Men's Undies

Thank goodness for my dedicated stringers who continue to feed me bits and pieces while I try to piece my life back together. This came to me this morning and seems like a worthwhile read:

Did I dream this or did you or your blog say that you are going to dabble in writing about men's wear? Well here is an interesting article about men's underwear - although not sure if it fits within the guerilla scope.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/19/fashion/19UNDERWEAR.html?em&ex=1177214400&en=75922f4b1a68469e&ei=5087%0A

In the meantime the Guerilla's dishes (from Target.com) and glasses (from my aunt) have been carted out to be cleaned and stored until I am allowed to return to my beloved apartment. Still unclear as to when that will be, but I visit her almost every day. And did I mention what a phenomenal group of people live in my building? I will have to write something separate and more detailed later, but seriously...I Love New York!

Old Clothes, New Clothes 1-2-3

Hi all. Whew! My post-apartment-fire life is in turmoil of unknown outcome and I am trying to get everything back in order. It is certainly not boring.

On Wednesday two fine gents from Fabric Renewal in Bloomingdale, NJ came in and took all of my precious beloved clothing (as well as rugs, bedding, curtains, pillows, etc.) to be Ozone treated and then cleaned. They were confident that all could be saved! Phew - my biggest concern alleviated. Seriously, nobody wants to see a gorilla have a nervous breakdown. I am expecting a delivery of my "emergency clothes" today at my temporary living quarters. Let's be hopeful!

In the meantime I have managed to stay somewhat fashionable because I decided if I wasn't at least happy with what I looked like in public, I really would have nothing at this point! My sad camera phone photo shows my new striped tank top and hot pink silk cardigan. Happy...with a bit of 80s rock 'n' roll thrown in. I guess I have to thank H&M for this, even though I haven't spoken so well of them in the past. They definitely hooked me up on a budget in a crunch!

I am now working on finding furnished living quarters for a month, or two...or possibly up to six! These furnished apartment deals are NOT CHEAP. Any ideas? Send them my way!

Next project: clean/save/chuck all housewares, electronics and furniture. Magic 8-ball says: "ask again later..."

Marc Jacobs Flats - cheap?

Today's Best Bets Daily (New York Magazine) proclaims that $155 is a decent price for rubber flats. Granted, they are Marc Jacobs, and nothing with his name on it is actually affordable, however THEY ARE RUBBER FLATS. And when did flats in general become so expensive? Trends and prices hold hands and rise as one! Let's make a pact: No flats for more than $75 (and that's still too much!).

So Shoe Me

BY KENDALL HERBST

Finally a pair of Marc Jacobs that won't drain your bank account. These jelly ballet flats are the perfect way to transition into spring. Made from rubber, they can handle spontaneous showers—replacing giant wellies—and still look cute with skirts or jeans. Plus you can relive your jelly-wearing childhood while still looking like a grown-up. $155 at Saks.com.

Ozone?

So I've been told that they do some kind of Ozone cleaning thing to get the smoke scent out of fabrics. Cross your fingers that this works on my beloved smoke-infested wardrobe.

Tonight I spent hours this evening shopping for work and gym clothes as well as makeup and food at: Sports Authority, Aveda, Club Monaco, H&M and CVS in an fast ditch effort to get some semblance of a wardrobe together. So fast and furiously by the time I got to H&M they said my card was "declined" - I called the bank and they were suspicious of all of the activity so put a hold on it!

A first for GSNYC. Tragedy begets comedy...

Guerilla Shopper's Apartment Fire

Hi all - I am probably going to be a little light during the next upcoming days (weeks?) as my apartment building had a huge fire very early this morning, and my apartment was unfortunately in the line of fire so to speak. However, I am fine and actually there was no fire damage to my home - just water, smoke and holes through the ceiling and walls from the NYFD making sure the fire was out.

All I could think about once we knew we were all out and safe was, "OH NO WHAT ABOUT MY CLOTHES?!"

Well, they are significantly smoke damaged and I'm hoping that they can be cleaned somehow...

However, this should hopefully provide me with lots of new tales of buying new clothes (and furniture) to replace that which is irrepairable...

Til then, GSNYC

(Some) Success at Calypso Sample Sale

So I actually went to Calypso sale yesterday - and yes, I even waited on line to get in! So you know I was on a mission, amidst my "glamour grieving"....

I found that this one wasn't as good as the October sale - the location (dark dank room), the merchandise (not as much), the prices (more expensive). However, I did come out of there with a skirt from Yesterday Never Dies, a top from Sophia Kokosalaki, and a lacey jacket from Suzie Kondi - regularly $795 for $110.

So today is the last day the sale is on - so dodge raindrops and get yourself down there, why not?

Brooklyn Heights Apt. for Sale!

In a new twist I decided today to write about a studio apartment (co-op) for sale in Brooklyn Heights. I feel equipped to blog about it because I have been there and enjoyed it, as well as the fantastic roof top deck that is shared among the building residents. The building, built in 1949, is located one block from the East River in a fantastic neighborhood. Its lobby is always attended to by a doorman and pets are allowed!

The asking price is $310,000 (mainaintence = $419/month)...If you are movedto, go check it out this Sunday, April 15 at the Open House: 57 Montague St., Apt. 1H

For more information visit: http://halstead.com/detail.aspx?id=1259715

Decent Pants from H&M and Filene's

OK, so I've started to make one of my dreams a reality...pants...

I probably watch way too much of "What Not to Wear" on TLC, but it has encouraged me in new ways. One way being: buy pants that fit you in the waist and get them altered. I have taken this idea on board because I believe in my heart of hearts that if you are wearing well-fitting trousers, you will be a happier human and your life will blossom before you.

So this weekend I flitted over to Filene's Basement and H&M. I picked up the two pair you see on hangers (combined cost: $75) and have gotten them altered. I even had the pockets removed and sewed shut on the gray pair, because I decided I did not want to resemble a gas station attendant, more than perhaps I sometimes already do. Granted, the alterations jacked up the price, but also increased the chance that I would wear them -- often -- and happily. And isn't that what pants are for?

The other photo is of my Closet #1 (I have four), where said pants live. Granted, they don't have a lot of breathing room, however, they are in good company.

Hearth (restaurant) on E. 12th St.

I ate Easter dinner at Hearth. I had wanted to go check it out since it opened and finally got my chance (to have someone else pay for it)!

Their self-description is: Our food is rooted in the modern traditions of the American kitchen with influences from our Italian heritage. Our wine program is equally modern but finds inspiration in the strangest places.

OK, I'll buy that (or let someone else). The food was really quite good - great subtle flavors, high-quality. They gave us a taste of the soup of the day, which was excellent. The bread, which was also excellent, kept coming and coming and...

Some of us had lamb and others had duck pasta - both were outstanding.

Desserts - check, drinks - check, service - check.

Perhaps my only criticism is that there isn't a huge selection, and while the room was nice, it lacked a bit of warmth - literally and figuratively. It was certainly a pleasant experience, but not necessariliy an unforgettable one. Perhaps that was a function of my party being seated in the furthest corner of the room, or because it was fairly early on a (Easter) Sunday.

Will I return? It's open for discussion!

Calypso Sample Sale - April 12-15

Run, don't walk to the Calypso Christiane Celle sample sale! I went to it in October and scored major deals, spending $100 and getting $1,500 worth of cool shit:

April 12-15

Thurs. - Sat.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

378 Broadway (SE corner of White St.)

take: NQRW or 6 train to Canal St.

cash or credit; no try-ons

...and might I suggest not bringing any bags or purses with you [they will take them at the door], and wear as minimal clothing as possible (i.e. if it's not freezing, leave the coats at home and you can try to quickly try stuff on over your clothes).