LYRA MAG.

Accessories, Home Decor, Lighting-from runway design to decoration-metals gleaming from gold-morose-gold-to shimmery silvers...brightening up what we wear and were we live.  GRAY MATTERS made in Italy-sculptural mules with ruffled pleats that literally stopped us is the aisles at the recent Man Woman Paris tradeshow.

Launching...denim brand pioneer WRANGLER and retro-vintage flavored ModCloth =collab on a series of  guy jeans worthy of those hup 90's-skater styles-super wide legged...and our pick-a  terrific denim skirt for women. Available now in ModCloth's Austin store, Wrangler stores in Denver and Dallas, and ModCloth.com Prices range from $39.99-$89.99 via GIPHY source viceland.com details-vintage leather logo patch.... Jeans in 3 cuts-wide leg, flare leg and straight leg, a denim skirt, denim jacket and a Wrangler t shirt-focused collection of the basics.

ACTIVE BEAUTY Spring Training Ramps Up Skin Care Help Part One via GIPHY source nymag.com Living life without a team of makeup experts getting you gorgeous for the next event?  Of course!  Fortunately at home-do it yourself effective skincare/treatments -are easier than ever- with some cutting edge prescription-not needed products hitting the market now. TIP: Our most visual proof of who wears must  wear sunscreen....is at triathlon races where the whole set-up for gear/bike is by age/gender...and the distinct differences in skin texture/tone amongst gals who are the same age-is scary stark obvious.  Even the sunscreen addicts though can benefit from skincare tune-ups via easy to handle ablative procedures (like Fraxel)...or what we recently tried, a Micro-Needle/Laser (RF WAVE) treatment-that in theory are both 'lunchtime treatments'-that require not much downtime -but can also be aggressively performed-thereby requiring  a day...

Take that Pantone color of the year (decade)...how to stand out in a sea of black, bold florals, smooth pastels, or nautical stripes-typical summer fare...in white of course! "The Jackie O Anniversary Collection: Celebrating a Decade of Style” Spring Club-St. Johns Lane/NYC A media presentation for a terrific group of dresses... The Jackie O Dress is the embodiment of what Black Halo stands for – impeccable style and fit. The dress personifies the Black Halo woman: a woman with timeless taste and an understated cool, whose wardrobe showcases classic shapes with a modern, architectural twist. To celebrate a decade of style with Jackie, Black Halo has created a limited anniversary collection for Spring 2017. The collection will be in neutral tones of white, ivory and cream, along with tone-on-tone textured and sequined fabrics, serving as a true  retrospective of Jackie’s journey...

Contemporary Italian Southern Cuisine- A Midtown Oasis of Culinary Art-Traditional Hospitality New to us but a neighborhood staple (est. 2001) ...the special midtown Manhattan hideaway,  Il Gattopardo -located in an historic Rockefeller townhouse across the street from MoMa--- is a worthy dining establishment that begs a return visit. ASAP. Yes, that good. "SE VOGLIAMO CHE TUTTO RIMANGA COM'È BISOGNA CHE TUTTO CAMBI." “If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” - Tancredi Falconeri, Il Gattopardo by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, 1958  (and for cinema fans...the Visonti classic)...printed on the menu-- summarizes this modern trattoria's pasionate'mission' of serving satisfyingly 'simple' dishes of southern Italy-interpreted in the most contemporary sumptuous ways...as the top tiered restaurants do ( or should )...allowing the finest ingredients deftly presented in a seasonal menu-to shine through -flavored ...

via GIPHY In our inbox... The  Italian Championship of Pasta  will take place for the first time in New York, from March 7th to September 12th.  ITALIAN'S FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS  and  SPEAKITALY NYC  are glad to invite you to celebrate one of the most important ingredients in the Italian cuisine and partecipate in deciding Il Campione Della Pasta! Food connoisseur  Riccardo Costa  is enthusiastically part of the team and will be gifting at every match his  Vecchia Cucina: Antique original family recipes from my grandma's secret kitchen  book   to a lucky one!

YANDY.COM  PRESENTS SWIM 2017 COLLECTION AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Yandy.com, an online direct to consumer label of fab fun lingerie, hosiery, casual apparel with a sexy twist...showed a swim collection themed :  "Jetset" - a nod to the brand's evolution toward a fashion forward, customer with a discerning eye for design, quality and fit, but also who wants affordable sophistication. 

Veronica Brusa's Berenik 's streetwear-sporty-contemporary unisex separates attired REAL DEAL performers at a a packed presentation. We couldn't really see the total presentation that featured 50(!!!) individuals in various pieces made of assorted fabrics (cotton, velvets, blends)- that underscored the wearability of the loose silhouettes ...but we DEFINITELY appreciated the effort...and applaud the showing of men's/women's in cohort together...great effort. Kudos-makeup by Nu Evolution-white foundation -concealer...as masks...and Prive by Laurent D did the hair, music by Swiss based electronic performer BIT-TUNER

Skylight Clarkson Square, Gallery 1                  One of the first shows we attended was by Internationally recognized Chinese-born designer Lan Yu’s namesake brand  LANYU    with the runway debut of the  Fall/Winter 2017  collection. Inspired by her mother’s hometown of Suzhou, the designer showcased 40 looks inspired by the city’s architecture, natural beauty and serene canals. Drawing inspiration from these and the designer’s childhood memories,  LANYU’s Fall/Winter 2017  collection incorporated soothing mint and jade hues, as well as power pink and sky tones.  The collection featured the perfect pale toned and deep jade green oversized coats and statement trousers offset by feminine dresses in LANYU’s trademark fitted silhouettes in luxurious fabrics such as jeweled tweed, marled wool, cashmere and silk on velvet with touches of leather and metal.    Before the show-this stun...

Footwear brand,  Summit Italy  paired its  wearable pumps  and our fav-the booties-with the flowing gowns and color separates by Project Runway  Season Five WINNER   Leanne Marshall Designs  for her Autumn/Winter 2017 collection debut at NYFW.  The jaw dropping gowns, pops of red and surprising prints blended well with Summit’s neutral color palette of opulent blush and grey tones, brilliant reds and daring black. The runway looks featured timeless yet modern silhouettes including ankle boots, block heels and Mary Janes that helped create an overall medieval theme. The simplicity of Summit’s footwear helped offset the bold aesthetic of the collection. Summit’s collection is all handmade in small boutique factories in the regions of Tuscany, Veneto and Marche, where the talented shoemakers combine subtle detailing and hidden comfort features into modern silhouettes. Amazingly-these pair with anything (casual to formal) mary-janes/pumps/b...

ACID NYC The Nolcha Shows at New York Fashion Week just wrapped the Fall/Winter 2017 season at Artbeam Studios, featuring 9 runway shows.  The platform for indie brands remains the go-to downtown destination for discovering fresh designs during fashion week.  Our top pic: With a name like ACID NYC -a men’s and women’s line of modern wearable separates... by husband & wife design duo-  SCOTT CHESTER-  EVELYN LUNA -designers ACID NYC ...we could not help but favor this fun rtw show..smart city cuts-vibrant patterns and prints.

Artbeam Studios | 540 West 21st Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues) “ Take me away to a different place and time ,” is the theme of Claudia Li’s autumn/winter 2017 collection. By removing oneself from the physical present, you immerse yourself in the mystery and experience of becoming someone else. Travelling through this time tunnel the view encounters flashing visions... a thunderstorm, a pendulum, a female spy and a missing plane. Becoming lost in the mirage of occurrences, we allow ourselves to explore shapes, appearances and formulate abstract concepts. Autumn/Winter 2017 can be seen metaphorically through the use of triangular shapes. Triangles, typically seen as a shape of mystery, are interpreted in lapels, sleeves, cuffs and layering details. New fabric techniques are introduced in the form of quilting and ruching, and water repellent pieces add a technical aspect to the collection. 

GET THE LOOK--MakeUp Artist Ashynta Sheriff breaks the glamour down.... SKIN I always  DERMA FLASH  before major award shows to remove build up and dead skin cells to reveal, radiant glowing skin. Since we just “flashed” before the NAACP Awards, skin was smooth and ready to receive a dose of nourishing skin care. I used  Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift  anti-aging spray, which gives an immediate plumping affect, followed by  Glossier Super Bounce  serum.  Dior Airflash CC Primer  with radiance boost was added so makeup lasts for hours.  FOUNDATION Perfect Blend by Ashunta Sheriff  in Tan is my favorite foundation to use because its built in polymers smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and the buildable coverage gives a natural, glowing finish. I set makeup with  MAC Blotting Powder  in dark to keep it in place.  I use  Model In A Bottle  sensitive skin formula to lock her...

Love Potion by BOKU-for sweeties who are healthy types-gran a 12 portion perfect  bag- USDA ORGANIC chocolate BLISSBLEND =apple juice infused plump cranberries bursting with anti-oxidants-Vitamin C, vegan chocolate chips, energizing matcha-green tea and sweet maple, and healthy heart coconut chips...$14.99

BUILT FROM SCRATCH” FALL / WINTER 2017 Downtown, NYC Swirling snow and gusts of wind screeching up the streets-perfect weather to really appreciate Nicholas K's RTW NYFW A/W 2017...with 49 looks that made us feel cozy-chic...even with the acknowledgement of turbulent times. From the run of show... T HE 90S WAS A DECADE PROMISING COMMUNAL DIVERSITY AND UNITY. BEGINNING WITH THE RELEASE OF NELSON MANDELA AND CONTINUING COMMUNITY ADVOCACY OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS, THIS DECADE WAS ALSO THE GOLDEN AGE OF HIPHOP. ARTISTS WIDE RANGING TOPICS, POLITICAL MILITANCY UNDERTONES AND EXPERIMENTALISM BECAME CELEBRATION OF DIVERSE WIDESPREAD CULTURAL ACCEPTANCE. THE LATE 90S DIGITAL WORLD BROUGHT THE PROMISE OF A GLOB- AL HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY. RECENT EVENTS SEEM TO UNRAVEL THIS PROGRESS AND IT’S NOW RELEVANT TO REVISIT THE PROMISE OF THE 90S.

AHHHH..... via GIPHY  Rainy, snowing, sunny and warm- a typical February week ...calls for adaptable footwear that multi-tasks in one week's worth of weather...highlights from new early Spring deliveries that fit the climate challengers. Some Picks: stylish slip-on skimmers ($79) made of waterproof rubber just like their fab duckboots= L.L. Bean with slip-resistant outsole, anti-odor lining, EVA midsole for all day comfort-can even see padded footbed with nice looking plaid pattern..

AEROSOLES, L.L. BEAN, FIVE TEN, SUPERFEET via GIPHY Relate to the above? Check out new Spring styles that seriously merge comfort with style that won't have ou begging for flip-flops asap. AEROSOLES ' #FASHIONTHATFEELSGOOD has a fairly new shoe designer-who win win win-takes this brands comfort to a whole new stylish level for Spring 2017...which is delivering soon. Girl Talk $79 suede closed toe suede hybrid-sandals-mules...gold strips-back zipper-one of our favs from the media preview.

FREE PEOPLE MOVEMENT, REEBOK, TIEM Spin Shoes via GIPHY Higher waist bands, autumnal tones, two tone prints pops-and a lot more white separates than usually sees in Fall-mixed in with year round pieces-for indoor, casual and workout wear -wherever ...

Feb. 1 2017-Cealsea Piers             The Inaugural Blue Jacket Fashion Show and Dinner benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation featured Carson Kressley, Bill Nye, Mario Cantone, Don Lemon, Victor Cruz Ian Mellencamp, Thom Browne, Joseph Abboud, John Varvatos and more The inaugural  Blue Jacket Fashion Show and Dinner  was held  Wednesday, February 1, 2017  at  Pier 59 Studios  during New York Men’s Fashion Week. In partnership with  Johnson & Johnson , the Blue Jacket Fashion Show benefited the  Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) , founded by philanthropist and financier  Michael Milken . Money raised will go towards funding cutting-edge research that will save, extend and improve the lives of not only prostate cancer patients but other cancer patients as well.  Politics free night-for a good cause! (Patrick McMullen) The  Blue Jacket Fash...

Part 3 HARD TAIL FOREVER, SPIRITUAL GANGSTER, THREADS 4 THOUGHT Metropolitan Pavilion Bold Black/White stripes from Hard Tail Forever (MADE IN THE USA)-can see how these graphic pieces work with cool black or white lifestyle staples-like their cool  to jacket Hard Tail. ..also had several shades of gray-in subdued camo casual sweatpants-jogger style with comfy drawstring waist- and tie dye patterns in stretch pants/leggings hybrid with slimming flat waist. At this tradeshow-we saw prints in layered bands as pictured above on the left-which imo-more flattering (slimming)---vs last season's overall bright patterns that add visual inches to thighs. Probably why we see very few overall print pattern bottoms at the gym we belong too-but see loads of-mesh inserts in all black leggings/capris-that adds a fun lingerie element to gym wear. Spiritual Gangste r-yoga inspired clothing-black/white crop new High Neck Bra top-racer back available now $48... Threads ...

1/31/2017 Cipriani 42nd St. (NYC) : PICTURED- HAL RUBENSTEIN -host of FEMMY AWARDS (and congenial fashion smart person/author/editor)--and student winners (   ...happy of course), holding their winning checks-earned via  T he Fashion Institute of Technology Design Contest- where six  F.I.T. student finalists competed for top design-of intimate apparel gowns and sets. The works were seen by many of the lingerie industry’s best and reviewed by a panel nominated from The Underfashion Club.    Students drew inspiration from the altheisure theme. The top three winners of the 2016 Student Design Contest were awarded scholarships presented by SAIG Co-Chairs Suzanne Beck and Clelia Parisi.   The first place winner,  Katelyn Zawierucha, her design "Tres Sportive",  received $5,000 , and an all expenses-paid trip to Paris Mode City provided by   Eurovet   and   Curvexpo.  Second place winner  Jennifer Monzon,  receive...