Fitting Room Reviews - Lululemon, Athleta, Gap

Happy Thursday everyone!  Yesterday, I had Veteran's Day off, and decided to take the day off blogging as well.  It was great to relax, sleep in and have a day where I didn't have any work to do.  Thank you Veterans!!

I decided to take a trip to Shadyside to try on some things from Lululemon, Athleta and Gap.  I always love reading fitting room reviews, so I thought that would be a fun post for today.  One of my big goals for the month was to not spend any money, which made this trip a lot more fun and stress-free!  If I didn't have that goal...let's just say I would have spent a lot of money.  I found some good stuff, so I hope you enjoy!

(P.S. for each review, I'll share the name, price, my size, a description from their website, then my thoughts, along with a verdict if I would buy or not buy.)

Lululemon

Speed Tight IV in giant herringbone black heathered black - $108, Size 6

You've got a need for speed and with these tights, nothing stands in your way.

• Full-On® Luxtreme fabric's interlock construction offers great support and coverage with a cool, smooth feel 
• added LYCRA® fibre ensures great shape retention 
• multiple pockets for your run essentials 
• flip up the cuffs to reveal reflective details 
• Hugged Sensation

These tights are really comfortable and flattering.  They fit tightly (the "hugged" sensation) but they aren't uncomfortable at all.  In fact- I didn't want to take them off!  The fabric was really thin which surprised me but covered and smoothed everything really well.  They were really flattering from all angles.  I loved the pockets on the side, and the fact that you can fold up the bottom for a little reflective strip.  I would have loved these if they were a little thicker or warmer for winter weather, and if they had more reflective details.  Plus, they're a bit long on me (you can see how bunched up they are!), and I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the ruching at the ankle.

Verdict: Would buy (on sale)

Yogini 5 Year Long Sleeve Tee in Heathered Bold Violet - $68, size 6

Layer this loose-fitting long sleeve over your practice gear and you're good to go for the day.

• made from a blend of Pima Cotton for the ultimate in softness and stretch 
• long length keeps your asana covered 
• loose sleeves pull on easily over sweaty skin 
• thumbholes make layering a cinch

This tee is SO SOFT!  It was really comfortable and flattering.  I also loved the purple color.  The shirt has a high split on the sides and a slightly longer back, so you can easily wear this with tights (like I'm wearing).  The sleeves are pretty long, but it has thumb holes, which I know a lot of people like.  Overall, I really liked this shirt and would love it as a basic top, but it was a bit expensive for a plain shirt!

Verdict: Would buy (on sale)

On the Double Pullover in heathered dark grey - $98, size 6

Like piping hot lattes and woolen socks, this pullover is a cold-weather essential. A high cowl neck and a bum-covering hem are exactly what we need to stay warm in a chilly studio or coffee shop.

• Stretch French Terry fabric moves with you and is soft against your skin 
• high cowl neck helps keep you warm 
• stash your stuff in the front pockets, with a media pocket for your phone 
• loose fit is perfect for layering 
• thumbholes help keep sleeves down and hands warm

I really wanted to like this pullover, but I just don't get it.  It was really soft and comfortable (like most Lulu clothes), and I liked the crossed over hem at the bottom.  But, the neck just didn't work for me!  It didn't look nice folded down, and it looked ridiculous when I put it up.  There's a big pocket that goes all the way across like a pouch which was a nice feature, but overall I wasn't into this.

Verdict: Would NOT buy (ever)

Kanto Catch Me Run Jacket in ultra violet - $148, size 6

A little rain won't get us down! This jacket was designed with wind- and water-resistant Gylde fabric panels, oft, sweat-wicking Rulu™ fabric and 360° reflectivity, we stay dry, cozy and visible when we pound out runs after dark.

• Glyde fabric on the front is wind- and water-resistant 
• soft, sweat-wicking Rulu™ fabric panels with added LYCRA® fibre help keep you warm 
• thumbholes help keep sleeves down 
• stash essentials in secure zip pockets

I absolutely love this jacket.  It's lightweight but warm at the same time, and it's really comfortable.  It just seems to fit perfectly and is super flattering.  I loved all the little details in it- the reflective details all around, the different fabrics, the interesting panels in the front and back, the thumbhole and hand cover, and the giant hood.  It just seems like it was designed to be the ultimate running jacket, and I was so tempted to buy it!  This is definitely a jacket I would consider splurging on, and will be stalking it to go on sale!  The ultra violet color was also beautiful in person.

Verdict: Would buy!!

Base Runner Pant III in heathered bordeaux drama/bon bon - $108, size 6

When we're warming up or cooling down at the track, we want a cozy, sweat-wicking layer that will help us ease our muscles into motion. These pants also have low-profile reflectivity at the cuff so we can stay warm (and visible) on the way home.

• warm, Rulu™ fabric is soft and moisture-wicking with four-way stretch 
• added LYCRA® fibre ensures great shape retention 
• deep pockets give you plenty of space to stash your stuff 
• elastic cuffs help you lock out the cold

These may be the most comfortable pair of pants that I've ever worn!  They're a really thin, light material but somehow still keep you really warm.  They have that feeling of a pair of sweatpants that you've worn for years and are at that perfect point of being worn in and comfy.  I know I would wear these around everywhere and not want to take them off!  They do run a bit big, so I would size down to a 4 if I were to get these.  However- they do show every lump and bump so I might be wary of wearing these in public (especially after the holidays).  I also wasn't a big fan of the colors- I would have preferred a more basic combination.

Verdict: Would buy (on major, major sale and in a neutral color)

Athleta

Techie Sweat Ankle Pants in black heather - $79, size XS

Super-soft Techie Sweat fabric in a tapered ankle pant that can be worn long or pushed up to a slouch.

• TECHIE SWEAT. Super soft, breathable fabric with a retro-sweatpants vibe
• Lightweight, smooth, stretchy, comfortable

I was hoping that these would be similar to the Base Runner Pant, but they were pretty disappointing.  I didn't think the material was very soft or comfortable, and they looked really big and baggy all over.  They also came up really high so they weren't at all flattering.  Definitely a big miss!

Verdict: Would NOT buy

Hypersonic Sonar Tight in Ember Orange Multi - $84, size S

The super-sleek, wicking tight with compression fabric to give you a flattering fit for every run and training session.

• Polyester/Lycra® Spandex
• COMPRESSION. Beyond-sleek, supportive fabric creates that holds-you-in feel
• Midweight, stretchy fabric is wicking, breathable

I loved these running tights!  They were tight and compressive, but also really comfortable and I could move around really easily in them.  They're lined on the inside with white, so I wasn't worried about having my underwear peak through.  They also passed the "squat test".  I loved the flowery pattern (it matched my phone case!).  They were a bit long for me, as most pants are, but I would definitely recommend these!

Verdict: Would buy (and get hemmed)

Criss Cross Sweatshirt in light heather grey - $69, size XS

Beyond-soft French terry in the perfect studio sweatshirt style made not-so-basic with a crossover front hem.

• Modal/Spandex
• FRENCH TERRY. Beyond-soft, breathable fabric is live-in comfy
• Lightweight, stretchy, comfortable

I pulled this to compare it to the On the Double Pullover, and actually liked this one better!  The material was a bit thinner, but it was much softer.  I also liked how the criss-crossed hem was more obvious, and it had a normal neckline.  I could definitely see myself wearing this in place of a normal sweatshirt.  It's like a classic with a twist!

Verdict: Would buy (on sale)

Fastest Track Top Space Dye in black space dye - $69, size XS

We improved our favorite, go-to training top with our REGUL8 technology so you're never too hot or too cool.

• Polyester/Nylon/Spandex
• REGUL8. Customized cooling increases or decreases to adapt to your body's needs so you're never too hot or too cool
• UNSTINKABLE. Wear it more. Wash it less.
• Natural silver salts give the fabric antimicrobial protection that lasts wash after wash
• SEAMLESS. Beyond-soft, chafe-free fabric
• Lightweight, stretchy fabric is wicking, breathable

I just recommended this shirt in my Running Starter Kit, so I wanted to show what it looks like on!  The shirt is really comfortable and I love the shirring on the side, which gives the illusion of a flat stomach.  The material is really thin, so I think this would be a great layering piece, and is ideal for this time of the year when it's in the 50s and between t shirt and long sleeve weather!

Verdict: Would buy (in a million colors)

Accelerate Reflective Jacket in black - $118, size XS

We consider this our best ever run jacket with water-repellant panels (just in case you get caught in a drizzle) and Pilayo® panels for a stretchy fit.

• Body: Polyester, Panels: Supplex® Nylon/Lycra® Spandex
• WATER-REPELLENT PANELS. Sleek fabric wards off light rain where it counts
• PILAYO® STRETCH PANELS. Wicking, breathable knit panels give you extra mobility right where you want it
• Lightweight, shockingly soft fabric with reflective yarns woven in to shine bright in low light
• NO SWISH-SWISH. Super quiet on the go

I liked this jacket, in theory.  It was really comfortable and flattering.  I liked the back which had a soft, stretchy section, and all the reflective features on the jacket.  It also has thumb holes, which is great, but the sleeves were a bit short for me!  When I put my thumbs in, the jacket became really uncomfortable, so I would never get this jacket for that reason.  It's also not lined at all, so I don't think it's really worth the price tag when you can get much nicer jackets for $100!

Verdict: Would NOT buy

Swirl Chaturanga Tight in black - $74, size S

Our go-to, perfect-fitting tight for all things yoga and everything else.

• Recycled Polyester/Lycra® Spandex
• RECYCLED POLY. Supremely sleek fabric frees you up to move as you like
• Brushed fabric is so lightweight it feels barely-there
• Wicking, breathable, stretch-to-fit second-skin comfort factor

Unfortunately, I hated these tights.  I thought that they were so uncomfortable!  They felt really thick and tight when I put them on, and had pretty much no stretch or give to them.  Once I had them on, they felt snug but also felt like they would fall down during a workout.  They just reminded me of those pants that you constantly have to keep pulling up in the middle of a workout, which is the worst!  I did like how thick and warm they felt, but I could not get over the uncomfortable material.

Verdict: Would NOT buy!!

Gap

Lace Sleeve Top in pinot noir - size XS

This was a nice, simple shirt with a fun little detail of lace on the sleeves.  I like the color for the fall as well!  The fit was really boxy and large on me though.  Definitely an oversized shirt that wasn't very flattering!

Verdict: Would NOT buy

Modern Stripe V Neck Tee in black stripe - size XS

Gap sells my favorite basic t shirts.  They're all really soft and comfortable, and have a slightly thicker fabric so they smooth over your body and make it look fantastic.  I like how the V neck isn't too deep and really like this shirt!

Verdict: Would buy (on sale)

 Cable Knit Sweater Dress in black marled - size XS

I thought this dress would be really cute for winter- I pictured it with black tights and black booties.  Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner!  But, the material was really scratchy and it was thick and boxy, so it just made me look like a big rectangle.  FAIL!

Verdict: Would NOT buy (sadly)

Wool Plaid Zip Mini Skirt in blue plaid - size 2

What a cute skirt!  I love the zipper pocket details on the skirt, and the material was really thick and felt high quality.  There's a zipper in the back that's hidden, which makes it look more expensive and classic rather than an exposed zipper.  I also thought the length was perfect- it hit below my fingers and just an inch or two above my knee so it would be appropriate for my work.  I think this would look great with a thin black sweater or turtleneck, black tights and black boots.  Cute winter office outfit!  I do notice that the pattern is slightly different in my skirt and the one the model is wearing, so this might be a piece that varies slightly.

Verdict: Would (maybe?) buy?  Very outside of my comfort zone!


Do you like to window shop at stores?
What is a recent piece that you picked up?
Would you have bought any of these pieces?  I want the speed tights, Kanto Catch Me jacket, Sonar tights and plaid skirt!

linking up with Jess and Ivanna!