LYRA MAG.

SPRING 2009 Color Collection December 12th, 2008 “ Inspired by the Earth’s Most Pure and Radiant Colors ,” Clé de Peau the luxe cosmetics line overseen by Shiseido Cosmetics debuted a flattering collection of shades for Spring 2009. Ready to hit counters in March are high shine Silky Lipsticks in Sunkissed Orange, Desert Glow, handy Eyes Color Quads (Calm Desert, Pure Oasis) and Cheek Color Duos in Sand Brown. Creative Director, Lucia Pieroni’s channeled the rocks, sand, dunes and deep blue oceans of Africa with “… shades to mimic that subtle play of light and environment…(for) a natural glow.” The new enhanced Cream Foundation SPF 18 ($118) is what gets our hearts pumping as we already use the silky smooth spreading and long lasting medium to full coverage foundation already…’cuz it lasts, and doesn’t sink into wrinkles. The new foundation treats our visages with skincare ingredients like Super-Bio-Hyaluronic Acid for moisture, and Green Tea and Rosa Roxburghii extracts for dam...

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS™ SPOKESPERSON CC Verallo Rowell Flaitron District, NYC December 12th, 2008 Words- Judith Ecochard, Images from the Company Website & J. Ecochard We tend to steer clear of scented skincare products…and even fragrance free goods tend not to be. Annoying. Lucky for us, an invite to experience VMV Hypoallergenics™ got us clicking on the website. Immediately we knew this skincare company was scientifically special---because impressively, the UVA/UVB ratings of their sunscreen products equaled those in Europe. Meaning, VMV has separate (high) standards for UVA and UVB full spectrum protection from indoor and outdoor light sources … AND the VH-Number rating system (developed by said company) that grades a product’s safety based on how many allergens it does not contain. For us, this meant effective sunscreen ( Armanda Sport 70 and Armada Lip Balm -we demo-ed) that didn’t make us break out, protected us on a long 15 mile hike, and could be used by anyone who needed a s...

Finally---Chic and Warm Merge! New York, NY December 12th 2008 In a room full of creative and hip New Yorkers people gathered together to celebrate, it’s a tribute to Elyse Allen , a textile designer and Rhode Island School of Design instructor, that her attire stood out. And it wasn’t the denim jeans (standard) but her made-by-her knockout hand knit cashmere bracelet length fingerless gloves studded with Swarovski crystals (with matching sparkling cap and scarves) that caught our eyeballs. Turns out, this innovative textile designer conjures up and crafts these warm and edgy embellished accessories-all made the old fashioned way---in Brooklyn. Allen has a great eye for color and materials…and creates her own color palette for her plush cashmeres and merino wools, sourced from the finest international mills. Magically, the results are sophisticated and cozy--- On our wish list----the fingerless elbow length gloves with Mondrian like lambskin wool horizontal strips woven in. So cool. I...

Sexy Chic For Less Words, Judith Ecochard, Images Courtesy of Guess We have to admire the Guess clothing/accessories brand. We grew up on those striking black/white advertisements of Anna Nicole Smith looking fab and fetching in her Guess jeans… Now, Guess' gurus, the Marciano brothers--- are so beyond just serving up denim. Case in point, the breezy Marciano Hunt Tie Dress ($198) that American actress Lauren Storm ( High School Musical 3) wore to the Environmental Media Awards at the Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, last month. The Raspberry Rush silk dress-with a flattering v-neck, high waist, and light as air layered skirts is a flattering silhouette for many body types…and can be worn with strappy high heel sandals in warm climes…or multi task when the thermometer dips- when paired with a short, wrapped sweater and fitted, skinny boots. We also loved the sexy secretary gone formal outfit on Megalyn Echikunwoke who wore the Marciano Alma Long Sleeve Shirt - ($108) and & Tar...

December 10, 2008 Words, Judith Ecochard, Images Courtesy of Designer New Zealand born, New York based Rebecca Taylor is known for her feminine, colorful frocks that have a huge dose of “kitten” chic. Celeb fans like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Winslett, Cate Blanchett, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez have donned her garb. For Resort 2009-which we think is a seasonal collection geared toward those who live in warm climes…or are planning to travel there, hence “Resort” …Taylor delivers exuberant Liberty print style floral- empire waist dress and a easy wear long “patio” dress …and bold solid tone sleeveless dresses (modern chic sleek)- with ruffle and ribbon girly touches. A wrap short sleeve sweater in shades of muted pink and lavender and a neutral shade multi front pocketed garb… that can work as tunic…or a cover-up- round out the collection that hits stores this month. INFO : REBECCA TAYLOR Available this month in stores worldwide this month...priced $210-$500

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard and from Company website. 348 West 36th Street 8th/9th Avnues--December 5th, 7:30 PM We had a nice conversation with Masako Somogye , President and Sara Bridgman , Events Director of Tokyo Violet…a chic, sophisticated event space, on West 36th Street. This former photographer’s studio, smack dab in the middle of New York's Fashion District, has hosted sorieés for major labels- as it’s expansive white walls, soaring 22 ft ceilings, and workable loft size (2250 sq. ft.) is the ideal venue for pop-up showrooms, trunk shows, and fashion presentations. A dedicated art collector, Somogye has been on the Big Apple gallery scene for years. As owner of the Tokyo Violet space, this smart lady had a recent light bulb moment to form a non-profit organization that “helps young fashion designers in some way.” Violà Designer Internationale …a non-profit organization that – for a minimum annual member ship (ranging from $500-$1500) offers benefits like access to t...

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon Edited by Vivian G. Kelly Images : Courtesy of Urban Chic Urban Chic gives a warm fashionista welcome to KiKi Beach Time and Place: Thursday November 13th 5-9pm Urban Chic, Bethesda Location One of the trendiest boutiques in town, Urban Chic, held a trunk show for store manager Catherine Koch to welcome Kiki Beach to the neighborhood. A local to the Baltimore area, Catherine is now living in the swank Georgetown and has a serious addiction to clothes and statement necklaces. Always interested in fashion she worked in boutiques during the summers in college. After graduating in 2004 her desire for jewelry making began. Catherine was hooked once her Aunt Wendy showed her how to make necklaces. She began making necklaces for her friends, which also including for weddings. When she made the move to Washington DC she applied for a part time sales job at Urban Chic in Georgetown in June of 2007 and has been with the company ever since, and is now a Store Manager. I...