The popular lululemon brand, known in the past for yoga and running clothes, has now added a line of business casual clothes (still with tons of functionality), called Urbanite.
While I’m still a B-I-G fan of the comfortable workout gear (which admittedly I wear entirely too much of and have in every shade of neon) for running and traveling, the new line is actually pretty cool. I wasn’t sold at first glance, not by a long shot.
My first thought was, lulu selling work clothes? yeah right.
Then I remembered how every time I have a work event, whether it’s on the field interviewing players or heading into a meeting, how I desperately wish I could throw on some neon wunder unders, a low-cut tank and get business done. Obviously that’s a no-go. You can’t walk onto an NFL field in tights. At least you shouldn’t. Ever.
And the driving force behind wanting to wear this gear all the time is of course the comfort factor. I love to be comfortable. It’s my thing. Maybe that means I’m getting old? So imagine your favorite comfortable clothing line coming out with some business casual attire with the same comfort level? Pretty amazing to think about, right? Right.
In this picture, at the lulu store at the Houston Galleria, I’m wearing the Uranite Pant (currently sold out online, so go check your local store ASAP), which sells for $128 and the Urbanite Shirt in white, which sells for $108.
The pants are made of a breathable fabric, Teque St, with a four-way stretch for comfort and are very similar in look and feel to your favorite skinny jeans. You can roll up the cuffs if you’re a shorty like me, or take advantage of lulu’s free hemming services available at the store. As for the pants, most people (myself included) needed to go up a size, so be sure to try them on.
lulu staff helping dress me in the new Urbanite wear
The shirt comes with this saying, which I love: It’s business up front and party in the back for this shirt. Like most lulu pieces, there are extra functionality aspects, including the ability to undo the shaped hem in the back for extra movement, and it’s made from a moisture-wicking fabric that won’t wrinkle (hello new favorite travel shirt!).
And of course, on my dome I’m rocking the charming twist headband in navy and white ($12) for a little extra flair.
What’s the lesson we learned today folks? We already know not to judge a book by its cover, so don’t judge an outfit by the hanger, deal?
I know, I know, it sounds like a country song. But it’s a new fitness trend I recently tried in South Lake Tahoe at Splie (pronounced Splee-ay), and wanted to share the experience.
I came to SLT for a month to finish writing my book (stay tuned), and to take in the summer scenery of this beautiful place while hanging out with a friend.
Early on, I stumbled on this intensely cute gym/workout studio (which refers to itself as a non-gym) just a bike ride away from where I was staying. I’m always up for trying new things in name of The Blonde Side, so Zumba in the Dark sounded like a challenge I was up for.
First off, I will attest that while blondes may have more fun, that in no way, shape or form, means we are better dancers. And by we, I mean yours truly. But the great thing about this class was that it was in the dark (with fun lighting all around), so you felt a little more at ease honing in on your sweaty dance moves. At least I did.
The other great thing about this class, or perhaps the gym itself, was that no one was there to judge. This was clearly not an audition for So You Think You Can Dance, and the girls there, all 11 of them in the class, were there to bond, hang out and sweat up a storm while getting their Monday night cardio on.
I should probably also thank Ashley, our instructor, for that. This little blonde sporting her Zumba racerback and lululemon studio pants was working everyone so hard, they didn’t have time or energy to look around and silently critique your dance moves. As far as I was concerned, Splie was a safe zone, and you could dance like Elaine on Seinfeld.
The class started off with a little diddy from Whitney Houston, then went into some Salsa music, followed by some gangsta rap (which I thoroughly enjoyed), onto some N’Sync and mixed in all kinds of other things you secretly love on your playlist. We danced like “raggedy anne dolls,” did the chicken dance, toe taps and a whole bunch of other fun little numbers working on quite a wide range of muscles while all engaging our core throughout the 60-minute class.
Here goes my non-expert Zumba advice: don’t worry so much about trying to make the exact moves your instructor is. Instead, have fun and keep moving – it’s all in the name of sweat, right?
Another thing I loved about this studio that I noticed on my first visit was the awesome book shelf in the back. Not only is it cute, it’s stacked
The honor system bookshelf at Splie
with a ton of great cook books, self-help books, workout DVDs and much more, along with a handwritten note from Tara (the owner) to her clients encouraging them to borrow anything. This is a gym and owner that truly wants the best for her clients both inside her studio and out. That’s the kind of workout partner and friend we all need.
The non-gym also offers a number of other classes with a focus on personal training, stretch (similar to yoga), group fitness, and spin, just to name a few. Check out their class schedule for more info.
Inside the gym, there was a great wall quote which should serve as a constant reminder for us to keep pushing our limits, even if it means dancing like a fool (you know, when no one’s watching):
“You don’t always get what you wish for, you get what you work for.”
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/61514_636786013001845_440286126_n.jpg612612Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-07-02 00:48:242013-07-02 00:55:09Dancing in the Dark [Zumba]
(Can I get an Amen right there?) Every once in a while The Blonde Side has the honor of guest posting on Girl Around Town, and here’s the latest – a fashionable post with some of the best red, white and blue patriotic wear in time for the upcoming 4th of July.
#2 (lululemon), #7 (Molly Brown Swimwear) and #10 (Von Zipper Liberty & Libations collection) are my absolute faves – go check them out.
(And this is just solid proof right here that badass women can and should work together and support one another. Thanks to Leigh and Mary at GAT for allowing me to contribute to their already awesome site.)
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Red-White-and-Blue-Sports-Attire-GAT.jpg600600Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-07-01 19:20:412013-07-01 19:20:41Red, White & Blue Sports Attire [Guest Post on GirlAroundTown]
Her name is Ruby, and she’s a golden retriever and lab mix. She’s cute, but still a puppy. I should remind you I have a 23lb teacup chihuahua, so running with a dog is not really my thing. For obvious reasons. I’m not sure if my pup is 23lbs because I choose not to run with him or if I choose not to run with him because he’s 23lbs. But that’s neither here nor there.
Ruby’s owner, Sally, said she’s “good to run with,” so naturally I took her word for it. Here’s what good ole Sally forgot to mention:
1. Dogs (not unlike humans) poop when they run. Thankfully Sally had a poop bag tied to the leash, but when I went to pick it up pushing my hand through one side, there were holes in the bag (yup, visual). And there were six construction workers standing by staring at me. That was awkward for multiple reasons. Oh, and there wasn’t a trashcan to be found anywhere.
2. As a puppy, Ruby liked to bite her leash, pulling it away from me, thinking it was a game. I’m not the best runner to start with so all my focus needs to be on actually running, not an animal. This in turn, shortened the leash, making it an awkward length between the two of us causing me to stutter-step behind her. Perhaps ideal for cross-training, but nothing else.
3. Running on the bike path in South Lake Tahoe, it never failed that when a bike passed in either direction, Ruby tried to chase it. The same went with squirrels, leaves, trash, and so on. I guess the bonus here was that my pace was quickened against my will.
4. We ran across a homeless man laying in the bushes and in true Lassie form, Ruby ran over to him, before I had even noticed there was in fact a human on the ground. I’m not sure who was more frightened by this act, him or me, but it surely wasn’t Ruby.
Ruby’s clearly in charge here
5. If there is anything, I mean anything, interesting on the ground (say like a half eaten apple), Ruby will swiftly veer to one side pulling you along just to eat it, without warning.
[Today’s running accessories: I ran in my favorite New Balance 1400s, my lululemon speed shorts & my #nolimits tank, listened to the “No Doubt Radio” station on Pandora to kick it old school, ran a 8.3mph pace and finished 1.75 miles using the Nike+ running app before promptly returning the animal back home. Ruby however made a bigger mess drinking her water when we got home though. Go figure…]
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-2.jpg23402340Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-06-28 16:58:112013-09-04 17:00:44Running with Ruby
Red, White and Blue, look at all my new lulu! (I’m a rhymer too!)
As I started this post and was about to say there’s nothing that screams Team America more than red, white and blue workout gear from lululemon, I retracted that statement, as lulu is based out of Canada.
But nothing says you love the home team like sporting the patriotic colors red, white and blue, especially with the 4th of July fast approaching.
Items pictured to the left and why I love them:
In the Flow Crop: I’ll be the first to admit it – these pants look weird before you put them on. Because they’re made without leg seams (to avoid chaffing), the bottom of the pants bell out, but it creates the perfect fit once you put them on. They are considered “no fuss crops,” and I couldn’t agree more. They are basically an extension of your skin, and so comfortable. They also have the gusset to prevent cameltoes and that’s a huge win for mankind.
Price tag: $78
Forme Jacket: Made out of lulu’s signature fabric, luon, this jacket has a four-way stretch and is great for running or yoga and it super easy to layer, thanks to the thumbholes. There are vents under the armpits to help air those bad boys out and it’s a great all around jacket for pretty much any activity. #formejacket
Price tag: $108
red, white and blue lulu
RUN: Featherweight Singlet (in red): Perhaps one of the cutest/most flattering lululemon tanks I’ve ever put on. Not yet online (at least not that I can find), this loose tank is perfect for a hot run or even a night out. Seriously, it’s that cute, and I’ve been known to wear workout gear to a bar or dinner with friends. The tank has mesh panels for ventilation which is perfect for that Houston summer heat I live in. And the slit up the back middle is super sexy, whether running or just hanging out.
Price tag: $68
Items pictured to the right and why I love them:
RUN: Speed Short (in white): If you’ve ever seen my Instagram photos, you know how much I love these shorts and how often I wear them. If these shorts weren’t so great, I’d almost be embarrassed to wear them so often. To note, these shorts are great for us gals with bigger thighs full of muscle. Thanks to the “inherently wicking liner,” the shorts stay comfortably in place, which is great for running and other activities. Also, the white color looks great on tanned legs and perfect for the summer!
Price tag: $54
RUN: Swiftly Scoop SS Tech (in purple/blue): I couldn’t find the exact shirt online (the Swiftly Scoop is a popular shirt for lulu), but this is the new scoop neck in a short sleeve version. Here’s the kicker for this amazing shirt: it is anti-stink. Yup, you heard me. So next time you see me wearing this shirt two days in a row, it’s because of the X-STATIC fibers that actually inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the shirt. WINNING | NOT STINKING.
Price tag: $58
Energy Bra (in red): This is a light support bra for yoga, that is designed for the C and D cup yogis out there with medium coverage. For me, it’s a great sports bra for running, because my girls don’t move too much, if you know what I mean. There are also removable pads in the bra. Note, most sports bras at lululemon seem to run small, so be sure to go in and try them on.
Price tag: $48
Cool Rackerback (in red): I have this tank in about every color, but the red is definitely my favorite for the upcoming 4th of July! This is a versatile, multisport racerback made with a four-way stretch fabric that is breathable (luon). The tank features flat seems for chafe-resistance and comfort. Good for just about anything and comes in just about every color.
Price tag: $42
*Note, not all red, white and blues will be available online, you may have to check the awesome store near you.
The Mat, $68 at Lululemon (photo courtesy of Lululemon)
Lululemon designer looks to Houston workouts to figure out what customers really want
I was all set to interview Katie Douglas, lead accessory designer for Lululemon, the yoga-inspired athletic apparel company. But I quickly learned that a meetingwith any Lululemon employee most certainly requires some degree of sweat. As it should.
Douglas and Lululemon accessories design assistant Kathleen Westerhout invited me to Sculpt Fitness for an early morning workout (which began with the instructor saying, “If you feel you need to throw up, please step away from the machines”), followed by coffee and breakfast at Tiny Boxwoods.
Based out of Vancouver, where the brand originated, Douglas and Westerhout came here to check out the chains’ three Houston locations (Galleria, Highland Village and most recently CityCentre), partake in a detailed and grueling fitness circuit and go on a “four-day taco bender.”
I quickly learned that a meeting with any Lululemon employee most certainly requires some degree of sweat. As it should.
Having been with the company for a little more than three years, Douglas is the ideal person to chat with about the brand and its loyal following, who are known as “luluheads.” During our conversation, she talked about the brand that both men and women are increasingly going gaga over, her favorite things about Houston and what’s in store (literally).
CultureMap: I’m not hungry. I’m still trying not to throw up from that workout. It was intense, right?
Katie Douglas: Yes, it was great. We’ve had quite a few good workouts since we got in town.
CM: Where have you been?
KD: West End Run Club, Yoga One in Midtown, Big Yoga, Sculpt and Yoga Collective. I think that’s it.
CM:You’ve only been here four days – if my math is correct, some of those days included more than one workout?
The Blonde Side and Lululemon girls after a hard workout at Sculpt Fusion in Houston
KD: [laughing]: Working out is not only part of the job, but it’s all something we love. One of the best things about our company is that the first focus is our people – we’re all about having well-rounded lives. Plus, if I didn’t actually use my gym bag or wear scarves, I wouldn’t know how to improve on them and if I didn’t actually do the sports, I wouldn’t know how the apparel needs to function for the sport, like yoga mats.
CM: So what have you noticed about the fitness scene here in Houston?
KD: The classes offered here are great – more options than most. In Houston we see a lot of fusion exercises – Austin too. Like yoga with weights. Vancouver is a bit more pure when it comes to working out, like just run clubs or just spin classes. We (Vancouver) just got our first spin studio about a year ago and CrossFit is getting bigger, but we do a lot of outdoor running and biking – Vancouver is beautiful. We’re a bit slower on the fitness scene, but everybody’s still very active.
If I didn’t actually use my gym bag or wear scarves, I wouldn’t know how to improve on them and if I didn’t actually do the sports, I wouldn’t know how the apparel needs to function for the sport, like yoga mats.
CM: Is Houston more fast-paced than you imagined?
KD: Yes and no. It’s the city so it’s definitely got that city-vibe where everyone’s got to get from point A to point B, but at the same time it’s the South. What amazes me is that you guys get up at 4:30 to go to a 5 a.m. workout and your day keeps going — we don’t get up so early.
CM: Are there certain pieces that do better in Houston?
Sink/Shower Kit, $68 at Lululemon (photo via Lululemon)
KD: It’s all about shorts: year round. It’s so hot you don’t need to wear pants very often. It’s great for us to experience your weather – it’s sunny and 80 but chilly in the morning, whereas it’s 50 and rainy in Vancouver.
CM: Yeah, we’re definitely all about the layers here. What do you recommend?
KD: There are some great lightweight down puffy jackets that are so lightweight you can throw them on in the morning and then stuff them in your bag – they’re not super heavy – so you’re covered morning and night. Back to the whole fast-paced lifestyle, we’ve also discovered you don’t go home and change a lot so being versatile and having layers is a must.
CM: You’re an accessories designer – what all does that mean for lulu?
KD: Scarves, socks, bags, yoga mats, yoga props, water bottles and headbands.
CM: The holidays are coming up. What are some must-have items this season?
KD: Definitely bags, scarves, or anything puffy. Or socks. I believe socks should be in every stocking.
In Houston, it’s all about shorts: year round. It’s so hot you don’t need to wear pants very often.
Kathleen Westerhout: OurToiletry Kit – I’m excited about that one. It’s a great gift because of the price point and everyone needs one.
CM: Any final words on our city or what we can look forward to in your stores?
KD: If Houston likes their color as much as I think they do, they’re going to be really excited about the next few seasons – winter is going to be amazing. As for the January, color palette – your mind is going to be blown. It’s so fun and happy. It’s really awesome.
KW: I can’t wait to plan my return – I want to come back for vacation – I want to see more of Texas.
KD: Me too.
Once upon a time (as in just a few months ago), I felt Lululemon was entirely too overpriced for apparel that I’d literally sweat in, especially someone like me who sweats like a man. The more I wear and learn about the product (i.e. the gusset, which prevents cameltoe) and become acclimated with their culture, the bigger a fan I become.
The recognizable logo not only symbolizes a commitment to living a healthy life, but also a well-rounded and happy one. That my friends, is well worth the extra pennies. And of course, plenty of motivation to get your sweat on.
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the fashion/style section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/d076b177ab83bc8d3a6df45d33ca572b.jpg700525Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-12-09 18:50:102013-01-07 18:56:39The Blonde Side Interview’s Lululemon Lead Accessory Designer
A few weeks ago I had the awesome opportunity to partake in a fit session at the lululemon at the Houston Galleria. As much as I already knew I loved the brand, I had yet to own a single piece. Perhaps it was the price, which felt a little hefty for clothes I would literally work up an intense sweat in, or the fact I grew up as a Nike chick, but nevertheless, I was invited to try on some pieces and give feedback on their products.
I probably tried on every single piece of women’s clothing at the store – from yoga apparel (I don’t even do yoga), to lounge-around wear, to running products (which were of course my fave). Just in tank tops alone I probably tried on 35 different variations including racerbacks, extra long tanks, racing length tanks, ones with built-in bras, ones without, neon, striped, you name it and I tried it on.
Luckily I’m a sucker for running in tank tops. It’s not that I have ridiculously toned arms like Madonna, it’s just more comfortable for me. I ended up purchasing the First Base Tank, $52, which is made of a lightweight and inherently moisture-wicking Rulu with a four-way stretch that moves with you. Clearly a plus when you’re on the move.
The other great feature that Kelly, the bubbly blonde team leader who was working with me, mentioned were the flat seams that prevented chafing: a must for long-runs. As the website says, “We wouldn’t build a house without laying a strong foundation, and we feel the same way about our winter run outfits. We designed this tank as the first layer to keep us toasty no matter what weather comes our way.” This tank was a clear choice the second I found out it doubled as a base layer, which is perfect for the upcoming snowboarding season.
The Blonde Side’s New lululemon Outfit
Something I had never heard of before was the “anti-stink Micro Diamond Mesh” which is strategically placed in high-sweat areas to keep you so fresh and so clean. It wouldn’t have been a day in the life of The Blonde Side without the ridiculous questions that come out of my mouth when Kelly tried to explain the anti-stink due to the “silver” that was woven in the shirt. “Silver, like my necklace,” I asked pointing to my Texas pendant like a small child. Indeed a blonde moment, but we quickly moved on: pants.
I also fell in love with the wunder under crops, $72 (mostly because they had the garnet color to rep my Florida State roots), but also because of the unparalleled comfort they offered the second I put them on. Although they’re made for yogis (again, not me), I couldn’t resist the purchase thanks in part to the gusset, which is defined as: “Drumroll please: gussets are the unsung heroes in the fight against our infamous foe camel toe. These diamond-and-triangle-shaped pieces of fabric are sewn between the legs for greater freedom of movement and to prevent tight fitting shorts, pants, or crops from riding up.” Yes, a drumroll was in fact necessary for that steadfast and awesome definition. What an invention! I had never heard that such an invention existed to hopefully rid the travesty of camel toes across the world.
The tight fit of the wunder under crops “makes it easy to check alignment and the calf-length leg allows us to hold onto our ankles easily in Dancer pose,” and there’s even a hidden waistband pocket to hide your keys or cards while working out. No wonder these are one of their core items and come in a variety of colors.
My fit session didn’t stop there when it came to pants. Again, I tried on at least 20 different versions, lengths, reversible options all kinds of materials, all designed for different athletic practices. While it was fairly time consuming, it really was worth trying on all the different options. It was clear within seconds what products had the four-way stretch, which is what I needed most for running.
The run speed short, $54, was definitely my favorite purchase. Not only were they ultimately comfortable, they didn’t ride up and they were actually stylish. As someone who takes lunch meetings and boards airplanes in workout gear on the regular, these shorts were taking my fashion status up a notch. Maybe two.
The Blonde Side’s lululemon Fit Session
According to the lulu website, “the fabric is extremely lightweight and moisture wicking to keep us feeling breezy and comfortable during hardcore sweat sessions.” The shorts are also cut to perform with vents at the back for breathability and split legs for freedom of movement. The speed shorts are also chafe resistant with flat seams to help prevent sweaty, sensitive skin from getting irritated, which is another plus for us runners, especially those of us with bigger/muscular thighs. Having already run a 10k in my new speed shorts, I can attest that they will probably fit all sized legs and are worth a try.
All the products at lulu are preshrunk twice so the clothes won’t get smaller – always something to consider when purchasing new clothes, especially workout clothes which get washed 3 times more than other clothing.
After everything, I ended up with four great pieces. Pieces that I’m already obsessed with. Pieces that my boyfriend reminds me that just because they are “anti-stink” doesn’t mean I need to wear them day in and day out. I guess I know what’s on my Christmas list this year! #hinthint
Another positive note I learned during my fit session – for us short gals (I’m barely 5-foot-2), the store offers complimentary hemming.
Lululemon at the Houston Galleria is a very active group of men and women, inspiring us in ways we all need. Be sure to check out their FB page and go to one of their events – I’ll probably see you there!
