Time for one more review to round out the week! One of my favorite brands, Alala, recently announced a new project called Alala Carte, where you can customize your own pair of workout leggings. Although customization exists for other kinds of clothing or shoes (like my custom Nikes), the whole custom thing is new for the world of workout clothes. Since I already love Alala, and since I love the idea of custom gear, this project was right up my alley.
P.S. Exciting newness coming to the blog next week! I’ve been working on a project behind the scenes with another talented lady for something like 4 months. I finally get to reveal what we’ve been brewing, so be sure to check back soon! :)
Disclosure: Alala gifted me my pair of custom tights. The opinions in this post are my own honest experience.
It was tough to decide on a design, but in the end I settled on this tone-on-tone look. I love all things blue, and doing two shades of it meant this would match well with lots of other colors in my wardrobe. I was a little nervous to see how the navy and skydiver shades would go together, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. To keep things light, I picked white for the mesh insert. Nude or red would look sharp, too.
The skydiver fabric has that same soft, silky feel as most other pieces in Alala’s collection. That said, the navy is noticeably different. It’s not quite as soft and is a bit thinner. It’s not totally opaque, so I recommend nude underthings. I’m guessing the difference in the fabric has something to do with the fact that it’s not a color they’ve offered in their normal collection before. The navy fabric not being as good as Alala’s usual fabric is the one critique I have of my custom pair. So, that’s something to keep in mind if you’ve got your eye on the navy option. I mentioned it to Alala and they said they’re working on improving it.
Another potential critique of the custom option is, of course, the price tag. At $185, yes, it’s definitely not cheap. But, getting anything made-to-order always comes with a premium price tag–I paid $170 for my custom Nikes. With that in mind, the price is about what I would’ve expected. Not to mention, you can get 15% off with my code to soften the blow–see below. :)
One thing to note is that if you choose two different colors for the top and bottom panel, the inner seam will match the top panel. So, if you get one color that’s a lot darker than the other, the inner seam will contrast with the lower leg, which you can see in the pic above. If you click the side view on the customization page, you’ll be able to preview what this will look like on your specific pair.
The customization option also includes a reflective monogram at the bottom. You’ve got up to 3 letters to play with to spell out your initials or even a little mini-message. The monogram is optional, though, so you can always leave it blank if you’d rather keep it simple.
Since custom sales are final sale, I definitely recommend knowing your size in Alala bottoms before giving these a shot. Specifically, I would try to get your hands on a pair of regular captain tights–in my experience, the stock colors and custom bottoms fit the same. As a general comment, I find most Alala bottoms to run pretty true to size or slightly small. The captains in particular run a tad small through the waist, in my opinion. I’m usually an XXS/XS, and captain tights in an XS fit me well through the hips and thighs, though they can be a touch big in the lower leg.
By the way: there’s one more notable detail on the new custom tights. Alala’s gold logo is usually sewn on, but over time, a couple of the labels on some of my styles have sadly come loose on one side in the wash. The new logo is attached without using threads; instead, there are two small gold disks on the inside. It feels much more secure than the sewn method. So, if loose labels is an issue you’ve had with Alala’s styles, it looks like they’ve come up with something that might fix that little hiccup. (This doesn’t seem to have made it in time to be incorporated into the current spring collection, though.)
I love the idea of customizing my workout clothes (everyone likes their outfit to be unique!) so I’m interested to see how Alala develops their customization program as time goes on. I’m hoping for custom captain crops next! In the meantime, I’m tempted to order another pair–I’m thinking skydiver on top with summer palm on the bottom would be really pretty.
And, as promised in the post title, I’ve got a giveaway for you! It always makes me happy to share the love, so I’m excited that Alala has offered to give one of you a pair of your own custom tights!! You can enter using the widget below.
This giveaway will be open to entrants worldwide(!!!), and you’ll have til 5p the 19th to enter. Good luck!!
If you can’t wait and want to grab a pair of your own Alala Carte tights, you’ll find ’em here. They’ll ship free, and don’t forget that AA15 will get you 15% off your order. :)
P.S. I’m also wearing the everyday hoodie and crossback bra. Marble gym bag is Balsa 201.
Awesome!!! Alala, if you’re listening, please add the option to make the legs different colors! For my split personality days.
omg LOVE that idea. yes, alala. DO IT.
Hehe, franken-pants. :)
i’ve been waiting for this review – i was curious what colors you picked :)
great news about the labels too. basically every alala label of mine has fallen off. i used to sew them back on but i finally gave up since i don’t really care that much.
alala: please make block crops or take sides knee tights with a custom option AND the snap back bra (the greatest bra of all time). thank you very much :)
I really need the snap bra and the crossback bra to have a bra baby, lol. I had only had two labels come loose until like 2 weeks ago, when like 4 decided to come loose ALL at once. Ack. I haven’t given up on them yet because I really do like the little gold accent. Especially since it matches my Nikes, haha.
Love your blog, AA, but a little sad/concerned by how many branded posts there are at the moment.. It feels like every post these days is about a brand who gave free stuff. :( I love your writing and how different you are from big bloggers, please don’t change!
Yeah I definitely get that, and I appreciate your honesty (and you being polite about it). As a blogger, it’s harder than it looks to find the right balance and the right timing as far as working with brands. Not to mention, in this case, I actually had expected my recent posts to be spaced out nicely, but in short, stuff happened and that didn’t work out at all. Definitely not how I expected things to play out–oops.
One reason I hadn’t been too worried about doing too many is that I like to think that gifted product reviews are still valuable to readers. Since my budget is not infinite, it’s so helpful to be able to add in extra reviews without having to spend hundreds of dollars a week, especially when the products are things I would honestly buy anyway, like Alala. But, I definitely can understand that some people just don’t like those posts as much as the “regular” kind. I’m working on figuring out a better approach so I can still pursue some partnerships that genuinely excite me (like the ones I’ve posted lately) while also being more mindful about not giving people the wrong impression. But again, it can be trickier than it might seem! Thanks again for chiming in. :)
Thank you for such a measured reply and for hearing my feedback.
You’re welcome. You can always feel free to mention any other thoughts/feedback in comments or by email, too. :)
I actually like that you review gifted items to expand the number of reviews. I agree w Carrie that we can tell when you’re not over the moon about something from the tactful way that you write about it or from the absence of a more superlative reaction. Also, sometimes it is clear just from photos if the fit is off or the design is not appealing! So from my perspective, please continue!! Thank you!
Very true, sometimes pics are the most informative piece of any kind of review! Thanks for the support. :)
I agree that you have a fun and educated way of writing that is both compelling and interesting. I am not so concerned about the timing of your reviews of freebie items (totally understand the symbiotic nature of getting gifted products and then providing an essentially free marketing service to those manufactuers). Rather, I am just wondering whether you are truly able to provide an honest review about each of the gifted items. Luckily, you are excellent at choosing your words carefully so as to not totally insult the various brands in any permanent, negative way. However, sometimes blunt criticism is really the only way to get a designer to fix the design or to caution others from investing unwisely in a dud product — even if that may turn such designer off from giving you free items. In any case, I really enjoy your blog and hope that you can be true to your authentic views, yet also make your time spent on the blog worthwhile and fruitful.
All good points! Bias can be tough to truly root out, in blogging and in life in general. As I’ve gotten more experience working with brands, I definitely think I’ve gotten better at managing bias and the expectations that brands have of me, but I’m certainly still refining my methods. Some are good at handling feedback gracefully, but others have been turned off by even my most delicate critiques. Anyway, thanks for your 2 cents! :)
Branded posts don’t bother me. It’s an opportunity for me to look at new brands and gear that I likely haven’t tried out, and that I wouldn’t be able to read about anywhere else. Suzanne, IMO you do a great job balancing your honest feedback with the brands’ expectations. I can confidently state as a regular reader I feel like you would only recommend a piece of product if you genuinely thought it was great. This blog is such a terrific resource for me- and I am glad that you are able to be compensated for your time and efforts.
I also love that you’re an athlete. It’s tough sometimes to read fit reviews on sportswear from women who aren’t actually going to work out in them. The technical features are the most important thing to me, and if you’re not using the technical features, you might not be as critical.
Anyway.
Now Maybe Tory Sport would send you some things…. I’ve really been wanting to buy some stuff but I have no idea how the fabrics look, how the product will perform… there aren’t any stockists (that I know of) in my area!
Thanks again for all your work!
Thanks Alllie! :) It’s nice to hear a variety of opinions on this topic. I’m glad you get something from all the various reviews I do, and I hope I can continue to make them even better! :) And maybe someday I’ll get my hands on some Tory Sport, hehe.
Personally I love your posts. Considering this is primarily an active wear fashion blog, I think it is great to get you’re feedback on all these great brands. Props to you for getting them for free and doing such a great job repping that all these businesses want to work with you. I doubt many, if any of us would turn down the opportunity to receive high end active wear at no cost. I enjoy you’re freelance and fit posts alike!
Well done and keep up the great work!
Now if my bank account could keep up with all these great things I see on your page that I want to try! OT did you see the rad tights Nike just put out today? I think I’m in love❤️
http://m.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/tight-of-the-moment-x-sneaker-tight-training-tights/pid-11112669/pgid-11118056?cp=uswo_brs_5122016_su16_social_nikewomenntmsneakerigbio_wt_stu_in
Thanks Leis! I’m glad you like the variety. :)
I hadn’t seen those Nike pants yet! They are INTENSE and really unique. Thanks for pointing them out!
Wow those are gorgeous!!!
I love the hoodie more. What size did you end up getting for the hoodie?
The hoodie is my usual XS, and yes I love it too! :)
I like your decision for blues here, I never do see much of a selection of nice blues together and would consider a similar pair myself. I love the idea of custom leggings because even though it’s likely someone would make the same combo, I like to think I’m wearing the only one made.
Yes totally! :) And that way, you can get *exactly* what you want.
your blog and your reviews are awesome! thank goodness you sometimes get stuff for free – i mean dayum, you would be spending soooo much – it’s nice to have variety and actual reviews, your blog is my favorite, i do enjoy other blogs but they are much more for pics, not actual reviews – i’ve been exposed to so many more brands from your blog, thanks for all the hard work!!
Thank you so much Michelle! You’re right, I have a house in need of reno, 2 dogs, bills to pay…there are plenty of things demanding my money, and it would be nuts if I spent all my extra money on workout clothes all the time. It’s nice for my budget to get some relief while still being able to try lots of new things! :)
How does Alala tights compare to brand name work out wear like Adidas, Nike, Under Armour or Danskin.
I have all these brands but I really like how the Alala Leggings look in your blog.
LOVE your custom leggings…and you look amazing!! I’m totally tempted to get a pair but I can’t decide which color combo to get! I kinda want black with a pop of color :) And definitely personalized!
Thanks Andrea! I think black with just a little bit of color would be awesome. I also like the idea of black on top with summer palm (the white print) on the bottom. Simple but effective. :)
Ooh! Love the black + palm print idea :)