Last week, Hautelook hosted a flash sale with a bunch of Splits59 goods from previous seasons. The prices were fantastic, so I scooped up one old favorite, the nova trailblazers, and one new staple to try, the ashby tank. Here are my thoughts on each:
Nova Trailblazer Capris in Navy/Calypso
I have 2 pairs of nova trailblazers already, so I wanted to add this classic color to my stash. Splits59 recently redesigned the novas, and in my opinion this previous version is way, way better than the current iteration (my complete thoughts on the nova ii are here), so I was glad to have the chance to pick up a versatile shade in one of my favorite crops. And for a killer price to boot. :)
Much like my pair in hype, which was released at the same time as this color, these run a bit small. The XS is similar to a lululemon size 2 and may also fit a small 4. The supplex fabric is on the warmer side, so I won’t be able to wear these until the weather cools down at least a little.
The coverage was decent, but not perfect. Bright-colored undies do show through in a squat test, so dark or nude pairs will be necessary. The fabric has a bit of a sheen to it, though, which makes show-through harder to see. Booty-flattering, though? Check.
I love the silver lining in the waistband pocket, like my trailblazers in hype.
The real selling point of these capris for me has always been these details and beautiful lines. They are so flattering and unique, and they flow in a really lovely way that the nova ii’s just don’t. Unfortunately, the reflective line down the back of my hype capris has started to crack and peel, so I’m hoping these escape that fate.
Ashby Tank in Cosmic Blue
The ashby tank is S59’s basic tank style that they’re always rolling out in new colors. Despite the fact that I’ve been buying Splits for years, I’d yet to try the ashby! Since it was half off, and I wouldn’t mind more blue anyway, I decided to give one a go. I snagged cosmic blue, which is a beautiful shade of medium blue.
The fabric is a blend of tencel and spandex, but unlike the tencel you might’ve encountered at lululemon, this tank is ribbed, which makes the fabric ultra-soft to the touch. It basically feels like pajamas. The look of the ribbed fabric makes it look a bit less like a gym tank, which means you could easily get away with layering it for casual/work outfits. One downside of the fabric, though, is that it clings a lot. It doesn’t conceal or smooth anything.
I was a bit nervous the XS would be a bit large on my, but pit-to-pit, my XS ashby tank measured only 11.25″. So, it might look small, but the fabric stretches a TON. It has a lot more give than luon or most other tank fabrics you’re probably used to. This size should be suitable for either a lulu 2 or a lulu 4.
If I smooth out all the bunches, you can see that it’s suuuuper long. I think it looks fine when I have it sit at my hip and bunch naturally, so the length doesn’t bother me too much. It also feels like it’ll stay in place pretty well and not ride up, though I haven’t worn it out to a workout yet.
The neckline is low and wide, a lot like a lulu cool racerback. It showed just the edge of my energy bra underneath. I like this kind of silhouette. The back racer is wider than a CRB, which completely covered my energy bra straps. The back is also where the other negative of this tank comes up: the logo is HUUUGE. I’d definitely rather it be a little more subtle.
Overall, for half price, and in a gorgeous color, this was still a solid purchase. It has a couple of small downsides that might make it tough for me to justify paying full price, but as I wear it, my feelings might be swayed. I’ll be interested to see whether it pills and how well the fabric manages summer sweat.
Where to Find
As I mentioned above, the original nova trailblazers have sadly been discontinued in favor of the nova ii, though there the original trailblazers in black are still available on S59’s website at full price. There are a couple pairs in other colors left on today’s flash sale on Gilt, and pairs pop up pretty regularly on eBay as well. Last time Hautelook had a flash sale for Splits, the extra stock ended up on Nordstrom Rack (Hautelook is owned by Nords), but as of this writing, they haven’t shown up yet and I’m not sure whether or not they will.
As for the ashby, there are quite a few current colors available on Splits59’s website.
Love the silver-lined pocket! I’m such a sucker for small details like that. After trying on my 2 Devon Singlettes with a few different things, I’m in love. I did think they were too big at first, but I can see how a loose & flowy look really makes the style pop, so I’m keeping in size medium. I’ll be looking to add more S59 to my wardrobe for sure. Thanks for the recommendation!
I had the same experience with the devons (I order black and grey from the sale last week). They seemed big at first, but they hang so beautifully! I too am keeping the mediums. I’m a 6 in lulu. I also ordered the seamless camisole (can’t remember the name?) and the asymmetrical cutout black long sleeve shirt. Everything is SO GREAT!!!
Sidetone: I also received my Alala stuff from the AA15 coupon code deal, and that is great too! DAMN IT!!!
Haha I hate it when that happens! Sometimes after I’ve ordered a bunch of stuff (like this past week, lol) I’m just like, man, something has to suck so I can return it…
Oh nice, glad to hear the update! The loose, open back style can feel sooo nice in the hot weather. I like the looser style to balance out some other tighter bottoms.
Im in the Devon love club as well. I was so bummed when I realized I missed the pistachio crb this week and then I remembered/ received my green Devon tank in the mail yesterday. Wore it for wkout today and it’s amazing! Too bad nobody sees how awesome I look in front of a beachbody DVD in the living room;)
(Flash to pimp walking on treadmill) Thanks AA for the heads up at haute look. Scored a couple ashby tanks too. Whoop!
Yay!! I think the devon is a pretty good substitute for the pistachio CRB (though they’re obviously different styles), so I’m glad that softened the blow a little bit. :)
The reflective details on my hype trailblazers is starting to peel and crack as well :( I’ve only worn and washed them a few times too. I figured the worst that can happen is that I will peel the entire strip off and just have the teal fabric underneath.
Ugh, darn. :( I was hoping it was a fluke, but maybe not. It’s not too noticeable yet on my hype pair but I’m not sure if I’ll try your peeling method or something else when it gets too bad. For $40 for this pair, though, I was willing to take that chance, lol.
First off, LOVE those capris! That silver lined pocket is such a nice touch ;-) Second, I’m glad you mentioned the logo on the tank. Because I had actually come across this tank before online and as soon as I saw the back view, I immediately ruled it out. Overly prominent logos are such a pet peeve of mine. I grant you my reaction is a little OTT but at least now I know I’m not the only one who noticed! Love the color of it though, and everything looks great on you as always :)
Yeah, I figure when I’m layering the tank, though, the logo won’t be visible anyway. For half price, I can get over it. :) Definitely not my favorite logo situation though, that’s for sure.
Love the booty shots! My novas basically streamlined my bottom half and I love love them. Same amount of love for the ginger crops too.
I wear ashbys in size small so they don’t cling so tightly, and I’m a small size 4 in LLM tops mostly. The Sabrina tanks are also another hot favorite. Hope more items show up on Nordstrom rack eventually :D
I haven’t tried the sabrina tank yet, but maybe I should! :) Still nothing on Nordstrom Rack–sigh…
I’m stalking the rack too… :D perhaps S59 would have a grand sale during this long weekend.
I’m not that impressed by the sale they just put up. I still like the camellia devon, but only M and L. :(
Me neither :( Didn’t spot anything that was an instant-want.