Kifka + Heller is now Blank: Up & Coming Designers' Haven

It was that time of year. And a long time coming! I visited Kifka + Heller yesterday on W. 49th St. Same location, but new name (it's now called Blank), new interior (white gravel floor!) and new retail concept.

While they are still offering some of their own best pieces, they have also opened the space up to cutting-edge up-and-coming designers who haven't yet had a chance to get their names or pieces out to the masses. Or even the minors! So since we all dwell in this real estate insane and scary talent show competition stress factory of a city, Scott and Adam decided to fling open their doors to other design talent that they think deserve an opportunity to be seen and heard.

Welcome....

Leif and Tooya (pictured)

I love this stuff! As soon as I saw it, I was reminded of the "olden" days of Soho...way back in the mid-1980s. And this was a great recollection to have...some of my favorite memories of New York when I thought that it was the greatest place on earth (a thought that has not changed to date, by the way).

Additionally, at price points that are more conducive to relatively normal people who are trying to get by in this bizarre economy, Blank should become a definite stop along your fabulous fashion shopping route.

Ballard Designs Lighting

Did I ever mention these cheap-yet-chic chandees that I bought months ago via Ballard Designs, but have yet to actually install? I guess not. Well, they are hiding in boxes behind my couch. But now that I found this unposted post, I am considering finally ripping them open and finding some big strong man who enjoys electrical work to hang them for me. Properly.

June 11-13, SoHo Stroll to Benefit the Homeless

SoHo Stroll To Benefit the Homeless
June 11-13
100 Stores, Restaurants and Galleries Expected to Participate

The Association for Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (A.C.E.) and The SoHo Partnership will host a shopping event to raise money for New York City’s homeless men and women. During the Stroll, shoppers will have exclusive access to discounts and promotions in each participating store, gallery or restaurant. Promotions will range from discounts to free samples to complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Funds raised will go to the SoHo Partnership.

Shoppers will purchase a $20 bracelet, which will grant them admission to the Stroll and qualify them for discounts and promotions. Bracelets will be for sale at the SoHo Stroll Welcome Booth at the corner of Spring and Wooster Streets.

At this time, participating venues include: Alaska House, ALESSI, Atelier Minyon, Bang & Olufsen, Bath Junkie, Burton Snowboards Flagship Store, Children's Museum of the Arts, Christopher Fischer, Coclico, Costume National, DOM New York, Eileen Fisher, Elie Tahari, Fragments, H & M (both SoHo locations), Jeremy Argyle, La Esquina, Lacoste, LF Stores, Ligne Roset, Molton Brown, MoMA Design Store, OK Cigars, SoHo Gem, The North Face, Theory, Tretorn, Via dei Mille and Yvone Christa New York.

Darren Wallace: Handbags & Subway Signs (?)

I just visited the incredible secret lair of Darren Wallace: handbag designer, interior decorator, industrial artist, and who knows what else he's got up his sleeves. If you want one of his bags - some pictured here - or if you're in the market for old subway signs that have been revitalized and fierce-ified with hundreds - nay THOUSANDS - of individual, hand-affixed crystals DW is your man. Check here for other items and contact info.

VOTE: Independent Designer Handbag Awards

Hi all - see this handbag a.k.a. backpack? See it!? Well you can vote for it and ensure that my friend Darren Wallace wins the award for: Best Handmade Handbag at this year's Independent Designer Handbag Awards.

Made of royal blue cayman crocodile backpack and lined with black embossed cow hide, it has a zipper up the middle of the reverse side as well as a small pocket. It also features small embellishments including Swarovski crystals.

You can buy his wares...as well as other commissioned items of pop art, which I will include in another post.

Tracy Porter: New Clearance Section Online

Tracy Porter has a new clearance section on its website with bargains of up to 70-90% off the usual prices. Featuring fun jewelry, clothing, mirrors, pillows, shoes and other doo-dads, you should be able to find some good stuff. Especially the mirrors (pictured: was $175, now $99) and pillows (pictured: was $192, now $44), which I can't get enough of and are usually way too expensive.

ANNA: The Lady In Red...

So wedding season is upon us, and as per usual, I am invited to one. So I trotted down to the store I can't seem to get away from these days (ANNA) and tried on about 12 dresses. Narrowed it down to 5. Bought 3. Will be debuting this red number, which is much more saucy and sophisticated when it is on an actual human. I just need to hunt down the right slip like the ladies did back in the day. Yes, it's going to be THAT kind of outfit. Mizz Kemp says that more of these numbers in some additional colors will be making their way into the store in the coming weeks.

June 6: 5th Annual Housing Works Open Air Street Fair

FREE! On June 6 Crosby Street between Prince and Houston in Soho will be closed to cars as thousands of donated books, records and CDs will be on sale for for $1 a piece, plus clothing, shoes, accessories and housewares from Housing Works Thrift Shops.

Additionally, The Works outdoor cafe will be serving sliders, sweets and beverages. Sixpoint will be beer served up by Puck Fair in the beer tent and ice cream from Van Leeuwen.

All profits go to Housing Works, which provides lifesaving services for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

WHEN: Saturday June 6, 2009 10am to 6pm (Rain date June 7)
WHERE: Crosby St. between Houston and Prince (one block east of Broadway)

TODAY ONLY - Cole Haan 40% off Online Sale

I am not loving Cole Haan's spring/summer collection, but at 40% off, it may be worth investigating further: http://tinyurl.com/qnw29s

Half-Yearly Sale at Nordstrom

Sale at Nordstrom: http://tinyurl.com/pmyme4