My 11 a.m. meeting took me to the Starbucks on Park Avenue where I had the pleasure of meeting with Amanda and Melissa, two lululemon employees.
Earlier this week, I received an email from Amanda informing me that lululemon is opening a store at Orlando’s Mall at Millenia and she was looking to meet with people in the community to discuss lululemon’s mission and apparel line.
Since I am venturing out on my own into a world of freelance writing and blogging, I am all for taking advantage of any opportunities to meet with people and learn from a successful company like lululemon. I couldn’t wait to meet Amanda. (I actually left our meeting with an idea I can’t wait to share with them!)
We immediately had a lot to talk about, and discussed our shared love of living an active life. The passion both Melissa and Amanda have for lululemon is amazing. How many people do you know who say things like “I never want to work anywhere else” or “my job changed me as a person?” (And I believe them!)
As you may know, I have never personally bought anything from lululemon. While I think their apparel is unbelievably gorgeous and feminine, it has always been a little out of my price range. Everyone I say this to always says the quality and durability of lululemon’s clothing makes every dollar worth it. As someone who has thrown away more than one pair of running capris because of chafing and material that digs, I definitely appreciate apparel that is made well.
I was beyond excited when Amanda suggested leaving Starbucks to visit lululemon’s Winter Park showroom to check out some clothing and do a little fashion show.
Fitness + fashion!?!? Sign me UP.
I had the best time spending a little more than an hour getting to know the employees at the showroom and trying on the various tops and bottoms around the store.
I ended up leaving with a pair of black run inspire crops (shown in the first picture) and a scoop neck tank in the color “surge” thanks to the generosity of Amanda. I can’t wait to put them to the test in the gym. I’ll be sure to post a review for those of you out there who are like me and love the style of lululemon’s apparel but are a little wary due to the price.
Lunch
My stomach started growling during the last half hour of my time at lululemon, so my number one priority when I arrived back home was fixing myself lunch!
Today’s meal included a BLT bagelwich… plus cheese, spinach and sauerkraut and a cup of Greek yogurt with honey on the side.
This lunch didn’t come together without some casualties.
Dead Burnt veggie bacon. Ah!
I now have a lot of catching up to do! I was out longer than I anticipated this morning and have a few things that I need to check off my to-do list this afternoon.
See ya fo’ dinn-ah!
P.S. The Fashion page was updated this afternoon.
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Your bagelwiches always look good, but this one may just top the charts. Oh that CHEESE!!
You look great in the lululemon gear…lucky duck! 🙂
I love lululemon clothes. They are so flattering and comfortable. Wish my whole running wardrobe could be lululemon. 🙂
I feel the same way about Lulu clothes, so awesome but a bit pricey! So nice of them to gift you with some. I look forward to reading your review of the capris because I love running in them! 🙂
i LOVE the waistband and how it doesn’t dig into your sides! i hope they hold up during a run!
ohh a good waistband is key. Mine running capris are so old I have to keep hiking the up as I run! It’s pretty ridiculous to see! 😛
Ohmygosh those workout outfits are so cute! If I had limitless amounts of money I would buy the whole store. I usually work out in just tanktops or baggy tshirts though which is not the most attractive apparel.
When I played tennis a few years ago, I had a ton of adorable outfits that felt amazing to play in. Sometimes having a nice outfit really makes you want to work out more. That’s so fun you got some new stuff!
lululemon sounds awesome!! u look GREAT in their stuff!!!!! YIKES! burnt veggie bacon- actually that sounds kinda good! 🙂
How great that you got to take home some lululemon swag! I have a pink workout bag from lululemon. It was a present for my mother…she didn’t want it so she gave it BACK to me (pretty much whenever I get her a gift that she thinks I might want, she finds an excuse to give it back to me 😉
What an amazing opportunity! I love love love lululemon but their prices are a little much for my budget at the moment (unfortunately).
I am one big-eyed green monster over here. I LOVE that first outfit with the purple top!
Uhhh… maybe I need to invest in some lululemon. There are a lot of hotties at my new gym, and I don’t think the champion/soffee shorts are cutting it. 😉
I LOVE lulu!
I especially love it because it’s a Canadian company that originated in Calgary, Alberta which is where most of my family is from! Go Alberta!
I am like you, the price tag is a bit outside of my price range but I have received a few outfits as gifts and they get the most wear out of any of my workout gear. Seriously so comfortable, durable, and perfect.
I love that their stores offer free classes too.
Actually…..lululemon was founded in Vancouver, BC! Vancouver had the only store for the longest time. Then Edmonton finally got one and so on! (From one canuck to another! ) 🙂
Ah, you are totally right. The guy who started it was originally from Calgary. I knew Calgary was involved somehow.
Actually after checking out that scoop neck top, I may have an addition to my birthday list! Looking forward to hearing how it works out in the gym!
One thing I realized, to comment on what Julia said, was that when I work out in clothing that makes me look good, I feel like I work harder and prouder. I really push hard and focus because I’m not worried about how my outfit fits and if it’s falling down. It’s amazing that sometimes, the clothes really can make the (wo)man.
You look so cute in lulu! I’m obsessed- and we are also getting a store soon so I’m excited. Very cool you got to be involved with them! I love their philosophy/mantra on active lifestyles! And hey they do yoga classes too! I bet Sadie does a mean downward dog 😀
I LOVE lululemon. The Stride jacket is the most flattering piece of clothing I own and it’s so versatile. 100% worth the money. And their pants are perfectly sculpting. Their clothes actually make me want to work out.
I LOVE how cute lululemon clothes are! But as a runner I purchased the swiftly short sleeve top and find that it tends to ride up quite a bit. I am constantly tugging on it. I even asked the sales girl and she said it wouldn’t do it-that is my only complaint though! So cute and the fabric is super comfy and sweat-wicking.
I’ve had the same problem with my Swiftly short sleeve…I think it is because I have a short torso and the shirt is long? I’m not sure. But I am obsessed with Lulu and have WAY too much. The Scoopneck Tank and the Define Jacket are definitely my favorites. I probably can’t afford it either! haha…I just end up buying more lulu and less work clothes.
OMG you look adorable in the lululemon active wear!! Yes please post a review of the Run Inspire Crops… I’ve been eyeing them for months now and just can’t decide if they’ll be worth the money – that’s more than I usually spend on a nice work dress!
Julie,
I am so so so excited that you are partnering up with Lululemon!! I was part of the team that opened the U Village store in Seattle, WA and I LOVED LOVED LOVED everything about my time with the company. They treat their employee like royalty, the stores always have such a positive and uplifting vibe and my co-workers just ROCKED my socks off!!
Oh and next time you are looking for a new book to read, ask Amanda or Melissa about the books in the Lululemon Library, there are some GREAT reads!!
Dance, Sing, Floss, and Travel!!
i was amazed to hear about the company’s philosophy and the way they encourage their employees to grow and achieve their dreams. sounds like such a great place to work!
Ive neva eva been to a Lululemon store before.
Maybe one day! 🙂
i visited my first one a couple of months ago and wanted EVERYTHING. you’ve been warned. 🙂
Those workout clothes are so cute!! I absolutely love them! I would totally get a pair of them if they were affordable. You look so cute in everything! 🙂
Lululemon is amazing all the way around! I have always heard how amazing it is to work there and just the whole outlook they have is amazing!
U look GREAT in Lulu gear! I am so glad you got a couple things, how sweet of her!!!! How exciting too! I can’t wait to hear how you will be working with them!!!
I love BLTs and I love them even more on bagels! The only thing you’re missing is some avocado on there.
I cannot imagine spending $90 on a pair of workout capris. Unless they do the working out for me!
I haven’t bought anything from Lululemon yet either – but I know I will someday! 🙂
I desperately need a workout wardrobe. I have one shirt I like to run in (moisture-wicking) and one pair of shorts (that took me forever to find). I refuse to give up those shorts now that I finally have a pair that is short enough to be comfortable but long enough to be appropriate. The top? I’m not in love with it. Help!
Also, I kinda like semi-burnt veggie bacon. Is that wrong? I never thought it was crispy enough. 🙂
Those tops you tried on are so cute!! I live lululemon, but I agree with you their items are out of my price range. So many people at my yoga studio swear by their clothes and on occasion I’m sure they see staring with envy. Maybe one day… a girl can dream!
Once you go lulu you can’t go back! I love that second top you have on–soo cute!
Thank goodness for the veggie bacon eater 🙂 So cute!
I’ve always felt the same way about Lululemon. Their clothes are gorgeous, but I just don’t have it in me to spend that much. Can’t wait to hear what you think about your new apparel.
Those are some cute work out clothes! I love the blue tank!
I love the appearance and mission of Lululemon, but I don’t think I could afford them!
i think you’re going to love your lululemon stuff. the clothes are pricey but really last – i have a couple of pairs of pants, a top and dress. i’ve had them all for 2+ years and they still look brand new. for real, they show no wear and tear whatsoever, no matter what you do to them. and they feel good and look good, so to all those scared of the price, just save your pennies and give it a try. i especially recommend the wunder unders – for me, they do triple duty as winter running tights, leggings and long johns/pajamas for camping/hiking in cold climates.
I LOVE lululemon. I only own one pair of pants but I love love love them! I wear them all the time, so comfortable! I’ve had them going on 4 years now and they have never faded or anything. They were like $100 which at the time I was spending money like it grew on trees, so now I just admire them from the website. 🙂
My only major issue with Lulu is that, when they started out, so much of their inventory was produced locally. Unfortunately, their the prices are now up and they have moved their operations off-shore. This always makes me suspicious that it was just a profit margin move, but that said, the few Lulu items I own are going on 7+ years and still look like new. Definitely loving those capris – you have amazing legs!
Did you try on any of the sports bras?
I didn’t get a chance to 🙁
i LOVE lululemon! i actually avoided it due to the price but eventually caved and bought a pants and top…it’s been love ever since. in fact, i’m wearing my wunderunders right now i wear them literally all the time!!!
quality, comfort, style=worth the price =)
Ahh I hate chaffing! I never used to get it until recently. I was always running short distances like 5k’s but now that I’m getting up into the 10k range chaffing has become a problem and I only have one pair of running tights 🙁
I might need to invest in some Lulemons if they’re as good as you say they are! Can’t wait for your review!
Lululemon stuff is really worth the price tag. Even my mama, who is very concious of saving money… ownes lulu clothes 🙂
I have the same top as you were wearing in the second picture but in a coral color… it’s so comfortable to run in!!
What a fun trip! I’d love to own some lululemo someday! I have a birthday coming up…. 🙂
What an awesome experience!! Jealouss.
I made the first trek into lululemon to buy a friend a shirt for his bday. I’m hoping to maybe get myself soemthing from there one day!
your lululemon filled day looks like so much fun!! I agree, I’d rather have something that lasts and is a little bit more expensive than cheap disposable clothes. and bagelwich.. mmmm.
Nice score on the lululemon apparel! I only hear amazing things from their employees – it seems like such a great company to work for!
eee that is so cool! I hear the best things about the brand too – everything is just so nice! Can’t wait for your reviews!
I love love love Luluemon! Most of my workout clothes are from there ( They’re quality can’t be beat, and i love how they flatter women’s bodies. Plus in Canada at least, other brands of workout clothes aren’t that much cheaper!) Justifications aside though :P, I do find that Lululemon clothes are pretty high maintenance to take care of, and in my experience Lululemon staff aren’t always the greatest at letting customers know this. They can’t be washed with any fabric that isn’t luon or other technical fabrics ( Or they’ll pill), and you aren’t suppose to dry them with dryer sheets ( Though in my experience if you put them in the dryer period, they’ll pill). It’s also best to keep them away from textured fabrics ( My running crops are pilled from where my wool scarf rubbed against them). If you take care of them though, they will last for years!
Looking forward to your review! 🙂
Noooooo you never put your lily pants on the dryer!! This will ruin their elasticity. They dry really quick when hung to dry. Better for your clothes to keep them out of the dryer anyway 🙂
Noooooo you never put your lulu pants in the dryer!! This will ruin their elasticity. They dry really quick when hung to dry. Better for your clothes to keep them out of the dryer anyway 🙂
Julie, you look so cute in the Lulu clothes!!! I guarantee you will become obsessed and will never want to buy anything else. I have like, five pairs of their running tights/capris and I love them to death. I’ve never tried any of the tops though, because of my bigger chest I worry about the length. Looking forward to your review!!
PS — tell me where you got those bagels and nobody gets hurt…. 😀
Ooh, I love me some lululemon, but I do cringe at the pricetag. I own a few pairs of crops, a pair of shorts for hot yoga and a tank that I love. I’m very careful with those items and they only get washed with certain things and hung to dry.
I want to eat Sadie!!! She’s so cute.
Looking great in your Lulu. I have always wanted to work there. Well, I shouldn’t say always. I am from NC and until 3yrs ago had never heard of this company. Once I moved to Ontario, Canada, everyone had clothing from there. I remember saying “I will never spend $100 on workout pants!”. Boy, have I eaten those words over and over! I wear Lulu everyday all day. I wear it for yoga, jogging, relaxing and work (real estate agent). Any top can be jazzed up w/ a nice blazer, pants are easy w/ some nice heels, etc. Can’t wait to hear your reviews. Love this post. I’m a Lulu addict. Write w/ any questions or particulars–I can prob answer them.
Suzanne
I have spent a small fortune on lululemon clothing. But I love it and I know there will still be plenty more!
Lulu gear is on my wish list.. but it is so expensive.. can’t bring myself to spend the money on clothes that will be sweaty and dirty every time I wear them.
They are SO beautiful though.. and look amazing on yoU!
Lululemon litterly gets me up every morning to work out. You talked about gym montras to help you get up every morning, lulu is kind of like that but in a physical form. I think they highhlight areas of a womans body that makes them look stong and a lil sexy which is the goal of any work out I believe.There clothes are so comfy and flattering that you can wear them as active or casual wear.
My favorite is the let it loose tank. I wear it everywhere! I love the slight cutout of the design.
The clothes are pricey but it’s worth it to buy the collection. Waking up and slapping on so old ratty sofee shorts and one of my billion sorority shirts(ppl who have been in a sorority know what I’m talking about) does not inspire me to work out also chaffing on my inner thighs and bra strap slows me down. But lulu makes me feel comfy and chaf free 🙂
Any body that’s been on the fence about them I say just bight the bullet and get them you won’t regret it. besides if you work out a lot you are prob like me and are in your active wear majority of the day and when you do the wash your hamper is mainly work out clothes.
Lol about the sorority shirts. I feel ya, sista! I turned mine into a quilt!
I loooove lululemon clothes. Love. They are pricey, but SO worth it. Though if they were cheaper, I’d probably own about ten times the amount of stuff I do now…
run inspire crops are my ABSOLUTE favorite! they hold everything in place while you run, which is nice when you have a bit of a booty like me 🙂 love em!
i LOVE lulu!! i run, yoga, and pilates in my wunder under ones…they’re so flattering, i sometimes even use them as leggings 😉
I always said I would NEVER buy lululemon… then one day I entered… and came out with sports bras, hoodies, headbands, tanks, etc. and i REALLY love it. i can’t buy as much as the other branded stuff, but i really value the lululemon pieces that I do have. Enjoy it!!