Let's talk lemons

Yes, I took a break…it wasn’t that long really, right?! My Be Pretty gal pal sent me a little email reminder – Subject: “Houston we have a problem” Content: “Dew Drop In, last updated 10 months”. YIKES, is it really that bad! Skipping the excuses, none of them are very good anyways, and jumping right back in!

Have you ever found a product, a brand, a style, that you just need in your life. Well I have fallen hard and for workout clothes! Totally normal, I am well aware. Meet my current crush Lululemon!

It is an unfortunate part of my personality, I fall in love with a brand which results in constantly checking the website, talking/emailing/texting about it, leisurely frequently swinging into the store drooling over ”new items”, and standing in front of the mirror rationalizing why I deserve to buy this item, how it will complete my wardrobe, after this I am done shopping for a while, it fits perfect, so me, so not me and that is why I love it….it really is a battle in the dressing room. However, I do feel blessed that I have the will power to walk through a mall without making a purchase – all thanks to my mom and her words of wisdom - “Do you love it, only buy it if you love it!” But my weakness is FULL PRICE items – I am the absolute worst bargain hunter! Sale racks frustrate me, don’t like online shopping and discount stores overwhelm me - many of my friends find the most amazing things –

me: “that dress is gorgeous!”

friend: “thank you, only $30!”

me: “silent I hate you (in a loving way) you always find the greatest deals, I am so jealous” – which is so true, I wish I could be a bargain shopper.

So back to Lulu! If I was asked to describe my body type I would check “Athletic” – I don’t really know how this is defined, but I love playing sports and staying active – so athletic just seems to fit. If I am not playing a sport, running or working out {which isn’t as much as it sounds} I still live in workout gear – unfortunately not approved at my 9 – 5! For this very reason I have come to appreciate quality workout clothes – especially NO STINK fabrics - cue Lulu’s Silverescent!  I have only known about the Canada based company for a year or so but amazed by the products and intrigued by the culture of the brand {the marketer in me}. Typically when I go shopping I keep to myself and avoid sales people, but one day I was feeling chatty in the Lululemon store and started talking to one of the “educators”. She informed me about the design of the clothes and fabrics – I WAS SOLD! How do I define Lulu – other brands make women’s styles BUT Lulu is designed for women – make sense?

A few of my favorites – which I own J

In stride jacket – my most recent purchase which I debated and debated but love it and it has become my go to. I love an easy zip up and the stripes are so fun!

Inspire Crop – BEST running pants I own – got me through 13.1 miles in total comfort!!

Run your heart out tank – LOVE this tank, loose but still so flattering! Perfect for our Group Power (a full body lifting class)

My wish list - hmm if only my hubby read blogs JJ

Back on track tank in pig pink - perfect color and super cute!!!

Spirit tight - A splash of Paris Pink, ideal for running during those cold days!

  

Speed short – Must have to match with my In Stride Jacket!

 

Back on track skirt – Runners can definitely be girlie!!

The clothes are just the surface – the culture is very unique to any other retailer I know. They support local communities through studios and fitness centers, brand ambassadors who are typically local instructors, Facebook, attending local events with their catchy signs cheering runners on, partnering with a studio to host free classes and even yoga classes’ right outside their store front. Nothing like a little down dog during your mall run! The company started as a yoga brand, which is clear when you go to a class and over 50% of the people are sporting the “fancy” A logo. They have now expanded to a variety of sports and activities, which even include ballet! The store teams are encouraged required to participate in group fitness, which I have tried to replicate by encouraging my co-workers to run a half marathon together. Growing up playing team sports taught me how motivating it is to work together to achieve a goal. It also means you have someone to toast bubbly with when you celebrate your success!

I saw these signs during one of my road races and chuckled as I ran past not even realizing they were Lulus!!

 

Love pilates? Want to try it out? It is the Studio of the Month!! Check it out at Lululemon Athletica Southpark Facebook page!!

Even with Lululemon’s “high end” products (and prices), “boutique style” inventory (at times limited) and the struggling economy they continue to grow, impressively! Fans have even formed Facebook pages to sell, buy and trade items. The company has been scrutinized in the media and there are some things I don’t fully support {or know the whole story}, but coming from an organization that spends a lot of time in the headlines, I understand the importance of having your own opinion. A positive outlook on life, stylish designs and amazing fabrics are enough to keep me going back to Lulu!

Check out their blog! http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/?mnid=mn;blog

This was a LONG post – clearly I miss my blogging days! I will be back on Monday; it is marked on my Erin Condren calendar – which will lead to my next post!!!