We're Back! First Walk...Stripes, Day Glow Pink and Wedge Sneakers

Current/Elliott pink jeans, River Island hi heeled wedge sneakers, new Zara striped top, Calypso for Target purple batik scarf and Prada sunglasses

We're back! Small fry decided to arrive a little over a week early and all is well. We went for our first walk today, Saturday. Especially in this warm weather, it felt amazing to get out of the house and get some fresh air after a week of being inside except for the trip home from the hospital and the first peds visit early in the week. Neighborhood walk feels different, amazing how perspective changes and things are transformed... We are used to walking with the two crazy dogs; so different with K. carrying a small fry in an organic Boba wrap (which was easy to use; she loved it, as proven by zonking out immediately). Pretty much all new outfit: Current/Elliott Day Glow Pink Stiletto jeans (from the Current/Elliott sample sale on Friday, report to come...), comfy super soft loose Zara top, River Island wedge sneakers, Calypso for Target scarf and Prada sunglasses. Pink in honor small fry! Surprisingly, I don't have much pink in my closet, so I'm happy for this addition. It's been a lot of fun finding tops to go with all my crazy colored new Current/Elliot jeans. Love the pop of color (I feel cliched saying that phrase, I just think of Brad, the former Rachel Zoe stylist). Very comfortable and happy outfit for a new family stroll in the hood!

As you can see, the stiletto jeans are quite long on me still, hitting me closer to the ankle vs. the denim models. I don't think I'm going to have them hemmed though, maybe just roll them up

This is the first outfit where K. actually likes my River Island wedge sneakers. He thinks it looks weird with dresses, too bulky. I tried to explain to him that was the look I was going for, but he doesn't understand.

Ivivva vs. Lululemon: Scuba Hoodie and Wunder Under Alternatives

Left: Size 4 White Tinted Canvas Lululemon Scuba Hoodie, Right: Size 14 Prosperous Purple / Grapealicious Ivivva Hoodie Stitch

 The Lululemon Scuba Hoodie and Wunder Unders are two of my favorite staple Lululemon items; I pretty much exclusively wear Wunder Under Pants and Crops for working out (except for running) and the Scuba Hoodie is so warm and cozy for lounging around my chilly house as well as for walking the dogs in the cool Santa Monica evenings. Ivivva is actually the girl's line from Lululemon, but I've found that I can fit into some of their larger sizes, and many of the styles and fabrics are identical between the two lines. The fabric for the hoodies are pretty much identical; the main design differences are no stretchy ribbing on the Ivivva Hoodie on the arms and the sides, so it's a little looser fitting, Ivivva pocket is mesh lined with an interior key / phone pocket, as opposed to fleecy, the Ivivva thumbholes are horizontal slits rather than vertical slits. The size 14 Ivivva Hoodie is longer in the body and wider in the sleeves and body than the size 4 Scuba Hoodie, but the sleeve cuffs are shorter. Hood size seems identical. Only caveat is that I haven't tried zipping up the Ivivva hoodie (since I'm 38 weeks pregnant), so I'm not sure how the fit across the chest / shoulders is. As for the Wunder Under comparison, the Warm'er Tights are actually made of running luon, which is stretchier, softer, and warmer than regular luon, which is what Wunder Unders are generally made of. I think the Ivivva Rhythmic Tights are more similar in terms of fabric and style to the Wunder Unders. The size 12 Ivivva Warm'er Tights are a little narrower and shorter than my size 4 camo Wunder Unders, but to me the fit is about the same, because running luon is a lot stretchier, and Wunder Unders are too long for me anyway. Also, running luon doesn't turn see through when it is too tight, unlike regular luon, so a slightly snugger fit is acceptable. I like the bright colors and fun details of the Ivivva line; I think workout gear should be colorful and bold, more inspiring that way. Best part is, Ivivva is a lot cheaper than Lululemon, both these pieces were 60-70% cheaper than the Lululemon version. I actually bought these pieces from Zulily, though I've also purchased directly from Ivivva's online store. In the US, Ivivva is currently available only online, but I hear that they are looking to open brick and mortar stores soon. Ivivva is definitely worth checking out if you love Lululemon!

Size 4 Scuba Hoodie on Top, Size 14 Ivivva Hoodie on the bottom

Left: Lululemon Size 4 Camo Wunder Under Pant, Right: Ivivva Size 12 Grapealicious Striped Warm'er Tight

Lululemon Turbo Tank Review

Turbo Tank in Surge, worn with black wee stripe luon light wunder unders

What Lululemon hiatus? I stopped by my nearby store to check out the brand new Lululemon Turbo Tank the other day. I liked the look of the tank as it has a more interesting back than my usual cool racerbacks and was made of a different material than most of my workout tops. Excuse the hangtag, I'm a bit undecided on this tank, which is why the tag is still on. It is made out of luxtreme so is a bit thick and stiff particularly in the midsection. I prefer the softer luon or silkier circle mesh; I just feel like it drapes better. The midsection is also a bit loose and shapeless; I generally don't like my tanks too tight fitting, but even this is a little too loose for me. I hate sizing down, and plus there is no smaller size anyway. On the plus side, it's very supportive and pretty comfortable; I like the thicker straps which dig a little less both on the shoulders and in the back, as compared to the No Limit Tank which sometimes leaves marks on me. It is tightly fitted on the shoulders / upper back, which is a little bothersome as it is noticeable to me as I wear it. I like the bright heathered surge color; the dewberry color is too close to my potion purple and my static very violet tanks and the coal just looked like a regular athletic tank without the pop of color that I usually like. I like the long length as well. I like the tank but I don't love the tank like the No Limit Tanks, so it might be going back to the store.

Update 7/31/11: I returned the tank today after a free morning yoga class at Lululemon. I just don't love it enough so I probably won't wear it as often, which is just a waste.

The front isn't that exciting, looks a little bit like a cool racerback

New Wheels: 2011 Kona Dew Review

I was surprised with a new set of wheels this week: a 2011 Kona Dew in a sleek and not girly matte black. I've been admiring the Kona Dew ever since renting one in Monterey, CA for an easy 30+ mile ride around 17 Mile Drive and Pebble Beach a few years ago. It's very lightweight and easy to handle. I used to have a 2007 Specialized Crossroads Elite (which I just sold on Craigslist), which I used a lot around town for errands, but was really heavy and a little too small for me. We rode our bikes down to Main Street to go bar hopping during carmageddon last week, which is mostly downhill, but felt like so much work on my old bike. So much effort (combined with the heavy drinking at six different bars) that we left our bikes locked up on Main Street overnight and drove our bikes home the next day. I love the Kona Dew; I rode to the Promenade and back this afternoon and barely broke a sweat. The 53 centimeter frame is so much more comfortable for me, all the components work smoothly and the bike feels very responsive and energy efficient. It's amazing what a difference there can be. We also contemplated the 2010 Dew Deluxe which was on sale for only $99 more, but we decided that caring for the disc brakes would be a little more hassle and the regular Dew was lighter. The Dew Deluxe does shift a little smoother and the disc brakes are definitely quicker. K. picked the bike up from Wheel World in Culver City who were really great to deal with and not at all pushy. I've already ordered a new topeak rear rack and side mirror from Amazon, just debating a new rear basket, and I'll be completely outfitted!

Update: the fully outfitted bike, with Topeak Explorer rack and Mirrycle handlebar mirror from Amazon and Topeak MTX rear basket from Sport Chalet. I had read a lot of reviews on the Topeak rear basket so wasn't surprised to find that it didn't fit my bike perfectly since I have a smaller frame and lower seat. The basket hits against my seat which doesn't bother me, and I need longer screws to attach the top bracket. Not a big deal. I tested it out today and the basket works well.

 

The old wheels, served me well for 2.5 years, but I'm happy to be moving on

Stock Split Celebration: Lululemon Run: Resolution Skirt II, Run: Sunbeam Pullover and Do It All Short II Review

Lululemon Run: Sunbeam Pullover in Toothpaste and Run: Resolution Skirt II in coal vapor spray dye

In honor of the Lululemon two for one stock split last week, doubling my meager number of Lululemon shares, I picked up a couple of nice items on sale including the Run: Resolution Skirt II in vapor coal spray dye, toothpaste Run: Sunbeam Pullover and the black Do It All short II, all items that I liked when I tried them on initially but did not want to pay full price for. I really wanted the Sunbeam Pullover when I first tried it on; I love the ultra thin and cool silky UPF fabric, I pretty much wear my Sun blocker Pullover all the time when I'm outside as it's actually been a sunny and warm summer here in socal. I like the toothpaste color, it reminds me of my aruba no limit tank, and I like the braided detail on the arm. I really like the Do It All Short as well; it's in the same lightweight comfortable fabric and similar fit as my favorite Dance Studio Pants. They probably aren't the most attractive or exciting pair of shorts, but the longer length is appropriate for golf and modest enough for general around town errands. The Run: Resolution Skirt II is fun and girly with all the layers of ruffles, tulle and pleats and the gray and white pattern. I think the skirt runs a little big, as compared to the other Lululemon running skirts like the speed skirt. I haven't taken it for a run yet, but it worked fine for a bike ride to the beach on Saturday as the inside shorts are a reasonable length. It wrinkles a little too easily, but it should be fine as workout wear. I'm going on Lululemon hiatus after this as I've bought way too much lately, even if it was mostly on sale, but we'll see how I do with that resolution. Never lasts long....

Update: I prefer running in the more inexpensive sun blocker long sleeve over the sunbeam pullover. I became more overheated in the sunbeam pullover; I felt like all the detailing on the arms trapped the heat and felt overall heavier. Still a great shirt for biking, hiking and walking though.

Side view of the Run: Resolution Skirt II. There is one layer of pleats in the front and about 4 layers in different materials in the back

Do It All Shorts II in black and potion purple cool racerback. Super comfortable summertime outfit

Lucy Karma Racerback Review

Lucy Karma Racerback in Black and Lululemon Lolo purple reversible wunder unders

Despite the ridiculous price tags, I really do like Lululemon for workout clothes for their performance, comfort, style, fit and colors vs. other brands. I am always trying to find alternatives however and track other brands like Athleta and Lucy, but I haven't bought any Athleta yet since they are still currently only online, and I pop into the Lucy store every once in awhile on Montana Avenue but rarely buy anything. I have a pair of Lucy pants that are a few years old, but they haven't held up as well as my Lululemon pants; they have faded and the seams are worn, plus they have never quite fit right. I have always liked the look of their Karma Racerback tank however, and when I saw that it was on sale for only $19.99, I walked to the Lucy store with the dogs to check it out. I really like this tank; it's comfortable and a little more stylish than my usual racerbacks. I really like the look of the back, the width of the neckline in the front and the slight sweetheart neckline. With the exception of the Lululemon No Limit Tanks, I usually find tanks with built in support too constrictive, but it's not the case with this top at all. I wore the top to Pilates Platinum today and it worked out pretty well; it is a little more low cut than I prefer, but overall pretty comfortable and secure. This is actually the first black workout top I've ever owned; I usually prefer bright colors, but the black seems appropriate for this dressier top. I also bought two pairs of pants, the Bonded Gym Capri Leggings and the Lucy Hatha Leggings. I really wanted to like both leggings at $29.99 (you'll never find pants at Lululemon for that price), but after taking them home and trying them on for awhile, they just didn't fit right; the capris were too loose in the calves so they rode up and the Hatha leggings fit weird on top, so I immediately returned them. At least Lucy has a much better return policy than Lululemon, where you can actually return sale items, which is one of things I hate about Lululemon.

Pilates Platinum: Spinlates

I have been going to Spinlates at Pilates Platinum on Abbott Kinney in Venice for the last few weeks: 30 minutes of pilates on the "Proformer" followed by 30 minutes of spin. As painful as it is, it may be my new favorite workout: it's definitely one of the best workouts I have ever done. The Proformer is a machine with resistance built in with a series of pulleys, springs, handlebars, and a sliding bench which is used for various series of exercises targeting different muscle groups. It's really challenging and I can't quite keep up yet with the rest of the class who are regulars; it effectively targets a lot of muscles that I don't normally use and seems to be quite an efficient workout. You have to wear this weird looking grippy toe socks, but that's ok. I like it more than mat pilates and even better than the bar method type of workouts as I feel that the machine really works the muscles more with the optimal and safe form; sometimes I feel like my form is not quite correct with mat pilates and bar method so I'm not getting as good of a workout plus at risk for injury. I'm not working out as much as I used to and I've only gone to a couple of classes, only once a week, but I feel like I can see results already. It's the most expensive workout routines that I've tried; I'm currently on a Groupon trial that was a really good deal, but I'm seriously contemplating buying a series to supplement my usual yoga and running routine. Considering the cost of the equipment,it's relatively worth it. Update: I went to the Santa Monica studio with the newer "Megaformer" and I like it even more; the adjustable handles are much more comfortable with less wrist strain.

The "Megaformer" developed by Sebastien Lagree. Image from SPX Fitness

The "Proformer". Image from SPX Fitness

Lululemon Savasana Wrap Review

Lululemon savasana wrap in Heathered Sand Dune / Sand Dune Strata Stripe

Updated image of my coal Savasana Wrap (and a Gratitude Wrap!) here
I picked up a Savasana Wrap on sale today at the Lululemon in Brentwood. I've always liked the look of the Savasana wrap with the asymmetry and oversized collar which can be buttoned in a variety of ways plus savasana is my favorite yoga pose ;), but at $118, it was always too expensive for casual non-technical work-out wear. At 50% off, I still had to contemplate about it in the store for awhile, as it was final sale, which is the annoying thing about all Lululemon sale items. I hesitated because I would have preferred a darker gray or black (although in retrospect, I now like the lighter color since all my yoga bottoms are dark), and plus it was a size 2, which is a size down from what I normally wear in Lululemon tops. I like the fit in the body and arms, a size 4 might have been too baggy, like on the website model, but it is snug in the shoulders; I hope it doesn't end up annoying me. We called around to all the other local stores but they were sold out of both 2s and 4s. I was also surprised to find that there were no thumbholes; I am so used to the thumbholes on Lululemon, I love them. The inner lining striped pattern was bold at first, but now I really like it; it would be a little boring otherwise. I usually wear the Lululemon Define Jacket as my to and from workout coverup, but this will be warmer in cooler weather as well as for travel and general lounging around. I haven't bought any Lululemon since January (except for the stock) so I've done pretty well in controlling my addiction.

Update #1: sadly, I decided to pass the wrap along to my friend M. It's partly mental but I keep on focusing on the tightness in the shoulders which is really annoying. I know that I wouldn't wear the wrap as much which would be a waste. Besides, it's a jacket and meant to be loose and comfortable for layering and hanging around. It's too bad, because I do really like the fit everywhere else and the color as well. Learned my lesson again though; I should just stick with my regular size no matter how good the deal is, as I always end up disappointed if I size up or down. I've tried on several size 2 tops in Lululemon before and they always fit fine, except in the shoulders. I'm by no means tall, but at 5'6", my shoulders are just a little broad.

Update #2:  I just received my Coal / Strata Stripe Savasana Wrap that I tracked down online on sale in a 4 and it fits perfectly. I am so happy that I didn't stay sized down, even though a lot of people have recommended sizing down. It doesn't look bulky at all and I'm wearing it over a button down shirt and jeans and I'm so comfortable! The seams all fall very straight and the pockets also are in an easily accessible position. Perfect for this Cali June Gloom weather that we've been having. I do miss the lighter Sand Dune color, but I'm very happy to have something that fits. Updated pictures to come.

Lululemon savasana wrap with Lululemon run:dash crops

I also tried on the new Let It Loose Tank, which looks similar to my favorite No Limit Tank, but I didn't like it at all. I didn't like the feel of the outer sheer luon fabric; it was a little clingy and cottony feeling, I prefer the cool silky circle mesh of the No Limit Tank more. Plus, I didn't like the stiff pleats at the top of the outer sheer luon layer; I prefer the more natural drapey gathers of the No Limit Tank. Overall, the No Limit Tank flows so much better, due to the fabric and construction. They may look similar in pictures, but are quite different in real life.

Photo from Lululemon

Revolution Fitness Review

I finished up my Revolution Fitness series with a spin class with Jeff yesterday. I purchased the Groupon for the spin barre classes as I thought the combination of high cardio spin and muscle toning barre work would be perfect. Unfortunately they canceled the classes before I got the chance to try it. I went to two core barre classes, which I didn't like. The barre studio is tiny, with room for maybe 8 students with an incredibly tight fit. In the first class, we didn't even use the barre because there wasn't enough room, which is ridiculous. I prefer Bar Method, Pop Physique as well as the bar classes at Equinox. Since I was so unimpressed by the barre classes, I tried a spin class for my last class. Spinning is still not my forte and I feel like I'm never going to make it through the class halfway through the class and feel like throwing up during the hills, but I made it. It's a sweaty workout with good music and the teacher was very energetic and a little crazy. The spin classes are very popular; classes are often fully booked days in advanced, so clearly plenty of people love it, but the studio is not for me. Those 12 blocks uphill to home on a bike after a spin class were brutal. It's been a well balanced week of working out with 2 yoga classes, 1 spin class, bike rides to and from classes and a run today.

YogaWorks Montana

Santa Monica probably has the most yoga studios per capita out of any other city and I've tried many of the studios including YogaHop and Revolution Fitness on Montana; Power Yoga (2 locations), Yogis Anonymous, YogaCo, Hot8Yoga around the Third Street Promenade, YogaWorks on Main Street and Montana, Maha Yoga on 26th Street, TruYoga in the Yahoo Center. The YogaWorks studio on Montana is really the pioneer of it all; the very first YogaWorks studio in the country founded in 1987. A lot of the best teachers in LA come from this YogaWorks location. I used my Lululemon gift of yoga free pass for Jesse Schein's class at YogaWorks Montana on Tuesday. I could tell a lot of people in the class were devoted followers of Jesse; I thought the class was good but not great. It reminded me of Vinnie Marino's class at YogaWorks Main Street. Yoga is highly subjective based on personal preferences, and personally I don't like a lot of traditional series A and series B poses; I just find it boring. I didn't feel like I was really pushed to learn anything new in the class and felt the urge to check the clock occasionally. Plus, I prefer at least some music in my classes (a lot of people can't stand any music). I've liked her class online and on cable tv in the past, but I'm less picky at home or on the road; I'll take any yoga I can get. The studio hasn't been updated in awhile and was really stuffy, reminded me a little of the YogaWorks on Main Street, although not that bad. All in all, it's not my style, but works for a lot of other people.