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COLUMBIA: OUTDOOR/CASUAL WEAR Women’s SPRING 2011




OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC UTAH

Words/Imges Judith Ecochard

With some collections we preview at the tradeshow Outdoor Retailer---an all encompassing multi-day event that basically tricks out, gear and clothing wise, every outdoor endeavor…


IMHO---it starts with the techy high performing fabrics for most labels. Then the garment(s) design.

For Columbia® , a huge apparel, gear, accessories and footwear lines…

There’s a new waterproof Ultra Breathable textile …

Peace Power Shield…

Also new for Spring 2011 is the Insect Shield – Insect Blocker textile---made into a line of clothing that feels super soft. 

Columbia’s claim to fame is its Omni Shield technology---a proprietary treatment that makes fabrics function---as in  highly water/stain resistant and able to dry 3-5x faster…without taking away from the fabrics' natural feel.

Here in the Trail Twist Jacket…with breathable, stretch panels, high neck closure, zipped pockets where we need em’ ---

It also comes in a vest too.



















Detachable hood...

WHAT ELSE:

We saw a lot of easy wear, layering pieces…made of lightweight blended cottons that perform like technical fabrics.

Smartly, Columbia took on the “dressing issues” of women---the task specific requirements of activities like hiking, running, cycling ---and cut pieces that are smart and useful in several different types of fabrics…that flatter.

As in a higher waistband to get rid of muffin tops on these bike shorts,

And what we really would appreciate in a bike top---the “Back Up”™ with a longer tail and love the color too.






































This mesh panels, packable jacket weighs nothing…with side panels to let out built up heat, but warm enough for outdoor pursuits. STRETCHY too...with enough 'looks'. to wear daily...not just for that 10K run.







































The Travel Collection shows a summery take on what gals can wear everywhere…wardrobe basics like tops, zip-up cover-ups, tunics and dresses…all made from easy care, durable fabrics that are as soft as pure fiber separates.



























Wear this top while rock climbing or tucked into a pair of jeans...moisture- wicking, cool to the touch fabric in a terrific blue that flatters all skin tones.



TOP PICK: A stylish cowl neck drawstring dress that, with a tug and a tie--- can morph into a mock turtle neck frock. This is a keeper for all seasons, to wear in the summer with sandals and scrunched up sleeves…or under a long, chunky wools wrap cardy with cozy boots. Really nice








Design details like metal sleeve tabs



































And like all the travel pieces, it’s a new, wash in the sink/dries in a flash…and you can squish it down and just brush it out for no wrinkles---made of a special memory fabric with built in water protection.






































This takes on the classic safari style jacket---is tough enough for a day hike---just change the pants/footwear for some urban polish for a night on the town. Available in celadon, steely gray and black…

Basics in a rainbow of colors… for the basics.

















BUY IT NOW: THE HEAT IS ON NOW:  Omni Heat Technology---that we lived in last February all over New York’s Fashion Week (the photographers and all our winter hike buddies were envious)…really works---like those silver blankets they hand out after the NYC Marathons--- reflecting body heat inward when needed....
 
But here, the fabric is also moist management friendly…and is so super light as to be squish packable.