Kifka+Heller: Open Today

It's back! I will be visiting and reporting back soon:

Kifka & Heller
445 W. 49th St. (near 9th Ave.)
NYC
Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Sunday

AprilMarin - Not Yet...

So I got the following press release the other day, including photos of some of AprilMarin's custom-made clothing. Being a new huge fan of custom, I contacted them and asked when and where I could see, touch, try on the garb. I was told that it is not available yet in NYC, but might be soon "somewhere" in Soho. Hopefully good things will come to those who wait...just not sure why the press release says "New York-based." Well kudos, because I've just written about them anyway!

New York-based AprilMarin (http://www.aprilmarin.com/) announces the launch of their new online custom clothing collection that will have women wondering why they ever purchased ready-to-wear. Each item featured at AprilMarin is custom-made and uniquely personal. In addition to customizing each item to your individual measurements, AprilMarin has added the feature of choosing your own jacket fabric color and lining color. Customers can choose from over 72 color combinations to ensure a personally unique look. From AprilMarin pink, sunshine yellow to standard black etc..…there is definitely a color for everyone. AprilMarin asks each woman to take her specific measurements including sleeve length and dress length etc. to insure a perfect fit and unique style. Each item at AprilMarin is designed in-house by co-designers/founders April Bukofser and Marin Milio. AprilMarin encourages customers and viewers to send in their own ideas on new designs for future collections. “We want women to feel good about themselves and their style and we aim to make clothing that does that,” say co-founder/designer Ms. Bukofser. The diverse range of measurement options allows customers to really personalize each item, or if they are unsure, they can opt for standard measurements. The new collection offers eight items that serve as timeless staples in a women’s wardrobe. The collection ranges from jackets to skirts to dresses to suits with prices between $80 and $200. AprilMarin is currently available for purchase online at: http://www.aprilmarin.com/

Jill Anderson: Wearable Wedding Wear

It's wedding season gals (or so I've heard)! Are you getting hitched this summer? Are you the David's Bridal or Vera Wang type? If you answered "yes" and "no" - in that order - you may want to check out Jill Anderson on E. 9th St.

Ms. Anderson is offering "Wearable Wedding Wear" to those women who would probably be a bit more low key than perhaps the typical image of a bridezilla. One of the theories behind the customizable "Parachute Dress" (pictured here), is not so much that you should breakdance or skydive while wearing it, but more that you can and will wear it again. And maybe even again and again. Make it longer, shorter, fuller, lined, red, green, blueindigoviolet. It's your big day damnit!

Ms. Anderson's shop also features the handcrafted leather sandal designs from Jutta Neumann as well as Joan Max Reinmuth jewelry. I was really intrigued by this jewelry, which was politely hard core using bike chains and other kinds of industrial materials, but not in a St. Mark's-I-am-going-to-kill-you kind of way.

However, I think the jewelry from Ike Designs would be more appropriate for brides-to-be looking for something special to wear with their Wearable Wedding Wear. My advice would to be contact Dori O'Dea, the designer behind Ike, as her Web site only reveals a small portion of her delicately lovely wares.

I do. Do you?

Kifka + Heller: Custom Couture

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I was traversing the west 40s and was struck by a little shop at 445 W. 49th St. I was lured in by the colors and designs beckoning to me through the windows.

I entered and was immediately ensnared. They had me at hello. So I thought it wise to try a few things on and quickly commissioned the lovely and talented Scott Stargardt to make me the dress that you see in the photo on the right.

It is extremely excellent and even reversible! "Wheat" on one side (pictured) and "Chocolate Brown" on the other, this little number will literally take me from day to evening with merely a quick flip around. Oh and the sash is simple and perfect - I just need him to tie it for me as I do not have the knack for such detail!

What was really so great about the whole experience was: a. they are totally cool and accommodating, b. it's not insanely expensive, c. I somehow fit into the sample size, and d. well "d" is a little secret between Scott and me but let's just say he helped me to further enhance my outfit in a ways that would have cost me extra time and money. And he didn't even know I was the Guerilla Shopper until halfway through our second meeting!

This place is legit...get over there and check it out - dresses, skirts, tops - all different colors, designs, fabrics...and it is somehow all the better for being located in the W. 40s and not a more "obvious" neighborhood.

This is what NYC is all about -- help keep New York cool.
xox GSNYC