LYRA MAG.

Less than a week getaways are key to our mental health -enough to explore (or tune out, unplugged)…without feeling overwhelmed with a to do list upon return. It’s a great way to take advantage of the super saver fares (Google Flights alert) and lodging deals that crop up PDQ too. ALWAYS in OUR cary-on roller: 1) Umbrella-unflappable/ unbreakable 'nough said. We all have been there -soaked in sudden downpours...with umbrellas-inverted /broken-at the slightest wind gust- their short lives ENDED- tossed into the nearest trash bin. Repeat repeat repeat- Shed Rain umbrellas made a Portland based family owned company in business as "weather engineers" for 75 years...shields travelers with their portable umbrellas that are truly the sturdiest we've ever had that fit into our 21 inch carry-on bag.  Think about it-  a re-invention of umbrella technology since---oh-the last century that actually exists.  The UNBELIEVABRELLA(tm) genuisly closes its fibergalss and metal tough ...

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...

Midtown, NYC words/images Judith Ecochard Of all the Pre-Fall previews-the most genius of a fashion/function collabs that we saw- has got to be the luxe knit skiwear (or wear wherever wear) sweaters designed by print master/fashion designer Nicole Miller and the sophisticated Colorado based, Euro inspired knitwear specialists Neve Designs. LINEAR (black) So we were told, Nicole Miller is an avid skier-in chic Aspen ---and a series of fortunate events/meetings resulted in this terrific assortment of boldly printed and very finely made ski and après ski  three season knits. LINEAR (grey) Clever graphics with a nod to the 60's Op Art---and design elements that hark back to the ski racing sweaters---(elbow patches)...are as eye-catching as the color combos---including the well done geometric color blocking -a trend now classic pattern. IMHO. Quarter Zip Sweaters-SHARDS Hooded Full Zip Every sweater-crew/mock necks, q...