It's true, I used the word "musings" - I must really be a blogger now, boy oh boy. In all seriousness, the NYC subway is where I get most of my inspiration. While riding uptown to work the other day I started thinking about how beautiful women are maybe the only people who can get away with not being the most stylish people. The same does not hold true for beautiful men - men who are extremely good looking can't dress like slobs. I noticed a very beautiful woman the other day but would not have said her coat, pants, shoes and bag worked together. Thoughts?
The other topic I wanted to explore is the converse low-tops that slip on with no laces, but still have loops for laces. Everyone under the age of 30 is wearing these shoes right now. I recently purchase a pair of black low-top cons but the traditional, with-laces style. I prefer the with-laces look, but some people can pull off the no laces version.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
What's In a Commercial?
Somehow, our TV is programmed right now to display the words that are being recited when the "mute" function is turned on. I'm not sure if this is called Closed-Captioned or subtitled, but I think you know what I'm referring to.
The point that has me so fascinated is that apparently only certain corporations opt to have their commercials (or "spots" as my husband in the ad industry likes to say) display the words if they're on mute. Please note that I am referring to the television you receive for free here in NYC when you plug your box into the wall, not TiVo or some DVRness - just plain old network television (ah, Network - see that movie, please).
Here are the companies I've noticed tonight that pay extra - I assume - to have you read exactly what they're saying to you, Y-O-U.
McDonald's
Subway (ie: the sanwiches)
Dunkin Donuts
Target.
It's the last one on the list that has me writing this posting ce nuit. As you know, I love me some Target. But I was able to read the "lyrics" to the "song" in the most recent Target commercial and I was taken aback. Forget subliminal, it might as well be saying, "buy, buy, buy now, spend."
Does the Target have some bewitching power over me that I simply do not realize? And here I was thinking I just chose the Target on my own, that the powerful red and the bullseye logo and the recruiting of the designers had nothing to do with it.
The point that has me so fascinated is that apparently only certain corporations opt to have their commercials (or "spots" as my husband in the ad industry likes to say) display the words if they're on mute. Please note that I am referring to the television you receive for free here in NYC when you plug your box into the wall, not TiVo or some DVRness - just plain old network television (ah, Network - see that movie, please).
Here are the companies I've noticed tonight that pay extra - I assume - to have you read exactly what they're saying to you, Y-O-U.
McDonald's
Subway (ie: the sanwiches)
Dunkin Donuts
Target.
It's the last one on the list that has me writing this posting ce nuit. As you know, I love me some Target. But I was able to read the "lyrics" to the "song" in the most recent Target commercial and I was taken aback. Forget subliminal, it might as well be saying, "buy, buy, buy now, spend."
Does the Target have some bewitching power over me that I simply do not realize? And here I was thinking I just chose the Target on my own, that the powerful red and the bullseye logo and the recruiting of the designers had nothing to do with it.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
You Work Hard for the Money, So You Better Shop Online Right
When you've worked all weekend and have pulled some pretty late nights in the office, the only sensible thing to do once you finally get home is curl up with your laptop, slap a clay mask on that tired face, sip on a glass of cheapo Sauvignon Blanc and shop online!
My online shopping routine involves perusing and purchasing from the following:
My online shopping routine involves perusing and purchasing from the following:
- Bluefly.com. I know, I can't stop referring to this website, but I really am hooked. I got a fabulous Marc Jacobs jacket on this site for $40 and ever since, I love.
- Zappos.com. This is another one of my faves. It's easy to lose a good two hours here - and it is always selling that pair of shoes you found at some retail shop that wasn't carrying your size.
- Girlshop.com. I don't know why I'm so drawn to this site, I have really only ever bought something at its offline sample sales, but I like feel of the navigation (even though it doesn't make too much sense) and the photos are done very well. Most importantly, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of what the kids are wearing these days.
- Target.com. This is an offline powerhouse, indeed. But if you live in Manhattan the only options for the retail store experience are Bklyn (full picked through) and Riverdale and Queens, I think but am not even sure. The point is, the site is excellent for affordable work dresses.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Shoes, Glorious Shoes
When my man is out of town for the weekend, the first order of business is to head downtown to Century 21 - not the real estate company, folks, the discount department store!
I was first introduced to "Century's" by ACT back when we worked at the bank on Wall Street. El Century Veintouno opens at 7 am on weekdays so it was a great place to pick up those second pairs of stockings when we discovered runs on the subway rides to work...it was also a great place to blow paychecks every two weeks.
Oh Century, you sold me my first and only pair of Prada shoes, my sparkley Costume National pants (speaking of which, check out the CoSTUME NATIONAL website: it's hot), my Moschino Cheap & Chic miniskirt and the Milly dress I wore to the rehearsal dinner for my wedding. Unfortunately today you really didn't have what I was looking for, still I purchased two pairs of shoes from you.
And then I headed home, but on the way I remembered Anbar Shoes, which you may recall I highlight in a previous posting. Hello! All Winter shoes at Anbar were either $20 or $25. Well I bought three pairs at Anbar and then went right back to Century and returned the one pair that cost more than half of the three pairs at Anbar.
Top that day off with a visit to the Barney's Warehouse Sale (black wool Theory pants) with JK followed by a dinner at Caracas Arepas and you have yourself one perfect day.
I was first introduced to "Century's" by ACT back when we worked at the bank on Wall Street. El Century Veintouno opens at 7 am on weekdays so it was a great place to pick up those second pairs of stockings when we discovered runs on the subway rides to work...it was also a great place to blow paychecks every two weeks.
Oh Century, you sold me my first and only pair of Prada shoes, my sparkley Costume National pants (speaking of which, check out the CoSTUME NATIONAL website: it's hot), my Moschino Cheap & Chic miniskirt and the Milly dress I wore to the rehearsal dinner for my wedding. Unfortunately today you really didn't have what I was looking for, still I purchased two pairs of shoes from you.
And then I headed home, but on the way I remembered Anbar Shoes, which you may recall I highlight in a previous posting. Hello! All Winter shoes at Anbar were either $20 or $25. Well I bought three pairs at Anbar and then went right back to Century and returned the one pair that cost more than half of the three pairs at Anbar.
Top that day off with a visit to the Barney's Warehouse Sale (black wool Theory pants) with JK followed by a dinner at Caracas Arepas and you have yourself one perfect day.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Saleabration
This just in from the trenches - I went to the Rafe sale this weekend and picked up this little number which in addition to a cute wallet in the same style was under $200. If my previous posting didn't pique your interest in this sale then hopefully that information will!
Also, thanks to MS for reminding me about the upcoming Barney's Warehouse Sale - don't forget to check it out between February 15 and March 4. I owe a lot to that sale - some fabulous shoes, a great camel-colored coat. Oh the memories...I once tried something on, put it back on the rack and Amy Poehler asked me if I was taking it. Fabulous!
So I was thinking about the process of shopping and the whole concept of "retail therapy." That's a pretty cheesy way of describing an aspect of shopping I think is very real. There's something so relaxing about strolling around and trying things on at your favorite places - maybe you buy something, maybe you don't - but in the meantime you're mentally stepping outside yourself, while physically you're scrutinizing yourself very closely.
Of course when you're shopping with a friend it's very different, but also very comforting. You can talk through a number of topics with your friend from a number of angles while going from store to store and trying things on. You stroll around, have a good ol' chat, encourage each other - if that isn't therapeutic, I don't know what is.
Ok, before I get too "Deep Thoughts" on something that can also be very shallow and consumerism-focused, let me sign off and get back to another type of scrutiny - the review of Grammy Award outfits (love you, Mary J)!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Hot or Not?
Hot
Rafe New York - source of the world's hottest handbags, is moving from its Bowery Street shop to a soon-to-be-announced new location (the woman working the store when I stopped in said they were deciding between two different locations). Their moving sale means 70% off. This is a crazy, nutso deal so get yourselves over there if you've ever coveted anything by Rafe. Apparently the sale will be going on through February until the inventory is gone, and it was a limited selection this past weekend so consider yourselves informed.
Not
Proenza Schouler for Target. All I can say here is "boo!" I was one of the truly desperate who stood in line for 1/2 hour on Saturday for a glimpse of this line at a preview sale at the store Opening Ceremony on Howard Street. I bought three items - a jean skirt, a blazer and a dress and I had to return the jean skirt (button popped off) and the dress the very next day. At least they allowed me to easily make the return, but the point is this line isn't as cool as others like Tara Jarmon, Paul and Joe (or - hey - Rafe!) for Target.
Rafe New York - source of the world's hottest handbags, is moving from its Bowery Street shop to a soon-to-be-announced new location (the woman working the store when I stopped in said they were deciding between two different locations). Their moving sale means 70% off. This is a crazy, nutso deal so get yourselves over there if you've ever coveted anything by Rafe. Apparently the sale will be going on through February until the inventory is gone, and it was a limited selection this past weekend so consider yourselves informed.
Not
Proenza Schouler for Target. All I can say here is "boo!" I was one of the truly desperate who stood in line for 1/2 hour on Saturday for a glimpse of this line at a preview sale at the store Opening Ceremony on Howard Street. I bought three items - a jean skirt, a blazer and a dress and I had to return the jean skirt (button popped off) and the dress the very next day. At least they allowed me to easily make the return, but the point is this line isn't as cool as others like Tara Jarmon, Paul and Joe (or - hey - Rafe!) for Target.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Big Bubang Theory
The most important accessory for winter? It's not a hat, not gloves, not a sweater or an overcoat. It's not a body exfoliant, not a facial exfoliant; not a body moisturizer or a facial moisturizer. It's not cozy warm socks and it's not a nice fluffy Patagonia fleece.
No my friends, it is this one simple device: the humidifier.
In New York, the humidifier is a standby to the old radiator-heated apartments. This heating I'm talking about renders you bone dry. For the past few years we have therefore been rocking the $25 drugstore special - the Vicks humidifier without the Vaporub (even the word evokes memories of a toilet paper scarf worn to bed at night, but that is a subject for another posting). After last season, however, we decided the filtration system in the cheap-o model just wasn't cutting it, so my gallant husband upped the ante to the $40 model.
His attraction to the new device was that it had an option for hot humidity dispension, and by hot humidity dispension I mean it boiled water. Back to PC Richards it went and we invested in the $100 Air-O-Swiss option with a back-up ionic silver filter thingy from Bed, Bath and Bayond. We spent the night soaking the filter, filling up the device and switching it on and off every so often just to finally determine that it was defective. Back to B,B and B it went and we spent the next day viewing the city's finest (read: most miserable) appliance stores - PC Richards (both the East Village and Chelsea locations), Home Depot, Best Buy, Circuit City (they do not sell humidifiers..."Who?" "Humidifiers - they're not a band, they're household appliances").
We were nearly at our wit's end when EJ's initial suggestion - a joke at first - sounded so much more appealing. m2m on 11th Street and 3rd Avenue calls itself the Asian Convenient Store. Well three cheers to convenient-ness because the Bubang humidifier was less than $100 and that included a free humidifier cleaning product.
Considering the headline of this posting, is it absolutely horrible if I tell you the moral of this story is that when shopping for a humidifier, always go out with a Bubang?
No my friends, it is this one simple device: the humidifier.
In New York, the humidifier is a standby to the old radiator-heated apartments. This heating I'm talking about renders you bone dry. For the past few years we have therefore been rocking the $25 drugstore special - the Vicks humidifier without the Vaporub (even the word evokes memories of a toilet paper scarf worn to bed at night, but that is a subject for another posting). After last season, however, we decided the filtration system in the cheap-o model just wasn't cutting it, so my gallant husband upped the ante to the $40 model.
His attraction to the new device was that it had an option for hot humidity dispension, and by hot humidity dispension I mean it boiled water. Back to PC Richards it went and we invested in the $100 Air-O-Swiss option with a back-up ionic silver filter thingy from Bed, Bath and Bayond. We spent the night soaking the filter, filling up the device and switching it on and off every so often just to finally determine that it was defective. Back to B,B and B it went and we spent the next day viewing the city's finest (read: most miserable) appliance stores - PC Richards (both the East Village and Chelsea locations), Home Depot, Best Buy, Circuit City (they do not sell humidifiers..."Who?" "Humidifiers - they're not a band, they're household appliances").
We were nearly at our wit's end when EJ's initial suggestion - a joke at first - sounded so much more appealing. m2m on 11th Street and 3rd Avenue calls itself the Asian Convenient Store. Well three cheers to convenient-ness because the Bubang humidifier was less than $100 and that included a free humidifier cleaning product.
Considering the headline of this posting, is it absolutely horrible if I tell you the moral of this story is that when shopping for a humidifier, always go out with a Bubang?
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Genius Blog about, Yes, Lip Balm
This is amazing - I am adding this blog to my list of faves over to the side but I had to also devote a post to it. The name says it all:
Chaptastic
I myself have been slightly obsessed recently over various lip stuff options with my newest favorite being L'Occitane en Provence's Creamy Honey Lip Balm (yes, that is actually the full name of that retailer). Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is a classic favorite that always works.
Chaptastic
I myself have been slightly obsessed recently over various lip stuff options with my newest favorite being L'Occitane en Provence's Creamy Honey Lip Balm (yes, that is actually the full name of that retailer). Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is a classic favorite that always works.
What Is With That Smell?
A couple of questions have come up recently:
1) Why has the scent of all retail locations of The Body Shop gone from nothing in the atmosphere except the occasional testing spritz to totally gnarly? What is with that putrid stank? Is it the competition with Bath and Body Works? Has my nose gotten more sensitive over the years? (Note: this could be quite possible. There are times when I smell the sulfur in the NYC water system so clearly I have to opt for bottled H2O).
2) Why is it that Broadway musicals went from special, wear your "Sunday-best" events to slap on a pair of jeans for the matinee? Disney's stranglehold on 42nd Street? The evolution of the US into a more "casual" culture (read: the slacker movement)?
I ponder these thoughts with you, my wee bonnie lassies and lads. Tonight I attended a NY Press Club event with a discussion revolving around blogs and blogging so I got the itch and reminder that I needed to reach out. Talk amongst yourselves - discuss - and leave me a comment. I've gotten some great ones recently that have lead me in some good directions here on the interweb.
1) Why has the scent of all retail locations of The Body Shop gone from nothing in the atmosphere except the occasional testing spritz to totally gnarly? What is with that putrid stank? Is it the competition with Bath and Body Works? Has my nose gotten more sensitive over the years? (Note: this could be quite possible. There are times when I smell the sulfur in the NYC water system so clearly I have to opt for bottled H2O).
2) Why is it that Broadway musicals went from special, wear your "Sunday-best" events to slap on a pair of jeans for the matinee? Disney's stranglehold on 42nd Street? The evolution of the US into a more "casual" culture (read: the slacker movement)?
I ponder these thoughts with you, my wee bonnie lassies and lads. Tonight I attended a NY Press Club event with a discussion revolving around blogs and blogging so I got the itch and reminder that I needed to reach out. Talk amongst yourselves - discuss - and leave me a comment. I've gotten some great ones recently that have lead me in some good directions here on the interweb.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Women of New York City run the full gamut of fashion sense. This place is a fashion hub, and therefore to the outsider it may seem as though every woman here is the pinnacle of style, but I would argue that for every woman who's got it, there's one who's off the mark entirely. We have the best of the best and the worst of the worst and everything in between. I give you...
The Good
TG170 is possibly the coolest store in all of New York. The owner is as nice and helpful to me as she is to Jessica Simpson and the way she dresses is just plain old fashioned cool. I was in there last weekend with JK (we were crazy for cords - she bought an adorable maroon skirt with a funky cream-colored pattern and I opted for skinny-leg Mon Petit Oiseau black pants. Do I love that brand? Yes; I will discuss it in another posting) and the owner was rocking the big ol' sunglasses that all the kids are wearing these days except they weren't sunglasses, they were actual glasses. I'm talking prescription that she pulled down off her head to read the price of something JK was checking out. I may not be giving the subtle coolness of the look proper dues with this description, but she's just plain chill.
The Bad
Ok this one I just didn't get at all: a suede jacket with shearling lining emblazoned with the word "History" across the back with a Scooby Doo patch underneath the word. What the?
The Ugly
Camoflauge draw-string pants with the word "Peace" written across the butt. Maybe if it had said "Piece" it would have made a little more sense.
The Good
TG170 is possibly the coolest store in all of New York. The owner is as nice and helpful to me as she is to Jessica Simpson and the way she dresses is just plain old fashioned cool. I was in there last weekend with JK (we were crazy for cords - she bought an adorable maroon skirt with a funky cream-colored pattern and I opted for skinny-leg Mon Petit Oiseau black pants. Do I love that brand? Yes; I will discuss it in another posting) and the owner was rocking the big ol' sunglasses that all the kids are wearing these days except they weren't sunglasses, they were actual glasses. I'm talking prescription that she pulled down off her head to read the price of something JK was checking out. I may not be giving the subtle coolness of the look proper dues with this description, but she's just plain chill.
The Bad
Ok this one I just didn't get at all: a suede jacket with shearling lining emblazoned with the word "History" across the back with a Scooby Doo patch underneath the word. What the?
The Ugly
Camoflauge draw-string pants with the word "Peace" written across the butt. Maybe if it had said "Piece" it would have made a little more sense.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Schmockin and Jivin
Happy New Year, fashionistas! Did we all come up with some good resolutions like (1) never pay retail and (2) always pay attention to what you're wearing and (3) try to give more women compliments? Oh wait, those are mine but if you need to take one or two and run with them, well be my guest.
I have a few interesting tid-bits to share from Columbia, South Carolina (or Cola as the locals refer to it).
- Schmocking, or smocking as it may be written, is uber-popular in South Carolina, as is monogramming.
- Hand Picked has maybe the best selection of sterling silver earrings I have ever experienced. The website doesn't really do it justice (too much junk, not enough sterling!), but you may find a nice little item to monogram: Behandpicked.com
- Janie Quinn makes super cute belts (and babies - Michael is a peanut)! Check out her site: PerfectlyWaisted.com
I have a few interesting tid-bits to share from Columbia, South Carolina (or Cola as the locals refer to it).
- Schmocking, or smocking as it may be written, is uber-popular in South Carolina, as is monogramming.
- Hand Picked has maybe the best selection of sterling silver earrings I have ever experienced. The website doesn't really do it justice (too much junk, not enough sterling!), but you may find a nice little item to monogram: Behandpicked.com
- Janie Quinn makes super cute belts (and babies - Michael is a peanut)! Check out her site: PerfectlyWaisted.com
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Naughty or Nice?
Just in time for the day-after-Halloween crazy Christmas retail push, I'm making my list and will probably check in on it a few more times...
Naughty
LaRedoute.com
Quelle dommage! La Redoute disappointed me big time by delivering a shirt instead of a skirt and when I sent it back I got a shirt back again. Trop mal.
Gifts.com
Stop showing commercials on TV if you don't have the server capacity for all the visitors you're going to receive after a commercial runs and sends people to your site!
Nice
Bluefly.com
I know I've already given it my stamp of approval by listing it off to the right under "Cool Shopping Sites," but can I please say that I love Bluefly? I only wish that I had $1000 a month to spend on the site. Luckily for me I can do wish list shopping as its shopping bag functionality saves past additions until I remove them (or they get sold out). The company keeps improving the browse options and apparently there are only more enhancements to come, according to an inside source on the development team.
Naughty
LaRedoute.com
Quelle dommage! La Redoute disappointed me big time by delivering a shirt instead of a skirt and when I sent it back I got a shirt back again. Trop mal.
Gifts.com
Stop showing commercials on TV if you don't have the server capacity for all the visitors you're going to receive after a commercial runs and sends people to your site!
Nice
Bluefly.com
I know I've already given it my stamp of approval by listing it off to the right under "Cool Shopping Sites," but can I please say that I love Bluefly? I only wish that I had $1000 a month to spend on the site. Luckily for me I can do wish list shopping as its shopping bag functionality saves past additions until I remove them (or they get sold out). The company keeps improving the browse options and apparently there are only more enhancements to come, according to an inside source on the development team.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Vintage Advantage
What was once considered used is now vintage. We shop the racks at vintage clothing shops and sift through styles that packed our mothers' and grandmothers' closets. Add insult to injury, most vintage shops in NYC nowadays are overpriced and staffed with some of the most obnoxious people this city has to offer.
Case in point: JK and I walked into one of those shops in the Lower East Side and JK innocently commented about the name and inventory of the place, as it had obviously changed since the last time we had been in. Well I'll be damned if one of the salespeople didn't pounce and instantly make some pissy comment in reply. Here was a perfect opportunity to sell, sell, sell your returning customers on the benefit of shopping at the new-and-improved vintage shop - one of MANY in the neighborhood and NYC in general - and instead this woman chose to go the bitch route. During our time looking around she attempted to tell me how to try something on, fussed around the store cleaning up after people and let out a number of exasperated sighs.
On the other hand, take Meeps in Washington, DC. Unassuming (why assume?), well-stocked and - hold the presses - staffed with happy, nice people. EK and I went in there for wigs (new, not vintage) for Halloween and were both sold on winter coats as well. I got a mod forest green driving coat and EK got a black faux fur fabulousness. Mine was $45 and hers was $65. Meepiddy meep meeps!
But I haven't totally given up hope on the vintage clothing scene in NYC and this is why: Shana. You may recall that I blogged about my shopping excursion to Shana's traveling vintage clothing sale and what a great time I had. Well Shana spotted me on the subway this morning and at first I didn't recognize her but she was super friendly and shared with me the great news: her store is now open for business! Check it out - CollectHer is now a reality in the Bklyn.
The vintage advantage: Meeps and CollectHer have got it, most others don't.
Case in point: JK and I walked into one of those shops in the Lower East Side and JK innocently commented about the name and inventory of the place, as it had obviously changed since the last time we had been in. Well I'll be damned if one of the salespeople didn't pounce and instantly make some pissy comment in reply. Here was a perfect opportunity to sell, sell, sell your returning customers on the benefit of shopping at the new-and-improved vintage shop - one of MANY in the neighborhood and NYC in general - and instead this woman chose to go the bitch route. During our time looking around she attempted to tell me how to try something on, fussed around the store cleaning up after people and let out a number of exasperated sighs.
On the other hand, take Meeps in Washington, DC. Unassuming (why assume?), well-stocked and - hold the presses - staffed with happy, nice people. EK and I went in there for wigs (new, not vintage) for Halloween and were both sold on winter coats as well. I got a mod forest green driving coat and EK got a black faux fur fabulousness. Mine was $45 and hers was $65. Meepiddy meep meeps!
But I haven't totally given up hope on the vintage clothing scene in NYC and this is why: Shana. You may recall that I blogged about my shopping excursion to Shana's traveling vintage clothing sale and what a great time I had. Well Shana spotted me on the subway this morning and at first I didn't recognize her but she was super friendly and shared with me the great news: her store is now open for business! Check it out - CollectHer is now a reality in the Bklyn.
The vintage advantage: Meeps and CollectHer have got it, most others don't.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
