LYRA MAG.

From the UK---but products sold in places like  Sephora  …..CIATE

Outdoor Retailer, SLC Cradle to cradle -documenting garment's lifestyle…from start (seed, petrochemicals) to finish (landfill, repurposed)…is more than just a buncha talking points in the outdoor industry. It is a way of doing business…ensuring continuity---of the outdoors. AFTER ALL. AND alongside the food/cosmetics/beauty industries, apparel ingredients that are being scrutinized by consumers, worldwide ---apparel is meaningfully becoming part of that awareness and concern of what goes into  and on  their bodies... For Instance... IMO: A lot of wearers -including the guys we hike with-would be/are shocked as to how the keep it warm things they attire themselves with-in this instance down/feather insulation- gets sourced/processed/sold…particularly when it bears environmentally aware company label tags dedicated (and advertised)- to keeping it green. Frankly, we were too. Cruel free/ethical practices are seriously in the mission mix- in 2014. And it should be…e...

Outdoor Retailer, SLC Part 12 Collectively, Americans are charitable-with time and/or money donated to worthy causes that benefit those less fortunate and the health of planet earth. The Outdoor Industry -no surprise ---is incredibly supportive of several initiatives…and has been for years. One of the reasons we think that the " Triple Bottom Line " -People, Planet, Profit (sustainable growth/corporate responsibility) is a  given  for just about every exhibitor at this 2x year tradeshow, big and small. And as always, practice makes perfect. CHARITY Begins... On the tradeshow floor-Primaloft® collection of swapped out outerwear-donated to  non-profit,  The Road Home   At Demo Day-Helly Hansen-swap out-600 base layers donated, new  Helly Hansen LIFA  l/s received…or acquired with $20 donation-benefitting non-profit  SPLORE  a 501c(3) connects those with disabilities and the great outdoors AS SOON AS THE REGISTER IS RUNG: ...

OUR LATEST OBSESSION : SHWOOD SUNGLASSES -a Portland company acclaimed for their wooden frames-teams up with legendary bat maker Louisville Slugger -for bat+ shades-of ash wood-used bats. Fab! No doubt-a limited edition-guaranteed sell-out… THE DETAILS: Shwood and Louisville Slugger teamed up to produce a limited edition collection that launches today (3/31/2014) in conjunction with MLB’s Opening Day for the 2014 season. The brands worked together to craft two of Shwood's most popular sunglass frames, the Canby and the Haystack, with reclaimed ash wood from old, cracked or broken Slugger bats.  Made in the United States, both frames will be offered as part of the Shwood Original and Shwood Select collections, with either a flame-tempered or paint-dipped process finish. The Original models come paired with a branded wool pouch and a custom trading card. The Select kit includes: a matching limited-edition bat, a custom trading card, a leather travel case with Slu...

Outdoor Retailer/SLC Part 11 When it comes to hardgoods, it seems it's an alpha male dominated world (in sales too) ---and it garners a lot of attention at trade shows for the outdoors bound. But we happily noted two women entrepreneurs showing their genius creations specifically crafted for their gender--one familiar and with a concept much envied (and now copied) by the big corporations… and the other, a fairly new company that has gotten so much buzz that its offerings regularly sell-out. WOMEN INVENTORS: Shelby Mason Bootights premium leg wear with actual socks attached-new Chinook Base Sharper Bootights®=  Legwear Librated -started super small-we met the engaging and smart Shelby Mason at a Snow Magazine event in the Big Apple---during her company's early early days. Back then - the few styles available of these premium hosiery with thermal and comfy sock feet, sold in a New York minute. on left-GI Jane Camo Bootights Since then---the fas...

New Balance Classics -are eye catching re-issues of vintage flavored kicks-in tonal waves that add a pop to any ensemble. Highlights: Just in time for a summer launch - the New Balance 577 swims up in two colorways, which clearly proves: every cloud has a silver lining.  The 577 Seaside Pack is a tribute to the Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh, who not only conjured up waterproof textiles, but also invented the eponymous raincoat in 1823.  Seaside Pack-Made in the UK-M577 Inspired by sun loungers, ice cream and colorful carousel from the Victorian era, Candy Colors dominate the design of the Seaside pack and emphasize how beautiful  a sunny day at the beach can really be.  Details include the woven packing label on the tongue, the weather map print on the insole and embroidered Union Jack emphasize on the heel patch of the M577  -in an  80's Classic silhouette with ENCAP midsole and external heel stabilizer-and MADE IN ENGLAND. The 5...

Outdoor Retailer/SLC Part 10 Taking its cue from couture-and 3D printing---there has been a growing trend to allow customers to customize their outdoor/athletic purchases beyond moldable insoles…(like  TYR googles  to Adidas Springblade running shoes )---or to seriously limit the numbers of items…usually because of the hand made, labor intensive aspect of the product. HAVE IT YOU WAY-Limited Editions Highlights: Fours day of labor-to create each Kritipur Sweater Jacket $249... Sherpa Adventure Gear hand knit Kritipur Sweater Jacket/hoodies-are numbered and signed…and fantastic. Limited to 500-all sport inner labels -pictured above. The cozy Primaloft One insulation and non-chafing fleece collar lining-the finishing touches-done by machine--- Sherpa Mountain Gear-also serves up serious attire for those scaling the mountains-made in the company's Nepal locale-custom made. $1200 ...