Alala’s next product drop is here! I had been really looking forward to this month’s drop based on sneak peeks I’d seen elsewhere, and it did not disappoint. A new color, magenta, debuts this month as well as a new texture, plus a generous helping of heathered grey. Outerwear is a big focus this month, which is part of what makes this product drop so good–Alala’s layers are generally one of the strongest facets of their collection. Here are some highlights from this month’s drop:
First up: this blanket jacket is EVERYTHING. The blanket jacket made its debut in poseidon as part of September’s product drop and drew a lot of attention. I love the style but held out for a neutral color, and I’m so glad I did. The black with heathered grey is just perfect. Alala was kind enough to gift me this jacket so this one has already made itself at home in my closet. I will be posting a review with more info on this tomorrow!
Here’s the new shade of magenta in the clutch tank. If I had to guess, it looks like it’s somewhere between lululemon’s shades of ultra violet and regal plum, with a dash more saturation. It also looks nice on the cut bra.
In addition to magenta, Alala rolled out a new textured pique fabric this month on the frontrunner jacket. To clarify, this is actually textured, it’s not just a print. I’m very curious to try this fabric on something–I’m a sucker for textures–but this is the only item so far.
Another new style this month: the open back tunic. The longer length and scoopneck has a little bit of a ballet-inspired feel to me. The mesh insert in the open back is good if you prefer a more subtle open back look.
Some more heathered goodness: the flyweight tee. The flyweight tee has been a recurring style for Alala, but unless this model is on the petite side, it looks like they may have lengthened the pattern a bit this season–it ran a bit short before. I also like the shadow hoodie, which was uploaded in heathered grey today.
This new racer turtleneck plays with some interesting geometry, with a subtle mesh accent and a pop of magenta on the other sleeve. This is made from a brushed nylon, so it’ll be on the cozier side. Also, impatient to see more of whatever those pants are!
The weekender dress is back!!! I purchased this dress last fall in 2 colors and have loved it since. It ended up being a popular buy for many AA readers, too. This year’s model uses a slightly darker heather than the previous version, and there have been some tweaks to refine the fit as well. So far, there’s only heathered grey this year–not sure if black will be returning in a later drop or not. This was one of my best buys last year so I’m really happy to see Alala has brought it back. If you’d like a little more detail, I have a review from last year here, as well as a few pics of last year’s heathered grey here. I definitely recommend this dress.
Another piece from last fall that Alala has revamped for this year: the neutron zip-up hoodie. I love all the details here: reptile embossed faux leather, mesh-lined hood, gold zipper, and the mesh thumbholes. Black is very practical for matching, but this style is anything but plain. The tech fleece makes this is a more expensive piece, but it also means superior warmth. I’ve been needing a looser-fitting zip jacket, so this one’s going in my cart. I hope it fits!
Another outerwear piece: the neoprene bomber jacket. This one incorporates the same reptile faux leather motif as the pieces above, but the bomber style gives it a very different feel. There’s also new neoprene shorts and sweats with a similar style.
Rounding out the list with one last outerwear option: new vegan leather sherpa-lined vest. I like the way Carbon38 layered it over one of Alala’s heathered grey tops.
Browse all of Alala’s new arrivals →
Don’t forget: Agent Athletica readers get 15% off your order, just enter AA15 at checkout.
shannon o'malley says
(A bit off-topic…) My Alala roll-down sweats are the best purchase I’ve made in awhile, so how are the fast-track pants, and are they different enough to justify having both? How ‘meshy’ are the side panels? I don’t want to feel too exposed, and I worry that the mesh will get little rips. And are they the same length? I’m not sure I can justify having both, but I’m really liking this line a lot!
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Not *that* off-topic. :) I have both pants and was initially hesitant to keep both, but am glad I did. The fast track pants are MUCH lighter weight and made of a slick but soft nylon technical fabric, while the sweats are much warmer modal, so that’s a difference in terms of function. I believe the inseam is exactly the same (my fast tracks are 30″), but I don’t think they taper as much as the sweats, which could be an issue for your height. I’d have to check though. As for the mesh, I don’t find it too revealing. I’m sure it helps that my pair is fitted but not super skin-tight. I haven’t had issues with the mesh tearing, but another reader mentioned she had an issue with hers, was sent a new pair, and she said the newer version of the pants on the site now are made with sturdier mesh. Hope that helps!!
shannon o'malley says
Very helpful — thanks! I’m a little worried about the length, but I’m going to give them a try! And I love the zip-up hoodie…
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Good luck!!! Fingers crossed for you. :)
allie says
Thank you for this! Can you tell me- how does the Weekender Dress fit? I’m kind of between an XS and a S. I’m a size bigger than you (a size 4) at LLL- how roomy is your XS? I really need the room in the biceps and shoulders/back. Thank you!!!
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Good question. My leaning is that you’d probably be more comfortable in the S. My shoulders and arms are on the small side and I don’t have a ton of room. The fabric is quite stretchy so you might be fine, but it would definitely be tight. That said, I’m not sure if the fit through the arms or shoulders has changed with this year’s model so take that with a grain of salt! Alala’s CS has always been helpful when I’ve bugged them with sizing/measurement q’s, so that’s always an option too.
Amherstlulu says
I am also a Lulu 4 with broader shoulders. Last year’s dress in XS was too tight for me. Size S was sold out by the time I asked for an exchange. I am definitely interested in this year’s. Hopefully sizing has not changed.
Gretchen Braun says
I’m really hoping you hate everything because I want it all and my wallet can’t take that lol! The blanket jacket especially is calling my name…I might need to block your blog for the next week so I’m not tempted!
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Haha yeah, I wouldn’t blame you if you did! ;) But hey, Christmas is coming, you could always start dropping hints. :)
Helen says
I wish I had a money tree because I love the Sherpa vest and the neutron zip-up!
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
No kidding. There are lots of things I want to try but I’m definitely gonna have to reign it in…
Carrie says
Yeah those pants with the turtleneck look very intriguing! I bet they are the chill tights (in a new pique material). Keep that in mind when deciding whether to keep your lulu toasty tech tights, AA! :)
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
I agree, I think they’re the chill tights! I got the toasty techs in bordeaux though, so they’re totally different. :P
Carrie says
Yeah totally different! :)
Crapola I already placed my order. Maybe I’ll have to order these AND another thing to “save” money on shipping. I was eyeing the black chill tights last week. So glad I waited.
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Haha yeah, I do the same thing with shipping, though it really only takes 2 things from Alala to hit the $100 mark, lol. What did you get this time? I wanted to try the flyweight tee but for some reason it’s not showing in stock in XS or S, so I think I’ll stick with the chill tight and neutron hoodie this time and go back for the flyweight tee later.
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Hooooold up, I checked the site and they’re right here: http://alalastyle.com/collections/bottoms/products/chill-tight-magenta but they’re not on the new arrivals page for whatever reason (unless they were uploaded on accident). Ahhh, game changer. Glad I hadn’t placed my order yet, haha.
Jenn @ Running on Lentils says
I’ve loved the weekender dress ever since you first reviewed it. And I love the color & mesh detail on that tank. So tempted…!
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Sorry, lol. D:
Amherstlulu says
Weekender dress, neutron hoodie, and chill tight caught my eye. I am between their XS and S and just emailed their CS about sizing. I have enough Lulu workout clothes to last me a life time. I am willing to spend money on pieces that are well designed, good quality, comfortable, and can be worn casually. I have been really impressed with Kit and Ace and Alala.
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
I’m in the same boat for sure. At this point, cost is a fairly small consideration. It certainly affects how much I can buy, but it doesn’t really affect *whether* I buy. Goodness knows I don’t need anymore, so I might as well only get what I really think is awesome. Btw, what do you like from Kit and Ace? I’ve been wanting to try, but when I look the things I like are usually sold out.
Amherstlulu says
I have Alta tee (size 4, fits long and loose), Prevost sleeveless (size 6), Evans LS (size 4, tight but flattering), Tribune LS (size 4), Calvert LS (size 4, fits loose and flattering) from Kit and Ace. The fabric is amazing and easy to take care of. My favorites are Alta and Evans, which are available online. Calvert LS is a new purchase so I can’t speak from experience yet. I have my eye on their pants now. They are opening stores in many major cities. Most of my purchases were during my visits to big cities including their flagship store in Vancouver. They do offer free and fast online shipping and return.
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Thanks! I probably need to cave and just order something–every time I go on their site I chicken out. For some reason it’s easy for me to spend a lot of money on activewear and on boots, but I have such a hard time with normal clothes!
Sophie says
Oh goodness. I have been wanting to get some things from Alala for awhile but was patiently holding off…until tonight! I had been wanting the black shadow dolman hoodie, but then the neutron hoodie showed up today and it was GAME OVER. The one thing I don’t love about the dolman hoodies is the fit around the hips – I feel like even if I size up, it is prone to pooching in the front and I’m going to be constantly pulling it down. So the neutron hoodie has the same cool cuffs with the added croc detail. SOLD! I also splurged on the sherpa vest. I fell in love with this when it turned up on Carbon38 and I’ve been stalking Alala’s website for it ever since so I could use your promo code!
I got my TTS small in the sherpa vest and I sized up to a medium in the neutron hoodie. No idea if that was the right choice, but I’ll report back on sizing in case anyone else is interested. Can’t wait for your review!
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Yes would love to hear what you think! I’m curious about the sherpa vest but worried it would be too big/bulky. I wish I could see it in person.
Sophie says
I just got my haul today! And I love the pieces I got. IMO, the sherpa vest is not bulky at all. The lining seems quite warm but isn’t overly thick, and the faux leather isn’t too stiff so it doesn’t feel like you’re in a thick puffer at all. The size small for me was fitted but not tight. If I wanted more room, I suspect I could size up without issue, so it just depends on your preference. The neck does come up fairly high which might annoy some people, depending on where it hits. For added warmth though, I think it’s a nice feature.
The neutron hoodie is equally awesome. I sized up to a medium in this and I’m very glad I did. It’s got plenty of room through the body, but it’s a little slimmer fit through the upper arms and across the shoulders, so I personally needed the medium just for my bone structure. For reference I wear a size 6 in Scuba II hoodies and I’m 5’6″.
Both of these pieces look really fierce in person. My first impressions of the quality are good. Overall, very pleased!
Suzanne | Agent Athletica says
Thanks for the follow-up! Both of them look great on you. :) I agree that the sherpa vest doesn’t look too bulky. I might want to pick one up to try, but my bank account needs some time to recover right now, lol.