LYRA MAG.

We recently got an email blast titled “REAL MALE CELEBRITIES...” etc…a reference to actors in the news using upscale grooming products; specifically- BILLY JEALOUSY LIQUIDSAND EXFOLIATING FACIAL CLEANSER and the semi-precious Gemstone loaded (Malachite, Iron, Rhodochrositem, Smithsonite) upscale PAYOT HOMME's OPTIMALE Skincare line. Well it’s about time…that guys got a clue about the benefits of the right products. Billy Jealousy’s cleanser is a soft grain scrub that gets the grime out while natural ingredients like Morus Nigra Leaf Extract leave a man’s visage moisturized. ($24). The Optimale line by PAYOT HOMME- is a collection of skincare goodies--- we are sure girlfriends will be reaching for. We found the claim that Gemstone ingredients can penetrate the epidermis to heal and sooth---very interesting. And revolutionary, to say the least. But it makes sense to us when we consider how just about everything we slap on our skin… permeates our cells and gets readily absorbed. We...

THE GREEN “ELITE” OUTDOOR GEAR COMPANY WE actually needed snowshoes and crampons for our hike in the mountains this past weekend. And it got us thinking about the materials used in making the equipment that enables us to enjoy nature in close to pristine conditions. After all, outdoor enthusiasts are typically sustainable lifestyle advocates too.MAKES SENSE. We were happy to meet the Crescent Moon folks from Boulder Colorado back in January---- and learn about this elite snowshoe producer- best known for its innovative binding design and unique “tear-drop” shaped frames. We got schooled by Jake Thamm , the President of the company, that he founded in 1997...at the recent Outdoor Retail Market. What’s new for 2009 are the snowshoes of the top of the line-coined the “Gold” series…with “improved stability to the entire binding system, redesigning the heel pad for greater grip, using durable material for the straps and using a larger heel claw with deeper and aggressive traction.” IE: “...

"THE VISIONARY" exclusively for Bloomingdales West Chelsea, NYC We are BIG admirers of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation , a 501©3 organization-- “…founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons …[and] dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant arts exposure, access and education as well as providing exhibition opportunities to early and mid-career artists and artists of color.” So we said “YES” to a quick jaunt down to the gallery district in Manhattan to take in the artist Noah G’s Artexpo NY opening night soiree recently...as 100% the evening’s cover charge went straight to the aforementioned non-profit. The nightclub Home was packed for the occasion- with classic disco tunes (surprise) getting a well-dressed crowd on their feet and bopping on the dance floor. NOAH G’s POPography Reminding us a bit of Mark Kostabi, Noah Greenspan makes use of photography and digital art technology to create colorful Pop Art expressionis...

NEW HEALING 3-MINUTE AFTER SHAVE MASK® Words, Images Judith Ecochard and courtesy of The Art of Shaving March 20th, 2009 It’s not often that we wish we were hairier, ha ha but after taking in the brand new luxe two black and chrome barber chairs nestled in the posh – The Art of Shaving Barber Spa at Bloomingdale’s flagship 59th Street branch…we wouldn’t have minded sportin’ a few whiskers. A very happy customer was loving The Four Elements of The Perfect Shave® --a relaxing aromatherapy based treatment of “ Prepare…Lather Up!...Shave…and Moisturize …” complete with hot towel and soothing skin lotions. Well, we could not indulge but we could admire the handsome 400 square ft space on the main floor that captures the sleek elegance of the men’s shop--- with contemporary black lacquered furniture. And naturally... the complete line of The Art of Shaving natural skincare, hair care, body care and fragrances is available for sale. Also making a favorable impact on men’s faces is the new Aft...

BABY DOLL LISA F. PLINER DEBUTS SEXY NEW SHOE LINE FIFTH AVENUE, MIDTOWN MANHATTAN Words and Images -Judith Ecochard March 19th, 2009 We always seem to luck out weather wise when we visit the aerie wrapped terrace office/showroom of Donald J. Pliner , the master maestro of the elegant, on trend, and comfortable shoe collection. And as always, we wonder how anyone gets any work done with these glorious Central Park views. Not surprisingly, this year’s kickers are carefully edited down to select styles----albeit available in an amazing assortment of materials and shades. Plus the satchels and clutches are just as refined and well made as the shoes---in the Italian factories that Pliner’s been using for eons. THE WOMEN: We started our preview with a series of knockout hand painted python and polished calf (almost as shiny as patent) intricately woven booties and thickly strapped sandals. We love the materials and the heels---that are a pleasure to walk in-thanks to Pliner’s trademark (or ...