FOR DEDICATED BEAUTY, SPORTS, and MUSIC TYPES
Words, Show Images Judith Ecochard
Other Images Courtesy of Deisgners
We attended a bunch of Holiday Fairs/tradeshows with small to large companies putting out the merch.
For the music lover, LYRIC CULTURE, a clothing company (see our write-up for the 411) that magically interprets our fav song lyrics ( Disco- Beatles- Jimmy Hendrix etc)---into eye catching graphics---has a new jewelry line to go with the on trend tees, hoodies, scarves and belt buckles.
As with the garments, the licensed lyrics are strikingly re-interpreted---this time on all metal and metal/leather cuffs, charm bracelets, rings and cool guitar pick necklaces for men and women. A terrific way to send out the timely message: “All You Need Is Love,” “Give Peace A Chance,” or “Satisfaction.”
INFO: Prices Range from $36-$85 LYRIC CULTURE
For the Neptunes and Mermaids in your life, marine botanicals and minerals that work will surely be welcome.
DEPTH (Live Beneath The Surface) is a fairly new skin/hair care line loaded with hydrating sea worthy ingredients, essential oils, and certified organic aloe vera that moisturize and soothe without parabens.
The hand and body lotions (we found online for $9.99)…come in transporting aromas like Bay Coconut and Mangrove Citrus that smell like the exotic tropical paradises we're hoping to visit someday.
PLUS: Hypo-allergenic, 100% Vegetarian, No Animal Testing. The cool packaging that's in the shape of small air bubbles on kelp…is made from 50% recycled materials. Available at Whole Foods, online at Drugstore.com
INFO: DEPTH BODY
The Dead Sea is a top spot for divers and spa lovers.
For beauty goodies, ONE WITH NATURE captures the therapeutic elements of Dead Sea minerals and combines them with moisturizing shea butter in a bath bar (DEAD SEA SALT SOAP) that cleans AND relaxes muscles ($4.49).
What we also like about this company is its MO--- dedicated to conservation in the Middle East.
For idiot proof presents…the Gift Basket Sampler is a way to test out the other curative and natural (no artificial anything) products. The $39.99 price gets a full size Dead Sea lotion, body wash and hand wash, as well as 3 full sizes bar soaps and three travel size bars---in a reusable basket.
INFO: ONE WITH NATURE
WEN® ‘s quip “changing the world one head at a time…” is serious. Founded by Chaz Dean, the mission is to make lustrous locks for all with healing, detergent-free (NO sodium laurel/laurel sulfates) hair care products.
WEN® cleanses our locks with natural ingredients and botanicals…without the lather (we don’t miss it) and nasty stripping agents---- and apparently strengthens/hydrates it with one pump enabled product- a Cleansing Conditioner. Available in Sweet Almond for all hair types, including pets….Tea Tree (stimulates and rejuvenates dry scalps), Fig (medium to coarse, wavy to curly, and ethnic hair), Cucumber Aloe (oily scalps/dry hair), and Lavender (our fav---so moisturizing)---
PLUS: Leaves hair smelling really great…as essential oils provide the fragrance.
YOU TUBE VIDEO: INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
INFO: on the Cleansing Conditioner ($28 for 16 oz up to $186 for a gallon jug) and other WEN products CHAZ DEAN
During New York Fashion Week, we had a makeover by the team of hair stylists and makeup artists (yes, it ‘took a village’) from the DEX New York Salon. (224 West 30th Street, NYC - T 212 643-3188). Short of a visit to the premises on the edge of the garment district where “the person off the street can go in and get the same kind of treatment as a celebrity,” there's portable help.
Love the line of cleverly packaged mineral cosmetic Beauty Portfolios especially the eyeshadows, blushes, foundation-in the City Hipster ($175). Recreate the glam for you and yours with refillable palettes that are customized specially for the intended.
Additionally, the foundations are SPF 20, and have anti aging pepides, that heal and protect. And the buildable coverage---in the loose and pressed pigmentations…equal= all easy to apply.
PLUS: the saturated, ‘true’ colors allow for a flawless finish…and the goodies are naturally preserved…so no waste/worry either.
INFO: DEX MINERAL MAKEUP
At a fun Girl’s Night Out put together by KMR Communcations, we were completely taken with a line of tees and tote bags designed by the women of JANE WAYNE…the original company of active duty military wives.
Feminine apparel emblazoned with the branches of the military (Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard) fits our patriotic pride leanings without compromising on our fashionista requirements.
PLUS: Totes come in handy sizes…in camo print, of course.
INFO: JANE WAYNE GEAR
Remember the elegant ne plus ultra of men’s pajamas…the luxury brand Sulka? A new family run company, BIRDS OF SAUSALITO, recaptures the best fitting and comfortable experience via it’s silky smooth, 100% pima cotton, hand sewn pajamas and boxers.
Fine details like single stitch sewing, mother-of-pearl buttons, and styles--- makes these undergarments, worthy gifts for that extra special guy.
INFO: Store Locater and E-Commerce BIRDS OF SAUSALITO
Colorful graphics on undergarments for guys and gals come in the huge collection that bears the name of the pop star/tennis star BJORN BORG. We got the sneak peak of the Spring 2010 that came in five lines …
Fun (prints, hand drawn patterns), Sport (vibrant colors in super comfy styles for an active lifestyle), Original, (classic and clean), Neat (feminine styles, light materials), and Love All (made from breathable microfiber is pop colors).
THINK: Appreciated Stocking Stuffers.
INFO: BJORN BORG
MAIDENFORM, a tried and true undergarment label has given gals a new line of shape wear that’s so fashionable and functionable…we wore the tank top to the gym.
FLEXEES® Fat Free Dressing™ is a collection that “secretly slims, shapes and smoothes…”
The secret ingredient, and we do mean secret, are the hidden microfiber liners embedded in breathable Supplex fabric basics--- offering comfortable, not constricting support where some ladies need it…
But we think the styles, including tees, boy shorts, body briefers, and camisoles…are nice enough to wear on their own.
INFO: MSRPs $26-$54... MAIDENFORM
We come from a family of pro basketball players…and can think of no presents that’ll be a slam dunk sure thing--- better than an NBA jersey...or anything. According to the reps at the Product n Press Fair we attended, the “Kobe shirt is #1.”
New for this year is the soccer style, short sleeve shirt…and a series of NBA4Her tees, hoodies, and jerseys for gals’ curvy silhouettes.
For the collector…old banners are recycled into cool, one of a kind, accessories…
PLUS: Visit the NBA store or website for customized action wear.
For the homebody, a “middle American friendly” book, “FLOWERS FOR THE HOME” by Grayson Handy and Tracey Zabar, is chock full of user friendly ideas. Lavishly illustrated this tome is worthy of coffee table status. But the cultural inspirations that are translated into practical and affordable décor tips ---in color palette suggestions and flowers---make it a handy reference book as well.
INFO: RIZZOLI USA
We know many people who skip the people…and shop for their pets exclusively. Well for the pampered pooch who has everything we suggest celebrating the season by sending adorable holiday cards from the American Humane Association, a non-proft with a mission—“to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively, and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society.”
PLUS: personalization, address labels and giving to a great cause.
INFO: AMERICAN HUMANE.org
