After my trip, I’ve been spending this week catching up on all the newness in the activewear world that went down while I was away. Fall is almost over, and winter is already almost here! Thicker layers are starting to turn up, and holiday collections are right around the corner. Also: be sure you keep a little room in your budget for Black Friday. It’s only 3 weeks away and is sure to bring the BEST deals of the year.
Lululemon’s ultra-high priced reflective capsule last year was met with mixed reviews, but that didn’t stop them from jumping back into the fray again this year. The prices are pretty similar compared to last year, with the highest priced item, the speed tights, ringing it at $298. Reflective gear always commands a premium no matter the brand, the price isn’t quite as crazy as it sounds. That said, last year’s collection did not seem to sell well last year, and many people snapped up the gear on markdown. We’ll see what happens with this new batch.
On a more exciting note (to me, anyway!), lulu also released a new version of their ray speed shorts. Yes, it’s off-season, but they’re worth buying now to have for next spring. I have the original rays and they are one of my absolute FAVORITE colors. The new version is made of Swift, which means they’re a little different from the original release, but the vibrant color is still to die for. If you’re confused about the difference between Swift and the original 2-way fabric, I wrote a post explaining it right here. Another gorgeous color making a comeback: alberta lake! I might break my lulu dry spell for the AL aligns…
Speaking of lulu, if you’re not opposed to buying lookalikes, TJMaxx has a pair of leggings that are a dead ringer for lululemon’s blooming pixie. These have been spotted in stores, and the ladies who posted photos versus lulu’s version show that the print is identical. And TJMaxx calling it “pixie bloom” is not exactly subtle, either. If I had to guess, I’d say that lululemon sold their excess fabric to an off-price manufacturer.
Point being: if you’re sad to have missed out on the real deal, you can snag the discount version for the outrageously low price of $17.
If you’re looking for cold weather run tops, reader Allie sleuthed out this herringbone top from Saucony that she said is quite thick and cozy, like lululemon’s rulu. And, it comes in some nice colors!
One of my favorite pieces from Alala’s fall lookbook is this sherpa vest, and it’s finally here! Ordered this one to try. I’m also liking the new colors available in their custom captain tights. I’m loving deep teal with liquid bronze. (For 15% off: AA15)
If you love the look of Alo’s moto legging but prefer a higher waist, rejoice! They now make a high waisted version. Bandier has them in a gorgeous shade of navy. It’s hard not to want a pair after seeing them on Grace from A Southern Drawl.
As a perpetually cold person, I’m lusting after every puffer jacket ever this season. Currently on my list: this pretty and puffy SAM jacket at Bandier. And speaking of warm things, this oversized Monrow sweater also caught my eye as an ideal topper for my cozy leggings.
Werkshop dropped another new collection: polygon. There are 7 styles in total, each made in their signature cropped and full length versions. The geometric look of this collection is a little different than their usual designs, but still retains that same bold look that is Werkshop’s signature.
Lastly, before you go: one of my favorite resale sites, Tradesy, is now open to international buyers! You do have to pay a little bit extra in conversion fees and possibly extra shipping, too, but if you find a gem on Tradesy that you REALLY want, now you’ve got options. Read more about the details here. If you’re new to Tradesy, I’d love if you’d my invitation link to join, if you’re so inclined.
oh! this tradesy news is exciting. hopefully international sellers (or at least canadian sellers) will be allowed soon.
about saucony, i recently bought a bright pink top similar to a lulu LS swiftly. the material is way more sturdier than lulu’s new swiftly material. i wear 8 or 10 in lulu LS/SS and i bought a large in this saucony top. i’m so happy with my purchase! plus it was on sale for 50% off regular price :)
Yes, definitely a step in the right direction re: allowing international sellers too! Hopefully that’ll be on its way soon.
Thanks for the note about the other Saucony top. I’ll have to watch them more carefully apparently. :)
You might buy aligns?! I’m confused… you align hater you. That said, I’m happy for you! I wear them almost everyday although prefer the original version so I haven’t bought new ones in awhile.
I also ordered that alala vest to try (in XS since S sold out in hours)
Small is back in stock right now!
Well that’s annoying! I wish they told me that when I asked about it last week. Oh well maybe XS will fit. Thanks for the heads up!
Haha I was wondering if someone would call me out on it. Yes, I came around on the crops. Still don’t like the pants, although I like the revised version better than the 1st generation pair that I originally tried. I had been waiting for a nice color, and alberta lake is peeeeerfect. Eating my words a bit…
Thanks for your tips of comparable brands with similar fabrics. Now, if only I could find another manufacturer who makes something comparable to rulu/pique pants…
Yes! Same! Thick, soft, and textured is one of the hardest categories to find.
I’ve been trying to get my hands on the Alo motto leggings. I’m sad I thought about it too much and can’t seem to bag a size S in black in the UK:( may have to succumb into getting the navy :-)
Them reflective Lulus are crazy priced. And I can’t imagine someone running around in the dark with just a sports bra? I always assume there’s a bit of chill and you’d want to layer up. Maybe someone can explain to me the reasoning behind a fully reflective bra??
And welcome back to blogging AA!
If you’re ordering from the US, I bet you’ll be able to find them for a nice discount over Black Friday, which is just a couple of weeks away!
The one time I could see an all-over reflective bra being useful would be in warm climates where it gets dark early but doesn’t cool off (e.g., Phoenix, AZ where it’s 70 in the winter). Also, I imagine some people still go night running in the summer as well. In those situations I could definitely see it coming in handy!
That sherpa vest is GORGEOUS. I’ve been drooling over it, but I just can’t justify it right now. Maybe down the line…
And they just restocked the size small so… I did it. Damnit I have no willpower ;)
Haha! I just got mine in the mail yesterday. :)
YAY! Thank you for the post, after reading this I went on to the TJMaxx website and ordered those blooming pixie. I don’t think we ever got the WUC that Canada got, and can’t beat the price of $17! I did happen to buy a pair of Kyodan fatigue green leggings and the fabric surprisingly felt alot like a cross between full on luon and nulu. They felt super soft and thick and fabric content is 86% nylon/14%spandex. Somewhat compressive and opaque, snagged them for $20! On another note, I’ve been lusting after those ALO moto leggings then I saw them in navy and that did it! So excited to get them!
Woohoo!! I’ve never found any gems at the stores in my area, but I’ve seen some pretty awesome scores. Glad you got lucky! :) I hope you love the moto leggings! I finally caved and got a pair in black. Maybe if I like them I’ll get navy too…
AA! I’m so glad your back. I too am almost embarrassed to say I missed you. It’s like a friend just got back from vaca! I jumped on those Ray speeds since I do most of my work in out indoors anyway. I LOVE the swift material since it’s as about as close to two ways as a girls gonna get these days. They feel like tried and true lulu A game! Also I’ve been so excited to share my major score of the month….a sophisticate jacket new with tags on eBay for $14.99 with $5 shipping! I’ve already worn it twice and just love it. Welcome back and congrats on becoming a wife?On to new adventures:)
Thanks Leis! :) I’m glad to be back, sloooowly catching up on everything! I hope you love the ray speeds. Swift material fits me funny, so I just stick to plain vanilla 4-way these days. :\ Also, that is an insaaaaane deal on the jacket! A little jealous. :)
I bought the reflective CRBII and really like it. The luxtreme fabric is so silky. I sized up. The Alala Sherpa vest is gorgeous. I am waiting for the black friday to pull the trigger. Hopefully we will get 30% discount or more this year :).
Not a bad idea to wait for Black Friday! :) I have no idea what the discounts will be this year, but I didn’t feel like waiting, lol. I just got mine delivered yesterday, so I’ll try to have a review up before BF.
Welcome back, Suzanne!
I’m just getting back into running and definitely need some long sleeve tops for the PNW fall/winter…may have to try the Saucony at some point.
I’ve also been looking for a good puffer jacket at a decent price point. The one I currently have is a kind of comically big for me (it’s a J Crew Factory boys’ size 14, ha!), but it’ll have to do for now.
ALO’s moto leggings are some of my favorite as far as studio to street style goes (but not ideal for super sweaty workouts, imo). I managed to snag some good deals for the regular waist ones in vapor grey and sunbaked, but I’m dying over the jungle green ones. They need to stop coming up with such good colors!
Thanks! :) I love the Alala puffer I just posted about, but it’s $$$ for sure. I got it for 25% off, which definitely helped. If you find a deal over Black Friday, I’d definitely recommend it! I also have a lulu and Arcteryx puffer (which are both also fairly expensive) and it’s much warmer than both.
Thanks for the heads up about the moto leggings. I have a black pair coming my way! I don’t mind the hotter fabric for the colder months. The main issue is I’m pretty sure they’re going to be serious pet hair magnets! Oh well.
The Alo Moto high rise yoga leggings are on sale on bloomingdales for 79 dollars! The black and navy!
Sweet!!! :) I have a black pair being delivered this week (thankfully I didn’t pay full price!). If I like them, maybe the navy will still be available at Bloomie’s… Thanks for the tip!