LYRA MAG.

There are plenty of seemingly effortless holiday hosts...who always manage to stage a festive fare for friends/family -to celebrate the holidays. We're not one of those people...but we certainly known how to please the givers with a unique gift of our own---that can be deployed almost as soon as the welcoming front door threshold- is crossed. SOME IDEAS: Offer up your mixologist skills  La Quintinye Vermouth Royal opulent French vermouth-crafted from South West French white wines Pineau des Charentes-a fortified wine of fresh grape juice and Cognac from a single estate -plus carefully curated herbs and botanicals-aged for a minimum of 12 months in French oak barrels-yields a distinct, aromatic multi-layered sipping pleasure-that- like sherry-is growing in popularity. Not much skill needed the way we enjoyed the La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge (16.5% abv/33 proof)...pouring 1 oz over a cube of ice-with its pretty burnt amber red color- licorice, vanilla and chocolate-toffee...

NYC: Any Manhattan subway rider-around 3PM---will notice the influx of construction attire- wearing fellow passengers...as they leave their work shifts and head home.... realistically, the Big Apple will be a truly great city when it's finally built... ALSO  noticeable-the ubiquitous  rugged work wear label- Carhartt -even by those with the most outdoor physical labor task  = climbing up/down subway steps and dodging the tourists clogging the sidewalks, insulated core, plenty of zip pockets, center zip cage, cozy wear anywhere multi-tasker-impervious to cold/wet weather  One reason-this kind of apparel sells =classics, easy to maintain, last for years, and impart a bit of cave-dwelling swagger missing from a lot of modern lives. Multi-tasking durable separates from growing outdoors label Walls -  owned by Williamson - Dickie -featuring super tough Kevlar® fibers, Dry IQ™ water repellent finishes--- and staple Wrangler's RIGGS Workwear-recently...

THE BLUE LINE cluster frontal -shiny gold +turquoise, multi-beads....$85 CAROLEE New York,  and TRINA TURK, ABS by Allen Schwartz, FRENCH CONNECTION (by Carolee) A CAROLEE media preview a few months back-reminded us of how well made 'costume' jewelry ---is no longer the has-been/ step-sister second status of accessories-but -in fact= beloved necessities of the high-low way of dressing up (and down)...mixing luxury with mass market attire-with bejeweled equivalents. SOME HIGHLIGHTS: CAROLEE New York...pays homage to Big Apple destinations-with earrings, bangles, cuffs, ring, and all kinds of necklaces...from the delicate to the statement...thematic interpretations of the shapes and colors conjured up by these distinct locales. CONEY ISLAND collection Thread Wrap Frontal 12K shiny gold with multi-colors $150 irregular stone collar $250 South Sea Port Collection The Plaza Pearl Drop Silver/White Pearl/Crystal $50 RADIO CITY  Shower Bib -Shiny Gold/...

 EMU AUSTRALIA, BERNARDO, SUMMIT by WHITE MOUNTAIN, NINA ORIGINALS-Shoes+Handbags, FRENCH SOLES/NY New summery footwear looks from re-energized-dependable-stylish-fashion brands that won't have you tearing off your feet-the sec you get home. With notable Spring 2016 trends and retro references done well... EMU AUSTRALIA: Say hello to beach boots when it's HOT...LORNE (l) and TARA) (and NUMERELLA pull-ons similar look)- perforated suede+leather in fun Spring bootie-treaded durable lightweight natural gum rubber outsole...practical and cool counterpoint to perforated- uppers (suede, leather)...removable insole... logo-represents the footprint of Aussie's EMU bird +  radiating circle design is for extra traction   EMU AUSTRALIA :Pemberton suede slip-ons- EVA cork mixed midsole and EVA wrapped footbed=cozy casual EMU AUSTRALIA : Ibis-smooth pull-on with crackle metallic leather w/ durable rubber forefoot and heel pods +wrapped EVA footbed fo...

 ALTRA, HOKA ONE ONE, TOPO ATHLETIC, 361º, VIBRAM, LIFEWAY Protein Kefir, ACUMOBILITY Much is made about getting in shape-but most of our pals- are athletic already-and want to keep the old self-rather just as is-makes sense, fitness wise- once hit mid 30s on up, depending on the activity. SNEAKERS, Trail Running and Fitness shoes come in all shapes and sizes for different activities, foot anatomies, and level of efforts...short bursts vs long endurance endeavors. Some highlights from cult brands: Long distance fav- ALTRA  adds to its no drop ZERO DROP™platform with new beefier shock absorbing A-Bound™ maximum cushioning models-for neutral or stability needs-aimed at trail runners and roadsters- Pictured: women's specific OLYMPUS 2.0 9oz trail runner  characteristic of ALTRA-FOOTSHAPE™ toe box- allowing the toes to spread naturally... unless trained as a ballet dancer en pointe shoes . ..Olympus 2.0 revamped Vibram trail sticky rubber outsole for maximum cus...