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!

Hello, world! Are you ready for 17 days of once-in-a-lifetime experiences?

For the month of February, our five lululemon blog artists will be experiencing Vancouver and documenting their adventures as the madness unfolds. They'll be yoga-ing, participating in daily challenges, and fill-in-the-blanking. It's impossible to predict exactly what's going to go down this month, but if there's a CGSE blogger nearby you can be assured it'll be twitpic'ed, recorded for our Vimeo channel, and/or written about on the CGSE blog.

Without further ado, meet the blog artists!

Jenna

five facts about jenna

1. I will forever be a kid at heart

2. I <3 impromptu dancing and/or skipping

3. Food is a big force in my life

4. I like to think of myself as a "mixed bag of nuts"

5. Creating is in my soul

Twitter: @jennacgse
Facebook: Jenna Germany
Foursquare: jennacgse

Elim

five facts about elim

1. I have goals in fashion and styling. My dream job: freelance stylist and professional blogger coming to you live from the front rows of the most venerable names in fashion.

2. I have a life long love affair with books. When I was in grade 3, I read 100 books during summer break. Send me your suggestions, I'm always looking for something to read. Literally.

3. The people at lululemon changed my life. This saying "Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.- W.Clement Stone" is how I would describe where I work and the people I work with. I am extremely fortunate to have co-workers who are now my greatest friends.

4. I love to dance and will find ways to dance even in the most awkward of moments (Ex. in the SSC parking lot in front of the whole office).

5. I have completed the Vancouver Sun Run 3 years in a row now and am aiming for a finish time of 1 HR this year.

Twitter: @elimcgse
Facebook: Elim Canada
Foursquare: elimcgse

Whitney

five facts about whitney

1. I am a vegetarian, but my favorite snacks are cheddar bunnies and animal crackers. Weird I know.

2. Writing is my first passion.

3. I have worn the same color hot pink nail polish on my fingers and toes for 4 years now, even on my wedding day with hot pink shoes to match.

4. I once moved to Italy to play softball in their pro circuit, it changed my life and inspired me to apply at lululemon instead of law school. Ciao bella.

5. I believe that food is both the cause and the cure of all of our ailments, and a glass of lambrusco is the secret of a life.

Twitter: @whitneycgse
Facebook: Whitney Sweden
Foursquare: whitneysweden

Tiffany

five facts about tiffany

1. my favourite colour is black (and yes! it is a colour...)

2. my BHAG is to be the CEO of lululemon athletica by february 9, 2024

3. the best way to sweat, in my opinion, is a super hot yoga class, or sitting in the hot sun!

4. i LOVE cupcakes... and pizza.

5. travelling is my passion - my next stop will be the summit of mount kilimanjaro in the summer of 2011!

Twitter: @tiffanycgse
Facebook: Tiffany Britain
Foursquare: tiffanycgse

Liz

five facts about liz

1. I'm an East coast girl - BIG time. We're talkin' sailing, walks on the beach, yoga classes in a boathouse, Sloan, donairs and all. BUT I'm super excited to be taking it from the best coast to the West coast in February... I mean, it IS going to be the centre of the universe. BUT I've got a few travel goals: I will visit (and blog) every National Park in Canada with my friend Kim by October, 2012. I will participate in the Bali Spirit Festival by May, 2013. I will do a vineyard tour of Cape Town, South Africa by September, 2015...

2. I have a bit of a Cool Racerback "problem" - I'm currently eyeing Bold Blue as the 13th addition to my collection. I mean, they're just SO versatile! Why fight it?

3. I will be a 500-hour certified yoga teacher by July 1st, 2010 - I'll be heading to Byron Bay, Australia in May to complete my training! I'm definitely a yogi, and as the Community Leader at lululemon athletica Halifax, I get to attend at least 4 classes per week. Talk about sweating once a day!

4. I spent 3 months last year volunteering in Madagascar doing forest management and conservation. It's the most incredibly beautiful place with the most wonderful people - I really can't say enough about it, so ASK me! I've got stories for days, and it really helped me to shape my goals for the future.

5. Words that I live by (and the reason why I love my job!): "A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both." - L.P. Jacks

Twitter: @lizcgse
Facebook: Liz Australia
Foursquare: lizcgse

now what?

Fan, friend, and follow our CGSE blog team. And if you spot them out and about in Vancouver this February, be sure to say hello. In fact, if you see them and mention the special passphrase "weinerdog", they just may hand you a special surprise!

the main cgse blog is at: lululemon.com/cgse
our vimeo channel: vimeo.com/lululemontv
our flickr photos: flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/cgse

Specialties include: Styling, passion and knowledge for lululemon product, photo taking, splashing in puddles, keeping secrets, learning all the ins and outs on new product, creating wicked fantastic Fit & Function albums, listening, wunder under wearing, responding to pressure, and in general just being awesome.

Stats: 5'2", Size 2-4

Sweaty Time Activities: Hatha and Hot yoga, running (look for her at the next Vancouver Sun Run!)

Meet Whitters

Specialties include: Giving honest fashion and life advice, new lululemon everything, skating in puddles, sharing, cappuccino tasting, creating wicked product posts, dressing women for their shape, celebrating curves and in general just being pleasantly sarcastic.

Stats: 5’6”, Size ranges between 6-10.  Yup, sometimes have to account for her bubbly bum, and yes she got it from her mama!

Sweaty Time Activities: Slo-pitch, OTL, indoor soccer,  yoga, Bootcamp and ½ marathon soon to be full marathon running.

So g'head ask us anything you want to know and try to stump us!

What pants will fit my size 8 badonk, and size 6 torso? What should I wear to hot yoga? What do I wear for my first half marathon? What should I get my boyfriend for his birthday? What should I eat before yoga?

We will collect and read all comments and requests each week, and respond the next week with the most relevant post.

We will continue to always use real athletes, not paid models and answer honestly.  Bring it.

I'm on day two of the Wunder Under Challenge - today my Wunder Under Pants are keeping me warm under my Feel Good Pants. Later in the day I'm hitting the gym for circuit training!

Every morning, I went to the gym and some tops would wink at me as they passed me in the cardio room. Nothing serious, just some eye candy. I tried to meet some tops in the fitting rooms, but they were either too much drama or offered too little support. I almost gave up the search until one day my friend introduced me to her friend, lululemon. She suggested I give it a chance at the downtown store, no strings attached. Just take a look.

The lighting was good and the music pumping. I saw from across the room a stunning tank on the back wall. Sure it looked nice on the hanger, but would it pass my three tests? I took the tank to the back for some one on one time. Would I be able to fit into it? Move in it? Sweat in it? A woman knows within the first thirty seconds of meeting a top if she’s going to go home with it or not that night.

The Power Y Tank was its name and it passed the first test – it fit great! I danced around awkwardly in my fitting room and I could move in it – check! Two for two, but I was still weary in committing to the brand. Was it truly moisture wicking, four-way stretch, and flat seamed?

I gave the Power Y a chance and brought it home. I wore it to the gym, and it got better each time. No chaffing, no bunching, no crazy sweat patches, and I’m a crazy sweat-er! Wash after wash, it still met or exceeded my expectations. I tried rockclimbing, yoga, and spinning – check! Coffee dates, groceries, even the movies – still worked! We even double dated a few times: under a sweater with pants, over a bra with shorts – the Power Y kept its cool.

I could tell the designers took their time to create this cut and I could see the amount of thought put into the fabric composition. I knew there was something different about this garment – it was here to stay.

Flash forward to 2009, and I have more Power Y tanks than boyfriends (thank God!). Like any good relationship, ours has matured and changed, but its core focus remained the same – moderate support, built-in bra, great neckline, and longer in the torso. My six-year relationship with this style has only gotten better and I can’t wait to see where we go next.

Below: Elim fit, err, colour tests the newest Power Ys to arrive in our store.

The Tight & Mini came out recently and I was skeptical at first sight. What was that flap of fabric? Did I really need another pair of leggings? How different could this pair be? Of course, the minute I put them on, I found all the answers to my questions.

The mysterious flap of fabric turned out to be a great little detail that created coverage over my bum (the look of wearing a tunic without having to wear all the layers) and hips. The design of this extra piece is smart too as the waistline is stitched down and tacked in the back so it doesn't fold or roll up.

The rise on this style is a lower waist than any other legging we've done so far. I personally am a fan of a lower waistline and really like where they sat on my hips. With something so low, it was great that a drawstring waist was added to the equation for extra support should I need it.

Bonus: You can alter the length of the tights! 5 bar tacks can be found on the inside seam on either leg. As long as you cut just under that seam, the inside seam will not unravel. Genius!

With so many features packed into this design, it's everything BUT Tight & Mini!

The Tight & Mini gets me from work, to yoga, to play!

For more info and some Tight & Mini close-ups, visit: http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Tight_and_Mini/pd/np/560/p/1485.html

Why do I love my wonder under tights? Because if I didn't have them on, I'd be naked.

A Day in the Life of my Wonder Under Tights:

5:30am: Wake up. Think about my day. I'm going to work and then a run afterwards. I want to pack as light as possible. Solution: wear my gear to work. The resulting outfit: Flow Y Bra, Cool Racerback Tank, Wonder Under Tights, a baggy t-shirt and a hoodie for warmth. I am very lucky that I don't have a dress code at work. 

6:45am: Throw my runners into my Jet Running Duffle and I'm out the door to catch the bus. 

12:00pm: Ate two wraps and a salad, am extremely thankful for the 4 way stretch waistband.

5:00pm: Take off my t-shirt and hoodie, tie up my runners and I'm off on a 3km jog to the gym!

These tights are my secret weapon as I navigate though my day of work and play. From keeping me covered in down dog, to wicking sweat across a 10km finish line, or being paired with a pair of gladiator sandals for a stroll down Robson Street, my Wonder Under Tights blur the line of sport and fashion. These are definetly not my momma's 80's spandex.

We currently make three different versions of these tights: We have a long option, regular length crop version, and now an organic cotton yarn legging style. Got questions on the difference? Give us a ring at the GEc (1.877.263.9300) and we'll be happy to give you the lowdown!