The New Black

All I Want is a Room Somewhere, With One Enormous Chair

2008-12-19T13:04:18-05:00

We all know that finding an apartment in NYC is absolute hell. But once you've found that perfect place you're left with the super fun task of decorating...and while there are plenty of places to shop for furnishings in NYC, there's only a handful that are cheap and chic. The task of mixing and matching to create the perfect ambiance is, of course, up to you...and since it's the most fun part of the whole ordeal, we've put together a little list to help you get started.

-Housing Works (17th btwn. 6th and 7th Ave.)- This is by far the most well stocked branch of NYC favorite thrift shop Housing Works. Proceeds from all purchases go towards various AIDS charities, so while you're buying your cheap n' chic furniture, you can feel good about it! We've found everything from a set of 4 Parisian-esque blue silk chairs with matching table for $150, to a Victorian style dresser for $65, to a gilded vintage mirror for $50. There's a huge selection of bookcases and dressers too, for every shape and size apartment! Also noteworthy is the rather large selection of wall hangings like artisan photographs and old paintings.

-Housing Works (245 West 10th Street, btwn. Bleecker & Hudson)- This much smaller sister branch of Housing Works is still an amazing place to find furnishings like couches and armchairs. There's usually about 3 or 4, or as many as they can fit actually...and they're usually the best quality of any of the housing works. Think of it as a boutique version of the one on 17th St....same kind of stuff, a little more selective, same low low low prices. Also a great place to find functional items for your place, like coat racks and umbrella stands.

-Cure Thrift Shop (111 E. 12th, btwn. 3rd and 4th St.)- The furniture finds at Cure remind us of your Grandma's house...if your Grandma is kind of hip. We think the emphasis for buyers at this shop focus on comfort moreso than anything else, and in this department they do deliver. All proceeds go to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Chairs, couches, and tables abound...and odd wall hangings are everywhere. The downstairs is also really great for finding vintage clothes!

-Angel Street Thrift Shop (17th btwn. 6th and 7th Ave.)- Angel Street is run by a little old man and woman who are always quick to offer up advice on your purchases. The wares here are a bit more expensive than the ones over at Housing Works across the street, but they're also slightly more upscale. Think leather, silk, or velvet chaise lounges and sofas. There's also a great selection of assorted vintage items, like records, and old post cards

-Ugly Luggage (214 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY)- Marked by a beat-up suitcase sign on the sidewalk, Ugly Luggage is an ever-changing nod to the good, the bad, and of course, the ugly. Remember that wonderfully tacky glassware from your childhood? You'll find it here. Looking for a kitschy velvet painting to show your ironic side? Ugly Luggage is the spot. Formica tables, Jesus portraits, 70's style lamps--they're all for sale.

-The Upper Rust (445 E. 9th st., btwn, 1st and 2nd Ave.)- Crammed with treasures acquired primarily through estate sales, the densely packed store sells private collections of jewelry, full china sets, painted mirrors, and lighting fixtures that look more Upper East Side than Alphabet City. If you're going for a "cozy" vibe, this is definitely your best bet.

-White Trash (304 E. 5th St., btwn 1st and 2nd Ave.)- Whether it is a metal kitchen cabinet with inset round aluminum pulls or a sixties six-drawer Brazilian rosewood dresser, most of the items in the store have a certain modern flavor and are sold at surprisingly fair prices. There is no stock room, so there’s a high turnover, but if you tell the owner what you’re looking for, he’ll keep his eyes peeled when he goes out shopping. Don’t be afraid to bargain for a price if you see something you like, as most price tags are negotiable.

Tags: angel street thrift shop, cure thrift shop, furnishings, housing works, the upper rust, thrift shops, ugly luggage, white trash

As Economic Worries Increase, So Does the Number of Sample Sales...

2008-12-17T14:24:02-05:00

A MASSIVE La Perla sample sale has descended upon us. We thought their last sale was incredible, with up to 60% off of selected styles in all three Manhattan boutiques. But this time, it's gotten a little ridiculous! We never thought we'd see the gorgeous lingerie purveyors discounting their goods this much!

What: La Perla Sample Sale
Why: Because when lingerie this immaculate is 90% off, you shouldn't hesitate to buy it.

When: December 15th-20th

Where: Only at 260 5th Avenue (Between 28th and 29th St.)

Allez! Allez! Ladies, just think of it as your last chance to spoil yourself rotton before you really have to start buying for others!

Tags: la perla, sample sale

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2008-12-10T15:38:09-05:00

Charlotte Ronson Sample Sale

Stop by Charlotte Ronson's fall sample sale beginning this Wednesday, December 10, through Friday, December 12, from 10 to 7 p.m. Pick up flirty dresses, coats, and accessories from fall '08 and past seasons at discounts of up to 80% off, including a box weaved mini shift dress (now $80) and a leather riding boot (now $100). Charlotte Ronson Sample Sale, 1071 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301, (between 40th and 41st streets); 212-616-1003.

The Earnest Sewn Co. Coat and Can Drive

Donate gently used coats to The Earnest Sewn Co.'s annual coat and canned goods drive kicking off this week with donations going to New York's own New York City Cares and The Food Bank of New York City. Plus, tonight, December 9, and Tuesday, December 16, from 7 to 9 p.m., stop by the store for a special friends and family discount of up to 40% off Earnest Sewn merch as well as hot whiskey from Brass Monkey and sweets from BabyCakes. The Earnest Sewn Co., 821 Washington Street, (between Little West 12th and Gansevoort streets); 212-242-3414; and 90 Orchard Street, (at Broome Street); 212-979-5120; rsvp to store@earnestsewn.com.

Alexander Wang Sample Sale

CFDA winner Alexander Wang is offering his coveted pre-fall and fall '08 collections at discounts of up to 80% off starting this Thursday, December 11, through Saturday, December 13. Stop by his Tribeca studio for goods like. Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cash or $200 credit card minimum. Alexander Wang Sample Sale, 386 Broadway, 6th Floor, (between Walker and White streets); 212-532-3103.

For Those Who Deserve More Than a Lump of Coal

2008-12-05T13:17:36-05:00

If you can believe it, the holidays are once again upon us. And for those of you (like me) who spent way too much time buying themselves presents and haven't yet gotten to anyone on your list…it's helpful to know that there are several holiday markets open around the city that give you a chance to get all your gifts in one place. The first, and perhaps most famous, is the Union Square Holiday Market. Once a year the little square turns into a maze of red and white striped booths that are so adorable and festive that you can't help but feel that giddy Christmas spirit. The stands are open from 10 am to 8 pm and will remain there until December 24th so if you're really slacking you can get all your shopping in the night before! There are over 100 boutiques which offer shoppers unique gift ideas, including imported and handmade holiday ornaments and decorations, antique prints, fine art, toys for the kids, gourmet foods and baked goods, handcrafted jewelry and leather, golf accessories, candles, bath oils, cashmere, French linens, pet accessories, and clothing and accessories for all ages. Especially noteworthy are the hat stands, which have tons of precious little hats to help your gift recipients stay warm. This particular market also has a sister market (both run by Urban Management) at Columbus Circle , right by the Time Warner buildings which have a ton of amazing shops (like Sephora , Jospeh Abboud, J Crew, Coach, and Williams Sonoma ). The stands will be vaguely similar to the ones at Union Square, but you never know when you might find a ton of variety! Another holiday shopping staple in NYC is the Holiday Market at Grand Central . Every year Grand Central, one of the most stunning buildings in the city, gets all gussied up for the holidays and even has a holiday kaleidoscope light show on the ceiling of the main hall. Grand Central has gathered 74 vendors of unusual, beautiful and exotic goods that cannot be found elsewhere in the city. Browse among unique gifts like hand-painted table linens; handmade men's, women's and children's clothing; imported African crafts; mosaic mirrors, children's toys; and Japanese art prints. The market is open from 10 am to 8 pm M-S, 10 am to 7 pm on Sunday, and closes on December 29th, just in case you want to get some New Years presents as well! The light shows run every half hour from 11 am to 9 pm, every day…so make sure you stick around to see it (especially if you have kids!) Union Square can be reached via the 4, 5, 6, N, R, Q, W, and L trains (14th St., Union Sq. stop); Columbus Circle can be reached via the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains (59th St., Columbus Circle stop); and Grand Central can be reached via the 4, 5, 6, 7, and Shuttle trains (42nd St., Grand Central stop).

Tags: columbus circle holiday market, grand central holiday market, holiday market, nyc, union square holiday market

TRL 2.0

2008-12-05T11:13:04-05:00

So TRL just ended and it made you miss your high school days when you would totally try to call in to talk to whoever was on the show that day...but obviously never get through because 10 million other people were doing the exact same thing. Well, we have something to console you who lament the loss of said pop culture phenomenon: TRL at Mr West. DJ Jesse Marco has just launched a new party on Tuesday nights at Mr West with a bunch of his other spinning pals, and while you don't get to phone your request in to Carson Daly...you and your fellow club goers DO get to request all the songs...all night long. We think this is really cool for 2 reasons: 1) Because most Manhattan DJs ignore you when you request a song 2) Because NO Manhattan DJs will ever humor your requests for oldschool Britney, the Spice Girls, Gloria Estefan, Rod Stewart, etc. (OK so that's my playlist, but you get the idea!) Mr West is located at 22nd St. and 11th Ave. and the party starts at 11. And make sure you come prepared!

Tags: mr west, trl, tuesday parties

Fresh Young Music For Your Mind

2008-11-13T01:27:02-05:00

So we have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Django James and the Midnight Squires are performing at the Morrison Hotel Gallery on the Bowery tomorrow (11/13) at 9 PM. The bad news is that the music of 17-year old Django James is so on point that you might end up feeling a little bad about yourself that you couldn't sing/write music/play music like that when you were 17.

The Londoner (by way of L.A.) and his band sound like they come from the age of good old amazing English rock, with raw vocals and interesting musical arrangements...and we've missed music like this for far too long. NYLON staffers liked the sound enough to post about it on their blog and they're bringing the whole NYLON TV crew, so it must be pretty worthwhile. Come check it out at 9 PM at 313 Bowery, the Morrison Hotel Gallery, and bring your friends, who will thank you for taking them to see one of the future stars of the musical universe.

Tags: concerts, django james and the midnight squires, morrison hotel gallery

Pas Comme Les Moutons TRUNK SHOW!

2008-10-15T14:39:29-04:00

The girls of Pas Comme les Moutons want you to know that they're having a trunk show THIS Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (October 17, 18, 19th) at Henri Bendel, which is located at 5th Avenue and 56th St.

The best part though? A couple of new styles have been created specially for the event...including the Bendel (smoky gems and purple rosettes) and the Angelika in purple (rows of purple pleated silk ribbon).

-Feuille D'Or-

Don't miss this chance to view all the wares with the creators themselves!

-Gatsby-

Who: Pas Comme les Mouton
What: HEADBANDS!!!
Where: Henri Bendel (56th and 5th)
When: October 17, 18, 19th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Why: To buy pretty things for your head

Tags: henri bendel, Pas comme les moutons, trunk show

Brand Spankin New

2008-10-15T13:59:05-04:00

We've found two new nightspots that look like promising alternatives to the same old night out.

Ella – Named after the great singer Ella Fitzgerald, this new East Village lounge has one of the best vibes in New York. The décor is a spin on Hollywood glamour and the roaring 20s, complete with black, white, and red all over, exposed brick, dramatic chandeliers, and cocktail waitresses dressed as flappers. The cocktail lounge upstairs is sinfully attractive and the downstairs features a mini-stage, DJ booth, and a piano so musicians can jam along with the DJs. The newest project from the owners of Gallery Bar promises to be a good place for a quiet drink with a date, with an option for dancing afterwards of course…or a fun night out with your friends. 9 Avenue A, New York, NY, 10002.

-Interior of Ella-

Southside – The club/lounge underneath Bar Martignetti just re-opened after a few months of renovation. The space, formerly known as Bella’s, is now quite sexy and sleek, with a decidedly 80’s disco vibe...as if Bungalow 8 had a slightly grittier twin. The black lacquer tiled DJ booth and palm trees add to the party hearty vibe. Plus La Esquina is open late right next door so if you get partied out you can always refuel with tacos. 406 Broome St., New York, NY, 10013, (212) 680-5600.

-Interior of Southside-

Tags: Ella, Nightlife, Southside

Smooth Saleing

2008-10-01T13:12:09-04:00

Two amazing stores are having sales right now and we think you should go. Because we all know a change in the seasons means a change in style means a new wardrobe is required… Built By Wendy Built By Wendy’s seasonal sample sale starts this Friday, October 3rd, through Sunday, October 5th, at their Williamsburg boutique. Stock up on last year’s cold weather favorites for guys and girls at up to 75% off – including the women’s Chevron cropped sweater ($56), the women’s Boiled Wool Swing jacket ($140), and the men’s Flannel pullover ($40). 46 N. 6th St. (between Kent and Wythe Ave.); 718-384-2882. Friday and Saturday from 11 to 8 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. TG-170 Ludlow Street boutique TG-170 is bringing out new merchandise and marking down select styles by 20%. Find sale dresses from Sari, Pepper & Pistol, and more, as well as Bing Bang jewelry, and Greta Cavazzoni handbags. The sale only lasts ‘til everything’s snapped up…so go before the goods are gone! 170 Ludlow St. (between Houston and Stanton); 212-995-8660

Tags: Built By Wendy, Sample Sale, TG170

Pas de Deux

2008-10-01T12:46:17-04:00

From the duo that brought us our favorite men’s store, Odin, now comes (finally, thankfully) a sister store, Pas de Deux. So basically, now you can shop a selection of women’s clothing instead of going into Odin and pretending you're buying things for your boyfriend when really you're shopping for yourself... If you read this blog regularly you know that the East Village/Lower East Side is the location for all of our current shopping obsessions, and with its adorable Parisian styled décor, and its male counterpart still right next door, Pas de Deux is no exception.The collection of associated stores - Odin, Den, and Pas de Deux - makes E. 11th St. the best one-stop block for everything you could ever want to buy. The girly store features clothing from the likes of Alexander Wang, Karen Walker, Vena Cava, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Diana Orving. Accessories from hard-to-find brands Comme des Garcons and (our personal favorite) Repetto, are just the icing on the tasty cake and give us real fear that a trip here will leave us flat broke. Pas de Deux, 328 E. 11th St., nr. Second Ave.; 212-475-0666 (Odin)

Tags: Pas de Deux, Shopping