Apartment Reno: STAGE II

Hi y'all.  Yes, the process toward making the apartment a magical palace with a nod to the 1920's is taking longer than one would expect.  Except I was told to expect that.  So I guess it's expectedly unexpected.  So here are the likely candidates for tile, paint, countertops and cabinets...Can you guess which cabinet and countertop I am leaning toward?

Check 'em out:

Kitchen cabinet contenders: all cherry woods

Kitchen countertop contenders: Ceasarstone

Kitchen floor tile.  White tile from Nemo. Brown accent tile from American Restoration Tile.

Paint colors: Harmonious by BEHR for kitchen door; Antique Pearl for bedroom and Marilyn's Dress for bathroom by Benjamin Moore.

Black & white subway tile for bathroom all from Nemo.

AND SO IT BEGINS...1920s Restoration / Renovation Project Take 1

Before: Bathroom

And so it begins...this little effort is why my other shopping exploits have all but evaporated.  Here are a few photos recently taken of the apartment I am now officially allowed to rebuild, and make better than before.  Like the Six Million Dollar Man.  The goal is to save as much as possible...and do as little as possible...to bring this gem into the 21st Century, while maintaining its 1920's glow.  Interesting things such as NO ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN THE BATHROOM make this a logistical challenge, but a quaint one at that.  Right now we are still in the waiting to exhale stage, but once we get our plans finalized and approved, the real work shall begin.  And so it goes.  

BEFORE: Bedroom, when still on market.

BEFORE: Front hall closet

BEFORE: Bathroom floor, after I cleaned it yesteray.  I think I'm going to try to save it!

BEFORE: Kitchen.  Scary stove - out.  Quaint cabinets, but they don't close so they got to go...

BEFORE: French door (love) heading into kitchen

BEFORE: Giant gas meter.  Giant refrigerator.  And look, another front door!

BEFORE: ...and...the Kitchen Sink.  Love.  Am restoring, keeping, and doing a jig around.

BEFORE: Living room windows. 

Tues., Dec. 13: Filnoir Hosiery (from Italy) Trunkshow in Soho

Hi all - I can personally attest to this one, seeing how I own a pair of black textured Filnoir tights! 

I have been told that this trunk show will offer Panettone, Spumante, models, and of course the collection itself to be admired, experienced, tested, and purchased (+free sample w/purchases!). 

Check it out next Tuesday night.

Lord & Taylor - A Christmas Miracle, Home-style

I'm not sure how this got by me, but the Lord & Taylor in NYC has a relatively new "home" department on the 9th floor that is DIVINE.  It features just a few select designers like Calvin Klein, Jonathan Adler, and Ralph Lauren and I LOVE IT.  It's not overdone.  It's not overstocked.  It's tasteful.  It has bedding, furniture, housewares.  And most of all, there are some MAJOR sales going on right now.  Like they almost owed me money at the register.  It's on the same floor as the Christmas decor, which makes the whole thing a nice mix. 

Sample Sale, Dec 8&9: Jane Post Coats & Rainwear

I love coats, and this looked good, but I will admit I don't own this brand...

Zara’s Black Friday plans

From 6am to 8am this Friday the 25^th, the Zara store on 34^th St (39 West 34^th St between 5^th and 6^th Ave.)will offer free coffee and tea to shoppers. Additionally, all Zara locations will have selected items on sale for up to 50% off.

FREE TEA AND COFFEE??!  STOP THE PRESSES!!

Alessi Black Friday Sale

About Alessi

With a vast product line that includes everything from an iconic, whistling teakettle to a designer flyswatter, the Alessi company was founded in 1921 by Giovanni Alessi. The company offers products geared towards the mainstream – serving trays and everyday cutlery among them – as well as celebrated cult objects.
For more information, please visit http://www.alessi.com/

Nov. 16-19: Housing Works Fashion for Action

Brooks Brothers wool jacket
   Retail: $1900
Fashion for Action price: $800

Fashion for Action 2011 Opening Night Reception
Date: Wednesday, November 16 2011
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm; VIPs arrive at 5:30 pm for preview shopping
Place: The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street, (between 6th and 7th avenues)
Price: Tickets start at $150.  See all ticket prices.

Fashion for Action 2011 Three-Day Designer Sale
Date: November 17-19 2011
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Place: The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street, (between 6th and 7th avenues)
Price: Sale is FREE and open to the public.
Website: fashionforaction.com

Thru Nov. 13: The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Thrift Shop's Holiday Bazaar

The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Thrift Shop's Holiday Bazaar is taking place Wednesday, November 9 - Sunday, November 13 on the UES in NYC. Hours for this event are Wednesday from 10:00am to 7:00 pm, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday, from 11:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Often referred to as “the Bergdorf’s of Thrift shops”, the annual Holiday Bazaar draws a big crowd in search of vintage and designer labels (Alexander McQueen, Manolo Blahnik, Missoni, Gucci, etc.) at discount prices.

 Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop

1440 Third Avenue (btw 81st and 82nd streets)

212-535-1250

www.memorialthriftshop.org

I am a bad Guerilla Blogger

I know, I know.  I have been neglecting the beloved GSNYC.  However, I am enmeshed in potentially the biggest purchase of my life (think: real estate), so I:

a.  Have been busy as hell.
b.  Am not spending money

However!  I hope to have some great Guerilla Real Estate stories and pointers to relate in the near future. 

Hang in there with me...gsnyc