Nothing makes me feel quite as unstoppable as a sleek, all black ensemble. This outfit in particular has a special kind of edge that feels next-level rad. I’m wearing the Alo moto leggings, Alala alpine tee, and Alala sherpa drape vest. I haven’t talked about any of these on the blog yet, so here’s a quick review of each!
Alo high-rise moto leggings
I’ve been mulling around the idea of trying these leggings for ages. They’ve become the moto legging to have in the active fashion world. I was skeptical these would work for me for a long time, but I finally decided to give them a shot. A reader was kind enough to find a deal on these for me, which made it that much easier to go for it. I debated between black and navy, but ultimately I decided on black since I felt like it’s the most truly moto color.
Alo has a medium rise and high rise version of these leggings; I opted for the high rise. I haven’t tried the medium rise, but I really like this version. The waistband doesn’t have any seams so it’s incredibly comfortable. It comes up just below my belly button.
Despite all the paneling, these are an extremely comfortable pair of leggings. The fabric is especially stretchy and has a cottony soft feel that’s similar to lululemon’s luon. The fabric is medium weight with light to medium compression. The cottony feel might get a little hot during high-sweat workouts, but for winter that’s no problem. With that in mind, I wouldn’t consider these a technical pair of leggings. They’re best for casual and low-impact workouts. For me, their real selling point is the comfort and style.
One of the most frequently asked questions about the moto leggings is whether they work for petite people. I’m 5’3″ with a 28.5″ inseam and they work for me. You can see in the photos that one seam hits around the top of my knee, but it isn’t too noticeable. There’s quite a bit of excess length, but it’s not too noticeable since the ankle is nicely fitted. I didn’t fold the hem under at all for these photos. Overall, these are definitely more suited to taller people, but they can work for petites as well.
For other petite perspectives on these, Leslie also wrote a review, and Andrea has photos as well.
As for sizing, I was debating between XXS and XS in these since I wear both sizes depending on the brand. I decided on XS. I always have problems with cotton-like fabrics being sheer, so I didn’t want to push my luck with the XXS. Fortunately, I’m happy with the fit.
There’s some wrinkling at my knees, but I don’t think it’s a sizing issue. It just takes some fussing to get these to lie perfectly smooth. The waist is cut slightly narrow than I expected, but it has plenty of stretch. Not to mention, the high rise and tighter waist help to smooth out your lower belly. As I suspected, these are still slightly see-through if I squat or bend, but they’re fine with the right underwear. Others have said they aren’t sheer at all, so your mileage may vary.
All this to say, I would order your normal size or go with your larger size if you’re in between.
Alala sherpa drape vest
I love to mix materials to keep a monochrome look from being too dull. This sherpa vest adds interest to any outfit with its faux leather finish and sherpa lining. It makes the perfect pair for the moto leggings. The back length hits around mid hip, but the front drapes a bit lower.
The leather/sherpa fabric is thick, but not overly bulky. While the fabric itself is fairly warm, there is no closure, which means cold air can definitely creep in. It’s best for mildly cold temps. The side has stretch panels to help it drape more nicely. The front slit pockets are pretty large, which I like. I secretly had my phone and camera lens cap in my pocket for these pics, but you can’t see them at all.
For sizing, I suggest sticking with your true size (I’m wearing my usual XS). Since it’s a vest and doesn’t close, there’s not a lot to worry about in terms of getting the fit right.
Alala alpine tee
The alpine tee is a long sleeve tee ideal for moderately cold temps. The body of the tee is a medium weight fabric that’s slick on the outside, and ever-so-slightly brushed on the inside. It’s pretty warm against my core. The mock neck also helps with warmth. The neck doesn’t fit tightly, so if turtlenecks don’t bother you, you should be fine with this one. There’s a seam on the mock neck that makes the neck a little tight going over your head, but it’s totally manageable.
The sleeves are made of a pindot fabric, so the arms of the tee don’t retain warmth. If you’re worried about the pindot fabric being too delicate, I’ll say that I accidentally stuck my fingernail through one of the holes and it didn’t tear at all. Hopefully that’s a good sign! The pindot fabric is fairly fitted through the sleeves and doesn’t have quite as much stretch as the body of the tee, but it’s not too tight for me. There are also thumbholes on the sleeves for keeping your sleeves locked down. If you don’t like the pindot fabric, the charge 1/4 zip is a very similar style.
This top is cut a little generously; I’m wearing my normal XS and I have room to spare through the waist. If you prefer an extra-fitted look, consider going a size down, especially if you’re between sizes.
Shop the post
Also available via: Bandier | Zappos | Carbon38 | Revolve
15% off at Alala: AA15
Oooohhhh…. I got an email from alala this morning with their Black Friday sale offers… now to decide what to get!! This is tough!
Thanks for your blog posts! I love when you do product reviews!
Seriously! I’m going to be narrowing down my list tonight, too… Fortunately (or unfortunately??) I already bought a ton of stuff this season, so there shouldn’t be a *ton* left on my wishlist, lol.
Random question – for the metallic alala clothing items have you found that the metallic part wears well or does it eventually rub off? I’ve had metallic items from other brands before that didn’t last long, so I am curious. I’m really liking the metallic tranquility tunic! Thanks!
when they had the glittery metallic stuff a year or so ago, it did come off the mesh a bit. i have the black clutch tank and the mesh is almost all plain black now (after about 5-6 washes). however, it doesn’t look bad, just not sparkly.
that being said… i too was admiring the bronzy mesh on the tranquility tunic and it looks different – as if the mesh itself is a glittery fabric instead of being glitter stuck on it.
you could write them and ask – they are pretty responsive generally.
I didn’t get anything that has metallic mesh, so I can’t speak from personal experience unfortunately!
Like Stephanie, I am currently doing Alala black friday shopping instead of working right now. I totally did not expect such a big discount.
Luckily the sherpa vest is now available in my size, so I’m going for it!!
I tried the Alpine top awhile back but the tight pindot stretchy stuff on the lower arms was uncomfortable in the inner elbow when I bent my arms… It felt kinda like that rubber thing they tie around you when you get blood drawn :-/
Since I bought it for running (during which my arms are bent the whole time), it would have driven me nuts, but I am tempted to try it in a bigger size to see if a looser fit solves the problem. It doesn’t look tight in the lower arms on you (or the model) at all… maybe I have abnormally big elbows and forearms?! lol.
Anyways – your whole outfit is darling. Thanks for this timely pre-black friday review :)
Maybe try the charge 1/4 zip instead? It has a similar mockneck, but without the pindot at the sleeves. I kinda wish I had held out for the charge 1/4 zip, since I like that one a little bit better and I feel like they might be too similar to have both. D:
Scheming what I’m going to order…40% off here I come!!! Haha. My budget is already crying.
Ha… just completed my order and that charge 1/4 zip was indeed part of it :)
And yes, I’m kind of embarrassed by how easily and immediately I hit that 40% off threshold…
I’m thinking I’ll get the city puffer in black, so that already gets me most of the way there. ;)
wow… two colors, huh? it must be a pretty awesome jacket indeed.
Carrie – Sosunda like you’ve tried a lot of alala items! I was wondering what your favorite alala items from this season are? I need to trim down my list!
*Sounds like
Oh man…… I feel like every new thing I try from Alala I immediately declare “my favorite!” but I suppose if I had to pick, it would be some of the latest outerwear items. I’m obsessed with both the bond jacket and bond vest. I wear both all the time and feel badass when wearing them. I tell ya, Alala really knows what to do with neoprene. I also adore the silver city puffer vest. I live in northern CA which is the ideal place to live if you want to wear impractical-in-most-climates outerwear all year round, so I have a lot of Alala’s vests, hoodies, and jackets. If you are looking more for work out clothes, I like their seamless stuff from this fall (the tights and bra in particular), the white run crew that AA had on in one of her posts last week, and the essential tank. The latter is perfect for casual wear and workouts and so so so soft. It’s a steal at the current discounted price too.
What are you gonna get?!
i was so sure about the shearling vest, but then i started to think it’s a bit useless, since it doesn’t close and can’t really go under a coat. (i live in prague, so there’s a very limited season when i could wear it alone.) i wasn’t really even considering the bond vest, but now i am, solely based on your comment, carrie:). luckily, i have about a million sisters, so i can justify a couple of things for me whenever i order xmas gifts!
ps nobody has mentioned the cross-back bra in liquid bronze. my judgment might be clouded, because they picked literally the perfect model to model it – it looks so gorgeous on her skin. (the same thing happened with their yellow a couple of springs ago… it would look awful on me, but i almost bought it, because it looked incredible on the model they chose.) anyway, i’m kind of taken with it.
YAY BOND VEST!!!!
and yeah agreed… that bronze cross back bra is gorgeous.
I don’t really wear browns so I totally glossed right over it! Still not tempted though, thankfully. ;)
My main use for the sherpa vest will be at work. I ALWAYS need some sort of cardigan or jacket, so the vest will do nicely.
Carrie – I’m debating between the bronze or black mesh tranquility tunics, the white or black run crew, the flyweight hoodie, and the mesh infinity scarf. Do you have any of these?
Also, I’m a size 6 in lululemon, so I’m debating if I should get size small or medium in the shirts?
Hi again! I’m a 6 in lulu too. I almost always get a size S in Alala and the S almost always fits me like the models more or less. I tried the black tranquility tunic when it first came out. I got a size small and it was quite loose just like the pictures but a bit more fitted than I wanted around the hips. Like it went below my butt if I pulled it down but it would not fall there naturally. It bugged me and I didn’t feel like I could size up since it was already so loose everywhere else so I returned it. It was a really nice top though… very soft and drapey.
The flyweight hoodie has always look short to me in the pictures (I have a looooong torso), so I have never tried it. AA did a review awhile back though and I believe she really liked it.
I have the white run tee in a S and it is quite fitted in a good way for running. I recently also got the black one in a M because I thought it would be good for casual use and under vests (which I wear almost every day). It fits well too but just isn’t as tight. You could go either way depending on what your preference/function is.
I don’t have the scarf, but I think a couple people on here mentioned that they were just recently gifted the infinity scarf this past week. Maybe they can comment. It looks super cute in the pics!
I’ve had the mesh infinity scarf for at least a year maybe two and wear it relentlessly. Love it.
I also have a flyweight hoodie from last year and adore it. I’m nearly 5’9″ and it’s exactly the right length on me. I think that the original flyweight hoodie was shorter, but they changed the design last year and it falls really well. I know they adjusted the location of the mesh panels this year, but think it could still be the same length. Worth a shot, anyway.
That sherpa vest looks awesome on you. But seriously, you make everything look amazing!
Thanks Leslie! :)
AA, thank you for the timely review! Silver puffer jacket and sherpa vest – it was too easy to make the 40% threshold.
Haha, that would definitely do it. :)
You look great in those pants! I was just looking at the model wearing them on the revolve.com website and the fabric at the knees does the same thing…
Ah you’re totally right! That’s odd.
Everything here looks awesome on you (no surprise as everything always looks awesome on you). I know there are a lot of Alala fans here- just wondering what everyone thinks about their quality and durability. I have several Alala pieces, and there’s no question I love the style, but I have had a problem with literally EVERY piece of Alala clothing I have (2 pairs of captain crops, flash tee, frontrunner jacket, blanket jacket, neoprene sweats, meshback tee, I’m sure I’m missing a few more…). The quality of the material and work just seem sloppy. I have had loose seams, split pants, the Alala logo falling off, the gold drawstring buckle falling off the sweats… it’s one thing after another!
Honestly, there’s no way I could justify continuing to buy from them at this quality. Even on sale, I don’t think it’s worth the price. I would email them, but I’m not sure what they would do- offer to replace everything? It’s not like I couldn’t continue to wear some pieces, but I’m just incredibly disappointed in the quality. I think they pay their designers more than their manufacturers. It’s a shame when I think Lulu’s quality and value is better than Alala’s.
What are people’s thoughts? Am I the only one??
The gold bars have fallen off about half my items. At first I used to sew them back on but then just started taking them off and saving them but not worrying about it. I agree it’s annoying – you’d think they would want their logo to stay on!
I had a gold drawstring thingy fall off and I emailed customer service and they shipped me a new one that day, along with a back up. It was easy to put on when it arrived.
In general I have only had these superficial issues that could be easily fixed (that totally sucks about seams coming apart!), but I would definitely email them. I feel 100% confident that if I ever had an issue like that they would make it right just based on my past interactions with them. It’s worth a try! Just tell them what you told us above.
Actually… I have a vague memory of an AA reader awhile back who had the pewter rub off of her pewter captain tights. She reached out to Alala and they gave her a gift card for the full value. Not bad!
P.S. I think I have left about 50 loooong comments in this thread! WTH? I guess I’m obsessed with Alala (and bored yesterday and today).
Thanks, Carrie! I think you hit it head on- it’s not that the pieces are unwearable, it’s annoying to have superficial issues at their price point.
I like that you always comment. I ALWAYS read the comments on AA’s blog- everyone in this community is so helpful! And I consider you AA’s “first lieutenant” lol.
the thing about alala is that they hear feedback and address problems. they started doing different kinds of labels on some items, and they fixed their seam problems. and if you do have issues and write to them, they offer big discounts, gift cards, and sometimes even refunds. i’ve had two alala items fully refunded, because of relatively small quality issues. (i have continued wearing both items, with the slight defects.) later iterations typically have the issues solved. in my experience, alala seems committed to quality, even if they don’t always get it quite right the first time.
I completely agree! There are quite a few issues that I’ve noticed have disappeared in future seasons. The fashion cycle means it can take a while to get implemented, but I really like that they move in the positive direction. Most brands seem motivated by finding the minimum level of quality they can get away with, rather than improving. So, it’s refreshing.
Sue – you made me spit out water with your “first lieutenant” comment. LOL. I can’t decide if I am more flattered or embarrassed.
AA (and AA peeps): feel free to give subtle hints if I should shut my piehole from time to time :-/
I just love discussing these things with people who A. care about this stuff, and B. are kind, non-judgey, and helpful. You just don’t get that on every blog. While I am almost completely silent elsewhere, I “raise my hand” often here at AA headquarters! Thanks for creating a safe friendly space, AA!
Haha, you won’t hear it from me! I like that people like you care enough about this stuff to comment. :)
I LOVE that so many people comment here and try to help each other out. It’s awesome.
Finally! I made a comment on AA’s blog about Alala quality the last time she reviewed Alala, but was probably a bit late on the party there so no one read my comment, but yeah, out of the 12 items I owe I had problems with 4 of them, not counting the gold plates falling off or loose thread which is on every single item. I feel bad complaining about every piece and some of them I didn’t buy direct from Alala. Alala offered me a gift card for the neoprene jacket, but the captain ankle and flyweight hoodie they didn’t do anything about and ignored my email.
I keep going back because I like their styles but I would much rather they improve their quality.
Ahh I’m sorry about the comment. :( I get emails for every comment, so I always read them and I strive to respond to all of them. But, sometimes when I get bogged down with dozens of comments, I miss some. Sorry about that! I definitely wasn’t ignoring you on purpose. I wrote my overall thoughts re: Alala quality below, so I won’t bother repeating myself.
But at any rate, I’m bummed to hear you’ve had hit-or-miss luck. Based on all the comments both here and on other threads, your unlucky streak isn’t really common, but that doesn’t really make it less sucky and I certainly don’t blame you if you’re turned off by it. If you do try again, I hope your luck turns!
Thanks everyone for your comments. Most items I own are from older seasons (2015 and before) so I will be interested to try some of the newer items. I still need to spend the gift card from the neoprene jacket.
It is good to hear both sides of the story, and I know Alala has a small team so sometimes they can’t answer to every single enquirer. It seems for most people it is more positive than negative, so I will def give it another go
Fingers are crossed for you this time!!! :)
Interesting to hear other people chiming in on this, definitely worth talking about. Here are my thoughts…
I’ve owned 50+ Alala items over the seasons. I’ve had minor issues with some, but definitely not issues with *all* of them. The logo has fallen off of maybe 10-20% of them. I’ve found loose threads at some point on others, again, maybe 20%. I’ve never had a loose thread turn into a broken seam. My sophisticate jacket has pilled along the sleeves, but it’s 2 years old and I wear it at least once a week to work. I’d say more than half of my styles have never had an issue. As an example on the flipside, my weekender dress from 2 years ago has been put through the ringer and still looks perfect. And, like the others here, I’ve never had an issue come up with anything to the point that it was unwearable.
That said, I completely agree with WA’s comment below that one of the things that makes Alala stand out to me is not that their quality is perfect every single time, but that they clearly improve with each season. I really love that they’re responsive to feedback and are committed to moving the needle in the right direction. I can think of multiple examples of improvements I’ve seen over the seasons, and I like that. For example, I haven’t found any loose threads on any of my ~15 items from this season, so I’m optimistic that the seaming issues are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
Another important note here is that I can’t think of a SINGLE active clothing brand where I haven’t had some minor gripe about quality. From my perspective, they *all* have room for improvement. There’s no gold standard brand for me that always gets it right. So, I weigh the negatives against the things I love (or not) about the brand, and I make the call from there.
So, ultimately, the (minor) quality issues I’ve run into are outweighed by my love of their styling and the heart of their brand. I still happily spend my money on their goods and I still choose to be vocal about my support for them. Of course, this is all with the caveat that all this is TOTALLY subjective and everyone has different experiences and priorities. But that’s how it shakes out for me. I hope that helps. I love that other people care enough about these things to have conversations about them. :)
I never had issues with my alala pieces other than the superficial ones mentioned by others. I only had the best experience with their customer service including the most recent infinity scarf gifted to me. I will definitely reach out to them if I have a quality issue with their product in the future because I am confident that they will make it right.
Thanks for chiming in. It’s odd that people seem to have opposite experiences with CS–either a great response, or nothing. I wonder why.
Oh, someone asked about the infinity scarf. It is lovely and stylish. One side is this smooth and soft fabric and the other side is mesh. I like wearing it with one small loop tight around my neck and one larger loop draping down. It keeps me warm but not bulky – highly recommend, especially at the current discounted price!
I bought the blanket jacket when it was $55 and even at that price I returned it and ate the re-stock fee. The fabric did not agree with me. My arms were so itchy I got welts. I was so disappointed because I thought it would be soft like a “blanket.” At least I was able to return it.
That sucks! My skin is pretty easily irritated (I can’t wear wool because it itches, for example), and I didn’t have any issues with either of my blanket jackets. Definitely don’t blame you for returning it though, I would too if I got welts. :(
The moto leggings look awesome on you, I actually have the Alo moto legging in every colour. They are perfect for a flow type yoga class and brilliant for travelling paired with an oversized sweater :-) The lighter colours grey and gravel – do pill slightly when washed but it’s not that visible and they have held up very well. If you are buying just one pair definitely recommend the black pair as they are the most versatile
Thank you! :) I wore my black ones to my aerial performance this week, I agree that color is the best!