Twice a year, the Design team gets turned loose in Europe. Our mission: get educated and inspired. (This is one of the many times I stop and ask myself, "How the hell did I get such an awesome life?" )

How the hell did you get such an awesome life, Katie?

This time, the itinerary included tradeshows and beer in Munich, followed by more tradeshows, macaroons, and shopping in Paris. The travel necessities I can never leave home without:  luon, running shoes, and a travel mat for impromptu hotel room yoga sessions. The cat didn't make it into the suitcase despite his best efforts.  I figured customs might have had something to say about that one.

The bare necessities, cat not included.

We travel in packs and we travel in style.  The Bon Voyage Duffel is apparently a clear favorite with the group.  With so many organizational compartments, it's a life-saver. (I'm the designer but i'm not biased, I swear.)

The duffel is the new suitcase

Goal semi-completed:  "I drink beer in Germany with my flannel-clad boyfriend by September 2011."  Andrea was a great stand-in seeing as the flannel-clad boyfriend is still outstanding. (Applications are currently being accepted.)

katie + beer + Germany + flannel-clad boyfriend stand-in = goal 75% acheived

Early morning runs in Paris helped clear our heads and offset our calorie consumption. If there happens to be a shortage of bread and butter in the city of love, I swear it's not our fault.

Au revoir, Europe! We'll be back before you even have a chance to miss us. 

 A Heathrow-bound Katie hits the road in her luon and faux-fur vest. We love.

want more?

• Get to know Katie. Read her love list.
• See what we love about London. (Can you tell we're dreaming of getting away?)
• Set some travel goals. We have what you need to get started.
• Browse Katie's masterpieces. Check out our latest bags here.

Hmmm..maybe it's time the Digital team did some research abroad? Where would you want to meet us for yoga and a cappuccino?

The question I hear most often as a designer (right after 'Where'd you get those shoes?') is: 'Where do you come up with all your ideas?'

I suppose from an outside point of view, the design process appears to be a mystery, with new product arriving in stores week after week.

It's actually a continuous process from concept to development to production, and I'm excited to share with you on a regular basis on the lululemon blog what goes on inside the mind of a designer.

Right now, I've got fall on the brain.

Ever since I got back from vacation and discovered that summer has officially ended, all I can think of are cozy layers, soft fleece, and toques.

Here's what's been inspiring me this season:

our amazing elite ambassadors

I had the honor of joining 11 of our elite ambassadors on a retreat in Tofino a few weeks ago. Often what I forget when watching athletes perform is that this is their life. Their schedules are packed with non-stop training, traveling, and competing.

Their dedication and commitment inspires me to create accessories that will make their hectic lives as easy as possible. If they aren't worrying about the bag that's carrying their gear, they'll have that much more free brain space to focus on what really matters: the competition. I might never break a world record, but I can design a rad duffel.

layering

(As seen at Rag & Bone) I remember seeing this collection come out back in the spring. I loved it so much I almost wanted to skip summer and go straight to fall so I could copy every look. I love to layer, and nothing makes me more excited than a great fall transition outfit.

the peace of mind vest

Shannon and her team nailed this one. I can't wait to rock this with a pair of black Wunder Unders, a long white t-shirt, a shrunken flannel, and my new black patent leather Birkenstocks I bought while on vacation. Perfect for a Saturday morning latte run on the way to yoga...or perhaps work tomorrow.

bon voyage duffel

Now that the weather's cooling off, I'm looking forward to getting back into the studio and logging in some gym time. This duffel is the perfect size for all my gear (I don't travel light...even to work) including a spot for my mat. And best of all? It doesn't scream 'gym bag' so I'll look good no matter where my day takes me.

hunter clogs

Brilliant! To say it rains occasionally in Vancouver is like saying it gets a little dry in the Sahara. Wellies are a wardrobe staple from September until June, and rocking a pair of real clogs isn't really all that practical. These puppies let me be practical and stylish... I'm in love.

What's inspiring you this season?