MadRock Shark 2.0 Review

ryanrockclimbryanclimb

Assistant Manager for the Columbia store and avid climber, Ryan Gajewski, dishes out some pretty awesome hands on experience for the new MadRock Shark 2.0 climbing shoe!

Shark_OUTSIDE_Large

Over the past four months I have been testing the new MadRock Shark 2.0 climbing shoe. What is new this year is the split sole technology. The idea is to make the shoe more aggressive which aids in over hangs. I have found this to be the first time Mad Rock has put this technology in their shoes.
First things first, where were they tested? I tried to climb in multiple areas with different rock quality in order to get a real idea of how good the new style worked under different conditions.
I started in three gyms such as Boulder Gardens (Columbia, Mo), Upper Limits (St. Louis) and So Ill (St. Louis).

 

Outside locations included:
-Sandstone: Sam’s Throne, AR, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, AR, Obed/Clear Creek, TN and Eldorado Canyon, CO
-Granite: Leavenworth, WA
-Limestone: Providence, Warsaw , Wilton,  and Columbia, MO

Types of routes that were climbed:
Gyms:
-Sport climbing & Bouldering
Outside:
-Bouldering, Sport and Trad

Here is what I found.

Pros:
-Price point. Every other split sole shoe retails around +$180.00 making the modest $119.00 very attractive.
-Fit. They are a very true fit, meaning you don’t have to guess and go down two shoe sizes like a lot of other bands. This makes finding your fit a lot easier and less frustrating. I found I only downsized 1/2 my street shoe.
-Comfort. Most split soles are very aggressive, this means you usually have to sacrifice comfort. The mad rocks fit very well with a super comfortable heel, and even though your toe are curled there are no pressure spots.
-Aggressive. These shoes even feel confident before you leave the ground, especially on overhanging boulders, I found they were very helpful when powering through thin lip turns and wild heel hooks.

Cons:
-Heel “mowhawk” is a neat concept but it only works well on specific types of heel hooks. I found that it sometimes would pop my heel off the rock when doing very small, smearing heel hooks.
-The rubber is not as sticky as La Sportiva’s Vibram or 5.10’s stealth rubber.
-It’s pretty specialized, this is not necessarily a bad thing, but a new climber would not enjoy these because of their aggressiveness.

These shoes are the perfect buy for the climber who is ready to jump to a more aggressive shoe, but doesn’t want to blow their entire paycheck. I feel this shoe really comes alive on the boulder wall in the gym. The rubber is not as good as others, therefore I found myself reaching for my higher end Sportiva’s and Evolve’s while outside.
The Sharks are a must for the aspiring climber who wants a second more aggressive shoe but doesn’t want to break the bank. These shoes can cruise you up your 5.7 and V0 warmup and then take you to your 5.13 roof or V8 problem without a hitch. And, on a closing note, they also won editor’s choice in Climbing magazine!

Send hard,
Ryan Gajewski

 

10 Questions with Liza Babington

This week we are going to our store in Columbia, MO to tell you a little bit about our Assistant Manager, Liza Babington! Being a well-rounded outdoor enthusiast she has brought her passion and knowledge for outdoor activities to our company for over three years. She has been known to rock climb and horse back-ride from time to time, but that’s only naming two!  She has broadened her education within our outdoor industry by traveling to conferences and training seminars for Ames Adventure Outdoors and SuperFeet. If you are ever in the area or moving there for school she can help you with pretty much everything in the store!

Lizabio

Email
lbabington@alpineshop.com

Date You Started at Alpine Shop
05/07/2010

(1) Which Alpine Shop location do you normally work at?
Columbia

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)
Assistant Manager, I am in charge of scheduling and I assist in managing and training  the floor staff. I also work as an outfitter on the sales floor who engages with customers and keeps the back-of-house operations running smoothly.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.
Ladue, St. Louis, MO. My favorite place in St. Louis is the ‘woods’ behind my parents house.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?
I have always enjoyed the outdoors and enjoy horseback riding, rock climbing, slack-lining, mountain biking, hiking and camping to name a few.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.
Anywhere I can get away from the noise of the city.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.
I’d love to travel the world with my friends.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)
My favorite gear is climbing gear. My favorite brands tie between Petzl , Marmot and Arc’teryx.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)
I most enjoy the amazing team I get to be a part of everytime I go to work.

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.
Being outside keeps me in touch with me!

(10) What’s one activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with the outdoors?
Sewing and playing the piano.

 

10 Questions with Peter Carleton

We are back at it again! This week it’s all about Kirkwood Store Manager, Peter Carleton! He’s our in-house curator for employee get-togethers, barbecuer, and the list just keeps going. Any given day you can find Peter at our Kirkwood store either managing the floor, leading a bike ride, or even waxing a pair of skis. He’s got an exciting next few months ahead of him seeing as he is getting hitched this fall! He’s been part of the team since 2007 and we want to thank Peter for his years of being one awesome Alpiner!

Diptic

 

 

Name: Peter “Pete” Carleton

(1) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)

I am the Store Manager of our Kirkwood Location. I also lead bike rides, assist with kayak trips, repair the occasional flat tire, wax some skis and boards, and I have been known to barbecue on Sundays from time to time.

(2) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.

St. Louis, Missouri has always been my basecamp, but I lived in Iowa and Connecticut for brief stints before my latest return to the St. Louis area nearly seven years ago. In St. Louis nothing beats a few beers at the Cardinals game. The Iowa State Fair is an event that no Iowan (is that how you say it?) misses, and New York City is the highlight of every visit to my parents’ Connecticut home.

(3) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities? 

I grew up camping and floating with my father, uncle Mike, and three little brothers. I then joined the Cub Scouts, later joined the Boy Scouts, and eventually earned Eagle Scout rank. Through all of those experiences I really learned to appreciate the many rivers and forests our great country has to offer. My favorite activity that I learned early on is paddling a canoe. There is nothing more relaxing and satisfying as multi-day canoe trip with friends and family.

(4) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.

My absolute favorite place to “Get Outside Myself’ is paddling the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Over the past few years I have not had as many chances to get down there, so my more recent alternative is Onandoga Cave State Park (where my camping career started). It is just far enough to get away from St. Louis for a long weekend, but close enough to head down there for a last-minute overnight trip. Onandoga is also a great place for “River TV”.

(5) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I  would really like to get back to The Boundary Waters. I was fortunate enough to spend a week canoeing with my father and brother up there when I was younger, and would love to get back up there with them. That trip was the greatest outdoor adventure I have ever been on. If you two are reading this I am serious, let’s go!

(6) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. 

Wenonah – Argosy Canoe

Marmot – Limelight 2 Tent

Mountain Hardwear – Mega Lamina 20 Sleeping Bag

Osprey – Atmos 65 Pack

Osprey – Porter 46 Luggage

(7) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? 

My favorite thing about Alpine Shop is that every time I come to work I get to talk with the most passionate Outdoors people in the world. Between our customers, outfitters, managers, back-office staff, and athletes you will never meet a more diverse group of people that all have an intense passion for the outdoors.

(8) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.

Being outside is probably the most important activity I can share with others. If every person got outside for just a little bit each day the world would be a better place.

(9) What’s one activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with the outdoors?

When I am not working at Alpine Shop or getting outdoors; I am spending time working on my new home in South St. Louis. When I can get away from that, I enjoy tinkering on my vintage Moped.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I got engaged last summer while traveling through Italy, and we are getting married in September.

I am the oldest of four, and we have recently stretched the Carleton empire to all four corners of the United States.

I have a crazy dog at home named “Tater-Tot”.

10 Questions with Myles Arbeeny

mylesbios

Myles Arbeeny can simply be considered an Alpine Shop classic. Having been on the floor, management, and a certified Paddle instructor, he has filled many roles for the company. Most recently he was chosen to manage our newest store, which opened in O’Fallon, Ill. He continues to teach and encourage people about the outdoors, truly sending our vision east of the Mississippi River! Here’s a little more on the cool guy we like to call “Mylarsky”!

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one
Mylo or Mylarsky

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)
I can honestly say, without exaggerating, that I do it all! I manage the Alpine Shop in O’Fallon, Ill., which means that I have become a guru in all the outdoor sports we specialize in. I would be happy to act as your Sherpa through the store and not only have you pick out your gear; but teach you why it’s the right gear for each particular adventure.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.
Born in Las Vegas, grew up in St Louis, but really grew up in Alaska. Best places around St Louis are Jackson Falls, Ill., the Eleven Point River, Elephant Rocks State Park, and the Meramec River. Nothing beats the Chilkoot trail in Alaska though.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activites you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?
Started enjoying the outdoors in the Boy Scouts. Now I love it all: hiking, backpacking, cycling etc. My favorites truly are paddling and climbing.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.
The Alpine Shop. More adrenaline is used running that shop than rafting the Tayia in Alaska

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.
Top of the bucket list is rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. It’s the ultimate rafting expedition in the states.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)
Chaco Z2 Unaweep, all Arc’teryx (the Fision AR in particular) and Werner paddles. All for the same reason: the care and effort that went into every part of the design gives you a better fit and more comfortable feel so you can keep going further.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers.)
The awesome gear that I can’t help but geek out over and all the long friendships I’ve gained with customers and coworkers

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.
The outdoors are the only way I can deeply relax and refocus at the end of the workday.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I’ve got a crazy border collie named Bennett after the first lake I ever paddled outside the scouts:  Lake Bennett in the Yukon Territory .

 

10 Questions with Meghan Izaguirre

2013-07-23 10.28.45Meghan “Mae Mae Fazio” Izaguirre is the wonderful store manager of our Chesterfield Alpine Shop. Her experience out on the slopes and need for adventure has landed her an important role in the Alpine Shop’s family circle. Starting in our Chesterfield location almost seven years ago she has continued to be a great representation of the customer service we strive to uphold everyday. Here’s a quick way for you to meet one of our very best!
(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one

Mae Mae

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)

I am the store manager at the Alpine Shop in Chesterfield. I enjoy meeting new people who come into the shop and help them with their travel/adventure needs!

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.

I was born in Los Angeles, Calif. Raised in St Louis, Mo. Adventured/lived in Salt Lake City, Utah &  Islamorada, Fla., and am currently back in St Louis (obviously) I enjoy the outdoors. I love the snow.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?

Hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking.  Working at Alpine for the past few years has definitely broadened my love for the outdoors.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.

In St Louis: Castlewood State Park, Hidden Valley Ski Resort, Forest Park, Current River, Jack’s Fork and Upper Limits Climbing Gym. Just because we live in the Midwest, doesn’t mean we don’t have beautiful places to Get Outside. Outside of St Louis, I enjoy snowboarding at Brighton Resort in Salt Lake City and Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Ore., as well as deep sea fishing in Islamorada, Fla!

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I still haven’t done a full out backpacking trip yet, I would love to hike Mount Whitney in California or Zion National Park in Utah.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)

I find myself wearing at least ONE piece of clothing/footwear to work each day from Alpine Shop.  Right now I am really digging my Salomon XR Missions. These shoes are great for trail running, or just wearing to work for the support/comfort. I also enjoy Mervin Snowboards (GNU & LibTech) for my winter necessities!

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)

Imagine working with a group of people who all love the same things, who get to gear up customers for trips that we could only dream to go on. Imagine working with people who invite you out after work to all go skiing/snowboarding or rock climbing. That’s what it is like to work at Alpine Shop. I also love that it is a locally owned business and we stay true to our customer service.

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.

I am the only girl out of four children in my family, and we were always active growing up! Whether it was soccer games, field hockey practice or snowboarding everyday in the winter, I was ALWAYS doing something. When I started working at Alpine Shop at the age of 16, I knew this place was perfect for my adventure needs.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I got married to my fabulous husband in April of this year at Chandler Hill Vineyard… We just bought a house, and move in 2 days! No kiddos yet, still have a lot of adventure & travel left in these bones of mine…

Meghanbio3

10 Questions with Brennan VanMatre

photo

Brennan “BV” Van Matre has been the store manager at our Columbia, MO store for five years, he is the backbone to one of our great stores and brings a delightful element of outdoor culture to our company everyday. A true outdoors-man who loves an extensive array of activities from kayaking, mountain biking, ice climbing… just to name a few!

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one

“BV”

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)

I have been the store manager of Alpine Shop Columbia for 5 years now. I have enjoyed developing the kayak instruction, hiking trips, backpack adventures here in our Columbia location. It is a great community and very fitting for the outdoor culture.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.

Mexico, Mo.: A little town in central Missouri, blossomed on the brick industry, filled with good folks and a strong sense of community.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?

I really enjoy kayaking slow river and whitewater, mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, hiking, did I mention all things outdoors? I have always loved being outdoors. I spent several years living out west and I grew personally and spiritually with nature. I lived in the Rockies, the western desert, Alaska, spent time in all states surrounding and appreciated every moment.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.

I really like the water. And I really like the mountains. I must say the Pacific Northwest is the place that all of that comes together easily for me. The contrast of waves, rocky coast, and mountains that climb right out of the surf. That is the macro view. Locally, I find myself in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Finger Lakes State Park or Mark Twain National Forest. I can hike, bike, kayak and disappear for a while.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I would love to see what the world looks like atop of Mt. Rainier. I am very interested in mountaineering, love the Pacific Northwest, and would love to accomplish this summit. It is on my short list right now. I have seen many tops in the Rockies and I can’t begin to describe the feeling. It is deep.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)

I have several pieces of gear I really use and appreciate. First, a fantastic rain shell. If I could have one piece of apparel, it may be a GoreTex shell. I own a Marmot Minimalist and have trusted it for years. I am a fan of Salomon footwear for trail running and honestly, everyday comfort. My backpack gear is very Marmot and Osprey.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)

I can say working in the outdoor industry is a real luxury. It is the leisure time for most and I see the excited, nervous state in the trip planning stage. To play a part in that activity or adventure is really cool to share on a personal level. But best when they come back through the door to share the experience with me. Alpine Shop is a great place to live out the day-to-day involvement. Columbia is a very cool place with a lot of great folks who enjoy the great outdoors.

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.

I appreciate the little moments where nature sings its song. Leaves rustle, birds sing, water runs, and I can hear everything and nothing at all. I feel connected and humble while in the outdoors.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I have an incredible wife and son. I couldn’t ask for more when it comes to my family. I live life by the moment and take nothing for granted.

10 Questions with Russ Tamm

The Alpine Shop is full of awesome people who help make this place the best it can be! Russ Tamm has been gracing the floor of the Kirkwood location for almost four years and he will soon be leaving us for his home state of Washington! Here’s a quick way to meet him and join us in giving him a warm farewell.

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one
Russellmania!

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)
I do a little bit of everything here! I’m currently working as our training manager, coordinating both vendor and in house clinics on new product and general outfitting. I love hiking, kayaking, and snowboarding. If folks are getting geared up for outdoor adventures, I can usually get them pointed in the right direction. If you need a pack fit, wanna get the lowdown on down sleeping bags (har har) or are trying to figure out the right board or skis for you, I’d love to help out! I’m also one of the Shop’s ACA certified kayaking instructors, so summer time means I get to go play on the water.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.
Seattle, Wash. The mountains and ocean (and coffee!) are the things I love the most about the Pacific Northwest. I always take at least one trip back in the winter to snowboard at Stevens Pass or Crystal Mountain. Kayaking the San Juan Islands is an incredible adventure, definitely worth the trip. I also try to work in a trip to my favorite college hangout, Cafe Solstice in the U-district, for blueberry cream cheese coffee cake and the world’s best straight espresso!

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activites you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?
My parents had me out of the house as much as possible when I was a kid! I loved reading about and practicing survival techniques and native american woodcraft. In high school, I got my Eagle Award and was involved in search and rescue ground team ops with the Civil Air Patrol.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.
I love paddling the Meramec and Missouri Rivers for quiet beauty and fun with friends. Johnson’s Shut-Ins for easy family camping and cool fun in the summer. Hidden Valley Ski Resort gives us a chance to go skiing and snowboarding right in our back yard. Love to catch midnight sessions after work with a mob from the shop!

I’m probably the most “me” hiking and camping in Olympic National Park, Wash. Wandering mossy damp forests of evergreen, canoeing the glassy waters of Lake Ozette, or hiking the kelp littered coastline to booming breakers and the cries of gulls.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.
Week-long sea kayaking tour through the San Juan Islands in Washington’s Puget Sound! Beautiful protected inlets, challenging open water, and quaint laid back island communities. The San Juans sit in a triangle between Seattle, Victoria, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Harbour seals, orca whales, and bonfires on the rugged coast make paddling in the Pacific Northwest pure magic.

That or heli snowboarding in Alaska. Maximum gnar.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)
Marmot, Arc’teryx, Wilderness Systems, Burton, and Lib Tech are some of my favorite brands at the shop. These guys are pros when it comes to making stuff that works great, and looks cool while doing it! Here are some of my personal favorites:

Marmot Aura 2P Tent. Expertly constructed, great in wind and rain, and still fairly lightweight. Roomy vestibule space and double entry make this tent a no-brainer for 3 season backpacking.

Arc’teryx S220LT Climbing Harness. This harness offers simplicity, light weight, and crazy comfort that belies its minimalist design.

Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145. This versatile kayak has the carrying capacity to take you on touring daytrips and overnighters, for casual paddling or an expedition! Easy to handle and predictable, but will also perform more advanced techniques.

Burton Barracuda Snowboard. Amazing powder and free ride board, with one of the best graphics I’ve seen in a while.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)
I love hearing about and helping folks get ready for awesome adventures! We have a great community of people who love the outdoors here at the Alpine Shop and it’s truly a privilege to be a part of it. Going to work inspires me to learn more every day, and to get myself back out there!

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.
Mind, Body, and Spirit. They are one. The outdoors refuel me wholly.
What’s one activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with the outdoors?
Playing and listening to music! Guitar, banjo, penny whistle. Anything I can make some noise with.
Provide any personal family information you wish to share.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?
I have an amazing wife and two great little girls. We’re learning how to be an outdoorsy team! We also have a pug. He’s pretty lame in the wild. I just completed my Masters of Divinity at Covenant Seminary here in St Louis. I enjoy seeing the outdoors open people’s eyes to bigger things. I’d like to bring those two loves together, inspiring people to find meaning, purpose, and hope in this often crazy world.

My daughters out on the water!
My daughters out on the water!

 

Wild West Dreamin’

blog photo vavcationvasque breeze

 

This is the time of year when bright and shiny new hiking  items arrive in the store and we all start dreaming of all the amazing places we could traverse. The West has held it’s strong reputation for being purely magnificent and so many of us have had the opportunity to experience it’s beauty! Alpine Shop’s vision ” Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors” is upheld by maintaining our adventure-seeking, outdoor loving staff. We wanted to share some of the insider buzz on a few new items our staff can’t stop thinking about, and would be the perfect addition to your upcoming westward adventure.  Everyone loves and needs a new hiking boot  and the Vasque Breeze 2.0 is the one that will have you jumping up and down with excitement. As if the original Vasque Breeze wasn’t a perfect Gore-Tex item, they reloaded this boot with all of the necessary bells and whistles. The most amazing part of this boot is that it nearly weighs nothing compared to how much support and strength it has. Metal grommets hold the laces along with the fast drying mesh make this boot a long lasting piece in your closet.  Between the 100% waterproof of the Gore-Tex, the Vibram sole and rubber toe, and not to mention how lightweight it’s made, this is a hikers dream.  Some of the places featured from Top left to bottom right include Moab, UT,  Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park,  Yosemite Falls, and Mt. Ranier, WA

Staff Pick of the Month!

Patagonia Kamala Skirt

Though there may be snow on ground, spring is just around the corner! Spring vacation is the perfect opportunity to break into some of the new spring apparel. Whether it’s hanging out at the beach, enjoying the view from a cruise, or dressing up for dinner; this multi-optional skirt and dress is perfect! Patagonia’s Kamala skirt comes in an array of colors and fun patterns to match almost any top. If you simply unfold the top part and tie the string around the neck, it tuns into a lovely halter dress. The material is lightweight organic cotton/Tencel making it extremely comfortable and easy to pack!  Meghan Fazio, the store manager of our Chesterfield Shop has made this her top pick of the season, come in and see if it’s yours as well!