LYRA MAG.

OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SLC UTAH “KICK INTO FUN, SLIP INTO STYLE” July 22, 2009 Words, Images Judith Ecochard We bet that that the flip flop flap that followed a White House meet/greet with then President Bush and the winning Northwestern Lacrosse team … would have been mitigated if the ladies wore some of the Flojos styles that we saw. The number of mod Flojos thongs, sandals and slides on display for this administration- was staggering…so we zeroed in on the ones that jumped out to us. And we think Mrs. Obama would approve... Naturally, the animal (ZEBRA, EXOTIC, leopard-SAFARI, JUNGLE, giraffe KENYA) and reptile (cobra MAMBA, snake PIPER) print patterns-in various color options… on flat thongs to 2 1/2inch wedges ($17-$36)… were still going strong, retail wise. An unusual detail that we loved in one style…the KEIRA --- has a solid color upper with the outsole patterned in animal prints. And there are slides (TANZI and AKELA) in trendy animal prints too. Boho/Hippy cool is alw...

LOOKIN’ COOL FRAMES BRING STYLE, CLARITY & KEEP THE GLARE OUT OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SLC UTAH July 23rd, 2009 Words, Judith Ecochard Images from the web and J. Eochard We have always had a tough time finding sunglasses that don’t slide down the bridge of our noses. That annoying problem was solved with a pair of women specific- designed Zeal Optics (the Tensai model). What we didn’t know, and learned recently, was that the exclusive ZB-13 Polarized lenses that outfit our shades – perform in the broadest range of light conditions. Meaning we don’t have to keep switching up our eye protection on days with varying there you see it, now you don’t –sunshine…that’s particularly not a fun activity in the middle of a climb or snowboarding. Happily one pair of sunglasses can provide comfort, clarity of terrain, ie depth perception, (there goes that excuse when we miss a putt), and optimal transmission of light to our peepers that we need. And the frames sit just so on our face…that air...

(AND THEY HOLD UP BETTER THAN WE DO) SPRING 2010 Outdoor Retailer Market, SLC Utah July 22, 2009 Words, Images Judith Ecochard Experia Wool/Silk Image Courtesy Of Thor Lo® To think they we could easily spend an hour talkin’ ‘bout activity specific socks… Easily one of the highpoints at OR is our time spent at the THOR LO® booth …where our free wheeling chat gets us psyched to get OUT and actually try the ped coverings. Last January, we were introduced to the Experia® COOLMAX® socks, the technically performing, fashion forward running socks (six colors) that launched a few months ago and “blew out.” Here’s why. Building on Thor los’ expertise in essential padding , the Experias are made with contoured and sculptured ball and heel engineered pads (where the foot strikes)…but are lighter and thinner (better fitting) than its competitors. WHY? “Because of the evolution of footgear, ” noted Jeff Lawson, Director of Marketing for Thor lo…”as they’re narrower, multi-functional, more narrow...

RE-PURPOSED MATERIALS CRAFTED BY CO LOCALS=COLLECTION WITH A BIG HEART OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SLC UTAH July 23rd, 2009 Words, Booth Image Judith Eocohard Other Images from the WEBSITE We were always cruising by the booth of the OlovesM Collection of trendy eco carryalls…on our way to and from the East/West divide of the Outdoor Retailer Market/Salt Palace floorplan… that took us hours to figure out, duh. Lucky us, we caught a free moment with the engaging, busy bee proprietor, Merle O’Brien …who was usually swarmed with buyers. Here’s why : The bags are really nice and come in all the sizes we need…clutches, totes, H2O holders, bucket satchels. All are well made…by home workers, (yes!), have inner and outer compartments for haulers like us, and come in terrif colors and patterns. Our top picks in the lineup are the sandy jute offerings in big and small sizes. The super sized Sundance model was the eco swag bag at the Film Fest. There’s also a S port Collection that includes the af...

2009/2010 COLLABORATION FOR THE BEST IN ALL TERRAIN RIDING- WITH STYLE THE STANDARD HOTEL, MEATPACKING DISTRICT, NYC July 29th, 2009 Words, Images Judith Ecochard We thought we had to do a major rewire of brain cells as the Original Penguin/K2 launch was our first NY "Fashion" event after a week in Utah at Outdoor Retailer. Impressively though, this limited edition mash-up of these two stellar brands went beyond well. It was genius…and captured the MO of what we saw in the Rockies, fashion forward style without compromising the technical attributes of our gear that we demand, and rely on as athletes. Original Penguin™ is a major global lifestyle brand and has come a long way since the powers that be took grandpa’s go-to polo with the birdy logo…and developed into a casual cool collection of guys and gals attire/accessories with classic American swagger. It is huge across the Pond, as authentic USA labels with panache are in BIG demand by Euros… We REALLY discovered this ...

SMART OUTDOOR/TRAVEL FRIENDLY CLOTHES THAT ARE “THE CHOICE OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH July 23rd, 2009 Words, Images Judith Ecochard We grew up/live in a town (ok, a really big one, NYC) where residents are effortlessly too cool for school, where trends are set, and the sleek street wear adorning the swarms of humanity that crowd the sidewalks …are mimicked by fashionistas across the globe. Nevertheless----we got a MAJOR bump up in our “hip” quota after getting Outdoor Retailer educated on a line of clothing, that of all things (LOL)--- is tailored to meet the needs of law enforcement and military agencies around the world: 5.11+ TACTICAL®. WHAT: We were lucky to get a nice, knowledgeable Division Manager to show us the key separates…and point out the intentionally not so obvious bells and whistles. First off, we reviewed the new Taclite™ Pro Pant that’s an easy-care, durable and breathable (65% polyester/35% co...

Now that it actually stopped raining, Big Apple residents and visitors are enjoing alfresco moments. The latest –and newest- “it” spot-- that has glorious waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline…is the luxurious boutique enclave, the Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge, located just over the East River in Long Island City. The decor style is exotically modern… but comfy. And inhibitors will feel welcome (and transported) from the get go as the outdoor space (6000 square feet of lush garden terrace)…the 40 foot bar…and assorted DJs and other special events…keep the vibe friendly. For the travel phobic, a flat fee of $25 snares valet service from Manhattan. And there’s a 24/7 shuttle service from nearby subway stops. INFO: RAVEL HOTEL 8-08 Queens Plaza, Long Island City, NY (718) 289-6101

S/S 2010 Outdoor Retailer Market, SLC-Utah July 23rd, 2009 Words, Images- Judith Ecochard We had a senior moment when we first got the email from Crumpler. But then our brain cells fired up with complete recognition…as this line of fun and thoughtfully detailed haulers are very popular in the Big Apple (especially the Messenger and Photographers Bags with padded laptop sleeves and a quiet Velcro silencer so as not to ruin the moment). Originally hailing from Australia, Crumpler’s navigated the Pacific with colorful and durable carryalls that manage to have compartments for people like us- that carry our lives around (the Commuter line)...and for people that carry their near and dear around (baby packs). What’s new for Spring 2010 are the Duffle Bags made from Nylon 900 “D” …meaning it’ll survive commercial airline manhandling. And the revamped, retooled Sinking and Customary Barges daypacks and bags also have rainhoods that protect against the elements. There’s also a hydration pac...