Fun and Fashion the Avatar Way

Viewers were plunged into the imaginative beauty of another world during James Cameron’s Avatar, the highest-grossing movie of all time. This unreal adventure provided a brief diversion from everyday life. Even if you haven’t seen Avatar or are waiting for the April 22nd Blu Ray and DVD release, you probably know about this trend-setting movie. Can you find a little of Pandora in Rockville?

Being an Avatar means being blue. As Kindred Spirits carries pieces from Lauren Vidal’s Spring 2010 Vintage collection from Paris. Ms. Vidal proclaims an insatiable curiosity for the world’s cultures and travels to collect “images, shapes and colors that become the soul and direction of every new creation”. These worldwide ethnic influences combined with the choice of blue and earth tones bring forth images from Avatar complete with the bold swipes so noticeable on Pandora’s inhabitants. Lightweight and breezy in a no nonsense crinkled cotton, this collection embraces comfort with a ready-to-dream minimalism reminiscent of the movie. (Pants $139, dress $187) A Mary Frances handbag ($216) is an easy way to flaunt Avatar’s fashionable feathers while drawing some very special attention. As Kindred Spirits is known for home décor, jewelry and other creations where the "artist's spirit is palpable in the objects you touch", much as one imagines on Pandora.

If you want to add the rugged jewelry worn by the Na’vi tribe to an outfit, make your own simple creations of cord and stone. Accent Beads has all the supplies needed to create the personal necklaces and arm bands worn by the characters in Avatar. Imagine the semi-precious stones are from a distant planet then creatively show off your own designs.

As for makeup, new spring colors have arrived at the Shiseido Cosmetic Boutique. Blue is the hue in the Luminizing Satin Eye Color series: Sky, Fondant, Ghost, Bone and Peach. (2g /.07 oz. $ 25.00) At Shiseido, all the products are “Made in Japan”. From the main cosmetic line to all the eye lashes, cucumber peals, and fruit-shaped lotion bottles, browsing in the shop is like a visit to a foreign land.

Looking for some Avatar-style action?

With its primitive action scenes, the movie might arouse a desire to venture outdoors and shoot arrows. Lake Needwood has an archery range in a picturesque setting for such an adventure.
Located across from picnic area #3 on Beach Drive, the range provides sheltered targets on first-come basis during normal park hours. If you need to purchase equipment to get started, Dick's Sporting Goods has an archery selection ranging from bona fide hunting weapons to junior sets. ($619.99 - $19.99) A target archery set for all ages sells for $49.99.

A fascination with all things Avatar has no age limit. Simple bow and arrow sets with suction cups ($9.99 and $14.99) at Toy Kingdom allow children to imagine victory against the alien invaders in their own backyards. The arrows fly a good distance with tremendous ease and durability. Whole families are joining in the fun with this simple plaything. Toy Kingdom’s specially chosen merchandise always inspires learning and creativity because the items in this out-of-the-ordinary shop capture a child’s imagination.

Beyond immersing ourselves in outdoor experiences, our lives would be more like the alien existence on Pandora if we endeavored to go green. In Avatar all living things are connected, so a healthy planet is a priority. In Rockville we can use wind energy from Clean Currents, buy organic food from Whole Foods and MOM's Organic Market, and bike with equipment from Revolution Cycles and Performance to create a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

With such overwhelming popularity and planned sequels, we can’t ignore Avatar’s influence on our culture and style. So venture out in Rockville and add a little Avatar to your life.