Change of Season: New Shipments of "Stuff"

New shipments of stuff have arrived at the new Change of Season in the East Village (341 E. 9th Street) including: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Costume National, See by Chloe', Margiela & Galliano accessories, Byblos, P.A.R.O.S.H & CLONE/BORDESE shoes & boots.

Oct. 7-12: abc carpet & home hackensack warehouse sale

Up to 75% off original prices on upholstery, antiques, theodore alexander, french heritage, traditional & modern furniture, lighting, textiles & accessories, bedding and organic mattreses, modern rugs, handmade orientals, needlepoints, aubussons, flatweaves, shags, mansion sizes, runners, remnants and more...

when: october 7-12

home: upholstery, antiques, theodore alexander, french heritage, traditional & modern furniture: dining, chairs, armoires, sideboards, bookcases, mirrors, office, beds, lighting, textiles & accessories, bedding & organic mattresses
rugs: modern, handmade orientals, needlepoints, aubussons, flatweaves, shags, mansion sizes, runners & remnants
wall-to-wall carpet: wool, sisal, seagrass, coir, berbers, designer & commercial carpet

abc carpet & home – south hackensack
warehouse outlet
400 huyler street
south hackensack, nj 07606
201 641 3400
m-sat: 10-7, closed Sundays
http://www.abchome.com/

Barneys & Bergdorf's: A Shoepacalypse

There was discussion among the downtown set at Anna the other day that the shoes at high-end department stores were crazy, ugly and/or unwearable. I thought that sounded plausible, but wanted to do some real investigation (while looking for some new boots) myself, so I headed to two meccas: Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman.

Um, yeah, holy tacky cheese fest. There were easily 8,000 pairs of shoes and boots between the two stores, and I liked about 4 of them. I'm not even going to get into the absurd cost factor, but it seems to me that these retail shrines have turned to pandering to the lowest common denominator of style. Think Sopranos. And beyond style, who can actually wear these 9" heels?

Speaking of which, as I walked in the door of Bergdorf's Furio from the Sopranos was walking out. And no I am not kidding.

My quest continues. It's possible that this year in shoes is a wash. Or it may be time to refurbish ye olde boots in the closet. Either way, I shall continue to seek on all of our behalves.

p.s. Just say NO to over-the-knee boots. Especially if you are not 5'8" or taller!

The Best 'Poo and Conditioner

Short story: Go to Ricky's and buy this shampoo/conditioner brought to the masses by Deva Products. The products run between $15-$36 a bottle.

Slightly longer story: I was getting extremely concerned about my oft-color-treated 'do - it was turning into cotton candy and falling out in record volume. My fab hair stylist (Helik at Mario Diab) quickly snapped into action by changing up my hair color a bit and demanding that I go fetch myself some no-poo/low-poo products. I did as he said, and after a couple of weeks I truly noticed a vast improvement in the quality of my wig. Give it a try, I suspect you won't be disappointed. Oh, and stop washing your hair so much!

Oct 2-4: 7 For All Mankind Warehouse Sale

Starting Sept. 25: Built by Wendy Sample Sale

From PAPER magazine's VIP Newsletter:

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 27
BUILT BY WENDY FALL SAMPLE SALE
Built by Wendy, the fashion line catering to every side-parted hipsterella worth her WNYC tote bag, is having a three-day-long fall sample sale. Oversized wool felt coats are $180 (originally $405), wool drop-waist button-front jumpers are $85 (originally $279), canvas fishtail parkas are $100 (originally $326), and men's herringbone sport jackets are $100 (originally $280).
Built by Wendy, 46 N. 6th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718) 384-2882.
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 12-6 p.m.

Sept 22-24: Slane & Slane Sale

September 22-24

Tues 2-7; Wed 10-6; Thurs 10-7

48 West 25 Street(6 Avenue-Broadway)

11 Floor

212.691.5820

http://www.slaneandslane.com/

Sample & stock sale. Save 50 to 70% off Slane & Slane designs. This sale will offer a large assortment of 18kt gold and sterling silver rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings. Sterling silver rings for $60 (retail $120), 18k cuff for $1,620 (retail $5,400) or freshwater oval pearl necklace for $165 (retail $330).
Mastercard, Visa, American Express and cash accepted. All sales final.

Jutta Neumann Closes Retail Location

So I had the sale card sitting right there on top of my microwave, and didn't realize that the reason for the "buy 1, get second 80% off" sale was due to the fact that Jutta Neumann is CLOSING the retail store on 158 Allen St. And now the sale is over. I am sad but not surprised as the last time I was in there we had a discussion about how oppressive retail rents are...

Anyway, it looks as though you can still buy the iconic handmade goods online. So do that instead.

Little King Ltd.: The Best Bracelet on E. 9th St.

Finally! I made it to Little King Ltd. yesterday after years of seeing their ads and thinking "why have I not yet gone to Little King Ltd?"

Well my glorious monkeys, I have to say it was worth the trip, if not only to come upon certainly the best bracelet on E. 9th St., if not the whole of the East Village. And here it is! It is a most substantial piece, and yes the heart is comprised of real, live red rubies. Like a million of them. And so goes the story - you get what you pay for, so alas our fine bracelet is not cheap! But it is one of a kind, and I was told that a similar sister bracelet is on its way shortly.

New Store to Watch (and Shop at): Change of Season

I went to the opening of Change of Season in the East Village (341 E. 9th Street) last night and am adding it to my list of stores to watch...and go to...often.

Tagged as "a boutique outlet," owner Clinton explained to me that he carefully procures pieces from last season among various non-U.S. based, high-end designers, including Vivienne Westwood, Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garcons and more. The prices are reduced to the point of actually affordable (most things I liked seemed to fall in the $125-$285 range) and the quality is impeccable. And almost as important, the variety includes all kinds of shapes and sizes. He is looking to expand the breadth and depth and I intend on offering him some ideas.

Additionally, the jewelry selection from Milan-based GM Collections and Florence-based Gaggio (see photo) were thrilling, especially Gaggio's bronze skulls with hand worked beading necklaces. Again the prices were in the attainable range, and well worth checking out in person.

Located in the old "Enchantments" retail space, I'd have to say...it's witchcraft...