LYRA MAG.

Words/Tradeshow Images Judith Ecochard Hot fun in the summer time doesn’t mean damaged skin. As we embrace the Tri life (swim, bike run=FUN)…we’ve met a lot of veterans of these "competitions” (in quotes cause one is really competing against oneself, if that---unless a Pro/Elite). Some gals who do these things, impress…as they finish often for charity fund raising $--- or to prove to themselves that they can “ Just Do IT. ” And waiting around for Transition to re-open so we can get our bikes (aka the ones worth more than our cars)---is when we notice other things. OBSERVATION: Yeah, some ladies sure can do those Dolphin dives cutting through the ocean waves…but those years on the beach without hardcore sunscreen ---really REALLY shows. On their skin. Really badly speckled, wrinkled, spotted. PLUS: Sunscreens made of chemicals and with preservatives like parabens---wash off into the ocean (lakes, etc). And how can that not be damaging to the fragile eco-system-like delicate...

Maybe Perplexing In Theory... But it works. KONTROL THE ELEMENTS™ We got the buzz on KLYMIT, an Ogden, Utah based company with a genius premise: flexible, gas tight (sealed) chambers filled with argon gas pumped into said chambers (of a jacket, for example)---- instead of down or synthetic fill like Primaloft... ...that keep wearers insulated and warm--- because the inert gas stays dry. And adjusts to body heat needs...banishing the pain of de- or adding layers while on a hike, golfing, snowboarding etc...as we warm up or cool down...with a turn of the dial. The gas filled canisters are sold separately. WOW. A line of products debuted at Outdoor Retailer ---and given the DNA---that of drysuits that protect deep super sea divers that are down there... Klymit was inspired by proven tech. SOME USES: An Inertia X-Frame ---a lightweight inflatable camping frame (think souped up air mattress)...with body mapping technology to deliver warmth where needed. AND--- A Noble...

Words/Tradeshow Images Judith Ecochard Best selling , Born To Run author Chris McDoughall espouses the way to super tribes and pain free mileage---though we always think of BRUCE when we hear that title...being "... tramps like us ..." And we train in Newtons and race in Scott Running ---both 'Natural" style peds... A digression--- that gets us to the absolutely stylish street wear worthy Spring 2011 we saw at Outdoor Retailer from Terra Plana ...(has stores in the cooolll LES Manhattan, London, Vienna Australia, Singapore...) and Vibrams ---a division of the company that probably has your hiking boot outsoles seriously covered... But now a multi-faceted footwear company with a two years old, minimalist running shoe--- with a separate compartment for each toe. That we know is a fashion statement as we have seen it on the Hollywood Red Carpet, adorning tuxedoed actors who are aping hipster cred. Or maybe they run in them. REVO by TERRA PLANA The ...

“Feel The Beach In Your Life And In Your Clothing” Outdoor Retailer, SLC Words/ Trade Show Images, Judith Ecochard “ Soft, feminine, and sexy ” and “ YOUTHFUL BUT NOT YOUNG ,” was the mandate of Carve Design ’s latest collection for Summer 2011. With a new design direction that stays true to its DNA, this California based label is still helmed by a bunch of surfer gals--- who grew up, got degrees, jobs, kids, hips whatever. And want to wear more sophisticated garments, as do their customers---to better align up with their adult lives. In this collection, we were reminded of what Lululemon  and Stella McCartney/Adidas  did for Yoga attire…putting a heavy fashion spin on activewear that gals ended up wearing select pieces, selectively--- matched with other more street wear garments already hanging out in their wardrobes.  S lim fitting  Phoenix Cut Off Skirt  with a frayed hem $52 The separates we saw were versatile and well made , with sustaina...

Outdoor Retailer, SLC Major Bonus points go to Finnish watch brand SUUNTO ---who wisely offered up a tech guy with steady hands...to replace batteries, watch bands, et al...for attendees. FREE. Sure, there's a queue at times...but never for long. Wouldn't it be LOVELY if the assorted fashion trade and runway show venues we go to---had a shoe repair service...or a manicure/hair/sew-tape bar setup for fast repairs---tricked out with the necessities. Better than a free cocktail.

(Though Count On Your Kids Raiding Your Closet) FUNCTIONAL OUTDOORS & URBAN ON-TREND Words, Trade Show Images Judith Ecochard Outdoor Retailer --- SLC Reaching back into the archives for nowadays kind of inspiration---has been going on in fashion/accessories since the Greeks walked around wearing draped togas---a “look” that’s inspired les couturières for centuries. Walking around Outdoor Retailer trade show, we noticed many eye-catching ‘so old it’s cool again’ haulers/accessories from some of the more ‘vintage’ labels in the outdoors/performance biz. And happily, we think, any guy/gal above the youthquake age would look A- OK carrying around...and match up just fine with their   21st century attire. Jansport, now part of the VF Corporation  ("We Fit Your Life")---has been stitching up backpacks since 1967. In 2008, they’ve introduced the popular Heritage series (“… that embodies a culture of fun and discovery” )--- including the Country Flag emblazoned bunch of ...