Workin' it at ANNA in the East Village

Hi all.  Realized I hadn't posted one thing all year, and well, this year is almost over. Good Riddance!

Anyway, this Guerilla Shopper doesn't shop as much as she did "back in the day." Retail has changed tremendously since I started this blog, with online shopping taking over and so many off-price stores declining in quality or going out of business entirely. I was particularly sad when Loehmann's shut down, as I had recently moved to the Upper West Side and found it to be a great go-to spot for many of my needs. Apparently it still exists online, which I just only found out when I looked up the URL!

Now I primarily shop at three stores...and I even help out at one of them from time to time!  ANNA, 330 E. 11th St., East Village, NYC; meg, with locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn (I go to the ones in the East Village or the newest location in the West Village); and Lingo, 257 W. 19th St., Chelsea, NYC.

So why do I still shop like it's 1999?
I rarely shop online, especially if it's for clothing and shoes, because even the thought of having to ship stuff back and forth annoys me. I spend HOURS trying stuff on in stores, there's little chance something I pick from a web site is going to fit or look like I want it to the first, second or nineteenth time. Additionally, the environmental impact of packing and shipping seems (is) massively wasteful.

But the real reason I have honed in on these three stores is definitely something the Internet cannot provide: a community of LIVE HUMANS that I interact with IN PERSON. I realize this is an old fashioned notion, but I suspect it will be making a comeback.  It HAS to.

I can't tell you the number of awesome women I have met and interacted with at these stores - employees and customers alike. Comedians, authors, filmmakers, musicians -- one woman I talked to a few months ago I soon noticed is on NY1 every other week with Neil Rosen talking about films (I KNEW she looked familiar!). It inspires creativity, discussion, hope, happiness. Better than a book club; better than Starbucks!

And yes, granted, I spend more money than I might if I shopped at H&M or hunted down every last online discount.  'Cuz I'm Worth It.  Aren't you?

xoxo GS

TOCCA Spring/Summer Sale: June 12-14

TOCCA’s Spring/Summer Sale is happening June 12 – 14.  Stock up on your favorite candles, fragrances, and TOCCA RTW pieces from Emma Fletcher at up to 85% off.

When:

June 12 – 14^th

11:30am – 7:30pm

Where:

TOCCA Showroom

542 W. 22^nd St. (btw 10/11^th Ave)

Winter Sale at Lingo in Chelsea!

Our Winter Clearance Sale has started!

 

20% - 50% off selected merchandise.

257 W. 19th Street
New York, NY 10011
www.lingonyc.com
www.facebook.com/LingoNYC

Chelsea's LINGO Charges Me Up as We Head into Fall...

Oh joy.  Work clothes.  But more after-work clothes.  I spend untold hours with Shin in her store, Lingo, trying on this, that and the other.  And I bought this and that, and am leaving the other until the Fall.

And a lot of it was on sale! 

Check out the shirt, the top, the skirt, the other skirt, and the two pairs of stretch denimish cotton leggings (not pictured).  They were the biggest surprise, because not only do they fit, but they don't make me look 80s hair metal at all.  Oh, and there's no annoying front zipper/button to get in the way of a sleek silhouette.

Summer Sales Start Today at My 2 Favorite Stores

Summer Markdowns have begun:
LINGO
257 W. 19TH STREET
212-929-4676
TUES-SAT 1-8 PM
SUNDAY 1-7 PM
CLOSED MONDAYS
Say hi to Shin, she owns the joint!

30% off (today thru Sun.):
Anna
150 E. 3rd St. b/t Aves. A&B
212.358.0195
Open, like, all the time.  Except in the morning.  GOD NOT IN THE MORNING!

Lingo: a Chelsea boutique catering to “buttoned-up” creative ladies (editors, architects, designers, etc.) | Paper and String

More from the GSNYC on the new Paper & String site, about one of her favorite Chelsea shops:

Lingo: a Chelsea boutique catering to “buttoned-up” creative ladies (editors, architects, designers, etc.) Paper and String

Lingo: The Blue Dress Chronicles

I've written about Lingo (Chelsea, W. 19th St.) on these e-pages before.  And I will again. 
This time I have to share the wealth regarding this blue dress (which also comes in a reddish-pink hue), with black hand-crocheted detail.  I spied a sample of it a couple of weeks ago, and upon hearing that my size had arrived, booked back there yesterday to try it on.  OK, so it ended up not being the right thing for me, but it is a great summer frock for perhaps someone of smaller stature, and with some actual melanin in their skin, which accounts for about everybody except for me and albinos.

But don't cry for me Argentina, for I picked up two tops and a skirt and booked happily home again.

Report from the Front: Showroom Seven

Nancy Brenner Kicks Off the Weekend:

Snatch a shiny scarlet satchel at the Showroom Seven sample sale preview today. It's worth the hike, subway, bus, cab, or combo of transport modes if you want to snag a bag that doesn't look like every other on the 1,9 or 4,5,6 lines. All the single ladies, skip your Vitamin D and and give yourself an early Valentine's Day present at this Spring Sample Sale with sunny costume jewelry pieces from Erickson Beamon - featured in Vogue, etc. and worn by Beyonce, Ciara and Michelle Obama (those brooches). Looks range from tribal to skulls and razor blades necklaces to studded blue bracelet to funky Felix the Cat festooned on necklaces and delicate bracelets. Also, peruse Margaret Loves Peter purple hand-loomed cotton cardi encrusted with a rhinestone neckline for a one of a kind look along with other brands reped at this palace of pizzaz.

Showroom Seven
263 Eleventh Avenue btwn 27th - 28th Sts.
11 am - 7 pm

50% Off Selected Merch at Lingo (in Chelsea)

My new fave store in Chelsea has marked down select items by 50%!  It may be freezing out side, but it's getting hot in there, so buy up all their clothes!

LINGO
257 W. 19TH STREET
212-929-4676

TUES - SAT 1-8 P.M.
SUNDAY 1-7 P.M.
CLOSED MONDAYS

Three Stores I Happened Upon and Really Like

Exquisite Costume: I accidentally happened upon this vintage boutique on a part of Broome St. that I may have never tread on before. I was pretty blown away by the selection, which includes pieces from the 1800s! The pictured dress from the 60s can be purchased immediately off the website for $600.

New York Vintage: I must have gone into this Chelsea-located store before, right? It is amazing! It's not your run-of-the mill vintage store, it's more like falling back in time into the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer dressing room circa 1939 (well, except for the part where they have clothes that are newer than that, but you get my drift). Clean, vibrant, extremely well-organized and flush with thrilling apparel this place is celebrity-status. Literally. Stylists, get your vintage Oscars gowns here. And for those of you who have (top-conditioned) clothes and accessories that you inherited from your grandmother but will never wear or use, you might be able to make some money. Give 'em a call - 212-647-1107.

Pas de Deux: I happened upon this fine boutique on my way to Veniero's the other night, which may be why I probably could not fit into anything! Just amazing clothes from top designers such as rag & bone and Philip Lim, et al. Not cheap, but inspiring to peruse...

REPORT FROM THE FRONT: TRACY REESE

Nancy Brenner...how does she do it?

Is your version of the LBD really fuchsia? Find funky frocks for $50 or $35 at the sample racks at Tracy Reese. These people know how to throw a true "sample sale" on a day when it feels like every showroom on Seventh Avenue in Soho and Chelsea Markets have swung open their doors - pre-empting the Black Friday sales.

Spotted at today's Friends and Family a shocking pink spots cardi retailing for over $200- here $50. That "stars" dress that Paris Hilton wore to the David Letterman show - skirt version for $50. A ruffled strapless dress in purple for $35 - bargain basement! Ladies line up early, especially if you're the lucky sample size for Tracy Reese, Frock and Plenty. Just please ban men from the mirrors!

260 West 39th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenue - 5th Floor
9-7 Thursday and Friday

Guerilla Shopper Discovers Gem in Chelsea: LINGO

By sheer accident - but perhaps there are no accidents - I discovered my new favorite west side store: Lingo. This one-woman store offers designs from independent artisans (Hapiru, Cinderloop...) from around the country at prices that are digestible.

While there are some funky groovin' casual pieces, many of the garments are work-appropriate - or can be made to look that way - especially for women who work in a slightly creative field, but who still need to look somewhat "buttoned-up:" media, architecture, design, etc. I tried about 19 things on and bought three - pictured above. [Check out the black & grey Mad Men dress. Naughty!!] She also has a wide selection of belts and jewelry that I dug, but had to draw the budgetary line at.

In addition to the great wears, I had a grand old time with the owner who was very helpful and interesting simultaneously- in the way that you wish a salesperson would always be.

So! If you live near or find yourself on W. 19th St. one fine afternoon (257 W. 19th St. to be exact) - near the Joyce Theater - I implore you to stop in.

Closed Mondays.

Yes, There is a Stickley Furniture Sale This Week

207 W 25th St
New York, NY 10001
(212) 337-0700
http://www.stickley.com/

...it started last Thursday. I haven't had a chance to get over there, though!

Stickley Audi & Co. Summer Sale

Save up to 50% at Stickley Audi & Co. starting August 1.
Local stores located in Manhattan, 207 W. 25th St. and in White Plains at 50 Tarrytown Road.

Oh Furla: Sample Sale, April 22-24

FURLA SAMPLE SALE, IN HOUSE AT SAVVY & CO. NY

what: Handbags, Shoes, Accessories and Small Leather Goods - up to 70% off retail

when: Wednesday, April 22nd 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Thursday, April 23rd - Friday, April 24th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

where: in-house: 145 West 18th St (6th and 7th avenues)

why: Elegant, contemporary, stylish – beautiful: Capture the essence of Italian craftsmanship at its finest with Furla’s outstanding collection of handbags, shoes, wallets, belts, jewelry and key rings.

Recession? Not at Housing Works...

While retailers across America are going out of business or closing hundreds of locations, NYC's very own Housing Works is opening NEW locations and adding new events regularly. Perhaps it is good karma? Two exciting events:

1. Housing Works Opening in Tribeca

Housing Works Thrift Shops will open a new location in Tribeca at 72 Warren St. (between West Broadway and Greenwich St.). The Tribeca location will be open for business starting Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Store hours are 11am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5pm on Sundays.

The store will offer the same selection of secondhand furniture, artwork, clothing, housewares, accessories and books for which Housing Works Thrift Shops are famous. The store will also serve as a donations point for area residents.

A party featuring celebrity auction items and first peek at the store’s sought-after Spring Preview merchandise will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 1pm to 4pm.

2. Racked.com editor Leslie Price hosts a sale of the coolest party clothes

Once a month, a prominent fashion editor will choose a fashion theme and serve as the host of a party and sale dedicated to that theme. And it’s all for a good cause: All Housing Works profits go toward Housing Works’ services for homeless and low-income people living with AIDS.

The new series will launch on Thursday, February 19, with a party and sale at our 17th St. store (143 17th St) from 6 to 9pm dedicated to chic party clothes and hosted by Racked.com Senior Editor Leslie Price. (Housing Works members get in an hour early! Join today.) One of the featured items includes a vintage chiffon shell with gold sparkles, $20, and gold Lurex mock turtleneck dress by Alexia Admor, $50 (pictured above)

Leslie Price was part of the team that created Racked.com in 2007. The site has become one of the best online fashion and shopping destinations (and more importantly, it links to GSNYC!).

ABOUT HOUSING WORKS: Housing Works is the largest community-based AIDS service organization in the United States, as well as the nation’s largest minority-controlled AIDS service organization. Since 1990, they have provided lifesaving services, such as housing, medical and mental health care, meals, job training, drug treatment and HIV prevention education, to more than 20,000 homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS.

July 30: Art Opening at Atlantic Gallery, W. 29th St.

As my neighbor/artist friend whose opening reception is taking place on Weds. July 30 from 6-9 p.m. said:
"Honey, Bring ALL those messy little STUD MUFFINS in your red hott rolodex!"
So consider yourselves my messy little stud muffins and join me if you can for his art opening:

Wednesday, July 30
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Steven Broadway (artiste and FIT/Parson's school professor) + The Sunday Seven
Atlantic Gallery
135 W. 29th St.
Suite 601
http://www.atlanticgallery.org/
212-219-3183

(Exhibit July 30-Aug 2, 2-6 p.m.)

HOUSING WORKS THRIFT SHOPS' 4th ANNUAL FASHION FOR ACTION BENEFIT

HOUSING WORKS THRIFT SHOPS ANNOUNCES FASHION FOR ACTION

WHAT: A three-day charitable event commencing with a VIP reception—hosted by honorary chair Rashida Jones and featuring exclusive preview shopping and a silent auction—followed by an incredible three-day sale of $1 million worth of brand-new merchandise from Adam + Eve, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Charlotte Ronson, Diesel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared, Energie, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Issey Miyake, Jane Mayle, Juicy Couture, Libertine, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Paul Smith, Theory and dozens more.

WHEN:
VIP RECEPTION- Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 PM to 9 PM

SHOPPING- Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, 10 AM to 7 PM Monday, Nov. 11, Noon to 6 PM

BENEFIT INFORMATION:

Exclusive preview shopping, cocktails,hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, DJ Tickets: $100 to $1,000, 212-645-8111 x164 or http://www.fashion4action.com/

WHERE:
BENEFIT- The Rubin Museum150 West 17th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
SHOPPING- Housing Works Thrift Shops Chelsea flagship, 143 West 17th Street, 212-366-0820

BENEFITING:

Housing Works, the nation's largest grassroots AIDS service organization, dedicated to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness.

PRICES:

Merchandise 70-80% off retail price

METHOD OF PAYMENT:

MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Cash

Big Drop Warehouse Sale: May 17-20

Find Outlet is pleased to be hosting The Big Drop Warehouse Sale from Thursday May 17th to Sunday May 20th.

Time: 12 to 7 pm.

Location: 361 West 17th Street between 8th and 9th Aves.

Come scoop up your favorite designer labels: Tracey Reese, Ella Moss , Foley & Corinna 7for all mankind and more for marked down prices that will help you take your closet from spring to summer!

Get your wardrobe summer-ready with breezy, effortless shift dresses by Rebecca Taylor from $89.00 and La Rok trapeze cuts that will take you from city street to sea side beach.

Merchandise will be marked down and updated on a daily and hourly basis, so that you can put your best be-heeled foot forward in the warmer months ahead!

Chelsea: 361 W. 17th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves)Subway A,C,E to 14th St (16th St Exit) 1/9 to 18th StOpen Thursday - Sunday 12 - 7 pm.

Special Offer: Visit bigdropnyc.com and Enter discount code bdnyc2007 for $30 off all your purchases until June 30th 2007

Graffiti Guerilla

My graffiti artist friend Greg Jerome was part of an art show in Chelsea this past weekend, and I thought it was more than appropriate and perhaps not coincidental that his main piece was that of a gorilla head. A suitable mascot during this time of life...