Clearly McQueenIt’s a tradition I adhere to every year. I fantasize and pick the dress I’d wear to the Oscars. It’s usually more fun than watching the thing. Of course, I couldn’t resist delving into the Alexander McQueen archives in light of the tragic loss. This black lace and white peacock frock is just one shining example of the magic he brought to the world of fashion.
Post your fantasy outfit as a comment!
at Cooper HewittSome things just have to be seen in person to be believed and appreciated, and the incredibly intricate and textured work of Rodarte definitely falls under that category. On display in one of my favorite spots in the city, The Cooper Hewitt, the exhibit Quicktake: Rodarte consists of selected pieces from their recent seasons and each offers another reason to gasp and fawn. The tooled leather, the hidden gems, the dip dyed silk, the knitted tights, the claw belt clasps… sigh.
The only complaint is that they weren’t joking when they called it a “quick take”. There are only three sections of clothes, with about six on display each. I want more, more, more!!
329 Lafayette St.Eye Candy on Lafayette is a peaceful little treasure trove of accessories and, if you know me, you know how I feel about accessories (I love, I adore, I get chills). I particularly loved, adored and got chills from a fantastic, giant swan/crystal claw ring that I spotted a few months back designed by Brooklynite Bora Yasar. I was out to buy gifts for others at the time, so with all the strength I could muster, left it in its place. But now that my birthday draws near(ish), I went back and the ring was still there – so I simply had to have it.
Now it adorns my finger daily. I also grabbed a pair of wonderfully flat, dangly modernist earrings that I get a lot of use out of – but the shop is full of scores of other little beauties I wouldn’t say no to (like a giant pair of tribal hoop earrings)… but restraint is a virtue, right? A calm Tim Gunnesque man runs the place and can offer you gift certificates for the accessory lovers in your life.
It Only Takes a MinuteIf you’ve seen any photos of the tragedy unfolding in Haiti you’ve undoubtedly been moved to want to help. Fortunately, groups like Red Cross and Yele have made it simple to do so. Simply text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts or YELE to 501501 to donate $5 to Singer Wyclef Jean’s Earthquake fund. Unicef is also requesting donations and can be contacted online or at 1-800-4UNICEF.
A Christmas Tree Grows in BrooklynI’ve never had a real tree while living on my own, and I still don’t this year… but since we’re celebrating the holiday at my sister’s place, I can live vicariously through her beautiful blue spruce we helped pick out. We found it at the adorable hippie-run tree stand on Bedford and Metropolitan. This week we’ll be dressing it up as a family… awww, which we haven’t done since I was a kid. Can’t wait!
at the iTunes StoreYou don’t have to send him any money, and you don’t have to use the justcoffee.coop coupon code he keeps talking up, but this weekly, hour long podcast by comics and for comics is worth listening to. It’s true, Maron himself is a bit much and yes, he does comes on strong (though you’ll get used to him soon eventually), and yes, there are definitely times you won’t feel like listening to him talk about how he told off a jerk in the airport for lacking even the most basic human decency, but once you become familiar with Maron’s point of view and wrap your head around the show’s core concept: an angry, former alcoholic (he’s also divorced) comedian interviews some of today’s most popular comedians – some former alcoholics themselves – with an occasionally contemptuous tone and a constant self-absorption that’s so real and unnerving it cannot be faked, I think you’ll really like it.
A steady stream of really, really funny people including Patton Oswalt (whose success Maron is almost okay with), Zach Galifiakis (always charming), Sam Lipsyte (author of the novel Home Land), Jerry Stahl (who, next to founder George Dawes Green, is the best story teller I’ve heard on the Moth in awhile), David Cross, Maria Bamford (who I never really appreciated until Maron had her on the show and I took in her performance in long-form), Eugene Mirman, and Matthew get into really entertaining conversations mainly about themselves…
It may take a couple of episodes, but it’s definitely worth getting in to.
30 Gem Street, GreenpointThe hours for Acme’s Fish Fridays (8am to 1pm) make it difficult to squeeze in before work, but I can assure you it’s certainly worth the effort. The factory, a fourth generation family-run business sits in the heart of industrial Greenpoint and the fish smoked there can be found in most local grocery stores, and it supplies many restaurants too.
When the factory opens to the public, great deals can be had, not only on their packaged goods, but their fresh smoked products, which I was more interested in. Samples are available and I decided to get a chunk of the cold smoked salmon which was delicious.
A grand party platter could be made with all the delectable offerings, including a large tub of caviar for $25.
This is what I said on March 23rd:
The people behind Marlow and Sons, one of Brooklyn's finest restaurants, have opened a wonderful butcher shop just up the block called Marlow and Daughters. I've been meaning to pay the meat paradise a visit since it opened (much to the delight of carnivorous food bloggers) back in December, but I didn't get around to it until a recent sunny afternoon.
The shop was clean and bright and shone like a freshly painted dream for red meat lovers; an array of meaty delights awaited us and even a goat's head peeked out from beneath the glass.
Facing down unfamiliar cuts of meat in a bustling shop can be an usual and admittedly intimidating experience for sure, but don't hesitate to ask questions, the staff seem to enjoy assisting customers. One sunnily dispositioned butcher was particularly helpful, walking us through our options and even offering useful preparation tips.
On his recommendation, we went home with a honking bone-in prime rib type thing called The Last Boy Scout that reminded me of something out of the Flintstones. It was cheaper than a prime rib because of the large bone that ran though its center, which made it a little tough to carve after cooking; fortunately no one was around to witness the rough around the edges results of our unpracticed meat carving skills.
The meat itself was tender and terrific and lots of people will be excited to learn that shop only serves local, grass fed and sustainable foods. I hope to make Marlow and Daughters a staple in my epicurean life, especially since they specialize in rare cuts and meats that can be hard – nay, impossible — to find in a traditional grocery store. Sure, the price is a bit higher than what you might be used to paying at C-Town, but it's still cheaper than eating out, right?
Aside from the meat, the shop also offers a selection of fine foods like olives, spreads and tarragon mustard (which I bought and love – I happen to be a tarragon fiend). I'm also planning on trying some of their delicious looking cured meats on an upcoming visit, of which there will be many.
RUNNERS UP:
Cassie Mercantile and Story
Polish Poster Exhibit
Turban Time
Eiffel Tower
Greenpoint Food Market
Bare Esscentuals
Late one recent Friday night I got a photo sent to me of a MEnniquin, a long haired, turbaned, vintage clad mannequin that bore a strange and strong resemblance to me, style-wise. I was intrigued for sure, but I really took notice when I noticed there was a wild cat hanging from her neck. I found out where the store was located and went the very next day. The lady felt even more like me in the light of day and we were all a little taken aback, but her wonderful wooden necklace was still there, ready for me to buy.
The shop is Fille de Joie, and while the place is a tad on the pricey side, it's really well styled and the pieces are pretty fantastic. If I had had a pile of cash burning in a hole in my pocket I could have easily walked out with a new wing to my wardrobe. A black cornered hat is still eating at my mind.
P.S. Don't let the awkward cougar window dance featured on their website turn you off too much from visiting.
On Sale March 7thWhile my personal list of must-haves from the Gaultier Target collection arriving in stores this Sunday might not be quite as long as some other designer collaborators (Rodarte, Tracy Feith, Anna Sui), there’s still plenty to get excited about starting with that bright yellow dress that will have me up first thing in the morning shopping online. Also like the sailor stripe, but wish there were more of his signature stripes sprinkled throughout the tattoo prints (never my favorite), lovely painted florals, and chic leather. I do hope the fingerless gloves are for sale and not just styling extras.
437 East 9th StLeave it to Giant Robot NY to turn me into a little art collector! The Metal Mad show caught my attention when Paul Lyons, whose work is featured, sent a note out the other day… heavy metal art sounded like something I could not miss out on.
It’s a fun, small collection of skulls, bosoms, swords and beastly animals. I am/am soon to be (the show is up until March 3rd) the proud owner of Paul’s grotesquely awesome marker drawings and a fantastically creepy Audobon-esque painting of headless bat-birds battling in a black sky by Aaron Brown. These three pieces were my personal favorites, but there’s lots of great stuff to see.
Hannah Stouffer’s dreamy, bloody paintings are lovely, the black and white pen and ink drawings by Louie Cordero call to mind the horrors of a Charles Burns comic and are fab. I was also smitten with the Bear Horde drawing by French and the intricate creations from Jeremiah Maddock. Oh, and Tom Neely’s Wolves in the Throne rules.
at James Cohan Gallery, 533 West 26th StreetPrepare for some tapestry madness over in Chelsea at the James Cohan Gallery’s “Demons, Yarns and Tales,” exhibit that runs through Feb 13. All the tapestries on display are over-sized and incredible. The work is though provoking – (from the eerie historical work of Kara Walker, to the politically violent and vibrant work of Grayon Perry (one of my favorites)), exquisite – (like Fred Tomaselli’s After Migrant Fruit Thugs and Shahzia Sikander’s Pathology of Suspension), and colorfully pleasing (avaf’s pop culture mish mash and Beatriz Milhazes’ Pucci like design).
I’ll try to return to the friendly gallery when the show comes down to see the YUN-FEI JI Mistaking Each Other for Ghosts show. But don’t you wait that long! If you are a friend to tapestries, sewing, fabric art and textiles, the current show cannot be missed.
I cannot sing the praises of my new little Lumix Panasonic DMC LX3 loud enough. You may have noticed the difference it makes in my photography – particularly food shots in dimly lit restaurants (compare if you will, the images I struggled to eek out at Miranda versus the stunning shots of Atlanta’s fine dining). The camera is perfect for low light and macro, so I adore it completely. The only drawback is that the lens cap can be a bit finicky and fall off and the lens (albeit a fab lens from Leica) sticks out farther than most portable cameras. Otherwise, it’s the best!
Affordable FashionDecember 20th ladies, and it’s all bow belts, lace cardis, high waisted tights, skeleton dresses, flowy skirts, and envy of anyone living close to a quiet, empty Target for all!
In probably one of the most inspired and anticipated Target collaborations, sisters and dream weavers, Laura and Kate Mulleavy will grace the masses with their Rodarte creations.
I missed the pop up store at the Highline, but will not miss out on mustard colored lace when it hits stores!
Great AccessoryI am truly obsessed with this girly striped bow tie I picked up at the increasingly impressive Japanese run thrift shop/gallery About Glamour. Two recent visits, several amazing purchases… but today we focus on the bow tie.
It’s not just for has-been pundits anymore. If you don’t believe me and my own fashion sense, I’ve compiled a collection of women (and a smattering of men) sporting the androgynous accessory.
The organization itself is a grand one – both for the people it helps and the affordable treasures one can find there. However, the particular location right off the Bedford Avenue L train leaves something to be desired. I donated bags and bags full of clothing and books when we moved to our new apartment, but a more recent incident leads me to want to admonish anyone considering making a purchase from this particular branch.
It was a crisp autumn evening and it was unusual to see so many people crowded outside the front window of the shuttered shop. Curious as to what they were looking at, we wedged ourselves in to have a look. What did we see? A huge pack of huge rats rummaging through a pile of clothes pressed up against the other side of the glass. It was some serious Stephen King stuff and still makes me shiver to think of it.
We love our local pet store, Unleashed (as you may well know) and I love even more the idea of their Dog Costume Parade taking place at McGorlick Park on Halloween! Cuteness will abound!
Spend a Couple Minutes of the week: Bergdorf Goodman Window Displays
