Style Lush

Lululemon: An Update

Editor's note: For our last week at Style Lush, I've asked the writers to share both a favorite post by another writer, from over the last three years, and a favorite post of their own. You'll see these posts linked to at the top of their new post for the week. Enjoy a stroll down Lush memory lane!

***

By Jenny

I've enjoyed so many posts on both Style Lush and Food Lush over the years, but the posts that I looked forward to reading the most were Janet's "Stylish Blogger" posts, such as this one. I love learning about new blogs and hearing stylish role model's tips and tricks.

As far a favorite post of my own, I'm going to have to go with my post on American Eagle Outfitters. I wrote it on a whim, wanting to quickly share something that I thought everyone else probably already knew about. I was pleasantly surprised at the comments from people who went there, based on my post, and found jeans that made them very happy. That, in turn, made me very happy! 

***

Okay, you guys. I GET IT. I totally get the appeal of Lululemon now.

If you’ll remember, back in July, in the name of “Style Lush Research” I went to Lululemon with the intention of declaring it overpriced and pretentious. I bought a few things and have been wearing each piece regularly since my post. I’m here to tell you, the Lululemon pieces that I have are the ones that I grab first when I pilfer through my drawers, in search of something to wear to the gym. The stuff is cute, comfortable, and functional. Since I wear these pieces so often, they get washed more than most of my other clothes. The pieces are washing beautifully, there’s little to no wear on anything, nothing has shrunk or faded and the unthinkable has happened: I’ve become a devoted fan.

So, when my husband asked what I might like for Christmas this year, instead of my usual response to that question, which is, “Oh, I don’t NEED a single thing!” (which, incidentally, is exactly the response that earns you small kitchen appliances) I said, “I’d really like one more pair of the Lululemon running shorts that I like so much.” My sweet husband delivered. On Christmas morning, I unwrapped not only another pair of my favorite Lululemon running shorts but also 2 new Lululemon tanks!

The shorts that he bought were the wrong size, so I recently went to the store to exchange them. While I was there, I decided to try on every other pair of shorts that they had, in case I decided that I didn’t want 2 pairs of identical shorts (same color and everything). I tried on many pairs and ended up walking out with the same shorts that I already own. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Run: Speed Short, $54

I also had some Christmas money that was burning a hole in my pocket. I’d seen the Lululemon Studio Pant II ($108) online and thought that it looked like a great pant for, not only wearing to the gym, but also wearing out, running errands.

As much as I love my Lululemon Wunder Unders, outside of the confines of the gym, they feel a little revealing, unless I wear a long top or jacket over them. The Studio Pant solves that issue. I love them. The best part is that they’ve got a drawstring at the bottom, so you can cinch up the pant legs and adjust the length to fit your needs. I forsee me wearing them for errand-running often, cinched to more of a capri length and worn with flip flops when the weather gets warmer.

I’ve come to appreciate the inuitive fit of Lululemon's clothing--it’s like their research and development team thinks of everything--there are so many little things that are built into the design and fit of the clothing that make so much sense and make all the difference in the world. I think that I’m finally okay with paying a little (or, ahem, a lot) more for quality and performance that will last.

(Photo credits: www.citycentrehouston.com; www.lululemon.com & me)

How to clean your cruddy BOB Stroller

By Manda

One of my most essential pieces of Mom Equipment has bar none been my trusty BOB Duallie Revolution stroller. It's also one of the best gifts we've ever received ... my husband's generous parents gave it to us the Christmas after I gave birth to our second child and WOW. The thing changed my life! It is indeed large, but it folds down small enough to fit in the trunk of most cars we've tried (we have a large SUV and a pick-up truck so transport really hasn't been an issue), and it fits through a standard doorway with no problem! When we first got it we really only used it to cruise the streets of Disneyland, but soon I started running again and that blessed stroller has now been piled high with kids, toys and snacks and pushed all over our community (and through airports! And race expos! And! And!). Needless to say, it's taken a beating.

It spent the better part of the summer on our front porch (I've been training without my kids in tow this summer, and it's been a game-changer). My daughter is in preschool now and so when I run errands I usually just pop my son in our umbrella stroller and go. Because it was left outside and because we live in a humid climate, when I opened it up recently I noticed some mold and mildew on the fabric (also THERE WERE SPIDERS! And crumbs! And it was just generally gross!). I set upon Google looking for tips and tricks on how to clean my beloved BOB and here follows my cleaning adventure.

The first thing I did was put it in the back yard in a sunny spot and spray it down with a spray bottle loaded up with plain old white vinegar. I wanted to kill the mold but didn't want to bleach the fabric out with chlorine bleach ... and nothing happened. I sprayed the entire thing down to saturation, let it dry in the sun, and when it was dry the mold spots were still there (although? The vinegar did kill all the funky smells going on!). 

SO! I now had a dry, less-funky-yet-still-moldy-looking stroller. A random website recommended using a heavy laundry stain remover, and so when I was at the store I spotted the Oxiclean MaxForce Pre-Treater Gel Stick that Emily recommended and grabbed it along with a stiff-bristled scrub brush (this is the one. The contoured shape worked great in all the fabric folds). Then, with the kids digging in the sandbox, I spent the better part of an hour rubbing on stain remover and scrubbing the living daylights out of the stroller fabric. I could not believe how much "stuff" came off the thing (and could not help but remember all the spilled snacks and sippy cups the poor thing has endured). I rinsed with the garden hose, set it out in the sun, and the good news? I managed to get it MOSTLY clean! My husband couldn't believe how good it looks! I have plans to refresh our messy little Chicco umbrella stroller next!

(photo via REI.com)

I'd like to take one more crack at it before I'm satisfied as there is still a bit of mold staining, but overall I'm pleased. If this isn't your cup of tea and you have the capital, I found a service called Stroller Spa that will service and clean your stroller for you (looks pretty awesome!).

But mostly? I'd just recommend parking the sucker in the garage. Which is where my BOB will live from now on when off duty. Lesson learned!

Have you ever done a heavy cleaning on your stroller? What are your tips and tricks? And have you used bleach to get mold off stroller fabric with any success? Did it kill the mold? Did it ruin the fabric? 

A Workout for T.V. Addicts

By Leah

I'm on the path to losing my baby weight, and it's about as fun as it sounds. Eating less, moving more, yadda yadda. Dieting while breastfeeding is haaaaard (consume all the things!), so my major plan of attack is to burn extra calories and build some muscle and mom-of-two-boys endurance by exercising. But oh. I am not a fan. 

Aside from the muscle fatigue and burning lungs and, ahem, leakage (solidarity fistbump to all the moms out there), my two biggest complaints about exercising are (a) it's boring and (b) the time spent gearing up for and gearing down from a workout can easily turn a 20-minute session into a 2-hour ordeal. Because, see, you can't just exercise for 20 minutes. You have to change your clothes, maybe drive to a park or gym, maybe assemble a jogging stroller, and then get home and shower afterward. I have a three-year-old and a newborn; I don't have time for that. And even if I did, it's still boring.

Enter the Wii Fit Plus.

I like it because I can work out at home. I like it because I can do it on demand, as soon as the baby goes down for a nap. I like it because I can do it in my p.j.s. I like it because I can work out while watching t.v. shows I have saved on the DVR (more on that below; it's the best part).

In addition to the basic Wii system and remotes and the Wii Fit Plus disc, you'll need the Wii Balance Board (you do workouts and play games on it, but it also acts as a scale that will record your weight), but otherwise, just make sure you have a pair of good tennis shoes and a little bit of space in front of your t.v. to move. The games are fun to play with others, but I'm really digging the more straightforward exercise options for when I'm home with the baby during the day. I do the 6-minute hula hoop routine for a warm-up, then a free run for 20 or 30 minutes while I watch some guilty-pleasure t.v. (because I feel less guilty if I watch it while jogging, obvs), and then I end with some yoga and strength moves if the baby's still asleep. I love that I can switch the t.v. set over to my recorded shows while the Wii remote keeps track of how long (time and distance) I'm jogging. The remote itself has a speaker in it, so I get updates on how much farther I have to go, plus a few little motivational quips here and there. If you're a fan of charts and graphs, you'll appreciate that the Wii Fit Plus tracks times, distances, your weight, and also calories burned. It also lets you set a daily calorie-burn goal, or weight and BMI goals over several weeks.  

Check out all the specs here. There's a lot of fun stuff going on in the system, but if you're looking for a hard, fast, do-at-home, non-boring cardio routine, I give two thumbs up for the running-while-you-watch-t.v. program. May I recommend catching an episode of America's Next Top Model for motivation? I want legs like that.

***

Editor's note: Leah received a Wii Fit apart from her role at Style Lush, as part of the Nintendo Amabassador Program. She purchased all games and other Wii Fit equipment on her own and was never under any obligation to post about the console here or elsewhere. All the opinions in this post are exclusively hers!

My Current Favorite Workout Shirt: C9 by Champion® Womens Endurance Tee

By Manda

Well, guys, I've officially entered the phase of craziness where I wear and wash my running clothes so much they're usually unavailable when I need them! I have to hang them dry in the shower at night and run in them damp sometimes! Dude!

Enter my old friend, Target:

C9 by Champion Womens Endurance Tee

I have had a Lululemon shirt (I ended up selling it on eBay because it was long-sleeved and I never wore it. And for $68 bucks I should have been wearing it DAILY!). It was nice! Yes! I concede that Lululemon stuff is nice! But the prices are just not justifiable for me ... I need at least 4 complete sets of workout clothes to get me through a week of marathon training. I have had many inexpensive pieces from Target and Nike last me over a year and they suit me just fine.

I was out with the kids earlier this week and I knew I needed to pick up a few short-sleeved shirts to replace my heavily-rotated tank tops because I'm getting too much sun on my chest and shoulders even with 70 SPF. And the last time I ran in a cotton t-shirt I got all these little weird chafed spots! Dude! Not cool! It looked like these shirts had just been put out (there were plenty in my size!). I grabbed a grey one and my daughter chose a neon pink one for me.

I LOVE these shirts! First of all, you can't beat the price at just $12.99. There's a variety of fun colors, they are super light and breathable and truthfully labeled "loose fit." They have a very comfortable a-line shape that doesn't bunch up around the waist, the arms aren't pinchy ... I could go on. If you're looking for a bargain workout shirt that goes the distance, this one's your girl.

(You can change into Beth's awesome Target t-shirt find after you work out, too!)

(photo via Target.com)

Lululemon: Worth The Hype?

by Jenny

...or the price tag? Personally, I've never subscribed to the idea of spending lots of money on workout clothing, because you're just going to sweat in it, am I right? Then, I discovered the "Active" line of workout clothing at Old Navy. I learned that you can look reasonably cute in workout clothes without having to sell your plasma in order to afford them. Lately though, I've been seeing more and more of the high-end, boutique-type workout wear around the internet and, more recently, it's begun to infiltrate even my humble, little neighborhood YMCA. In my weightlifting and cardio/strength interval classes, I can't help but notice lots of these little emblems showing up on the backs of the ladies' workout tops and bottoms: 

 

The almighty Lululemon logo

When I first started hearing talk about Lululemon clothing, I perused their website and was positively sticker-shocked at the prices. More recently, I even went into one particularly busy Lululemon store, only to find myself overwhelmed by all of the choices in activewear--not to mention overwhelmed (and, okay...maybe intimidated, too) by the teeny-weeny, tanned and toned women, carrying stacks of $68 running shorts and $50 tanks to the checkout, credit cards in hand. I felt entirely out of my league as I turned and walked out. So, this begged the question: What's the deal with this place and is it really worth the (seemingly) outrageous price tag for clothing that you're just going to get stinky in?  For you, my dear Style Lush readers, I decided to find out. I've been saving my money for a little while, worked up some nerve and headed back to Lululemon recently with my savings in hand--all in the name of "field research." Hard-hitting, world-changing journalism, this is. 

I walked into Lululemon, was immediately greeted, given a quick tour of the store and a run-down of how the sizing works (runs small, of course). Then, I was left alone--which is what I prefer when shopping. I went into Lululemon to look specifically for some new workout shorts. I have a few old pairs that are in my rotation: one busted-up pair from Old Navy that are a size too big, another pair from Old Navy that I feel pretty "meh" about and then some Nikes that I splurged on at Academy ($37!). As I was grabbing different styles and sizes of the running shorts and heading for the fitting rooms, I passed the display of the Lululemon workout pants. Now, I know virtually nothing about Lululemon merchandise, but even I have heard the hushed, women's locker room whispers about their workout pants. In case you didn't know, they're famous for making your backside look spectacular.

"Hmmm. I know that I came in for shorts, but what would it hurt to try on a pair of these famous pants...I mean, while I'm here and have a whole fitting room all to myself?" This, readers, was the beginning of the end for me (and my savings). 

Long story short, I (begrudgingly) coughed up some dough and walked out with the following pieces from Lululemon: 

Run: Speed Short ($54)

Wunder Under Crop ($72)

Run: Engage Bra ($48)

Swiftly Tech Racerback ($48)

(Mine is in Pow Pink Light)

I like seeing how clothes fit actual, real-world people when I'm reading a blog about fashion or shopping. With that said, I feel compelled to do the same for you. Without further adieu, friends...here I am, modeling my Lululemon haul. Vanity, be damned!

  

I'm wearing: Speed Shorts, Swiftly Tech Racerback & Engage Bra

 

While I was brave enough to post pictures of myself in workout wear for everyone and their dog to view, I am not however, posting pics of my bra on the internet. But, I did want you to see how wide and comfortable the straps are on this sports bra. My shoulders sighed in relief when I put this one on. 

  

And, here are the famous Wunder Under Crops (tank from Old Navy). Again, in the interest of modesty, no butt-shot in my Wunder Unders. You'll have to see it for yourself if I run into you at the gym. 

So, do I think that Lululemon is worth the price tag? Hard to say. I do feel confident when wearing the clothing, which is indeed worth something. I can't speak to this yet, but I have heard that the Lululemon pieces last for years and years--so there's that. I can't promise that I won't revert back to my Old Navy ways occasionally, but I might reward myself every so often with a new Lululemon tank or shorts. I've been thinking (perhaps rationalizing my indulgence) about it and I spend way more time in gym clothes than I do designer jeans, so maybe it isn't completely ludicrous to splurge on nice workout wear. I think that I would definitely recommend Lululemon for someone who is just getting into an exercise routine and maybe needs a little extra motivation and confidence. 

Have you ever shopped at Lululemon? Are you a fan of the brand? Do you think it's worth the price?

 (Photo credits: www.lululemon.com and my own photos)

Do compression socks work?

By Manda

This March I ran/limped the LA Marathon. It was NO JOKE you guys. A few weeks before the race I tweaked my left knee, "the IT band connector got all pissed off" is my official Self Diagnosis, and I found myself at the race expo the day before I was to run 26.2 miles searching for something to instantly cure what ailed me.

I'd been hearing a lot about compression socks and sleeves since I'd been running more (I'd also seen them on a lot of people while out on long runs), and I'd always wondered if they helped. So when I found a pair at the expo for a decent price, I snapped them up and put them on, hoping for relief. And you know what? They helped!

(Photo from: me)

I don't know exactly how they work - I think they are similar to support hose and socks that are used for medical reasons like diabetes or circulation issues - but for whatever reason they really helped! They are super tight so you have to really work to get them on your legs, and after a few hours I have to take them off because they start to get uncomfortable. I didn't run in them (some people do!), but I got a pair of hot pink compression sleeves a few days after the race and they helped reduce some of the swelling in my legs and again offered some relief from the knee pain I was feeling.

Now that my knee is healed, I plan on using my compression sleeves on extra long runs to combat swelling (I'm now training for the Chicago Marathon in October. I know ... what am I THINKING?) and after runs to get the circulation going and help prevent lactic acid from building up.

Are you on the compression sock bandwagon? I have to say, I'm a believer!

Favorite new workout top for summer

by Emily

I am a firm believer in Exercising Ugly. By that I simply mean that I don't own a lot of cute workout clothes - they aren't particularly motivating for me, since I'd much rather spend that cash on something I don't have to sweat through. My exercise of choice is running, and I mostly stick to some old mesh shorts or a worn pair of Target yoga pants along with whatever hand-me-down blood donation or old race t-shirt I can dig out of the bin under my bed.

But when the weather turns hotter, I do like to wear tanks to run in outdoors and the ones I've been wearing are... well, let's just say they've seen better days. One of them is a MATERNITY tank top, that's a dingy green color because I accidentally washed it with a kitchen rug a few months ago. It's pretty hideous. You wouldn't want to be seen with me if I was wearing it, and that's the honest truth.

So the last time I was in Old Navy, I (reluctantly) picked up a couple of their GoDry tanks for $10 each (they go on sale regularly) and I am in love. They're thin, they fit close to the body, and yet - they're roomy enough that they don't CLING. I only wish I'd bought one in every color - and I WILL, just as soon as the price drops again.

Old Navy Active GoDry Tank, $14.94

[Photo credit: oldnavy.com]

One stop shop for the well endowed.

by Christina

I'm a small and very curvy woman. This makes life hard, I can't buy a flirty nightdress or a strapless bra or a sports bra or well, anything off the rack that has to do with support. Nothing fits. I've held on to a few (several) pounds since having my kids and this has made everything worse so I dropped into Nordstrom for a fitting and well, thank goodness for Nordstrom. I've found a brand of bra that I love and now I've learned they, Freya, make a lot more than underwear. But, the underwear is gorgeous! But they also do sports bras and sleep ware and Speedo style suits for a larger bust and well, what I'm saying is if you are larger than a D get you're shapely self over to this site and find a shop in your area. Here are a few of my favorites from their website. I love this sleep cami! Available in b-g cups.

And this set! So cute.

This swim suit is available in d-hh.

This brand is truly changing my relationship with underwear which is also changing what I am able to wear. I just bought a dress with skinny straps because I have a bra I can wear now. No more pulling and squirming under-wire bruises. No more suffering! Finally, a brand that will help us embrace our curves and look sexy, not like we are wearing undergarments made from old tablecloths. We are beautiful, indulge in something that reminds you.

(images via Freya dot com)

Interval Training for Dummies

By Rebecca

Okay, folks, I know this is not a fitness blog, nor am I any type of fitness expert. However, like everyone else in the universe, I'm trying to work out more often and stay in better shape. My preferred mode of exercise is group fitness classes, primarily because I respond best to someone with a loud microphone telling me exactly what to do. Also, I will push myself MUCH harder when I'm not working out alone.

Plus, I find solo cardio to be excruciatingly boring. Ugggghhhh.

But obviously, there are lots of times when I can't get to a class and have to grab 30 minutes on the treadmill or the elliptical or the sidewalk.  How do you keep it interesting? For me, the answer is interval training, which I didn't even really know was the name of the Thing I Was Doing On The Treadmill To Avoid Boredom.

Basically, after warming up, you alternate low-intensity exercise with periods of faster, high-intensity exercise. I discovered this one day by accident and dare I say, I *almost* had fun on the treadmill. Here is what I might do in a typical beginner-level treadmill workout.

Walk for 5 minutes to warm up**
Jog 3 minutes at a slow to moderate pace
Walk 1 minute (keep up brisk pace to keep heart rate up!)
Jog 3 minutes at a slow/moderate pace
Walk 1 minute
Run 1 minute at a fast pace
Walk 1 minute
Run 1 minute at a fast pace
Walk 1 minute
Jog 3 minutes
Walk 1 minute
Jog 3 minutes
Walk 5 minutes to cool down

And BAM! You've just done 29 minutes on the treadmill and it felt like no time at all because you were breaking everything up into tiny chunks. If I can't have a bossy instructor yelling at me to do it, I at least need to play mind games with myself. Also, since I kind of have OCD, I would probably do another minute to make it a full 30 minutes, because 29 minutes is oddly unsatisfying. (I'm weird).

What about you? Have you tried interval training in any form?

**Let me give you a tip here. While you warm up, you really need to listen to the song "Video" by India Arie. It is the most self-esteem-affirming song EVER, all about loving yourself JUST THE WAY YOU ARE, and it honestly puts me in such a good mindframe while working out. Try it! In fact, I recommend you listen to this song often, because seriously. It's good medicine.

 

How I survived running (and training for) a half marathon

By Manda

Recently I got a bee in my bonnet: Run a half marathon with Team World Vision to help raise money for clean water in East Africa.

And this past Sunday morning? I DID IT! And up next? I'm running he LA Marathon in March. EEP!

When people find out that I'm training for a marathon they almost always ask me: HOW? How do you do it? When observed with the naked eye, I'm quite obviously NOT a typical runner type. I'm more of a squishy-around-the-middle Mom Type who never gets enough sleep and always has children hanging off every appendage. Finding time to run is hard, and if you don't have what you need to get out the door it's nearly impossible (for me anyway).

I have a few tricks in my arsenal, the first of which is the beloved B.O.B. Revolution Duallie stroller.

{photo via REI.com}

We received this AMAZING stroller as a Christmas gift last year from my husband's parents. The purpose it was to serve? A carriage for our kids at one of our favorite hotspots: Disneyland. HA! That's right! I never EVER planned on actually running with this thing because that would be CRAZY! Little did I know then how many running miles I'd log while heaving ole Bob up a hill. If you've wondered if the playground hype is true, I'm here to tell you that it is! This stroller rides incredibly smooth, comfortably seats my three-year-old (37 pounds and TALL), and my one-year-old (23 pounds and precious), and can be turned with one finger. It also fits through a standard doorway, which is lucky since I take it everywhere! The only complaint I have is the folding mechanism. You have to yank on a rope-type thing behind the seats to get it to release and fold down and I can never, ever get the thing to work on the first try. Other than that, me + BOB = Love 4 Ever.

Next? Nike Plus GPS for iPhone.

 

{photo via itunes.apple.com}

If you have an iPhone that you run with anyway, this app is a must-have! I used to run with a Nike Plus bracelet that you had to use with a chip in your shoe, which was annoying because you had to keep track of both the chip and the bracelet. This GPS app solves that problem ... all you need is your phone. Just start the app, start running, and it keeps track of your distance and time (and more if you want it!). It tallies up your miles and will even report your run to Facebook and Twitter! You can also set the app to "talk" to you as you run, every mile or half mile it can tell you how far you've run and your pace. I don't run with headphones but it calls it out so I can hear it anyway! Sweet!

My Nike Dri-Fit Featherlight Running Cap.

This item is lovingly referred to as "Mama's running hat." Now listen, I know better than anyone that a white cap is not necessarily "cool" or "attractive" or "stylish." But guess what?! I got this hat for free! I also have very short hair and usually run in the morning before I've showered so I'm rocking some serious bedhead - for one - but I can't run with sunglasses either so I need to keep the sun out of my eyes too (I'm starting to realize through this post that I have issues with anything on my face while running: can't run with headphones OR sunglasses. Hmm). This hat solves the bedhead and the sun, but it also keeps my head cool. Sometimes when I can't find it I have to run in a regular baseball cap and when I do I am always shocked at how sweaty (and attractive!) my hair is when I get home.

Last but not least, my precious SPIbelt.

{photo via Amazon.com}

I need a place to stash my phone when I'm not running with the stroller. My husband picked one of these up for me at a marathon expo last spring and if I can't find it before I go running I kind of panic. It's a comfortable stretchy belt with a spandex pocket that stretches to fit any little things you need to stash while you run. The best part? It DOES NOT move when you run. It doesn't flap or creep up and it's really, really comfortable. I often forget I have it on. I wore it during my race and stashed away my car remote, cash and phone. It holds A LOT and always snaps back into place when it's empty. I love my SPIbelt so much that I bought one for my mom and sister each for Christmas this year!

So. Are you a running mom? What's your must-have running survival gear?