My New Favorite Place

It's been a long time since I've been in school but that doesn't stop the urge I feel this time of year to buy notebooks & sharp pencils, new jeans & new leather satchel.  So when I came across the E.L.F Cosmetic Store at 741 Broadway (between 8th Street & Astor Place) I felt no shame or hesitation as I filled my goody basket with their amazing make-up and nail polish in the new fall colors. 

I've purchased  E.L.F. Cosmetics from Target and their online site but being able to browse and play with their entire collection in a clean, airy, well lite space was truly a treat. And walking away with concealer, 3 eye shadows, 3 lipsticks, 1 eyeliner, 2 lip balms, 1 blush for under $35 totally fulfilled by fall Shopping urges.

All Images © Simone Rene 2013

All Images © Simone Rene 2013

Last Minute Shopping..

on Saturday/Sunday, December 18 & 19 make your way to

The Makers Market

at the Old American Can Factory

(3rd St at 3rd Avenue, Gowanus)

Check out gifts and goodies made of any of the ten materials featured to date: Metals, Botanicals, Ceramics, Paper, Leather, Glass, Fiber, Wood, Synthetics and Sugar.

click on title for more details

Cyber Shopping...BBIAB...

A Rebirth of Sorts

Back in the day the old Limelight was an amazing place to hang out.
The upstairs VIP room, the various dance floors and the hundreds of people that seemed to disappear because of the regulars made it the place to be until it wasn't.

Yesterday the amazing building was reborn as

The Limelight Market Place

47 West 20th Street (on 6th Avenue)

Heading there this weekend!

OMG..the NY Times Spilled the Beans

on all the great Designer and Vintage stores in the city!

Client on title to go directly to slide show.

Click on link below to read article!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/fashion/06thrift.html

East Village Thrift Shop

Located at 186 2nd Avenue this store has been there for years.

The prices aren't cheap but they are more than reasonable when compared to other "vintage" stores in the area. Filled with mostly women's clothes, shoes and accessories its smaller selection of mens clothing and home odds and ends are worth riffling through.

I purchased the above never worn beauties ($14.00), a Club Monaco black sheath dress from last season that is still current on the streets ($13.00) and a prestine looks-like-it was-never-worn vintage styled linen dress custom made by a F. Gordon ($20.00) .

So worth finding your way there!

Internet Black Friday

For those of us in the states the day after Thanksgiving is the official 1st day of shopping for the holidays. Almost everyone I know gets up pre dawn and heads to the malls and stores to partake in the Black Friday ritual of pushing, shoving and grasping things so drastically reduced in price they can't help but buy! ( I once saw a man buying 6 flat screen t.v. all under $200 each and a woman buying 20 bed pillows!)

This year the internet will be having it's own Black Friday.

On Monday, November 30th 500 Web Vendors will offer major discounts on all types of items.  Visit cybermonday.com for retailers and details. I wonder how the internet traffic will be that day...

Quick..Hurry Hurry...

before the 20-70% Sale at the newly relocated

LEEKAN DESIGNS INC

4 Rivington Street, off Chrystie

ends on Nov 15th

The store houses a wide array of import ethnic art, jewelry and decorative items and new things are unpacked every day.  If you can't make the sale check out their website

www.leekandesigns.com

If you don't see it, just ask Annie if they carry it!

Last Shoe Post of the Day

While flipping through one of September's fashion magazines I came across a photo of a Moschino Cheap & Chic oxford shoe. It was a lovely buckskin color with what looked like either a broad gross grain or satin ribbon as its shoelaces. Very chic, but at $295.00 not very cheap, sooooooo to obtain the look I am considering buying an Eastland Women's Buck Oxford ($59.95 @ amazon.com) and a yard of 1-1/2-2" wide satin ribbon.


Of course I live in New York and even with protective spray those buckskin shoes are sure to suffer dirt and damage, besides my wardrobe isn't very brown/earth tone based.

Another option would be to find a men's classic black or oxblood leather oxford in my size in the boy's shoe section and use matching ribbon laces.

For a more "feminine" version I could also buy a pair of Capezio Jazz shoes ($26.00 at Capezio's site) and use black ribbon laces..now that would be both Chic and Cheap!

Sew Brooklyn

There was a time when downtown Brooklyn aka Fulton Street was over-run with fabric stores selling all types and quality of fabrics. Those days are long gone. With all the development and rent hikes most of the stores closed down. One of the last hold outs is FULTON FABRICS @ 398 Bridge Street off the Fulton Street Mall.

None too pretty on the outside, which is lined with barrels of cheap fabrics sometimes for as little as $1 a yard, it is the only one left on the strip. Once you enter the store and take the time to look around it it only then that you realize what you have stumbled upon.

In addition to finding simple cottons and linens and rayons in some amazing prints and colors this place offers mostly upholstrey fabrics at all levels of quality and price. The photo I have attached is a sample of what they carry, but more importantly shows the higher range in pricing, which runs from $1 yard to no more than $16.00. Many of the fabrics run only $3.00 a yard and they even stock cotton sheeting fabric, which is hard to find, at 105 inches wide for about $3-$3.99 yard. So worth the trek downtown!

Booted into Fall

I am still enjoying the summer but I must admit my wardrobe mind is already reaching for the fall especially since all the stores are now abound with fall clothing and accessories.

Sadly my reaching started back in July while shopping and having a deep debate with a friend of mine that doesn't buy or wear leather and was complaining about being sucked into to buying outrageously priced "life conscious" options. I laughingly explained to her that there are many stylish and fashion forward people who buy non-animal shoes, belts and bags because of budget not because they want to save some animals skin and suggested that she look about her because there are tons of options outside of her usually shopping scope. I then walked her into Pay-Half and much to my own surprise found these very cute booties for $24.99.

They are made of man-made materials by a company called Qupid. Curious I found the company on the net - http://www.qupidshoes.com/ . Unfortunately they sell only wholesale. I don't know their work ethics or like some of their styles but I do love there mission statement -

"We understand that fashion need not exclude the financially challenged, we are able to meet all the demands of the industry at an affordable price."

Find is Found

Yesterday I took the bus to Lowes, my temple of creative worship but because it was a beautiful day and the buses were running on Sunday schedule I ended up walking home which gave me the opportunity to stop in a store I have been dying to go into. It’s taken me some time to find my way into FIND Home Furnishings because I am usually pressed up against a bus window leering at the tempting furniture and home decorative pieces left invitingly at the entrance of the cavernous warehouse space while the bus makes its way pass it to downtown Brooklyn.

FIND Home Furnishings is located at 59 9th Street. The space is filled with an eclectic, sophisticated selection of lighting, rugs, vases, cabinets, sofas, chairs and odds and ends that definitely invite you to take them home with you. Some of the items are imported and some are refurbished but each is individual and promises to add a new amazing life to your space. They can customize on site, alterations are rightfully confined within the design of the piece, and offer decorative services to ensure you are buying something that works for you and your living space.

This is not a discount place, but considering the individuality and the workmanship of the goods the pricing is appropriate. I saw many pieces that fall within comparable price ranges for such things. They are currently having a 20% off sale. Just ask for Anca and tell her Simone sent you ;). Just teasing! but do ask for Anca. She was more than generous with her time and allowed me to take as many photos as my dying camera battery let me.

Below is about 1/4 of the images I wanted to share.

So worth getting off the bus stops before your destination!

(I am dreaming about the above piece!)

Roman Lust..

I have wanted a pair of Gladiator style sandals since last summer but I refused to pay the sometime $100 and over asking price I was finding attached to the styles I was drawn to. Sorry I can't justify that price for a shoe that is basically made of wisps of leather with bits and bobs for decoration that I will probably destroy before the season ends.

Yesterday after work I took my "frugal self" on a shopping spree and found the attached silver studded sandals at Pay Half in the Altantic Avenue Mall(I've blogged about this place before!) They cost me all of $19.99. Yes, they are made of man made materials, PETA should be proud, but they seem pretty sturdy. I pulled and pushed and played with zipping and unzipping them to make sure that all pieces were firmly in place.

Pay Half has a huge selection of sandals that reflect the current trend in this footwear. Prices range from $7.99 to $29.99, depending on style and brand. I tried on 8 different pair before deciding to buy these and don't think I am not considering returning to buy a fuschia pair I vetoed in my attempt not to be greedy...sometimes it takes greed to build an empire....

Sooo worth the trip to your local Pay Half Store

Grand Opening Brooklyn Flea Market

Saturday, June 13th introduces a new flea market in Brooklyn at

194 20th Street (between 4th & 5th Avenues)

check out their website

http://www.blogger.com/www.%20BrooklynFleaMarket.com

for details including possibly becoming a vendor!

The Gods of Luxury Smiled Down

On Tuesday I felt like shopping. I wanted a bit of luxury but I also needed to purchase a few things. I am trying to be diligent about budgeting so I only allowed my self $20 to "play" with before setting off on my journey - ABOVE
Needed #1 Found at Lunch Time- See the Jeans underneath the cup? They are the Gap's 1969 Dark Denim Flair Cut Stretch Jean. They were $7.99 at my favorite sell out place Lot-Less on Clinton Street. I had no intention of buying jeans though they were on my list of things to replace. Running across them while shopping was a happy coincidence. The obvious tags and labels were cut off in order to discount sell them but logos on the pocket, the sewn in care labels, the rivets and button clearly identify the brand of jeans.

I loved these jeans when they first came out because they were a tribute to the old Levi jeans I adore. Do I care that they are a Spring 07 issue or do I care that they make my ass look good, my legs look longer than they are and my wallet stay healthy?

ABOVE
Luxury #1 Found After Work - See this amazing new cup and saucer set? It was just the little bit of luxury I needed. I found it while dropping off two huge Ikea bags of donations to Housing Works on 17th Street. Each piece was marked $3, but at the register it only rang up for $1.00 plus tax. It seems HW was having a huge sale. I enjoyed the luxury of cup Lady Earl Grey tea while writing this post before adding the unique set to my Mad-Hatter Tea Party Cup and Saucer Collection.

ABOVE
Luxury #2 Found When I Got Home - Much to my surprise I received Vogue's 2009 Calendar in the mail that night. Granted it was a little late and unexpected but I had been considering buying a printed calendar to keep track of my appointments and major to-dos for the day. This free one is most welcomed and now each month I will be greeted with some of the amazing fashion photos that have graced the pages and covers of Vogue over the years.

ABOVE
Luxury/Needed Combo #1 Also Found In the Mail - I received a Free Panty plus $10 off any purchase coupon from Victoria's Secret. Funny I was just thinking that I am in need of some new undies, which are on sale at VS from May 21 through June 1, 10 pair for$25! 11 pairs here I come!

The luxury Gods were truly smiling down upon me.

Think about what little luxuries/necessities you've been gifted with.

Filling in the Gap

I love the Gap. I don't care what anyone says the Gap is worth loving. Because of the Gap most of the men I know started dressing with style that pushed passed their everyday jeans and t shirt. Because of the Gap most of those men I know went onto to develop their own style. Confident in their Gap button down shirts, flat front chinos and matching leather jackets, belts and shoes they found the courage to explore clothing options in stores they may never have considered if they hadn't walked into the Gap for 3 crew neck white t shirts and walked out with whole wardrobes and increased confidence.

A few years back I had all but given up on the Gap. They seemed to have lost their direction. The fit of their jeans was off and despite care the brightness of the t-shirts didn't last the season. But with the new designer Patrick Robinson at the helm the Gap seems to have straightened their course and added a sense of higher end design to the line. I know the Gap offers the same basics each season and there are just so many cardigans, trench coats, denim skirts and white cotton t-shirts one can own, but we are creatures of habit aren't we? There is a certain level of comfort knowing that I will be able to buy the same style t shirt and jeans, trends aside, that fit and flatter. There is a comfort level in knowing that in addition to those same styles there will be slight changes in fabrics and colors and new options that will either be added to the continous cycle or eliminated because it failed to inspire the Gap customer. I know dressing in Gap clothing is safe, but it's that safety that inspires me to reach for accessories, including jewelry, handbags, scarfs, hats, coats and shoes, that are in themselves signature pieces which need to be foiled and not fight against the backdrop of blouse and pant.

Thank You Gap
PS - I love your sale prices!

Bargain Shoes Considered

I have a lust for shoes but I am a bargain hunter. I once found a pair of Manolo's for $25.00. Becuase of this "gift" I will never pay over a certain price point for a pair of shoes or boots that are not timeless or that do not serve a purpose, i.e. snowboots, skiing boots, running shoes, walking shoes, etc. I wait for sales and seem to have a knack for finding what I want at unheard of prices, even when shopping in vintage, bargain and used clothing stores. Having noted this there are certain shoe stores I will only buy certain shoes from, Payless ShoeSource is one of those stores.

Payless Shoes was never a favorite place of mine, instead I remember Parade of Shoes fondly. Toward the end of their run Parade offered some amazing duplicates of designer shoes in leather and fabrics at prices that rivaled most mid-way shoe stores offerring the same types of item. Payless Shoes was always a place to go to buy keds, flip flops and simple natural leather sandals for the season. With the demise of Parade of Shoes, Payless has taken the low priced trendy shoe market over and are really attempting to up the ante by pairing with some known shoe designers to improve the quality and style of their shoes. Their new collection features New York fashion designer Lela Rose, best know for her ready to wear and wedding collections, Alice & Olivia, a label that have been around since 2002 and is known for its youthful vibe and Abaete, a luxury apparel line. Prices range from $20 to $40.00 and reflect simplified versions of the current trends. The quality of materials and workmanship varies and if you're into buying shoes for a season or two it might be worth your investigation.

The McQueen Has Arrived

From March 4th through April 14th Target will be offerring clothing especially designed for them by Alexander McQueen.

Prices will start at $14.99 and it's said that the pieces will reflect his younger MQ Line.

Go Forth & Shop!

Raising Eyebrows

I like a manicured brow, one that follows the natural line and thickness of an eyebrow and find that stringing achieves this better than waxing and faster than plucking. Stringing your eyebrows involves the obvious, a string, and a well trained technician that can swiftly remove the eyebrow hairs by twisting the thread around them and quickly pulling so that it's almost..errrr..painless. When I need to tidy up my own eyebrows I find my way to the 2nd floor location of Unique Threading Salon at 727 Sixth Avenue and with $6 plus a tip I walk away happy and groomed. After 10 sessions you even receive a freebie and they also offer other economically priced services which include waxing, henna tattooing and facials.

For more information go to http://www.uniquethreading.com/

Trinkets, Baubles and Beads...

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I know everyone is hoping that someone remembers them with sweet gifts and words, but for those of you that want cold hard displays of affection you may want to send your special someone over to 124 West 25th Street today for a walk through at This n' That Collectables. This store is amazing. Store owner Anita Stern spends most of her time collecting the beautiful baubles and beads and precious items offered for sale. Much of it can be considered antique and though this isn't the cheapest store around the selection and quality justifies the pricing. This 'n That Collectables is well known in the fashion and movie industries and many stylist and photographers shop here for period pieces. Be warned the store can overwhelming, but don't hesitate to ask questions and direction if you truly want to walk away with a treasure. Worth the stop by, even if you're buying yourself the gift!

The store's web site is ChelseaAntiques-ny.com