Introducing GSNYC's Alter Ego: Bullpen Betty

Bullpen Betty

My baseball rants have become a separate human. Please like me as much as the Academy liked Sally Field back in 1984: www.facebook.com/bullpenbetty

My passion (obsession?) just makes me wanna bring humor & help restore the cool factor to baseball, while challenging stereotypes about sports & gender. With ridiculous emphasis on the New York Yankees. (Sorry mom).

Featuring game and player commentary, personal anecdotes, historical references, interviews, photos, music, bar reviews and whatever else the cat drags in. We're just getting going so stay tuned for podcasts and check out the Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/BullpenBetty

Friends don't let friends wear pink baseball hats.

Occupy Wall Street: Free Suits & Haircuts to Those in Need

Hackett

For the second weekend in a row, I ventured downtown to check out the Occupy Wall Street scene at Zuccotti Park in NYC.  This time, I stumbled upon something that hit me, touched me, moved me...One of the groups populating the park had raised money to purchase men's and women's suits that they altered on the spot in the park for anyone in need. They were also giving free haircuts. I didn't know it at first, but when I ran into my friend Chris Hackett, I learned from him that the effort was organized and executed by his group, The Madagascar Institute.  He told me that they had bought the best suits from thrift stores in Brooklyn and Staten Island and were able to alter and give away 100 men's suits before 1 p.m.  Amazing.  The ultimate in Guerilla Shopping. Power!!

Glasshouse: selling vintage Blenko and Empoli glass since 1998

I acquired this Empoli Verde Vase at the Glasshouse showroom in the Village the other day.  I don't own any vases that didn't just come for free with an FTD flower arrangement, so when I saw this "leaning tower" I just had to have it.  However, it was just one amazing piece among a vast collection of colorful, top-quality, unique vintage pieces in the Glasshouse collection, curated by expert (and when I say EXPERT, I truly mean it) Damon Crain.  Probably more for the serious collector or interior decorator, but I would say that his pieces would also make a stellar wedding gift, or just gift to yourself - because you are THAT special (really, you are).  Pieces range from about $200-$3,500.  And while that might not sound like a bargain, most of them not only retain their value, but GROW in value.  So buy one and maybe in 80 years your great great grandkid will sell it on Pawn Stars or at least get a spot on Antiques Roadshow.

Details on pictured vase:
Tapered and curved cylindrical vase with two applied bands, circa 1920's. Measures 11.75 inches tall x 3.75 inches diameter.

Shop It To Me, Unzipped: NYC

Shop It To Me, Unzipped: NYC

Posted using ShareThis

Shop It To Me collected and analyzed data they collected on the most loved brands in NYC. They've broken down which labels are most wanted in neighborhoods throughout the Big Apple: from the Upper East Side to SOHO. It's actually kind of interesting. 

Feb 22 - Mar 14: ROBERT MARC EYEWEAR WINTER SALE

ROBERT MARC EYEWEAR WINTER SALE
Monday February 22nd ~ Sunday March 14th

The Robert Marc Eyewear winter sale offers 50% savings on select optical and sun styles for men and women from designer Robert Marc. Also included in the sale will be designs by Lunor, Blinde and Oakley.

Over the years, Robert's creations have turned up everywhere from the most fashionable metropolitan streets and designer runway shows to major motion pictures and television productions.

Locations:

• 190 Columbus Avenue (between 68 & 69), 212-799-4600
• 400 Madison Avenue (between 47 & 48), 212-319-2900
• 551 Madison Avenue (between 55 & 56), 212-319-2000
• 782 Madison Avenue (between 66 & 67), 212-737-6000
• 1046 Madison Avenue (between 79 & 80), 212-988-9600
• 1300 Madison Avenue (between 92 & 93), 212-722-1600
• 386 Bleecker Street (at Perry), 212-242-6668
• 436 West Broadway (between Spring & Prince), 212-343-8300

Hours: Call store for business hours
Payment Type: American Express, Mastercard, Visa or cash

Nov. 30 - Dec. 14: Vanessa Noel Sample & Stock Sale

Vanessa Noel Sample & Stock Sale

November 30 - December 14
M-F 10-6 Sat 11-6
158 East 64 Street
(Lexington-Third Avenues)
212.906.0055
http://www.vanessanoel.com/

All current fall boots and shoes reduced 50% to 70% off. Now $200 to $2,250, original retail from $525 to $7,500. A closeout selection of 30 styles of white satin shoes to be dyed now $50, reduced from $525.
Woman’s day and evening shoes and boots. Over-the-Knee, ankle, and to-the-knee stretch suede boots, chinchilla boots, mink booties, strappy evening sandals, pumps, ballerinas, flats, alligator loafers. Also a small selection of early resort sandals.

No further reductions. American Express, Visa, Mastercard and cash accepted. All sales final. No refunds.

Aug 13-23: ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Sale

Up to 75% off original prices on lighting, select tabletop & decorative accessories, bedding & bath and modern, grounded & antique furniture, handmade oriental rugs, modern rugs, and more...

when:
August 13-23

what:
Select traditional furniture, Theodore Alexander, French Heritage, case & occasional goods as well as modern, grounded & antique furniture. Modern dining, office and storage furniture. Chinese, European, Indian and South American antiques. Upholstery, sofas, chairs and sectionals. Lighting, decorative textiles & accessories, table top and bedding. Modern rugs, handmade Orientals, needlepoints, Aubussons, flatweaves, shags, mansion sizes, runners, wall-to-wall carpet and remnants.

where:
abc carpet & home – bronx warehouse outlet
1055 bronx river avenue
bronx, ny 10472
718 842 8772
mon-fri 10am-7pm sat 9am-7pm sun 10am-6pm
http://www.abchome.com/

specific merchandise details:

Mitchell Gold Winslow Chair
was $2,685 now $499

Mahogany Dining Table
was $3,150 now $799

Contemporary Shag Rugs
were $1,999-$3,499 now $699-$999

DIA Granite Table
was $1395 now $299

The Barksdale Collection Manhattan Night Stand
was $1.095 now $499

Urban Oasis 4 Hands Coffee Table
was $1295 now $795

Modern Nepalese Rug
was $9,299 now $1,999

Silk Trading Curtain Panels
were $420-$170 now $210-$85

Chinese Needlepoint
was $1,999 now $599

Handmade Pakistan Chobi Rug
was $7,299 now $3,699

Retro Collection Spectrum Rug
was $699 now $249

Arper Office chair in warm orange
was $1295 now $699

My Latest NYC/Eating/Shopping Perspectives

Perhaps stereotypical of a New Yorker, I don't find myself at many typical tourist attractions. I've never been to the top of the Empire State Building, never to the Statue of Liberty, I'm not a big fan of Broadway, etc. But, I do love my annual jaunt to Coney Island/Brighton Beach, which will continue to become more of a tourist attraction for years to come.

The best neighborhood joint in my neighborhood is the Rodeo Bar & Grill, hands down. Good food, drink and free live music. The best late night joint in town? Well, I don't do late nights like I used to, but I guess I'd have to say L'Express on PAS - they serve food until all hours and you can get quite a "show" in there, depending on what time you arrive. The last cultural thing I did was attend an art auction in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, at which I didn't buy anything, except a couple of drinks. I don't get to go to enough fancy schmancy restaurants, and now that my dad is retired, I can't even rely on him to take me anymore. However, we did recently go to the Gramercy Tavern and the food and atmosphere - and the hooker in the bright yellow mini dress from the 80s - were excellent. My friend is going to kill me for letting the cat out of the bag on this one, but the best bar to meet members of the opposite sex is Marshall Stack on Rivington St. Seems like men over the age of 28 are in there actually looking to talk to women in the same age group. Not exactly a fashion trend, but something that I have been most pleased with during the past couple of years is that shoes and boots have really upped the ante. There was a phase there in the 90s where I could hardly find a pair I liked, but now I am overwhelmed with the selection that not only suits my tastes, but also encourages me to take some fashion risks that I might not have taken before. Oh, and one request to the footwear designers who are reading this: please keep making tall leather boots that fit around normal sized calves. Thank you. My favorite brand? Well I find myself in Club Monaco's sale section all too often, but on a more elite scale, I can't believe the genius behind Marc Jacobs. And while I can't afford to buy even a T-shirt, I am blown away by his style sensitivities, and perhaps more than that, his marketing approach! Other brands large and small should take note.

p.s. Howdja like my new logo? I have another one to unveil tomorrow. I think this one is my favorite though.

Anti-Style from the Beastie Boys

I love the Beastie Boys for many reasons, one of them being that during their extensive career they have pretty much maintained the same demeanor and style. The urban-anti-style that so many a white boy have taken on. It allows you to be cool and lazy at the same time. It says "I'm smart but not stupid." I saw them last night at Terminal 5 and am glad to report they are still as unfashionably fashionable as always.

Actor Crafts Fine Art and Crafts Sale: Sat. Nov. 17

Benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids
Actor Crafts featuring: IKE DESIGNS JEWELRY BY DORI O'DEA (AKA Dori Eisenhauer) can be found at Actor Crafts A Fine Art and Craft Fair featuring the work of New York Theatre Professionals

• One Day Only •
Saturday, November 17th, 2007

Holy Cross School
332 West 43rd Street (between 8th and 9th Ave.)
10 am to 6 pm

Over 40 Exhibitors!

Featured items include:
Jewelry · Sculpture · Paintings · Photography ·· Dolls & Bears · Clothing & Hats · Knits & Crochets ·· Vintage & Handcrafted Furniture · Handmade Cards ·· Picture Frames · Soaps & Sachets · Rubs & Scrubs · and much, much more!
Don't miss this one-of-a-kind tradition
held only twice a year in the heart of the Theatre District!

FREE ADMISSION

Delman Shoes Sample Sale: Nov. 1-3

It's that time of year for the overcrowded, overpriced Delman sample sale. But I know lots of you are into that kind of thing, so...

Delman Sample Sale

When: Thurs., Nov. 1 - Sat., Nov. 3; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St., 4th Floor (between 6th - 7th Aves.)

What: Fall and Winter 2007 styles. All sizes.

Be warned: No strollers or large bags. All items must be checked before entering

Payment options: AmEx, MC, Visa & CASH. No checks.

-All Sales Final-

Portolano Sample Sale: Oct. 22 - Oct. 26

I think a lot of you are clamoring for the latest word on the Portolano sample sale, where you can get designer gloves, knits, small leather goods, handbags, ties, cashmere coordinates, hosiery - however, in my mind, the only real reason to go is for the leather gloves.

Well, here are the 'tails:

15 W. 37th St., 11th Floor

NYC

Monday Oct. 22 - Friday, Oct. 26

10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

212-719-4403 ext. 112

No refunds or exchanges. Major credit cards accepted.

BCBG Max Azria - 5th 'n' 40th

I have been scoping out the new BCBG Maxazria store on the northeast corner of 5th Avenue and 40th St., which used to house a Pier 1 Imports, if I am not mistaken.

Today there were boxes being delivered, the contents of which I do not know. But a quick peek inside the joint tells me that there's still a while to go until this latest palace of retail therapy opens to the public.

Good Sales: Woodbury Commons & Betsey Johnson

From today's New York magazine's Best Bets Daily:

NEW TODAY
Hit upstate over the long weekend and save an additional 10 to 50 percent on already reduced Escada, MaxMara, and Michael Kors at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.
When: 10/5–10/8; call for hours.
Where: 498 Red Apple Valley Ct., Central Valley, N.Y. (845-928-4000).

STARTING TOMORROW
Fun party frocks are up to 80 percent off at the Betsey Johnson warehouse; sequined strapless dresses were $375 but are now $95.
When: 10/4 and 10/5 (10–8).
Where: 263 W. 38th St., nr. Seventh Ave. (212-391-6495).

Te Casan: Fall Merch

Fall Sales to Bide the time

Some great entertainment moments from the weekend to share are forthcoming, but for now here are some quickie shopping tidbits to hold you over.

Fashion Week Likes (some) Bloggers

You may have read that the powers that be at Fashion Week, which is literally happening right now about one block away from me, decided to invite more fashion bloggers than usual to cover the event. Bloggers such as The Sartorialist, who I have mentioned on these e-pages before.

Did my invitation get lost in the mail? Am I a threat to the fabric of the fashion world (pun intended)? Fine, whatever. Just don't expect me to say "yes" when you beg me to show up next year. I won't even accept the invite. I will "return to sender." I hate fashion. It's stupid. Why would anyone want to go? Nyah.

Les Nanas: The Parisian Invasion

This weekend was one of those times that I wished I had some kind of wedding-banquet-charity ball to attend because I found a killer dress that should be on the cover of French Vogue, if not on my body. However, lucky for you gals it's still available at Les Nanas de Gramercy. I found out that there are only four "Balerine" by Nana Baila available - one in each size (1, 2, 3, 4) for about $325+. This slate-coloured dress is made from a polyester/viscose blend and features intricate leather trim. It must be seen and tried on to be thoroughly respected as the work of art that it is.

I was also taken by the red uber-stylish sweater jacket from Maillili you see pictured here, as well as the turquoise-iridescent jacket styled for whomever is up to the task of wearing and pairing them with the right skirt/dress/pants, because that's the kind of respect these pieces demand!

Rocky Sullivan's Moves to Red Hook

Rocky Sullivan's of Lexington Avenue between 28th-29th Sts. has closed, and I have the photo to prove it. This divey Irish pub that I used to drop in on once in a great while featured the standard pub stuff (e.g. beer) as well as readings from known authors, such as Sam Lipsyte who read from The Subject Steve...or was it Home Land...or Venus Drive?

Anyway, it has now moved onto browner pastures in Red Hook, Brooklyn. No doubt because it couldn't afford to live in Manhattan anymore. I have no information to back that statement up, it's just an educated guess.

Last Stop Recording & Rehearsal

It may be outside of the City - but only 35 minutes - so if you need to rock...or sing...or feed your inner audio beast, you should visit Last Stop Recording & Rehearsal in Orangeburg, NY. Just a quick jaunt across the GWB, head north and then let Kevin take care of you the way he was born to do. A music tech extraordinaire, he's also the son of an OBGYN so you know he's nice to the ladies as well.