LYRA MAG.

French Mimolette -Origin Pas-de-Calais-hard dry and pressed crumbly-rich taste with roasted aromas of butterscotch+coffee flavors...terrific year round too!

Boa® Closures Lace Up New Balance, Asics, Adidas Outdoors  Boa® 's closure  - have been SOP on snowboard/ski boots/helmets for years-but now the floppy laces' slayer convenience... via GIPHY no more slip+trip  and lightweight comfort... on sneakers...is rapidly gaining favor. BOA's push up/down release dials (sport specific including a new run specific system of the TX4™ soft lace, FormTX™ textile guides-a blend of nylon and Teflon®- and the secure low profile L6 dial)- don't add up -onto a shoe's weight (a good thing), plus reduce chaffing/lower friction-are addictive, IMO...once one experiences' it. New Balance  FuelCore Sonic ($109) is for the fast+furious-or those who wannabe. In  Men's (8.5oz)+Women's (7.3oz) running shoe-w/ bootie construction-  ultra-breathable mesh upper combined w/ minimal cage support-kept secure w/ Boa closure. 

Part 2 Women's Dermatological Society -NYC Head hair -or the lack there-of-is a concerning beauty 'issue' for women (and men). So of course...there's a slew of research, and available home use tools/products devoted to helping bring 'on the healthy tresses. A recent gathering of some of the top East Coast based dermatologists- all whom we could have bombarded for hours with questions ...was our classroom 101 for the topic of "Female Pattern Hair Lose" with 'professors' Maryland based  Valerie Callender MD and NYC based Shari Lipner MD , , PhD, FAAD delivering  tress stress truths -including a diagnosis of what hair loss actually is- like a visibly wide(r) part, loss of volume, and overall thinning. -.and that underlying causes (including auto-immune illness- alopecia),  genetics, diets, hormones (or lack thereof) and stress - can all result in temporary or permanent lost locks. via GIPHY

second from left, Michelle Meyer-with some of the gals inspired by-and featured in her best-selling book, The Curl Revolution. FYI-the book has how to's for guys, kids and nice-a special shout-out for photographer Karston "Skinny" Tannis . Part One We have a feeling humankind has been trying to tame its mane since appearances were painted on ancient cave walls, back in the day. Leaping forward to the late 20th century...naturally curly tresses in all of their glory...began for us...embracing hairdos of all kinds-as celebrated in the late 60s (the revived on Broadway version) of the musical HAIR...heralding the '...wonders of..." Now even more so-different textures and styles inherent in a multi-cultural society-are welcomed-and we got spectacularly visual proof of this-at the recent book party for The Curl Revolution -by Michelle Breyer-the creative light co-founder of the NaturallyCurly community-born in 1998 (website, social media...). via GIPHY

 Calendar dates are besides the point for footwear needs---especially when some form of athletic sneakers interpreted for casual lifestyles---seem dominate the feet we observe in our city life. Still autumn days, irrespective of temps- signal a shift in daylight hours-that alone has us pining for dressier shoes in autumnal tones. via GIPHY Top Picks for any weather? OF COURSE - the iconic Chelsea/Ankle boots (M+W) =always the perfect Fall shoe for work/play times since... Don't save these on trend velvet merlot bootie beauties ( NINA SHOES ) for the holiday parties...wear now for subtle daytime sparkle that translates into night-time style-wise. Value priced-Inamae $99-also available in a rich b/w brocade pattern + black suede too=   worthy of our glam rock inner David Bowie wannabe tendencies.

Bernardo 1946 rainboots' rainbow of waterproof choices now include a new dusty ROSE shade- a 'neutral'  addition...that can wardrobe synch-up as well any black, brown or white footwear. Available now-meet out fav waterproof rain/snow PAIGE RAIN kicker-in rose-with all day comfort via a cushioned insole...ez on/off Chelsea Boot style-stretchy side still manages to repel the elements. 

D&DB (Decoration and Design Building)-the midtown NYC trade destination hosts:  THE POWER OF STORYTELLING: People:Progress:Product The DDB Fall Market-last week-hosted inspiring panels -heralding the visually/verbally talented hard-working industry individuals and wonderful wares displayed in open product showrooms. No surprise-  hundreds  of interior decorators and architecture professionals attended- eager to share/learn... timely tips centered around the theme of "DESIGN IS A STORY" aka what a home environment says about its occupant(s)---and how to translate personalities and spatial requirements into a welcoming place to live. via GIPHY No doubt, all of the fast paced talks (plus Q+As) with the top professionals, hosted by editors of top magazines (including Elle Decor, Domino, Metropolis, Home&Design, Architectural Digest...) were superbly informative. We suspect however- that design icon, Martha Stewart -was  the biggest STAR present-a particip...

A lcoholic liquids... the opposite of some of the new better for you  functional fluids hitting the market can be the perfect pairing of dress-upped, mixed drinks. Ideas on how to update the last decades fav Red Bull and Vodka-include  now 'cleaner' carbonated alternatives-plus fluids boasting health benefits. via GIPHY The new behind the bar staples??? Lifeway's slightly sparkling organic Elixir-fresh tasting-in fruity tangerine, elderberry, hibiscus and our fav, warm spicy ginger-delivers active culture probiotics. Served chilled -with clear alcohol-like gin or vodka-or 'straight up'- over ice ...naturally low in calories-and gluten/caffein free, vegan +kosher.  Apple Cider vinegar is the old/new remedy for human ailments-including diminishing detoxifying inflammation,  sore throats, help in weight loss, support heart health, improve blood sugar/insulin levels etc. That abrasive tartness though-on its own-or swoished in water-isn't for most. ...

Checking out subway passengers' footwear-(vs addictive smartphone screens) ...it's clear that woven knit uppers atop sport/lifestyle kicks have become the style of choice... shared with workboots-depending on the hour of the day. Athletes all? Nope-clearly commuters are opting for trendy comfort ---partially why THAT shoe market niche -looks-wise-boast straight off fashion forward runway handsomeness and functional driven outdoors' details of techy components that are fit fab+ durable. via GIPHY One of the 'hot' brands out there... BRANDBLACK -a 'lifestyle'  men's apparel/footwear company that would synch  just right  if purveyed by  Dover St. Market -as easily as adorning the uncompensated forms/feet of off duty b-ball pros. This may be a smirk inducing take on the Birkenstock/sock Grandpa phenomena-but we bet there's a consumer base for this ONE PIECE Tabi  $140 sandal/sock merger. The unibody construction is unique-woven tubular knit ...

 " Down Re-Invented " is quite the claim-but for those seeking the ultimate warmth/weight ration efficient jacket-Eddie Bauer's new EverTherm jackets ( M + W ) delivers. ($249-$299) via GIPHY FINALLY-barely heavier than a simple nylon shell (9.12 oz)-but protective vs. cold temps ( to -15º)-the EverTherm basic slim silhouettes- in weather tough super durable material (StormRepel®)-are insulated with a proprietary high loft -no puff down- stuffed inside without the quilting/baffle stitching usually needed for the feathers...meaning no cold spots and a  streamline design. Delivers in longer parka for women + jacket lengths (M+W) ...with or w/o hood...with zip close chest/hand pockets. Eddie Bauer's Men's EverTherm Jacket $249-in Cardinal Red. Part of the First Ascent collection of tech gear worthy of any   winter activity.

Holiday fare with something ' pumpkin-spice ' -or peppermint chocolate  -match well with Octoberfest beers and schnapps-but earthy aromatic red wines as well as balanced white wines-can also pair off well. via GIPHY At- Il Gattopardo -several rich red wines made from Romagna Sangiovese regional grapes were paired perfection with the elegant rustic southern Italian appetizers served. The new to us  Sangiovese red wines-sharing the characteristic rich berry garnet color of Brunellos - are helpfully subject to the new Romagna appellation regulation (12 sub-zones) that safeguard and promote these delicious aromatic sips to consumers on this side of the Pond. One of our favs.. .Il Nespoli (Poderi Dal Nespoli S.r.L. Soc. Agr. ) Romana Sangiovese Superiore Riserva- a red wine with fine, elegant tannins with characters reflective of the medium textured terroir. Pair with hard cheeses, meaty entrees-or we think, spicy autumnal fare-like warm up pumpkin squash soup. Anot...

It's Limited Edition seasoning season! Holiday Flavors of spicy cinnamon paired with that ultimate patch product-pumpkin ...adds flavorful aromatic hints to sweets, staples and life's liquid must, coffee . via GIPHY Tops Picks for Pumpkin Spice Spice Islands Gourmet Blends- Pumpkin Spice -aromatic fresh ground blend of comforting cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, mace+nutmeg...add to dough destined for desserts, sprinkle a pinch on seasonal gourd vegetables or baked fruity slices or fillings...add atop frothy cappuccino or tempting vanilla ice cream= insta  sweet celebration.  GoGo squeeZ - delicious sweet applesauce in fab portable, shelf stable BPA free pouch-adds tiny hints-of cinnamon-y spice with apple/pumpkin goodness-a guaranteed children pleaser-that's also non-GMO certified,   gluten, nut, and dairy FREE  FYI-perfect for leaf peepers-take these along on autumnal hikes, pumpkin patch picking jaunts, or weekend lazy long bike rides...imo-an ideal...