Fly Free

 

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First came the Nike Free, a super flexible, minimal running shoe, designed to support the foot’s natural movement during the stride. Introduced about 10 years ago, the shoe has become one of the biggest sellers in swoosh history among athletes and fashionistas alike.

Then came the Nike Flyknit about a year ago, available in both a race and training model, revered for its knit structure and resulting precision fit. While Track & Field superstar Allyson Felix may train in this shoe, it is the beautiful tapestry of the interwoven threads, that have established it as another winner among the fashion set.

Debuting next week, August 1 to be precise, is the eagerly anticipated combination of these two styles, merging into one as the Nike Free Flyknit. The shoe features the sole of the Free 5.0, combined with an extra elasticized Flyknit upper. While I haven’t seen the shoe yet, if the pictures do it justice, I have a feeling this one will become another favorite among runners and sneakerheads alike. Falling into both categories myself, I can’t wait to get my hands, or should I say feet, on a pair!

 

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia

 
NEW YORK SUPERFOODS CHIA MOXIE PEANUT BUTTER

 

No we are not talking about ChiaPets, that sprouting clay animal of our youth, but the wonder seed chia, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber, the benefits of which are lowered cholesterol, anti-aging, and cancer prevention. The seeds are some the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat, with just two tablespoons containing 10 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, more calcium than milk, more Omega-3s than salmon and more iron than spinach.

Besides these wide-ranging health benefits, this superfood is one of the top fuel sources for endurance athletes. The best-selling book, Born To Run, highlighted chia seeds as the indigenous dietary staple of the Tarahumara Indians, a tribe of ultra-runners in the Copper Canyons of Mexico, noted for their 50+ mile runs. Because of their extreme absorbancy, chia seeds provide sustained energy and help prevent dehydration. They expand up to ten times their original size when soaked in water, forming a gel-like substance that slows the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar and allows carbohydrates consumed to fuel the body for longer periods of time. This helps stabilize blood sugar levels and regulate body fluids to retain electrolytes, critical in preventing dehydration during long runs.

Now we are not the Tarahumara Indians, who are going to eat a handful of not particularly tasty chia seeds before a run. There is however, a new line of chia rich products on the market, created specifically for athletes. I recently sampled the “Chia Chargers” and “Chia Moxie Peanut Butter” by the family owned and run, New York Superfoods. These products are completely natural, gluten-free, certified non-GMO and delicious! Co-founder Catherine Walsh, a runner and triathlete, created these products with her husband, to fill a gap in the marketplace of nutritious chia products designed for athletic performance. Launched in 2010, they created the first ever raw chia health energy bite, the Chia Charger®  and now have a line chia peanut butters as well. Regardless of your fitness level or activity, these products are a tasty way to incorporate this superfood into your diet, with the added benefit of enhanced athletic performance. Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!

 

Team Spirit

 

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Its “Go Team” with the names of such fashion all-stars as Slimane, Owens, Wang and Jacobs adorning the hottest sport jerseys of the season. Designers have gone back to high school, recreating and updating the classic varsity jackets, basketball jerseys, track pants and baseball tees worn in gym class and around campus, for a cool casual look on and off the playing field. 

ROW 1: LPD NEW YORK TEAM SLIMANE T-SHIRT $85. Play in your favorite designer with these Slimane, Wang, Margiela, Miuccia, Jacobs, Philo and more T-shirts available at Net-A-Porter and VFilesTOP SHOP JERSEY VARSITY A BOMBER JACKET $70. It’s the classic letter jacket in grey jersey with contrast cream sleeves; LOVE LEATHER SLAM DUNK TANK $750. This lambskin leather mesh cut-out tank top features white contrasting New York lettering and is available with Paris too!

ROW 2: SPLENDID VARSITY COLORBLOCK TEE $68; Classic football jersey styling are combined with Splendid’s signature soft knit jersey for this cute gym-class update. Pair with shorts shown below; RICK OWENS “LILIES” CROPPED JERSEY TRACK PANTS $440. These anthracite jersey track pants are comfortable and cool, designed with an elasticated waist, a relaxed fit and blended with touches of angora and wool; SUPERDRY ANGELS T-SHIRT $40. These Superdry retro baseball tees come in a wide variety of colors and styles that include fitted and boyfriend, short and long sleeved.

ROW 3: SPLENDID VOILE SHORT $88. This luxe two tone short features that classic track style with contrasting trim and a drawstring waist; INSIDE OUT T-SHIRT $108. Recognized as leaders in digital print for their “trompe l’oeil” textiles, Inside Out has created a selection of team jersey inspired tees for the fall 2013 season. Pre-order now at Colette Paris; ADIDAS ORIGINALS TEAM BAG $75. This old-school Adidas Originals Team Bag is an updated reproduction of a heritage piece and features a detachable 3-Stripes shoulder strap, top-loading main compartment and zip end pockets.

 

 

“The Crash Reel”

 
KEVIN PEARCE: PHOTOGRAPH BY ADAM MORAN

 

Now airing on HBO is “The Crash Reel”, a documentary about snowboarder Kevin Pearce, his horrific crash during a half pipe training run, and amazing recovery from the Traumatic Brain Injury that resulted. The film takes place over two years and focuses equally on the Pearce family (his father is Simon Pearce, well known glassware manufacturer). Watching footage of the actual crash, one is amazed it was not fatal and his journey back from near death is quite miraculous. The emotional toll Kevin’s accident takes on his family, their strength and bond is highlighted in particular when Kevin expresses his desire to snowboard again.

The film is directed by Lucy Walker, twice Oscar nominated for “Waste Land” and “The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom”. In its review, The New York Times credits Ms.Walker with not making “The Crash Reel” a triumph-over-adversity film. While Kevin does snowboard again, it far from his skill leval before the crash. She raises the question of sponsors and television encouraging recklessness, and exploiting these action sport athletes who know no limits.  The film also features the stories of a number of well known action sports athletes not as lucky as Kevin.  Read More

 

A Little Dot Will Do Ya

 

 

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Big Dots, little dots, multi-color, black and white, are popping up on everything from bike helmets to tennis skirts to skateboards and more. Cheerful little polkadots are decorating all our favorite sporting goods and adding an extra dose of fun to our games. Guaranteed to bring out the kid in everyone, check out a few of our spotted favorites! 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: NUTCASE HELMETS “DOTS” $60; VANS CHAMBRAY DOTS $55NIKE GOLF MULTI DOT POLO $65ADIDAS OPTI DOT SWIMSUIT $58SUPRA WRAP SNEAKERS $49.99; JOFIT TENNIS SKORT OASIS DOT $60; PENNY SKATEBOARDS “PENNY HOLIDAY” $110ASICS CITY DOT REVERSIBLE COMPRESSION SHORTS $30; CENTER: TERRAIN BOCCE BALL SET $298

 

 

The Folding Helmet

 

While there has been a boom in bicycle commuting, city cycling and bike sharing programs, and there are quite a few chic helmets on the market designed for the discerning urban rider, no one has addressed the question of what to do with one’s bulky headgear in between rides until now. The Carrera Foldable Helmet is a revolution, offering great protection that accordion folds to half its size for far easier storage. Available in a wide array of both fun and refined, shiny and matte colors, the helmet features a collapsable flexible frame, interwoven with an elastic fitting system that provides a superior fit and comfort too. Finally there is a new helmet on the road to fit into one’s Celine ,Vuitton or Saint Laurent (oversized). Now that’s the way to go!

 

Patagonia at 40: The Legacy Collection

 
CLICK FOR SNEAK PEEK OF THE LEGACY COLLECTION 

 

In celebration of their upcoming 40th anniversary, the designers at Patagonia decided to go back to where it all started. They culled from the archives and dug up their most iconic pieces, 9 of which have been reinterpreted and reproduced for the Legacy Collection debuting in September.

Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, family, friends, and many of the original crew were asked to select their favorite pieces from over the years. All were pretty much in agreement about which ones to bring back. “It’s really just a moment that you are actually doing your activity”, says designer John Rapp, “most of it is prepping”. He describes this as a “lifestyle” collection, inspired by those technical pieces but created to “get you there and back”.

Click above for a lookbook preview of the clothes in action. Read More

 

FUN & GAMES: PICNIC STYLE

 

 

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TWO BY VINCE CAMUTO PLAID BLOUSE $69; BEST MADE LUMBERLANDER CAMP BLANKET $184SUPERGA CHECKS $85L.L.BEAN LEATHER HANDLE TOTE $49.95SUEDE TRAVEL BACKGAMMON $192.95BROOKSTONE PICCADILLY PICNIC BASKET FOR 2 $77.95HARDWOOD PADDLE BALL SET $169.95PRADA JACQUARD SMALL BOWLER BAG $1650PRET-A-SURF GINGHAM RETRO STYLE BIKINI $275PASHLEY BRITANNIA BICYCLE $1395

 

The picnic is one of the great summertime activities complete with its own chic and sporty style. Gingham, checks and plaids are the look, designed with a nod to the 50’s, the era when the picnic became synonymous with classic Amercian style. The best part about picnic style is it need not be limited to the great outdoors. It’s sexy, cool and comfortable wherever the summer heat may find you.

The perfect picnic needs the perfect accessories, from the blanket to the basket to the outdoor games. Portable tasty treats are main ingredient and easy transport is key. Roll it, tote it, bike it and go. You’re ready for some guaranteed good old-fashioned fun!

 

The Perfect Sporty White…

 

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TYR SPECIAL OPS TRIATHLON GOGGLES $29.95FILA WOMENS SUMMER COLLEZIONE RIBBON DRESS $75MARMOT TRAIL WIND JACKET $75ORLEBAR BROWN IPANEMA TRINITY BIKINI $385HERMES KELLY DOUBLE TOUR BRACELET $455T BY ALEXANDER WANG CLASSIC JERSEY RACER BACK $77BOAST TOURNAMENT BLAZER $360; CENTER: CONVERSE JACK PURCELL $60J.CREW 3″ WHITE CHINO SHORT $45PACIFIC CYCLES IF MODE FOLDING BICYCLE $2700SPLENDID VERY LIGHT JERSEY V-NECK $48SMYTHSON JACKIE TOTE $995

 

Summertime equals white and we are all on the quest for that perfect t-shirt, pair of jeans, shorts, tote, sneakers, jacket and more! These pieces need to have that cool and easy style, and be both simple and chic. Above are our picks for the 15 “Perfect White” essentials… everything you need for the perfect summer!

THE PERFECT WHITE SNEAKER
CONVERSE JACK PURCELL

This iconic sneaker was first introduced in the 1930’s and has a timeless style that looks great on both men and women. No wardrobe should be without a pair!

THE PERFECT WHITE BUTTON DOWN
BROOKS BROTHERS BLACK FLEECE OXFORD BUTTON DOWN SHIRT

From the fashion forward but still classic, Thom Browne designed Black Fleece collection from Brooks Brothers, comes this perfect white oxford button down. It has all the quintessential styling details of the mens shirt, but perfectly cut for a woman and garment washed for that great worn in feel.

THE PERFECT WHITE V-NECK 
SPLENDID VERY LIGHT JERSEY V-NECK 

Splendid was founded with the mission to make the perfect t-shirt, focusing on high quality fabrics, classic silhouettes and exceptional comfort. This jersey v-neck is right on brand, made from luxuriously soft Supima cotton, with a body skimming flattering fit. Read More

 

Aviation Nation

 

 

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The ever popular aviator sunglasses have taken flight this season with a spectrum of bright summer colors. Favorites like Ray-Bans and Oliver Peoples, as well as designers like Tom Ford, Gucci and Michael Kors, have left the standard gold, green and silver behind, in exchange for lenses and frames of pinks, blues, oranges and purples. These are the new generation of aviators, reinterpretations of the originals, with a modern sporty style.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GUCCI 1933/S $295CARRERA CHAMPION FLUO $69 on saleJUICY COUTURE JU HERITAGE $98SAINT LAURENT PARIS 2311 $169 on saleTOM FORD MARKO $410MICHAEL BY MICHAEL KORS RACHEL $99RAY-BAN ORIGINAL AVIATORS $160OLIVER PEOPLES STRUMMER $365PRADA PR 580S $310SALT. OPTICS VARGAS $400

 

 
 

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