Wednesday, March 6, 2013

GOING GREEN! ITS THE COLOR OF THE MONTH.



Lime, emerald, olive and pistachio... the Color Of The Month for March is GREEN. Yes, we are still in winter's grip, but spring is just around the corner, and there will be lots of green sprouting up around us soon. So with that in mind, here is some fun, fab and sporty gear and accessories to help get a jump on things.



Friday, March 1, 2013

MARCH HAS 31 DAYS OF BICYCLES










Its the first day of the month and the theme for March is Bicycles! Get ready for 31 days of Racing, Fixies, Triathlon, Cruisers, City bikes and more... it's time to start pedaling!

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MAR.7: CERVELO P SERIES. CervĂ©lo Triathlon/Time trial bicycles have won more pro races than any other, and are by far the most popular bicycles at Ironman and for triathletes of all levels. The P series, from the entry level P2 to the coveted state-of-the art P5, delivers unrivaled aerodynamics, speed and handling. All are available at Sids Bikes in NYC, and other high-end bicycle retailers. 

MAR.6: DAHON FOLDING BIKE. Bike commuting has become an incredibly popular and eco-friendly way to get around. What easier way to go than with a folding bike that eliminates the worries and hassles of locking and storage. With over 25 years of experience in making folding bikes, Dahon has a proven record of bringing the best in folding bike technology to the market and their website makes it easy to find the right bike for you. 

MAR.5: SPECIALIZED S-WORKS VENGE. The Venge is the top of the line road bike series from Specialized. Ranging from $14,000 to $3,700, the Venge series is for serious competitors willing to trade cash for speed. Available in stealth black and hot red, this bike is a true object of desire. 

MAR.4: RIVENDELL BICYLE WORKS. Rivendell Bicycles are truly works of art and a very bespoke bicycle company for those in the know. No detail is left unrefined, and every component can be customized to the savvy cyclist's preference. 

MAR.3: SCHWINN CRUISERMore than a bicycle, the Schwinn Cruiser is a true icon of American design. First created by Schwinn in the 1930's, the Cruiser had its heyday in the 1950's, and has enjoyed resurgent popularity ever since. The Hornet, Corvette and Panther are just a few of the original styles still in production, along with a whole new line of old school mens and womens models. Click HERE for a fun look at some vintage Schwinn Cruisers.

MAR.2: TREK PROJECT ONE. When you are purchasing a top of the line performance road or triathlon bicycle, why settle for just any color or style when you can create your very own custom ride with Project One, Trek’s custom bike program. Available on the MADONE, DOMAINE, or SPEED CONCEPT models, with a multitude of colors and graphics to choose, you design it and Trek will build it. Check out my dream bike with hot rod flames!

MAR.1: LINUS BIKESInspired by French bicycle design of the 50's and 60's, Linus bicycles have the beauty and elegant design of those eras but with all the benefits of modern comfort and reliability. 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

LITTLE SPORTY SPRING DRESSES (click caption to shop)









DOLCE & GABBANA ~ DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ~ JASON WU 

Graphic, bold, color blocked and striped, the look in dresses is very sporty this spring. Hope everybody has been keeping in shape, because its form fitting too! Need some workout ideas? Click HERE. 

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Sunday, February 24, 2013

"OSCAR SUNDAY" NIGHT AT THE SPORTS FLICKS

Its Oscar Sunday and time for another installment of "Sunday Night At The Sports Flicks". While the obvious choice would have been to go with only Oscar winning sport movies, there would have been quite a few boxing films in the mix, so for variety's sake I decided to open it up to Oscar nominated films as well. For a fun trivia question, what are the three sports films to win Best Picture? Answer is at the bottom of the post. As always, click the image for movie preview.

Directed by Martin Scorcese, Raging Bull is the based on the rise and fall, life story of 1940's middleweight champion, Jake LaMotta, a self-destructive boxer played by Robert DeNiro in his Academy Award winning role. The film launched the Hollywood careers of Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty, who also received Oscar nominations. DeNiro famously gained 60 pounds for the role to accurately portray LaMotta in his later years. 


Academy award winner for Best Screenplay and nominee for Best Picture, Breaking Away is a charming movie about four friends coming to terms with life after high school. Doomed to live in the college town of Bloomington, Indiana, where the local kids are nicknamed "cutters", a derogatory reference to their quarry working, blue-collar families, there exists a social struggle with the students of the nearby university. One of the friends is a talented cyclist, who in order to win the affections of one the college girls and emulate his cycling heroes, poses as an Italian exchange student. It is by chance an encounter with an Italian racing team that leads him and his friends to a cycling showdown with the local college boys where the true champions are victorious.


Previously reviewed in my fourth round-up, Chariots of Fire is indeed one of the three sport movies to win Best Picture. The film is the true story of two British track athletes competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics: one is a devout Scottish missionary who runs for God; the other is Jewish and is running to escape the anti-semitism and class struggles he faces in Cambridge society. The movie's opening sequence, set to Vangelis's iconic theme song, is probably one of the most recognized in movie history.


The most Oscar nominated sports film with six, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, Moneyball is based on the true story of Oakland A'a manager Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, forced to reinvent his team on a lean budget. Inspired by a young Yale grad played by Jonah Hill, Beane defies conventional baseball scouting wisdom by using a controversial method of computer generated analysis called Sabermetrics. He puts together a winning team made up of flawed and overlooked players, all of whom have an ability to get on base and score runs, outsmarting and beating the richer clubs.


Considered one of the best basketball movies of all time, Hoosiers is the true story of the improbable run of a small-town Indiana basketball team that made it to the state finals in 1954. A classic tale of redemption, this film stars Gene Hackman as the coach, and Dennis Hopper, in his Academy Award nominated role as the town alcoholic and father of one of the teams star players. It is story about beating the odds and rising above one's own limitations, the stuff of which all great sports movies are made.


The Wrestler is a gruesome look at the world of professional wrestling, and the physical and emotional toll it takes on its participants. Mickey Rourke's comeback role and harrowing performance as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, earned him a Best Actor nomination for his poignant portrayal of a former superstar wrestler, who's time in the ring should long have passed. The film also stars Marisa Tomei, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and equally stellar, Evan Rachel Wood, as his daughter.  


Click below for previous SPORT FLICKS reviews:

ANSWER: Chariots of Fire (1981), Rocky (1976), Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Thursday, February 21, 2013

TASTY LITTLE BUBBLES OF ENERGY


There are hundreds of energy drinks on the market, many the equivalent of putting gasoline in your tank... literally. The energy high comes with a crashing low, that is both physically and mentally depleting. There are a number though, like E-Boost, David Kirsch's Energy Bubbles and ZipFizz, with all natural ingredients that offer their pick-me-up power not with heart racing stimulants and chemicals, but vitamins, minerals and herbs recognized for a variety of additional health benefits. The ones I like are all individually packaged for on-the-go convenience and easily mixed with water. They are all refreshingly tasty as well! 

DAVID KIRSCH ENERGY BUBBLES. From fitness and nutritional guru David Kirsch comes this effervescent orange flavored drink that provides a natural energy boost. David’s formula contains Taurine, Panax Ginseng, B6, B12 and other vitamins and nutrients to naturally energize both body and mind. It also has the special addition of chromium to help reduce body fat and build muscle.  ENERGY BUBBLES are a perfect pick me up before or during your workout, or any other time of day.

EBOOST. Available in Super Berry, Orange, Pink Lemonade and Acai Pomegranate, in the convenience of a shot or powder, EBOOST is packed with energy vitamins like C, D and B12, and super-nutrients like Green Tea, Quercetin, 5-HTP and Resveratrol, recognized for their anti-oxidant, immune and mood boosting benefits. EBOOST is sweetened with Stevia and contains no sugar, artificial flavors or colors.

ZIPFIZZ. I recently discovered this product at the Outdoor Retailer show, initially attracted by the cool packaging. ZIPFIZZ is an all-natural, great tasting drink-mix powder that delivers a revitalizing burst of energy to the body's fuel system. Promoted as a hydrating energy drink, ZIPFIZZ is super charged with Vitamin C, B12 and potassium, among other ingredients especially beneficial for those traveling to high altitude (as I can attest having tested it out on a recent trip to Snowmass, CO). It comes in a variety of delicious flavors as well!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

CASE STUDY


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The iPhone is one of the most beautifully designed pieces of gear in the history of electronics and I find it a shame that in order to protect this precious item, one is often forced to cover it with a case so far below its aesthetic level. Thus I went on a quest to find the most beautiful and protective iPhone cases available, with that chic and sporty style, and above is what I found. Most are iPhone 4,4s and 5 compatible.

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

"CINELLI: THE ART AND DESIGN OF THE BICYCLE"




Last November, Rizzoli published a beautiful book called "Cinelli: The Art and Design of the Bicycle", an illustrated retrospective of more than sixty-five years of one of the most pioneering and influential names in bicycle design. Since Cino Cinelli began making frames in Italy in the 1940s, Cinelli has set the standards for bicycle and component design, and continues to be one of the most prominent names in the fixed gear or "Fixie" culture of custom bikes and components. 

Those with no interest in cycling, it's culture, or history, might enjoy the conversation with Cinelli president Antonio Colombo and fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, which opens the book. As it turns out Smith began competitive cycling as a boy, and it was his early love of the beauty of the bicycle that was the beginning of his appreciation for design. Surprisingly Columbo, as an industrial designer, as always been inspired by fashion and design, and consisitently sought to transform the bicycle into rideable art. 

The current popularity of the very hip fixed gear bike, the very chic European city bike, and very fast racing bike is as much inspired by the desire to own a bicycle as to own a beautiful thing. "Cinelli: The Art and Design of the Bicycle" takes a look at how form and function meet to create beauty in this everyday object.


Sunday, February 10, 2013

TEAMWORK: THE COLLABORATION OF SPORT & FASHION

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Burton Snowboards just announced the debut of a new outerwear collaboration with L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani for Winter 2014. The creation of capsule collections by fashion designers and labels such Jeremy Scott for Adidas, Milly for Sperry, and Commes Des Garcons "Play" for Converse are a growing trend. In both mens and womens lines, these partnerships infuse some new cool into both parties, while highlighting the respected legacy of the sport brands. There is also a partnering sport with venerable lifestyle brands such as Redwing Shoes and Burton Snowboards; Barbour and Vans; Woolrich and Pro-Keds. The result of these all-star collaborations is a new generation of sportswear that blends tradition with modern style.

Check out this video for another new collaboration in stores in March: H&M for Brick Lane Bikes, the UK’s first fixed-gear bike store and center of East London’s cycling scene. This men’s collection combines the function of cycling wear with great city style for both on and off the bike. Women next please!


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Sunday, February 3, 2013

"SUPERBOWL SUNDAY" NIGHT AT THE SPORTS FLICKS

In honor of today's Superbowl, I bring you a special edition of "Sunday Night At The Sports Flicks" featuring some of my favorite football movies of all time. I have reviewed two football classics in previous posts, which included "Friday Night Lights" and "Heaven Can Wait". The superbowl is in an hour, just enough time to give you 3 more greats! As always, click the movie title and image for preview.


Originally an ABC Movie Of The Week, Emmy Award winning "Brians Song" is the true story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears teammates played by James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. They became the first interracial roommates on the team and unlikely friends. When Piccolo is stricken with terminal cancer, it is the love and support of Sayers that helps him through the difficult struggle. "Brians Song" is still acknowledged as one of the movies that reduces grown men to tears. 



Another true story and tearjerker, "Rudy" is the account of the life of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame, despite significant obstacles. What he lacks in talent and physical stature, he makes up for in drive and heart, and earns a spot on the practice squad. The coach grants his request to suit up for the final home game, and after chants from the crowd and his teammates, he is finally put in the game for the last kickoff of the season. In a dramatic climax, he sacks the Georgia Tech quarterback and is carried off the field on the shoulders of his teammates. 



Directed By Cameron Crowe, Tom Cruise plays Jerry Maguire, a slick sports agent who falls from grace after a nervous breakdown. It is the love of a single mom, played by Renee Zelwigger, and her son that inspires personal and professional redemption.  The movie features some of the most quoted lines in movie history such as "Show me the Money!", "You complete me" and "The human head weighs 8 pounds". It also features the oscar winning performance of Cuba Gooding Jr.


Click below for previous SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE SPORTS FLICKS:


Friday, February 1, 2013

FEBRUARY = 28 DAYS OF SUNGLASSES










The calendar theme for this month is SUNGLASSES! It's a short month and it's going to be tough to narrow it down to 28 pairs of sunglasses, but here goes! 

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FEB.28: RAY-BAN WAYFARER. Here we are at the last day of February's 28 Days Of Sunglasses. There are still so many more shades to feature, but it seemed right to give this final selection to another iconic Ray-Ban style, the only brand to get two days this month. The Wayfarer was first introduced in 1956 and is credited with being the best selling sunglass of all time. Originally a black frame with gray lenses, there are now hundreds of styles and colors available. 

FEB.27: OLIVER PEOPLES. Since their first retail store opened in 1986 on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, Oliver Peoples has been the "it" eyewear brand. Originally selling authentic, unworn vintage frames, they were the first to bring back the retro style sunglasses that old Hollywood had made famous. Aviators, horn-rimmed, clip-ons are just a few of the iconic styles that have been evergreens in their collection, and I myself have been a loyal customer since the early 90's! 

FEB.26: WARBY PARKER. Warby Parker has recently been in the news for having been retained by Google to design the look of their new internet glasses, and also for a recent investment by J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler in the company. Warby Parker is clearly a very successful and hip e-commerce site selling their own line of trendy but affordable eyewear, with showrooms in major US cities as well. Personally I'm loving the Griffin, Appleton, and Everett!

FEB 25: MICHAEL KORS. Lime green, magenta, orange, lavender, blue... how to pick just one color of these fab spring toned, clear framed aviators!

FEB.24: VUARNET. Created by Olympic champion, Jean Vuarnet, who won the Downhill Skiing gold medal in 1960 at Squaw Valley, CA, and renowned French optician Roger Pouilloux, who had provided the eyewear to the French Ski Federation, Vuarnet is another iconic ski and lifestyle sunglass brand. The Skilynx lens, offers maximum protection in the mountains, where the suns UV rays are intensified by the snow and altitude. The yellow/green mineral lenses with anti-glare and silver bi-shaded coatings maximize optical clarity. They make everything look warm and sunny too! 

FEB.23: OLIVER GOLDSMITH. Founded in 1926 by P. Oliver Goldsmith, OG sunglasses have have been the trend defining eyewear since the 1960's and 1970's, when sunglasses went from eye protection to a fashion statement. The eyewear of choice by such 20th Century style icons as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn,  Peter Sellers and The Rolling Stones, in addition to the design houses of Dior and Givenchy, Oliver Goldsmith continues to create the most stylish of sunglasses. The gorgeous "Manhattan" created 1960, the cool "Karl"from 1967, the mod "Y-Not"from 1966 are just a few of the original designs still available today. Check out their vintage archive for fun too and see the original Space Visor, Butterfly and Tennis Raquet sunglasses!

FEB.22: CARRERA. Another iconic brand, Carrera has been making sunglasses and googles since 1956, but they became hot in the early 80's with the CARRERA PORSCHE DESIGN collection. The look is still going strong and has some swagger, so get ready for stares if you want to rock these shades! Click HERE for special 10% off any Carrera sunglasses purchase at Solstice Sunglasses, promo code ILoveCarrera.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

BEST IN SNOW


LIVE FROM THE SLOPES OF SNOWMASS, COLORADO, HERE ARE A FEW OF THE COOLEST THINGS SPOTTED ON THE SLOPES AND SHOPS ROUND TOWN. THERE ARE STILL AT LEAST A COUPLE OF SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING MONTHS LEFT THIS YEAR, SO START SHOPPING NOW!

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Clockwise from top left: BURTON ANT-SOCIAL SPLITBOARD $699.95. Hike it up, ride it down. You'll never guess you're on a splitboard as you float through the powder; MONTBELL U.L. DOWN JACKET $169This insulating jacket seriously weighs less than most T-shirts. It's a perfect insulting layer and wind resistant enough to be worn on its own; POC SYNAPSIS 2.0 Aurelien Ducroz Helmet $250. POC makes the most beautifully designed helmets, equally matched for their safety features. Utilizing POC's Anti Penetration Barrier, the Synapsis helmet is ultra light and ultra safe with a turnring adjustment system for perfect fit. Can be worn with or without visor; ARC'TERYX STINGRAY PANT $399. These highly technical Gore-Tex insulated pants will keep you warm and dry on those deep powder days; HESTRA ALL LEATHER PRIMALOFT GLOVES $150. The brand of choice of the pros, this soft and supple warm leather glove with Primaloft insulation are perfect on the coldest winter days; ZEAL iON CAMERA GOGGLE $399. 1080p HD digital camera is integrated into the lens with an in-goggle viewfinder and 170-degree view that automatically adjusts exposure for changing light; Center: ANON FASHIONABLY LATE SUNGLASSES $109.95. From Burton Snowboards comes Anon, their technical line of goggles and stylish shades; MARMOT NEWTON HAT $44.95. When the helmet is off, this striped beenie protects your head from the other elements.  MAMMUT Schneefeld Zip Pull Light Women $145; This lightweight insulated layer can be worn as base or second layer for cold days, and looks super cute on its own. 


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Friday, January 25, 2013

THE NFL ON INSTAGRAM






Although I am not really a big football fan, other than cheering for the home team, I have been a follower of the NFL Instagram feed all season. These little square photographs that look like poloroids, faded with filters and framed with rough borders, have been given a special vintage quality that harken back to those early Sports Illustrated days. But it is also the image itself that is different. It is not the big play that is captured but something more intimate and almost innocent, as if the NFL were a high school football game.

So with the Super Bowl just about a week away and only 2 NFL teams left on the playing field, I thought I would share some of my visual highlights from the season.


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