Visibly Fashionable: Vespertine NYC Vesp & Flashy Wear

Vespertine, NYC's NEW Vesp reflective vest in Lime. Singlet by Gore Bike Wear, Skort by Terry.

Bike Lane, NYC: Now that summer is here along with NYC Bike Share, the Bike Path & Greenways are humming with activity. These special areas seem to never quiet down as you can see people riding, running and skating along all times, day and night. Florescent colors make up some of the new Hi-Viz wear you are seeing lately in response to people wishing to be seen by motorists even during daylight hours.

Back of Vesp. Bicycle Helmet by Lazer

Vespertine, NYC had the idea of making reflective-wear which can easily pass for fashionable accessories. Their new Vesp, which I have been wearing over the past few weeks is perfect for use on the bike when you want to be seen. During the daylight hours, the florescent bright colors are visible from very far away.

Cycle-Ready Vesp: Gore Bike Wear Signature Cap and Synergy Organic Cotton Tank Dress

 At night, the 3M reflective materials reflect light like crazy, making it easy for cars to see you.
This is the description of the Vesp from the Vespertine NYC Website:

"This chic, light weight VESP is perfect for an early morning jog, a dusky walk, evening cocktails, a late night bike ride and everything in between. Bright colors and 360º of reflective material provide excellent day and night time visibility. A longer versatile roomy cut fits over anything from a bandeau top to a winter coat. A built-in stuff pocket means it stores breezily in your bag, car or locker plus the new mesh side pocket is perfect for your phone, keys, cash, etc...
The VESP Eco Lime is made from water resistant 100% Eco-circle recycled/recyclable polyester with the most reflective 3M Scotchlite Material on the crossing straps, signature V-neck, around the bottom edge and the adjustable tie closure."

Beaded Vesp in Citron showing its night reflections

Haute Reflecture
The idea of wearing light reflective garments is nothing new, but Vespertine NYC has taken this to a whole new level with reversible vests and other fashionable items that light up the night. All of their garments are made in NYC and the variety of pieces can easily grace any haute couture runway.  What's cool is the Vesp can go with you in your handbag as it stores in its own attached pouch.  I went shopping using my bicycle and when I stopped to go in the store, took off my Vesp and stored it in my Elements Shoulder Bag along with my helmet.  No one knew I arrived by bike but everyone could see me en route.

The Vesp stores in its own little pouch

Flashy Wear
Once again the Hi-Viz colors get the attention of motorists and pedestrians during the day and the reflective materials alert all to your presence at night. I also like to make sure to have lights on my bicycle and on me.  You can wear blinkies like these from Road ID. These Super Nova LED Lights are extremely bright and can attach to your shirt, helmet or zipper pull as shown below on my Carve Designs Zipper Line Hoodie:

Super Nova LED Lights on a zipper pull and my wrist for night-time flash

Be Seen at the Night Spots
So if you are out running, walking or cycling at night, you can add an extra layer of protection with a reflective Vesp and Super Nova blinkie lights. A sure way to be visibly fashionable.

C/O Vesp in Lime via Vespertine, NYC 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Bulletproof Makeup: Estee Lauder's Double Wear is at the heart of makeup that stays put all day.

SPRING NYC: If you are like me and just can't stand another summer of smeary, running makeup, now is the time to step up and try something new, (or maybe old). Years ago, I wore Estee Lauder's Lucidity and liked it very much. Really the main benefit of department store makeup is that you can have it color matched to your skin tone. This will usually give the best results but you should also try wearing it outdoors in full sun.

Since I model fitness and athletic wear, I need a foundation that can make it through the shoot with out transferring onto my clothing. Most of the time I airbrush my makeup which gives me very light coverage and incredible staying power.  I use Kett Cosmetics of NYC and her Hydro Foundation is my holy grail. Here I am below with my airbrushed foundation for a Craghoppers / Pistil Designs shoot:

Kett Hydro Foundation was airbrushed on prior to this NYC photo shoot.

So I was at the mall on Sunday and was given a little postcard for a 10 day supply of any Estee Lauder Foundation of your choice. Since I haven't used Estee Lauder in over 10 years, I thought I would give their Double Wear a try for my upcoming outdoor photo shoots. The counter-lady, Brittany quickly tried two shades on my skin and waited for them to oxidize. The Pure Beige in Shade 2Cl seemed to be the best match. She gave me my 10 day sample and off I went.  Double Wear dries down very quickly so I applied it with a damp Beauty Blender sponge. I didn't use much and simply applied it over my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and Hard Candy's Glamoflage Heavy Duty Concealer. Here is the result from a photo-shoot for ExOfficio:

Estee Lauder Double Wear for my outdoor shoot for ExOfficio.

To me, the Double Wear looks very similar to my airbrush application, even in full sun. I only used a touch of NARS Orgasm Facial Illuminator on my cheeks and Brass Plum Bronzer. I set it with the tiniest dusting of Revlon's Nearly Naked Pressed Powder.  The EL Double Wear did not transfer onto the collar of this very light, Stone colored trench coat. Even with a light application of primer, (Revlon Miracle Blur) did not feel heavy or greasy. The finish is matte to semi-matte and pretty much stayed that way the whole day even though I have oily skin. Once again, I used very little of this foundation but the coverage and longevity were beyond what I expected. I was told that EL is bringing back the Lucidity as a reformulation. That may be a good thing but right now I'm pretty pleased with the Double Wear! #Lucky me.

Spring Shades: Prada, Ray-Ban, Transitions & Guess Sunglasses & Eye Wear

Transitions Lenses - Rain or Shine they automatically react with just the right amount of tint. Lena Cap & Muse Scarf by Pistil Designs. Coat by Free People.

Spring is such a challenge for eye wear, especially in the NYC area. Sunny one minute, shadows or rainy the next. Those sorts of conditions can mean taking your shades off and on all day. If you don't bring a hard case along, you risk breaking, cracking or scratching them.

Transitions Photochromatic Lenses
These lenses can be placed in your favorite frames and constantly adjust to changing light conditions.  Bright to dark and everything in between.  I have worn Transitions Lenses for at least 15 years and have no squint lines or cataract formations from being unprotected from the sun. This is perhaps the best option if you wear your glasses most of the time and don't want to think about switching them out when outdoor lighting conditions change.

TRANSITIONS Midtown is known for tall buildings that cause intermittent shade/sun. Photo: View of the Empire State Building from the Penthouse Terrace of Morgans Hotel on Madison Ave.

XX2i Optics France1 Dual Kit
Another option which can accommodate a Rx lenses is the new XX2i Optics France Dual Kit. It comes with 2 frames and 5 interchangeable lenses. This means you can create the look and level of sun protection you want in these sports-performance sunglasses. Wear them for: cycling, tennis, golf, walking, etc.  Very lightweight, they stay put comfortably and offer maximum sun, wind and debris protection due to the wrap around contours.

XX2i Optics France1 showing the Tortoise Frames

Prada Baroque Sunglasses
One of my favorite Midtown stores is Macy's over there on Herald Square. Now there are Sunglass Huts in nearly every Metropolitan store but I really like the styles and service provided at this location.
We really loved these Prada PR27OS sunglasses in Tortoise Brown.  The Baroque scroll adds a bit of flourish to the temples and the over-sized lenses offer the maximum amount of solar protection.

PRADA Sunglasses-Note the hint of graduated shading which will allow you to look down and read something.

 
 

PRADA:The unique flourish of the Baroque styling seen at the temples of these Prada sunglasses.

Ray-Ban Wayfarers
James Dean may have been one of the first movie stars to rock a pair of Ray-Bans but he certainly hasn't been the last. These are an American icon in eye wear and no wardrobe is complete without a pair of these classics. My pair is from the 1980's and have the Bausch and Lomb glass optics which are amazingly clear. See my post at Lucky Magazine's Community under Spring Transitions: Classic Ray-Ban

RAY-BAN Classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers with Bausch and Lomb optics.

Guess Frames
If you just want to have a bit of a change with your frames, (you can choose to order them with the Transitions prescription), Guess has a lot to offer.  Fashionable with attention to details are their GU1462 in Black with just a touch of zebra treatment at the temples. These really stand out but the design is subtle so you don't have to worry what will go with these! 

GUESS Here are the Guess frames being beautifully modeled by their owner, Francesca C. of Sunglass Hut.

TEMPO My own Tempo frames with compressed,scratch resistant polycarbonate lenses. Metallic & plastic combine in a pop of purple color.

So there's lots to choose from as eye wear is often overlooked as a fashion accessory. More than that, having the right lenses and frames can go a long way to protecting your eyes from the sun's rays while helping you to look and feel your best when going outdoors.  Check out more tips and ideas on sun protection at my Heat & Sun Awareness Project on Pinterest!

Getting Lucky - Pistil's Daphne Scarf

Lucky Magazine is ALL about shopping and Pistil is The New Chic! PHOTO: Daphne Scarf in Coral by Pistil Designs

Spring 2013-NYC Well spring is officially here but in NYC and the majority of the northeast, things aren't all that springy!  That's because we are running about 10 degrees below average temperatures for this time of year.  If you can remember back to the days of yore in March of 2012, we were already hitting 70 degrees by now. Not today. As a Lucky Magazine contributor and blogger I'm always on the look out for a new take on the style classics.

So when I think of breaking out for spring, I'm going to do it with textures and colors.  Keep in mind that you can wear lighter fabrics but you'll have to be strategic about layering. Really nothing is more useful in transitioning from too cool to warmer temps than a proper scarf. A scarf is likewise part of us urban girls' city chic.

Sneak Peek: Daphne Scarf by Pistil Designs
What drew me to Pistil Designs is their easy fashion sense, especially in their caps, belts and most gloriously their scarves.  Hailing from Hood River Oregon, I think they know a few things about dealing with cold temperatures and windy conditions. Still, this clothing line has an earthy, tactile vibe to it. Not rough and homespun but surprisingly refined with attention to detail.

This Pistil Cotton Gauze Scarf adds just the right amount of warmth to lighter layers

What I like about their scarves is the airy element of cotton gauze touched with lighter, warmer colors for spring. The shade of coral in their Daphne scarf is perfect for practically any skin tone. In fact a little fashion trick is to wear something pink and peachy near your face.  It immediately gives your skin a beautiful natural blush of color just where you need it.

The Daphne is part of Pistil's Spring - Summer 2013 Collection and made in India of cotton and linen. The edges are fringed and unfinished having been hand dip-dyed with a secondary splash of blue green. At almost 70 inches long, it is a generous sized scarf that can be worn in many ways.  I'm wearing it here as an infinity scarf style but the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Beautifully made with a lot of originality.  That's Pistil Designs.