Flo And Go Tote

Lululemon Athletica (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For the last five months I started taking yoga classes again after many years. I attend a yin yoga class every week at 889 Yonge. It is a great environment and the class is awesome.

The one dilemma I have is that every week I am carrying three bags with me to class. I go to class right after work so I have to carry everything that I need for the day. I carry my purse, my yoga mat tote bag and another bag with my workout clothes and anything else that I decide to carry that day.

Lululemon has the flow and go tote bag that would allow me to just carry two bags to class. The bag has room for the mat bag as well as workout clothes. I don't know if I should buy the bag....

Lululemon Cruiser Backpack

Lululemon has great gym bags. Earlier this month I purchased the Cruiser Backpack. I debated for a long time before I purchased the bag. I really needed a good backpack to carry my stuff when I go to pilates class after work. I was looking for a bag that could carry running shoes for cardio before class, workout clothes, water bottle and my lunch.

I finally took the plunge and purchased the bag and I am quite happy. It can hold a lot of stuff and has several compartments - yoga mat, cellphone, laptop, water bottle and wet items.

Cruiser Backpack: $89.00 (Canadian)

Recessionista???

When I travel I carry almost everything that I own. Basically, I am not a light traveller. The last time I went on vacation I had one large suitcase, a carry-on bag and my purse. I had to carry three heavy bags in two hands. I decided that the next time I go on trip that I would have to get a new bag. I wanted something like a messenger bag that was functional. I have checked out different websites and browsed in some stores, but I have not been able to find anything that I like.

Last night a thought came to me. Why spend money on a new bag when I could just use one that I already own? I have several bags that had a shoulder strap attached. I would take the strap off as it always got in the way. I decided to look for the strap for my Roots bag. I could not find it, but I found the strap for my brown Lululemon bag. I decided to attach the strap to a large leather Cha Cha bag which had a short shoulder strap. I was so amazed at how good the bag looked. It is a large bag that is very roomy and would be great for travelling. Sometimes when you are looking for something you would be surprised what you can find in your closet. Did I just have a recessionista moment? I saved myself some money.

What bag do I use?

It is less than 2 weeks until the start of the Toronto International Film Festival. Every year I have to decide which bag I will carry on those long days. When I am not watching a film I am running from one theatre to another and standing in long lines. I need a bag that is not too heavy, but can hold all of the basics items as well as a my Sigg water bottle, snacks, camera and a note book. Last year I bought a brown Lululemon bag pictured above. It has become my go to bag when I need a big bag on days when I don't want to carry two bags. I prefer to carry one large bag to keep the other hand free for any purchases that I make.

Lululemon return policy

Circuit Gym Bag  Grey ($86.00)

When I decided that I was going to try hot yoga I wanted to look for a new yoga bag that could hold my yoga mat, towel, workout clothes and water bottle. I happened to be in the Eaton Centre, so I went into Lululemon. I bought the bag shown above. It seemed small, but I thought that it would expand when filled. The yoga mat would go on the outside of the bag through the two straps. I filled the bag and placed the mat through the straps. The bag was too heavy. I have a bag back (that is aggravated by carrying heavy bags) so I decided not to use the bag. I could not decide if I should return the bag or not. The return policy is return or exchange for merchandise within 2 weeks of purchase with the tags attached and/or in original packaging. Original receipt is required for full refund. I hate returning items. I decided this morning to call before going to the store. I explained that when I purchased the bag that I was asked whether I wanted a bag to carry the bag. It did not make sense to get a bag so the salesperson cut off the tag. I assumed it was in the bag. When I got home it was not in the bag. I did not think it was an issue until I decided to return the bag. At the store the salesperson said that this one time she would give me a refund. It was not my fault that the salesperson cutoff the tag and did not give it to me. This is a warning to anyone who buys a bag at Lululemon or any other store. Do not have the tag(s) removed from an item unless you are sure that you are going to keep it. I do that with clothing.