I have been blogging for just over 6 years and this is the most boring Lululemon mid August fall upload of all time. Typically, the weekend of Seawheeze is crazy because you bust your budget at the expo and then walk into the Robson St. store (or whichever store) and they have a big massive product drop of gorgeous colourful fall goodies. Puffy jackets and vests, Tuck And Flows, back to school backpacks, rain jackets - all in exciting colors and prints that truly feel innovated. This year though, we have the muted varsity colors of Bordeaux Drama (god they just killed that color), Greyvy and grey in all season basics. I warned you guys a few weeks ago that I had intel that Lululemon was going the way of a very muted and subdued palette with one or two bright color exceptions and here is your living proof of it. I had also warned you about the price increases and here we have a $68 basic tank with no innovative features, no bells and whistles like reflectivity or special features, no built in bra. Just a basic tank at a premium price of $68. This is the antithesis of what Lululemon has always been. Lululemon was the bright feminine color with couture designed highly functional activewear in the midst of male oriented brands designing for women in drab colors and boxy fits as an afterthought. On the heels of such a high energy event such as Seawheeze with colourful fun designs there I find this so disappointing.
How do you guys feel about this new direction? I'll have more for you in the coming weeks.
Previewed in an exclusive sneak peek [HERE]
Anyone know anything about the Like Nothing tank? I'm curious to try but not sure about sizing. I'm a 4 in most tanks but a 6 in power y's and swiftly short and long sleeves/most jackets. It looks pretty fitted on the model and of course there's no fit info in the description (thanks Lulu) - hard to judge!
ReplyDeleteThat Belle Long Sleeve is frumptastic!
ReplyDeleteI am so disappointed in the uploads this month. I am so sad by the direction this company is going. I used to spend a fortune each month and I haven't bought anything in weeks. I'm so sad. If things continue like this I don't see myself buying from them again. What a disappointment. What are they thinking?
ReplyDeleteMy wallet needs a break....I'm so curious if this is hurting sales...all the increases and crappy colours...I for one need to slow down and this will help
ReplyDeleteThey are inflating the men's side and growing there so I'm sure the increases in men's offsets any decreases in women's.
DeleteNo need to rush to the computer anymore if this is whats waiting. Snooze fest!
ReplyDeleteNot at all liking the direction they seem to be going. The clothes in this upload especially are a downer. They seem so minimalist, lackluster and frumpy. Dull, drab boring colours and designs... blech. Not to mention the increases in prices... what a turnoff.
ReplyDeleteI teach yoga and have been wearing only Lulu tanks all these years. With the recent price increase, however, I just have to shop elsewhere. Even if one can afford it, it's just not worth it. I bought a camouflage patterned racer tank from Old Navy the other day and at CAD$12 tax included, I'm very happy with my purchase. Both the fit and the workmanship are satisfactory. The material might not be as nice as Lulu's, at least I got what I paid for and don't feel being ripped off. I don't mind paying more for a Lulu tank with nice details or innovative design, but not $64 plus tax for a plain tank.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the general look is quite sophisticated and I wonder if they're going for an older market. It definitely isn't bright, fun, or youthful. I don't totally dislike it, but I also doubt that I'll be buying any of it. I usually get suckered in by bright and fun, even though I'm starting to qualify as "older" and should probably be thinking about reinventing myself as more sophisticated. The muted colours are a throwback to earlier palettes. I remember seeing muted browns, purples, and mauves one year. There was an asian girl at my gym one day wearing a mauve tank top with a peacock feather on it, and the colour looked amazing on her skin tone.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing here that really bothers me is that in both the Back At It and the Back At It Again tanks, there are no images that give you a sense of what the lower hem of the tank is actually shaped like. The Back At It Again tank is only shown knotted in the back. Does it come that way? Is that the only way you can wear it? I have no idea! Why would I buy something when I don't even know what it looks like!
This is all very well said!
DeleteI tend to just operate under the assumption that if the clothes are being presented in a very intentional way, there's something they're tried to hide about that particular style. Tied up shirts, bottoms with a pattern where the rear view is intentionally obscured, etc.
Deletewell said anon 9:47AM!
DeleteI totally agree! There have been pants I wouldn't buy bc the photos don't show the rear/waistband of the pants. It's ridiculous!
DeleteDear Lulumum: You are so right on about all of this! I have been shopping on e-Bay for Lululemon's older vintage stuff. I ordered the swiftly l/s in heathered bali breeze. You could literally feel the cheapen fabric used. I left a comment but LLL has not posted it yet. If you zoom in on that specific swiftly l/s color, you will see what appears to be 'runs' like nylons and you would use clear nail polish to stop the 'run.' Clearly, LLL has had a change of management as witness because of their stupid updated website that I believe the writers write computer games; coupled with price increase and now drab muted colors? What's left but to pick up the tried & true LLL stuff on e-Bay. These would be items that I did not get such as the heathered menthol swiftly, bark berry scuba, in the loop poncho, alberta touch scuba terry to name a few.
ReplyDeleteAll I want is new tuck and flows. That's it. Is that too much to ask?!
ReplyDeleteI used to carry my tablet with me on Tuesdays (or whatever the upload day was), so I could stop what I was doing (or pull to the side of the road, LOL) at upload time and check the website. In past months, I look here for your update and maybe check the website when I have time. The FOMO has left and it kind of makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteBUT, on the bright side, I now feel justified in my Lulu hoarding all these years!! The details, designs, colors and prints are what I loved about Lulu. So, I'm glad I was addicted for a bit. I have enough pretties to keep me happy for a long time!!
Last year, during SeaWheeze weekend, my sister dropped about a grand at the Robson store loading up on the cute plaid and butterfly print down vests and other fall goodies. This year, we spent NOTHING there. The store was a sea of black. They had an entire column of cubbies of BLACK Pace Rival crops. It the other column of cubbies they had two colorways - dottie tribal and hounds camo. My store at home has least a dozen colorways in Pace Rivals. I thought Potdevin was turning things around but they need a new head of design, stat. Get a woman in there who understands the lululemon customer.
ReplyDeleteI remember. I broke down and got one of those vests too.
DeleteAnd that is something you and I where discussing. The huge difference over the past year between US stores product allotment and the Canadian allotment. You noticed right off the bat how sparse the Canadian stores collection was. I go to Seattle often and am always surprised at how much more variety those stores get.
I remember that week!
DeleteI bought the green & butterfly vest, butterfly run times, butterfly CRB & some wrap it up tanks.
The past 3 weeks: 1 pair of Seawheeze speeds off of ebay.
To reply to the comment on sophicate and going for the older market? I would be in that market, and trust me, Lulumum is right: drabby! LLL should stick to what made them so far ahead of all of what's out there. I feel for the new LLL shoppers because they may not get a sense of what used to be with regard to the fabrics and softness to them -- function and fashion was LLL's claim to fame, and now, I am not sure what it is.
ReplyDeleteyes the dark and drab strikes me more along millennial aesthetic. More simpler basic designs. If only the pricing values of the millennial customer corresponded with that change.
DeleteI'm with you anon 4:42 PM!
DeleteI'm a slightly older millennial at 29, but this cracks me up because workout/athletic wear is one of the few areas of my wardrobe where I buy more color. I love neutrals for my "normal" clothes. I don't need (or want) a ton of black and gray basics for working out.
DeleteBoring.
ReplyDeleteNothing for me.
Im super bummed! I used to lose sleep over the upload now I dont even pay attention to it! Just dont get why they dont sell what people are begging for!!!! I would love a back on track jacket from 2012! Or something similar an there has BEEN NOTHING CLOSE to that beauty!!!! They are going away with thumbholes and longer lengths...... Dam u lulu!
ReplyDeleteWell. If that is going to be the direction this company takes, I'm not going along for the ride. I don't mind drab colours, although I don't find them sophisticated, just...drab. I have such a huge collection that a dusty mauve here or a grey there would not overwhelm the more cheerful colours. But the prices - ouch, the new prices!!! Boring colours, no real innovation, short tops, menswear styling, shocking prices, crappy website, what's to like?
ReplyDeleteHey Anon 5:10.... What you just decided to take my thoughts out of my head? Lol..... spot on accurate.....
DeleteExactly. Although personally I tend to stay away from the drab colours.
DeleteI would be part of the "older" market and there is nothing in this product drop that interests me. With the saturation this spring and summer of see through mesh, holes in the back, etc. I no longer buy tanks at LLL. The design of the Sculpt It Tank looks promising but I don't want to spend over $70. for a tank.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I like about the Belle Jacket is the Deep Indigo Blue colour but the jacket itself is too short and lacks any design features to warrant buying it when it will only be a to and from jacket for a cool summer day. The Belle Pullover shown above is Red Grape. I can't believe they didn't think we had enough of that colour already. So it will be a big NO to Red Grape and Bordeaux this Winter for me. The muted colour tone is nothing new for LLL when so many of their products only come in black, grey or white. As for what colours we get besides the usuals will make or break whether I buy something or not. I didn't buy any jackets this spring because I didn't like the colour choices. Now if they were to bring back the HUSTLE JACKET in Greyvy or Deep Indigo I would buy one or two in a heartbeat. I would love to see more deep greens like the Dark Fuel Green and more saturated blues and purples.
If you look at the SeaWheeze video from last weekend everyone looks so colourful and happy. This upload is the complete opposite and everyone would look dull and boring in this stuff. I only ordered the Both Ways Bra in True Red cause it's about one of the only happy colours they have right now! But ouch the price is ridiculous....
ReplyDeleteI still find plenty of cute things to buy, but uploads are seriously NBD for me now. I remember wanting EVERYTHING and having to whittle down my cart to fit my budget ! For me, Thursday is the new Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteYep, welcome to muted colours.....I got the same story from an ed ( a sensible one that tells me stuff) here in Australia when I asked her why everything was soooo dull & muted. This was back in May down here in Oz and she said that's pretty much all that the Autumn/winter pallet is going to be. And she was pretty on point if you look at our uploads over the season. Yawwwnnn!!!
ReplyDeleteTwo things turning me off.
ReplyDeleteFirst, the shorter lengths on the tops and jackets.
Second, the drab colours.
Also, Bordeaux Drama needs to die. I am sitting here shaking my head in confusion that this colour made yet another return this year.
SO boring.
ReplyDeleteI know I am in the minority here but I love the color palette. The colors are very urban/chic and on par for fall. As a Pilates instructor, I tend to wear darker colors and hey I love Bordeaux Drama!! It's gorgeous! If they keep releasing it, well people are buying! However, I absolutely detest every last piece. All those weird open seams on the tanks and pants, not to mention the price, seriously? It has been months since I purchased anything at full price let alone MD! I think the last thing I purchased was the Precision jacket, and I even waited for that to be marked down! Lulu has been such a disappointment and it's a shame that no one is listening. People are still buying and apparently there is a market out there for all that mesh because they keep making them. As for me, I've started looking at other brands, Lole, Onzie and even Athleta. I have also started turning to Ebay for pieces to complete my collection.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Gisela. I actually like the shift to a more muted color palette and find it to be a bit more sophisticated right now, but hate the pantyhose designs, boxy and shapeless cuts, and the newly inflated prices. Been turning to other brands as well.
DeleteI just noticed that the All Day backpack has increased in price by $10, to $138CAD!! I was toying with getting it since I need a new one, but am totally turned off now. It was $128 last week, I could have swore... :(
ReplyDeleteI love the Breeze By LS! LOVE LOVE LOVE I have 2 already and just got the blue one on this upload. I'm super happy that they released a blue in it. I don't think that top is getting the attention it deserves. Sooooo comfortable. Looks great layered for every day errands. Does ride up a bit though but it might just be due to my body type.
ReplyDeleteAll boring except that beautiful define jacket but at $128 I don't need it, already have a few. I have pretty much stopped looking, not paying the prices for lower quality.
ReplyDeleteI feel Lululemon has lost it's excitement. Uploads aren't what they used to be, there's no must have items anymore. Most new things that come out I'm waiting to see if they'll make it to WMTM. I'm so sick of black, grey and bourdeaux drama (I used to love this color 2 years ago!). It's time for me to take a break from lulu anyway, gave them way too much of my money in the last year. This transition into fall certainly makes it easier with no beautiful pieces that I'm lusting over. Between prices increases and no pretties, I'm good sitting on the lulu sidelines observing for awhile.
ReplyDeleteagree with you! I remember the times when WMTM had maybe 20 items on it. Now there are over 110 (on the Canadian side) and NOTHING to buy! I constantly check it out, almost trying to convince myself to buy something, haha. I mean, with over 110 items there should be something for me to buy, right? well, not really.
DeleteThe only item I was remotely excited by was the release of the Greyvy studios in Canada. They were released to the US last week and we didn't get them so I was excited to see they made their way here. I tried them on last night and they were gorgeous! I love the Greyvy colour as a neutral to mix and match brighter colours with, I would LOVE to see a pair of Pace Rivals or Speed Shorts in this colour. As for the tops, I don't necessarily mind neutrals, but maybe release only a few pieces? Not an entire line. The store looked like it had ZERO flow to it last night, with the bright colours of the summer releases mixed with the random speckled pattern from last week and then the muted neutrals from this week, I wasn't sure how to pair things up and felt like I was running all over the store. I am hoping that the mauve tanks make their way to Canada and that they are as pretty in person as they appear in the UK sneak peek. Aside from that I agree with most of the comments here that Lulu is going in the wrong direction and are definitely losing their brand loyalty.
ReplyDeleteThis may be controversial, and off-base, so apologies if this offends but I almost feel like the positive comments/reviews here are Lulu insiders...
ReplyDeleteI think it's wrong to assume that just because someone likes something that you don't they are "Lulu insiders". I say if you like the product and are OK with the price, then buy it. If not, don't.
Delete@anon 9:53. I don't think your comment is offensive. You are clearly just wondering. I have been reading and commenting on this blog for years, so I don't think the comments are Lulu insiders. Everyone has a different opinion on what they like/don't. I love this brand and it owns my closet, but I have posted both positive and negative remarks. For example I believe Iade a comment about lulu smoking something special about charging $74 for a tee shirt. I am a CRB II hater, and think the changes LL is making takes the CEO to a new level of stupidity. But, that said, when I heard about the swiftly price increases I simply ordered all the colours that I wanted before it happened. I also ordered CRBs on MD and the dash to class Rulu shirt, ( which turned out to be a fabulous look by sizing down) I think the point I am trying to make is that many of us have a love/ hate relationship with Lulu depending and how stupid they are being. I didn't order anything from this upload as there is nothing to buy, coupled with outrageous prices. And I am still holding out hope that basic business knowledge combined with combined with common sense will prevail in the long run. That said, I am not sure how much more Bordeaux drama I can stand....
DeleteI can understand this. I have found myself wondering (not assuming like anon 10:39 AM states, and it is clear that anon 9:53 isn't assuming either) this exact same thing, especially recently. Like anon 10:47 AM, I make my share of both positive and negative comments on here, and I can understand we all have different tastes, ideas, etc. But, some comments, sometimes, seem so out of place and way overly enthusiastic that it sometimes makes me wonder... they just give me that feeling that makes me wonder... there were some recently with the CRB II that I wondered about being truly genuine or not (and this is coming from someone who actually likes it and commented on liking it!) so I totally understand where your comment is coming from anon 9:53 AM. The company doesn't exactly ooze the feeling of being able to trust it either... they have been showing otherwise, imo.
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ReplyDeleteOMG!!!!! 288 wmtm ITEMS ON CANADIAN SIDE!
ReplyDeletesomething is off with the website. you click on WMTM, it shows 288 items but none are on MD. they are regular priced items.
DeleteLOL!!! more trickery by lulu I see! jk, but annoying nonetheless!
DeleteYes they must be updating something because my old WMTM bookmark doesn't work anymore.
ReplyDeleteit works now and we are back at 113 items. and still nothing to buy! lol
DeleteOverall it's a good thing for me. I have so many clothes the last thing I need is to buy more clothes. It's an addiction and I'm glad it dwindling. I could seriously have paid cash for a nice car. Like the yoga instructor I'm gonna buy old navy or the like.. When the trends over throw it out. I've had 2 nice nice tops together we're $150 that got ink on them and were ruined. Ouch! I don't mind darker colors for fall but after the lack luster spring and summer it's disappointing. But change is hard and it's time to move on I guess.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Lulumum, things are definitely heading in a different direction and I don't like it one bit. Some of the tanks in this drop are just plain boring backless designs in order to show off their bras they want you to buy more of. Not only boring designs but the fabric looks so thin that the shape of these tanks would be lost after one wash. I don't even think some of this stuff would have any resale value.
ReplyDeleteMy store looked boring and empty on Tuesday. My daughter and I left after 5 minutes without trying anything on and we never do that . I have just recently started buying off the buy/sell sites and have been happy with all my purchases( a fun, colourful scuba II, some brightly coloured street to studios etc.)
ReplyDeleteI'm a little off topic but can someone tell me if the seawheeze berry coloured manifesto crb feels like the old crb fabric (for reference, any of the old wee stripe ones from 2011/2012). Or is it that shiny material that's super clingy?
ReplyDeleteSo I went in this afternoon to see some of this stuff up close... What a disaster. All of these tanks are made with low cut backs to show off Lulu sports bras.. But the material is so thin that when it is layered over a sports bra it gives awkward and unflattering lines. I feel the same way about all of these odd seams. The awful seam that they have running through all of the Sculpt It line drives me nuts. The Sculpt It tank looks like it has some kind of corset style going on in the back. Not classy. Frankly I think most of these pieces look trashy. ALSO give it a rest with the bordeau drama. Yes it's a beautiful colour. But I think we can all agree that it's old news. The only Scuba iii (my favorite though I realize I'm in the minority) in store was bordeau drama... To bad I already have it from last fall...
ReplyDelete