LYRA MAG.

part 2 Amundsen Sport s' collection of tech performance head to toe apparel separates/shoes/boots-have rightfully earned 'BEST OF..." from outdoors'y media royalty... After all... This Norwegian collection-made in those special European locales with expertise -boasts top of the line performance/protection fabrics (like Schoeller ), and materials ( Vibram's Arctic Grip ) etc. But what really grabbed our eyeballs beyond the multiple hangtags  -is the label's stylish fusion of the best retro looks that ooze city cool (think '90s iconic J Peterman selections)...with high-end functional travel-trek-mountain scaling pieces usually reserved for global jaunts in remote locales. Where your outfits are often key to surviving the elements. Highlights: MOUNTAIN MUCKS ILUJJINIQ Waxed Cotton zip front water-tough gaiters (snap shut top with logo patch)-atop lace-up leather boots.Limited edition-in dark oak/natural. Comes with 2 inner boots (standard ver...

If AI algorithmic suggestions are replacing  thoughts waaaay to much-hit the road for IRL adventures, Durable Eve basics   (Killing Eve ) or  luxury Villanelle items -make life on the road appealing-helping to ditch screens for the novelties of the living. WITH no dead bodies piling up either. TIP One: One way to go: Van Rentals Tricked out vans are prefect for that blend of predictive posh comfort/transportation-resplendent with elevated basics. Villanelle(s) who never really lay down roots- in pursuit of ___ should spring for the upscale  Peace Vans Modern rental fleet-first-of-its kind custom camping vehicles built on the pop top Mercedes Metris or custom Mercedes Sprinters vans. THINK  portable surroundings complete with a curved bamboo interior, propose built kitchen gallery with induction cooktop, sink, large refrigerator, queen size bed, captain's chairs, high thread count linens and more plush Peace Van's special touches. The same ...

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...

A lexander Wang x Uniqlo Fashion's marquee names have been collaborating with streetwear, fast fashion...and footwear companies for so many years now- there's a new collection every week. At least. Sure -some still sell-out (mostly)...but the on e we actually would wear (vs whatever-hoping for a quick flip profit on eBay) =  Alexander Wang x Uniqlo ...with everyday cold weather basics. The line-up for women includes L/S crews, ribbed crew neck tees, tank tops, body suits (L/S and sleeveless), undergarments, and THE bottom staple-slim fitted leggings...all available in neutral tones- at the very un Wang but very Uniqlo price points. There's a men's collection too. The smart and innovative Japanese based label Uniqlo...and its heat reflecting fabric HEATTECH deliver in warm and extra warm versions...and as with all Uniqlo merchandise (our experience)-the quality is outstanding.  From $9.90-$39.90 PS: not for nothing-we knew Alexander Wang was somethin...

Part 1: BLACK Leggings+BIKE HELMET Shiny new objects abound-but sometimes its the don't mess with success' stuff-we keep going back to use/wear/eat... via GIPHY Best high and/or mid waist- winter worthy black leggings-for exercising (or crawling along)...to wear in/out of gym, on a run, layered up over-for a night out-or in- that won't want to rip off the sec you get home:

FREE PEOPLE MOVEMENT, REEBOK, TIEM Spin Shoes via GIPHY Higher waist bands, autumnal tones, two tone prints pops-and a lot more white separates than usually sees in Fall-mixed in with year round pieces-for indoor, casual and workout wear -wherever ...

Part 3 HARD TAIL FOREVER, SPIRITUAL GANGSTER, THREADS 4 THOUGHT Metropolitan Pavilion Bold Black/White stripes from Hard Tail Forever (MADE IN THE USA)-can see how these graphic pieces work with cool black or white lifestyle staples-like their cool  to jacket Hard Tail. ..also had several shades of gray-in subdued camo casual sweatpants-jogger style with comfy drawstring waist- and tie dye patterns in stretch pants/leggings hybrid with slimming flat waist. At this tradeshow-we saw prints in layered bands as pictured above on the left-which imo-more flattering (slimming)---vs last season's overall bright patterns that add visual inches to thighs. Probably why we see very few overall print pattern bottoms at the gym we belong too-but see loads of-mesh inserts in all black leggings/capris-that adds a fun lingerie element to gym wear. Spiritual Gangste r-yoga inspired clothing-black/white crop new High Neck Bra top-racer back available now $48... Threads ...

MPG, RHONE Part One The NY version of the sports-yoga-workout wear focused Active Collective had loads of terrific athletic style-that anyone would wear on or off the courts, in a gym, or outdoors on weekend downtime. IMO-athleisure is a permanent lifestyle apparel category...and we saw plenty of multi-tasking pieces made from tech fabrics for Fall 2017-in subdued autumnal colors, fewer prints (than what we have seen for Spring)-but interestingly enough...a bunch of bold black/white items at several exhibitors. MPG ( MODETTA PERFORMANCE GEAR ) started as a fashion savvy- dancer focused collection of studio separates to wear off th barre- but has grown into a brand for athletes pursuing various activities-with performance pieces for runners, gym-heads, yoga buffs and dancers---and comfy casual wear that also doubles as versatile travel pieces. In the front-cozy long knit cardigan for woman-belt it for wearing to an office-or keep it loose for downtime comfort, In back te...

Fjällräven, L.L.Bean, Trew, RYU Apparel Traditional outdoor brands expand into fitness, urban athlete apparel's appeal. via GIPHY   james curran

X-Static®, XT2® SILVADUR INTELLIFRESH™, COOLCORE™, ColdPruf®,  Terramar® We do enough sweat inducing long distance triathlons-to have pure sympathy for those volunteers at water stations-and at the finish line-who get tasked with the possibly odorous job of unstrapping those timing chips. Mercifully-even if our sunscreen/deodorant wilts before before we do-at least our outfits are more or less aroma free and slightly cooler...courtesy of what is now standard for athletic wear-some kind of anti-odor/microbial woven in-or bathed in treatment-and increasingly-more rapidly evaporating fabrics with cooling sensations. Some Highlights:  When we see pricey outerwear pieces not made from naturally smell depressing materials such as merino wool...we are shocked that readily available offerings from companies such as Noble Biomaterial or Silvadur... aren't in the mix. And that includes fashion apparel too. We wrote up  NOBLE BIOMATERIAL S'  Circuitex™  last ...

AKA the reason why it $s so much for some apparel/footwear Part 1 Convex Vest -Voormi   Tis the season for 2016 F/W apparel  deliveries...and consumers are carefully counting their pennies when it comes to clothing buys. With performance/athletic wear- outdoor urban types-with limited time for adventures and closet space...are demanding more that just style/fitted 'stuff.'  PLUS- the more rugged and risky outdoor pastime, the more the garment components need to perform-including versatile textile features and superior manufacturing quality...with meaningful warranties.  When one's life is on the line- trekking a summit, snowboarding backcountry-or 'just' strolling around town- multi-tasking apparel-made with performance-more eco/sustainably made fabrics/wools/synthetics- are the norm...including many of  the musts- breathability, moisture wicking, warm when wet,  four way stretch, anti-odor...easy clean. SOME HIGHLIGHTS: S...

 SLC/OR Adidas Outdoors showed off a collection that is as tech as any-delivering at great prices-with a bit of style flair---. DEF not athleisure, there is too much performance functionality for that fashion category-but true to the rest of this German company's other collections-there is a lot of smart design going on. All multi-tasking pieces... ll Outdoor Flyloft Jacket Love the imagery of satellite shot of Himalayan mountains on 3-4 seasons worthy mid-outer layer jacket made of lightweight synthetic down insulation for warmth/comfort, that will not clump and will not lose insulation when washed. EZ clean  durable nylon outer fabric. Packs into its own pocket for easy storage. Lightweight synthetic down insulation : provides warmth and comfort.  Pack-it pocket.  Zip hand pockets and internal security pocket.  Ultra lightweight material for packability and protection Colors men: shock blue // raw ochre // dark grey // super ...

NYC/SLC Stats put the average American adult weight gain between Thanksgiving - New Years at 5-7lbs...which is why holiday gifts aimed at the active can help with the waistline as well as enhance the experience for the cycling enthusiast on your list- get spinning-indoors and out . Our Picks... SUGOI   is acclaimed for their top-of-the-line athletic wear.. including aero worthy apparel for everyday recreation rides- on the road, mountain or the racing circuit-with sleek elite race wear. Jersey, shorts, tights, tech tees...for all kinds of weather. Pictured RSE Alpha Bike Jacket  $230 Lightweight woven shell-breathable, wind+water resistance-made with synthetic top of the line Polartec® Alpha insulation---details like drop back hem, reflective pops, side back zip and front chest pockets, diagonal off set main zip with non-chafing cage, grippy hems, thermal stretchy sides SUGOI's women's  -advanced fabrics -engineered construction panels efficiently moves...