I have the amazing opportunity to work for a company who believes that the consumer rules and whose goal is to please the consumer each day through our products and innovation. I’ve traveled the United States, listening to consumer insight and focus groups, and enjoyed every moment.
But, tonight, was the first time when the tables were turned. I had the pleasure to join Lululemon SoHo tonight for a quick Marathon fashion shopping trip, short test run, and then focus group session. It was awesome!
I showed up to the store a few minutes early, eager to look through their new Fall arrivals. My mom asked me what I want for my upcoming birthday so I figured this would be a good chance to make a list.
Within minutes, another familiar face entered the showroom: my long lost friend Theodora. Due to my crazy travel schedule we haven’t seen each other in weeks. We caught up with Caitlin who just rocked the Chicago Marathon this past weekend while perusing the racks. Caitlin works at the Lululemon Soho location and was very helpful, along with the rest of the staff.
Our job was to search their run section for articles of clothing we’d likely wear for the marathon. We each spent some time in the dressing room evaluating options before choosing our final favorite pieces.
I fell in love with three pieces in particular, the Run Swiftly Tech Tee in Black Swan, the Pace Setter Skirt in black, and Run Inspire Crop with Ruffles. Unbeknownst to us, Lululemon wanted us to run in our favorite two items because they were giving them to us free of cost! 
I chose to run in the skirt since I’ve never run in a skirt before and due to this evening’s temperature!
The verdict? I LOVED THE SKIRT! The ruffles along the back are a fun, frilly touch that left me feeling extra girly even though I was sweating. There was no chafing due to the shorts underneath which fit very much like the Reverse Groove short. I am going to give this skirt a test run on Saturday during my 20 miler with Meghann. If everything goes well, this will be my warm weather outfit if the temperature on marathon day is 50 or above. The skirt is especially convenient since I can wear my Zensah compression sleeves with it.
After our short out and back run, we came back to the store for the focus session. Over some delicious fruit and crackers, we chatted about our Lululemon frustrations, loves, and requests. Nothing was off limits, which I loved. I vented about their lack of size range for those people who can’t fit in a 2-12 while others requested better branding for men, improved fit in the men’s shorts, and tank tops that down drop down to your waist when drenched with sweat. But, they also listened as we pleaded for them to keep popular items more than one season, even if only online.
Overall, it was a great evening and I can’t wait to test the outfit out this weekend!
Question: Have you ever worn Lululemon? If so, what do you love or hate about the clothing or brand? If not, why haven’t you tried it?
What a cooooooool event and I am so jealous you got free Lululemon gear!!!! So awesome!
I looooovvveee lululemon, love the pants, love the design of the sweaters, but hate the price 😛
I loveeeee lululemon, but I only buy things from there on special occasions due to the price.. that being said the quality is amazing and I always feel great when I’m wearing their clothes. I know a lot of people who gripe about lulu and how much it costs, but I think the company does a great job of integrating itself into the community – like providing free yoga classes or having a run club ! i am obsessed with their wunder unders 🙂 the skirt looks adorable on you !
SWEET!
I am a recent convert of lululemon and bought my first pair of shorts from there about a year ago. I now have several lululemon items and love them all!
I do think you pay for QUALITY but that being said I only buy good running and yoga gear from there. I do not buy things like sweatshirts or pants that I’ll just lounge around in. I can get those a lot cheaper at Costco 🙂
At the gym, I primarily wear Lululemon’s tops and sports bra but I don’t find that their pants are designed for bottom heavy (yet fit)women.
WOW! So fun! I love lululemon, too – I am planning on buying a hoodie when I am on Thanksgiving break…
How did you get involved in the focus group session?
Holy crap – what an event!!! So totally jealous!
I plan on wearing the long sleeved swiftly tech shirt for NYC, too. 🙂
I tried that skirt on when I was at the Lulu Outlet. I LOVED how the shorts felt – no riding up going on there (which is so rare)! I thought the ruffle was such a cute feminine touch.
Unfortunately, the front pulled on me (which might be why it was at the outlet store), so I bought an awesome pair of shorts instead. It was my first Lululemon experience, but definitely not my last!
Looks like sucha fun events!! Although I am kind jealous I wasn’t invited 🙂 I am so-so on lulu sometimes.. A lot of the time I don’t know if the money is worth the product. I ahve had a few thigns I bought from there that id not last.
I love Lululemon!!!! I’m also a fan of UnderArmor too, they make good gear.
Is the swiftly tech shirt warm?
I love lululemon. I have shorts, jackets, running tights, and tanks from there. The thing I hate the most is the price. I used to not buy that much because I couldn’t justify the price, but lately I have been loving their stuff so much that I buy it anyways. I get a lot of use out of it and I just feel happier wearing things that I love. I also wish they would have a greater range of colors and not rotate them out so quickly…
I like Lululemon. I have their heavy-duty D-cup sports bra (blanking on the name) and a headband. I bought the bra over a year ago and it seems to be holding up.. I’ve switched it to racerback to deal with any give in the fabric.
I haven’t bought anything else from Lululemon because I am honestly not sure if the quality is worth the price. For such a hippy, yoga-y company, all of the products seem to be made in third world countries, likely with sub-par working conditions and wages. It kind of seems like they are just selling their brand name and the perceived lifestyle that goes with it.
I love the Lululemon brand – but I don’t fit into their clothes – even at my lowest weight I was still a bit too big. But I love everything about the company! Thanks for speaking up on sizing!
How fun! I also work in a customer-research-related role, and I love getting the chance to go on the other side!
Their bras are the ONLY things that hold me up…before I discovered Lululemon sports bras, I was wearing 2 for every one of my runs. Other than that, their prices keep me out. I thought about buying one of their running tops last year but for half the price, I could buy almost the same thing from Nike, Brooks, etc. It’s sad because I do love their stuff but I don’t think work out clothes should be THAT high end.
Christy: I recently tried my first Lululemon bra and have been amazed at the support, even though I only wear an A cup. It’s still a huge difference! I agree that it’s tough to spend on Lulu products when you can buy other ones at almost half price!
So fun to get to be with you! You are going to rock this marathon girl!
Caitlin: It was wonderful seeing you last night! Thanks for including us in th Lululemon fun!
LOVE lululemon — just got my first pairs of shorts a month ago. I just wish it was a bit more afordable. Would LOVE to get some Wunderunders, but the price is a little much for my budget at the moment.
I have this skirt and I think it’s the best thing since sliced bread! I’m so excited for you!!! I’ll be purchasing my marathon “pants” from lululemon soon.
Happy Saturday!
I love the Lululemon brand – but I don’t fit into their clothes – even at my lowest weight I was still a bit too big. So totally jealous! i am obsessed with their wunder unders the skirt looks adorable on you ! I haven’t bought anything else from Lululemon because I am honestly not sure if the quality is worth the price.
Cassie: I’m sorry you haven’t had good luck with Lululuemon. I love their products but primarily because they fit me so well!