A bunch of store visits!

Ok...I know it has been awhile. I'm finally settled in my new place and finally have internet! (whoo hoo...thank you Verizon!)

Since it has been AGES since I've done a store visit, I'm going to do one large post of several store visits I did in the fall.

For one of my more recent store visits, I wore my JCrew Peacoat, Lululemon Refresh Racer in Inkwell, Lululemon Post Practice Cardi, and Frey Veronica Slouch Boots.

Turn Around Tight in White Herringbone, Size 6

I really liked these Turn Around Tights in White Herribone. I liked the ruching on the side, and the panels gave it more support than normal Wunder Unders.

I actually don't have many long tights anymore. I think I sold most of mine since they were black (and black is being slowly phased out of my life). I like how light these are and the fact I can wear them in any color....they already got a ton of wear!

The material was really thick since it was Rulu. They were completely opaque (and really soft). 

Twist and Turn Tank, Size 6

The Twist and Turn Tank was marked down....a lot. I think it was $29ish? I really loved the Nightfall color, but I couldn't justify the color since I couldn't wear it with a lot of bottoms.

Twist and Turn Tank in Toothpaste, Size 6

I ended up getting the Grey and Toothpaste version since I could wear it with almost all of my colored bottoms. I also liked that it was a great neutral with a pop of color. It is a well supported bra for a built in bra tank...especially for the chesty ladies. I don't have many built in tanks anymore, but this one is great. I will get a ton of use in the summer.

Om Tank in Ombre, Size 4

The Om Tank was cute in Ombre, but it reminded so much of my Fabletics Tank I got a few months ago. The quality wasn't much better, and I couldn't see myself paying that much for it. The Exquisite Bra was nice, but I was really hoping to try on one in Nightfall. I did like the back design though.

Karamacollected Jacket in Heathered Grey, Size 6

I really wanted to love the Karmacollected Jacket, but I couldn't justify the ridiculous collar! I didn't mind the jacket with the zipper open, but the collar was just too much to try to control.

Exquisite Tank in Nightfall, Size 6

The Exquisite Tank was pretty in Nightfall, but this was a like and not a need....so I needed to leave it in store for someone else to love.

In one of my other store visits, I wore my Rain Runner Jacket in Rust Berry (LOVE this jacket by the way), Athleta Sugar Rush Pullover, Heathered Grey CRB, and Frye slip ons.

Fleecy Keen in Fuel, Size 6

I tried the Fleecy Keen again this year, and have the same opinion as last year. It's really cute but not worth $198. It would be a better value if it was about $50 less.

Awesoma Henley in Hyperstripe Slate and Ghost, Size 6

I did pick up an Awesoma Henley on sale. I was impressed with the softness of the Henley, and it ended up being a steal on markdown.

Radiant Long Sleeve in Heathered Rust Berry and White, Size 4

I really liked the Radiant LS, but I couldn't figure out my size. The 4 looked the best unbuttoned, but looked too tight buttoned. I ended up grabbing a 4, and I'm glad I did....it ended up stretching out a tiny bit making the fit perfect.

Om & Roam in Heathered Rust Berry, Size 4

I ordered the Om & Roam pullover online in a size 6, and it was HUUUUUUUGE. I'm glad I gave it a second chance in a size 4. It has been easily one of my favorite fall items...it's so soft and warm. I love longing around in it.

Bhakti Jacket in Black Grape, Size 6

The Bhakti Jacket in Black Grape was one of my bigger disappointments this year. I wanted to love this one because of the color, but it just didn't lay right. I think the material was too thick. Last year, the black looked great partially unzipped and fully zipped, but this one looked awkward when it was anything but zipped.

Yogi Racerback in Heathered Angelwing, Size 6

I liked the Yogi Racerback because it worked with for casual and workout wear, but I thought the size 6 was a little too big.

Yogi Racerback in Heathered Berry Yum Yum, Size 4

I tried the Yogi Racerback in a 4, and the fit was much better. I definitely will get a lot of use of this tank outside the gym.

Well that is it! Thanks for being great readers! I hope to have all of my blog kinks worked out soon. Expect another blog sale. After moving AGAIN, I took it upon myself to do another closet cleanout. 

Lulu in Layers

I'm baaack! Ok...not back-back, but I finally have my computer back. I had a series of abnormally-crazy events and even ended up moving apartments (again). I've finally finished de-boxing, and my last step preventing me from blogger freedom is getting my internet transferred. Note- I'm convinced that Comcast, like every TV/Internet company, is a second form of satan brought here to make our lives hell.

I feel like I have missed so much in the last couple months...even black Friday and Cyber Monday....but I'm baaack. There has been a little buying here and there, but I wanted to provide some feedback on my two recent Lulu loves:

The Love Tee

Lululemon Love Tee (Size 6), Massimo Duitti Silk Scarf, Citizens of Humanity Skinny Jeans, and Jeffery Campbell Boots

I really heart this soft relaxed tee made of buttery soft Vitasea fabric. It has a flattering scoop around the hem to cover your bum, v neckline, and cuffed sleeves. It has been a great white staple for the winter....I'm just trying my best not to fudge it up by spilling something on it (let's be honest...I'm not the most graceful thing that has walked this earth).

It's comfy enough for lounging, looks great with skinny jeans, and breathes well for workouts....I'm a fan! 

Wrap It Up Sweater

Lululemon Wrap it Up Sweater (Size 4) with Lululemon Fatigue Fo Drizzle Jacket (Size 4) and Louis Vuitton 35 Speedy

Made of Merino Wool, this Lululemon Sweater has easily been a winter favorite. I have reached for this sweater the most this season with its pretty drape and unique details (i.e., elbow pads, zippers). The wool fabric is surprisingly warm and soft....without being itchy. I'm definitely glad I invested in a good cardigan that will get a lot of love this winter!

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I love these two pieces! I'm wearing 3 Lululemon pieces in this outfit....would you have guessed I was wearing athletic apparel? 

I'm so sorry for my absence.... I'm looking forward to posting again! I have a few more fall favorites so keep an eye out for more posts to come!

Athleta Store Visit - 8/16/2014

It's another one of my catch up posts! (I'm getting there!) When I went to Tyson's Corner last week, I stopped by Lululemon and Athleta. Like always, I'm always impressed with Athleta's items....they had a bunch of things I'm interested in, and I can't wait to see their fall line.

Chi LS and Chi Tank, size XS
Chatarunga Tight, size S

The first thing I tried on was the Chi LS in Dress Blue, Chatarunga Tight in Granite Gray, and Chi Tank in Dress Blue

I really liked all three of these pieces. I think if they had the capri version of the tights, I would have bought them. They are opaque and didn't cast any shadows in the back. The Chi Tank and LS were really soft. I really liked both versions....I'm tempted to get both versions down the road.

Castlepeak Slub Crew and French Terry Sharkbite Top, size XS

I also tried the Castlepeak Slub Crew in Heathered Dress Blue and French Terry Sharkbite Top in Dress Blue Navy.

I liked the Castlepeak Slub Crew, but I didn't completely love it for the price. I would definitely buy it if it went on sale though. The Sharkbite Top was really soft. I also liked that it covered the butt in the back. I did find it a little tighter than my usual size XS tops so I think I needed to try it in a size small.  I think the quality was worth the full price, I just skipped it for now since it is still pretty warm outside.

Ambassador Tank and Sugar Rush Hoodie, size XS

I also tried the Ambassador Tank in Silver Shimmer and Sugar Rush Hoodie in Dress Blue. I liked that the Ambassador Tank was fitted, yet slightly loose. My favorite item was the Sugar Rush Hoodie. It doesn't look like much, but the material is buttery soft and super thin. It's a perfect pullover for the end of summer.

Update - I went to store to return my Ambassador Tank. I just didn't like how it slide upward when I worked out. Not only was I able to return the tank AFTER wearing it, I was also able to get a price adjustment for Sugar Rush Hoodie that recently went on sale! I am completely LOVING Athleta's no hassle return policy. I wish all brands were like this.

My favorite purchase was the Sugar Rush Hoodie. It looks much thicker than it really is! Looks can be deceiving.....its really light and will be great for the fall when things slightly cool down.

It's supposed to be a lighter, boxier pullover that works great with long tank tops. I wore it today to the mall and it was so comfortable!

Shown with Athleta's Ambassador Tank, Sugar Rush Hoodie, and Beyond Yoga Gathered Leggings.

I also got the Ambassador Tank. I liked that it was looser and made of Athleta's Unstinkable material. I ended up taking it back because I wasn't a fan of the fit when I was working out. It kept bunching up on me.

That's all for now...have you bought anything from Athleta lately? They're having some great sales!

Lululemon Store Visit - 8/16/2014

The Sweater Life, size 4 (left), size 6 (right)
In the Flows, size 6

I tried the In the Flows in Rugged Blue. While I really loved the color, I'm still not a fan of the knee length. I did find them pretty opaque...not as opaque as the Bordeaux Drama, but one of the more opaque ones I have tried on.

I was really disappointed with The Sweater Life in Bordeaux Drama. I was almost certain I was going to take this home with me, but it didn't work out. I tried a size 4 (left),  but the shoulders felt too tight. (I usually size down in Lululemon's knit items because they stretch out.) The size 6 (right) was a little better, but it was more more boxier than the first. I really wanted this one to work, but I couldn't invest in a pricey sweater I didn't love. Hopefully we will get the Chai Pullovers that Australia got a few weeks ago.

Scuba Hoodie, size 6

If I were into Scubas, I would have bought this...actually, I'm still considering it. I love Bordeaux Drama and I feel like this one would work well with jeans too. I liked the fit of this one.

Yogini 5 Year LS, size 4

 I tried the Yogini 5 Year LS in white a few weeks ago and loved the material. I didn't get it because the white looked too sheer. The Stripe Bordeaux Drama was perfect. It was really lightweight and will make a good casual and post-workout cover-up.

Miss Misty Pullover, size 4 (left), size 6 (right)

 I actually really liked this pullover, but I was worried that I didn't really need it. The size 4 (left) in the Miss Misty Pullover was too small in the hips. It was also really difficult to pull off even though it was still loose in the chest and waist. The size 6 (right) fit MUCH better without adding too much bulk to the waist.

Ebb to Street Tank and Speed Shorts, size 6

Sorry for my crappy photo. I really liked the Fuel Green Ebb to Street Tank. It was such a pretty color. I was going to buy it, but something else on markdown caught my eye (see below).

I thought the Bumble Berry Speed Shorts were pretty, but they were TINY! I'm hearing a lot of comments about the tiny size. I would recommend trying these on in the store if you can. They are really fitted.

Wrapper's Delight and Speed Shorts, size 6

I tried the Wrapper's Delight Tank and I thought the top part was really pretty. The bottom, however, was a little too pointed. It went straight out like a Christmas Tree. I would have preferred a loose, yet fitted bottom so this one did not work.

The Inky Floral Speed Shorts were pretty, but I don't really care how the Speeds fit. I prefer the Hotty Hot Shorts so these did not come home with me.

I ended up buying the Yogini 5 Year LS. I really liked the material. It's a great light cover-up for fall. I also like that I can wear it casually with boots. While the white one was really sheer, the Bordeaux Drama one was 100% opaque.

This LS has more of a relaxed fit. While I wouldn't pair it with slouchy jeans, it would look great with yoga leggings or skinny jeans.

Serenity Pants, size 6

I was going to buy the Fuel Green Ebb to Street Tank, but I saw the Serenity Pants on markdown! I really liked these at full price, but they didn't have the green. I got these for $59 so I couldn't pass these up. Especially since they had them the size and color I wanted!

I have been wearing these around the house and they are ridiculously comfy. Last year I raved about the Bliss Break Sweats, but these are so much softer! Seriously....they are amazingly comfy.

Well that's it for now! Expect a few posts for today...I'm playing catch up!

Lululemon Store Visit - Post Practice Cardi + All Tied Up Tank

Hello ladies! I decided to take back my Bordeaux Drama Diamond Dot Wunder Under Pants. I'm still not convinced they were sheer, but the fact that they were thin bothered me....I figured I would just be patient for either a cotton roll down or solid crop version. :(

Yogini 5 Year Long Sleeve in size 4, Happy Yin Year Sweatpants in size 6

 I tried on the Yogini 5 Year Long Sleeve in white and Happy Yin Year Sweatpants in Bordeaux Drama. I really liked the Yogini Long Sleeve. The Vitasea fabric is really soft and comfortable...I could see myself wanting to reach out for this long sleeve over and over. The only thing I didn't like was the white being so sheer. Since I would be wearing this more casually than for workouts, I didn't want to have to rely on always wearing a tank underneath it. If they had the Bordeaux Drama West2East Stripe, I probably would have been tempted to buy it.

One of the educators was a fan of the Yin Year Sweats, and I can see why. While her concern was that they look better with girls with muscle....I would disagree. I have a pretty muscular hiney...While my rear filled out the back of the pants, they were too tight in the front. I think this is going to be an item with fit issues. If you are super slender, it probably won't do much for your rear. If you are muscular, it will be hard to fit in the front. It's a shame because the color is so pretty. I'm hoping we get the After Asana Pants in Bordeaux Drama.

Free to Be Bra in size 6

I was hoping to see that new Inky Print Scuba, but they only had the new stripe print and the solid Bordeaux Drama one. I did try on the Free to Be bra, but passed because I'm not a fan of the style. Actually I think the style looks pretty, I just think the top is a little too low and supportive enough for my larger chest. I'm hoping that we will see an All Sport Bra in this print. This is a really pretty print, and I think it will be really popular if they don't use that slippery fabric that stretches white.

Exhalation pullover in size 6

Wow...the biggest let down was the Exhalation Pullover. As you can see from my reviews last year, I was pretty much in love with the first one. I ended up reselling my heathered black (because I don't wear much black these days), but I loved it so much I got both colors. I sized down to a 4 in last year's version. If you look at the photos, it didn't pull at the hips. It was still loose and flowed beautifully.

This years version is a hot mess. I'm hoping there will be so much outrage on HeyLululemon that they will bring back the old style next year. While I bought a size 4 in last years version, this year's version in size 6 was just flat-out awkward. Last year's version had room in the hips, but this one was awkwardly snug. I couldn't size up because it was oddly large in the waist. Snug in the hips, large in the waist....hmm...that's not quite right. It didn't seem that much shorter, but there were other bigger issues with the new version. The material was nowhere near as soft, and I also didn't like the pocket feature or the contrasted stitching. I never really complain a lot, but this one was all kinds of wrong...especially since the first one was perfect.

Note - I put feedback on HeyLululemon. Please comment or vote on this if you would like to see it revert back to the old Exhalation Pullover.

All Tied Up Tank in size 4

I was really surprised that I liked the All Tied Up Tank. I didn't mind the sheerness of the Vitasea because I would only being wearing it for hot workouts. The fabric was really silky and soft.

I'm not a fan of wearing it un-tied, but I figured I would show a photo in case you were curious about how it looked un-knotted.

I really like that the back can be knotted at different lengths. It's great for roll-down pants or if you want to show your waistband. My only complaint would be the fabric appears to roll at the bottom and that is a little annoying.

I did wear it immediately to my trapeze class. It gets so hot in the tent I appreciated the open back! I liked how soft and airy it was...it would also be perfect for hot yoga, running, or even a beach/pool cover-up!

Here's a short video of my trapeze class. I wore the All Tied Up Tank with my Fabletics Ombre Salar Legging and Koia Bra. I had to cuff my leggings when I was doing ankle hangs. We were working on motion control getting into the ankle hang...when I was getting ready to do a beat to get back up to the bar ("beat" = a momentum swing), I was dangerously close to whacking him in his man parts...hence the laughter at the end! Hahaha

(If you are using a mobile device, you might have to view this from your computer.)

Post Practice Cardi in size 4

I was really shocked I loved the Post Practice Cardi since I thought it was a pretty boxy, masculine cardigan! It was so thick and comfortable, I couldn't resist! I get really lazy in the winter and have been looking for a great cardigan to throw over all of my tank tops.

While it is expensive, I did appreciate that everything was well made. Even the snaps were high in quality and did not show through on the other side (a pet peeve of mine).

I really liked the relaxed fit of this cardigan. It looked good closed, but I preferred to wear it open. It is really loose so I don't recommend wearing it with relaxed pants...it's best with fitted jeggings/skinny jeans or yoga leggings.

Just a yoga outfit to show to the practicality of wearing to and from the gym. I'm wearing it with a fuchsia bra, grey tank, and cadet blue cotton leggings. Arghh...it's so comfy I want to live in it! It almost makes me want to wish that fall would come soon (almost).

I went a little crazy, but I found that the cardigan goes with all kinds of causal boots and shoes! I can wear it with sneaks, loafers, fuzzy boots, slouchy boots, motorcycle boots, riding boots...haha the possibilities are endless!

Lululemon Store Visit - Bordeaux Drama!

I had some downtime in between my golf lesson and trapeze on Saturday so I decided to stop in  one of my local Lululemon stores. I'm using one of the mirrors in the Free People store, but I was wearing my Lorna Jane Oceania Excel Tank and Athleta Chatarunga Capri in Blueberry. It was a little bright and a little too much ombre.....but it's the end of summer :).

I ended up taking back my tie dye Swiftly short sleeve and my heathered brusied berry Tuck and Flow.

Diamond Dot Wunder Under Pants, size 6

 The first thing I tried on was the Wunder Under Pants in Diamond Dot Bordeaux Drama. There have been some reports of these pants being sheer, but mine were not sheer at all (keep in mind Lululemon does have quality issues and various batches can different in sheerness). They did run really loose. I wish they had a size 4 in stock to try, but I could only try the size 6. They were really stretchy and thin, but they were NOT sheer. Very opaque and there was no shadows or bumps showing in the back. The dot print did make them appear slightly shiny, but it was just the print of the diamond dot. Maybe the thinness of the material makes people think they were sheer? I don't know....I really liked them. I thought they were soft and really comfortable. They'll be a great casual pair to have in the fall. I plan on wearing them with my Frye boots.

Unity Pullover in Heathered White, size 4

I tried the Unity pullover in heathered white, and I was not impressed. It looked nice in the front and decent in the back far away, but it was a hot mess in the back when you were up close. The tencel material wrinkled terribly, and I had a huge issue with the fabric not matching. It looked like one half of a shirt in the front and the other in the back. The back was more off white and the front was slightly cream. I did not like it. I think you would really like the Hard Tail Slouch Back pullover if you really like this look but want something better.

Speed Shorts, size 6

 I was surprised that I liked the Wee Wheezy print in the Speed Shorts since I usually don't like heavy black trim on lighter prints. I didn't mind the black print, but I didn't care for the 2-way stretch material. I think I prefer the Hotty Hot shorts to Lululemon's Speed Shorts for short summer shorts.

Speed Shorts, size 6

 Although I didn't want another pair of Speed Shorts, I did like the material of the camo Speeds. It was a silkier 4-way that was much more comfortable than the Wee Wheezy.

Seamlessly Street Crops, size 6

 I tried on the Seamlessly Street Crops in jeweled magenta. This was the first time I tried the crops, and I have to say that I liked the length of these a lot more than the In the Flow Crops. While the color was gorgeous, I did find these a little "shadowy" in the behind area. There were pretty opaque...I couldn't see the tag, but they did seem to show lumps and bumps in the back.

Tie Dye Swiftly Long Sleeve, size 4

 I tried on the tie dye Swiftly in the long sleeve version, and I had to really talk myself out of buying it. I already had the tank and short sleeve version so I really didn't need this one! I did like it though! :)

In the Flow Crops, size 6

I did like my first pair of In the Flow Crops! I've had such terrible luck with these! Although I would love these in the Seamlessly Street Crop length, the Bordeaux Drama color is gorgeous. It was odd...the tag showed when I was standing up, but they were not sheer at all! So odd! I bent over and everything...nothing showed! They also were dark enough there was no weird shadows or bumps showing in the back. Even though the tag slightly showed, I had no issues buying these...they didn't appear sheer at all.

Wunder Under Pants in Heathered Slate, size 6

The Wunder Under Pants in Heathered Slate were true to size and really soft. Not as soft as practice cotton but softer than the Bordeaux Drama ones I just tried on. I would wear this color a lot in the crop version, but I'm worried about the sweat showing. I did a water test on the pants, and a tiny bit of water was already showing. They were better in terms of opaqueness than the practice cotton. I tried on the light grey a few months ago and they showed a lot in the rear. I liked them, but I'm a little worried about sweat. Let's be honest...Lululemon doesn't have the best return policy when it comes to performance AFTER you rip off the tags. :( 

You know you love your new crops when you rip the tags off and replace them with the crops you are already wearing. I bought the We the Free Sunkissed Tee in Night at Free People and wore them both to my trapeze class. Although I would have liked a longer length, they were really comfortable for my lesson. I think I might resell these if they end up releasing Bordeaux Drama Seamlessly Street Crops.

I also got the Diamond Dot Wunder Under Pants in Bordeaux Drama! I loved both the pants and crops in this color I couldn't choose! I figured I would wear the Wunder Unders for causal wear and the In the Flows for workouts. You also know you're a LuluAddict when your nail polish matches Lululemon's latest color pallet!

I like this color SO much more than plum. I'll do a side by side comparison of plum, bordeaux drama, and YogaSmoga klarit red when I get back. I just flew out to Indiana yesterday, and I will be back Wednesday morning!