Friday, December 22, 2006

iPod and a Taxi Ride

Here's my question: is it ok to listen to your iPod while you're a passenger in a taxi? I've wanted to do it a number of times but apparently it's kind of tacky. Or am I just making that up?

Do let me know what your thoughts are.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Hip Hope

Reflect upon it and relish in it - the hip hop of our generation is finally back en vogue. Not lying y'all. There's a reason why The Bridge is a featured show on NYCTV and I think it goes beyond the fact that a lot of those dudes are in and around NY and can easily be interviewed.

It's been between 10 and 15 years since our absolute favorites - De La Soul, Digable Planets and Tribe Called Quest - were uberpopular so it's about time for a resurgence. Everything's cyclical and these groups are coming back up to the top of the trend circle.

Mark my words. I don't go to the clubs or the rave parties but if they aren't sampling it a ton yet they very soon will be. If you are of the younger person persuasion and you know what I'm talking about please post ye a comment. If you think I'm off the mark then let me know about that too.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

I'll Take You to the Tailor Shop

Dear Caroline,

Where can I find a good tailor in downtown Manhattan?

--Desirous of Fitting Duds


Dear Desirous,

Stanton Tailor Shop on (where else) Stanton Street at the corner of Orchard Street is where it's at.

Dear Caroline,

This was easily one of the best recommendations I've ever received in New York. I finally made it down there yesterday to get this cashmere overcoat tailored. They were closed when I got there, but I called and he opened up to fit me. He said I really needed three sizes taken down, which sounded to me like a lot of work. He asked when I wanted to pick it up, I said next week if they could do it by then. He said how about tonight. This was about 1PM yesterday. I picked it up at 6:30PM. It fit great, and only cost $35. I can't believe a place like that exists in New York. Thanks, Caroline.


I wish I could take all the credit for this wonderful experience but JK was the original discoverer of Stanton Tailor Shop. Can you feel the pay-it-forward love? Here's to well-fitting clothing!

Overheard at DSW

"I think it builds character to not buy what you want." --Fellow DSW shopper on December 16

So what, my dear, does it mean when you do in fact buy what you want? Defamation of character? HeeheehahaHO

Speaking of DSW - the one on Union Square has hot with a capital "H" (HOT!) Chloe, Botkier and Gucci bags. If you have an extra $500 - $1500 and have been coveting one of these bags, get thee to DSDubs.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Bell-sleeved Shirts

What's with bell-sleeved shirts? Why are we so drawn to them? Probably nine times out of ten they are not flattering. I bought one such shirt with KH at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets at Calvin Klein. It's a cool shirt for sure, but the reality is that whenever I wear it I am constantly pulling at the cuffs with my fingers to get the sleeves over my hands.

You know the routine: we started it around age awkward and now we are trying very desperately to phase it out of our lives (kind of like the word "like" when used as a filler word). The classic sleeve-yank. My latest take on it is that due to our circulation issues, the tips of our fingers tend to get cold easily and therefore we yank for the sake of warmth.

Like sleeve-yanking, bell-sleeves are decidedly 1980s. I think I'm over them, and it's like about time.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Sigerson Morrison Sample Sale NYC

This just in from the front lines: you must attend this sale if you have time today! Shoes are $70-$75, sandals are even less than that ($45, I think) and boots are $100. This is Sigerson Morrison, ladies! I was blown away and got 2 pairs of flats and 2 heeled sandals. Oh goodness gracious get yourself there today because this is the last day. I guess it's more of a warehouse sale than a sample sale, but you catch my drift. It's a saleabration!

Be forewarned about one BIG caveat. I went last night around 6:40 pm because according to Daily Candy it was over at 7:30. In fact the reality was that they stopped letting people in at 6 pm even though there was a substantial line down the block! The women were just waiting there. When the woman running the show came out to once again announce that they were not letting people in, I started haranguing her. Then a woman in line suggested giving us vouchers for the next day to get right in and bypass the line. Yes, I got me a voucher and got there this morning at 8:30 am when it opened. The line was again long but the voucher did the trick! The bottom line: Ladies with flexible schedules today will get the most out of this experience.

Location: 180 Lafayette between Grand and Broome Streets

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Shiny McPuffy Trend

When I was in high school it was JCrew, Patagonia, Tweeds, maybe LLBean and the Salvation Army. We all looked the same and that was exactly the point. Ok, nothing new there. Flash forward 14 years and everywhere I turn in the East or West Village I see this shiny puffy winter jacket from Patagonia.



Actually, it's not even technically a jacket but rather a "down sweater." Now I love Patagonia as much as the next guy or gal. When the temperature drops I say bring on the fleece, but have we become so provincial that this is all we can come up with for Winter 2006? Oh and when I say "we" I mean those of us who are men and live downtown.

Guys, high school is over - college is too (I know you're not NYU students). Enjoy brunch, drink expensive wine, celebrate not having homework, be an individual and wear original outerwear.