Review with Giveaway: ALO Sport Air. Land. Ocean.

Here's my scenario: I love fashion, I enjoy keeping up with the trends and wearing apparel that is going to make me look amazing. I am also on a perpetual journey to "green up my act" so my greening transformation is ongoing. So what happens when both of my worlds collide? When my love for fashion meets my passion for living a green lifestyle? The answer, ALO Sport, hooray for this absolutely inspirational company who has created some spectacular clothing! That is exactly why I am so compelled to include ALO Sport in my Alluring Autumn 2010 Guide. Believe me when I say the ALO Sport brand will allure and entice you to want to add some of their divine pieces of clothing to your wardrobe, not only because they are so darn splendid in design, but also because of how they represent and encompass being manufactured in a green environment. Let me introduce you to this extraordinary company:

{Taken from the ALO Website}

ABOUT ALO:



Our young, energetic team has created a collection of performance clothing named for the elements that we live within: Air, Land and Ocean. Each carefully designed piece was created to perform with you while promoting a life of style and well-being.

Through the use of recycled and minimal impact materials, alo creates high performance activewear that delivers superb function, fit and style. With environmentally mindful design and production processes, our men's and women's collections utilize eco-friendly performance fabrics that provide outstanding comfort and results. Our most technically advanced Bamboo Jersey fabric has inherent properties that wick moisture and is naturally anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic and breathable with no added chemicals.

At the alo headquarters in Los Angeles, California, our employees utilize reclaimed and recycled corporate materials on a daily basis, maintain a sustainable office environment by powering the building with solar panels that line the roof, although not yet carbon neutral, daily strides are made in that direction. We pass our knowledge on to consumers for them to make strides towards a lower impact lifestyle. We invite you to Define Your Green and make positive choices that promote a clean ecosystem, plus a healthy body and mind.

ALO MISSION:

Create high performance, stylish lifestyle wear with outstanding function, designed and produced with minimal impact on the environmental elements alo stands for: Air. Land. Ocean. We provide customers with a choice that is respectable of the environment with out sacrificing fashion.

ALO VISION:

Produce high quality lifestyle wear through processes that mitigate our carbon footprint by utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials, maintain a sustainable office environment and most impact fully, pass this knowledge along to our customers so they can make easy green decisions. Any act of "green-ness" is helpful to our planet.



DEFINE YOUR GREEN VIDEO



We realize that there are many shades of green out there and we salute each and every one of them. At alo, we recognize that every little thing that you do can help make a difference, whether it’s buying local organic foods, eliminating water bottles or wearing eco-friendly clothing, it all helps us get closer to our ultimate goal – a greener, healthier planet.

Our Green defined can be measured in many ways. Alo stands for air, land and ocean and we are committed to reducing our negative impact on all of them. Some of our company wide environmental initiatives are listed below. Follow our lead and go green!

Solar Power Headquarters

Since installing solar panels at our Los Angeles headquarters in 2008, we have reduced our energy usage by 5,000 kilowatts per month. The average American household requires about 30 kilowatts per day. Solar panels are an energy efficient way to power a building and cut down electricity costs. Turning off your lights when not in use and powering your electronics to an energy saving mode are additional steps in the right direction.

Eco-Friendly Fashion



Every season we introduce new eco-friendly fabrics to our yoga-inspired clothing line. Modal, bamboo, organic cotton and recycled polyester are just a few of the fabrics that make up our stylish eco-conscious clothing line and keep us a step ahead with youthful fits, design and trends.

Our modal fabric is super soft and luxurious. This material is created from beech trees and is the perfect base for our loungewear inspired pieces. Our bamboo and organic cotton styles are made with sustainable materials that are good for both the earth and your body. Bamboo is hypoallergenic and has naturally antimicrobial and dry wicking properties while organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or genetic modifications. All of these fabrics create the ultimate in stylish, environmentally conscious design.

By using eco-friendly fabrics, we are hoping to spread the word that being eco-conscious can not only help better the environment, but can be fashionable at the same time. Be sure to keep an eye out for new eco-friendly fabrics that are added each season!

Hybrid Company Car

Alo has taken a proactive approach towards reducing our carbon footprint. We purchased a hybrid vehicle for company wide use. Purchasing a hybrid is not only a great way to invest in a more fuel efficient vehicle, but there are many added bonuses. Exemptions from sales tax and generous tax credits are applied in some states with the purchase of a hybrid. If a hybrid is too extreme for you, carpooling is a free alternative and a step towards doing your part for the environment.

Natural Cleaning Products

Alo believes in going green in a big way! We are committed to using all natural cleaning agents in our facilities. By using biodegradable, non-toxic and hypo-allergenic cleaners, we are reducing our impact on the environment and protecting the safety of everyone who works in our offices. These cleaners can be found at your local grocery store or made at home. All natural cleaners are equally as effective as those that contain harsh chemicals. When choosing cleaners for your home or office, Alo encourages you to make the green choice.

Green Office Supplies

We reduce, reuse and recycle! Alo now uses post consumer recycled paper and recycled cardboard boxes throughout our entire facility. Our marketing materials including catalogs, line guides and everyday printing paper are printed on recycled paper. Recycled paper is produced almost exactly like virgin paper, but with less impact on the forests, less water and air pollution and more importantly less energy consumption.



Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Alo believes in promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for all its employees. We realize that the little changes in your daily routine can create positive change for both your body and the earth. We’re passionate about promoting a healthy work environment and living a more harmonious lifestyle because it’s the foundation to fulfilling your potential, living a happier and more satisfying life at home and at work. One way we promote healthy living is by having natural, organic food and drink options on site at all times. These items are placed in energy efficient vending machines which are centrally located within the office. Alo takes the necessary step in supporting its employees with a new conscious way of living that can follow them even after they step out of our doors.

MY REVIEW

Wow, the terrific folks over at ALO have spoiled me silly by allowing me to review two glorious items! I am so smitten with them both. I am so inspired by ALO as a company, and then for me to be able to experience their exceptional apparel is perfection at its finest! These are the two items I want to introduce to you:


Origami Yoga Jacket
Price: $85.99
Available in Sizes: XS - XL
Colors: Black, Granite and Deep Purple



Description: Rendered in 68% bamboo 28% cotton 4% spandex french terry. This fashionable jacket has the most unique pleating details, high neck, drawcord at hip and overall soft fit details to help make this jacket the season's best.

MY THOUGHTS: I received this gorgeous Yoga Jacket in the vibrant rich Deep Purple Color, it is magnificent! The very first feature I noticed was how super soft and dreamy the fabric felt! It really made for a perfect first impression. To feel the texture of the material in your hands makes you want to feel the jacket on your body. Then the next feature was the enchanting design of the jacket. This item may be called a Yoga Jacket, but believe me, you can and will want to wear it all the time everywhere you go, because that is exactly what I plan to do!

The Yoga Jacket is meticulously crafted. There are so many delightful elements to the style of the jacket, and each one is expertly executed. The jacket is sleek, distinctive, ageless and timeless. Anyone can wear this, no matter what your body type is. And, you do not have to practice Yoga to reap the benefits of owning this stunning piece. You can pair it with Cargos, Capris, Jeans, Shorts, even a darling skirt! The jacket feels luxurious against your skin. I wore it with a little camisole underneath and a pair of jeans and I just felt so at ease with myself.

I have not washed this item yet. Typically I wash most of the clothes I review prior to writing up my review so I can share with you how it washed, but honestly I was so excited to wear it, I just never got around to it. But I can clearly tell that it is an exceptionally well made jacket, so my plan it to wash it inside out, in the gentle cycle/cold water, and I will line dry it. I know it will look fabulous for a long time to come.

I also received:

Blocked Waist Pant
Price: $59.00
Available in Sizes: XS - 2XL
Colors: Black/Black, Black/White, Black/Topaz, Black/Deep Purple



Description: These pants are rendered in 90% nylon 10% spandex heavy weight jersey
No drawstring at waist makes this pant great for layering with longer tees. Gusset designed for sport. Contrast waistband and stitching.

- Performance fabric features CoolFit™ dry wicking capability which draws moisture away, keeping you cool and comfortable.
- Added antimicrobial treatment prevents the increase of bacteria and keeps clothes odor free.
- StretchFlex™ technology provides comfort, freedom of movement, lasting recovery and a great fit.

MY THOUGHTS: I received these spectacular pants in the solid Black/Black color. I was not sure how they were going to fit, so I actually ordered up a Size, and I am glad I did. The pants are really super cool. I do practice Yoga, so these are going to be the ideal pants for me to wear each morning when I go through my routine. They have just the right amount of room for me to comfortably work out in them, and also feel no constraints or discomfort. The fabric is very unique. I have never had a piece of workout clothing that not only has dry wicking properties but also is treated to prevent bacteria from forming and will work to eliminate odors in the pants. Now how cool is that?! I am loving these based on those facts alone!

The fit is another reason I am adoring these pants. They fit slightly low on my hips, but snug enough so they won't ride down while I am wearing them. They also have quite a flare and I like that look. So, for me these pants combine the ultimate in comfort and fit along with style and design. I want to pretty much keep these pants for my Yoga exercises, but please don't be fooled, you can most certainly wear them as a striking, sleek pair of chic black pants if you want! They will look great with a pair of hot boots and a pretty sweater or jacket. You can transform these pants into whatever look you want to create for yourself. It can be sporty or glamorous, it is just a matter of what you decide to pair with them. You can use your imagination and utilize them for any kind of activity or event you want to wear them to and with.

I did wash these prior to wearing them. I washed them inside out, in the gentle cycle with cold water and I line dried them. They washed very nicely and I know they will continue to stand the test of time and continue to look like they did the first time I washed them. The material is just that excellent and the quality is equally as impressive.

GIVEAWAY

(Open to Residents of the USA)

Now that you have had a chance to learn about ALO Sportswear and not only about how fabulous their apparel is, but what an eco-conscious company they are, how would you like to enter to win a spectacular pair of ALO Yoga Cargo Capri's from their 2010 Fall/Holiday Collection? Yes, Of course you do. Here is what one lucky winner will receive:

Yoga Cargo Capri
Price: $62
Colors: You will receive them in your Size in the Color Black

Available in Sizes: XS, S, M, XL





Aren't these just darling? And, they look super comfortable too! I am going to make entering this fun and easy. Here's what you need to do:

NOTE: In order to enter you must be FOLLOWING my Blog on Google Friend Connect. Following is easy, just look for the Google Friend Connect Widget located along the Right Side Bar, click the button to follow (make sure you are following Publicly) and you are all set.

Main Entry:

1. Visit ALOSport.com by CLICKING HERE. Browse around at their wide variety of delightful products. Please "LIKE" your favorite item right on the website by clicking the "LIKE" button by that product, and then come back here and tell me in your comment which product you clicked on the "LIKE button and chose. That is it, you are entered.

EXTRA ENTRIES: You will receive TWO additional entries for each of the following that you complete (leave me 2 comments for each one):

1. "LIKE" the Alo Clothing FACEBOOK Fan page (facebook.com/aloclothing) by CLICKING HERE and leave a comment on their wall saying what you like about ALO.

2. Follow Alo Clothing on Twitter (twitter.com/aloclothing) by CLICKING HERE and reply to @ALOClothing & @joannaonthelake with what you like most about ALO.

3. Make a purchase at ALOSport.com by CLICKING HERE and then leave me a comment telling me what you purchased, this will get you 10 (ten) additional entries, please leave me 10 separate comments.

4. Sign up to be an Email Subscriber to my blog. This takes a second, simple find the Email Subscriber Widget located along the Right Hand Sidebar, enter your email address and make sure to confirm your subscription when you receive the email asking you to confirm it.

5. Tweet about this giveaway by sending out the following tweet: (You may do this once a day for an extra entry everyday)

Enter for a chance to win a fabulous pair of ALO Yoga Cargo Capris ($62.00) @ The Best of Everything For You http://tinyurl.com/2db38r6

That does it! I want to thank you all for entering!

This Giveaway begins on Friday, August 27, 2010 and will end at 11:59 pm on Friday, September 10, 2010. I will use the true random number generator to select the winner on Saturday, September 11, 2010. I will notify the winner via email and they will have 48 hours to respond to my email to claim their prize. Please make sure you leave me your current email address so I can contact you should you be selected as the winner.


A very special thank you to ALO Sport for providing me with the two wonderful items I discussed in my review.

Disclosure: I received the two items listed in my review from ALO Sport for the purposes of this Review. This has no bearing on my completely honest review above and was not influenced by any type of monetary compensation. The opinions and experiences I’ve shared with this product are my own and yours may differ.