How I Save Money on Fall Activewear – My Review of the October Ellie Box
If I could name only one thing as my favorite Fall activity, it would be hiking. The colored landscapes and cooler weather make hiking my go-to activity when I need some alone time or just want to get away from the city for a couple of hours.
A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to get out of the city for a few days and spend some time in Canada. I spent the night in Ainsworth, which is a historic village on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, Canada.
My Ellie box couldn't have come at a better time. The October box is filled with activewear that is perfect for cold weather adventures. I spent some time at Fletcher Falls, which is a popular waterfall hiking trail near the community of Kaslo, British Columbia.
Usually, I am the girl that is bundled up in a knee-length coat in 70-degree weather. For some reason, I am always cold. So knowing that this month's box came with a jacket was an awesome bonus! My boyfriend and I also got lucky with the weather. It was about 61 degrees Fahrenheit for most of our hike with sunny skies during the day. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful landscape.
WHAT IS ELLIE?
Ellie is a monthly subscription service that mails you amazing products for people with active lifestyles.
There are currently two subscription plans to choose from:
- 3 items for $39.95/month. With this subscription, you get three pieces of clothing, which usually consist of a top, bra, and a bottom.
- 5 items for $49.95/month. On top of the 3 pieces of clothing, you also get two fitness accessories.
Every month, items are shipped to your door with no shipping costs. At the beginning of every month, Ellie announces the new items, so you know what to expect in the upcoming box. If you don’t like the items, you can always choose to skip that month, and you will not be charged. I absolutely love this feature. I get to pick what is being sent, and if I don’t like that month’s box, I don’t have to pay for it.
During the registration process, you choose your sizes for the bottom, top, and bra. From my experience, the sizes run true. After choosing your sizes, you choose which prescription option you want. Once registration is complete, you are all set up to receive your first box. Remember to check their website on the first of the month to decide if you want to skip or pay for that month’s box. I have also found that their Instagram page is very helpful if you want to see the clothes on different body types and during various activities.
You can see more FAQs about Ellie HERE.
I have the 5-piece subscription service, that allows you to get three articles of clothing and 2 accessories for $49.95. The three articles for clothing usually gets you a sports bra, leggings, and a shirt every month. This month, Ellie decided not to include a sports bra. They replaced it with a cute asymmetrical jacket instead. Like I said, perfect for my Canada adventure and the chillier temperatures!
I was afraid that the jacket wouldn't be thick enough, so I ended packing a heavier jacket in my backpack. I didn't need it. The jacket keeps you warm, but it's still breathable. It's cute enough to wear on Saturday morning errands or your favorite trail.
I love the hidden inside pockets and thumb holes that prevent the sleeves from riding up. All of the pockets in the jacket are deep enough to fit my Samsung S8 Plus, which is rare. Have you seen this phone, it's huge! Having a lot of pockets is also a must if you are a mom.
The leggings were my favorite article of clothing in the October box. They have a super fun pattern (purple is my favorite color, so I am a little biased), and they have a slight fleece fuzzy feel on the inside. They keep you warm, but you're not burning to death two miles into your hike.
I am not a huge fan when it comes to patterns. I tend to lean more towards plain (some would say boring) color combinations for my workout clothing. Greys, whites, and blacks are my go-to colors. With that being said, Ellie is always spot on with their prints and fabrics. Their prints aren't too daring, but colorful enough for me to step outside my comfort zone. This month is no exception. I am loving the pattern!
One of my favorite features on this month's tee is the back. It gives it just enough character without stripping away the “active” look. The fabric is lightweight, soft and breathable. Not only is it great for hiking, but I have also been wearing it to lift weights.
WHY IT’S TOTALLY WORTH THE MONEY
Out of curiosity, and because I just can’t help myself, I decided to see what the cost of the box would be if I ordered every item at retail price, individually. Here is what I found out for the October 2017 subscription box:
- Marika Sleet Yoga Leggings in Aubergine Glow/Black Auro: $24.95
- Marika Artic Asymmetrical Jacket in Black/Heather Black: $29.97
- Marika Champ Tee in H. Aubergine Glow: $38
- Marika Yoga Mat Tower: $18.97
This month's box also included the Yoga Mat Towel and a cute zip pouch (not pictured) if you have the 5-item subscription.
The total cost of the 2017 October box would run you a whopping $111.89 (not including the price of the small zip pouch). I received the 5-piece box for only $49.95. That’s a $61.94 difference. With the convenience of free shipping, no time spent at the mall picking out clothes, and with that much in savings, I think that’s worth the subscription price.
I will be doing a review of my Ellie box every month as well as a cost breakdown. If you are struggling to find the time to look for affordable, cute workout gear, Ellie might just be the perfect solution for your busy, active lifestyle.
You can check out Ellie HERE.
If you want to follow and see more of my fitness journey you can do so on my personal Instagram page HERE.
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