LYRA MAG.

GIFTS FOR THE GALS THAT LIKE TO SHINE E. SHAW Jewels, NINA, CAROLEE, DIAMOND VENEER, ARTISAN GALLERY, KARA MAC SHOE CANDY, MARGO MANHATTAN via GIPHY Shiny-sparkly-fabulous-giftables if jewelry priced well...including under $50 to statement pieces in solid silver. E.Shaw Jewels -a mother/daughter duo-multi strand wrapped bracelets in gemstones-match up with wardrobes, tap in birthday stone's 'energy's' or such up with college/ school colors. Starting at $125

CAROLEE, NINA, E. SHAW Jewels NYC Dazzled and bedazzled...jewelry, like fashion ---is personal-with anything goes styles-from sleek modern that enhances an outfit- to bolder bling that makes a statement. Also- like fashion...the mix-up of high/low---price wise and material components...worn together...looking just right. Part One: Highlights from recent media previews: Carolee- Love-This Cluster of Joy Pin $55- hand polished luster rich pearls and sparkling crystals in this beauty for an arm party...Word Play East Village Collection of bracelets ($75) to layer on-with the 411 of symbolic semi-precious stone- surrounded by cubic zirconium Central Park Boathouse Woven Bracelet clear glass-resin stones and pretty gold-blue stain woven bracelet that makes a statement $85 Fashion Avenue Dramatic OpenWork Pierced Earrings - tortoise horn drop earrings we think look great with white tee denim casual outfit...$75 Cabaret Stone Dropped pierced earrings-$7...

FANCY FOODS SHOW, NYC Declared the flavor of the year ( FIRMENICH )...honey -and we think-maple- are more in demand as a sweetners by consumers seeking more 'natural' ingredients-in everything they eat---and what gets put on their faces/bodies too (personal beauty/grooming products). Honey and maple products-artisanally made, and uniquely flavored depending on geographic location, soil composition, and the weather-(like wine actually )---from smaller producers based in the USA, France and New Zealand- really caught our eyes (and tastebuds) -at the recent 2015 Fancy Foods show. Notably-everyone we spoke with in the honey world-remarked on- sadly- stressed and rapidly disappearing honey bee colonies around the world. Factors like use of insecticides/pesticides, hybrid plants,  and environmental-climate changes greatly impact these wonders of the insect world. AND what this means for many MANY agricultural produce =talking serious $ damage too -for those deny-er types only...

Retail deliveries don't always coincide with fashion weeks -or the weather---which partially explains why we saw plenty of sunglasses and hats at the Fall shows last February-but a surprising lack of these accessory eye protector-head covering musts-during the most recent Spring shows. And so many designers license out their names for these high margin items too. Hmm. Other observations-of course, well crafted accessories are year round wearable...and some are available year round too. AND-less hype on one kind of wearable= the wearable techy 'stuff'-vs last season's shows...maybe the Apple watches-FitBits already garnered so much attention...the focus on the wrists seemed to us-to be on luxury watches that take oh- 1450+hours via hand wrought-highly skilled craftspeople-- to make--- vs 2 days for a smart watch via highly automated machine. OR think of it this way-a collectible piece vs replaceable one that needs an upgrade about a week after purchase. Some Hi...