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Showing posts from August, 2008

JANSPORT®: AMERICA’S CLASSIC BACKPACKS GETS AN UPDATE

REWORKED STYLES HAVE US BELIEVING “WHEN ONE’S PACK’S JOURNEY ENDS, ANOTHER ONE BEGINS.” OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET S/S 09, SALT LAKE CITY, AUGUST 10th Words, Images- Judith Ecochard We still lug around our 15 year old leather trim/blue Cordura ® Jansport rump sack that we got years ago. That’s how indestructible the carrier is-as we pack our life into it. WHAT’S NEW: Founded forty-one years ago by Skip Yowell , in the Summer of Love (1967)...Jansport® took the way back machine to re-visit some of the classic 60’s and 70’s styles that put the brand on the backs of hordes of outdoor dudes. The new for Spring ‘09 “Heritage” series uses the original weathered nylon, seat belt straps, (the fav of every ski instructors worldwide), and vintage tag/logo that manages to look retro-cool not dated in designs like the Ski& Hike ($50), Nomad ($50) and Boomer ($40). Already selling out at Urban Outfitter Stores is the “ Captain America ” style $55) that has the USA flag motif emblazoned on the h

ORGANIC TREATMENTS FROM KISS MY FACE, W.S. BADGER & Co., JOSHUA TREE PRODUCTS & J.R.LIGGETT’S

POTENT + EFFECTIVE HEALING, PROTECTING, AND CLEANSING WITHOUT THE TOXINS OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, August 11th Words- Judith Ecochard, Images from respective websites We think what goes directly on our skin is even more important than the clothes that cover us up . Especially when we hear the stat that women absorb 5lbs of chemicals (via makeup) a year. And if we can’t pronounce the name of any ingredient, our alert antenna always rises. KISS MY FACE : Started by New York City refugees twenty five years ago, KISS MY FACE has evolved big time- from the original products being sold out of the back of a Volkswagon Bus. WHAT’S NEW: We think the new Kids line of goodies will “put a smile in the aisle” and on the face of any caregiver who is concerned about all that chemical stuff that’s in a lot of bath/body products. Made without artificial colors, any animal ingredients, (no animal testing), and no unnecessary chemicals –the nine products in the collection gets kids squeak

ISIS: “NUTURING THE ACTIVE WOMAN WITH FLATTERING STYLES”

NEW ECO FRIENDLY FABRICS FOR SPRING/SUMMER ‘09 OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, August 11th Words, Images Judith Ecochard Tired of wearing ill-fitting men’s clothes, outdoor enthusiasts Carolyn Cooke and Poppy Gall are celebrating the tenth anniversary of their feminine collection- ISIS (the Greek Goddess of Fertility )-that’s chock full of performance wear that fits, is comfortable, and looks good. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISIS! WHAT’S NEW: RAINWEAR: ISIS’ mid-thigh Drench Coat, $139, and longer Cloud Duster , $159 are available in five colors with a unique vine print on the lower hem and chic matte fabric finish. We loved the inner fleece high collar, and iPod and inner mesh lined pockets. And with taped seams, and an adjustable hood we say “Rain”-bring it on. For more active types, the new Misty Mountain Jacket, $99, is a rain jacket with adjustable roll down hood with brim, zippered underarm vents for easy breathing, mesh-lined pockets and drawcord hem. All rainwear is made from

SNEAK PREVIEW: Italian shoe and accessories designer CESARE PACIOTTI’S special collection of shoes for the OHNE TITEL SHOW

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images of Cesare Paciotti campaign, storefront from the official website Images of past Ohne Titel Collections from www.fashionista.com and also from www.refinery29.com WHEN CAN WE SEE THE SHOES? Cesare’s special collection of shoes will debut during New York Fashion Week at Ohne Titel’s Spring/Summer 2009 runway show on Monday, September 8th. This is the second consecutive season Cesare has collaborated with Ohne Titel, the luxury women's collection designed by Flora Gill and Alexa Adams. WHY COLLABORATE WITH OHNE TITEL? “I’m drawn to forward-thinking and innovative designers which Flora and Alexa are. Just as their creations aim to enhance a modern woman’s form while paying attention to the fine details, I strive to GLAMORIZE and EMPOWER a woman through shoes which are a perfect complement to her clothes.” Cesare has a passion for supporting new talent. In addition to working with Ohne Titel, Cesare Paciotti has an on-going affiliation with Istituto Europe

INJINJI: PATENTED PERFORMANCE SOCKS TO “FREE YOUR TOES”

STRENGTHENS & PROTECTS PEDS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND INDOOR LIFESTYLES OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, S/S ’09, SALT LAKE CITY, August 9th Words, Images Judith Ecochard…and from the INJINJI website That’s all we needed to hear-that our hometown favs…the NY Yankees… wear INJINJI Toesocks ™-patented performance socks . Ah- we’re finally feeling a bond with A-Rod, thereby freeing up Madonna. (Joke). What really amazed us was concept of allowing our toes to experience complete dexterity grip, and agility …plus warmth when needed. As explained to us by the helpful Injinji sales team, the concept is similar to the mittens vs. gloves argument. We actually got the moisture management MO as toes aren’t rubbing up against each other for easier foot drying and less blister potential. But we liked how our feet are more anatomically balanced-aiding action sportsters or snails' pace walkers just out for a stroll. WHAT’S NEW The CoolMax™ inner liner wicks sweat away like nothing else- especially

IBEX: INNOVATIVE MERINO WOOL FOR PERFORMANCE WEAR & BASIC APPAREL

COLLECTION OUTPERFORMS FOR ACTIVE TYPES AND IS COMFY ENOUGH FOR COUCH POTATOES OUTDOOR RETAILER SHOW, Salt Lake City, August 9th Words, Images Judith Ecochard and from IBEX website We had preconceived notions of what Merino Wool is---as we have lots of winter stuff made from the no-itch, super warm yarn. Well, those thoughts were vanished within five minutes of our review of IBEX’s Women’s and Men’s S/S 09 day and foundation wear. FACTOIDS: Merino Wool- that in IBEX’s case, is sourced from the finest pink-nosed New Zealand sheep … (humanely raised and sheared, ecologically sensitive-sustainability traceable) …regulates body temperature and “ is more comfortable ” than any polyester textile on the market. It’s naturally anti-microbial and “ works dynamically with the body ” to keep one dry and cool. And Merino Wool is practically weightless. In fact, “…the military loves it because it doesn’t melt and is thermal regulating”…has natural water wicking properties…and is machine washable

CERTAINTEES: EDGY ECO TOPS-KEEP GIVING

MULTI-MEDIA ARTIST’S VISION TRANSLATES ONTO EARTH FRIENDLY FABRICS Words, Judith Ecochard Images, CERTAINTEES Lee Tracy’s CERTAINTEES , an artful collection of “wearable wisdom” is on a mission: “… to respond to the need to reduce our environmental impact by using sustainable fibers, recycling, low-impact packaging and shipping, carbon-offsetting, while increasing human benefits through cause related marketing and supporting others.” Fashionistas may be on a different mission – one of fabulous attire… or personal expression. But given CERTAINTEES subtle hip graphics, sleek fit, super plush feel and breathable/antibacterial properties courtesy of its 70% renewable bamboo, 30% organic cotton composition, extra long length (for wear all the time low rise denim), and soft rich colors (natural, lilac, sky blue, sun ray)… We think the latter types will be happy with the former’s visionary creations-as these tee shirts are comfy and cool …and (YEAH) easy care. BACKSTORY: The thoughtful a

Baltimore Fashion Week

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon Edited by Vivian G. Kelly Images, Casi Densmore-Koon What: Baltimore Fashion Week When: August 11th – 15th Where: War Memorial Building, Downtown Baltimore, MD ABOUT BALTIMORE FASHION WEEK: THE WHO AND WHY This was a fashion event we couldn’t miss, and we didn’t have to travel to Milan, Paris, or New York. Instead, we drove 25 minutes for the glam and glitz of Baltimore Fashion Week. The event was defined just as it was advertised: Focused. Poised. Community Driven. It was the first inaugural showcase of not only the city’s local designers but also models that took the runway showcasing the latest fashion trends. The fashion week proceeds went to four non-profit organizations, one of them which is the well known Susan G.Komen Foundation of Maryland - it wasn’t just about fashion, it was fashion for a cause. As for Sharan Nixon, founder/CEO was in tears as the week came to an end - she made it all possible with her love for fashion. She gave many inspirations an