There are few things cozier than sipping a cup of hot cocoa by an open fire. Our Scuba Hoodie is one of those things (without the sugar crash and need for a fire permit). In our new mini-series “Under the Hood” we catch up with some of our team members to ask why this classic hoodie is still their go-to piece.

Elim, our photo studio coordinator (and the mastermind who showed us 30 ways to wear our Wunder Unders), styles her Scuba with a Cool Racerback, French-rolled Astro Pants and a sweet pair of leather Chucks.

Check back next Tuesday for another installment of “under the hood”.

The challenge that created a change in my life.

With 2010 soon coming to a close, I can't help but get retrospective. Working for a company like lululemon, setting goals and then reaching for them is a part of our daily conversations. Whether I am walking into the office or visiting one of our stores, goals are posted on walls for everyone to see. One of my challenges has been setting realistic health and fitness goals for myself.

At first it was daunting. Was I seriously going to carry a large gym bag to work with me everyday just so I could go to yoga? The challenge was there and to overcome it I applied a well known mantra: dress for success. I started to get strategic with my luon to maximise my outfits. By being just a few layers away from participating in a circuit training class or run, I could no longer give myself an excuse not to follow through. Cheers to getting a little creative with your clothing and sweating once a day along the way!

This year's favorite pieces for making like Clark Kent:
-Scoop Neck Tank
-Wunder Under Pant
-Flow Y Bra
-Premium Technithong
-Power Y Tank
-Cool Racerback
-Wunder Under Crop

My 5 year vision:

I live in New York City. I work for a lovely Creative Director at Vogue Magazine and though my Chuck Taylor's are more often than not replaced by 4 inch heels, my roots will always be in luon.

2011 is just around the corner. What are your health and fitness goals for the new year?

Amongst my many Cool Racerbacks and Flow Y Bras lives the Power Y Tank, which I've layered under today's outfit.

why i love the power y tank

• it's a favourite of mine for layering
• the built-in bra means one less item to put on
• the longer torso design not only offers warmth but gives a flash of colour if I layer it under a shorter shirt
• great support for A-B cups for running, yoga and everything in between

Have your photo taken while you cycle and you too will have this much fun.

Featherweight Socks!

Love the look but have a larger bust and need more support? Try the Push Your Limits Tank or Inner Awareness Tank.

why i love the cool racerback:

- I choose the support that I wear underneath
- Made of luon, this tank has attributes like 4 way stretch and wicking abilities
- It's great for layering underneath sweaters and tee shirts for warmth
- They come in LOTS of colors

Yoga pairing of the day: Cool Racerback and Groove Pant

details not easily seen

There's a hidden pocket in the front waistband. Never lose your lip balm, key, or hair elastic again!

My go-to for support is the Flow Y Bra. What's yours?

Yoga pairing of the day: Astro Pant and Power Y Tank

Sneek peek: You might take a seat here when waiting to meet with Chip!

The "wrap" design of the waistband moulds to your shape and doesn't cut into the belly

details not easily seen

- Hidden key pocket can be found on the back inner waistband.
- A small circular stamp with your size in it!

Have you tried the Astro Pant or worked it into your off the mat outfits?

Ditching the elevator for the stairs

why i love my wunder unders

• a mid-rise pant that sits comfortably around my lower waist
• keeps me covered even in downward dog
• hidden pocket in the waistband so that I never misplace my lip balm or gym key
• Available in a pant or crop, I could wear this style year round (which I do)

How to wear them "off the mat": the key is to keep your bum covered with a longer top, especially in a work environment.

What's keeping me warm underneath my sweater? The Yogi Dance Tank. It has built in support, adjustable shoulder straps and a adjustable hemline. Love the look but want some more coverage? Try layering a Cool Racerback or Flow Y  Bra underneath.

My favourite sock for the gym (or in this case, a Bar Method class): Featherweight Socks

What's your favourite "sweat once a day" activity? Which bottoms are your 'go to' style?

On the mat in the lululemon head office yoga studio

Underneath it all: Flow Y Bra and Cool Racerback

It's all in the details: thumbholes, French-rolled bottoms

What to do when the tides of trends ebb and flow from flare to skinnies? Peg'em (aka French rolling)!

how to update the look of your groove pant in 1 minute:

1. Pull the inside bottom hem over to the middle of your shin (or until it feels snug)
2. Pinch and roll the hem twice to secure the fold
3. Not enough info? Learn more here.

What are your tips on how to wear lululemon pieces beyond the mat?

Sneaking pictures on the 4th floor (that's our Design space behind me!)

With a Cool Racerback layered over an older version of the Push Ur Limits Tank, my core was kept warm underneath my chambray shirt. I finished off the outfit with the Still Pant. The four way stretch and wicking capabilities make it ideal not just for yoga, but for my day at work as well. Rain was in the forecast and I didn't want the hem to drag so they got tucked into my boots and I instantly fell in love with the end result.

• Tip for layering without all the bulk: wear a tank that already has support built in.

lululemon pieces seen here:

• Swift Tank (available this season as the Push Ur Limits Tank)
  
• Cool Racerback Tank
  
• Still Pant

details not easily spotted:

- Waistband can be folded over to sit lower on the hips
- Name tag in the left hand pocket so you'll never mix up your pants at the gym
- Size tag also in left hand pocket

In love with your Still Pants? Share it below!

Today there was yoga being offered in our yoga studio at noon and I wanted to be able to change quickly. I started with a base (Scoop Neck Tank with the Wunder Under Pant) and "built" on it.

lululemon athletica pieces seen here:

• Express Yourself  Wrap (or the Awareness Wrap for a heavier weight alternative) -
• Scoop Neck Tank - worn under blouse
• Wunder Under Pant - mid-rise pant, great coverage even in Downdog

The Scoop Neck Tank is one of our more versatile, medium-support tanks with a power mesh upper back to keep you cool. I also like the neckline for coverage underneath button down shirts or V-neck tees. In the summer I wore the Scoop Neck on its own tucked into a high-waisted skirt or with a pair of walking shorts, and this winter I'm also using it to layer underneath blouses and sweaters for warmth.

This is the most amazing mat I've tried so far: The Mat. It's grippy, it moisture wicks...now if only we could figure out how to make it fly.

A view of downtown Vancouver, BC from the north east corner of the office (before we got our first snowfall!)

Do you already work lululemon into your day-to-day wardrobe? Share your tips or suggestions in the comment section below!

what is off the mat?

For the next four weeks, I'll show you how I wore the Still Pant, Astro Pant, Groove Pant and (of course) the Wunder Under Pant to the office and then repurposed for yoga or the gym.

Meet the pants I'll be wearing during Off the Mat:

1. groove pants

The Groove Pant style is one of our classics and have been a part of the lululemon athletica family since 1998 with various design updates.

2. still pants

Designed to be the relaxed and loose fitting answer to our Groove Pant, the Still Pant is a company favorite to wear for or after yoga/gym and play. Some of our guests have even taken it into maternity with them!

3. wunder under pants

This style is beyond versatile. Need to see for yourself? Check out the Wunder Under Challenge from earlier this year.

4. astro pants

New to my wardrobe and for many others, meet the Astro Pant: a mid rise, straight leg alternative to the Groove Pant.

Stay tuned, outfits posts will start next week. Have a great weekend everyone!

In January, you saw me work my way through 31 days of Wunder Unders. Now I take your questions on how to stretch your lululemon pieces for work and travel.

Question: How do I make my Wunder Under Pants work appropriate?

Answer: Our Wunder Unders are one of the most versatile piece in our lululemon closet. I should know-I wore them for a month! So how do you re-purpose these awesome athletic tights if you work in a business environment?

The key is to keep your bottom covered. Layer long tunics, sweaters, cardigans, dresses or dress shirts over your Wunder Unders. Play with accessories like belts or long necklaces. Footwear is also important in anchoring your work look. Try pairing it with tall boots, ankle booties or ballet flats.

I'm all about function and there is nothing more functional than having to carry less because I'm already wearing my work out gear. For a quick change from the office to the gym, layer your favorite athletic tank underneath your tops. A quick change of footwear and you're off for a run in 5 minutes flat.

Question: I’m travelling abroad for 6 months and need key pieces to work for my long flights, classes  and the gym all the while using little of my precious suitcase space.

Answer: We are learning what a challenge it can be to pack for air travel with baggage restrictions changing daily. lululemon clothing is designed for athletes meaning the fabrics used are usually lightweight and mostly wrinkle free. Most of our pieces can be re-purposed beyond the gym or yoga studio. Core basics can really stretch your wardrobe. Here are my suggestions:

-Cool Racerback

This tank does not have a built in bra meaning you are in full control of the support you need (try our Flow Y Bra or Scoop Bra for athletic support). Worn on its own, used as layering a piece for warmth or coverage, this tank rocks with stretch and wicking capabilities on or off the street.

-Groove Pant

This pant is what put lululemon on the map and with good reason. The design: mid rise, slim to the knee, boot cut fit; flatters most body types and we’re finding out that most of you are taking them beyond the gym. Plus most styles are reversible meaning you can choose a colored or patterned waistband, flip it inside out and you've got a solid colored pant. Great for to and from wear, get the same 4 way stretch as you run errands around town or for a cup of coffee with your best gal pal.

-Wunder Under Pant or Crop

It’s your basic legging with better stretch, color retention AND athletic function. They are made of luon which is treated to wick moisture (ideal for sweating through airport security and at the yoga studio). Worn with longer shirts, tunics or sweater, this bottom can be worn easily for work to play to a night out on the town.

-Remix Lulu Hoodie

This hoodie keeps you covered to and from the gym and when you’re heading out the door in jeans and a t shirt. Made of cozy preshrunk cotton fleece, it’ll keep you warm in climate controlled airplane cabins too. This hoodie is so soft, you’ll want to snooze on it during your longer flights.

1 Remix Lulu Hoodie, 1 pair of Groove pant, 2 pairs of Wunder Under Crops, and 3 Cool Racerback tanks...

...will roll with you where ever you go.

Tip for getting more into your suitcase: Rolling your clothes takes up less space and helps keep clothing wrinkle free!

Thanks to Ashley and Ashley for your questions!

I just received the most amazing present. It's small enough to fit on my key chain and the benefits will follow me everywhere. Intrigued?

The Gift Of Yoga is from lululemon athletica in partnership with YYoga and will be offered from February 12-28, 2010. This gift of unlimited yoga is being shared with the residents and visitors of our beautiful city. If you have ever been curious to try yoga, learn about the benefits of yoga, or check out a new studio, please visit your nearest lululemon store location and pick up your Gift Of Yoga fob. The fobs are available as of today, Feb. 5.

Welcome to Vancouver!

Pick up your Gift Of Yoga fob at a lululemon athletica store location: Kitsilano, Oakridge, Park Royal, Robson, Metrotown, Coquitlam, lululemon lab, Whistler

Save the information package. It has a handy map of lululemon and YYoga locations as well as YYoga schedules.

Fill in the attached waiver, detach and submit it to YYoga at your first class

Attach the handy fob to your keychain . It is your pass to unlimited yoga at YYoga from Feb 12-28, 2010. Guard it with your life.

Take off your shoes, roll out your mat, and stay a while.

P.S. Due to the overwhelming response from our guests regarding the Gift of Yoga program, we have a limited amount of passes remaining.

For guests with passes who are attending Gift of Yoga classes at the YYoga studios, please note that classes are available on a first come, first serve basis.