Skip to main content

HORNEY TOAD, ISIS, CORE CONCEPTS, CASUAL/TRAVEL/OUTDOORS APPAREL w/STYLE

Outdoor Retailer, SLC/NYC

Fall 2013 Highlights (mostly)


Fashion functionality is its own gigantor section of the apparel industry...with companies such as Japanese UNIQLO devoting more and more of its marketing/manufacturing/pr advertising muscle/ might--- towards outfitting its customers stylishly-in garments made from tech performance fabrics for indoor/outdoors occasions. Rather inexpensively too.

Silverfox Jumper center-key piece-sleeveless dress to layer under/over $88 On right-men's hooded Stout Parka 175-weather tough outerwear of backbone twill- with cool/warm plaid lining  

Active lifestyle wear...not a new category but there are many small and smallish apparel collections geared towards travelers + outdoor types---who want easy pack, easy care, durable and functioning separates that trend well on an urban street, inside an ski lodge,  as well as a certain amount of performance properties for a day hike/snowshoe jaunt-on a mountain trail. 


Hearftfelt Blanket Hoodie $175-cozy warmth for 2-3 season wear, Super soft too-made of boiled lambswool/ angora/nylon.





















At the bi-annual Outdoor Retailer tradeshow, the apparel/accessories, Santa Barbara CA based Horney Toad (fyi-not technically a toad or a frog)---not only has an enviable corner locale-at the Salt Lake Palace Convention Center...but also has successfully re-fined the men's and women's wear line---in a  more focused way---from an editorial standpoint...at least since we've been going to the show.

railroad stripes-Chamboard Skirt $88
















Meaning well thought -out, on trend, mix-matchy tops, bottoms, outerwear, accessories etc...with a high level of outdoorsy-worthy comfort, and très eco minded materials too...often proprietary blends.


















A coherent vision at the top from Design Director Kate Larremendy-and her team even extends through  to the Fall 2013 Lookbook as well---styled for occasions and highlighted with several themes: Simplexity, (complex components=best simple design), Popportunity (the special details, colors, hidden elements=wow factor), Textural Richness (imo-so important fabric/textile wise in cold weather garments), Layers of Warmth (composed of primo natural and synthetic fabrics=great hand feel, comfort...and drapes well for great fit and well as laundry friendly).

One of our favs---this 3 piece system---with Slipcover skirt $98, Stargazer jacket $150, and Plottwist parka outerwear-car coat length $175---made of organic cotton/hemp/recycled poly---insulated but not bulky...fun pop of pink or plaid lining.
Stargazer jacket $150-front pockets are very helpful

plenty of pockets---zip front, snap flap---easy on/off

drawstrings gives this parka shape-that also keeps the wind out

this Daydream Dolman Tee---is so ridiculously thin/soft---great travel top-modal/poly/spandex blend- $68

sweet Henley-like Heartstring Button Tee Tencil/organic cotton/spandex $68 


Men's-Brewster jacket---plush faux lining---faded blue perfect shade


on right-the Cloudcover Skirt--poly insulation $118-warmth to layer over tights etc. Nice après ski option. On left-Beekeeper Henley-organic cotton/poly knit-$54-super soft

nice ruching details for a flattering fit-

left-Adela Hoodie-organic cotton/tencel® $88

Viggo Jacket-for guys---organic cotton, hemp, recycled poly $163-over hoody-

a jacket or L/S shirt-Sidecar Overshirt-$135-nice hand feel, medium weight-wool/poly/nylon "other" 

Men's Greywolf shirt-$98-poly/with wool-warm top with ease of a tee with buttons

Stargazer jacket $150-on mannequin w/ collar up wards off the cold

on right-Fretwork Shirt-$84 wear out layered-or in

chinos with plaid lining






very pretty color-Lightheart tee Tencel®, organic cotton, spandex $65- with Mixologist scarf-organic cotton/spandex $38
on right/left-love-smartphone friendly fingerless Heartfelt Handwarmer-boiled lambswool, angora/nylon- gloves
matchy fedora...

INFO: Horney Toad

Another collection that has further furthered its goal of fashion functionality-for adventure-esses, travelers, active types- is ISIS for women, exclusively. Some highlights from an all too brief meet in a midtown hotel... this fabulously stitched quilted pattern SECCO insulated jacket (Fall 2013)---in a deep fuchia pink that is more grown-up shade vs bubble gum girly.

Big deal part two---650 gram DriDown™ inside-a treated down that's warm when wet---and dries faster too---with the loft/warmth of the regular ole' kind-bumped up. Wind/water tough and well made. It comes in a vest also ($189).
adjustable hood, hand warmer and interior pockets, solid 2 way zip LOVE. High collar, elastic cuffs,  and drop tail design for extra coverage---and no cold spots near the hem. DWR finish $229












the pattern is also in the back of the jacket---chevron, off center---NICE
from the Spring 2013 collection-sweet Gemma Halter Dress cotton-spandex for the beach to the street. Pack this and it emerges wrinkle free. flattering fit w/ bit of flair
INFO and e-commerce: http://www.isisforwomen.com

New to us, company CORE CONCEPTS-crafts apparel for outdoors loving types---with a focused assortment of performance separates that doesn't scream "Hey ladies, which way to basecamp?" yet is-multi-tasking for higher elevations, none-the-less. 
kinda has that clean barncoat style-the men's Builder Insulated Jacket $219-is weather tough-made of  waterproof/windproof  Shelter Dry Technology, insulated with breathable warmth via Primaloft. Two side hand warmer pockets w/ zips, front and side access pocket...high collar keeps elements-well done for a day on the farm or a night at a bar. Or both.

We can vouch for this Mirror Ball Hybrid shirt $89---we wore all over New York Fashion Week-(Feb 2013)-to backstage appointments when we didn't  have to dress up but still had to look presentable-no matter that there was a blizzard raging on. Paired with black leggings-we layered over a thin/l/s poly tee for additional warmth. Its tapered in the waist for a flattering fit-has that western cowgirl vibe-with pearl snaps, and is made from a two bonded layer fabric-that has a nice hand feel though treated with a DWR finish, and is hike worthy as the inner layer is moisture wicking. Note---runs small, imo 

a cozy option-Roundhouse Sweater $129-is year round wear---super soft-with cashmere like tactile attributes-yet made from an Italian Tech Wool blend that's wind resistant and dries faster than wool. Machine wash--- the kangaroo pocket-are THE spot where we like to park our hands.