blog-backup

P.E Nation

by Cristina September 28, 2017

written by Cristina

Have you guys heard of the brand P.E Nation? I’ve been completely obsessed since I first glimpsed them on Carbon38 late last year, but I hadn’t pulled the trigger. All of a sudden I started seeing other retailers carrying the brand such as Nordstrom, Revolve, Net A Porter, and I’m fairly certain The Bay had some items but have sold out. I was equally disgusted and intrigued to see that the Kardashians wear this brand a lot. I had my eye on a couple of the lines, the gold-trimmed crops and raglan tee where the ones that first caught my eye, and yesterday when I was browsing the Shop Bop Sale (20-25% off until tomorrow!), I saw the blue ones on the left with the Wonder Woman like starts. I decided I absolutely needed those for Olympic weightlifting so I grabbed those, and the original two items that had caught my eye. I also really love these On Deck Leggings at Nordstrom but I’m going to wait and see how I like the fit of the first order first. I am just really in love with the retro 90’s gym class vibe, and the use of fashion-forward elements like the heathered gold trim, and that all the pieces coordinate with each other so well. I also really love that it’s both tomboy and completely girly.

I can’t wait to share my review of these items for you guys! I’ll also share more info on this brand and some of the great features the tights have. Hopefully early next week! You will get to see a new background since I’ll be in my new house by then.

By the way, do you guys shop at Shopbop? This is my first order from them ever but I’ve been seeing a lot of people mention buying from them during their big sales and I hadn’t realized how awesome their selection was. Are they reliable shippers?

My P. E Nation Haul

Shop These Items on Sale at Shopbop
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September 28, 2017 14 comments

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Victoria Secret Copied Lululemon’s Enlite Bra!

by Cristina September 27, 2017

written by Cristina

Wow! Have you guys seen this near identical dupe? Victoria Secret copied Lululemon’s Enlite Bra! Victoria Secret released a new bra called the Angel Max Sports Bra and it has the same encapsulated cup, seamless laser construction and sweat-wicking spacer fabric and it’s overall the exact same design. The main difference here is the price. Victora Secret is priced at $49 while the Lululemon Enlite Bra is priced at $98. Lululemon will sure be angry about this considering the resources the spent marketing and developing this bra and how invested they were with product reviews. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know that I never took to the Enlite Bra despite trying several sizes. I took a fair bit of grief for not having a more positive review about it. Part of the barrier on this bra for me was the price did not match the quality, and with my cup size (DD) I didn’t feel a personal need for re-engineered sports bras. Larger cup sized women certainly need better more supportive options, but this bra didn’t go beyond DD/E cups.

I plan on checking out the Angel Max next week to do a fit review

Victoria Secret copied Lululemon’s Enlite Bra
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In related news, Lululemon is suing Under Armour for allgedly copying $52 Energy Bra.

Comments about the new bra from The Sweat Edit Review Group.

The fabric feels the frigging same and its constructed the same (actually VS version fabric is a little less stretchy but just as comfy).

I just tried it on. Oh my goodness. Its the same thing to me.

That’s so exciting considering it 1/2 the price of the enlite.

Actually, I think it gives a lift whereas there none with enlite.

Thanks to Ms. C for sharing these detail photos.

September 27, 2017 22 comments

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Lululemon Store Photos

by Cristina September 27, 2017

written by Cristina

By the way, I forgot to mention here that Lululemon has a huge accessories drop coming soon which will include candles, notebooks (with goal planning sections), clutch type purse and wallets, all in the very near future. This is perfect for the upcoming ‘gift giving’ season so it should boost sales for Lululemon over the holidays.

I’m feeling really tempted by the Align Pant II Lacescape.

Align Pant II Lacescape, Shape Up Tank, Love Tee V Scarlet

Take It Easy Pant, Twist & Reach Bra

The Take It Easy Pant is made of modal, and it’s very long at a 32″ inseam, so if you are short you will likely need to hem these. Thanks to Ms. K for those details.

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September 27, 2017 13 comments

guest fit review Uncategorized

Guest Fit Review: Rulu Define Jacket, Extra Mile Vest, Shape Up Pullover, Kitsilano LS, New Form Crop

by Cristina September 27, 2017

written by Cristina

Mrs. O is such a life saver! Many of you have been asking for fit reviews of the Rulu Define Jacket and Extra Mile Vest and she’s come through with some awesome reviews. I’m completely housebound this week packing boxes so not able to check out the new items in store until next week so I so appreciate getting Mrs. O’s feedback and recommendations.

Define Jacket RULU

The Rulu Define was very soft and lightweight. This is my TTS. I did not have to size up like I do in Luon Defines. Rulu definitely is a more forgiving fabric. I believe another reader mentioned that she thought the jacket was a tiny bit longer, especially in the back. I found the same to be true. I just so happened to be wearing a Define today so I measured it up against the Rulu Define. And just slightly it was longer in the back. I have so many hero blue items and the slate gray seemed too plain so I didn’t buy the Rulu Define. If it doesn’t come out in another color, I will probably get the blue one. The heathered gator green has a bit too much yellow/brown undertone for my coloring.

Extra Mile Vest & Kitsilano LS

I actually liked the Kitsilano LS more than I thought I would. The texture was nice and gave the black/gray color combo some depth. It was very soft and well made. This is a size up. So the sizing is the same as your Swiftly size. I paired it with the Dark Olive Extra Mile Vest and the color combo was nice. The vest is TTS. I rarely layer my vests over anything more than a thin LS so a size up would not have mattered to me. In my size up, it was a little loose around the waist and then it started to creep up when I moved around. The hood is removable so you can wear it under a hooded jacket. If you want to layer it with something thicker than a thin LS, I suggest sizing up. The size difference wasn’t that much but just enough to give you more space. Also, in a size up, it was longer in the back. I preferred the length of my TTS.

Shape Up Pullover

I finally got to the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade location today. SM was the only store that had the new items. The Shape Up Pullover was soft and very form fitting. In this picture I’m wearing my TTS. There was barely any difference with a size up — the length was a bit longer and like others have mentioned, the shoulders were wider than I expected in a size up. Everywhere else, I thought the fit was the same. If I end up buying it, I would probably get the size up so I can wear a Swiftly SS under it. I didn’t mind the color blocking as much as I thought I would. The navy version has a black color block that is barely noticeable. So, for those that don’t like the color blocking, go with the navy. It’s too bad this didn’t come in a nice plum, brighter green or brighter blue color. I have to say it was very comfortable on. It didn’t move around the hem and really felt like I barely had a top on. It would be great for runners. I’m undecided so it stayed at the store.

New Form Crop

I was really loving the idea of the New Form Corp until I tried it on. I think it is by far the most unflattering Lululemon item I have tried on. First, the spacer fabric was stiff. However the item was folded when shipped, it made the side of the pants pucker oddly. I wasn’t sure if it would straighten up once it was able to relax and just hang. The puckering looked so bad, I had to angle myself so you could get a better idea of how it should look. Second, I think these crops “add” weight. They are not slimming at all. These crops are TTS and had plenty of room. The formed waistband was not as tight as the NTS Jacket cuffs and waistband. These pants hit my calves at the worst spot. If I was considering it, I would definitely have to get them hemmed to the right spot. The length is great for the long legged ladies out there but I’m not sure how flattering it would be on. Even on the site, it doesn’t look that great on the models. I suspect these will go on markdown fairly quickly. I think if it were made in the swift fabric, it might be a much nicer wide leg cropped pant.

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September 27, 2017 11 comments

The Lululemon Upload

by Cristina September 26, 2017

written by Cristina

Last weeks Upload
Last weeks Fit Review

I was happy to see the Miles Ahead Short Sleeve Camo and Miles Ahead Tank in Canada finally, along with the Shape Up Pullover. I ordered the Miles Ahead SS and am thinking about that Viola Scuba Hoodie. I’m mostly thinking about the hoodie because ALL of my clothes except for a couple of tee shirts and jeans are packed away in boxes now and I have a dire need for my warm hoodies with this cold fall weather. In retrospect, not the best idea to pack away everything but I thought I was being really efficient. I’m also wanting to try on the Define Jacket and Wunder Under Pleat It, and the Lacescape Aligns are threatening to fall into my shopping basket.

PS. This Is Us starts again tonight. I’m so excited for fall TV shows coming back!

Have you ordered anything or tried any of the new items in store today?

Define Jacket Pleat It

Define Jacket Irregular Denim

Wunder Under Hi Rise Pleat It

Energy Bra Pleat It

Align Pant II

Shape Up Tank

Fast & Free Tight II

Twist & Reach Bra

Scuba Hoodie IV Violet

Speed Up Short Scarlet

Swiftly Tech LS Crew Garnet

Love Tee V

Wunder Under Crop Hi Rise Dark Olive

All Set Shopper Tote

Wunder Under Hi Rise Tight interlaced starlight black

Warm For Winter Hoodie

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September 26, 2017 33 comments

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Guest Fit Review: Sweat & Savasana Sweater

by Cristina September 25, 2017

written by Cristina

Thanks to Mrs. O for another wonderful fit review!

Sweat & Savasana Sweater

I was hesitant to get a sweater that costs $150 with the other items that are coming out. Last year, the sweaters went on markdown and I got them when they did. I thought I’d do the same this year but when I tried on the sweater, I loved it so much I took home the inkwell one. It is TTS (not snug) and a great length. I think the sweater is slimming. The back curved hem covered my bum. The contrasting knit at the shoulders made the sweater look really feminine and caused an illusion that your shoulders are narrower. The sleeves weren’t too long for me and didn’t bunch at all. The kangaroo pocket laid flat and when I put my hands in the pockets it felt nice and didn’t stretch out. When I removed my hands, it retained it’s shape. But I also didn’t put anything inside it (I never usually do) and did not pull down with my hands (I don’t do that with knits). I took a picture in inkwell and heathered medium gray. You can see the detailing better in the gray. I believe this year’s gray very closely matches last year’s gray. I don’t know for sure because I can’t do a side by side comparison. This year’s might be very, slightly lighter than last year’s. The inkwell seemed like a brighter navy than the midnight navy that has been coming out. You won’t be able to tell in the pictures but in person, it’s slightly different — a very subtle difference. For those of you that have questions with washing, I have had no problems with shrinking or stretching with Lululemon’s merino wool sweaters. Like Cristina, I machine wash in a lingerie bag on a short cycle and lay flat to dry. I like the fact I can machine wash rather than take it to the dry cleaners because it’s wool.

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September 25, 2017 9 comments

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Sneak Peeks Folliage Wunder Under Pant

by Cristina September 25, 2017

written by Cristina

I am loving these new prints!! I’ve purchased the Align Pants in Lacescape.

Folliage Wunder Under Pant and Energy Bra

Lacescape Align Crops

September 25, 2017 10 comments

Beauty Beauty Review

Lush Sleepy Body Lotion

by Cristina September 23, 2017

written by Cristina

Do you guys shop at Lush? I don’t shop there often but I have shopped there throughout the years and have a few favorites (Ro’s Argan, Rose Jam, ultrabalm) from there that I pick up from time to time when I’m feeling the need for some pampering bath products. A few months ago when I stopped in to check out the new products I found a tester of this ‘Sleepy’ body lotion, and I was infatuated with the scent. Sadly it was sold out and has been most of the summer because of some online article, but it recently came back in stock. It is lavender scented, but not your typical heady floral grandma lavender. Lavender can sometimes be way too strong for me and give me headaches so I shy away from it. Plus, I just really don’t like some of the green notes in lavender – they can be really sharp. This ‘Sleepy’ lavender, however, is both intensely lavender and toned down and mellowed by tonka. It smells more like a lavender latte with caramel drizzle than a bouquet of lavender.

I didn’t buy this product thinking it would be a miracle sleep inducing aromatherapy product, and I am always suspicious of lavender oil as a cure for insomnia. I purchased this because I loved the scent so much and the lotion is really great quality and it just feels like a luxurious thing to use. I’ve used this a week now though and Oh my goodness, this stuff knocks me out.

I don’t have insomnia (I don’t think…) and I don’t find my sleep habits a problem for me, but I am a severe night owl and will often stay awake until 2 am, and then struggle with waking up at 6 am. I also drink a ton of coffee. My husband hates this because I will watch Netflix on my laptop in bed and it annoys him even though he’s completely asleep and dead to the world, but he hounds me to turn down the light from the center of the sun emanating from my laptop. He just gets frustrated that I’m not a happy camper in the mornings like he is. I’ve come to accept my night owl cycle and haven’t seen it as a problem because I’m often very productive from 10 pm till midnight on my blog or with other stuff I’m working on, or just productive watching Netflix. Lately though, because of my house move stress and excitement I’ve also become a very light sleeper, and at 4 am I bolt wide awake.

Since using this product for the past week I am now a firm believer in the power of lavender as a sleep aid. I put it on my hands, arms, and neck when I get into bed, and within half an hour I am turning off my computer, rolling over and instantly I fall asleep and stay asleep. I’ve been so well rested this week! I know this may be correlation and other factors could be contributing to my improved sleep cycles this week (certainly not a decrease in caffeine) but I can’t ignore the fact that last week I was bolting awake at 4 am with nervous excitement about our move, and this week I’m now falling asleep instantly and waking up refreshed when the alarm goes off. I don’t feel like this drugs me to sleep though, I just feel like it sedates that nervous energy I’ve had allowing me to drift off, and stay asleep.

I’m pretty sure you could get the same effect from regular high-quality lavender oil but I like this one a lot because it’s not overly floral, doesn’t cause me headaches and I really love the combination with tonka and ylang-ylang. Sephora carries a line from ‘This works’ called Sleep Pillow Spray and Sleep Plus+ Dream Body Butter and I’m sure those work just as well too, but I just love this product. I thought I’d recommend it for those of you that have trouble sleeping, travel a lot in different time zones, or are new moms and want to try something natural and a bit indulgent. Best Organic Massage Lotion

September 23, 2017 9 comments

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New Form Coat, Shape Up Pullover, In Movement 7/8 Tight

by Cristina September 23, 2017

written by Cristina

Loving these photos of the new Shape Up Pullover and New Form Coat. I was hoping to see store photos of the new Dark Olive Down For It Vest because I received mine and it’s actually a much darker richer color and I love it so much more in person. The web photos are very unfortunately photoshopped so there are patches of washed out dark olive where the light reflects, but it’s definitely a darker more wearable green in person.

Store photos from Lululemon Western Chicago Suburbs.

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September 23, 2017 20 comments

The Lululemon Upload

by Cristina September 19, 2017

written by Cristina

The Lululemon Upload is up!

Finally! Outerwear is here! I love the Down For It Jacket and Down For It Vest in Dark Olive. I have the Down For It Vest in black from last year and really love the cut and shape of it. It’s such a warm and fluffy, yet still feminine shaped vest. I’m a bit annoyed though because, despite the fact that I am full on only Fall/Winter shopping now that the temperature has dropped, I really wanted that Miles Ahead SS in the camo print and Canada did not get it. I also would have liked the Sweat & Savasana Sweater which was out last year too. For some reason, I didn’t pick this sweater up last year despite loving all of the merino wool offerings from Lululemon so I would have definitely gotten one this year. I think I just got two different merino sweaters last year so getting a third style was overkill. But I lived in them all winter long and have already started re-wearing them this year. Oh I also have to mention the RULU Define Jacket. For years and years I’ve been asking for Lululemon to make a RULU Define and it’s finally been made, but I want a different color. I’m going to try it on in store but will probably break down within the next few minutes and go for the Slate one.