Snow Daze: Craghoppers Hallmoor Parka & Tubb's Wilderness Snowshoes

Incredibly warm and stylish Craghopper's Hallmoor Parka

NYC, NY All this talk of a Polar Vortex and record snowfall shouldn't keep you cooped up! A super warm and chic outdoor parka is what you need for our seriously cold NY/NJ winters. While you're at it, grab a pair of snowshoes and get outside for some exercise. You'll find that you can grow to love the snow as much as I do when there are fun things to do like snowshoeing, sledding or cross country skiing. First, let's get dressed!

NEW Hallmoor Parka by Craghoppers, UK
Yes, this is my idea of a proper coat for both town and country. Warming pockets keep hands toasty and an adjustable belt helps keep the wind from chilling your core. This parka was comfortable and cozy during our snowshoe hike in 19 degree weather.  

The Hallmoor comes with a detachable faux fur hood

Hood's draw strings can be pulled snug around the face.

Hallmoor Parka Details:

Wrap up in style with our fab new insulated parka. Hallmoor Parka’s sleek cotton outer, with neat belt and stud-fastened bellowed and patch pockets, delivers watertight AquaDry Membrane performance. Inside, the waterproof jacket’s map-print lining is paired with lightweight wadding for added warmth. The zip-off hood has a gorgeous removable faux-fur trim for the full parka effect. Complete with innovative Hot Pockets, it’s a real winter winner.   Also includes knitted inner collar, waxed cord adjusters to hood, zipped handwarmer and inner pockets, O/S map size pockets, stud-fastening stormflap with inner zip guard, self-fabric stud cuff adjusters and inner knitted rib, elbow patches and brushed chin guard.   Craghoppers’ heritage range fuses impressive weatherproof technologies with premium fabrics and top-quality designs in an outdoor clothing collection that delivers peerless performance and timeless style.

 

 

• Map print lined (perfect for Walks on Britain and Britain on Foot!)
• 30' jacket length
• Knitted inner collar
• Zip-off hood with waxed cord adjusters to front, stud adjuster to back and removable faux-fur trim
• Pockets: 8; 2 bellowed stud-fastening lower with 2 zipped hand warmer, 2 stud-fastening chest and 2 zipped inner
• Pocket fits O/S map
• Stud-fastening stormflap with inner zip guard
• Self-fabric stud cuff adjusters and inner knitted rib
• Brushed chin guard
• Self-fabric belt
• Elbow patches
• Hot Pockets
• Cotton with Water Resistant finish outer, AquaDry Membrane liner, polyester cotton lining and polyester wadding 1660g
• Outer: 100% Cotton, Lower lining - 100% polyester, Upper lining - 65% polyester 35% cotton, Padding - 100% polyester, Collar Rib Trim fabric - 100% polyester Trim - 85% polyester 15% aluminized polyethylene, Drop Liner- 100% Polyester, Faux Fur - 100% polyester

Tubb's Women's Wilderness Snowshoes

These are the same women specific snowshoes designed for the Tubb's Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer events. These are the perfect all terrain snowshoe that can go nearly anywhere, even up hill thanks to the ActiveLift™ heel bar.  We have a large estate so we took these out in the woods on our own land which includes uneven gulleys and streams. They handled it all!

 

Tubbs Women's Wilderness Snowshoes work on most any terrain

Built for speed, these modern fitness snowshoes can replace your running shoes in the wintertime. Snowshoeing burns tons of calories, (between 400-1,000 per/hr) and is one of the best outdoor exercises you can do. They are lightweight and you can even choose the degree of float desired according to your weight. The bindings are very easy to adjust with gloved hands, (I wear Scott Snowboarding Gloves).

 

Tubbs Women's Wilderness Snowshoes do it all

Women's Wilderness Snowshoes

The ultimate adventure starts with the right gear. Packed full of great features like the 180Pro binding and the Fit-Step™ frame, the Wilderness snowshoe is the perfect blend of technology, comfort and convenience. And now with the ActiveLift™ heel lift, there’s no adventure this snowshoe can’t tackle! 

 

Parka c/o Craghoppers UK

Snowshoes c/o Tubbs Snowshoes  

The Perfect Fall to Winter Coat - NEW Housley Jacket by Craghoppers

Doing the Cliff Walk in New England this fall in The Housley Jacket by Craghoppers. PHOTO: The Breakers courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

Newport, Rhode Island Ever wish for just one coat that could go everywhere and DO everything you'd like this fall? How about a jacket that can transition from a sunny day to a blustery winter storm? I've got the PERFECT COAT for you! I'm wearing my Craghoppers Housley Jacket in Dark Mushroom with its detachable, zip off hood removed for an autumn walk.

With the hood removed the Housley has a separate inner ribbed collar to keep out the cold.

New Design - The Housley Jacket
This coat has three different looks because the hood as well as the faux fur trim is detachable. Wear it like a trench with the hood off as it is water resistant.  Pop the hood on for a completely different "snow bunny" look. The choice is yours!

Here, I've put the faux fur trimmed Housley Hood back on for a different look and chillier weather

The Housley is super soft and toasty too. The full length zipper and snaps make sure of that. The fabric has a bit of stretch so no problem added a thin sweater under it if need be. The two front zippered slash pockets are thermal Hot Pockets, so perfect for keeping hands warm sans gloves. There's also a zippered inner pocket which I really like for traveling.

Throw that hood up! This lined jacket is 37" in length.

Craghoppers UK knows how to make the most comfortable travel and outdoor wear with an eye towards fashion. The Housley Jacket is a new style this season and has the following features:

• Pockets: 3; 2 zipped lower and 1 zipped inner
• Stud-fastening stormflap with inner zip guard
• Inner knitted rib cuffs
• Brushed chin guard
• Brushed polyester with Water Resistant finish outer, AquaDry Membrane liner, polyester lining and wadding 1335g
• Main fabric: 100% Polyester, Lining: 100% Polyester, Filling: 100% Polyester,  Trim: 85% Polyester/15% aluminized Polyethylene

Travel Time!  The Housley Jacket comes in Black and Dark Mushroom. Carry All by GLC.

Travel in Style & Comfort
If you are traveling this fall and winter for the holidays, YOU NEED a proper coat. This is an injection styled jacket but as you can see, doesn't make you look like the Michelin Man. It's very well tailored with lots of comfort features you'll appreciate. Next to my leather & fox fur Thinsulate lined coat, this is my favorite.

Fall into Winter, this is my new favorite travel coat.

 Jacket c/o Craghoppers, UK
Skincare & Makeup by Embryolisse, Paris France and Kett Cosmetics NYC respectively.

Resort Fashions Newport Mansions NEW Fall Hats by Pistil Designs

Photo: Marble House, Newport RI (John Corbett), Pierotucci Overnight Leather Duffel Bag. NEW for fall 2013, Emery Bucket Hat in Silt by Pistil Designs.

Newport, RI The first day of fall and thoughts turn to going to traveling to New England to see the turning of the leaves! If you enjoy traveling, think about going now because the temperatures are cooler and there is less of a press of the crowds at most vacation destinations. If you are ever in Rhode Island, do stop by for a tour of one of the Newport Mansions. I visited The Breakers which was the Vanderbilt's summer cottage but there are several other estates open to the public for daily tours, namely Marble House.

 

The perfect travel companion: Pierotucci Italian Leather Overnight Duffel Bag - Toscanella Collection

Dressing for Comfort
One of my favorite traveling dresses is the Gabriella from the Craghopper's NosiLife Collection
I'm wearing it in the lead photo collage and it is so flattering yet comfortable. Add a little knit topper for the cooler fall temps to come but the dress has a bit of warmth due to the soft jersey knit fabric. Short-sleeves, a vee-neck and an empire waist gracefully accentuates your bust line. Add a pretty scarf and this dress can be fancied up or down.

Gabriella Dress in Lichen by Craghoppers

NEW Pistil Hats for Fall 2013
Needless to say, classy Fedoras and Buckets which have made a fashion resurgence are here to stay. Audrey Hepburn epitomized chic with her bucket hats and large sunglasses! I like this season's collection from Pistil Designs. Their hats are always comfortable for us girls with lots of hair and the beautiful fabric linings add a bit of individual personality to the hats. The rich wool blends also mean these hats are water resistant in case you get caught in a rain shower. Here are two of my favorites that are new for fall 2013:

Griffin Bucket Hat in Brown by Pistil Designs. Eyewear by Ray-Ban

Griffin Bucket Hat in Brown 
What could be better than a weather-worthy bucket hat? Made of a wool/poly blend, the only decision you’ll have to make is which of two tweed patterns you like best. The contrasting hatband has a brass-finished, metal detail. Inside, the satiny lining keeps your forehead itch-free. 

• wide brimmed tweed bucket
• contrast band
• satin lining 
• does not give you "hat hair"

Emery Fedora in Silt by Pistil Designs

Emery Wide Brimmed Bucket Hat in Silt
Great for drizzly, gray winter days, the Emery is made of a special wool/poly blend that is water repellent. The deep brim acts as a rain-shedding awning around your head. Lined with a really fun contrast print fabric. A stretchy inner headband perfects the fit.  

• water repellent
• wide brimmed bucket
• soft inner band
• lined

  

Marble House, one of the Newport Mansions open for public tours. PHOTO by John Corbett, courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

 
Bag and hats c/o Pierotucci and Pistil Designs respectively

Office Bored-Room to Picnic Lunch

Horny Toad Skort in Lapis easily goes from the office to lunch or an early dinner date!

Central Park, NYC: Did you know that July is National Picnic Month? Summer is quickly flying by so it's time to put a little more "vacation" in your day. Just because you're stuck in the office doesn't mean you can't plan a lunchtime get-away in the park. If you are staying close to home or doing a "staycation" this summer, how about a bicycle picnic?  Here's how to do both in style:

Lunchtime Get-Away
Dress in something easy and breezy for your day at the office. I like Craghopper's Nosilife Gabriella Dress which has built in sun and insect protection. You will look fantastic but won't be annoyed when the mosquitoes, flies and ants come while you're having lunch al fresco!

Craghoppers Nosilife Gabriella Dress is perfect for a lunchtime get-away in the park.

Packing Your Lunch
Get your food ready for your picnic lunch-break the night before. You can make your favorite sandwiches, spreads, veggies and salads ahead of time and store them overnight in a chill-able container like this one from Cool Gear (Deluxe Salad Kit). Inside is plenty of room for your lunch (enough for TWO actually), including some extremely tasty Kashi Sea Salt and Olive Oil Hummus Crisps.

Cool Gear's Deluxe Salad Kit holds enough crisps, salad and Chobani Greek yogurt dip for two!

How About a Bicycle Picnic?
The weekend might afford you time for more elaborate plans but you can up the fun factor by planning a bicycle picnic. Take everything by bicycle from fresh fruits to ice cream!  You just need some ice and a thermal bag to keep the frozen things separate.

Arctic Zero Frozen desserts are low in calories and sugar but big on flavor. Photo: Chocolate Dipped 85 cal Strawberry Bar and Vanilla Maple in a sundae has only 150 calories for the WHOLE pint.

Snacks to Pack
You'll also need a bicycle with a rear rack or at the very least a front basket. Here I have my Basil Cosa Rear Basket loaded will all sorts of picnic goodies for a day out in the park. Nutrient dense foods like Kashi Hummus Crisps are delicious and their Soft and Chewy Bars are naturally sweetened, made with real fruit and veggies.

  Don't forget the drinks! Svelte Organic Protein Shakes are delicious and help keep up your energy levels.

Grab and Go Smoothie
While I have a VitaMix and use it nearly every day, I like the convenience (and taste) of the Svelte Organic Protein Shakes. These are nutritionally complete and totally satisfying with 11 gms of organic protein and a low glycemic value of 6 gms of sugar. You can pop them in an ice cooler to chill along the way and the little screw top makes them pretty spill-proof after they've been opened. Their Cappuccino is off the chart delicious and gives you an energy boost.

Wine and Dine Me
Want to do an impromptu picnic date? If you are planning a romantic lunch in the park, don't forget the wine and cheese. You can really pull this together quite quickly as you only need a few items: Wine, cheese, bread and fruit. 

CalNaturale Organic Wines: Cabernet "French Camp Vineyard" Paso Robles 2009 and Chardonnay Medocino Vineyards 2010, both made with premium Organic grapes.

Organic Wine
You can take your outdoor soiree to the next level by serving wine made from organic grapes. CalNaturale Wines offer more than just pesticide free fruit. These can hold their own against any respected California vineyard and the screw-top makes them perfect to take along for a picnic. No cork-screw necessary! So refreshing and unpretentious, their Chardonnay is light and crisp with a hint of vanilla. The Cabernet is bold without being acidic or astringent as some dryer red wines. Fragrant and fruity, these organic wines will complement any picnic outing. 

Picnic Glamour Hamptons Style: Craghoppers

Craghoppers SolarShield & insect repellent separates make any outing amazing.

THE HAMPTONS, LI: Here is a cool but polished look that's perfect for the beaches of South Hampton, NY. I've spent many happy summers on the pebbled shores of the Long Island Sound and this outfit is perfect for really any inlet beach but especially those on the Island.  Here's why.

Craghopper's

Amelie with UPF 40+

Craghopper's hails from the UK and makes very fashionable, well made outdoor, travel and resort-wear. One of their innovations is the NosiLife line which includes insect repellent built into the fabric itself. This repellent action is good for up to 70 washings, basically the life of the garment. Added to that is SolarShield offering a UPF of 40+ sun protection. Many of the beaches facing the Long Island Sound have HUGE biting flies. We used to run into the water and stay submerged to avoid them! Clothing like this can be your best friend for a beach picnic or outing where you plan to spend some time out of the water. Sunburn and biting insects will no longer be an issue at your next picnic or outing!


Top: Amelie in White with chest pocket and SolarShield UPF 40+
Maxi Skirt: NosiLife Catilin in Brown with insect/solar protection
Scarf: Pistil Designs
Leather Sandals: Maeve by Naya
Bag: Victoria's Secret Amber Fragrance Gift Set

Do some resort shopping in Sag Harbor in this Gabriella dress!

Craghopper's NosiLife Gabriella Dress
The good news is that you don't have to give up, fashion, style or comfort when spending time outdoors. This Gabriella Dress combines sunblocking, moisture control and insect protection all in one smart outfit. It is fitted under the bust-line, has cap sleeves and a v-neck so it's quite flattering for all figures. Soft, stretchy and ready for anything, it packs and travels well.  Dress it up or down with a belt, scarf, etc. these are great choices for a day at the beach, a summer picnic or BBQ. No one will know your secret, only that you look fantastic!

Gabriella NosiLife Dress in Litchen Green

Hat & Scarf: Tinsley Fedora and OKeefe scarf by Pistil Designs
Bag: Guilden Carry All in Bone by Give Love Cycle
Shoes: Maeve Sandals by Naya available at Nordstrom

Craghoppers Collection c/o Craghoppers UK

A Chic Fashion Carry All for Your Bicycle?

GLC (Give Love Cycle) Small Guilden Carry All in Bone is ready for your next bicycle ride!

BIKE MONTH 2013 NYC: If you are ready to foray into warmer weather and are looking for a fashionable handbag/carry all for the summer, I've got a secret.  This Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle not only looks fantastic on your arm but is fully able to hitch a ride downtown on your bicycle. This is THE way to celebrate May as National Bicycle Month while treating yourself to a handbag that looks fantastic both on and off the bike.

Guilden Small Carry All makes an elegant fashion statement both on and off your bicycle

Made of washable poly urethane, this bag is fully appointed with outside and inside zippered pouches, key clip and open pouches for your cell and other electronics.  Large enough to hold your bicycle helmet and a lot more, it comes with feet and it's own draw-stringed dustcover.

The Guilden is roomy enough to fit this X-L Nutcase Bicycle Helmet

This bag definitely has a Louis Vuitton vibe going on but is rugged enough for a ride on your rear rack. It actually was designed by a pair of college roommates and bike share mavericks, Mariana R. Chambers and Debra Zusin to fit the CitiBike racks and baskets but as you can see below, it quickly straps onto nearly any rear rack. Isn't this #Lucky?

I really like to see designers put together an item that they actually use.  Mariana knows the NYC Bike Path all too well and wanted a carry all that not only looks chic but functions as a complete transport system. Now that the NYC Bike Share Program is finally getting underway this month, this is the perfect bag to celebrate with. So if you are looking for an elegant carry all that can go from the bike path to the boardroom, this is it.

GLC's Guilden Carry All in Bone with this Sweet Summer Outfit!

Summer Bicycle Commute Outfit:

Bicycle Helmet: Fire Engine Red Matte Crossover by Nutcase Helmets
Hat: NEW Paper Straw Tinsley Fedora by Pistil Designs
Dress: Craghoppers NosiLife Gabriela with Solar & Insect Shield in Litchen Green
Scarf: NEW Okeefe in Red by Pistil Designs  
Handbag: GLC's Guilden Carry All in Bone 
Shoes: NEW Naya Maeve Leather Sandals in Oxford Brown available at Nordstroms 

Don't forget your helmet!  Bike to Work Week is May 13th - 17th. Bike to Work Day is May 17th.