Outdoor Retailer, SLC/NYC
Fall 2013 Highlights (mostly)
Fashion functionality is its own gigantor section of the apparel industry...with companies such as Japanese
UNIQLO devoting more and more of its marketing/manufacturing/pr advertising muscle/ might--- towards outfitting its customers stylishly-in garments made from tech performance fabrics for indoor/outdoors occasions. Rather inexpensively too.
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| Silverfox Jumper center-key piece-sleeveless dress to layer under/over $88 On right-men's hooded Stout Parka 175-weather tough outerwear of backbone twill- with cool/warm plaid lining |
Active lifestyle wear...not a new category but there are many small and smallish apparel collections geared towards travelers + outdoor types---who want easy pack, easy care, durable and functioning separates that trend well on an urban street, inside an ski lodge, as well as a certain amount of performance properties for a day hike/snowshoe jaunt-on a mountain trail.
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| Hearftfelt Blanket Hoodie $175-cozy warmth for 2-3 season wear, Super soft too-made of boiled lambswool/ angora/nylon. |
At the bi-annual Outdoor Retailer tradeshow, the apparel/accessories, Santa Barbara CA based Horney Toad (fyi-
not technically a toad or a frog)---not only has an enviable corner locale-at the Salt Lake Palace Convention Center...but also has successfully re-fined the men's and women's wear line---in a more focused way---from an editorial standpoint...at least since we've been going to the show.
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| railroad stripes-Chamboard Skirt $88 |
Meaning well thought -out, on trend, mix-matchy tops, bottoms, outerwear, accessories etc...with a high level of outdoorsy-worthy comfort, and très eco minded materials too...often proprietary blends.
A coherent vision at the top from Design Director Kate Larremendy-and her team even extends through to the Fall 2013 Lookbook as well---styled for occasions and highlighted with several themes:
Simplexity, (complex components=best simple design),
Popportunity (the special details, colors, hidden elements=wow factor),
Textural Richness (imo-so important fabric/textile wise in cold weather garments),
Layers of Warmth (composed of primo natural and synthetic fabrics=great hand feel, comfort...and drapes well for great fit and well as laundry friendly).
One of our favs---this 3 piece
system---with Slipcover skirt $98, Stargazer jacket $150, and Plottwist parka outerwear-car coat length $175---made of organic cotton/hemp/recycled poly---insulated but not bulky...fun pop of pink or plaid lining.
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| Stargazer jacket $150-front pockets are very helpful |
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| plenty of pockets---zip front, snap flap---easy on/off |
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| drawstrings gives this parka shape-that also keeps the wind out |
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| this Daydream Dolman Tee---is so ridiculously thin/soft---great travel top-modal/poly/spandex blend- $68 |
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| sweet Henley-like Heartstring Button Tee Tencil/organic cotton/spandex $68 |
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| Men's-Brewster jacket---plush faux lining---faded blue perfect shade |
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| on right-the Cloudcover Skirt--poly insulation $118-warmth to layer over tights etc. Nice après ski option. On left-Beekeeper Henley-organic cotton/poly knit-$54-super soft |
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| nice ruching details for a flattering fit- |
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| left-Adela Hoodie-organic cotton/tencel® $88 |
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| Viggo Jacket-for guys---organic cotton, hemp, recycled poly $163-over hoody- |
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| a jacket or L/S shirt-Sidecar Overshirt-$135-nice hand feel, medium weight-wool/poly/nylon "other" |
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| Men's Greywolf shirt-$98-poly/with wool-warm top with ease of a tee with buttons |
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| Stargazer jacket $150-on mannequin w/ collar up wards off the cold |
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| on right-Fretwork Shirt-$84 wear out layered-or in |
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| chinos with plaid lining |
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| very pretty color-Lightheart tee Tencel®, organic cotton, spandex $65- with Mixologist scarf-organic cotton/spandex $38 |
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| on right/left-love-smartphone friendly fingerless Heartfelt Handwarmer-boiled lambswool, angora/nylon- gloves |
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| matchy fedora... |
INFO:
Horney Toad
Another collection that has further furthered its goal of fashion functionality-for adventure-esses, travelers, active types- is ISIS for women, exclusively. Some highlights from an all too brief meet in a midtown hotel... this fabulously stitched quilted pattern
SECCO insulated jacket (Fall 2013)---in a deep fuchia pink that is more grown-up shade vs bubble gum girly.
Big deal part two---650 gram DriDown™ inside-a treated down that's warm when wet---and dries faster too---with the loft/warmth of the regular ole' kind-bumped up. Wind/water tough and well made. It comes in a vest also ($189).
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| adjustable hood, hand warmer and interior pockets, solid 2 way zip LOVE. High collar, elastic cuffs, and drop tail design for extra coverage---and no cold spots near the hem. DWR finish $229 |
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| the pattern is also in the back of the jacket---chevron, off center---NICE |
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| from the Spring 2013 collection-sweet Gemma Halter Dress cotton-spandex for the beach to the street. Pack this and it emerges wrinkle free. flattering fit w/ bit of flair |
New to us, company
CORE CONCEPTS-crafts apparel for outdoors loving types---with a focused assortment of performance separates that doesn't scream
"Hey ladies, which way to basecamp?" yet is-multi-tasking for higher elevations, none-the-less.
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| kinda has that clean barncoat style-the men's Builder Insulated Jacket $219-is weather tough-made of waterproof/windproof Shelter Dry Technology, insulated with breathable warmth via Primaloft. Two side hand warmer pockets w/ zips, front and side access pocket...high collar keeps elements-well done for a day on the farm or a night at a bar. Or both. |
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| We can vouch for this Mirror Ball Hybrid shirt $89---we wore all over New York Fashion Week-(Feb 2013)-to backstage appointments when we didn't have to dress up but still had to look presentable-no matter that there was a blizzard raging on. Paired with black leggings-we layered over a thin/l/s poly tee for additional warmth. Its tapered in the waist for a flattering fit-has that western cowgirl vibe-with pearl snaps, and is made from a two bonded layer fabric-that has a nice hand feel though treated with a DWR finish, and is hike worthy as the inner layer is moisture wicking. Note---runs small, imo |
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| a cozy option-Roundhouse Sweater $129-is year round wear---super soft-with cashmere like tactile attributes-yet made from an Italian Tech Wool blend that's wind resistant and dries faster than wool. Machine wash--- the kangaroo pocket-are THE spot where we like to park our hands. |
One of our favs---this 3 piece system---with Slipcover skirt $98, Stargazer jacket $150, and Plottwist parka outerwear-car coat length $175---made of organic cotton/hemp/recycled poly---insulated but not bulky...fun pop of pink or plaid lining.
Active lifestyle wear...not a new category but there are many small and smallish apparel collections geared towards travelers + outdoor types---who want easy pack, easy care, durable and functioning separates that trend well on an urban street, inside an ski lodge, as well as a certain amount of performance properties for a day hike/snowshoe jaunt-on a mountain trail. 
