September is upon us and that means one thing: FALL.
Oh yes. Fall. The season of cozy layers, boots with leggings, and jewel toned everything.
And of course, fall active fashion! The first collections are starting to roll out for the season, and here’s what’s out there so far:
Alala dropped the first of their fall collection, highlighting shine finishes and seamless pieces. My favorites are the black liquid captain tights and the seamless long sleeve. AA reader Carrie noted that the seamless pieces she ordered ran on the tight side, so consider sizing up. Also: AA15 still gets you 15% off full-priced items!
Besides what’s new on the main site, I spotted a couple additional Alala styles at Bandier and also over at Neiman Marcus, including the pyramid bra. As far as I can tell, it’s the same as last year’s in a snap bra, which is my favorite Alala bra! I’m excited to see it back since it was one of my favorite Alala purchases last year. Revolve has one in black, too. (Review here.)
Also, if you want to stalk what’s coming next, be sure you sneak a peek at Alala’s fall lookbook. I’m so excited to see more of that foresty teal shade! Definitely going to be saving my pennies for that sherpa vest, too.
Speaking of deep greens, if you’re looking for a nice fall color, this new color, eden, from Splits59 is beautiful. These new justice capris have a tone-on-tone look with a shine panel in the front and matte finish in the back. Lots more new arrivals from Splits are rolling in for fall, too. If you’re looking for earthy tones, shine finishes, and lots of colorblocking, have a look at their collection.
Werkshop just released the first chapter of their new series: Zen Garden. There are 4 styles out so far, including pandas. Now you can wear your panda leggings while snapchatting with a panda filter while listening to that rap song “Panda”. Panda everything!!!
Athleta is steadily uploading more and more fall styles to their site. The pattern on these colorblock striped chaturanga tights are really cute and remind me a little of lulu’s om stripe. Also: this fleece wrap looks like a super-cozy travel companion.
Athleta also released a new fabric called Sculptek. It’s exclusive to them and it’s designed for extra compression and high performance. It’s a bit more expensive than their other styles and only comes in black so far. I’m always interested in new fabrics, so I’m curious how it feels and functions.
Calia caught my eye this month with these gorgeous plum moto tights. In the few try-ons I’ve done, I’ve really been impressed with Calia’s quality considering their reasonable price point. Another Calia piece that caught my eye, but in a totally different way: this draped jacket, which looks a little too identical to Alala’s sophisticate jacket, even down to the shape of the pockets.
Things have been a little bit monochrome so far in the lululemon world. Not too many fall colors have rolled out just yet, and the ones that have come out are a bit muted. The name of the game right now seems to be lots of black and white patterns. These are part of their jacquard campaign. Among them: teeny tooth, shown above. Although the black and white palette is a bit bland without color mixed in, I can’t complain since I love textures and jacquards.
Side note: I also noticed that lulu’s spray jacquard looks a lot like Vimmia’s speckle pattern, which is also a jacquard. And I couldn’t help but notice the Vimmia tights are on an awesome markdown right now. More sizes here, though the markdown isn’t quite as good.
Another newbie worth noting: the free to be zen bra. I love the geometric strap design on the back of this one.
One of the few new fall colors to come out: chilled grape. It’s such a pretty magenta-plum tone, shown here on the outrun tights.
Also: lululemon now features the model images instead of the floating clothes! Hooray! There was a lot of scathing feedback on how awful the floating clothes looked–can’t say I was a fan either–so it looks like lulu has heard our cries.
Color lovers: looking for something with a little more OOMPH than what the rest of this post has to offer? These chasing rainbow leggings from new brand Nualime (via Bandier) are just what the color doctor ordered.
Wow I made your post! Weeeee!
Thanks for pointing out the pyramid bra. I actually really love the slightly overlapping seams in the back instead of the snap (which I never unsnap anyway on the snap bra). I’m excited to hear if you like it.
wait there’s no snap?
Yeah, the new “pyramid” bra looks exactly like the snap bra, but it has no snap… check it out on bandier. I tried to screenshot but can’t figure out how to paste it here.
oh okay thanks for the info:) i’m a little disappointed, cause i do unsnap, but probably it won’t matter. (i already ordered it, in addition to werkshop cranes cause prettyyyy)
i ordered cranes too!!!
mine arrive tomorrow…. eeeeeeeeeee!
p.s. like i said above – i think even without the snap, the back of that bra is very pretty :)
I got the Crane crops too!! They are so beautiful. Super excited for their arrival!!
Unfortunately you can’t embed images with this comment system. :'(
Hmmm that’s odd. If you look at the Revolve photos you can see it has a snap, no fabric overlap. Not sure which one is right. I emailed Alala asking if there was a difference between this year’s and last year’s, so we’ll see what they say.
On revolve, it says “back snap button closure” in the description. Hmm
Interesting. Let us know what Alala says… I’m curious now (even though I like both designs).
Coming back here to say: I found even *more* Alala on Neiman Marcus. I added the link to the post. They have a few not-yet-anywhere-else items like the puffer vest and a new alpine jacket (love). Ugh, Alala’s fall collections are always murder on my activewear budget. D:
P.S. The pyramid bra also has a snap on the NM website. The plot thickens!
ha – and on fashercise, it’s definitely fabric over fabric – no snap.
Those splits59 deep green are GORGEOUS!!! A dick’s was supposed to open in our mall over Summer but it’s still “coming soon.” Looking forward to trying out some Calia when it does.
Do you have any gouge on LLL not including shopper bags in their online orders anymore? When I asked, I got the “we’re exploring was to be more eco friendly” response. I have more shoppers than I need, it’s just interesting that quality and details (lack there of on the split hoodie for example) are being skimped on as prices continue to rise. I asked at Luluaddict since she’s usually in the know but she never allows my comments through. :(
about the shoppers, I’ve heard on the fb boards that LLL is doing some type of trial period in Canada and not sending any shoppers with online orders. it started over a month ago if i remember correctly. i guess enough ppl were complaining about receiving too many bags and the fact that it wasn’t eco-friendly. i completely agree. however, i have the chance to live near a store. ppl are saying that LLL is taking feedback, so if you want shoppers with your orders, let them know. personally i am happy with no shoppers.
as for LLA’s blog, she approves each comment so they always take time to appear. bizarre that she would disapprove of your comment about online shoppers!
I haven’t heard anything about the new shopper policy (besides some comments on Facebook from other fans). On the one hand, it’s fine by me since I need another lulu shopper like I need a hole in the head. On the other hand, it seems like them trying to be “eco friendly” is a pretty shoddy excuse for what is pretty clearly just a way to reduce costs. I think the best case would be if they just added a box at checkout where you could check it if you’d like to receive a shopper, but I doubt that will happen.
and if you put in the notes “please don’t include shopper” (as i do literally every time) they just ignore you
those green Split tights are everything! I don’t have anything emerald green especially a green this deep in my collection so I will check these out.
I would be interested in the Alala’s pyramid bra (which I keep hearing about), but don’t know where I will buy that in Canada. With my difficult cup size of 32F, I never risk ordering without trying on.
The main issue with the pyramid bra is that it may not be wide enough. Depending on how your bust is shaped (e.g., carrying your weight to the outside vs inside), you could end up with a lot of armpit area spillage. So, yes, I wouldn’t want to order it without trying on either, or with the knowledge you can return for free. I’m bummed that no Canadian stockists have picked up Alala yet. :\
My cranes came! Love them!
Also – for those of you that have wondered about sizing up in werkshop (I feel like we had a convo on here about that once??), I took the plunge with this purchase and ordered a L. I normally buy a M in werkshop, S in alala, and 6 in lulu. I really like the L. They are slightly less compressive and slightly more comfortable than the M, so not quite as ideal for working out, but much better for casual wear. No part of them is “too big” or loose or anything.
I just took a dive and ordered my first alala in a M and now i’m worried they’ll be too big! last time i tried on LLL (I don’t own any) i fit into a 6 easily and wear a S in Nikes – and recently lost 15 lbs. the sizing guide on alala told me to do a M. crossing my fingers! werkshops will have to hit my drawer sometime soon too!
Hmmm it might work, depending on the style. Fingers crossed! If not, hopefully you can exchange them pretty painlessly.
Yes, I remember that conversation too! Thanks for sharing your experiment. :)
Hey carrie, I was part of the werkshop size dilemma convo! Just wanted to say “thank you” for the latest update. Still stalled on purchasing first pair but will definitely buy size L now as they will be for casual wear. Thanks for taking the plunge (for me ;)
I purchase 3 of the Lululemon energy peek bra. My not so ripped back and the run stuff bra and regular energy bra just couldn’t get along. The reviews all seem promising that the “peek” version eliminates back fat so I’m hopeful. Also I just read that Alala is partnering up with Pure Barre and releasing a line that is supposed to be available in September I will be excited to see what those pieces look like. Hoping to see a new top fall picks from you! Those are my favorite posts!
Fingers crossed the peek bra works! Also, I hadn’t heard about the Alala/Pure Barre collab. Interesting! I hope there’s nothing I love, because it’d be hard for me to get my hands on it, haha. And yes, I’ll do top fall picks as soon as I have enough picks to write about. ;)
I really like Calia’s Plum colour over LLL Chilled Grape. I like Chilled Grape but it is too reminicent of all the various shades last year from Ultra Violet to Red Grape and all the ones in between. I would love to see more plum tones this year.
I love Fall and all the deep rich colours that come with it. I am looking forward to adding some beautiful deep green and plum to my wardrobe.
That’s true, there have been a lot of red/pink undertones as opposed to more purple/blue undertones at lulu lately. They had deep zinfandel for a little while a few months back, but even that wasn’t technically new. Also: deep green is such an underrated fall color. I’d love to add some more to my wardrobe this season, too.
Found your blog recently and have been enjoying your posts so far (I even went back a bit in the archive!). I have yet to try Alala, but they are next on my list!
Another Fall collection that’s caught my eye is ALO’s…they have a beautiful jewel-tone green and a light plum color that they call grenadine. So pretty!
Glad you found me!! :) Thanks for the note about Alo, their evermint moto leggings are gorgeous!
OT disclaimer, although is Alala ever really that it on this page??Holy Alala sale alert!!!I just scored the Poseidon blanket jacket for $55!!! I’ve been lusting over that dang blanket jacket all year! Can’t wait for mail day….
woohoo Leis!!! I paid like 200+ plus for that thing and I love it. I am super happy for you :)
Also OT (but not really)… how is the green seamless LS already SOLD OUT IN MY SIZE on bandier? waaaaaaaah. I guess I’ll have to make do with just black :-P
Holy crap!! That’s an amazing score. I paid $127 for my poseidon blanket jacket and I thought that was a great price, haha.
Random-ish question: every time I see Splits59 stuff, I pine for the return of the Devon singlette. Anyone have any suggestions for a good replacement? I love the open back of it.
You may have already seen it, but their binx tank is somewhat similar. It’s really a shame they phased the devon out. :(
I wish Werkshop would do a superhero theme! I’m doing this superhero run and I’m trying to find crops/Capris in that theme. Suggestions appreciated!
That would be fun! :) I can’t think of any brands with good superhero leggings off the top of my head, but hopefully someone else will!
Are you doing an “American superhero”? If so, what about doing some red, white and blue leggings/outfit? Check out AA’s Olympic inspired outfits for references with those colors.
Throw on a “cape” and your a superhero ;) Capes are super easy – hee! – to make: get some light weight, flowing fabric, cut to size and tie on. However, for running, i doubt one would want anything tide around the neck so suggest tacking onto straps of tank, if wearing a tank. Silk charmeuse would be divine! Tho expensive. And silk gets clingy when wet. Maybe a poly is better? Any sewers out there want to chime in?
Might sound “too home-made” but think if you’ve got the styling leggings/outfit, it could look pretty slick.
You could even sew – or print – a letter onto your cape :)
Thanks! That’s actually what I’m thinking of doing! Female version of Captain America! Good idea thinking about the olympics…cape is something I’m still pondering. Short, sweat wicking fabric of some sort? Not sure what type or where to get. Not too long, either, so it won’t be in the way or start feeling heavy after mile 8…it is my first half marathon after all! Not sure how to approach cape yet. I’m even thinking of gold fanny pack that will look utility belt-ish. All superheroes have something like that. They have fun mask/sunglasses out there, too, I’m finding. Homemade may be the way to go.
Yoga Democracy makes an American flag inspired crop/legging, but the only size left is a L :( –> https://yogademocracy.com/collections/leggings/products/glory-days-crops?variant=21724249923
RE3 Life also has an “Americana” legging, if you wanted a USA themed thing: http://www.re3life.com/collections/leggings/products/americana?variant=22039290567
Here is a listing, off etsy of a sweat wicking jersey knit – which you could likely just cut and not have to sew the edges, because a knit should not unravel (if you have the time, check out Alabama Chanin for hand made, made in the USA garments using cotton knit to see what am suggesting). Maybe sew, using a stretch stitch, the area that will fix to your garment. Could hand sew that bit very quickly. (search: stretch stitches by hand for tutorial, if you don’t sew a lot)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/459261500/procool-athlethic-jersey-mesh-stay-dry?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-craft_supplies_and_tools-fabric&utm_custom1=c73ee8b7-ad1d-4c4a-b68e-8cd9c5bf4c04&gclid=CNv3gtuo9s4CFddZhgodKTkKWQ
One yard would be long enough – and you could wipe your brow with it too! ;) The above is just one example. There are many out there. Just search.
Another thought: there are fabrics printed with super hero themes. But your idea of a sweat wicking is brilliant.
Think if you take into consideration what you will be comfortable running in for a long time, you can do homemade – and be totally unique! Good luck in both the race and being creative in design :)
I have noticed that a lot of Calia’s styles seem to be rip offs from other brands. I know you mentioned one example in your post and I also recently saw their “signature bag” in person and had to do a double take because it reminded me so much of lulus older bags (two times a yogi bag I think). I know this happens all the time it is just irritating.
I hadn’t really noticed much copying up to this point. The wine colored bag definitely has some similarities to the lulu bag you mentioned but at least wasn’t a *total* ripoff. That said, I was looking for bags just now for a post and it looks like they just released a “festival bag”: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=99348406&cp=4406646.4413874.11400128.50676656&categoryId=58637086 And this other new release also looks heavily “inspired” by lulu’s sweaty or not kit: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=96158516&cp=4406646.4413874.11400128.50676656&categoryId=58637086
Sigh. I guess this is the new MO from Calia. Disappointing.