Up until a few years ago I was a person who didn’t own a Lululemon anything. The only reason a pair of lulu pants entered my wardrobe was because my sister Anne gave me a pair for Christmas a few years ago. Don’t ask me the style or name because I don’t know, but I must say they were (and still are) great. They were a perfect fit with the right amount of stretch and comfort. I was sold! One pair of pants is all it took to change my idea of Lululemon completely.

Leading up to that point, I was that person who vowed not to own a “yoga” specific article of clothing for as long as I lived. I didn’t see the point. Weren’t all work out clothes the same? And what was the point of owning something nice you where just going to get all sweaty? It seemed silly. Oh, but how wrong I was. Those pants changed me, I was awakened to the realization of proper athletic wear. So I tossed my go to yoga outfit, a baggy t-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts (these are terrible for practicing hot yoga!) for good. It was time to dress the part if I wanted to be a real yogi.

Before I really understood the Lululemon brand, the idea of shopping there didn’t appeal to me. Yes, their staff are very up beat and helpful, and their clothes selection comes in very colour of the rainbow, my unknowing kept me away. But now, having experienced it for myself, can say that when it comes to athletic gear when lulu gets it right, they get it right. Although their stuff tends to fall a bit on the pricey side, it is safe to say you do get what you pay for. But like any purchase you make, buy what fits properly, suits your athletic needs, and reflects your personal style, and you can’t go wrong. Because who says workout gear can’t be stylish and serve a purpose?! Now my closet now contains a number of lulu tights, a few yoga tops and bras, a biking rain jacket (which I love!), and my newest love – my Speed Tight *Tech – which I thought were amazing for my winter running last season.

Lucky for me I am now apart of the Lululemon R&D team and I get to wear and review all the things I want. So here goes my first review of my newest purchases the Speed Tight *Luxtreme and the Run: Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve.

Speed Tight *Luxtreme:

One thing I’ve regretted for the three months I’ve been traveling is leaving my Speed Tight *Tech at home. These are the best running tights I own (not to mention they are the only proper running tights I own) arriving in London has made me miss them more then ever. The few times I went running in Tokyo I was lucky enough to get away with wearing my knee length tights, but I’m worried London running wouldn’t allow it. So I needed to find something, and something different from the one pair of tights I already own.

After a thorough investigation I came to discover Lululemon is in London (yay!) so I planned a day to find the Covent Garden Showroom and buy all the things I needed. Being a showroom meant the product in store was limited, so my options were not as grand as they would be online or in a full store. But I managed.

The Speed Tight *Luxtreme are super comfy! They slipped on like a glove and felt very smooth on. My first impression was they wouldn’t be warm enough for winter running with the fabric being as slick as it was. But I loved the print, the look, and the style and fit. I also loved the high waistband. Nothing is worse then having your tights start slipping down while you run. That’s the worst!

Wearing these tights for the first time was like getting a new toy – there were hidden pockets to discover, zippers for storing things, reflectors you can roll up and show off around your ankles – these baby’s had it all! And after my first run I was surprised by how much heat they actually hold. Getting started I was freezing, but during the run it was all good. When my body started to warm up, I stayed warm. The Speed Tight *Luxtreme are light weight and again very attractive. Which stirred my curiosity as to what other people had to say. Reading some of the reviews online, I haven’t experienced any pilling of the material or see-throughness, but this could very well happen later on. I also read that a poor girl fell during a run and her tights split right open at the knee. Yikes! And ouch. Having only worn them a few times during shorter runs, it will be interesting to take them out on a longer run and on a day when it isn’t damp and rainy. And here’s hoping I won’t have to prove or disprove the falling theory. I’m still not entirely sure how they’ll hold up in the winter cold, but perhaps my Canadian running needs have prepared me for the worst.

Run: Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve:

The sweet gal assisting me at the Covent Garden Showroom was rather surprised when I told her I didn’t own a Swiftly top. “How can that be?”,  she said “you’re a runner”. I didn’t see why this was an issue, but sure enough she fixed this problem right away. Lucky for her I was in the market for a long sleeved running shirt so I did not oppose trying it on at least. All my shirts are back in Toronto, with my tights, not serving me in anyway.

At first I was a little apprehensive because I like my running tops to be slightly baggy, but with this top, that’s not how it suppose to be. Designed to act as a base layer you want it to be tight and comfy. I love the feel of the fabric and the fact that there are thumb holes! (These are very important for winter running). The Swiftly is quite long in the sleeves and torso which I like very much, (another pet peeve is when shirts ride up because they’re not long enough).

On it’s own the Swiftly is (and will be) great, but make sure to layer it up with your best outer shell for ultimate warmth. You can count on it for doing exactly what it’s intended to do, keep the sweat out and warmth in. Now I see why all runners should have at least one Swiftly top, it’s a great running staple to own. The real challenge will be picking out your favourite colour.

Now I’m on the hunt for a pair of running gloves, a good outer layer (something that’ll keep me warm with a hood), new shoes, and possibly another pair of winter tights. All recommendations are welcome!