I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend! Today's post I'm going to share a few of my favorite things from the last few years. These are the items that I will keep buying over and over again. But before I get to the list, I am asking for suggestions from you all, as to what you would like to see reviewed on my blog. I'm also open to answering any questions you might have! I know Father's Day is coming up in 3 weeks. Is there any interest to see some of my husband's favorites? Let me know!
For reference I'm 4 feet 11 inches tall and will note each size I take for each item and will also link to my review as well. Let's get started!
#1 Vuori Performance Jogger - Hands down my favorite jogger ever. I pretty much wear these all year round. I think I'm up to 7 or 8 pairs? I am losing count! My very first pair has been through the wash so many times and is still in very good condition. There's almost no pilling. While it's not as buttery soft as they were brand new, they're still amazingly comfortable.
Vuori Performance Jogger (select colors on sale!)
Size XS | Review
#2 Athleta Balance Sweatshirt - Now that the warmer temperatures have arrived, I haven't been reaching for my Aviator Nation hoodies as much, and have been grabbing my Balance Sweatshirt almost daily. Really wish Athleta would release more colors!
(right now there's 20% off your entire order!)
Size XXS | Review
#3 Aviator Nation Hoodies - I am a huge fan of their 5 Stripe Hoodie and Retro Hoodie. They're just amazingly soft and perfect to wear during for our mild winters here in Atlanta. These hoodies are not super thick like Scuba Hoodies, but slightly thinner and I find way more comfortable.
(Right now there's 20% off your entire order!)
Size XS | Review
(Right now there's 20% off your entire order!)
Size XS | Review
#4 Everywhere Belt Bag - This bag is one of my most used accessories the last 2 years. I now have four of them and they get rotated often. I even washed my Tidewater Teal Everywhere Belt Bag after getting it dirty from my recent New York trip (I threw it in the washing machine - delicate setting in a mesh bag, air dry) and it came out perfect. For $38, it's a steal. I will note that I'm not a huge fan of the updated Extended Strap version, but I cannot deny how useful and functional this bag is.
#5 Ebb To Street Cropped Racerback Tank Top - This is my favorite tank to workout in. I particularly love it for my full body and strength workouts. For running, I prefer the Sculpt Tank and Swiftly Racerback Tank which I will also give a shout out to, but not add it to my favorites since I only recently started running again.
Size 6 | Review
#6 Hotty Hot High-Rise Short 2.5" - My favorite shorts used to be Speed Up Shorts. But once I tried on the Hotty Hot High-Rise Short in 2.5", I was hooked. I've been slowly phasing out my Speed Ups and switching over to Hotty Hots. I pretty much wear these for all my workouts except for yoga.
Size 4 | Review
#7 Align High-Rise Short 6" - These are hands down the most comfortable shorts for yoga. I'll even wear them for my other workouts if I'm out of Hotty Hots. I've tried to find dupes and so far Aritzia's dupes are close, but they're still not quite as nice as the OG Aligns. But for half the price, they're definitely a contender. I still need to try out the ones on Ali-Express dupes. It's on my list.
Size 4 | Review
#8 Allbirds Tree Dashers - These have been my favorite pair of all around sneakers for the last 3 years. I wear them almost everyday. Recently Allbirds brought back the Tree Dasher Relay, which I am ecstatic about! I love them because there are no laces to tie!
I've partnered up with Allbirds! Click on my link for a free pair of Trino socks with your purchase of shoes or apparel. Offer will automatically be applied at checkout if socks are added to your cart. Offer valid while supplies last.
(There's also a Memorial Day Sale happening - 25% off select items!)
Size 5.5 | Review
(There's also a Memorial Day Sale happening - 25% off select items!)
Size 5.5 | Review
#9 Fringe Fighter Headband - I really hope Lulu isn't discontinuing these because I just looked and there's only four different ones available right now. I wear one of these every time I workout. Even though I have very short hair, I hate it when any of it falls on my face during a sweat session. These stay put and never move.
#10 Bombas Socks - All time favorite sock to wear. These are a perfect fit even with my small sized feet. I take a size small. Very soft and comfortable. Also very durable.
(25% off with my referral link)
#11 Birkenstock Gizeh - Since it's summer, I've been wearing these Birkenstock Gizeh's a lot. I can walk around a lot in these, they're so comfy. I love them so much, I bought back up pairs. 😅
Let me know if you agree with my list and let me know what your favorites are. That's it for me! See you all on Tuesday!
Thank you soooooo much for putting this together, Leslie! I must say your product recommendations and fit advice has helped me a lot in making purchase decisions! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI am interested in the Balance Sweatshirt but too bad they only have black and grey available for the time being, While I love my LLL Scuba Hoodies, I’m looking for something less restrictive and comfy, Will definitely give the Balance Sweatshirt a try if a nice color comes out!
I have two pairs of Birkenstock sandals but sadly Gizeh is not for me, I love your American flag toe nail polish art and have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday!
Andrea
Hi Andrea! That makes my day whenever someone tells me my blog helped them with their purchases! It's why I keep going. Thank you!
DeleteI do really love the gray Balance Sweatshirt. But would love to see a purple or blue.
I will be relaxing today, it's my last day before I go back to the office grind. Have a great week Andrea!
I love your blog and I really appreciate your thoughtful reviews. I bought the old versions of the Everywhere Belt Bag after you mentioned that you really like them and that they are being phased out. Even though they look small to me, I agree that they are super functional. I also love reviewing your older entries...after seeing your entries about your bags getting re-fashioned with art, I am actually going to have my artistic 13 year old paint one of my old leather Coach bags and I am so excited to see what she will create.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping up with your blog!
Hi Michelle! Thank you! I appreciate the support. I love that your daughter will paint one of your bags! It's going to be so special.
DeleteI do wonder if I will eventually cave in with the new EBBs. Maybe if some crazy color that I love comes out. Until that happens I will hold on to my original ones!
hi Leslie, If I were to come up with my top list, at least three will overlap with yours--Vuori Performance Joggers, Ebb To Street tanks (I like both the regular and cropped versions) and Birkenstocks!
ReplyDeleteLike Andrea and Michelle, I also very much appreciate your reviews! Your honest reviews are always very helpful! If possible, I'd love to see a comparison of the various AllBirds shoes you've tried. I currently have the Wool Runner Mizzles and I love them so much that I'd like to get another pair of AllBirds for the summer. Your idea of reviewing your husband's favourites also sounds good and I'd be interested in that as well!
Thank you so much! Have a good evening!
Oops, didn't realize I wasn't signed into my google account. It's Karen ^_^.
DeleteHi Karen! Thank you, that is an excellent suggestion. I will start working on an Allbirds comparison post. It's going to be a long one since I have tried a lot! If you love the Wool Runner Mizzles, I would suggest trying the Tree Runners or the Tree Dashers. I haven't tried the Tree Runners, but I love the Tree Dashers. Allbirds released an updated version of the Tree Dashers (2) which I haven't tried yet, only because I'm waiting for a color I have to have.
DeleteI talked to my husband about submitting his favorites list, and he agreed! We will get started on that list. =)
Have a great week Karen!
hi Leslie! That's exciting! Thanks for preparing the two reviews! If it's too much work, please don't feel the need to include all the AllBirds models you've tried. Just the ones you love will be great!
DeleteHm, I just took a look and it looks like Tree Dasher has been taken off the Canadian site. Tree Dasher 2 and Tree Flyer are available. Tree Flyer seems to be the newest product? I don't love the colours currently available though. Hopefully more pretty colours will be released in the summer.
Hi Karen! Yes, the Tree Dasher has been discontinued and replaced with the Tree Dasher 2. I have not tried the Tree Flyers yet but it's on my list. I'm just waiting for a color that I want.
DeleteThis is such a great list - and gives me some new items to try! HHs have recently started to replace my rather large Speed Up collection, as well. In the past, I felt like they were too baggy, but I'm preferring the looser fit now.
ReplyDeleteI recently ordered the Adidas x Allbirds collab shoe (don't remember the name) and really enjoy it for running! I can't believe how much lighter they are than my Ultraboost '20s. I def want to try Allbirds next time...but felt more secure with a half Adidas pair for now, lol!
Hi LZ - Me too! That's how I initially felt about the HHs. I guess they just grew on me. I also prefer the HR over the LR.
DeleteI have the Adidas X Allbirds collab too. I'm still testing them out. So far I really like them, they are super light.
Leslie i agree must have align shorts are my favourite gym shorts when temperatures get warm. Today was warm one had on my align 6" shorts in Graphite grey first release along with cool racerback tank nocturnal teal for my gym workout.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.lulufanatics.com/item/55019/lululemon-align-short-6-graphite-grey-first-release
https://www.lulufanatics.com/item/37812/lululemon-cool-racerback-nocturnal-teal
All my align shorts are 6" want to try shorter length since spinning often they ride up so why fight pulling them down, Lol.. Will try 4" shorts not sold on color choice so bland.
Here is 5" shinbene shorts Leslie you so much are looking for. Color choice is linited but at least more then black or navy.
Pepper green looks good. Which color would you choose?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002880406811.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.18.52d84553K7LTrr&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21CAD%21C%24%2030.84%21C%24%2023.13%21%21%21%21%21%400b0a0ae216540500740384089e8ed7%2112000022600368418%21sh
Which color would you choose shorts looks less then 4" but give it a try anyway.
cayenne red is intriguing.
https://www.lulufanatics.com/item/48231/lululemon-align-short-4-cayenne
Bamboo green lot like steel teal from Lululemon aligns leggings i own.
https://www.lulufanatics.com/item/39418/lululemon-align-pant-ii-25-sea-steel
Hi! Nocturnal Teal is another favorite color of mine!
DeleteThanks for the link. I might try the Chocolate or the dDagonfruit for the 5" shinbene shorts. I'll add it to my list.
Hmmm Cayenne isn't bad, but the Sea Steel looks really nice. I think either color is fine! I'm curious as to what you think of the 4" length.
Hi Leslie, the Chocolate is nice safe color. Good choice similar to my Red dust align shorts from Lululemon.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.lulufanatics.com/item/48232/lululemon-align-short-4-red-dust
Maybe i will pickup the dark green although eyeing the frost green in 6" from shinbene.
As to the question about 4" it's only 2" less then align 6" shorts. Both ride up the leg with vigorous. gym activity such as weight training. Using short shorts for spinning H.I.I.T cardio, wearing any shorts will automatically ride up the leg.
Observing friend on spin bike, she is only 5 feet tall wears 6" or 8" black adidas bike shorts. Once she is fully into the spin session her shorts ride up the legs to 4" inseam regardless. Or she wears running baggy short shorts on odd time similar to Hotty hot shorts. Realized her loose baggy running shorts cover more thigh then the 6" spandex adidas shorts.
Got to ask her if she wants some of my own cache of shorts. She told me once i should give her some of my vast leggings collection from lululemon. Don't want to do it since she has great legs be shame to have them covered up.
Wearing speed up shorts 2.5" or 4" really doesn't make a big difference to me. Wearing 4" align dupes doesn't seem that uncomfortable. In hotter weather lighter colors might show sweat more but they feel cooler to wear.
Might try bronze in 4"
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001883309832.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000014.2.346086b15ZXPLO&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.40050.281175.0&scm_id=1007.40050.281175.0&scm-url=1007.40050.281175.0&pvid=c750281b-32b3-4a34-8542-77b084fa41b2&_t=gps-id:pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.40050.281175.0,pvid:c750281b-32b3-4a34-8542-77b084fa41b2,tpp_buckets:668%232846%238114%231999&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000018010051265%22%2C%22sceneId%22%3A%2230050%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21CAD%21%2113.35%21%21%21%21%21%402101c84b16540525596761763eb8b0%2112000018010051265%21rec
Rarely do i wear 6" dupes in grey sage because they are so light colored. Maybe tanks i wear don't match perfectly as my swiftly SS i wear to my align grey sage legging complimenting it with dusty dawn.
https://www.lulufanatics.com/item/37425/lululemon-swiftly-tech-short-sleeve-crew-dusty-dawn-dusty-dawn
Draganfruit is nice color have them in tracker shorts i wear.
Thanks for input from previous anonymous reply.
Hi Mack! I thought that might have been you. =)
DeleteI love Red Dust. You have such a great collection with so many of the old colors that are way better than the new ones IMO.
I agree with the 6" riding up when on a bike. That is pretty annoying. I do think any short will ride up if it's a similar style. Leggings would solve the issue, but much too hot IMO. Have not tried the bike in my Hotty Hot Shorts. It might be better.
Thanks for the blast from the past!
Yup it's me Leslie , i'm long time Lululemon addict, that's for sure.
DeleteBefore my Lululemon awakening, wearing adidas climlite running shorts for cycling outdoors. in XL only size available. My size is 4 so the shorts looked very baggy overhearing comments standing in a line that it looked like i was wearing a skirt.
Having skinny chicken legs feel form fitting shorts like speed up 4" or 2.5" work nicely while cycling to or from the beach.
Only problem you may encounter as i learned over the years wearing similiar Hotty hot shorts riding bicycle is the wind pushing the loose fabric up the inner thighs. Lesson learned wearing adidas knitted 5" loose shorts without a built in lining oversized adidas running climlite loose shorts. Cycling down a big hill one while strong wind in my face and speed i was riding along had obvious reaction for other gals expressing grin what they were observing in opposite direction could clearly notice my shorts riding up too far modesty sake, To my embarrassment i needed to hold one hand on my shorts while the other navigating the handlebar..
Since then my cache of speed up shorts increased dramatically stay with the fitted style in various lengths lot more modest or less accident prone to any wind lifting up flap of fabric.
As you can see in my IG page highlight labeled GYM @johnny_utah_point_break sixth or seventh highlight the red dust align shorts while spinning they stay at 4" on the leg being 6" inseam length.
Feel shorter 4" shorts might be better. Long cycling shorts go to far onto my knees having shorter legs.
Short gal 5 feet tall in my gym spinning room i often use her bike after she is done since setup is same with me. Lol...
Agreed leggings work best cooler temperatures on the the bike and that's usual my go to gym outfit. Tried to wear align crops in A/C cooled gym regardless humid conditions outdoors like now, they difficult to put on align crops especially sticky tacky skin.
Hi Mack, oh no that is quite a story with the adidas shorts! Riding with one hand on a bike gives me anxiety.
DeleteJealous of your Red Dust Align shorts! They definitely ride up, mine usually go up higher, more like 2 inches after being on a bike. I have no idea why and it's always one side rides up more than the other. Very annoying.
Agreed, ever since moving to Atlanta, I barely wear my Align leggings. I have about 8 pairs in my drawer that I almost never wear, but once in a while and yet I can't seem to let them go either. So in the drawer they stay for now!
I love this post! I forgot to comment. I am surprised you didn't say POCC! Maybe your top 10 huh? :P I love my Align Shorts too and my Hotty Hot HR and everywhere belt bag and baller hat soft!
ReplyDeleteHi Janessa! If I had to make a top 10 Lululemon post, the POCC would be on it!
Delete