Friday, May 2, 2008

Lifestyle: Thinking outside the box for mom

By Katharine Dyson
GPA Contributing Lifestyle Editor

Mother’s Day is just around the bend. Sure you could take her out to dinner or buy her the same old, same old flowers. But, c’mon, you can do better. Be clever. Think smart. Think outside a little small box.

Thinking pink, go for YES! Golf’s Pink Marilyn putter. With three pink squaring lines, one on the top and two in the cavity of the putter, it’s a winner and will look great in the bag. There are also blade (Pink Tracy) and mallet (Pink Tiffany and Pink Victoria II) models.

On the web: www.yesgolf.com.

Mom will look the coolest in Sundog’s new Paula Creamer line of sunglasses -Prowl, Strive and Impression. Strive has a one-piece wrap-around lens in several smoky and bronze colors; Impression is a one-piece rimless bubble lens; and Prowl has a wide rim with sleek bold styling.

On the web: www.sundogeyewear.com.

Set her world aglow with the most brilliant color golf balls on the market. Fact is, they are the second most popular ball in Japan, which just goes to show that they work well too. Chromax balls come in metallic blue, green, silver, pink, orange and gold and retail for about $15.95 a six-pack package. Like Christmas balls, they reflect light so they are easy to find in the sky and on the ground. In a bowl, they double for clever table décor.

On the web: www.chromaxgolf.com.

Speaking of color: Soft Aqua, Pistachio, Sorbet, Peach and Banana with a touch of fresh green in Fairway & Greene’s Garden Party line will be all the flowers she needs. F&G’s cotton stretch floral and eyelet skirts with a touch of scalloped lace on the waist band is complemented by a white cardigan embroidered with whimsical blossoms. Pair with a peachy pink top or pick from a variety of styles from classic solid pique stretch to vertical textured solids, mini-hybrid stripes and accent stripes. Finish the merry amalgam of fun, art and life with Pima cotton Pom Pom Peds. (Floral skirt, $80; embroidered cardigan, $110; peds, $12).

On the web: www.fairwayandgreene.com.

Almost as good as giving mom a reflexology treatment, Etonic’s G>Sok Sof-Flex shoes are utterly comfortable. Flex zones, longer stability shanks, soft waterproof Atlantis leather and Cushion Suspension Insole do the trick. Bottom line? They feel great, like a comfy sock. Available in four color combinations. ($100).

On the web: www.etonic.com.

Dazzle her with a Gemspot putter. I’ve seen it, tried it, but can’t afford it. If you can, though, go for it. As you putt, you are looking down at the “putting line” defined by five authentic gems, from diamonds to rubies. The stainless steel mallet head has a high MOI providing a large sweet spot. The Deluxe Diamond series handcrafted custom putters are loaded with 2.5 carats in total weight. The price? Don’t ask … OK from $400 and up. And up to $10,000 for the Deluxe Diamond. Sweet.

On the web: www.gemspotPutters.com.

Broad horizontal swathes grab in Kate Lord’s latest look by AHEAD. The Coolmax FX Sleeveless Color Block tops come in lemon, coral, cobalt, emerald, black, scarlet, lilac and kiwi. The fabric, mostly Coolmax FX polyester with a smidgeon of spandex, wicks off moisture on those hot steamy days. The top has a contrast self stand-up collar and v-neck front placket ($55). Pair with Kate Lord crop sailor pants in 100 percent polyester twill. Constructed with some stretch and adjustable button side tabs, back welt pockets and front vents at the lower leg, the pants are wrinkle resistant with moisture wicking capabilities. They come in navy, bloom, horizon, kiwi, white and black ($65).

On the web: www.aheadweb.com.

Ah the feel of soft leather. Introduce her to Pouches by Fairway Skins, a cabretta leather zippered pouch perfect to carry her small stuff on the golf course. Just 4-by-5 inches, pouches are painted with floral and butterfly images (many from the archives of the Natural History Museum in London) and have contrasting-color lining. The web loop with split ring on the side enables the flower to hang vertically from a golf bag. A carabiner hook is also enclosed in each pouch. ($32). Matching gloves are equally as soft and have a small pearlized ball marker ($36).

On the web: www.fairwayskins.com.