapy

Few things that I outwardly LOVE about it: It fits everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. The bag has great organization for my needs and can hold a LOT of gear — it fit TWO PAIRS of Size 9.5 sneakers on both ends (this bag has two separate shoe pockets) while also holding a freaking laptop. It’s a NICE looking bag, and it is obvious that it’s well-made. Bonus: SO MANY POCKETS with/without zippers, some with mesh for airing stuff out! The bag came with its own interior wet bag too. I can even fit my yoga mat inside (and peek the top out) if I want.

Some mehs: it’s actually quite large — while not totally a breaking point for me since I needed a bigger bag, it kind of overwhelms my frame and was awkward to carry with all of my stuff in it. This purchase continues my streak of being completely unaware of dimensions when purchasing items online.

30something therapy apera bag review
You like my “workout” pants? 😛

POO: The strap is WAY too long for my body — even when pulled all the way tight from both ends — and not all that comfortable to carry when walking the mile+ to work with all my stuff. It hits just below my butt and even pulled up my skirt (!!!). And after using the Nike bag from Chelsea Collective, I kind of missed the option of carrying like a tote (the Apera bag has two small handles at the top to lift but I can’t carry at any length with them).

So, I’m a little disappointed because I *really* need a commuter-style workout bag and I really love this bag, BUT I think I might keep this to replace my roller derby bag: 1) because my derby bag really needs to be replaced and 2) because this bag is so huge that it might actually fit all my gear. I’m not sure about how it will handle the weight, though; would be an interesting test.

30something therapy workout roller derby bag review
This bag is seriously, like, 20 years old. If it ain’t broke, right? Wait…

Completely off-topic tangent on my current derby bag: One of the zippers of the outside side pocket broke off when a piece of my gear got stuck in it (at an away game in Columbus, Ohio; hilarious that I remember it because I was pretty mad that night and I obviously have brute strength). The long strap is being held on by mustache-printed duct tape (seriously). I bought this as part of my FIRST luggage set (yes, I used to have an entire set in this color scheme) at a Super Kmart when I was a freaking teenager. But, hey, the colors match my team’s uniforms, so that’s fun!

Here’s some benefits (and a tl;dr), if you’re looking at Apera bags:

  • Sanitized-Infused antimicrobial product protection resists the formation of bacterial odor, inside and out.
  • Two flexible exterior water bottle pockets.
  • Padded shoulder strap and two top carry handles.
  • Exterior pocket for a laptop and tablet storage.
  • Immense capacity features 43 litres of storage volume.
  • Water-resistant base protects the interior from moisture.
  • Laser-cut venting for your bag to breathe, ventilate, and stay healthy.
  • Large exterior pocket on each end holds a pair of men’s size 12 shoes.
  • Comes with a Fit Pocket washable insert.

I could probably use this Apera bag for race-cations and other travel weekends too. There’s a possibility that I may exchange for a smaller bag but I haven’t completely decided on that yet (and tbh, I am the worst with actually returning things; for the record: Apera has an amazing no-hassle return policy and free shipping). I even tossed the idea of getting the strap taken in at the luggage repair place but that seems ridiculous to spend even MORE money on a bag that was already over $100.

The search for my “perfect” workout bag, however, continues.

Note: I purchased this Apera Performance Duffel for my own needs, and did not receive any compensation for reviewing and/or this post.

Retail Therapy: what I bought at NY & Company

- Mel

So, not only was I super impressed by a recent Fall sale online, but I was totally smitten with cute separates. Furthermore, I was BLOWN AWAY by quality. That’s saying a lot about a mall store that (as much as it pains me to admit) for the longest time I thought was catered to plus sizes.

NOT THAT THERE’S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. 

But, I’m decidedly small and borderline petite, so this misconception was keeping me away from a store that I haven’t shopped at for many years (the days when I was pushing size 12-14, which to be honest, I don’t even know where plus sizes begin). The misconception, of course, is my own.

I haven’t brought much attention to my “secretary spread of yesteryear” — mostly because I feel shamed at talking about body issues when I’m so tiny. But just as it happens to many women, I fell into an overweight (for my body frame) phase in my late 20s. I’ve always wanted to be larger-but-fit, especially because I’m now a roller derby player (and I have the sport to thank for creating some amazing curves on my small frame). The boobs? Yes, that’s why there’s Victoria’s Secret. I’ve become most fond of t-shirt bras that don’t make me look lumpy. But with being fit, working out makes my metabolism jump into overdrive. Thank you, genetics?

For disclosure: I typically fall somewhere between a size 2 or 4 (depending on the store/designer, natch); I’m 5’4” (heh, used to be an extra 3/4 of an inch… harumph), and I weigh around 125 lbs (but that fluctuates weekly between 122-127). My bust is 33; my hips are 36. Most of everything I bought (tops) is a small; bottoms can be tough, since I’m super small waisted, with a growing bottom (YES!!!), but I usually size up (then take what I need to the tailor). Regardless, these measurements might/not help you shop NY & Company clothing.

BE THAT AS IT MAY… wow, this post is getting away from me.

My bounty of awesome (that cost me only around $150, for serious):

Zig-zag knit vest — I could kick myself for tossing all my old sweater vests. I don’t own much in the red color family, mostly because of how it looks on my skin, but this deeper, almost-burgundy is spot-on.

Pointelle Sweater Vest — ahem, next verse same as the first. There was something about the style, the flow and color of this. It was irresistible.

A couple skinny belts: skinny lizard and shimmering skinny (in silver). A woman who is short with a long torso needs to define her waist. Always.

Smocked Tunic Shirt — all the waist skimming with the belting! Also see: need more white blouses; this one is just a pullover, which is nice.

Ruffle Placket Shirt — I bought this in powder blue, since I just donated an old, shrunken short-sleeve blouse that I wore tirelessly in the same color. Alas, it was DECIDEDLY shrunken, and PERSONAL OPINION: I don’t think that women over 30 should wear “belly shirts.” Just saying.

Ruffle Front Mesh Cap Sleeve Shirt — this is probably my favorite item I’ve purchased in a while. This color blue is so hard to find (even though I have three tops almost the same color in my closet; different styles, of course), AND IT LOOKS THE BEST ON ME! So, I’m excited to rock it. A lot. 

Silky Abstract Feather Drawstring Dress — true story: IMPULSE PURCHASE. I don’t do well with silky fabrics (they make me sweat! seriously, why is that?!), but I loved the style and print and POCKETS of this dress. It needs a little tailoring (length), but it’s not too often anymore that I purchase something crazy — and I was in the perfect mood.

Wow, that was some therapy, eh? Ah, I feel better. 🙂 THANKS FOR THAT, NY&CO! 

Did you make any impulse purchases this Fall?