(A note: If you don't know what Pure Romance is and you choose to look it up, I hereby waive all responsibility for what your delicate constitution may witness. You've been warned.)
I get it. I do.
But as a wise Psalmist once said (probably), "The way to a girl's heart is by girding her legs in fabric so soft that it's like a baby angel decided to massage her." And the Psalmist did endorse LuLaRoe leggings. And they were good.
So far, I've tried a few different styles and I've loved all but one of them for my particular body type. I've seen all of them look good on different people, so please don't let my lack of enthusiasm for one (AND ONLY ONE) design, dissuade you. My wardrobe consists of Randy (a raglan-style top with 3/4 sleeves), Lindsay (an oversized, draping cardigan), Carly (a short-sleeved hi-lo dress that I have fallen deeply and madly in love with), and, of course, the leggings.
As someone who was incredibly skeptical, I can promise you that the hype is legit. So let me give you a few observations.
- The clothes are modest by pretty much any standard you look at. Let me get real for a second for the sake of brutal honesty. I am more...blessed than most in the upper body region. This is to say that my...uhhh...bustal area carries quite a bit of mass. (I'm being delicate because Google search, but if you don't know what I'm saying, please ask your mom to give you that special talk). As a result, some of my clothes are more low-cut and it's really not because that's my goal and it's rare that I can find something that will hold the girls in and not show them off. LuLaRoe has been that exception. With both the Carly and the Randy, I haven't had to worry about falling out or anything like that, which is an amazing perk in and of itself.
- The sizing is generous and flattering. A large skepticism I had was that most (but not all) of LuLaRoe business is conducted online. As a decidedly plus-size woman, this has its occupational hazards. Will I buy the dress and look like a manatee? Will I have to squeeze into it like a sausage casing? Will my friends and family point and laugh at me? There are so many possibilities! However, I've not really had that struggle for a few reasons. First of all, most of the clothing is based on a size range rather than a strict number system, so the likelihood of my finding something in one of the sizes I can wear is pretty good. Second, for the things that you are skeptical about, that's what the consultants are for! I shop primarily with two consultants, one of whom is a delightful lady that I went to high school with who is based in a different state, and one of whom is a delightful lady that I went to church camp with growing up. Both of them have been great about being honest in regards to how sizing works and what is most likely to fit and flatter their clientele. And because Kait is local, I tried on some of the styles when I went to pick up my first order and get and idea of what sorts of things looked good on me and fit me. There are many consultants that are happy to do this for you (but obviously check with them before showing up on their doorstep).
- The pricing is reasonable compared to value. I will not lie to you and say that you're looking at discount store prices with LuLaRoe clothing, though pricing isn't outrageous or unreasonable. Leggings are $25 before tax (and shipping, depending on where you're buying from) and the most expensive item that I've seen (I think?) is the Sarah cardigan which is in the $90 range if I'm not mistaken. Most dresses (my go-to) are in the $40-70 range. It's comparable to my other fashion options such as Lane Bryant or Torrid with the added bonus that...
- They have exclusive, limited prints. One of the main selling points of LuLaRoe is what they do with their prints. The company makes and distributes and incredibly limited number of their items in a certain print. There's no way of knowing where, when, or if you'll see another print again. This is both a curse, for when you let a beloved print get away (I'll never forget you, purple floral Carly!), and a blessing, when you're like me and can't stand when people copy your super unique and trendy style (too conceited? I'll dial it back.) But seriously. Who hasn't purchased that perfect dress in the perfect print only to show up and find 3 other girls in the same dress, prompting them to
literally fight the otherssettle their disagreements civilly? I know I have! And while the business model doesn't completely eliminate this possibility, it brings the probability way down, which I love. - Those leggings tho. Okay, but listen. Let's talk about leggings. I live in leggings and cardigans. I feel like you all should know this about me. Leggings are God's gift to us in this dark and tumultuous world that we live in and LuLaRoe has perfected them. They are the softest, stretchiest, most comfortable things I have ever placed upon my bodacious hips and I would literally live in them if I could and if people wouldn't judge me. They come in two sizes, One Size (OS, roughly sizes 2-12) and Tall and Curvy (TC, roughly sizes 12-22). This scared me because how on earth is something going to fit someone with teeny size 12 legs and mine at the same time, but let me tell you, it is some Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-esque witchcraft, that's what it is. It is magic because they do fit and they're glorious and they don't cut off your circulation, bless the Lord. I'm on the top of the TC end (I wear a 20/22) and the leggings are still roomy and comfortable, which is amazing.
- You're supporting people who are supporting their families. Both of the ladies I buy from are amazing people with kids and families that they're supporting with their business start-up and this is just icing on the cake. I can purchase a GREAT product while also feeling like my money isn't going to a huge corporation...it's going to individuals that I know. This is a great incentive to continue doing business with them.
So there you have it. I'm still a LuLaRoe baby with a small number of items in my wardrobe, but I will undoubtedly purchase more. I highly recommend at the very least trying out their items and seeing for yourself. Seriously though. Try those leggings.
Note: I don't have any pictures at this time because my roommate is a horrible cat who won't help me support my reviewing things venture. When I get pictures of the various items, they'll show up here and/or on my Facebook page.
*****As an added bonus: I'm actually hosting a Pop-Up Shop on Facebook on Cyber Monday. So if you get an invite from me and see an excess of fashion blogging posts, well...that's why.
