LYRA MAG.

Outdoor Retailer, SLC Utah Prana (ancient Sanskrit for breath , l ife and vitality of the spirit) has evolved “steadily and naturally” from its very humble beginning based in its founders’ garage…to morphed into one of the larger brands we cover in the performance/lifestyle wear world. We had some familiarity with the brand, as it's DNA is in the climbing world. Along the way, it has emerged with a  “present” mantra subplot…with clothes “ aware of every move you make For travel, everyday, yoga and other activities. Spring/Summer 2011 takes a turn through Barcelona with the bright color pops throughout the collection for gals. The lifestyle line-up has the stylish fabrics (burnouts) and details with unique patterns and prints, saturated colors, and sublimation artwork techniques that bump up the tees and dresses from the basics to pretty. For tops we favored this Elina Halter (pic above) with ribbon trim, and multi...

Words, Judith Ecochard, Images courtesy of Designers We’ve admired (coveted) the New York based lingerie and loungewear brand Lola Haze TM since its launch…as its designer Laura Mehlinger just ‘gets it’ when it comes to the sleek and sexy. Just in times for the Holiday gift giving season, a “whimsical one-of-a-kind wearable art” capsule collection of hand painted separates, in collaboration with artist Charlotte Pinson -debuts at Big Apple boutique Albertine on December 3rd. “Priced to suit the art aficionado on a budget” …the luxurious, soft structured silk charmeuse pieces, edged with sheer chiffon are easy to wear--- on the street or in the boudoir – emboldened with imaginative Asian inspired images of cranes, sparrows and figures leaning in for a kiss. "The end product is a beautiful and elegant garment that both of us took great pleasure in creating,” notes Pinson. " The whole process was a labor of love.” We think that gift-giving notion might include ourselves. INFO...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, Vivian G. Kelly and from www.gaiam.com and www.kissmyface.com It’s been a work-intensive summer, and we’re finally squeezing in a few mini-vacations on Nantucket and South Beach, Miami just before school starts again in September. We’ll be bringing our eco-conscious accessories and skin care projects on both trips. GAIAM Thanks to Gaiam, we’re ready to hit a Bikram yoga class while in Miami Beach and then head straight to the beach with our solar powered radio, towel, and yoga mat. In October, we can add a100% recyclable aluminum water bottle to our list of eco friendly leisure time gear. The water bottles will have prints that match our yoga mat. Available at Barnes & Noble, $10.98 in October 2008. The matching eco friendly yoga mat is nice and thick, has the necessary traction, and is thalate free. Pricing: In the $20 range, which is very reasonable for organic cotton. We’re hooked to our new solar charging radio, part of the REAL GOOD BY GAIMA line....

Text by J. Ecochard Remember the Web 1.0 craze? As in, toss around zillions of dollars and see if something”sticks” and actually grows into a profitable business. Well, industries ignoring the hype may have been penny wise, but proved to be pound foolish. Just look at how much music is still OVERWHELMINGLY downloaded for free. Legal or not. Which is why the retail and gaming businesses are embracing technology and acknowledge the critical need to get users onboard. We attended two events that highlight this changing world. On Sept. 10th, 2007, the lovely Rockefeller Center Loft and Gardens served as a dramatic backdrop for an introduction to an Internet enabler, the privately held, Silicon Valley company, Emdigo . Founded by graphics and video game industry veterans, this company develops software to drive content on mobile phones…and the press breakfast introduced the blending of Emdigo’s proprietary (but not patented) software with Finola Hughes, a super nice, style expert. Accordi...