Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

So here it is, as Father Guerilla requested on his very detailed Xmas list - Pama Pomegranate Liqueur. I got it for $25.00 at Park Ave. Liquor Shop, which is a bit pricey, but look at the beautiful sleek design of the bottle! Marketing strategy strikes again...

I spoke to the Daddy G. today and he is working on creating some fine Pomegranate martinis for their little New Year's Eve dinner tonight. See! Liquor is good AND good for ya!

Cheers & Happy New Year.

DSW: March of the Shoes

Yes, yes I know - another store that I write about all of the time: DSW Shoes. But I am so excited to finally be able to share with you the glorious gift of shoe that I bestowed upon Mother Guerilla this fine holiday season.

Mother G. was in desperate need of shoes...so desperate was her situation that I don't believe she realized how critical it actually was. So I took her foot matters into my own hands and did what I do best.

The pictured shoes - Michael Kors, Circa by Joan and David, Nicole Miller, and corso como cost me a sum total of about $260, which was a savings of about $230. The best deal were the Michael Kors (the first pair on the left) which cost a mere $32!

Club Monaco: Cheap Suits

I know, I know. I am obsessed with Club Monaco. Scorn not, novice Guerillas, for I am doing this for the greater good.

Among many other fine gifts, the Guerilla Parents presented me with a gift card redeemable at Club Monaco, so really, they are the enablers. Anyway, as I had written a few days ago, there is a big fab sale going on at "the Club." So run, don't walk.

For example, I purchased this suit for $70! The jacket had cost $199, I got it for $39.99. The skirt (which has to be tried on to be fully appreciated) had cost $109, but found its way into my home for a mere $29.99. There are two other colors also available - blue and greyish/black, but I am ever so grateful to have gotten it in brown as my other brown suit was eight years old and boasted big shoulder pads of "Working Girl" proportions. Not the most flattering look.

Once again, C.M. saves the day...

Ghost on Bond St.: Hurry! $25 Jeans!

I have walked by, but never into Ghost on Bond St. But when one of my friendly stringers just informed me of their "we're closing sale" going on through the end of January, I decided I had to check it out.

Most of the rayon, unstructured, flowy dresses, skirts and tops are not really my style, but $25 designer jeans are! I tried on three different pairs and settled on the ones pictured below (the last ones of their kind). You need to get yourself in there and buy some. I found the "stretchy" ones much more comfortable than the "rigid" pair, however I think I liked the "rigid" denim better. I bought the stretchies (I must be getting old.)

I asked why they were closing, and can't really remember what the answer was because I was so mortally stunned by the following exchange:

Me: "Are you closing because the rents in this neighborhood are skyrocketing?"
Salesdude: "No, it's really cheap down here. Like Sixteen."
Me: "Sixteen hundred?"
Salesdude: "No, sixteen thousand."
Me: "A year?"
Salesdude: "No, a MONTH. It's retail!"

I should probably move to Idaho, because there is no way on earth that I could ever understand that $16,000 A MONTH is considered CHEAP. Oh good lord.

Lord & Taylor: Coat & Jacket SALE

Hi all, I'm finally back at the command center and wanted to show you the first of many excellent achievements.

The Guerilla Parents ever so kindly braved the jungle, otherwise known as Paramus, NJ, to find me, the Baby Guerilla, a winter jacket of the hooded, waterproof, ski bunny kind. They purchased a jacket at Lord & Taylor that was tremendously fabulous, however was a bit too small for a guerilla.

So in a rare NJ retail mall appearance, the Guerilla Shopper took it upon herself to zoom around northern NJ in an effort to make an excellent exchange. I found the perfect replacement (pictured above) from everyone's favorite, Calvin Klein. Not only does this form-fitting, hooded, down-filled gem provide warmth and style - IT WAS 50% OFF! Meaning that it cost $72.50, which was a big great huge savings for the Guerilla Parents who had spent way too much on their original purchase (but only in an effort to ensure that I had the best guerilla suit possible to stay warm in the winter months - if it ever gets cold!).

So everyone won, and I even got to buy a whole kitchen full of NJ-based groceries with the difference, which the GPs ever so thoughtfully donated. Another huge score - and you NYC dwellers know what I'm talking about when it comes to the allure of cheap groceries. Let's eat bananas!

Bloomingdale's: Post-Xmas Coupon

Hi all...I am not in my usual Guerilla Command center, so I am hoping that some of my post Xmas sale advice has been useful. I have been taking photos of presents given and gotten and am going to get out into the world of sale retail a couple of days this week, so stay tuned!

My First Present: Kenneth Cole Watch

Yay! Here's the first full-fledged Christmas present I received so far this year (from my "very special friend"): the Kenneth Cole KC4451 for Women.

As the minutes tick by, I like this watch more and more. It's packed full of bling in a low key way through its streamlined design. But it also has a pink face! Oh pink!

The band is a tad big, but I shall have a link or two removed as soon as possible so that it, like me, is perfect. sigh...

DSW: Post-Xmas Sale! Starts Dec. 26

The Tree @ Rockefeller

My camera phone sucks, but here's THE TREE...right in the midst of 5th Avenue shopping galore...

Post Xmas Sale: Club Monaco

OK, Christmas isn't even here yet, and I already have the tip on Club Monaco's post-Xmas sale. Commencing the morning of Boxing Day (that'd be Tuesday, December 26), eager Guerillas will find up to 70% off almost all merchandise. I think I may camp out on Christmas night...

More 80s Tales: Allan & Suzi / NaNa Shoes

So I'm feeling another little 80s retrospective coming on (scene: foggy dream sequence) - New York City Style.

Back in the days when Father Guerilla used to take me to buy prim and proper dresses at Betsey Johnson on the Upper West Side, we would sometimes meander around the hood, back when Columbus Avenue was all the rage, and not yet Westchester Suburbia South. Those journeys would sometimes bring us to Allan & Suzi at 416 Amsterdam Avenue, where I'd try on latex dresses and such. I never quite understood why we got such strange and puzzling looks by the salespeople, but in retrospect I'm pretty sure it was because I was NOT A TRANSVESTITE.

Next door was Na Na where you could find some cheap, but stylish, punk rock shoes. I bought some wicked, extremely pointy patent leather boots for $15. They finally gave out on me, but I have since replaced them with a similar (in look, not price) pair from Donald J. Pliner (see pic).

Anyway, stay tuned for future 80s postings. I have a couple more good ones up my sleeves. Oh, and I'll tell you where I got those on the cheap too.

Dunkin' Donuts Smoothies

I'm not thrilled with the unaesthetically pleasing Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins that very recently opened up on the ground floor of my apartment building. In fact, if they tried to install one more fluorescent light in that joint, the thing could take off like some kind of nuclear rocket ship. HOWEVER! I do quite enjoy the small mango/passion fruit smoothie that costs way too much at $4.32. Yummy.

An Ren: Falling Down the Charts

Remember when I sang the praises of An Ren, the women's clothing boutique located at 315 East 9th St., a couple of months ago? Where I found the "coat that saved me" for an acceptable price?

WELL.

As you can see from the pictured button, I need some help...for the giant, unique button on coatie cracked during dry cleaning and is no longer functional. It is not a button that is easily replaced.

So I went in personally with the button, the coat, my card, AND a print out of the blog page on which I was so very complimentary towards the store and the great coats and other designs and explained my problem to the saleswoman.

A week passed and I didn't hear from them. So I called. The same saleswoman assured me that the owner herself was coming in and would be dealing with all customer issues in the next day or two. I checked to make sure that she still had my contact information, which she did.

I have NEVER heard back.

So I have taken it upon myself for the time being to move a less utilized button to the place where this much needed button used to live. But I am not particularly happy about or impressed with the service.

Remember: SERVICE COUNTS FOR A LOT!

Astor Wines & Spirits: Office Gifts

Every year I seem to grapple with the issue of office gifts...Should I? Shouldn't I? If yes, for whom? Sometimes you get pulled into the "Secret Santa" scenario...and, well, what the hell do you buy someone who you really hardly know (or like)?

I found my answer this year in Astor Wines & Spirits. I hadn't visited since it moved a couple blocks down Lafayette to the corner of 4th St. If you haven't been there yet - GO. It's much MUCH bigger and nicer and easier to manuever than in its former location on Lafayette and Astor Pl. (except now maybe they have to change their name to "4th St." ha, ha.)

Also, they have really good deals on wines and liquors. I called ahead to make sure that they had what I was looking for to be sure, and then I went in and was assisted by some very nice, efficient salespeople and was on my way. Of course, lugging 6 giant bottles to the subway and then to my apartment was a challenge in weight-lifting, but had I taken a cab, I would have rendered my money-saving trip downtown pointless! Now I'm trying to work on getting those bottles into the office without pulling my arms out of their sockets.

I can't tell you just yet what I bought, in the unlikely event that the 5 people I work with read this blog. But let's just say I lassoed some big bottles of liquid at a low price. AND...and they gave me enough free gift bags to make each one look snazzy.

Union Square Christmas Market

I've already written a bit about the Union Square Christmas Market, but I have to revisit...especially because they have hired "Evil Angels" to stand outside the 14th Street entrance (see pic., left). Or perhaps the evil angels have taken it upon themselves to stand there and glare at the holiday shoppers in an effort to point out the evilness of consumerism during this, the most wonderful time of the year. EVIL!!

The other notable additions are the throngs of artists displaying and selling their works around the outer edge of the Square (see pic., right). It was SO crowded over there yesterday that I could barely see it all, but I was impressed with much of it, and recommend that you go check it out. Especially if you happen to work for Goldman Sachs - why don't you go over there and support the entire independent New York art scene with your Christmas bonus and buy it all?

Time Out New York: Shoe Repair

I'm just reading in this week's Time Out New York magazine about an amazing shoe repair shop on 8th Ave. and 23rd St. called Arty's Shoe Repair. I don't usually write about stores I haven't been to, but this article was too funny and now I feel like I have to go check it out. My favorite line is:

"...a customer who was into S&M asked Arty to modify a white-leather straightjacket by creating flaps that would expose his chest, 'He wanted to be whipped while he struggled in the jacket...'"

This guy must be good.

See page 13 of the December 14-27 issue for the whole story.

Wrap it Up...I'll Take it

I am feeling somewhat guilty that I haven't been spending as much time on bloggy as I would like to...my day job has been incredibly hectic, thereby reducing my time available to both shop and write. OK, now that I've gotten that out of my system, onto business...

I am hoping today or tomorrow will be my last day of Christmas shopping - I am in the final stages of buying Mother Guerilla some key gifts. And without her there'd have been no baby Guerilla, so she deserves careful consideration, i.e. "I have to get my momma some good sh*t." But that is all I will say for now, lest I eliminate any element of surprise.

But remember, purchasing a gift is not the final step! You must package and market said gift appropriately...you don't have to spend a lot of money to do this, most wrapping supplies can be bought at the local 99-cent store. But better, and I wish I had remembered this myself, is Old Navy. They have some of the coolest, high quality wrapping paper at a very reasonable price. It's like Christmas pop culture on paper! [Thanks to my day-job co-worker for reminding me of this little Old Navy secret].

I know, I know, many of you (especially the boys) don't want to get involved in wrapping paper, ribbons, cards, etc. But just think - if you've spent the time thinking about what to buy, shopping for it, paying for it...don't you think that you and your gift deserve to be presented (no pun intended) in the best possible way? It really adds to the whole gifting experience overall. Trust me and the Ms. Manners who sometimes dwells within my soul.

And check out my gift display! Makes for festive Xmas decor to boot.

Save Money by Making Strategic Friends

I don't have a photo of the kinds of friends or goods I'm about to discuss, but that's merely to protect the innocent...I think that to truly live the life of a Guerilla Shopper, one needs to seek friends who have influence over or jobs at places that will enhance YOUR material needs. This includes clothes, shoes, food, drink, jewelry, furniture...anything that might help you to get free or cheap stuff. I have managed to do this and I have oft been rewarded with goods that made my day and helped me hold on to a few dollars for a couple of days longer than I would have otherwise.

Now, as any savvy person knows, to get you have to give give give. So figure out what you have to offer others (try to keep it legal) and GIVE. Teach them how to swing dance, how to cook, help people get jobs or boy/girlfriends. Provide them with ideas they would have never considered before. Invite them to parties...whatever it is, do it and the rewards will befall you 10-fold!

However, don't do something stupid and say, "hey, I showed you how to make borscht last weekend, the least you could do for me is get me front row tickets to see the Earth Wind and Fire reunion show - you work at Radio City, WTF?!"

Be patient! Give out of a real feeling of enthusiasm and wanting to share. Only then will abundance flow your way.

Xmas Dinner: John's of 12th St. Fun, but kind of sucks

As we sometimes do, my friends and I from the motherland, also known lovingly as New Jersey, New Jerusalem or Neu Jeru went out for dinner to celebrate the holidays at John's of 12th St. (near 2nd Ave.). We often seem to end up at this Italian "joint," mainly because it's easier than thinking of somewhere else to go. Well, that, and it does cater (especially on weekends) to random groups of loud kinfolk - sort of a free-for-all, which is pretty much what we require.

This year there was a giant table of gay men with moustaches wearing leather seated behind us. While next to us, was a quiet couple who spoke no more than 4 words to each other. So it's sort of an intergalactic meeting place for anyone who needs a home.

I think that we originally started going to John's many years ago because it was cheap and the food was really good. Well, it's no longer that cheap, and the food is probably on par with "Italian Night" in the Army. We got a couple of orders of garlic bread, I had 2 glasses of wine, lemon chicken (an entree of steamed chicken swimming in warm lemon soup) and tiramisu. That cost me $50. Not an exorbitant fee, but I've had much better for less.

I think we need some new ideas!

Housing Works - At Auction

I love the display windows at Housing Works on E. 23rd St. I think because they convey the message of demented domesticity, which is really the truth of the matter when it comes right down to it. Incidentally, they also often have some really great stuff - clothing and furniture - that is not available for sale, but is available for silent auction.

While I have never partaken (partook?) in said silent auction activity, I did look into it briefly one time...and have considered doing so again. You need to go into the store and put your name on a list with the amount of money you are willing to spend on the particular item(s) that you are interested in. Then, after the auction closes, I believe they determine the "winner" by looking to see who was willing to pay the most.

I know that this may not be exactly accurate and some of you may be thinking to yourselves, "this is common knowledge, what is this ditz talking about?" but humor me as I am just finding my way through life and this big scary town one day at a time. That, and I suppose I should have done a bit more reasearch on this before I decided to write about it.

Anyway, I think I decided to not pursue the silent auction approach with much fervor as people are willing to spend absurd amounts of money on other people's trash in this town. Go to Michigan with a van and get some real deals on antique furniture - prices that would make even the Salvation Army in NYC laugh.

But when all is said and done, remember Housing Works mission: "to ensure that adequate housing, food, social services, harm reduction and other drug treatment services, medical and mental health care, and employment opportunities are available to homeless persons living with AIDS and HIV and to their families as they define them."

So it is most certainly money well-spent.

Young Designers Market is Cool

I went to the Young Designers Market at 268 Mulberry St. over the weekend to visit Dori, propreitor and head (and only) designer of Ike Designs (see my earlier post on Ike Designs, because you can get 20% off of her jewelry online exclusively via...ME!).

Anyway, the "Market" is tightly packed full of independent vendors selling all kinds of great stuff: jewelry, clothing, leather goods...very interesting and great for gifting. It's open every weekend until Christmas, which means that all of you last-minute shoppers can run in on Xmas Eve and get some cool shiznit for your friends and family and look like the thoughtful brother, cousin, daughter that you are (not).

Te Casan: A Shoe Paradise

My very pregnant stringer, who I just learned is no longer pregnant, but the proud mother of a little baby girl, had informed me of a new shoe store called "Te Casan" in Soho. She had come across it in a New York magazine article a few weeks ago:

It’s bigger than Capitale! If you have not yet heard of Té Casan, and if you like shoes, you soon will: It’s a 5,500-square-foot, chandelier-hung, glass-staircased Soho store filled with nothing but women’s shoes.

OK, cutting to the chase, this place is awesome. The shoes are amazing, the salespeople attentive and accessible, the layout open and engaging...it's really an "experience," which is what any smart retailer understands is key to success, especially in New York where the competition is fierce, block after block. I think that if Sex and the City was still on the air they would have had to have filmed a few episodes in here. Why? Other than because I said so, here are some reasons:

• Three floors of footwear bliss for women only
• Shoes designed by seven up-and-coming designers who craft their art - and this stuff really is art - in Spain
• All limited editon shoes, which are numbered on the bottom, like a painting!
• Private "pods" in which you can try the shoes on
• $200-$475 a pair (not exactly cheap, but cheaper than Marc Jacobs, Chanel, etc.)
• New merchandise coming in January
• Free tea on the lower level
• The sickest in-a-good-way pair of boots that Vivienne Westwood would be proud to call her own, if only she had thought of the design first.

And lucky for me I had the pleasure of being shown around the store by Susan, who didn't even know I was a shopping blogger until the end of my visit. They have a secret weapon in her as a salesperson - very down to earth, cool and yet enthusiastic and knowledgable about the designers and the shoes. I shall return!

Home Depot: Pick Up Joint?

I visted Home Depot on 23rd St. by myself today. As I wondered aimlessly through the ground floor and lower level searching for various items - including the cash register at which to pay for them, I noticed and realized something. Among the couples shopping for fancy bathroom tile and the odd "old guy" looking to start his next project were: HOT GUYS. Now this is basically Chelsea, so while it is entirely likely that said hot guys are gay, it is at least possible that they are straight.

I've heard countless women ask the question, "Where can I meet guys in New York?" Bars, steakhouses, Yankee Stadium - these are the usual suspects. I've never heard anyone say, "Home Depot on 23rd St." And really, if you think about it, where else would a guy be shopping during the day on a Saturday or Sunday?

I think I may be onto something here ladies. Check it out for yourself...I mean, why not? Pull your best damsel in distress routine and let's see what you come up with. ;)

Target: Coming to Manhattan

OK, so a little bunny (see pic.) has informed me that Target is in fact slated to grace us islanders with its presence as soon as 2008, which could mean in 13 months. So says the New York Post (so I guess this isn't a secret, and I should have known!):
Best Buy is coming to East River Plaza.
The electronics retailer took 45,000 square feet in the East Harlem shopping center that is now under construction. While they will be located on half the third floor, Home Depot is already signed up for the entire first floor while Target has the second.

So don't skip town just yet, it might be worth your $4,000-a-month rent to stick around after all!

In other fun news (from New York magazine's "Fashion Alert" daily email, which you should probably just read instead of my blog anyway):

H&M continues its domination of Manhattan with the opening of its seventh store. The latest location throws its doors open with free T-shirts and 20 percent off all merchandise. When: Noon-8; Where: 111 Fifth Ave., at 18th St. (212-539-1741). [G.S. Note: This is the spot where the sucky Daffy's used to be.]

Furniture/Housewares: Target

Word on the street is that the Jersey City Target is the best one in the NY Metro area. I've been to it, as well as the one and Brooklyn and the one way out in Queens (or is that still Brooklyn?) Anyway, this word is from a friend who does the PR for Target.com - so she knows! I believe she told me that "Chill Town" is the best because it's the biggest and has the most variety of merchandise.

Anyway, I found myself at Target during one of my many efforts to find seemingly interesting and quality furniture at a reasonable price and found this pictured piece. In fact, I found two of them (I think they were around $70 each) and another smaller one and bought all three. Target's "World Bazaar" is all the rage - check it out and turn your mundane American home into an Opium Den or some such exotic setting.

Also, after many trials and tribulations (Target.com really has to work on their packing skills) I got a full set of new dishes - turquoise! In fact, I now have almost 2 sets of new dishes because each box would arrive with one or two plates or bowls broken in a box of four. So we'd call to complain and they'd send another whole box of four, and one or two of those would be broken. And so on and so on... Finally I received everything and now have about 14 dinner plates, 11 bowls, 12 salad plates and 5 mugs (instead of 8 of each). I love the dishes...and the price...but not the experience so much!

Alas, when are the good people of Target going to find a suitable Manhattan location? Just don't boot Lord & Taylor out (uh-oh...I may have just started something here...).

My Father's X-mas List

I received my dad's Christmas list via email yesterday. This is what I am to buy him. While this is not a joke, it certainly is hilarious. This man really knows EXACTLY what he wants. Shouldn't we all be so lucky? -->

My initial list (and NO, I'm not kidding)

1. Santoku knife - Shun Classic 6.5 inch knife. It's made in Japan by Kai. $94.98 at Broadway Panhandler, 477 Broome Street nr. Green Street (212)966-3434. Probably available elsewhere. No other brand will do.

2. Liqueur - Pama Pomegranate Liqueur - $25.00 at Park Ave. Liquor Shop and Astor Wines & Spirits. Not readily available elsewhere till later this month.

3. Long sleeved sport shirt, Medium. Plaid or other nice design. I like most things at Brooks Bros. Their 5th Ave. store is probably more hip than their Madison Ave. shop (but also much smaller).

4. An electric sander. Home Depot, Lowe's and other such stores or local hardware.

Sales & Bargains: New York Magazine

So Diane Von Furstenberg's sale is happening from 12/12 to 12/15 on 5th ave and 28th street...

This info is in this week's New York magazine's infamous Sales & Bargains section at - http://nymag.com/shopping/articles/sb/index.htm - You can sign up on this page to receive regular fashion and sale emails - and I suggest you do so!

You will also see, amongst other things, a listing of 85% off on gowns and women's suitings by Carolina Herrera, Rena Lange, and Nina Ricci (12/10 - 12/12). As well as Sigerson Morrison’s warehouse sale, featuring boots ($100), shoes ($60), and bags ($20 to $60) at rock-bottom prices. (12/6-12/7) 180 Lafayette St., nr. Broome St. 8:30–7:30.

(Thanks to my very pregnant stringer - 9 months+! - for the heads up on all of this!)

Woodstock & Saugerties: Potential part II

(Continued from yesterday...) Then, how fitting is it that my "very special friend" (who recently made the move into the 'woods' for a new job) and I happened to stumble upon Saugerties' one-night annual open house/late shopping night (late being 8 p.m. - this is Saugerties, folks)? The fun folks at Ya Ya's Emporium, which sells funky accessories, global gifts and vinyl records (I'm plagarizing their business card...) were so taken with my Barbara Feinman hat (see my earlier "hat" post, including photo), that we got into a discussion about Guerilla Shopper. Hopefully they'll visit and see themselves in e-black and white!

The store is full of cute, reasonably priced jewelry, bags, wallets, gloves and a great little collection of records in the back including jazz and more. Check it out if you're in the 'hood. It's fun for the whole family!

Woodstock/Saugerties - Potential Exists!

The biggest issue with my shopping in these sleepy upstate New York towns is that I do not have, have never had, and will never have an inner (or outer) hippie. However, while visiting my "very special friend" I found the coolest store called Sugar on Mill Hill Rd. in Woodstock. It stocks great rocker-type garb from Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson and L.A.M.B (Gwen Stefani's label), among other brands. In no way, shape, or form is this stuff even close to reasonably priced, but the clothes were truly awesome and I could see myself trying tons of stuff on for hours and hours for kicks, if nothing else. And to be fair, there were a few pairs of shoes that were 50% off (although 50% of $450 still isn't a "steal" in my book).

Then, at a candles-only store basically across the street, I bought myself the coolest and most expensive candle of my life, and proceded to lose it in one of the many forms of transportation that I took home. I am so annoyed! I would tell you the name...but I guess I lost that too!

More tomorrow on my Saugerties experience...my blog keeps cutting me off! Too tired for technology now.

Curry in a Hurry - Did you Run From Me?

OK, so call me a slave to ethnic fast food, but I love Curry in a Hurry on Lexington. You can get your Chicken Tikka combo meal with rice, bread, vegetable, salad and 3 sauces for less than $10 and it is a ton o' food. So I while happily bounding off the subway after work one night this week I noticed that "The Hurry" seemed quite dark...And then, THE HORROR -- "closed for renovations."

To me, this kind of sign often means, "The Board of Health Shut Us Down" or "We didn't pay our taxes." Please in the name of all that is holy, let Curry in a Hurry truly be renovating. Shane! Come back!