You’d be unlikely to find athletic gear, like lululemon, in a fashion magazine but some of the women here insist that the Cool Racerback deserves to be. The tank is a fundamental part of their daily outfits.

melorin

why I love cool racerbacks
“They’re so versatile. I wear them everywhere: circuit classes; running; to and from yoga and on the weekends under jackets and blouses with some heels added and you have the perfect casual outfit. Also they're so easy to pack when travelling.”

the colours
“I love the bright coloured ones; they're great to add some pop to my wardrobe when I need it. My favorite colour is the rubber ducky. I get so excited when new colours arrive!

dressing them up
“My current favorite summer look is wearing a cool racer back with a cardigan over top, paired with some shorts or skinny jeans and some flats. I’ll layer it with a couple of unique necklaces draped over and a fun, coloured purse.

Melorin is a purchasing manager raised in North Vancouver. One of her favorite place she's travelled is Gili Islands in Indonesia.

heathered grapeseed CRB tank

carolyn

why I love cool racerbacks
“I love the Cool Racerbacks because they’re extremely simple. I love simple because I wear yoga clothes all day long and I want to be able to style them up when I’m going to and from the studio. They’re just so versatile for me. They look really good layered but often I only wear one while I’m doing yoga to reduce on laundry.”

the colours
“I love all the colours they come in. I’m really into the pastels, especially heathered grapeseed, which isn’t a colour I’d normally wear. I love the heathered tango red too because you don’t see a lot of them. The heathered ones hide the sweat well; it blends in a little bit.”

dressing them up
“I love the length of them. You can wear it with any kind of pants; you can have it hanging over your pants or shorts or have it tucked in, like with a high-waisted skirt. Usually I dress them up with a scarf and I wear a lot of cardigans. They all look great under my cardigans and jean jackets. In Vancouver the weather is so changeable; it’s nice to have an extra layer in your bag to put on if it gets cold; and they fit into every single purse I own.”

Carolyn is a yoga instructor for Semperviva and YYoga as well as Ambassador for the lululemon on West 4^th, Vancouver. She does a lot of yoga and a lot of smiling.

surge CRB tank

elim

why I love cool racerbacks
“The Cool Racerback is my favorite because I can wear any type of support under it. I can wear it with a Flow Y bra (or my new favorite the Arise Bra) or any one of my standard bras; for minimal to full support. I wear them for running, Vinyasa and Hatha yoga.”

the colours
“I have five white Cool Racerbacks. I love them. I wear them on their own or layered underneath other coloured tank and shirts.”

dressing them up
“I'll wear my Cool Racerbacks with anything. I love to wear them under my power mesh tops from the lab. I’ll dress them up by putting a blazer over the top or just with jewelry and leave my hair down.”

Elim is our Photo Studio Coordinator and Stylist. She loves to people watch the streets of Vancouver and has goals to work in a certain magazine in New York City.

pink mist CRB tank & wren CRB tank

bailie

why I love cool racerbacks
“The length is awesome which makes it a perfect layering piece - I throw it under a favorite shirt and ta da! ready for the office and yoga without messing around with a change of clothes. I love how light and breathable this tank is too. I usually pair it with the Arise Bra and my trusty Wunder Unders for working up a serious sweat in one of those impromptu Spin or Power Vinyasa Flow classes.”

the colours
“My favourite colour is Wren. Not only is it named after a lovely little bird but olive green is an amazing transitional color - beautiful in the summer but dark enough for those colder months.”

dressing them up
“For me it's all about the layers.  It's perfect under my loose flowing tops paired with some worn in cutoffs, great sunglasses and a beloved necklace.  Hello Sunday beach day! Or I’ll do a long jersey, high-waisted skirt and maybe a pair of amazing wooden wedges.”

Bailie is a proud member of the Men’s Team working as the Allocation Analyst (aka – gifting the stores with new product … whoop!).  Born and raised in Calgary and, yes, still loves the Calgary Flames.

They all said it in different ways ('versatile', 'simple', 'favourite', 'ta-da!') but the way that the Cool Racerback's can switch from sports gear to street-wear and back is what makes it one of our essentials.

Let us know how you use your Cool Racerback. Join the conversation with lululemon on Facebook.

what is off the mat?

For the next four weeks, I'll show you how I wore the Still Pant, Astro Pant, Groove Pant and (of course) the Wunder Under Pant to the office and then repurposed for yoga or the gym.

Meet the pants I'll be wearing during Off the Mat:

1. groove pants

The Groove Pant style is one of our classics and have been a part of the lululemon athletica family since 1998 with various design updates.

2. still pants

Designed to be the relaxed and loose fitting answer to our Groove Pant, the Still Pant is a company favorite to wear for or after yoga/gym and play. Some of our guests have even taken it into maternity with them!

3. wunder under pants

This style is beyond versatile. Need to see for yourself? Check out the Wunder Under Challenge from earlier this year.

4. astro pants

New to my wardrobe and for many others, meet the Astro Pant: a mid rise, straight leg alternative to the Groove Pant.

Stay tuned, outfits posts will start next week. Have a great weekend everyone!

My BHAG: I will finish the America's Finest City Half Marathon in 2 hours and 7 minutes without stopping on August 15, 2010.

My past two races I have been so elated with finishing, that I didn't mind taking mile 7 as a walk. I am a terrible runner, a fact all of my former softball coaches and teammates can attest. Not only am fairly slow by nature, but 6 years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and was told by multiple doctors to stay off my feet. Instead I was prescribed to take a million pills a day in order to function normally, gain weight, and enjoy a life of not moving. Needless to say, more than my joints were deteriorating.

Luckily, I began reading up on nutrition and found a way to control my RA with a healthy vegetarian diet, low on sugar and white flours. Although my hands and feet wake up every morning with a bit of aches from the remnants of RA, I have not had a flare up in over 4 years, and have kept moving at the discouragement of my doctor. (I definitely do not claim to be a doctor, but I do suggest looking into nutrition if ever you find yourself with a diagnosis.)

For me in the past few years of seriously taking on running, yoga, and my health, being able to move everyday feels like a blessing. The past 2 races I have ran in, I have been so proud to push past a little bit of discomfort and rested on the crutch of my slowness to take it easy and just finish. But if there has anything that my journey with RA has taught me it's that you have to keep moving to keep moving. Now that I know I can finish a half marathon, it's time I pushed my body to finish it full speed and without hesitation.

Every week I will be blogging my training journey with how far and where I ran, what I did for cross training, and what I wore. I hope you can run with me, and keep me moving towards my goal.

This week's training mileage total: 12 miles
Longest run: 4 miles with a pace of 9:40 (right on track)
Cross training: 3 yoga classes and 1 bootcamp class.
Wore on my long run: I Just Wanna Run Tech SL, Run:Roll Down Shorts and the Flight Running Bonnet (available in store and through the Guest Education Centre).

Run:Roll Down Short: It is important to note here that this is the FIRST pair of run shorts I have ever ran in! They are the most amazing shorts (in my opinion) that we have ever made. I love that they are cut similar to the Run:Speed Shorts, but are a touch longer and a bit looser. They are the perfect length that I feel covered, and are more on the baggy side, which I love. I know I don't have to worry if someone's running behind me!

I Just Wanna Run Tech SL: This is probably my favourite running tank. It is so lightweight you do not feel it as you are moving, and it quickly wicks your sweat so you don't even notice it. I love the way it drapes, and I love that it is a bit loose giving me room to breathe. On a hot, hot San Diego day this weekend, 4 miles felt like a breeze!

Here is my training schedule this week if anyone wants to join in on the fun!

12 weeks until race day:
Monday: Yoga
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 2 miles + yoga
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest (or yoga)
Saturday: 30 minutes cross training
Sunday: 4 miles

See you next week!  P.S. Does anyone have any tips or vegetarian protein recipes I could benefit from?

Wait, what's a gusset? A gusset is a diamond shaped patch of material that helps you move in and out of Warrior II and Triangle Pose with freedom. Most pants are made with two seams (front to back and from one leg to the other) that intersect right in the crotch area. We've replaced that uncomfortable and unsightly crotch seam with a gusset to increase mobility and comfort in all of your workouts.

The diamond-shaped patch is sewn between the legs – preventing a tight fitting short, pant, or crop from riding up during exercise and therefore preventing CT.

Wondering what CT stands for? CT is a situation no one wants to talk about, but everyone wants to know if it's happening to them without them knowing: camel toe. We wouldn't let you walk out of our store with toilet paper hanging from your pants, and as any good girlfriend should, we will make sure CT is not a problem for you.

CT can also happen if your pants are pulled too high for the rise that the garment has been designed to sit at. Think of switching to a higher rise pant or crop like the Mynah Crop if you find yourself wanting to pull your pants up higher.

The fabric of the gusset in all of our garments is also moisture wicking, so if you prefer exercising without underwear, the gusset will keep you comfortable. We'll jump to that!

So the next time you adorn your lululemon crops, pants, or fitted shorts, maybe thank your gusset for keeping you comfortable and helping you say no to camel toe.

Namaste.

love at first luon

As I strolled through lululemon for the first time, I -- like many of our guests do -- caught my eye on the pant wall, and headed straight for it. From crops to full-length pants, you will find a variety of fits and functions of all of our different styles. Right in the middle of the wall, you will find our classic Groove Pants, the perfect multi-sport, multi-purpose pants that are flattering on an array of figures. Stepping into Groove Pants you find love at first feel with our signature fabric, luon®. luon is a blend of lycra and nylon, has four-way stretch, and is moisture wicking. Standing in my first pair of Grooves my legs and bum felt supported, the firm yet comfortable waistband tucked my core in, I felt confident, and my body suddenly wanted to dance.

Dance I did, all the way into a matching a Power Y tank, and that was the end of my baggy workout gear career. The Power Y tank is also made of our signature luon fabric. It is form fitting, with medium support and perfect for yoga. You can comfortably move in an out of different poses without spilling out or having to tug your top every which way to keep you covered.

I found myself being able to stretch deeper into yoga poses, and all the while felt much better about my body being supported and not fussing with pulling my shirt down and my shorts up. Coming from a world of baggy cottons and pure polyester uniforms, finding Groove Pants and the Power Y tank felt life changing.

remix lulu hoodie: the icing on the cake

To top off the dream of a workout outfit, we introduce our guests to the delight of a Remix Lulu Hoodie. The Remix is made of warm, thick preshrunk cotton fleece, and is literally the most comfortable hoodie you will ever wear. It is form fitting, will hug your curves and yet has the feel of your old baggy university sweatshirt. The Remix is like the icing on the cake of your Power Y Tank and Groove Pants, and will take you to and from yoga, and throughout all the errands of your day.

sharing our roots

Today one of my favourite moments in working for lululemon is when I introduce guests to the combination of Groove Pants, a Power Y tank, and a Remix Hoodie. Every time I introduce our roots to someone new, I get to see the same look in their eyes that I had in mine 4 years ago. It’s a look of amazement and appreciation. The same look occurs when our guests learn that we have two different lengths in our pants as well as complimentary hemming. A Regular length for petite to normal heights with a 31” inseam, and a Tall length for above average and taller women with a 35” inseam. I have helped women from 4'0" to a wonderful 6'2" tall woman who hugged me having found a pair of pants that fit her correctly.

It is these moments that make us extremely happy and proud as a company to share our roots with our guests. There is truly no better moment in our fit rooms than introducing our guests to our roots of function, comfort and femininity in the combination of Groove Pants, a Power Y Tank, and a Remix Hoodie. It's these moments that keep me smiling in my job everyday, and thankful that I walked in to the Beverly Hills store four years ago and found more than lululemon's roots, but my own passion. Namaste.

playing in pilates

Meet Heather.

Heather is an educator at our downtown San Diego Showroom. She is a dancer, former USC song girl, a sweat enthusiast, and a San Diego Charger girl hopeful!

Getting ready for tryouts and enjoying spring, she loves the Principle Jacket for warm-ups, to and from pilates, and of course random tricep dips.

Meet Emily.

Emily is a pilates instructor and an ambassador for our downtown San Diego Showroom.

Emily and Heather are good friends, and Em has vowed to help Heather tone up for the Charger tryouts. Also a former dancer and rolling with Heather, it goes without saying that Emily herself has a bit of spice, and a definite sashay in her step.

Emily tends to get cold during lessons. Being spring in San Diego she's retired her Remix Hoodie for daytime, and has recruited the Principle Jacket as a light option to keep her warm. The jacket is made of our signature luon fabric, which means Emily can sweat and move with Heather confidently knowing it will wick right up.

Emily is free to move with Heather, but still feel and show that she's in charge. Make her sweat Em!

After torturing Heather for an hour, they somehow resolve to remain friends and take a few minutes to relax, and discuss Heather's next step in becoming a Charger Girl.

playing with details

A great feature of the Principle jacket is its flexible, moldable collar, which is ribbed for texture and structure.

There are dozens of ways to wear this collar. Here are three of the favourites: 1. Unzip it and open it up for a little colour and to welcome a breeze. 2. Zip it almost to the top to keep your neck and chest warm.  3. Zip it halfway and fold it over to let your shoulders and neck breathe.

The back of the jacket definitely adds a bit of sass to your day. Tyra Banks would probably see you from behind, shake her finger and mumble, "girl is fieerrrcce."

There is also a long zipper around your wrists that can be opened and closed to accommodate your changing body temperature.

playing with wear

Heather is 5'6", a size 6 and is wearing:

• The Principle Jacket in Black/Senorita Pink
• Paired with a Modern Racer Tunic in Senorita Pink
• And her favourite Gather and Crow Crops in Black

She is also wearing Converse shoes (not available through lululemon)

Emily is 5'8", a size 4 and is wearing:

• The Principle Jacket in Coal/White
• Paired with a Modern Racer Tunic in Black
• And Wunder Groove Crops in Black/Splatter Stripe

She is also wearing Toms shoes (not available through lululemon)

Anna is 5'9", a size 8 and is wearing:

• The Principle Jacket in Coal/White
• Paired with a Power Y Tank in Chirp
• And finally Wunder Under Crops in black

How you will play with the Principle Jacket?

Sneak peek of some of the freshest colours that will be hitting our men's line for Spring/Summer. You can shop by colour.

Hit the gym or the yoga studio with a splash of colour. Here is a sneak peek of what's to come during this season. You can shop by colour.

Take our short and highly scientific quiz to see which colour fits your personality!

Today I was challenged by my co-workers Jennie and Whitney to try and "dress up" my Wunder Under look. Whitney even suggested that I plan a date around it, which I did because I always love to get my handsome boyfriend out of the house. So after work, I'm taking my Wunder Under's out for dinner and movie with my most favorite man friend.

I'm looking forward to a very relaxing evening because Saturday I've got big yoga plans: Happy Hips dvd before breakfast with boyfriend and then zoom zooming to Richmond to attend a class at the Hope for Haiti Yogathon happening at Richmond Centre. If you live in the Vancouver region, I hope to see you there!

For more information, please click on this link.

My role as Online Product Education Guru has me running around many days with my laptop hanging off my shoulders or arms. I swore after grade 9 that I would never carry a backpack again. Today, I bought a new backpack. I had to, my back was begging me to. And with my February blogging role just around the corner, it seemed timely as well. A backpack will free my hands, perfect for greeting all the visitors coming to Vancouver!

I'm not going to give up my beautiful totes anytime soon though, but I am happy to have this new option.

My lululemon pieces today:
-Super Tracker Jacket
-All Out Tank
-Wunder Under Crop
-Blissful Yoga Pack

I was born in February but with a serious summer baby complex. Since I can't get to summer (or make it summer), I'm going to bring summer to me! How will I do this? By plastering my body with my all time favorite color: Antidote from last spring/summer season. I swear it has happy properties because I am in the best mood when I wear it.

This season my favourite colour has to be Faded Zap. I call it my "insta-tan" because it makes my skin look all glowy and sunkissed, all without the harmful effects of heading into a tanning bed. It also makes the people around me glow.

I also think it's a "safe" color. I mean, if I can be seen a mile away, that has to count towards something right?

I must've licked too many highlighters as a child.

What colors invoke your favorite season?

View some products in Faded Zap:

• Define Jacket
• Push Ur Limits Tank
• Groovy Run Short
  

TGIF everyone! What are your sweat challenge activities this weekend?

My lululemon pieces today:
-Wunder Under Crop
-Cool Racerback
-OM Stainless bottle

There was quite a bit of conversation in our stores and on our facebook page about the new All Out Tank and I had to see what the fuss is all about. It certainly is a new style that we've never done before. There is a shelf bra built into the tank but the feature is that you can tighten the bust from the OUTSIDE. There are two hooks on either side of the chest with slots to tighten the fit.

I like this because the hooks are very easy to get to even after a sweaty workout. I have a 34B chest so the support was great. What I would like to know is how this is working for our guests with larger busts. Have you tried it? What are your thoughts on it?

My lululemon pieces today:
-All Out Tank
-Wunder Under Pant

12 MORE DAYS!

I think it's time for a new tank for yoga/run. What are your favorite styles and why?

My lululemon pieces today:
-Wunder Under Crop
-Cool Racerback (layered underneath)
-RUN: Swiftly Tech SS

After I had strapped her new mat into it, I thought to myself "so...why don't I have this?". I had been using a piece of fabric to knot my mat up until present and it wasn't the sturdiest - it's come apart twice while in transit and it doesn't stay on my shoulder very well. This strap feels very sturdy, the length was perfect to wear it messenger style and it was very easy to grip in my hands.

Next up: learn how to use it as a stretch belt.

My lululemon pieces today:
-Wunder Under Crop
-Power Y Tank
-Strech N'Go Strap

I was in stealth mode at the gym today. Ninja black to fly under the radar...though you never really can when you wear lululemon.

lululemon pieces today:
-Flow Y Bra
-Cool Racerback
-Wunder Under Pant
-Satin Pirouette Headband