“EVERY DAY IS AN ADVENTURE” -CLOTHES FOR ON THE ROAD/HEADING HOME/OFF THE TRAIL/ON THE STREET
Outdoor Retailer SLC Utah
Words, Images Judith Ecochard and Courtesy of HT
Outfits for that iconic American road trip came into their own in the 1950’s…think ON THE ROAD by JACK KEROUAC---an inspiration for many collections we’ve seen for Spring 2011.
And why not, it’s always in style…kinda beyond the trends.
What’s brought this Toad collection way into the 21st century is this label’s commitment to comfortable sustainable style---with new eco-friendly fiber components/organic fabrics as well as fresh takes on modern, wearable silhouettes.
These really are beautiful blends---soft to the touch, easy care (an unfriendly eco practice is all that washing and drying).
NAU Gust Shirt-Wind blocking 100% recycled polyester- w/pocket, sleeves that roll-up
Extensive use of organic cottons---in seersucker, tropical weight, core cooling Open Air, madras-the subcontinent fav, and Carbonized Poplin a tight weave that’s at once soft and durable…
…there’s also several are cotton blends using recycled polyester (Alloy knit and Alloy Light), and the excellent draping Rhumba made from 80% earth friendly Tencel®/and 20% linen--- plus others too using Modal® and linen.
Which is all great but the sass has to be there…especially if the name of the label is Horny Toad…and it is.
NAU
Design details ---scoop necks with pintuck detailing, twisted straps, and a flattering fit---make theses items top picks for traveling gals.
The light double-layer woven Flighty Dress $54 has an adjustable drawstring on an empire waist and a draw cord side hem---a scoop necked silhouette that looks A OK on all body types.
Practically every sales rep that was female was wearing the über chic Chaka Skirt $56) made from Samba…a slinky 48% Tencel®, 48% organic cotton and 4% shape retaining Spandex. Usually we shy away from gathered elasticized waistbands but HT gets it right with in this wide waist, flirty A-line silhouette,
We liked the silky T back Bivalent Dress $78---that’s two individual layers of Rhumba---one close to the body---and a sheer outer layer that’s relaxed in fit---
A more fitted cut is found in a host of pocketed looks…shorts, skirts, and pants with zip flys with button closures, front and back pockets (curved, with buttons, hidden zips…) mesh eyelet or triple needle china stitch details…etc.
The Cipher skirt $64 and pant $70--- are examples----made of Octane Twill (50% organic cotton, 30% cotton, 20% Tencel)---and available in neutral shades that render them keepers in all sorts of weather.
For men, lightweight, laid back short sleeve button downs seem a given---in faded Madras prints, and muted plaids (the Mickey, Smythy, Marfa, Quigley and On The Sly)…made from organic cotton, and soft to the touch blends like org. cotton/linen and org. cotton/recycled polyester.
There were plenty of shorts…with just the right fit and welcome details---draw cord waists, zip fly button closures, pockets where they are needed---like button through pda pockets, back pockets with well placed flaps or button closed…
Slip on styles and a fun riff on the chino---cargo samples (Big Easy Short), and surfer preppy dark plaid knee length shorts (Hugh).
There also so warm outwear –a zipped (Brigatine) and quarter zip fleece made of Cashmoore® a dense plush micro polyester fleece that’s easy care/maintenance.
NAU is a high fashion label that has got to offer the most performing bunches of separates out on the market. Really---one can bike, hike a mountain, and push these clothes to the extreme---yet still turn up at any office looking presentable…or cool enough for a night on the town
Garments for men and women all perform...and are made of many eco fabrics like the related collection Horny Toad.
Stretchy, moisture wicking easy care fabric with some smart touches…in this dress---with adjustable back straps…and a built in tank bra.
Ruched necklines, side seams that flatter,
Construction and elegant designs we'd welcome in our wardrobes...anytime.