Hunting at Lululemon
April 4, 2012 § 5 Comments
I always love a trip to Lululemon. It’s best when I’m on my own, but since it’s spring break and I’ve got the girls I convinced them to behave and we made the trip together.
I went in on the hunt for the new white Yoga Camp Crop that was uploaded on Monday. I already have the full length Yoga Camp Pant in black, which has become a wardrobe staple. I usually like to buy my LLL bottoms a bit bigger for added ease and comfort, but since they didn’t have 10, I tried on the 8.
They were okay, but unlined, thus showing my flowered britches. I’m sure a nude pair of undies would fix the issue, but they were also pulling in weird places, so I sadly left them behind. I had purchased the white Studio Crop last year, which are basically the same without the cargo pockets, but had buyers remorse when I realized that they’d stay clean and bright for less than half a second with the dirty birdies with whom I live. Not to mention, the online reviews said they were impossible to get clean, which would only lead to frustration and lots of wasted bleach.
For now the urge for white crops has passed, but we’ll see what happens as summer nears and my suitcase gets pulled out as the packing for Maine begins.
Since I can’t go into a Lululemon dressing room with only one item to try, I grabbed the Every Yogi Tee in ink blot and a pair of Tracker Shorts in the new fossil/heathered fossil.
I tried the tee and was almost convinced I should have it when I asked Sophie for her opinion.
“It looks like a cow, Mom.”
“It looks like what?” I asked again.
” A cow.”
I didn’t misunderstand the second time and quickly stripped off the top and placed it back on its hangar. I am not interested in looking like a cow thank you very much.
The shorts were a bigger hit with the little helpers and they liked the pink (flash?) zipper. It’s a good and bright addition to the light gray print that reminds me of the map of the world puzzle the girls and I finished yesterday. I think the print is actually imprinted flowers, but they do have that special agent map sort of quality. Agree? Maybe?
I really like them and Sweet Mary convinced me I’d love them on the road. Let’s hope so. I’ve been on the hunt for the right shorts for quite some time.
Lululemon Run Tracker II. I don't like my shorts tight, so I always go up a size. These were cute on, much cuter than they looked lying flat.
Yoga Camp Crop. A lot like the Studio Crop, but with pockets.
Now that I see this picture, I think the 8 fit me fine. I was a bit bothered by the pulling, but it seems that's how they fall.
Every Yogi Tee in ink blot. I've tried this on a few times and even with my DD's, the 8 was big enough. Looking like a cow, however will not do.
Map of The World Puzzle. I was never any good at geography, so putting this together was a lesson for me as much as for the kids.
Gear Goodies For December
December 7, 2011 § 3 Comments
In an effort to lighten things up, I’ve decided that it might be a good idea to update my “Gear Goodies” post once a month. Let’s be honest, if I continued to write about cancer day after day, I’d be living in Debbie Downerland!
Here are my “Gear Goodies” for December!
The owner of a company called, “Bic Bands,” also has a WordPress blog called, A Mom On the Run. A few other bloggers had mentioned Bic Bands; cute headbands that don’t fall off or leave a running gal with a massive headache. I checked out the website and placed an order for two. My skinny gold sparkle and skinny zebra print arrived within a few days, and I wore one during yesterday’s six miler. I am happy to report that my hair stayed back and I didn’t have to hit the Advil due to brain squeeze. Love!
A few weeks ago I tried Swiftwick socks. I bought them at Raleigh Running Outifitters based on a review by one of the female employees. There’s nothing fancy about Swiftwick. They are low, white, with the size (M) in black on the foot. I didn’t have great expectations (I fall for gimmicks too easily and these are so plain), but wow, they are terrific! The toe is a bit cushioned and the sock is made of a dry weave fabric, but they don’t feel synthetic. They also washed great. As a side note, I was excited to see that Runningskirts.com’s adorable heart compression knee socks are made by Swiftwick. I’m hoping those arrive at my front door soon.
I mentioned in last weekends’ post that I ran into Lululemon to check out the new stock in Paris Pink. I have been waiting for LLL to release some pink gear; everything has been purple, purple, purple for far too long. The Paris Pink color is gorgeous and bright. Unfortunately, I hated everything on me. The Turn Around Long Sleeve showed every lump and bump and the pace setter skirt was way too short. Since I was there, I tried on a couple other pieces that I loved! The Yoga to City Jacket (I tried black) is amazing with a ruffle placed at just the right point to hide what my sister lovingly refers to as the, “relaxed muscle.” The Essential and Run for it Jackets, also in black, made my must-have list. I told Brian I wanted an iPhone for Christmas, but maybe a gift card to Lulu would be better. Decisions, decisions!
Turn Around Long Sleeve. Sadly, this is not a view of me from behind!
Cute, if you're thirteen.
City to Yoga Jacket. This purple actually looks like a deep navy. really pretty. If it had been there in my size I probably would have gotten it.
I am always in the market for good running tops, so last week I tried Under Armour’s “Charged Cotton” tees. Under Armour’s fit is funny and I can’t rely on being the same size in every garment. The charged cotton fabric feels heavy and soft (the hang tag says it dries five times faster), and the medium was better than the large. I usually prefer a V or U-neck, because I think they are more flattering on me, but in this case the round neck was better. I didn’t end up buying it, but I might if it gets marked down.
Under Armour Charged Cotton Short Sleeve
I also tried the Under Armour Escape Lightweight 1/4 zip in white. In this, I liked the large, since it’s meant to be a layering piece. As the title describes, it is lightweight. I’m just not in the market for thin gear right now. It’s still pretty warm in Raleigh, but I know I’m going to be one cold potato in about a month.
Under Armour Lightweight 1/4 zip in pink
I’m still on the fence about whether or not to try the CW-X Pro Compression pants. I have done lots of research about wearing this kind of gear for extra long runs (and also for recovery) and the consensus is that they work. I think I’m going to wait a little longer, until my mileage gets up to 14/15 to see if what I have is performing well enough.
CW-X Pro Tight for Women
Aside from running gear, I probably should mention some of the Mommyland clothes that have made an appearance lately, since I can’t live in running gear all the time (though sometimes I wish could).
I discovered a designer named Lesley Evers, out of Berkeley, California. Her day dresses and tunic are beyond cute. They are functional, well made, and thoughtfully designed. I called their design office to place an order and was met with the best customer service I’ve ever received (hand to God). Melissa, who I believe is Lesley’s right hand person, walked through the work room trying to find the right size dress for me. She even sent me a stack of extra pieces in different size to try for fit. Who does that? I ended up keeping two tunics that will get lots of wear in the Spring, and a dress that I wore to the girl’s birthday party.
The Hope Dress. They were out of the green, so I wore the Platinum Tumbleweed pattern to S&G's birthday party.
The Ellie in Pink Parasol. I can't wait for Spring to wear this one.
Another designer,Kayce Hughes, had a trunk show a few months back at a shop I love in North Hills; The Paper Buzz. Kayce used to work for Ralph Lauren and makes really classic, lovely pieces for women and children. I wore her Western denim shirt dress to meet my grandparents at Thanksgiving. I was planning on wearing my Frye (tall) boots, but since everyone took their shoes off at Aunt Nor’s front door, I decided against it. I probably could have gone bare-legged, but I knew I’d be on the floor with the kids, etc. In the end, I paired it with my Banana Republic skinny jeans in black, which worked out fine. The dress was super comfortable, I felt great (appropriately attired), and am looking forward to wearing it again; next time with flats and the sleeves rolled (when the season permits).
This is the Nashville dress. The Western is more straight, not as full in the skirt.
Her little girl collection is TDF!