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what I'm loving

My Rothys Review: The Sneaker is the Bomb

June 26, 2019 By Audrey Raetzloff 1 Comment

Have you heard about the sustainable, recycled, ultra-comfy flats from Rothys? They’re made out of recycled water bottles, but you’d never know it when wearing them! Maybe you’ve even had your eye on a pair, but when you look at the price, you’re like, “WHOA! I’m out.” I get it; they’re an investment, but here’s why I think you should treat yourself to a pair. (A few months ago I wrote about how to save money on Rothys since they literally never go on sale.)

My Rothys Review: The Sneaker

Sizing Considerations

Rothys offers a few different styles for women including the flat, the point, the loafer, and the sneaker. I got a pair of the flats and a pair of the points, but ended up returning them because they were a little snug. Lesson learned: I would suggest sizing up a half size, at least that’s what worked best for me. They don’t stretch with wear!
I just bought a pair of deep navy and gray camo sneakers and let me tell you, they’re awesome! I wear a size 9 in regular shoes, and a size 9.5 in running shoes. I’d recommend sizing up a half-size from your normal shoe size. I originally had a 9, but they were just a bit snug. I’m much more comfortable in the 9.5.

Can Be Dressed Up or Down

I don’t find myself in too many fancy situations these days. I’ve taken the summer off work to stay home with my 7 and 4 year old. I’m going to be spending a lot of time at the zoo, The Magic House, and the pool which means lots of walking and lots of chasing after kids. I love that Rothys can be worn with shorts, joggers, jeans, or a cute skirt or dress. They’re so versatile! Also, since they should last several years AND they have multiple purposes, you’re really getting a lot of bang for your buck with this shoe.

A Washable Shoe?!

As a mom, I’m always out and about. On top of that, my world is just one spill after another. I needed a pair of shoes that was not only cute and comfy, but also washable! You heard that right! You can throw your Rothys in the wash and they’ll look as good as new. I haven’t personally washed mine yet, but I’ve seen what they look like after a wash and it’s crazy how well it works!

Tip: To keep the rubber looking brand-new, I swear by Norwex cleaning paste and envirocloths! They work on so many surfaces in your home!

Sustainablity

Rothys founders recognized a gap in the market. Up until this point, there wasn’t a comfortable, high-quality shoe that was made sustainably. From production to distribution, Rothys is conscious about sustainability. Both the products and packaging used are made from recycled materials.

Traditional waste in the industry is 37%, while Rothys’ is only 6%. They can control this number because they own and operate their factories. Learn more about Rothys sustainability.

Free Shipping and Free Returns

Buying shoes online can be a challenge because you can’t try them on first. With Rothys you can rest assured that you’ll be able to return them if they aren’t the right size without paying an arm and a leg.

They Hold Their Value

I was able to sell my used Rothys for $100 each after wearing them and deciding they were a bit small. That’s unheard of to get that much of your money back! I am on all kinds of buy/sell/trade sites and you’re lucky to get about 25% of your money back! I was able to get almost all of my money back.

Deals for Teachers

Are you a teacher? Rothys has a special program just for you where you could get 20% off your purchase!


My Rothys Review: In Summary

I have two pairs of the sneakers and just bought a pair for my mom! Once they get new styles and colors, I’m sure I’ll get more! (Don’t forget to check out my post on how to save on your Rothys.) Here are my top favorite things about them:

  • They’re comfortable
  • You can tell they’re really well made
  • Rothys are washable so you don’t have to worry about stank foot
  • They can be dressed up or down
  • The company focuses on sustainability from production to packaging
  • They’re stylish
  • While they’re not as cheap as a shoe from Target, they are a superior quality (Meghan Markle wears them, so we know they must be good.)

Skip a few cups of coffee and save up for a pair; you won’t regret it!

Want to Check Out other Things I’m Loving?

  • Best Summer Reads 2018
  • My Top 4 Zyia Favorites
  • Top 10 Podcast Recommendations
  • Rothy’s Discount Codes: 2 Ways to Save

Filed Under: What I'm Loving Tagged With: clothes, fashion, rothy's, rothys review, shoes, what I'm loving

My Top 4 Zyia Favorites

May 17, 2019 By Audrey Raetzloff Leave a Comment

I was first introduced to Zyia Active through a pair of light n tight compression leggings — hot pink ones to be exact. My friend had recently joined the company and was raving about how awesome they were! Wait, you may be thinking, what even is Zyia Active?

Zyia Active is an active lifestyle brand. It is also a culture that believes in embracing activity with excitement, vigor and delight. We feel that pushing your body and mind is easier and more fun with friends and family. Their mission is to inspire and uplift by making activity a fun and essential part of life.

What a fantastic mission statement, don’t you agree? That’s great and all, but if their product doesn’t live up to the hype, then who cares what they say. Well let me tell you, I am a die-hard light n tight fan now. I’ve also added a few more favorite items to my wardrobe, and let me tell you what they are and why I love them.

to 4 zyia favorites

Light n Tight Compression Leggings for Performance

Here’s the thing, I workout a lot (I mean, you probably can’t tell by looking at me, but that’s another story), which means I wash and wear, wash and wear, over and over again. When you buy cheap cotton workout leggings, you are bound to have issues with sweat marks, pilling, thighs burning out your crotch area, and tugging and pulling.

Zyia Light and Tight Leggings

You won’t have any of those problems with the light n tights. They suck it in, hold it all in place, and stay put! They’re also sweat proof so no need to worry about looking like you peed your pants. Did I mention they have two great big pockets…one on each leg! It’s hard to go back to any other pants without those pockets.

I have fallen in love with the quality of the light n tights. In fact, I wore them on the 14 hour drive home from Augusta after my race last fall! The compression was amazing for my super sore, tired legs. They’re great for performance, but I also wear them out and about, too.

Joggers

You know when you want to feel comfy, but look somewhat put together? This is where your new best friend, the joggers, come in.  (I have them in black and navy.) These pants are a super cozy, stretchy material (50% Nylon 45% Polyester 5% Spandex), and they hold their shape! I wore mine 2 days in a row and you couldn’t even tell. They lay nicely, have a wider waistband, and can be dressed up or down!

Zyia Active jogger

Now, real talk, these are on the pricier side at $76. I get it. They are not $20, but they are also not the same level of quality as a pair of $20 sweats. A customer of one of my teammates said that she bought a cheaper pair of joggers on Amazon for around $40 and she could only wear them once. She wore the Zyia joggers four days in a row. Also, this woman is my spirit animal.

All Star Bra

I feel like sports bras can be so hard to find. They’re either cut too high or too low. Don’t offer enough support, or are too restrictive. They rub where they shouldn’t. But, if you’re a woman, unfortunately these are a necessity for most of us. Last fall before my Ironman 70.3, I went to my local running store and decided that I was going to buy 2 good bras no matter how much they cost. (I was still using my 12+ year old bras from college.) I found one that I really liked from Brooks. It was $90. I almost barfed, but I bought it anyway. I like it and it has help up nicely.

But then, I found out about the All Star Bra from Zyia. This bra is $49 (so already a savings of $30) and it is perfection. It’s cut perfectly, offers good support, has a wide lower band, is easy to get on, and lasts! It has pads in the cups which can be removed, but they don’t get all crumpled up in the wash either. Can I get an amen for that?!

Zyia All Star Bra

The top section is a beautiful mesh that not only offers support, but allows for ventilation for the girls. I now own this bra in black, white, pink, and navy…it’s that good. Don’t let the zipper scare you. I never unzip mine, I just pull it over my head.

Copper Charged Tank

I live in Missouri, which means it’s hot here in the summer. Our spring and fall last about 45 seconds, so it’s either HOT or COLD. When I’m out running, a cotton T shirt just isn’t going to do the trick. I’ve bought some workout tops that are really stiff, for lack of a better word, and HOT! Like, they don’t breathe at all. I need breathable, stretchy, and not form fitting.

Zyia copper charged tank

I’ll be honest, the copper charged tank came in my starter kit and I waited almost 2 weeks to even try it on because I didn’t think it would be flattering on me at all. I wore it on my run last night and was so impressed! It’s a very light, breathable, stretchy fabric. I felt so much cooler wearing that as opposed to a cotton tee. The best part? It has 4% Copper infused into fabric which blocks nasty odors from developing. I’ve only worn this once, so I can’t do the sniff test yet, but thank God for this because some of my workout gear stinks no matter what I try.

One more thing about it that I really like about the copper charged tank, it has a band on the bottom that prevents it from flying up if you’re in a handstand or down dog. This is perfect for you yogis! It’s not tight, but it provides just enough grab that it stays put.

How to Shop for Your Own Zyia

One of the advantages of shopping with an independent representative is that I’m here to answer sizing questions and give honest feedback before you make your purchase! Feel free to browse my site and it you have questions, contact me, send me an email, or slide into my Instagram DMs. I know you’ll fall in love with these pieces like I have!

Filed Under: Slider, What I'm Loving, Zyia Tagged With: all star bra, copper charged tank, Gift Ideas, joggers, light and tight, what I'm loving, zyia, zyia active, zyia joggers

Rothy’s Discount Codes: 2 Ways to Save

January 3, 2019 By Audrey Raetzloff 1 Comment

Have you heard of the hot, new, ultra-comfortable, sustainable flats called Rothy’s? Meghan Markle has. I’ve been eyeing them for MONTHS…scoping out Rothy’s discount codes, sales…nothing. These shoes do not go on sale, you guys. No Black Friday sales, no Cyber Monday sales, no new year’s Rothy’s discount codes. BUT I did find two ways to save you almost $30! Everyone I know who has these shoes loves them, so they must be worth it.

My husband bought me a pair of the pointy-toe mulberry ones for Christmas. They were gorgeous, but I have an aversion to anything purple, so I exchanged them for the hot-pink-round-toe flats…more my style. They should be here in less than a week; I can’t wait.

Rothy's Discount Codes - Read It and Reap with Me(2)

Rothy’s Discount Codes: 2 Ways to Save

1. Use My Rothy’s Referral Link for $20 Off

Rothy’s likes to reward people who share the Rothy’s love! Once you create an account, you’ll get a referral link. If someone uses your link to make a purchase, you’ll get a $20 Rothy’s discount code. My dad bought a pair of Rothy’s for my mom for Christmas using my Rothy’s referral link so we both got $20 off! Ironically, I just bought a pair today and totally forgot to use my Rothy’s discount code. UGH! Next time.

2. Use Rakuten (formerly Ebates) for 5% Cash Back!

The second way to save on Rothy’s is by using Rakuten (formerly called ebates). I wrote all about what this is, how to use it, how to install the cash back button, and more. Check out What is Rakuten and how does it work?

I’ve made over $430 so far by using it for everyday purchases! When you install the cash back button for your browser, anytime you visit a site, Rakuten automatically tells if there’s an opportunity to save. Check out my Rakuten info post to learn how to install the cash back button.

When I used Rakuten for my Rothy’s purchase, I got $6.25 cashback! Use my Rakuten referral link on a $25+ purchase and get $10 cash back! Plus, once you have your own Rakuten account, you can share the love and get $25 for every referral you get, too. Win / Win / Win

 

Rothy’s Discount Code Breakdown

  • Original price for hot pink flats: $125
  • Shipping: Free
  • Rothy’s Discount Code: $20 off
  • Rakuten (formerly called ebates) cashback: $6.25 (Plus, if you use Rakuten, don’t forget, you’ll get $10 additional cash back on your first purchase!)

Total “Cost” of Rothy’s after discount codes: $98.75

Still pricey for a pair of flats, but everyone I know who has them RAVES about them! Tell us, have you tried Rothy’s yet? What do you think? Which pair do you have?

Don’t leave yet…
Are you a podcast fan? Check out my top 10 podcast recommendations!

Filed Under: What I'm Loving Tagged With: comfortable shoes, mom life, rothy's, rothy's discount code, what I'm loving

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