This outfit is a whole lot of my favorite things right now all at once. These were some of my top picks from Alala’s current spring/summer collection, and I love that they all go together perfectly. Although I do love dressing in bold colors, there’s a certain allure about black and white. Even better when there’s hints of gold in the mix!
Disclosure: this outfit was complimentary from Alala. The opinions in this post are my own honest experience.
Photos by Kylie Pond Photography
These black and white colorblocked captain crops were one of the styles previewed in Alala’s spring lookbook several months ago. I’ve been impatiently waiting to get a pair since I first saw them. So, I was really excited when Alala sent me a gifted pair ahead of the official drop. Double win! I love black and white, and the white only being on the lower leg is a little more practical since I only have to keep half a pair of pants clean. :)
I have 3 other pairs of captain crops already, so it’s safe to say I love the look. It’s a simple but sophisticated design. The crops have a front slit pocket in the waistband plus a back zip pocket.
The fabric is slick and silky to the touch, like my other Alala bottoms. In a squat, my pair does show through a little bit of color, so make sure you check yourself. In my experience, the coverage in Alala’s black fabric tends to vary. These are my usual XS, and they fit pretty true to size overall. I’ve found all my captain crops to be a little smaller through the waist while the legs are cut a little more generously. The rise is on the higher side of medium.
And they go so perfectly with my black and gold Nikes. They were made for each other.
The everyday hoodie is one of my favorite pieces from Alala’s spring collection so far–maybe even my absolute most favorite! In the couple of weeks I’ve had it, I’ve been wearing it everywhere. It’s as comfortable as the nasty old hoodies I secretly wear at home (you know what I’m talking about).
The fabric is extra-soft and stretchy soft, and has a little bit of a fleecy finish on the inside. It’s definitely a lighter, spring/summer weight. Although it’s not paper-thin, don’t expect a heavy-duty layer either.
I got my usual XS, and it’s a slightly relaxed fit, but not oversized. Many of Alala’s long sleeve styles run tight through the arms, but these have a more relaxed cut that leaves room for layers underneath. The fabric is also quite stretchy, which helps too.
The only issue I have with this hoodie is that it shows dog hair–hah. I would definitely buy this hoodie in more colors.
The cut bra is one of Alala’s core styles, but it was redesigned this season. In my opinion, the cut bra is one of Alala’s prettiest designs. I love the cutout back, feminine scoop, and extra-wide band. I have one from a couple seasons back, so I was really curious to see how the new design compares.
The biggest and most obvious change is that it now has adjustable straps, making it friendly to taller and more petite ladies alike. Also, the strap material is more of a ribbon material now, which doesn’t have any seams. The new material plus the adjustable length means this won’t dig into your traps.
In previous seasons this bra ran small. That’s been adjusted, and now I would say it fits true to size. I laid it out next to my older the cut bra and the difference was nearly an inch! If you have one of these from previous seasons, definitely don’t buy the same size again.
Another functional plus: slots for cups were added last season and stuck around for the redesign. This bra was pretty from the start, but they’ve definitely amped up the functionality of this bra since its initial release.
The bra is on the lighter side of support, which is the only thing that detracts from the functional aspect, at least for me. I would put it in the same category as lululemon’s flow y bra in terms of support.
Shop this post
P.S. AA readers get 15% off with code AA15!
Love all of these pieces! And I’m all about the black and white…so chic ;)
Same!!! Love black and white everything.
I think I can’t get on board with ALALA because they just make a TON of black clothes, and I just don’t wear black these days. I think I’m drawn to brands like Lorna Jane and Beyond Yoga because they have a lot of color options like Lululemon. Even Carbon38 doesn’t have a ton of color options…. I have more luck on Nordstrom or Anthropologie for me. ALALA does have some really pretty pieces though!
Fair enough! I like both color and monochrome, so it’s nice to have options. :)
Too funny about the dog hair, but it’s so true and I’m glad you mention it in your reviews! I have a cream colored dog and fabrics that attract pet hair are a huge deterrent from my current purchases. I notice I tend to reach much more often for my items that I don’t have to worry about that, unless I’m literally changing and walking right out the door. I’m happy that a lot of these brands are using more slippery type fabrics in current collections!
Yup, my dogs are HUGE shedders, and even though they’re tawny-colored, their (long) fur is mostly white. It’s always a definite plus when items are slippery enough that it brushes right off. I’m hoping this hoodie comes in a white/light grey that I can wear around the house without looking like a fuzzball, haha.
feel like I need these, but I’m torn between sizes, I’m a pretty solid 4 in jeans, 4 and 6 work for me in lulu tights. Technically that puts me in a small, but I hate squeezing muffin top though, so I’m considering a m. Do you have a recommendation?
I’m about that size too Tamra and I have medium captain crops but will purchase small in the future. I think Med would work but may slide depending on your activity level. Alalas rise, like aa points out is a little on the hi side so that does help with muffin top too. I run so I like zero slippage. Good luck!
i’m a solid 4 in lulu tights and was always annoyed by my size small alala captains (which do not have any kind of drawstring). then i finally tried an xs and it was such a relief. this is to say – with alala, i think erring on the smaller size is the best option. they’re high enough to prevent muffin top, and the lack of a drawstring makes a little looseness a big problem.
Yup, I agree with the other commenters that I think you’ll be more comfortable in the size S versus the M. :)
I like the Captain Crops, but I know better than to consider white for myself. Accident waiting to happen.
Re the debate about too many reviews of gifted goods…I have no issue with you reviewing items you’ve been provided with for consideration, assuming you’re honest in reviewing them. I’ve never seen any evidence that you’re not, so I don’t see this as an issue. These reviews give readers the opportunity to get an assessment of companies we might not normally see.
What I do wonder is how you’re managing this much ‘stuff’. I know that having a well edited fitness wardrobe is important to you, and I wonder how you’re doing it now that you seem to be acquiring (through purchase or otherwise) a lot more gear. After a year of buying a ton of workout clothes, I’ve really stopped buying because I already have essentially everything I could need. In fact, I need to get rid of some items that aren’t getting worn.
How to you keep things to a reasonable amount when you’re getting this much product? This is a real question, not a masked judgment. I understand the need/pressure for blogs to keep reviewing new lines (whether they’re active wear or makeup), but I always wonder what the heck bloggers do with all of it, particularly if you value moderation. :)
Very good question, hah. In the past, the volume of product I got was lower and more manageable. What little I parted with I mostly gave away, but a couple of things I was able to sell for a pittance. But nowadays, between what I buy and what I’m given, it’s most definitely not practical for me to keep and wear everything. And even if there are things I really enjoyed for a time, I like to keep my options fresh and turn over my closet frequently. I’m definitely feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment and have been brainstorming ways to lighten my load without feeling wasteful. I have a few ideas, but I’m definitely still working on figuring that piece out. So the short answer is: I don’t really know. :)
Both of the issues at hand (gifted reviews, gifted product) are things I’ve definitely been having to figure out on the fly. They’re not necessarily issues you think too hard about until they’re staring you in the face. :)
I think about this literally every time I read a review post. It’s almost stressful, if I think about it too much.
Technically off topic but those that are interested in K-Deer: they are having a 20% off their printed styles (i.e.: NOT STRIPES) Weds thru Fri this week. Enter code: PARTY20
And to AA: thank you for all your wonderful reviews! Realize that it must be a fine line to walk sometimes in reviewing gifted items but can’t imagine the amount of time and work a blog “costs”, so glad you are compensated for your thoughtful, professional, honest and well written content.
Love your “travel guides” very much! :)
Very late to reply here but thank you so much for the kind words and for the tip on the K-Deer sale. :)
Hi AA – stumbled upon your blog via Instagram and love it. I just hopped on the LLL train about 3 years ago and have been checking out other brands just to see. I want to get these crops but you mentioned a bit of sheerness. I do crossfit and we squat a lot or just seem to be bent over often. Do you feel these are sheer enough to be a deal breaker? I love the black and white design of this and didn’t know this brand existed until your blog. I appreciate your thoughts!
So glad you found me! :) I do crossfit also so I know exactly what you mean about always being bent over or squatting, haha. I do wear these to crossfit, but I prefer to wear them with black or nude underwear underneath so I don’t have to worry about “flashing” anyone. They’re totally fine that way. They have them at Revolve so if you wanted to, you could try them with free shipping and free returns, though you wouldn’t be able to use the coupon code there. Hope that helps! :)
Thank you! It does, I am going to get them! :) :)