Carbon38
After Carbon38 debuted a new collection of basics under their own label last month, they’ve come back with a round of not-so-basic, more style-oriented pieces.
They’ve taken on the shine trend with their new radium leggings. The twist is that these have an ankle zip detail. This is a nice idea, except I’m concerned it won’t get along with short legs like mine. The model is also wearing the iridium bra, which echoes the shine + zip motifs.
Also: I really like that they named all of their styles after elements. It’s a perfectly clever extension of their “carbon” brand name. The only trouble is they’re eventually going to run out of elements. :) The one thing that could’ve made the element naming cooler is if they had chosen all chemically similar elements for each collection: for example, noble gases, transition metals, etc. But I’m probably one of the only people on earth who would notice or care. :)
These new parkas… Oh my word. They’re the same style, but the top one in solid black is the hassium parka, while the bottom print is the printed thallium parka. I can’t decide which one I love more. I’ve been all over the oversized, drapey jacket-coat-wrap thing lately and these are no exception. One thing to note, though, is that they appear to have only been made in sizes S and M. Since it’s an oversized fit, I’m assuming that’s supposed to translate to XS/S and M/L. It also has a drawstring at the waist to help give it shape shape. The model is wearing a small and the shoulders already look a little wide on her, so I’m afraid this is bad news for those of us more in the true XS/XXS range. That said, I can’t promise that’s going to deter me from trying!
The tungsten dress is a nice, simple black dress with just a touch of mesh accents at the shoulder and hem. Keep in mind that this model is 5’10”, so this will probably be solidly midi length on those of us less statuesque ladies.
The new gallium blazer is an interesting design. It’s a structured blazer, but with the addition of the functional zip detail if you prefer a cropped look. And of course, it’s made of activewear fabric, unlike most blazers.
Saving the best for last: I’m IN LOVE with these new polonium leggings. Oh my goodness I love this print. I would love to get a review of these up in here, but they have already sold out! This collection just launched Wednesday, so this is an incredibly fast sell-through. I’ll be keeping my eye out for a restock.
Overall, I’m really loving Carbon38’s debut fashion capsule. The collection is very cohesive and reflects their brand well. It falls right in line with current activewear trends while still feeling original and fresh. After this strong start, I’m looking forward to seeing their next move.
See the whole Carbon38 collection here →
Olympia Activewear
Olympia just dropped their new Collection 2016. As a smaller brand, they only come out with one collection per year, though this past year they also did a small summer capsule. This year’s collection has a more utilitarian vibe, featuring earthy colors and more masculine vibes, plus some contrasting delicate, feminine styles.
Olympia also changed their fabric this year. This year’s is described as softer, and it appears more matte in the photos than last year’s shinier, silkier version. It is also supposed to be more supportive and compressive, which is good since their previous fabric was fairly thin.
The new hero legging (new color: coffee) and silo crop incorporate flat seaming accents to go along with this year’s theme.
The muse dress (new color: clay) is a basic above-the-knee dress in comfy active fabric. It’s double lined for coverage.
They’ve branched out into prints this season with a new camo print for their cotton tops, like the petra tank.
This new soft pink, ballet, balances the more earthy vibes. This is the basic kore legging in 3/4 length.
They brought back their more popular core styles in new season colors, like the x bra in ballet and the moto legging in army.
See the whole Olympia 2016 collection here →
Other quick notes
Crane and Lion dropped a new pima cotton tops capsule for basic casual wear, including a tank, short sleeve, and long sleeve. I also noticed that they have a program advertised on their front page for fitness instructors: 30% off! I didn’t notice this before so it might be new. Also, if you live in Boston, they have a new brick-and-mortar location now open.
Sweaty Betty dropped a new sports luxe collection this week, for those who love the athleisure look. I’ll be talking a little bit more about this collection in the coming weeks–stay tuned. Btw, they’re also running giveaways on their Facebook page this month, including a vacation as the grand prize!
I spotted a couple new Alala styles on Bandier the other day. The new color is barbados cherry. I haven’t seen these anywhere else so I’m not sure if they’re exclusive to Bandier. I’m relieved–I don’t wear much true red, so I can sit this one out!
well shoot! i had put those polonium leggings in my favorites on c38 the other day when i first saw them thinking i had a couple days. when i read this i rushed over there to buy the size S and they are totally sold out. oh well…. will have to keep an eye out for the restock i guess. thanks for the post!
D’oh. I updated the post to reflect that they’re sold out so I wouldn’t get anyone else’s hopes up, lol. Carbon38 selling out faster than lulu??? Well played…
FYI, bloomingdale’s has several of Alala’s new shiny pewter pieces on sale now. Plus there are some mystery money promo codes floating around for an additional discount! I just picked up the blocked crop in the shiny pewter.. hope they work out!
Thanks! I saw that the other day, and was going to post it in my review of the pewter captain crops. Hopefully the sale will last long enough for me to find time to write it! :P Too bad I’d already bought allllllll the pewter things before that sale started, lol.
Thanks for the tips! Interestingly, it looks like the crops on bloomies and bandier are slightly different than what I got on revolve. It looks like they’re using plain black mesh instead of the glitter mesh. This is just as well since the glitter comes off the mesh after several Washings. I like the new bandier exclusive color–festive.
does the glitter really all come off in your experience? that is a bummer. maybe ill return my clutch tank. it just arrived today… id rather get another color (or just plain black) if its all gonna come off. thanks!
Ooh how do you like the clutch tank? I was thinking of getting it if I can find it on sale. That glitter mesh is so pretty, but not worth it if it washes off
I really like the pewter clutch tank and the blade tee which I got on discount directly from Alala. I got the pewter crops full price when they first came on revolve, so I’ve had them longer. The glitter on the mesh part does come off after about 10-15 hand washes. It’s not all gone but I can see the flakes in the sink when I wash, and it’s much subtler glitter now than when I first got it. It wasn’t more expensive than the solid black, so I don’t mind, and I would’ve bought the pewter crops anyway ( which I get compliments on), but metallic thread may have been a better choice for the mesh part. Still like them though. Wearing them today!
thanks for the details! that’s a good point, i like plain black too and this one is the same price, so maybe i will just keep it and eventually i will end up with a plain black one and that’s okay. i also got it with the BF code from alala, so it was a bit cheaper than usual.
jennifer: I really like it!! i am normally a S in alala (and in tops in general) and i was worried about it being skin tight. It’s not though – it fits great and skims the body without being tight at all. I love the fit. It is a bit shorter than a CRB but still hip length on me (and I have an abnormally long torso). you can try SORRY25 for a discount on alala’s site. they sent it out to people who ordered BF stuff because they were so inundated with orders and it took awhile for them to ship. i assume the code is not person-specific (but not positive).
Thanks for all the reviews of the different brands! During the Black Friday sales, I picked up a Carbon 38 brand tank in their first release, and really love the fabric and cut. It’s like a luxtreme fabric but softer; perfect since I have blond haired dog. I’ve also recently gotten some Alala, a Varley bra, blue life fit leggings, and a Michi tank. All while I have a lulu gift card I’ve been struggling to spend!
Thanks for the note about the C38 goods! I hope they come out with more colors of their basic tank. I could use some more options on that front!
I need/want a winter jacket. I have been eyeing Alala’s tech fleece jacket. I am trigger shy because of the cost ($425) and needing dry clean. I also wonder if it is warm enough for Northeast winter. Has anyone tried it? I also noticed a new Lulu parka that looks really cute. Knowing lulu though, I am not sure if we will ever see it. http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/view-all-women-accessories/Snow-Amazing-Mittens-Sherpa?cc=7524&skuId=3653452&catId=view-all-women-accessories
AA, I can’t wait for your Black Friday haul reviews.
I’ve wondered the same thing. I assume the tech fleece fabric is the same as what’s used in the neutron hoodie, in which case I’m not totally convinced it would be powerful enough for a very cold winter. The fact that it’s also described as “tech fleece jacket” rather than “tech fleece coat” may also hint at its warmth levels. But I also wore 2 coats today (3, if you count my blanket jacket) so I’m a little crazy when it comes to outerwear. :)
Also, the lulu parka you linked is the 1x a lady: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/1x-A-Lady
I ended up ordering the tech fleece jacket. It is not that warm. I don’t love it enough for the cost so it is going back. It is a snug fit in S my size up for anyone who is interested.
Have you seen the 1x a lady in the particular color way shown? Maybe I missed it since I would have totally ordered it.
Suzanne, thank you for all you do! I am a big fan of your blog and your style – don’t worry, nothing creepy :)!
Have you ever tried anything by the brand Montiel? They showed up in my Facebook feed, and I’m quite interested in a few of their pieces.
I recently got two pieces from Montiel: the Sophie long sleeve and tear drop bra in white. The Sophie long sleeve runs a bit looser than a TTS so I’d say size down if you want a more fitted look. The material is sooo soft and yummy and it drapes pretty well BUT it pilled terribly just after one wear for a few hours! I was wearing a cotton jacket over it and the bust area was all pilly from rubbing I guess :( I’ll still wear it on lazy days but it’s definitely an obvious flaw on an otherwise lovely piece. The teardrop bra is great but I wouldn’t wear it for high impact workouts. A nice, thick true white unlike the creamier off-white of the long sleeve. It doesn’t seem to be pilling yet but I’ve only worn it twice casually. Am a 34DD and medium fits well. Have a teeny bit of boob muffin action going on up top but it’s not terribly obvious if I adjust. The band would’ve been too loose in a size up. Overall impressed with the bra but not the casual tops, so even though I was eyeing a few more long sleeves I think I’m gonna pass for the time being.
I have not personally, no! Glad someone could chime in, though. :)
Does anyone have a review of the alo moto leggings? Is the fabric like a luon or luxtreme? Would it work on someone who is 5’3? Would also love a fit review of Solow leggings if anyone owns them. Thank you!
Jenn at Running on Lentils just did a fit review of Solow leggings. She returned them. Also, I have the black Alo moto pants. I like mine, but there are some things to be aware of. They’re a little sheer; as long as I wear dark undies, it seems to be ok. There are a lot of seams. I’m 5’7″ and they just barely fall in the right place. I think the ideal height for these is someone who’s 5’9″ but that could be different if you’re buying a small. They’re hand wash only. I kind of wish washing instructions were posted as part of the online stock info before you buy. I tend to follow washing instructions carefully, and I am less inclined to buy hand wash stuff. Having said all that, I kept them because the fit looks flattering with the designs, and it’s feels like a compressive Luon to me. The moto panels are shinier and less stretchy though. Hope that helps.
Thank you!!
Guest pretty much covered it, but if you want to see the Alo leggings on a shorter person, Andrea is wearing them here: http://loubiesandlulu.com/new-year-tips/ I believe she’s 5’2″ or somewhere around there.
Gilt has some Alala deals today yay!
Oh wow that’s pretty awesome! I noticed this is through Gilt City… I wonder if it matters if the customer doesn’t live in NY?
I bought it (I live in CA) AND already used it :)
sweeeeeeeet!!!!! half price alala for meeeeeee.
thanks so much Ncm.
another tip: if you sign up for gilt city emails you get 20% off your first purchase…. so $60 for a $160 voucher.
i just realized it must have been $20 off (or 25% off)?? clearly the math above doesn’t work, but in any event i paid $60 for the $80 voucher :)
I caved and scooped one up too! Also, your math comment made me lol. I already have an account so I couldn’t find a way to get the $20 off, but I did manage to find a code for 10% off so I’m happy with that. :)
That thallium print parka is beyond gorgeous, but soooo pricy!!
For sure! If it was about half as much I would’ve scooped it up in a heartbeat.