LSTN, Kowtow

LSTN headphones feature wooden chambers that, like wooden instruments, provide a warm and natural sound.  I've been using the "Bowery" earbuds, and they are comfy and sound great. Aside from the handsome, reclaimed wood chambers, my favorite feature is the nylon-wrapped wires. They tangle less, are stronger, and can take the abuse typical of a busy urbanite who throws them into his bag or pocket. LSTN only uses reclaimed ebony, cherry and beech scrap wood from furniture and flooring companies that would otherwise end up on the garbage. What's even better is that every time a pair of LSTN headphones or ear buds are sold, LSTN helps restore hearing to a person in need through the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Leather-free, all LSTN headphones are suitable for people who like animals.

• These ingeniously constructed, drop-crotch, light-grey organic loop-knit cotton fleece pieces from Kowtow are on sale and perfect for layering, dancing, springtime, or eve working out. Kowtow is made in New Zealand, fair-trade and GOTS certified.