Welp, apparently I can’t stop buying Alala. I feel like I’ve bought and tried on at least half of their fall collection by now. So, here we go again: more reviews! I bought all of this on Black Friday discounts from a mix of Alala’s site and Bandier. (I’m *almost* done with the review backlog I’ve been working through for weeks. Yeesh.) Anyway, here’s the details on my latest Alala haul:
Sherpa vest
The sherpa vest has gotten a lot of positive reviews since its debut earlier this fall.
It has a vegan leather exterior with a sherpa fleece lining. The weight of it felt warmer than an average vest, but definitely not as warm as a heavier duty puffy vest. The sherpa is soft, though not quite as soft as the sherpa that lululemon uses.
My main fear with the vest was that it would just be too big. Unfortunately, my fears were confirmed. This vest didn’t do anything for me. It’s too boxy and doesn’t quite sit right. The vegan leather does mean that the fit is stiffer and it doesn’t relax like a regular fabric would to cover up the fact that it’s big on me. I would’ve needed an XXS for this one to work, so back it went.
Bonded vest
A version of this vest originally came out last fall, dubbed the flawless vest. I loved it at the time, but I couldn’t swing the cost. I’d been thinking about it ever since. This year, it popped back up on Bandier (I haven’t seen it anywhere else this year) and I wasn’t going to let it get away this time.
The vest is made of Alala’s thicker polyester fabric, similar to the fabric they used on the blanket jacket. In other words, it’s not a flimsy jersey, but sturdier. It’s smooth and soft, but not cottony. There are quite a few nice details on the vest, like the usual gold hardware, plus open mesh lining the hood accenting the outside of the pocket.
This fit a little bit better than the sherpa vest above, but still left something to be desired. Like the sherpa vest, this would’ve been great if an XXS was made. At the price, I needed to love it more than I did. Overall, vests didn’t go so well this time around! On the plus side, I ordered both of these vests from Bandier, and their return process is very quick, easy, and generally painless.
Shadow dolman hoodie
The shadow hoodie is another style I’d had my eye on for a while. I like the casual, cool look, and I could use a the long sleeve layers.
You can let the waist sit high above your hips, which is usually how I do it, but it’s also long enough to pull down all the way over your hips. Like a lot of Alala’s tops, the sleeves are cut slim on this one and the forearms are pretty snug on me. Even so, the fabric is stretchy so getting it on wasn’t a problem.. It’s a loose fit through the body, so taking your normal size will be best. If you sized down for a tighter fit through the body, you’d probably find the sleeves too tight, so I don’t really suggest trying that.
The fabric is Alala’s jersey, which is very soft to the touch. It’s the same fabric as the weekender dress and flyweight tee. Jersey means it’s on the thinner side, i.e., not thick and heavy like a cotton hoodie.
I like the mesh cuff details that spruce these up. The hood drawstring has gold accents, and there’s also a roomy kangaroo pocket in front.
By the way, Jenn of Running on Lentils also has a review of this same top (in black) if you’d like to read another opinion and see other pics.
Granted, this hoodie is a bit similar to the flyweight hoodie tee I already have, but I’m keeping it anyway. I do have a slight preference for the flyweight tee overall, but the two hoodies have a bit of a different look, so they’re not exactly interchangeable.
Blocked crop tights in black/shiny pewter
Alongside the captain crops, the blocked crops have become a staple in Alala’s lineup. The subtle side and knee accent is nice for those who want something besides basic black, but don’t want to commit to a full-on color or print. If you don’t want to go full-on robot with the pewter captains, these blocked crops are where it’s at. I got my first pair of blocked crops from Alala’s spring ’15 collection and have worn them a ton since then. The knee accent placement still works for me, even though I’m fairly petite at 5’3″.
The legs on the blocked crops fit a hair smaller than Alala’s captain crops. This is a plus for me, since the captains can be a little large on me. If you have the same issue with captains, I recommend giving the blocked crops a try. Overall, they fit pretty much true to size. As with other Alala crops, there is no drawstring at the waistband, but I find that the waist stays put very well without it. There’s also the usual back zip pocket for keys, cards, etc.
The opacity on these is pretty good, but not totally perfect. Just make sure you check yourself before heading out for squat day. The black fabric is a slick nylon blend. It’s similar to lululemon’s luxtreme, but a bit softer and silkier. It’s a really nice, versatile fabric. I already have the captain crops in all-over shiny pewter (review here), but I love the blocked crops with pewter, too, so I’m keeping both! I’m unsure whether the pewter finish on the captains will work well in ultra-hot weather (and I won’t know for several months), so these will be a lighter weight alternative that still has the same snazzy shine.
Chill tights in stripe pique
I actually reviewed these once a few weeks back, but I sent them back because they were just too small. So, consider this a follow-up review.
I ordered this pair in a size S. Sure enough, these fit WAY better than the pair in XS I had ordered before. The sausage effect I’d run across in the leg with the last pair is much improved with a size up. Plus, they were just way easier to put on. That said, even in the S, I did notice that the calves still feel somewhat snug, so if you have thicker calves, be mindful of that.
The stripe pique fabric is a supplex blend (a type of nylon); it’s actually a textured knit, rather than printed. The fabric is very thick and totally opaque. On the inside, it’s fuzzy and soft. These feel like they’d be just shy of actual fleece for warmth factor. As I implied above, the fabric is a tight weave that results in a firm fit. Unlike the first pair I ordered, it was much easier to comfortably move around in this larger size.
Overall, if you’re going to order this particular color in the chill tights, I definitely recommend trying a size up.
Chill tights in black
The chill tights in black, while nominally the same tights as the stripe pique tights above, are totally different in terms of fit and feel.
I ordered the black chill tights in my normal Alala size, XS. Sure enough, they fit perfectly. Unlike the stripe pique chills, the black ones are made of tactel. I have a couple other Alala pieces in this same fabric; I absolutely love it. It’s a bit hard to describe if you’ve never felt it. It’s plush and soft, but not too cottony or “fuzzy”. It’s smooth-faced, but not slippery.
Although the zipper looks white in Alala’s stock photos, it’s not. You can see in the above photo that it’s actually a light seafoam color. The shine side panels are not tactel, and they’re subtle but spruce up these pants. The pocket is medium sized. I can smash my phone (iPhone 6) in there if I have to, but it’s a tight squeeze and kinda sticks out funny.
I also love that tactel is always opaque. Absolutely nothing shows through these. The fabric is lightly compressive, has a generous amount of stretch and flex to it, and is really flattering on the booty. The rise is a little higher on the chill tights (in both colors) compared to Alala’s other bottoms, coming up just a bit below the belly button. I did find that the waist runs a hair small, but not enough to bother me. If waistband pinching is often an issue for you, watch out for that on these pants.
The fabric feels the same on the inside as on the outside (except at the side panels). As far as warmth goes, these are definitely cozier than your average yoga or running fabric, but probably not as warm as a thicker fleece. I would put these on the same level for warmth as lululemon’s brushed fabrics. They’re just a tad thinner than the stripe pique pair above.
To further investigate the difference between fit in the two pairs of chill tights, I laid the black (XS) on top of the stripe (S). Sure enough, the stripes are cut noticeably larger than the black pair through the waist, hips, and legs. This confirms my suspicion that Alala did still use the same pattern to cut both pairs. That said, the pique fabric doesn’t have the same flexible stretch that the black fabric does, which is what causes the two pairs to have a completely different fit and feel.
All told, I decided to keep both of these tights. I’ve worked out in both and have no complaints there. I love the look of the stripe pique, but I do have a slight preference for the fit and feel of the plain black if I had to choose just one.
Shop this post
Sherpa vest: via Alala | via Bandier | via Carbon38
Bonded vest: via Bandier
Shadow hoodie: via Alala | via Carbon38
Blocked crop tights in pewter: via Alala | via Carbon38 | via Revolve
Chill tights via Alala: in black | in stripe pique
Get 15% off on the Alala main site: enter AA15 at checkout
LOVE the look of that shadow hoodie!!
Thanks Lauren! :)
alright…. just ordered the chill tight in that pique color one last time. this time in a size large. I’m a small in captains (and even the small is roomy!), so we shall see.
i actually like the sherpa vest on you!
im glad to see that someone other than me has ordered alala’s entire fall collection.
Good luck with the chill tight do-over! Maybe you’ll be able to wear pants by the time they arrive. ;)
thank you! and yes, i hope so!
i put on some baserunners today to run a quick errand and they totally hurt! WTF? booooooo.
Ooh you reviewed the Dolman hoodie too! I’ve been eyeballing that top for a while. Looks great on you!
I’m still up in the air about the pique chill tights. I like the look of the pique better than the black chills, though it sounds like the fit is “easier” in the black pair. If I hadn’t already purchased my TTs, or if the price were a little lower I would just go for it again, but I can tell I still need time to mull it over.
Yes, the fit is definitely easier to get right in black. Don’t really have any advice for you besides what’s already been said, though. :) Good luck though, if you do decide to try again!
OMG I was totally just debating ordering the Chill Tight last night and kept going back and forth between the pique and black and debating size and the “do I really need another pair of winter running tights” thing. I finally decided to sleep on it. And now I see this and I think perhaps “need” it is haha :)
Slightly related, has anyone ever had any issues getting a response from Alala to return something? I have something to return and contacted Alala as they said to in the returns section of the site and have not yet heard back (granted it’s only been a little over 24 hours, but I’m used to quicker responses or not needing to contact a company prior to returning something I guess). I’ve also had this same issue with Ghost & Stars (ordered two sizes in the Galaxy crop as I wasn’t sure what size to go with) — been waiting several days for them (or that company they use to handle all that) to respond.
Hehe, happy that my post ended up being a timely update, then. :) As for the return thing, my rule of thumb is to wait 2-3 full business days before I ping a company’s return email again. Both of them might be busy with holiday returns, but of course you don’t want to miss the window, so I wouldn’t wait too long if you haven’t heard back.
Your reviews really are the best (my husband may disagree haha), and this one was so very timely :) And perfect rule of thumb (holiday returns never even crossed my mind either), so thank you :) Must work on that patience thing…
I’m really enticed by the gray bonded vest that I saw on bandier. I think it looks great, but I don’t know that a sleeveless top is worth $180. Even though you felt it was too big, it looks great on you. Your chill tights looks perfect, too, which is making me want to go put mine on right now! I always look forward to your fit reviews! Btw, I got my Rockell tights yesterday, and they fit perfectly. My husband said they looked like a pair of my Sweaty Betty tights–so true! Dare I say he knows my wardrobe better than I do? :/
Thanks! I got the bonded vest for 35% off, which I thought was a much less intimidating prospect. Bandier doesn’t do deep discounts that often though, so you might be left with waiting for a potential markdown if you don’t want to throw down the $180 (which I totally get). : Also, my bf has also become pretty savvy about my activewear, too, it’s kind of frightening! Glad the Rockells fit though. :)
Glad the shadow hoodie worked out for you! I really like it in that heathered grey pattern too. I love the sherpa vest but don’t wear vests or I’d have tried it. The chill tights look great!
I didn’t wear vests for a long time, either. I got my first one a little over a year ago (though it’s still my only one) and love that I can wear it for warmth without it limiting my arms/hands.
I just wanted to give my review of the Alala pewter captain crops. I love the unique look, but I’ve only worn them 4 times to barre class (not sweaty soaked) and have only spot washed them by hand, but they look TERRIBLE now. The glitter is coming off everywhere. There are patches all over the pants now, especially at friction points, and it looks like I’ve had them forever. :( I bought them when Bloomies had their sale, but I wanted to see if anyone had any experience with returning to Alala. Do they stand behind their products like Lulu does? So disappointing because they’re so unique looking. Would love to hear others’ thoughts!
By the way, I’m late on the New Year wishes, but I just wanted to say thank you for all you do for this blog. Love the activewear and outdoor pics, posts, reviews and funnies! I like the new direction, and I like the community you’ve built here. I find myself always reading the comments now too! Thanks for sharing a little bit about your history, struggles and life.
Look forward to a great 2016 (but not too good because I’m really trying to limit my wardrobe this year)… :)
PS- agree with your Alala returns in this post, and the pants look great on you!
Hi Sue. That is such a bummer that the pewter crops didn’t stand up. I got mine in the first batch released from Revolve, and while the glitter has slowly come off in each hand wash, I haven’t had the other issues you talked about. Mine still look pretty much the same as the first day, and I’ve worn them quite a bit and hand washed each time. I don’t do a lot of barre, though, so thanks for the warning not to do barre-style floor work with these on. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I contacted Alala with a photo when my fast track pants developed a hole in the mesh about 6 months after I bought them from Bene Rialto. Bene Rialto said they wouldn’t do anything about it, and Alala replaced them! I was really pleased with the customer service. I had a couple other minor issues with products I bought directly from Alala, and they addressed to my satisfaction each time. Send them a photo and see what they say. Good luck.
Thanks so much for the feedback. I’ll email them and report back with their response so everyone knows!
Fyi- I just heard from Alala- it took a couple of days from the time I sent them an email with the pictures and explanation. They’ve offered me a $105 gift card to use on their site, which is how much the crops cost full price. I think it’s fair, but I would’ve preferred if they just offered to send me another pair so I didn’t have to pay the $10 for shipping. I think I’ll just wait to use it until I see something else I want so I can get the free shipping (>$200). These crops, unfortunately, will just be trashed because they look so worn, no one would even want them.
Thanks for following up on this! I’m sorry to hear they were a dud for you. :( I haven’t had issues with mine yet either, so it might’ve been a fluke. I’m glad they helped you out, though! I wasn’t sure of their policies.
Suzanne, everything looks great on you! I may have to get the grey shadow hoodie.
I have only had the best customer service from Alala. They always get back to me about returns or sizing questions in 1-2 business days. I think they are/were swamped during the holiday season though.
I returned the pewter blocked crop from Carbon38 due to the dark lines on the side panels. I regretted it so I repurchased from Alala with Gilt’s promotion. Now I am afraid of washing it. Has anyone washed it in a laundry bag? I will commit to hand wash if it is the only way to preserve the metallic coating.
I think you’re probably fine with the blocked crop. The metallic coating that wears off is on the metallic mesh, which I don’t think is part of the blocked crop design.
I can’t speak from personal experience just yet. I’m going to stick with hand-washing for now, but after a few months I’ll probably take a gamble with a laundry bag. Too scared for now though!
Hi Suzanne, I’ve been following your blog for over a year now. I especially love your posts since we have a similar body type (5’2″ 90 lbs). My collection is 99% lulu, but I’m ready to branch out thanks to you! I’m ready to pull the trigger on the Alala chill tights in black, but of course I can’t just order one thing. I’m stuck between the pique chill tights or the roll down sweats. I know the pique chill tights are a size up item. They’re not in any way too big in any area on you right? I know you mentioned they were a little tight in the calf area. I don’t have any cold weather tights yet, I’m from Los Angeles, so it wouldn’t be a terrible thing to have two pair. Haven’t had the chance to try the toasty techs yet. Being petite, I’ve also been looking for a flattering pair of sweats. The lulu base runners don’t work for me at all. My only concern is the waist band and the huge pockets. Have those bothered you at all with increased wear? Which pair would you go with? Thank you for all of your hard work. I look forward to posts everyday!
Hooray for trying something new! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. :)
The waist does run larger in the sweats, yes. I have a small waist but fuller hips (I measure about 23-24″ and 34-35″) so the waist isn’t an issue for me. If you have more of a straight figure, I don’t recommend them. They fit me a lot better than lulu’s base runners in sz 2. The size small pique chills fit me pretty much perfectly. I’ve worn them multiple times since writing this post and haven’t had any fit issues. It sounds like you might be a touch smaller than me, though, so there’s a chance the XS piques would work better for you. For someone our/your size the flyweight tee or fast track pants are also fantastic options, too.
Hope that helps and good luck! Let me know if you have other q’s I can answer. :) And thanks for reading!!!