LYRA MAG.

PART ONE: SUNGLASSES Hitting the lone-wide open road...seems like the perfect 'self-care' vacay nowadays. Limited storage=multi-tasking clothing+accessories+footwear that double for active-leisure pursuits-the only stuff to carry on. SUNGLASSES are musts...at a great price, even better . Top Pick: 100% UVA-UVB blocking for outdoor jaunts under bright blue skies- are 'just' part of the protective attributes of the incredibly lightweight- great fitting -and amazingly priced   new Tifosi SWOON 'shades -a worthy addition to their best selling SWANK series- intro'ed last year. These latest frame shapes- deliver sharp vision and sporty chic style . LOVE: Gradient lenses (darker on top, fading to lighter lower ) are the hottest in demand lenses choice of celebs wearing  sunglasses. AND  imo-the SWOON are worthy of them and us. Suitable for medium-large faces...the SWOON almost wrap around shape-with tiny air vents at the sides to prevent fogging...

Sorry fashion fashion people. There's a reason leggings never lost their appeal...despite predictions of doom since the 1980's-when stretchy shape retention fabrics went widespread. They are comfortable, can flatter figures-and have dress-up/down wardrobe essential traits that qualify as everyday uniforms. AND though typical streetwear seems to be picking up high fashion details...luxe leisure vs athleisure...crossover appeal and stylish functional separates for casual lifestyles are here to stay. Highlights from Active Collective NYC: Mixed Textures in iconic moto jacket -top pick! Obsessed with BlancNoir 's mixed textured  (and top selling) take on a moto jacket-with stretchy breathable mesh inserts, padded back-(helps if you carry a backpack besides looking cool)...comes in another color, different styles (classic, vintage, Angel Falls etc version)..and there will even be a snake print one available soon LOVE! Retail from around $149 for City Classic-up to ...

ACTIVE COLLECTIVE NEW YORK Trendy clothes for work and special occasions are rented   leaving footwear, socks-hosiery, under garments and casual-sports attire as the fashion industry categories most likely to be ACTUALLY bought nowadays. It certainly is a partial explanation why so many fashion designers are jumping (or have) on the athleisure - activewear bandwagon-joining already there-high end big names -like Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Tory Burch, Cushnie... From Active Collective NY: Pam & Gela- of Juicy Couture heritage-has fun separates in prints that synch-up with their RTW line. The bold animal textiles, cozy faux fur sherpa jacket with zipped pockets, and quite a few sequin pieces (say more LA-TX-Miami friendly than NYC)...were standouts for Fall. Pam & Gela Kappa- the Italian lifestyle goes into more active wear, wear-with that signature logo  on  black separateswith orange color accents. Desigual's exuberant B...

It's doubtful most holiday time purchases of apparel/footwear set off brain cells on just how 'dirty' that industry is.  Still-companies themselves are getting schooled and acting on environmentally friendly initiatives to clean out some of the toxicity from sourcing-manufacturing-delivery chains. On the home front brick/mortar retailers...are selectively editing their offerings -with greener merchandise getting stocked.  In lower Manhattan... Bishop Collective  's (143 Ludlow Street) careful picks include multiple indie designers making (in the USA) modern clothing/jewelry-all  ethically designed and sourced. In town???- The  Designer Series Sessions  this month  feature meet/greets with seven designers-for not only in person style help- but also highlighting exclusive one-off items-which is pretty remarkable for the 99.9% of us who can't 'touch' price-wise , couture handmade anything. Voyager Sleek Parley w/ Boost and Stealth out...

NIKE, PolarFleece, ROKA, TYR Yup-we are admiringly obsessed with Nike's NYC World Cup and Sew-options... choose a jersey or two-and these styles get made with them...wow! only at Spring/W Broadway store in USA yup-on sale already-and a huge line -always-and it's by appointment too. WC worthy soccer tops...customize for your hometown 'hood-artwork-patch   Can't troop downtown to the Big Apple to make an appointment...there are other athletic inspired options for the sporty types...available on line.... Points on the retro logo PolarFleece -made in New England... BUILD YOUR OWN Andover Fleece $120-the soft/warm/ techy Polartec®solid 200 weight fleece made of recycled poly, comes in loads of colors-plus personalized tonal options-sleeves, body, pocket, grosgrain ribbon, collar, placket, snaps, binding---even the neck loop!!! Estimated time 6-8 weeks. Order now and have by late summer when temps start to d...