The Communal Closet

Sewer Art in Sao Paulo

2007-09-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

From art collective 6emeia in Brazil:

Return of the Blog

2007-09-16T20:16:00.000-05:00

The Communal Closet is back online after a brief summer hiatus! We have lots of exciting news to release into the blogosphere! For the first posting of fall, we salute some of the other blogs out there!

No Impact Man
Style Bubble
Liebemarlene Vintage
Cory Kennedy

According to blogherald.com the number of bloggers now exceeds 50 million worldwide! Thats a lot of aspiring writers, driven journal keepers, and dogged purveyors of information on the superhighway whose postings may never be uncovered even by the most intrepid of net surfers. So you may ask, why continue? The answer here at Communal Closet Online is, because we care:) We are the brightest minds, the fastest typers, and the best outfitted bringing you the latest as its all happening now. We have the dish on fall fashion, nyc apartment hunting, grad school applications, and acheiving world peace. You will be inspired by our creative, practical and international spirit:)
viva la blog!

Jet Set Flower Child Style

2007-06-26T11:28:00.000-05:00

summer sale june 2007

No.6 Store Basement Summer Sale - Thursday 28th to Saturday 30th June

This month we are spring cleaning our back stock of vintage and new clothing from past seasons.
To help with this we are having a three day party in our basement under the store (where its nice and cool).
There will be plenty of bargains, entertainment and good company.

Thursday is friends and family.
There will be Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers and classical musicians playing the 70's & 80's

Vintage dresses $40, skirts $25, tops $30 + new clothing and shoes.
There will also be a rack of select vintage designer and higher end pieces priced at up to 40 % off.

Thursday 28th 5-8 pm live music to shop by & complementary cocktails
Friday 29th 5-8 pm complementary cocktails
Saturday 30th 12 -5 pm

Address:
No.6 store Basement space
6 Centre Market Place, NYC
between broome and grand and centre and mulberry
near by trains Canal street J,M, N, Q,R,W, Z and 6
Prince street N,R
Spring Street 6
info@no6store 212 226 5759

Please stop by and say hello if you can !
If you could pass it on to anyone you think might want to come.
morgan & Karin
No.6 store

New York Nightlife Review

2007-06-20T22:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another installment of the New York Nightlife Review!
In 2002, the Village Voice's Tricia Romano covered the effects of caberet laws in New York City (The Safety Dance). Some of Romano's interviewees who discuss the "right to dance" in a constitutional framework would be please to know that in 2007 most New Yorkers have the liberty to bust a move.

Even if it means having to go out to Greenpoint, those who like to shake their groove thing will find dance floors a plenty. Last week, a couple of friends and I got a ride over the Williamsburg Bridge and google maped our way through desolate streets to Studio B for Mr. Oizo, a french producer who is most famous for his electro track "Flat Beat." We got there just in time for Quentin Dupieux (Mr. Oizo is only a stage name) seamlessly mix The Who's "Teenage Wasteland" with Robin S' "Show me Love"
(So baby if you want me
You’ve got to show me love)
We danced til close, told Mr. Oizo that he was tres bien and got a ride to a the Manhattan Bridge where an empty cabbie was fortuitously waiting to take us to get some schwarma on Rivington street.

Truth be told, fun is often had in local places with exotic guests. Just a $5 cab ride away, we greeted Guy Gerber, a moody Israeli DJ in the damp waterfall room at Love (8th Street between Macdougal and 6th Ave). Dancing in the small, dark and neon black lit club is the perfect antidote for the toxic Euro Trash in your blood. And though some people may protest, GoldBar which just so happens to be a stones throw from my stoop is also laden with debris from abroad. On a recent Friday night after a 15 minute wait to get in past the brooding eastern European dominatrix Carolina, we finally stepped through a curtain of crystal and gold for some much desired access to the posh banquettes. Reporting from the inner depths of exclusivity, I can tell you that chilling around every famous actor, rapper or musician (what up LEO, Q-TIP and Lenny K) were not only models, but nondescript party animals too. The excellent sound system ignites the small plush quarters where celebrities rub elbows with ordinary folks in a groovy and energetic mix. If you can get past the door, GoldBar's resplendence might just make you forget about $18 drink prices.

Who doesn't love ice cream and shopping?

2007-06-20T17:41:00.000-05:00

Sidewalk shopping with a HeartsChallenger( see earlier post on ice cream) appearance!
Check out the e-mail I got below

the rumors are true!
SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY
from 12- 8 pm at 85 kenmare street,
the ladies of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
are emptying their closets onto the sidewalks of nolita!
join Judi Rosen and all the other foxy fashionistas of GBU,
as we hold the first annual
Fleabag Fleamarket and Ice Cream Social.
the supercute girls from the HeartsChallenger pink ice cream truck
will be there from 2- 8 to help us keep it cool.
xoxo
The Good The Bad and The Ugly
85 Kenmare Street
New York, NY 10012
P. 212.473.3769
F. 212.473.3729
missdater@earthlink.net
www.goodbaduglynyc.com

New York Nightlife Review

2007-06-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

With the onset of summer, the nightlife bug has bitten. Though the city pulsates with glamorous possibilities, often, New York City's vibe can get a bit stifling--and we're not just talking about sticky sidewalks. Some of the city's new and noteworthy boites maintain an exclusive door policy that is reminiscent of a totalitarian regime run by burly bouncers, wannabe hipster waifs, and yes, midgets!

Two nights ago my boyfriend and I strolled on over to check out The Beatrice Inn ( 285 W. 12th St., nr. W. 4th St) and were denied entrance on account of a private party.
We continued our quest for the nightlife by walking over to the former Salon, a spacious 2 level spot we frequented to dance drunkenly to "Louie Louie" and the Supremes with New York City's bohemian (read: trustafarian) youth.

Now, Salon is Socialista(505 West St between Jane and Horatio, 212-929-4303) a Cuban themed club. According to Urban Daddy "Socialista is your chance to live and lounge like the common folk of Havana circa 1940." Former Bungalow 8 owner, Armin Amiri says his space will serve only those celebs "who don’t want their asses kissed." Yea right. On the night that we went for a taste of socialism, we were flat out rejected by a skinny tie sporting faux european standing in front of an empty sidewalk while another couple, presumably older and richer, but not hotter was escorted in quickly as they came up right behind us. "Not tonight guys" said the bouncer! But I thought everyone was equal! The shutters on the Socialista facade looked authentic, (apparently it cost $2 million to revamp this place with a "colonial-architecture-in-decay" look) but I could hear no music, even from right outside the door.

What kind of a place was this anyway? My boyfriend told me that last time he came here a midget named Anthony was working the door! But alas, this euro trash asshole was not letting us in and refused to explain himself any further. We walked home feeling slightly defeated but also pondering the idea that New York City is filled with tons of options! Perhaps its better that there remain some places which are shrouded in mystery. If not, we would be jaded, unappreciative, club sluts!

No matter whether you can brush off the rejection or you want to stick your stilletto up a bouncer's ass and demand to be let in, exclusivity never really facilitates a good vibe-- the key to enjoying nights out on the town. In search of some relief from fancy folks, last night we set out again; this time on the Lower East Side. First, we enjoyed some free vodka drinks at the open bar at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) a basement bar and dance hall filled with taxidermy, hipsters, great music and a delightfully relaxed door policy. Continuing the buzz, we skipped over to Fontana's (105 Eldridge St. between Broome and Grand) and relaxed in the plush red banquettes while admiring the 1950's style pop art. Finally, on the way home we were greeted by a bouncer in front of Happy Endings (302 Broome Street) who asked if we were lost. " The party's in here" he grinned happily, ushering us past the red velvet rope. Now, that is what I call good old fashioned New York City hospitality.

Is This For F^&%!#$ Real??

2007-05-29T14:52:00.000-05:00

Bacon anyone??

Jamison Stone, 11, stands next to a wild pig he killed recently near Delta, Alabama. Stone's father says the hog weighed 1,051 pounds and messured 9 feet 4 inches from the tip of it's snout to the base of its tail.

This has to be the most disturbing/disgusting thing I have ever seen.

Picture and information courtesy of PerezHilton.com

from The Daily News 5.24.2007

2007-05-24T12:18:00.000-05:00

Bidder sweet

Popular sample sale goes online, with a little help from eBay

Girls who used to love Diego Garcia's trunk shows have reason to cheer: The traveling fashion bazaar, co-created last year by novelist Erica Kennedy and her best friend, Aisha Salmon, just opened a shop online at www.diegogarcialtd.com.

The style-savvy pair resell designer merchandise, vintage threads and their original Beach Chic line, which includes hard-to-find Mexican tops. "Last summer we imported all these clothes and sold them to people in a sample sale-type atmosphere for fun," says Kennedy. Each week brings new things on the eBay-based site.

Shopaholics can soon send in pictures and descriptions of some of their own treasures to be sold on the site - and become one of what Kennedy calls the "Diego girls," her friends who scour the earth for finds. Selling clothes you never wear, she says, "takes away some of your guilt. It's like you're repenting!"-Nicole Lyn Pesce

Random Vintage Madness

2007-05-21T10:38:00.000-05:00

I don't know who this chick is, but she keeps emailing me this. Someone check it out.

MASSIVE OVERSTOCK WOMEN’S VINTAGE CLEARANCE SALE

WE LOST OUR WAREHOUSE SPACE DUE TO RECENT RAINS AND FLOODING AND HAD TO MOVE TO A SMALLER SPACE. WE ARE SERIOUSLY OVERSTOCKED WITH WOMEN’S VINTAGE AND ARE HAVING A BLOW OUT SALE AT THE STORE FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF MAY.

Dealers must call and make appointment on weekdays.

ALL WOMEN’S CLOTHING AT LEAST 25% OFF.
* DESIGNER SAMPLES FROM THE 2006 OFF MY BACK ON THE RACK VINTAGE & DESIGN “RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT”
* JUST ARRIVED, SUMMER BABYDOLL TOPS FROM THE 70’S. SUPER SEXY!

MATINEE – NEW YORK
(OFF MY BACK ON THE RACK VINTAGE & DESIGN)
123 ALLEN STREET- UPSTAIRS
(one block west of Orchard, between Rivington & Delancey)
New York, NY 10002
917-837-3645

Summer Hours: Saturday and Sunday- Noon – 7 pm

http://www.vintagecoolclothes.com

We are still seeking a partner to share our store space. Call 917-837-3645 for details.

Sympathetic overlook or undeserved mercy?

2007-05-18T13:56:00.000-05:00

Perhaps those of us at the communal closet are just a hair too young for Punky Brewster (according to www.wikipedia.org, my new best friend, the show aired from 1984-1986 and then in syndication until 1988, when most of us communal closeters were the ripe old age of four...more of a Sesame Street age) but we still remember reruns of the show starring the spritely Soleil Moon Frye, pictured below.

Sweet, right? Totally impish. Love it.

Anyway, Soleil actually grew up to be quite the attractive woman. Here she is a few years ago during her time as a cast member on Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Now, here is a picture of Ms. Sunny Moon Fries (mmm fries) that was posted on the deliciously (mmm delicious) evil blog, www.gofugyourself.com.

I know it's a little small, but look closely. Click on it if you have to do that "Save Image As" thing. Notice anything different? That's right; it pretty much looks like her nose get hit with a large blunt object a la Marcia Brady in that infamous "My nose!" episode. The Fug Girls had this to say about her ensemble:

"Girl, you are all torso and feet, like a little wind-up child's toy. What happened to the rest of your legs? Did I miss a Very Special Episode where Punky's legs are tragically amputated? Because I feel like I would have remembered that one. Get this thing shortened and show us a little leg, my dear."

Really guys? That's all you noticed? Nothing about the flat beak? Well, then, let me be the one to throw it out there, the blunt girl who inevitably gets in trouble: Soleil, this nose job was not a good move on your part. Ever heard of Jennifer Grey? Well, no one born after 1990 has, and that's because she got a nose job and virtually disappeared from the entertainment world after she resorted to appearing in a sitcom in which she made fun of herself for getting a nose job and having it ruin her career. I hate to say this, Soleil, but the parallel is...well, it's staring me in the face.

An Open Letter to (most of) the Citizens of Manhattan

2007-05-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Citizens of Manhattan,

It is not bright in either the subway terminals or the actual cars. Please remove your sunglasses.

Love,
Your Dignity

SAMPLE SALES! Yessssssssss

2007-05-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

The quick and dirty:
Where:
        3.1 phillip lim Showroom
        260 West 39th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenue)
        17th floor
When: THURSDAY, MAY 17th, 10 am – 6 pm
FRIDAY, MAY 18th, 10 am – 6 pm
It's the event you have been waiting for! We will be featuring our women's ready
to wear & accessories at far below wholesale prices and NEW PRODUCTION STOCK
at less than half of the retail price.
Cash or Visa, Master, Amex cards accepted.
Label: Yigal Azrouel
Deal: Clothing from the womenswear designer is marked way down, with some pieces under $100
When/Where: Tuesday May 15th through Thursday May 17th. Tue, Wed 9am—7pm; Thu 9am—5pm. 225 W 39th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, seventh floor (212-302-1194).
Label: Petit Bateau
Deal: 50 to 70% off sweaters, pants and soft cotton tees for women and children
When/Where: Tuesday May 15th through Friday May 18th. Daily 10am—7pm. 247 W 35th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, main floor (212-239-7272).
Label: Ben Sherman and Evisu
Deal: Clothing for men and women starts at $15
When/Where: Tuesday May 15th through Friday May 18th. Tue, Thu 10am—7pm; Wed, Fri 10am—6pm. 261 W 36th St at Seventh Ave, second floor (212-947-8748).
Label: Dsquared2 and Maison Martin Margiela
Deal: Men's and women's clothing up to 50% off
When/Where: Tuesday May 15th, Wednesday May 16th. Daily 10am—7pm. 495 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts, eighth floor (646-613-8457).
Label: Roberto Cavalli, Valentino and Fendi
Deal: 75% off jewelry and accessories; major markdowns on clothing
When/Where: Tuesday May 15th, Wednesday May 16th. Daily 10am—7pm. The Shoreham Hotel, 33 W 55th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, ground floor (917-330-9318).

New York's 50 Most Powerful Women

2007-05-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

Can you see yourself on this roster one day?

Check out the New York Post's list!

Crazy Love

2007-05-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open every time she smiles
And when I come to her thats where I belong
Yet Im running to her like a rivers song

Van Morrison's saccharine lyrics to "Crazy Love" do little to describe the synonymous documentary by filmmaker Dan Klores that was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

The documentary relives a tabloid tale circa 1959 about an obsessive love affair between two New Yorkers. Burt Pugach, a 32 year old a married attorney was involved in an affair with Linda Riss, until she left him and his adulterous ways. Pugach hired three henchmen to throw lye in Riss' face, causing her to be blinded. Fourteen years later, after being released from prison, Pugach convinces Riss to marry him!

According to Paper Magazine's tips for today, Crazy Love premieres tonight at 7pm BAM.

Burt and Linda Pugach now now 78 and 69 respectively both make an appearance in the documentary. I can't wait to see the movie myself and decide who the craziest part of this couple is!

Politique

2007-05-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

We here at the Communal Closet do not often go political on yo asses, but this past week has been an exciting one with regard to global elections. Here's a rundown, for those of you not aware/paying attention:

France: On May 6th Nicolas Sarkozy was elected President of the 5th French Republic. Sarkozy is the first President born after WWI and to not have been a practicing politician under outgoing President Jacques Chirac. The voter turnout was an impressive 85%, a number Americans might never see with regard to elections. Sarkozy beat out Segolene Royal, a glamorous socialist who campaigned to preserve the 35 hour work week and would have been France's first female president. Student riots have ensued- ah, the French and their riots- because of Sarkozy's alignment and sympathy for the US War in Iraq (Chirac was anti).

Ireland: A new administrative body was formed to govern Northern Ireland, a province long torn apart by civil strife between ruling British Protestants and Irish Catholics. The government will be headed by- dah dah DAH!- a formerly extreme anti-Catholic minister from Britain and the reigning party leader from Sinn Fein (Irish political party, loosely translated from Gaelic as "ourselves") who was formerly deeply involved with the IRA. The two proposed goals such as improving hospitals and schools. We are hoping that this alliance leads to a better life for the people of Northern Ireland!

Phemale Photographer

2007-05-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

I came across Debora Mittelstaedt today on the Paper Magazine website. I love the way her photographs lend modern females a retro quality.

Check out Debra Mittelstaedt's work here.

Socialite Rank Exposed!

2007-05-07T14:56:00.000-05:00

Several months back, I forwarded the former blog, socialiterank.com to my ex-roomate for her expert eyes to look over. While I like to think that I don't bother myself with such trivial pursuits, truth be told, socialiterank.com somehow became one of the many blogs I perused during a slow hour (make that days) at work. Naturally I was saddened to see its demise.

A couple more days worth of blog perusal and a few conversations with the aforementioned roomate of mine who knows EVERYTHING about the fashion world, I was still curious as to why socialiterank.com's creators shut down such a well trafficked site.

Lo and behold I found a great post on fashionista.com that explains it all.

Check it out here

Now if one of you fashionistas could explain to me who Valentine and Olga Rei are....

p.s. Check out NY Magazine's expose in this week's issue!

Ice-Cream Capades

2007-05-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

MMmm... Fun NYT article:
Mister Softee meets his match when Heartschallenger rolls into the Big Apple this month. The powder-pink trucks are stocked with ice cream and global treats served up by Leyla Safai, an L.A.-based artist, and her musician beau, Ben Pollock, who wrote a collection of modern melodies to accompany their arrival (think Good Humor with an electro-pop twist). The couple, who also perform as the band Heartsrevolution, travel wherever the truck is hired to enliven weddings, birthday parties, even film festivals. Heartschallenger also collaborates with local artists across the country to curate curbside exhibitions, show films, play music and share sweets like the artist Gary Garay’s ice pops shaped into peace signs. Next stops: England and France. Go to www.heartschallenger.com.

Concrete Jungle

2007-05-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

Cool street art concept from The Wooster Collective website

Check it out here!

STEL-LA!

2007-05-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

For those of us who heart Marlon Brando, there is a documentary on tonight and tomorrow on the God himself. It airs on TCM (Channel 83 or something if you have Time Warner Cable) at 8 pm and will be followed by some of Brando's best films, including A Streetcar Named Desire, which starts at 12:30 am tonight.

Mmmmmmm break me off a piece of THAT!

NOOOO

2007-04-30T11:36:00.000-05:00

AHHHHHHH

2007-04-29T20:36:00.000-05:00

Tibor de Nagy Gallery

Rudy Burckhardt, "Parking Lot, 1970, oil on linen

feng shui!

2007-04-29T20:09:00.000-05:00

Just picked myself up a mini dressor (26X14X30)from the 1970's on Houston and Bowery!
I will post a picture soon or you guys can come over to see it. We checked out the roof today and its really open and sunny. we totally need to have a BBQ! This french dude who got to NYC last week helped me carry my new furniture carry to the curb and waited 15 minutes for a cab with me. He said he would like to offer me a drink which was quite peculiar language for the Bowery!

I keep seeing these ads on the subway for NYC Bike Month. Check it out here!
I almost bought a bike today but both my dad and my bf say its too dangerous!

Is NYC bike friendly enough?

Some of my favorite fashion inspirations from all over the world

2007-04-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

A girl can dream, can't she? What if you had an around the world shopping ticket?

Before you take off in Manhattan:

http://otteny.com/shop

A quick overnight flight to Paris:

http://www.vanessabruno.com/

Lose a day/ gain a day? on your way to Japan:

http://www.americanragcie.co.jp/info/index.html

Take a quick trip Down Under:

http://www.sassandbide.com/home/index.html

Back across the Pacific to Argentina: what is the amazing song playing at the Pri Ver 2007 fashion show? Somebody please tell me!

http://www.maria-cher.com.ar/

Direct flight to LAX:

http://www.satineboutique.com

And back to New York

http://www.alexanderwang.com/alexander-wang.html

Don't wake me up....

Cokehead Chic at Barneys

2007-04-27T13:24:00.000-05:00

While I generally think most of the line is underwhelming (as most NORMAL human beings do not have the the belly, or lack thereof, to pull off the three-year-old's jean vest look), I must must MUST have this one shoulder white dress. Anyone who helps me in my quest will receive a) one very kinky sexual favor b) the change in my wallet (trust me, it adds up to a good five bones) and c) permission to wear the dress for ONE WHOLE NIGHT!!!

Kate Moss's line for Top Shop will be officially available at Barneys New York on May 9th, with a private reception on the evening of May 8th (anyone who helps me get tickets to that will get all the above mentioned plus an additional sexual favor...I mean, let's face it, I don't really need incentive for that.) The line will be available through the Top Shop website (see above link) on April 30th, so if you're worried about availability try that route.

Help me help YOU!

Let the record state that I actually semi-despise Kate Moss, but am not beneath mooching off her style.

I'm having Blog amnesia. Did I post about this already?

Take Your Daughter to Work Day!

2007-04-26T15:58:00.000-05:00

Today is the 15th annual Take Our Daughter to Work Day!
Check out this great organization here !
The organization has added a Take Our Sons to Work Day component as well. Looks like the boys got jealous!

When I was a mere grade schooler with an American Girl magazine influenced "GIRLS RULE" mindset, I looked forward to this day like no other. Each year, my sister and I would skip school t accompany my aunt, a buyer for Victoria's Secret catalogue to her company's headquarters in NYC for a day of professional fun! We would meet models, see a fashion show and eat lunch with the corporation's CEO! One year I even won a contest by predicting which bathing suits would be best sellers! The women told me that maybe I had a future career as a fashion buyer!
Ladies, you can do anything if you put your mind to it was the message of the day. The powerful feeling I experienced each Take Your Daughter to Work Day continue to inspire me as I embark on the very beginning stages of my becoming a working woman myself.

namaste

2007-04-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

One of my fondest college memories was the two semesters worth of gym classes I took with my girlfriends. The first was a step class fit for old ladies or stoners like us in '80s jazzercise wear! The soundtrack to step class was not as memorable as senior year, second semester Pilates instruction where Peggy Levine played the Brazilian Girls which teaching us how to tone our posteriors and abs on the mat.

At Yoga Work's Monday night class which I've now experienced with three different teachers, there is no music. After a communal oooommmmmm chat, the class begins stretching into basic Yoga poses. There is no cracking a smirk or bursting into giggles during a particularly compromising position alongside your leg warmer clad roommate. The real world isn't so bad though. Although members of my Flatiron yoga enclave take their Vinyasa's quite seriously, they are more or less mellow people I suppose.

After the first two classes I started to get used to the crunch factor and began to appreciate the workout and relaxation. On Saturday I even went to yoga on the weekend which scores me major points because it was so hard! Don't you just hate those people who are naturally flexible? When I returned home I tried to demonstrate a painful pose to my roomates, and I felt surprisingly limber! This springtime Yoga foray is appealing I think. Another communal closet member who recently moved into the East Village has started participating at a studio called Yoga for the People. Maybe when we master our poses we'll practice on the roof or with yoga freaks in Thompson Square Park.

We will keep you posted in this quest for fitness! But, for now, I'll leave you with a cute pair of American Apparel '70s style track shorts,: an ode to Hugh, my favorite Yoga instructor at Columbia who used to teach in a more authentic version of these.

GOING GREEN/ ENTERING THE SCENE

2007-04-25T10:20:00.000-05:00

first vanity fair came out with a wicked issue
then elle magazine educated us on eco-friendly fashion
4-20 hit
earth day followed
hell, even wal-mart is going green!

you know when your ghetto super (star) begs you to recycle your tsingtao beer bottles that its time to get involved-

let's discuss a few tips on conservation that are so easy, a caveman could do it:

1. Clothing Swaps

The EPA estimates that more than 10 million tons of textile waste went to U.S. landfills in 2003. Why contribute to this problem? Get rid of last season's fashions with Swaporama, the brainchild of Wendy Tremayne, who desgined a program that brings people together and reuses unwanted fashions. Show up with a bag of old clothes and $10- then you can roam around and shop till you drop. Think of it as Beacon's Closet minus the snooty hipster 'tude.
http://www.swaporamarama.com/

2. Update your lighting

Make it your personal policy to buy energy efficient compact flourescent light builbs. You can now get a variety of shapes that perfectly match the color hue and lighting for each room in your abode. They look good and use 2/3 less power than regular light bulbs!

3. House Plants

Invest in large, live houseplants that will keep your indoor air fresher and put you in a good mood. Hydrangeas are in season, affordable, and stunning.

4. Save Water!

Place a water bottle filled with liquid or pennies in your toilet's water tank. This will cause the tank to use less water every time you flush. It is estimated that it will save you about a quart to half a gallon per flush.

5. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Using simple ingredients such as baking soda, soap and vinegar, you can make cheap, easy, and non-toxic cleaning products save money, time, and your indoor air quality. This is especially important if you have kids, pets or if there are elderly people in your home who are sensitive to chemicals in the air so you and your home will be healthier.

6. Buy a Laptop

Even an oversize laptop runs more efficiently and takes less energy than a desktop.

7. Pay your bills online

It's faster and easier and - NO PAPER!

8. BYOB

Bring your own bag- Bringing your own bag to the grocery store saves everyone time and money. In the U.S., we use five hundred billion plastic bags every single year and only three percent of those get recycled. Supermarkets like Whole Foods encourage this by giving you A SMILE + 15 cents off your next purchase if you BYOB!

9. Green fashions are becoming H-O-T!

Anthropologie has tons of eco-friendly brands on their racks, and Levi's $65 organic cotton jeans are a best seller.

10. PARTY GREENLY!! (does that make sense?)

WHO: Solar 1
WHAT: GREENDRINKS NYC!
WHERE: 2420 FDR Drive Service Road East (at 23rd Street /Ave C and Stuyvesand Cove Park) NY NY 10010. Take the 6 train to 23rd street and walk east or the M23 bus to Solar 1. tel 212 505-6050 - look for a huge white tent on the East River!
WHY: Peak Organic Brewery, Sambazon, Whole Foods and Sunshine Organic Vodka are sponsoring!!!
WHEN: Tuesday, May 8, 2007, from 6:00pm - 10pm

"make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race"- the one and only MJ

Tragedy

2007-04-24T12:41:00.000-05:00

Strange experience to find out someone you know died via a magazine article. Lily Wheelwright, a young actress and older sister of a dear friend of mine, passed away last month from a drug overdose. Lily was a fixture on the Bohemian scene, once on the cover of Vice Magazine and a good friend (and subject) of the much buzzed-about photographer Ryan McGinley. I only met Lily a few times when we were in photography class together and even then we mostly discussed her sister, who was a student at Yale and herself an insanely talented actress (has been since I met her when I was twelve and she was eleven.) Lily's death came less than two weeks after the premier of the film she co-starred in, Orphans, at SXSW. Her family is generous and loving and my humble sympathy goes out to them.
There will be a screening of Orphans at the IFC Center on 6th Avenue and West 3rd Street Monday, April 30th at 10 pm.

Rainy day word

2007-04-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

1. dinner john

1. A dinner john is a man (or woman) who is lacking in looks, personality, or the ability to understand that sexual favors can not be purchased with one or more dinners with a dinner whore.

2. A dinner john is a man who buys dinner for a dinner whore who is hoping to raise his sexual market value SMV by being seen in public with an attractive, charming woman (or man).

3. A dinner john is someone who is too gutless to visit a prostitute because he can't seem to get laid and is tired of jacking off. He wants to get laid and tries to do so through buying dinner for a woman -- any woman -- who will go out with him.

1. The dinner john had invested at least $1,000 on dinners over the past six months on Sally, the dinner whore, but she still wouldn't have sex with him.

2. While Jim, the dinner john, was having dinner with Monique, the dinner whore, Marilou walked by the table at the restaurant. When Marilou saw Jim with Monique, an attractive woman, Jim's SMV went up in Marilous's estimation.

3. Dinner johns would be much better off just going to a prostitute for sex. Don't forget your condoms!

Going Gaga for the GAP?

2007-04-18T09:34:00.000-05:00

Four score and seven months ago, when I was but 11 years old and attending the hallowed halls of the Montclair Kimberley Academy, the Gap was my go-to-place for the turtlenecks and collared shirts my classmates and I were required to wear. 10 years or so later . . . it's been a long time since I've ever considered walking back into the Gap. I think they lost me when they broke out the perfume line whose biggest hits were "Grass", and "Dream".

It appears as though I might not have been the only one to become disallusioned by the Gap's preppy mind-set, neutral color palette, and redundant silhouettes: a few years ago the Gap was on the verge of bankrupcy. It was no secret that the mega-brand was in dire need of a make-over; Re-Invent or Bust. After several failed attemps to garner a new audience, it seems the Gap has finally hit the right note. For 2007, the Gap has launched several new campaigns including "(Product) Red", and the Design Editions.

Product Red (tagline: "Let Your Red Out"), is a clothing project where contributions from the sales of these items cover the cost of AIDS treatment for 20,000 women and children in Africa: exactly half the profits from Gap (PRODUCT) RED™ styles go directly to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS. The new concept, which is widely advertised and heavily backed by celebrities and big-wig icons alike, comes at a time where cultural awareness is on the rise. More and more brands are lending themselves to global issues including the AIDS epidemic, civil war in Darfur, and (thank god!) the omnipresent environmental movement to "Go Green". In these dire times of political, social, economic and environmental stress, it is a relief that those in the position to raise both awareness and funds are in fact doing so. Do you need a better reason to shop?

(The styles above at $125 and $19.99 respectively)

On a slightly different note, albeit a less humanitarian one, Gap has entered the designer arena.

In 2007, Gap has collaborated with CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners Thakoon, Rodarte, and Doo.Ri on a limited edition collection inspired by the classic white shirt for which Gap is so widely known. These chic styles are a grand departure from the straight button down, varying from tie fronts, to trapeze sihouettes, to feminine and flirty shirt dresses. Regardless of which style you choose( there are 9 total, 3 styles from each designer!), you are sure to spice up even the most boring of work wardrobes, and with prices ranging from $68 to $88 you can't lose.
Check out my top pics below
(my favorite Rodarte style did not have a picture available, but check them all out at www.gap.com):

shitty cities

2007-04-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

I have recently come to the conclusion that there is no way in hell a chic, sassy NYC bitch can ever live happily in another US city. The only place to move is Europe, or if you're crunchy, the far east. For example -Boston is supposed to be a cool, intellectual city b/c of its billions and trillions of students. Unfortunately, it is just a big stinky fake-ass city with goober-buckets of nerd-burger retards (except of course for the uber-booger butt-munchers in Cambridge). Is it just me or do other n.yorkers feel like you're suffocating when you're in a little shitty city?
As I write this blog, my coworker (who grew up in shitty Albany) just remembered that she used to play "retard" with her sisters, taking turns imitating the mentally challenged while riding around in wheel chairs. This brings up another point... going to college and entering adulthood in NYC is awesome, but it may be cool to be a little kid in a shitty city. It is cool to play imaginative games like the aforementioned; the excessive stimulation and small living spaces NYC permits may not be the best for a blossoming brain. BUT if any of us chic new yorkers are going to bring up our kids in shitty cities, then we have to move out of NYC. OK - idea!! LIVING in a gated community 15 minutes out of NY and let our children run around in the gated community in tie-dyed onesies while we stay chic and sassy in NYC! Awesome!

When you're alone and life is making you lonely

2007-04-15T14:16:00.000-05:00

you can always go - downtown.
When you've got worries all the noise and the hurry Seems to help I know - downtown.

If you're in need of a little urban comfort, here are some neighborhood favorites:

KGB BAR
We took refuge at this history filled bar a couple nights ago when the people on the E 4th street between Bowery and 2nd started to look like they were burying a dead body in a construction site.

RIVINGTON ARMS
Another East Village spot that is located high off the street. On Friday night when we got here around 8:30 for an open bar show opening, the crowd spilling on to the sidewalk was like a crazy bohemian house party guest list. The exhibit was cool but sadly no booze left.

WHOLE FOODS on bowery and houston
This is a really good spot to watch hipsters shop for food.

DOWNTOWN BAKERY 69 1st ave. between 4th and 5th street
A friend of a friend told me about this no frills mexican spot and we tested out the burritos for our communal lunch break at Karma Lounge. Some of us got vegetarian options and others indulged in some serious meat. MM MM!

...Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city

...... Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty MS. PETULA CLARK

Rainy Day Word

2007-04-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

Mensfer

NO. WAY.

2007-04-12T16:47:00.000-05:00

I know we have the link to our media guru, Perez Hilton, over on right (your) side of the Communal Closet, but this deserves its own special link.

http://perezhilton.com/topics/listen_to_this/listen_to_this_the_most_amazing_thing_ever_20070412.php

Yeah. That's right.

Do the Robot!

2007-04-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

Create Your Own PaloozaHead - Visit Lollapalooza.com

Fancy Nancy

2007-04-11T22:08:00.000-05:00

For the first time ever, its Communal Closet Online in video! And who better to represent the communal closet girls than our favorite new friend, Fancy Nancy. Check her out folks! And be sure to visit her blog too!
http://fancynancysfunnyhour.blogspot.com/

Free Food!

2007-04-09T15:35:00.000-05:00

With the recent flurries in NYC this week, its hard to say whether we are stuck in winter or maybe, just maybe spring is around the corner. Either way, this cold spell gives me a great excuse to continue my winter munch out. That and the fact that Passover officially ends tommorow, 4/10/07!
Today's New York Post features a great article about bar food. Apparently the whole gastropub thing is really popular with NYC's foodie community. Has anyone ever been to The Spotted Pig? The chef (its a she!) was just named Best Chef in 2007 by Food and Wine magazine.

Award winning chefs aside, bar food usually implies nothing fancy. A couple weeks ago, we started our night out at the Crocodile Lounge ( 25 E. 14th St., between Second and First Aves) and indulged in free pizza (you get a pie with your drink!!), not so cheap drinks, and several rounds of $.50 skee ball! The night only got better as we headed down to No Malice Palace (197 E. 3rd Street ) to dance away some pizza calories. As the rain poured down in Alphabet City (is there a reoccurring theme here?) we drank, smoke and gave thanks for free pizza pie! While the night ended in a not-so successful endeavor to meet nearby corporate hotties, I am speaking for everyone present when I say free pizza and dance parties cannot be beat!

So, with that, I present you a list of bars that serve "complimentary snacks" as compiled by the New York Post.

On Monday nights, Professor Thoms' (219 Second Ave.; [212] 260-9480) hands out free thin- crust pizzas - usually $8.95 - with any pitcher of beer, while Standings (43 E. Seventh St.; [212] 420-0671) serves saucy, cheesy pies every Friday night. A veritable bar mitzvah buffet awaits at Ama (48 MacDougal St.; [212] 358-1707), a hidden gem in SoHo featuring the cuisine of Puglia. Every weekday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., chef Turibio Girardi serves "L'ora dell'Aperitivo" - an Italian-style happy hour complete with cocktails ($10) and a farmhouse-table buffet overflowing with prosciutto, salami, cheeses and more, alongside hot appetizers such as spinach frittatas and potato croquettes. At Tarallucci e Vino (15 E. 18th St.; [212] 228-5400), you're served a complimentary assortment of mini pizzettes, frittatas, olives and fresh-baked savory spinach and cheese pastries. Many bars are also serving seriously addictive higher-end snack foods, such as truffled popcorn and spiced gaufrettes (waffle potato chips) at HQ (90 Thompson St.; [212] 966-2755), homemade caramel corn at Amalia, (204 W. 55th St.; [212] 245-1234), and platters of Parmesan- and smoked paprika-dusted malfatti chips - fried pieces of misshapen pasta dough - at Dani (333 Hudson St.; [212] 633-9333). At Pair of 8s (568 Amsterdam Ave.; [212] 874-2742), a new two-for-one themed happy hour (5:30-7:30 p.m.) offers a pair of signature cocktails for just $8. Chef Matt Hamilton also serves free house-made potato chips and a daily freebie from the bar menu such as shrimp fritters with ginger and chili. At European Union (235 E. Fourth St.; [212] 254-2900), chef Akhtar Nawab stocks his bar with beer-swilling eats such as cazuelas of fried pancetta dusted with chili powder and chunks of German hunter's sausages.

things i like: digby and iona

2007-04-09T10:28:00.000-05:00

mounted buck rings, sterling silver and gun metal

mounted buck necklace, sterling silver and gun metal

buck & crossed rifles necklace, sterling silver

keyhole necklace, sterling silver

aaron ruff, designer

available at Bblessing, 181 orchard street, between houston and stanton Streets (212-378-8005); catbird, 390 metropolitan avenue, at havemeyer street, williamsburg (718-388-7688 or http://www.catbirdnyc.com/). to see more of aaron's designs, go to www.digbyandiona.com.

HEDI SLIMANE: Perpetuating the fashion-phile stereotype one crazy (albeit) skinny waistline at a time

2007-04-05T10:07:00.000-05:00

THE SLIM-MAN STORY . . .
DON'T say the fashion set don't suffer for their art: to fit into his super-slim Dior suits Hedi Slimane apparently has to live on a diet of baby food. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph's Celia Walden, a snoop close to the designer confessed: "Hedi's diet consists of baby food. He doesn't like to do too much digesting, so it's the obvious option. His favourite flavour is chicken, but he won't say which brand he prefers." And while Hedi's flaks are happy to confirm the rumours, they're also banned from disclosing whether it's Cow & Gate or Heinz he prefers for his lunch. "Yes, we know about the baby food. But you want us to tell you which brand he prefers? We are not prepared to say anything on that subject," one explained. - VOGUE(UK)

For those who are unawares as to who Hedi Slimane is, check out my brief recap below:

Hedi Slimane was, until recently, the designer for Dior Homme. He and Dior parted ways recently because they could not find common ground when re-negotiating his contract. It's been compared to when Jil Sander left the Prada Group, except I think that Hedi might have been more of a drama queen/ had ridiculous demands.. I mean the freaking tard eats baby food.. being a diva doesn’t even begin to describe him.

He’s being succeeded by Kris Van Assche who actually used to apprentice with Slimane at Dior a while back.

Ps- van assche is one fine piece of lanky fashion-man assche.

Thank you

2007-04-05T10:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Vending Machine Engineers,

I remember when I was a kid, going up to the snack vending machines, nervously pulling a dollar bill out of my pocket and inspecting the creases. Would it accept it? Would I get my Twix? The anxiety, the fear, the desire, the hunger all churning in my stomach. Then I would hesitantly place the dollar bill into the feeder only to have it REJECTED, spat back out at little me, sad and Twix-less. I would then have to set up camp next to the vending machine and try to flatten the bill by rubbing it against the side of the machine over and over again, but usually my efforts were in vain.

Anyway, I've noticed that as of late, this problem seems to confront me less and less. My bills slide easily into the metrocard machines or the Coca-Cola machine in my office. I no longer have to worry that I will not get my afternoon snack because of a folded corner of a George Washington. I'm sure you all have something to do with the remarkable advancement in the machines' ability to accept money, and so I'd like to recognize your efforts. Thanks. Good job. We're all happier and more satisfied because of you.

Sincerely,
Me

Celebrity Baby Snatchers, Part One

2007-03-30T13:37:00.000-05:00

A Call to Arms

I don’t know, maybe it’s because I haven’t been alive for ALL that long, but I feel like our society has reached a place where it is far more obsessed with its celebrities than ever before. It’s pretty hard to figure out which came first, the chicken or the egg that hatched into this drunken mess of a generation of famous folks who REFUSE to wear underwear. I mean, honestly, with all that money you’d expect that those who will remain unnamed (ahem LindsaySiennaBritneyDanielRadcliffe) could afford a pair of panties. I don’t even care if it’s a tie-dye pink sparkly thong. I’m just dying for a little cover-up.
Anyway, not the point. There are so many websites, magazines, even television shows devoted entirely to celebrities and most of them focus on the biggest wastoids of them all. The host of said television shows (who, in all honesty, is a little sad that there are no articles in US Weekly about him this week except for perhaps that gratuitous B-List celebrity photo that shows the host posing and looking cheesy next to an assistant editor wayyyy in the front by the masthead) will display a montage of the most unflattering shots of the train-wreck-of-the-moment and afterwards will cock his head and sigh, “Isn’t that sad?” And the TV-viewing public will sigh right after in chorus and think, “Poor thing. If only she wasn’t forced into the spotlight and swallowed up by the vile, amoral Hollywood executives. Her haircut is so bad. She doesn’t look well. Is that her boob? Why doesn’t she just get herself together? Somebody ought to help that girl.” Schadenfraude rules.
You know what, TV-viewing public? You’re right, which is weird because whenever I picture you I feel like you’re on a big couch in your entirely brown living room somewhere in the Midwest eating Cheetos and waiting for Sunday’s “Save Yourself from Satan” Ball at the local Mega-Mall-Church. But you know what? You have a point, even though it’s a little hypocritical because you, too, exposed your breast at the biker bar last week. (God, I can’t stop talking about you! Maybe YOU should be famous! Fuck an agent! Let’s face it: a good tit shot is all one really needs these days.) But let’s think harder, here, people. Perhaps this generation is too far gone. Perhaps it’s the next one we ought to worry about, and this is exactly why I’ve decided to take this matter into my own hands with a group I would like to officially name the Celebrity Baby Rescuers (CBR).
That’s right, folks. No longer will you have to sit on the train and read an article about little Suri Cruise and think, while wiping the tear from your face, “Gosh, I feel so helpless. I just wish there was something I could do. Is Tom really that short?” No longer will you have to listen to a famous woman weep to Barbara Walters and claim that she doesn’t understand the criticism because motherhood is her number one pry-oar-i-tay while you throw meat at the screen and scream, “SHUT UP YOU LYING BITCH!” No longer will you have to sit through an entire lunch where you could be talking about your own problems but instead have to listen to your friends run down the list of famous juvenile delinquents and ask over and over again, “Where is her mother?” You can do something. Become one of us, a group of vigilante baby-snatchers who plan to rescue the children and babies of countless celebrities whose parenting you’ve been judging forever.
Since I am the founder of CBR (even though there were people present when I came up with the idea, it was me, as in a moment of stoned brilliance I went to write it down in my notebook and foolishly answered the question of, “Hey, whatchyou…hehehe…writing?”), I’ll give you a brief explanation of my vision. First, we’ll need to recruit some folks to join our team. Obviously there’s me and, to placate those who were there so they won’t try to steal my glory or creative control of the brand name once we go global, my three female friends who were present the night of the founding. After that I think anyone who has an interest in human rights or criminal activity, you know, either/or, will be welcome, though I’m not seeing much of a place for anyone too squeamish as we’re going to be dealing with some freaky looking people. No time to get frozen like a deer in silicone headlights. We need people who are quick on their feet and ready for action. Of course, we’ll need two or three big dudes for intimidation effect. I’m going to suggest the Olsen twins’ bodyguards. They’re humungonormous. Have you SEEN these men? I honestly don’t even think it’s because the twins are small, either. I just think the bodyguards are that gigantic.
After we’ve found these brave, select few, we’ll all have to relocate to Los Angeles because that’s where the bad celebrity parents are. Think about New York celebrity parents: Sarah Jessica and Matthew Broderick, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Saarsgard, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin (kinda), Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger. They’re all “normal” relative to their freakishly tanned west coast counterparts. Okay, so some of them border on paranoid and grungy in that “don’t look at me but look at me” kind of way, but it sure as hell beats totally incoherent and neglectful. So we will leave New York for the hills of LA as no one there has enough brain cells left after tanning-drinking-snorting to realize that either a) they are shitty parents or b) their client is a shitty parent. We’ll naturally have to hole ourselves up on some sort of Manson-esque compound, minus the mass murdering (thought not the hallucinogens), so that the cops won’t catch us (not that they’ll try, as they have bigger problems to deal with, plus every few months we’ll arrange for some distracting criminal activity. I plan on calling in a bomb threat to Miramax and then waiting outside and watching Harvey Weinstein run out squealing like a little girl.)
Our first attack, naturally, is Britney Spears. Now, time is of the essence here, people, as Brit-Brit JUST finalized her divorce with K-Fed and we’d like to get in there before either one of those morons has the time to bond with the children (because Lord knows, it certainly hasn’t happened up until this point). I predict this mission to be rather easy. We’ll have to get a helicopter (don’t worry, I got people) and fly over the Spears estate dropping buckets of fried chicken out of the window. Then Britney will run outside yelling, “Oh my gahwd, it’s raining fried chicken. CHICKEN FROM HEAVEN!” This is not my prediction. It is what will happen. Of course all of Britney’s staff (even the nannies) will follow her out in attempts to control her (they’ve been through a lot, guys, and just don’t want to see Brit BACKSLIDE like that.) Meanwhile, those of us who parachuted out near the back of the estate (I call that job) will rush in through the back door, find the kids Sean Preston and What’s-his-name, run out through the back door and back gate, where a getaway car will be waiting for us.
Too easy? Let’s remember that we’re not dealing with the upper echelon of intelligence here, especially not when it comes to childcare. Celebrities are very easily distracted and we will use this to the best of our advantage.
Okay the next celebrity family we need to ambush is one that has needed an intervention of this sort for a very, very long time: the Jacksons. Seriously, how has NO ONE tried to save these children yet? Okay, okay, so he was acquitted, but does anyone actually believe he was innocent? And even if he was innocent, isn’t a bit fucked up that the kids only appear in public with blankets and towels over their faces? That’s enough to scar a child for life.
“Daddy, why do I have to wear a towel over my face when I go outside?” Little Paris Jackson asks.
“Well, sweetheart, I need to protect you from all the people who want to look at you in the world, not to mention the spores the aliens release into our oxygen that goes in your brain and makes you hear the whispers, whispers…”
“But Daddy, I have to wear my towel inside and Michael Junior and Blanket don’t. Why is that?”
“That’s just because I like little boy faces better than little girl ones.”
Dear God, someone has to help these kids! If we don’t save them, then who will? Our first step in this mission will be to locate the Jackson family, as they often bounce from location to location. Research tells me they are currently living in Las Vegas, which is sad because I kind of wanted the opportunity to visit Dubai and see that fake world made of islands. This is a selfless endeavor, though, so Las Vegas it is. I think in this one we’ll have to use our whole team and set it up like a federal sting operation: just bust in the doors with big (fake, if the Iranians won’t cooperate with me) guns and just start screaming, “EVERYBODY GET DOWN!” Then we’ll grab the kids while Michael’s bodyguards try to deal with the fact that he’s lying on the ground in the fetal position whimpering, “No, Daddy, I’m sorry, I’ll sing for you! I’ll SING!” The whole towel thing will actually serve us well as we won’t have to worry too much about hiding the kids as no one will recognize them. We can take them to the park and they can play on the playground and do all those things they never got to do while living with “scary ghost man daddy.”
For sure the next priority will have to be little Suri Cruise. To be honest, I thought that kid would be heinous, but she’s actually rather cute, which does make me even more sympathetic to her plight (as un-PC as that is) of being stuck there in a house full of doubtlessly certifiable individuals. As many of us know from reading tabloids, the Cruise compound is on virtual lockdown and it’s nearly impossible to get in, so this mission won’t be nearly as easy as the last two were. This is the way I see this going down: first, two lucky team members will have to pretend to want to recruit to Scientology and take a little trip down to the center in LA and sit through some info sessions, maybe some torture and definitely some reprogramming (don’t worry, guys, we’ll re-reprogram you with marijuana and humorous readings of L. Ron Hubbard’s work, particularly passages that highlight his idea that “money is in starting religions”). Now, this will be hard, but we’ll need to figure out some way to get a private audience with Tom Cruise. I propose making up some bogus story about coming down off of Zoloft and wanting encouragement and advice from “a celebrity who knows the history of psychiatry.” And yes, I’m being glib.
The scientology center will then arrange for the two faux-recruits to pay a little visit to the compound where Tom will most likely jump on a couch and Katie will answer every question with, “I love it here.” Don’t look into her glazed eyes too long, brave soldiers, as it will make you sad and you will want to save little Joey Potter too but the bag you have won’t be big enough. See, while all this commotion is happening one of you will politely excuse yourself to use the restroom, find little Suri, stick her in a duffle bag, go back downstairs and then make up some excuse to leave such as, “You know? I’m thinking maybe I’ll go Kabbalah instead” and then hightail it out of there.

PART TWO: Sharon Stone's kid, the emergency that is Dannielynn Smith-Stern-Birkhead, and our favorite new expats.

The Weekend Shopper

2007-03-25T19:33:00.000-05:00

Shopping can be a lot better when you have an excuse. Though you may convince yourself that you are only setting out for one item, inevitably you will return home with one extra necessity. This past Sunday, I hit the ubiquitous NoLiTa/LES boutiques to find the perfect dress. This time, I was looking for something S-E-X-Y; a flirty creation in a bright spring color. I started out heading east towards towards Orchard street where I stumbled into Frock (148 Orchard Steet between Stanton and Rivington) which has received some publicity for its one of a kind vintage dress selections. I tried on an incredibly well-crafted green and white floral taffeta cocktail dress circa 1950. The strapless bodice was well boned and the structured fit of the top offset the playful green hues and large cross shaped bow whose ends extended slightly below the hem of the dress. Unfortunately, at $425, I was going to have to pass up this magnificent peice as the color was reminiscent of St. Patty's green, and I figured it would be relegated to a one hit wonder, left in the back of my closet for a the Tupperware party I was never going to.
I continued further east to my roomate's favorite, Dolce Vita (149 Ludlow between Stanton and Rivington) www.shopdolcevita.com. The store features a great run down of current trends and basics including a trendy shoe line and a collection of delicate accessories. A couple of doors down exists a smaller Dolce Vita outlet which features many styles at discounted prices. Here I scored a classy red satin halter dress for a mere $25. Ironically, its magenta sister was listed at $200 two doors down. The dress was certainly a steal, yet not quite the one of a kind outfit I was craving.

My Dolce Vita cocktail dress; great value for a classic staple with unique details.

Oftentimes while shopping, obstacles like price or originality get in the way of making a purchase. The handmade, contemporary and reasonably priced attire including graphic t-shirts, gold jewelry, and canvas tote bags at my next and final stop The Young Designer's Market which runs Saturdays and Sundays at 268 Mulberry in NoLiTa, was a well-located cure for my end of the day, shopping frustrations. One notable pick at the sizable market was the Box 185 booth where designer Sara Kaiser rocked her handmade leg warmers with faux fur fringe strategically located along the back of the leg, over skinny jeans and peaking out of tall boots. The leg warmers came in many faux-fur and patterened variations which naturally seem a bit more suitable for a funky fall and winter look. Luckily, Sara was kind of enough to give us some tips for spring. One of her favorite looks for warmer weather is a classic white skinny jean. She recommended pairing this spring/summer pant with a flowy, empire waist top and a put together day or evening look. Finally, at one booth featuring Japanese imports, I couldn't resist a pair of silver snake-skin low heeled pumps with bows which I plan to wear out dancing with a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt.
LESSON LEARNED: Sometimes you might not find what exactly what you're looking for, but if you're lucky you'll return with a new purchase to distract you for the time being:)

waste management

2007-03-23T12:40:00.000-05:00

Last night, with my birthday bash in full throttle, Saki bombs, joints and free packs (PACKS!) of Camel lights being passed around, I overheard some friends talking about battery disposal. Toxic waste, what? Well yes, apparently if you just throw your dead double A's in the trash, the zinc sulfate and copper sulfate can leak into our air and water supply and that is a big no no! So how do environmental conscious gals like [some of]us dispose of the batteries from our remote controls, electronic catchphrase, and other sorts of delightful gadgets that power endless nights of entertainment?

Just before the battery-waste debate got heated, someone made a shocking observation.
Wait a second, look how much waste we are generating RIGHT NOW! Beer bottles, caps, cardboard six packs, cigarette packs and butts, random plastic casing from wine and sake bottles littered our coffee table. And even though she was drunk, she was right! We humans do make a lot of waste, especially on special occasions like birthdays where we indulge in all that this fine earth has to give us.
In the New York Times this week there was a lovely peice The Year Without Toilet Paper about a young family living on 5th avenue who is experimenting with green living in a pretty all or nothing kind of way. In their year long experiment "No Impact", the family will attempt to live in NYC and cause no net impact on the environment. They will eat locally (within 250 miles) grown foods, abstain from carbon producing modes of transportation, buy nothing new, and generate no waste by composting their garbage! No Impact man and his wife, who openly admits an affinity for designer footwear- she purchases a pair of Chloe thigh high boots before the no new purchases rule goes into affect- are certainly blazing new terrain for us urban folks. Support their experiment by visiting their blog here. Most of us are probably not willing to give up our caffeine fix(no imported coffee allowed) or the convenience of riding a cab or an elevator. But, by incorporating this type of aesthetic into our lives, we would certainly discover some benefits. Baby steps....

Its Kosher!

2007-03-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

In case anyone was worried, Coke and Pepsi are kosher for Passover.
check it out:
Kosher Coke!

le freak c'est chic!

2007-03-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

On a rainy Thursday night last week a couple of us rode the subway to Brooklyn Art Museum (BAM) to see a dance performance choreographed by British choreographer Matthew Bourne. The dance performance was based exclusively on Tim Burton's movie Edward Scissorhands, a personal favorite of mine, and tells the story of a boy who has sharp, twitching blades for hands, and the suburban town who welcomes him onto their carefully manicured lawns. While the movie's morals are apparent, the story, expressed through movement highlights the nuances of the tale that much more.
Burke is a renowned for his offbeat, comedic, and sometimes dark performances such as a homo-errotic spin on Swan Lake, and a version of the Nutcracker where Clara, the young girl falls in love with and is kidnapped by the Nutcracker! In Edward Scissorhands, Burke relies on a modern dance aesthetic, coupled with a brilliant set that adds enchantment to a typical suburban town. Clearly, Burke possesses enormous talent as a choreographer, as he encouraged his dancers to rely on the natural way their characters would move and then syncs the performers on one stage. The housewife slut prowls the stage, moving quickly, while the suburban mom who takes Edward in steps gently with graceful movements in her hands and neck. Edward himself alternates between ferociously swinging his blades as he leaps across the stage and gently sliding his scissorhands back and forth in timid strokes. Finally, the dark side of the town which is a female character in the movie is portrayed by a group of gothic teenagers whose clustered formation and stealth like steps resemble the crucification of Jesus!
In addition to an excellent, all around performance by the dancers, the score, played by a live orchestra evoked both a dark and tender mood, the perfect compliment to the story of a skittish freak in American suburbia. The music, costumes, and stage set were exquisite elements in Bourne's Edward Scissorhands adaptation. But, as the performance came to a close, it became clear that while body language is often regarded, we can actually rely on human movement as an entirely complete form of communication and expression.

Good Karma for the Communal Closet

2007-03-18T17:58:00.000-05:00

The lovely ladies behind the Communal Closet stepped out once again on Sunday to set up shop at the flea market at Karma Lounge in the East Village. Bringing together the best of the well worn and barely used vintage, designer, hand made and ready to wear pieces from the Closet, the sale was, once again, a big hit and a lot of fun. We had a damn good time despite post St. Pat's mayhem and creepy dudes buying us shots at 1pm. Morning cocktails and shisha kept us entertained and in good spirits as our fashionable clientele shopped their way through our beloved treasures.
The sale is looking for a new home next month (hopefully outside if the weather is nice, maybe the 16th street steps, the market on Prince or the Columbia campus again?) where we plan to shed the last of our winter wardrobe and make room for some of our lusted-after pieces for the Spring. Look out for a preview of our trend forecast/must haves for Spring/Summer '07.

Music To My Ears

2007-03-16T18:31:00.000-05:00

So I just went on a major shopping spree. No, I didn't hit up any of the usual suspects, and my purchases did not come wrapped neatly in tissue and tucked inside a bag. My money was spent (or really not spent at all) on far longer-lasting investments: music. One of my favorite pastimes is scanning the ITunes Music Store; you can check out the hottest new downloads, best selling albums, and even peek into what the celebs are rocking out to these days. Usually, these playlists fall into one of a few categories: "pompous", "bubble-gum pop", "snoozers", or nothing i haven't already heard and either hated or already beaten deep into the ground. Recently I was excited to see that Drew Barrymore had posted a playlist. Expecting to see the regular spread of The Shins, et al., I was surprised and comforted when I actually really enjoyed the artists she chose. There was a whole schmorgesboard to choose from, but here are a few of my favorites:
(please note that I explored the artists' repetoires further and I have listed the songs that made the cut)

Har Mar Superstar - (DUI/Cut Me Up/Let Me Use Your Ride)
Mickey Avalon - (Jane Fonda/Waiting to Die/Friends and Lovers/Fashion Glam & Coke/My Dick)
Spank Rock - (Bump(thanks Drew)/What it Look Like)

Honorary Mention goes to:
Sia- Breathe Me
The Cure - Close to Me
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - The skin of my yellow country teeth

Moving on from celeb playlists, I went to the concierge of online music. Did you know that ITunes will actually make a nice selection of music it thinks you will like based upon what currently chills in your music library? It's amazing. Theres nothing better then lighting up and getting down to some music you'd never know about. Here are my recent finds:

The Muse - Butterflies and Hurricanes
Spoon- I Turn My Camera On
Bloc Party- Hunting for Witches
Nightmares on Wax - Survival/You Wish

I found two additional artists that I want to speak a little more about:

* Cut Chemist: The Audience's Listening

Following in a similar vein as the turntable/computertech/hip hop jams as crafted by musical ingenue RJD2 (Ghostwriter anyone?), Cut Chemist has come out with their first "non-mix-full-lenth" CD.
An excerpt from itunes... 'cause they can say it better than I can:

This incredibly diverse album tempers scratch-heavy feats of skill . . . with more musical numbers that offer plenty of substance once the "wow" factor has played itself out.

All in all, Chemist's got skills: the music is like looking at a collage: all little pieces pasted together to form one solid fluid track. beats, hooks, unique dialogues, and the like make each song unique and memorable. Check out the following to see what I mean:
(My 1st) Big Break
Garden
Spat
What'd the Attitude
Spoon
The Audience's Listening Theme

* The Weepies: Say I Am You/Happiness

I must admit that I was skeptical about this music at first. The band name alone made me cover the screen of my ipod when on the subway so as to avoid strangers thinking that I'm some weird angst-riddled emo headcase. But after giving the music a chance, I have to say that I came around. There are no gimmicks here, just folksy, pretty songs with interesting lyrics and velvety melodies. There are few things I look forward to as much as going to bed with The Weepies cooing from my speakers as I drift off to sleep. (cheesy i know, but seriously its really relaxing). At the same time, there is nothing better than jamming to these songs when i'm feeling just a tad meloncholy or when the weather is as shitty as it is today and all i want to do is wrap myself in a blanket and lie in bed. Anyway, enough of my rambling, check it out for yourself. here are some of my favorite tracks:

Gotta Have You
Painting By Chagall
All That I Want
Vegas Baby
Living in Twilight
Stars
Take It From Me

If you're in the mood for something cheesy, here are my top choices for when I need a pick me up / need to wake up:

The Pussy Cat Dolls (yeah yeah i know, but its good i swear!) - Beep/I Don't Need a Man
Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado and J.Timberlake - Give it To Me
Diddy feat. Keyshia Cole - Last Night

Download, Upload and Enjoy : )

2007-03-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

secret eating contest

2007-03-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

In this week's e-mail edition of The Weekender, our friends at Urban Daddy bring us this:

TUESDAY COMPETITIVE EATING
Vending Machine Challenge II
LVHRD returns with VMC II, a competitive eating event in which teams of three (this year, The Onion and MoMA) attempt to consume the entire contents of a standard vending machine. Hard to believe, but it's the world's only contest of its kind. To witness it, sign up and you will be texted the secret location.

For tickets, click here

yey i love chips!

drug dealer or stylish big sister?

2007-03-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

In Today's times (3.15.07), there is somewhat of a random article about Rachel Zoe "The Stylist Who Would Be a Star" The reporter spins Zoe in a pretty positive light considering for one, our post "gifts of crystal" (filed under politics).
Zoe, 35 is characterized as a maternal stylist who bonds and hangs with her "girls" including Mischa and Lindsay, but not Nicole. The stylist won't discuss the events surrounding Richie, her former client, but the articles notes that she was dropped for a rival stylist! ouch.
Check out the article HERE and decide for yourself. Is the woman responsible for last summer's ubiquitous bug-eyed look a forward thinking fashionista or just another crackwhore trying to get her fix by bringing hipster vintage to Hollywood's clueless starlets?

Cruel Comment

2007-03-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

If this were Perez Hilton this would be filed under "If you are easily offended..."

So if you are, don't continue reading.

Have you ever seen a fat person on a wheelchair or a rolly-thing that looks like two walkers hooked together? If so, do you wonder whether or not they're in the wheelchair because they're fat or the other way around?

Mwahaha.

The Communal Closet Sale Part Deux

2007-03-14T09:31:00.000-05:00

Spring has arrived!
Last year around this time we pioneered new territory on Columbia's campus by bringing our very own "communal closet" to a little plot of grass adjacent to Low Library. Highlights included leftovers from the Vogue closet, handpicked vintage dresses and never been worn designer wear! This season, we're making it happen all over again! Here is a preview of some of the stuff we will have for sale THIS SUNDAY, March 18th at 12pm @ Karma Lounge, 51 1st Ave between 3rd and 4th streets. There will be $3 drink specials! Come early for the best selection!
Also, be sure to check out some of the postings below, straight from the runways of NYC Fashion Week for some inspiration before you shop!

wide legged, Habitual denim shorts!

hipster plaid! spring jacket!

art deco-esque heels, ladies size 8

vintage 80's teal minidress

cinch your waist!

mock-Chanel granny cardigan

houndstooth bubble dress!

Saturday

2007-03-03T18:22:00.000-05:00

So many of you might be wondering, "Hey Kelsey, why do you seem so anti-blog?" Maybe (probably) you don't even ask that question, seeing as I am the most overtly anti-internet of the bunch. Maybe you even connect the dots and realize that part of it is because I prefer tangible objects over things that exist in the netherworld of the "virtual." (Obviously physical objects are easier to deal with when you're achingly cerebral and spent most of your childhood contemplating, to not ostensible conclusion, the nature of "that which we cannot see." Duh.) Maybe you come to the latest, greatest conclusion, which is that I have to write so often that rarely do I want to do that in whatever time I have left over. Support the publishing industry, my friends. Buy books and magazines!

"But hey, Kelsey, if you're so anti that you're going on a self-centered rant about the pointlessness of blogging, why are you signed into the Communal Closet right now?"

Well that's easier, kid: I'm fucking BORED.

I've been holed up in this giant, temporary home of mine for two days with a cold that makes me feel like the little plumbers that work in my nasal cavity burst a pipe. I've watched six episodes of Big Love (in a row), filled an entire garbage can with damp tissues, drank a whole carton of orange juice and bought a lot of unnecessary things on ebay, including a turban (East Hampton here I come!). In short, I've done absolutely nothing. All of a sudden I'm craving a nice warm meal and a big class of Merlot, but I hesitate to call anyone lest I push myself back into the hell that was yesterday (and no, I don't think I'm being overly dramatic).

Thus I have decided to write this little post to save myself from boredom-induced suicide and to avoid my next activity of choice, which is drawing (I approach this with trepidation but without talent.)

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Damn, I know I just got a turban, but I really want one of those satin Prada ones. Who ever thought turbans would be hip again?

Good deed that requires little-to-no effort: when a penny falls out of your purse, leave it on the ground. Usually I like to turn the heads side up because that's where the real luck comes from.

Is anyone else fascinated by the virgin leitmotif in horror films? In virtually all horror movies, virgins are the only ones who are immune to the killing abilities of the vampires or werewolves or whatever the evil being happens to be and, consequently, the only ones who can battle the evil force. Either that or they are the ones most sought after. What does this say about humans? Why are we so fixated on virginity and its natural equivalent, purity? It's not that we like that, it seems, but rather we like to watch it be destroyed, either symbolically or really. Is this part of our guilt at being born so impure ourselves or (as if it has to be one or the other) the ubiquitous desire to watch things be destroyed? This has been on my mind for a while.

Everyone keep their eyes out for promotional tickets for the one-woman show adapted from Joan Didion's book The Year of Magical Thinking, starring Vanessa Redgrave. We have to support badass women everywhere.

If you had to move out of the country, where would you move?

How do we feel about Selma Blair's new haircut? Balenciaga's metal pants? The model BMI controversy? Electric blue nailpolish (saw some and contemplated getting it earlier. Where you ask? Ricky's. Where else?)

Everyone check out the stores and cute restaurants and what is soon to be my street, East 9th Street. Gila and Marisa took a lil field trip today and, hopefully, will update you on their finds.

If you could be made into anything on the MTV show "Made", what would it be? I would want to be either a skateboarder or a drummer, probably the latter.

Upcoming cultural events: seeing Grey Gardens (finally!), a modern dance adaptation of Edward Scissorhands at BAM (how fucking AWESOME?!?!?) and hopefully Zodiac and Pan's Labyrinth (after many a bong rip). Concerts include: Bloc Party and LCD Soundsystem (everyone check them out on iTunes then buy yourself a ticket. It's at Webster Hall. Enough said.) I just saw this terrifying German/Austrian flick called Funny Games, which I would recommend, and rewatched the Bob Dylan documentary as well as Training Day, where Ethan Hawke looks considerably less fuck-worthy than he did circa-Reality Bites. Eh, what are you going to do? We all grow old sometime. Well, everyone but Marisa and I, that is.

Catchphrase kicks ass. We have to play celebrity and Apples to Apples. The BOMB.

Finally, I leave you with a quote from the ever-wise Michelle Pfeiffer, who looked sizzling in Scarface and, as a result, has become my new style icon:

"I used to smoke a pack a day but now I don't smoke at all. I will never consider myself a non-smoker because I always find smokers the most interesting people at the table."

Well said, girl.

Office Romance: The good, the bad and the ugly

2007-03-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

When you are on the train, riding the subway, in line at Starbucks or A.B.P and other corporate watering holes, and stuck in an office building for the better part of your day, you begin to believe that long wool coat wearing, on the brink of balding, slight paunch-sporting, brief case wielding men are all that are out there. So, when any slim lapeled, recent post-graduate under 30, who is brave enough to break the corporate barrier by talking about their favorite bar or cracking a joke at a superior's expense, comes along, you are inclined to give him the time of day.
I recently decided to give one of these guys more than the time of day. And not just any corporate clone, one that I work for!
First the good:
The whole thing began with some complaining work emails that quickly turned more frequent and then flirtatious until they eventually devolved into invites to parties where no other work buddies were to be found. I thought, "This guy is kind of dreamy, athletic, funny, well behaved and sweet, not obnoxious, he doesn't clam up when we talk shit about our co-workers, lives in a great neighborhood, and makes a great salary (I know this because, um, I work for him)".
Anyway, the first invite was casual but exciting. We talked at his party and neither of us spoke about our relationship status and basically just shot the shit for a while and gossiped about work. He was attentive and quick to get me a drink. But then another invite followed, which I couldn't make. Then I suggested we grab drinks to make up for my no show. Bold? I think so, but well received. By the time we met up late Saturday night, both of us were sufficiently crunked and pretty much hooked up right then and there which led to my place or yours? which led to [the portion has been edited for the blog].
The next day was followed by a very mature brunch, several assurances of "I wont act weird or tell anyone at work". He has called me and hasn't told anyone and generally been very respectful and sweet. We've even had some fun sneak outs where we share a cab home or grab drinks. And there is always a nice brunch in the morning. It's also nice to receive emails saying you look hot today when you are feeling nasty in your business casual.
Oh and guys, listen up, he ALWAYS pays. Even when I protest and I really mean it, he always always pays. This is not about money. It is about being treated. It doesn't matter the cost. It's the act of being treated. Please keep that in mind. It's important.

Ok, so here is where it gets bad:
We talk almost every day on IM at work which is extremely distracting. I have a heart attack and trip over myself every time I have to go to his office or walk past him in a meeting. When we see each other on the weekends or for drinks after work, we inevitably talk about WORK! It sucks. And, one of my co-workers who I love and think is the sweetest girl ever has a raging crush on him! Normally, I'd say, hey friend, just letting you know I've hooked up with him because I definitely feel deceitful but I can't tell her because we work together! I really want to tell my other friend at work too but I just can't risk it.

And here is where it gets ugly:
The more I get to know this guy, the less we have in common. He is not from either coast or international (generally a requirement in my book, though I make exceptions) and quite immature, not the reserved and quiet guy I fell for over file folders. He loves ESPN... but really, obsessed and reads drugstore novels. He gives me blank looks when I say I went to a museum or listen to some non mainstream music. Also, how do you tell someone you work with that he is a bad hook-up (painfully so). I'm talking leaves you feeling like you fought a war down there. Foreplay is more like awkward pokes. I like a good hard squeeze from time to time but being rough with the tender parts ain't ok. When I try to guide him, he freaks out and feels self-concious. Oh, and why am I louder than him in bed? Oh, and what is with guys who don't make it obvious when they are about to come. Like, I just keep going along, like when is this going to end? I would like a status update once in a while to keep me engaged please...
Outside of the bedroom, he is also a little bland and dresses a bit B&T on the weekends.
Most importantly, he is not the only one in my roladex and I plan to keep it that way. But he puts me in an awkward position by asking if there are others? If I tell him, he'd get pissed. If I don't, I feel like a liar. Lord... I never thought about the fact that breaking it off could cause serious repercussions including awkward working relationship and word getting around. Now that I've sailed down this river, I feel there is not much I can do. I've tried being stand offish and that seems to encourage him. When I don't call him, he calls me to check in more. And... I really do like him as a person. He's funny and down to earth, unpretentious and has a good heart but this is growing into something more than I bargained for. Can we just be friends but really be friends? I want my office confidant back.
So, work hook-ups: Better left to daydreams in front of your PC.

corporate hell

2007-02-28T23:39:00.000-05:00

When people talk about corporate hell, they are discussing the souring of the fundamental human relationships in the corporate structure. the man you see every day taking out your garbage and emptying your paper shredder. the overeager secretary who knows everyones business. your boss. Most of us leave our homes before breakfast and don't come back until around dinnertime. The relationships we establish during these hours are crucial and could affect our self-worth, social development and overall mental health.

In the event that their are problems in our work relationships, perhaps we feel we are overworked and undervalued, what is our recourse? Barely one year out of college, lacking experience,and still trying to prove our worth, should we stick up for ourself in front of our superiors and high level management teams when we feel we are being wronged?

In the most recent issue of New York Magazine (March 5th 2007), Robert Kolker's "The Gay Flannel Suit" describes some of the details behind the case Charney vs.Sullivan & Cromwell, a recent case in which Charney (25) sues his firm for sexual discriminating against him because he is gay. Charney's Columbia Law School Professor, Eben Moglen tells the reporter "it goes beyond thinking the world's a meritocracy to thinking your entitled to something because of your own merits. From there its a short leap to feeling wronged when things don't go your way."

Interesting observation from Columbia. Do Ivy Leaguers feel a sense of entitlement?
Should we twenty - somethings accustomed to debating in the classroom stick up for what we think is fair or just take the $160,000 (the recently announced bump in a first year associates salary at top NYC law firms) and shut the fuck up?

SWAP OR DIE?

2007-02-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

SWAP OR SELL?

Comments due by Friday

2007-02-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

Everyone check out the times magazine this week....there's a spread on edie sedgwick vs. edie beale! my two faves!

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY

2007-02-20T22:59:00.001-05:00

tales of a travelling saleswoman

2007-02-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Fashionistas take refuge! Fashion week is officially over and NYC is now covered in a salty, grey snow that does not appear to be melting anytime soon. Is there a better time to discuss global warming? Whether you are carrying the latest Al Gore canvas tote bag or you think CO2 is just an acronym leftover from high school chemistry, global warming is making headlines.
Giant corporations and small, family owned businesses are being hit hard with new environmental regulations that require them to reduce their green house gas emissions or pay a price. Last week I traveled through Northern California to educate dairy farmer and cotton ginners and yes, even a kitty litter manufacturing plant on new air and water regulations that will impact their businesses. I meet all sorts of interesting folk, most of whom live amongst extended family and have to drive an hour to the nearest clothing store! Essentially, my job as a saleswoman is to convince them to work with me on offsetting the pollution from their businesses.

The moving scenery outside my driver's seat --vast rows of pomegranate and lemon trees, organic carrot crops, and cotton plants amidst the mountain ranges and wide open sky make the world seem like a much different place when compared to the crowded, noisy streets of Manhattan.

Do the two worlds ever coincide?

While designers showcased spring looks on the runway, did anyone think about where the fabric came from? How it was planted, grown, picked and processed? When we drink at trendy downtown bars do we think about the weather conditions, packing and transport that gets the pomegranates off the trees and into our Pom martinis?

On another note, does the American public even believe, consider, and/or care about American farm life? Given the amount of agriculture products that come from overseas, working the ground in U.S. may strike many as a profession left over the 1800s. But stay tuned! Word out on the pasture is that the new Democratic congress will be working on a progressive farmer's program that will be marketed in conjunction with the promotion of ethanol (corn) and biodiesal (soy) as energy alternatives.

So for now, as your trudge through the leftover snow in your winter fashion footwear of choice, perhaps you might think about how the city snow is black because of pollution. It is likely however that most of us downtown NYC residents will be contemplating whether global warming will affect the early onset of spring and dreaming of the perfect tea party chic dress we will be wearing when it finally comes.

it's late and i'm lost

2007-02-07T02:01:00.000-05:00

ps
feathers are in! holla!

nymag defines the mj collection as "f. scott fitzgerald meets pedro almodovar." how rad is that?

here is how you get to my album: go to nymag.com then sign in (name: kelseyosgood password: richards9). beware: i was nice and included things i wasn't absolutely dying over. oddly enough i'm more forgiving at 2 am.

after careful reconsideration, i've decided that i actually didn't like rodarte THAT much. i enjoy people taking risks, though, and they did. my new aesthetic is definitely old lady crazy country club tea party chic.

everyone answer this questionnaire (my answers follow my own questions) according to your preferences this season.

color: blue
muse: alice and wonderland and edie beale
events: garden or tea parties OR tea parties in gardens
collection(s) you love: thakoon, philosophy di alberta ferretti
collection(s) you hate: heatherette, alexandre herchcovitch (takes the old bag lady TOO far!)
material: feathers, gauze, satin
trend that's over: sequins
accessory: hat, bracelets
ambitious fashion goal: mini turban
shopping destination: flea market

Tonight's Shows

2007-02-07T01:17:00.000-05:00

See what shit I picked (sort of).

I think my fave o' the day is Rodarte. Beautiful, classy yet unique...a little crazy old lady, which I'm into. Behnaz was pretty, as usual. Bill Blass is nice, but in the boring old socialite lady way, not the Grey Gardens eccentric kind of way (chose your poison). Narciso was beautiful too, not surprisingly. Check out the leopard print coat in Betsey Johnson. Looks like mine but newer. Think she got the idea from me?

Heatherette is a nasty fag duo of publicity hounds parading as fashion designers.

Will send a link to a gallery of my personal picks later.

See what happens when I have to work all night? I get involved in the INTERNET! I hate this "place".

But I looooooove you.

Fashionistas take over Manhattan!

2007-02-03T10:11:00.000-05:00

The holiday of all stylish holidays is upon us: New York Fashion week. The well heeled, well tailored, and well groomed are swarming upon our city to watch as American designers unveil their collections for Fall 2007. With baited breath hoards of manolos, chloes, and christian louboutins clack into the Bryant Park tents and into one of the following venues: The Salon (the smallest of three), The Promenade (where among others, Project Runway hosts its finalists) and The Tent (where the big ballers show). In addition, there is the less formal Showroom, where smaller designers showcase their lines opting for a more intimate setting where guest are free to come and go as they please. (I would have loved this luxury at some of the shows I saw yesterday). Speaking of which . . .

In today's installment of fashion week coverage I will offer my humble critique of: John Bartlett, Alice Ritter, Marc Bauer, BCBG, Nicole Miller, and lastly the GenArt presentation and afterparty.

JOHN BARTLETT: A frontrunner in men's ready-to-wear, Bartlett is known for his preppy silhouettes, classic fabrics, and casual elegance. While the models were gorgeous(aside from one who looked constipated and was making a bee-line for the bathroom), and the people watching occupied me for the full 25 minutes we waited before the music was cued, I have to say I was non-plussed. There was nothing I really hadn't seen before: i mean honestly, how many cable-knit vests and v-kneck sweaters does a man need in his closet? The only thing I found interseting were his block-patterned blazers crafted from multiple treated leathers and knits. the last look was beautiful (or was it the perfectly chizeled features of the hunk who modeled it?) but aside from that, the collection looked like a cross between Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren. Classic, fine... but BORING.

ALICE RITTER: What a mess. This designer opted to be "unique" and showed at the National Arts Gallery on Gramercy Park South. Truly a charming venue yes, but when you have lines upon lines of eager fashion guests, it's probably not a good idea to keep them ALL cooped up in a lobby that is suitable only for about 50 people, if that. Once settled in our seats, my claws retracted as I awaited what I knew was going to be a good collection (i got some sweet swag to boot, so i was happy) The models sauntered onto the short runway in unique braids, bright iridescent eye-shadow, and gray wool leg warmers. The clothes were tailored to perfection with pleating at the neck, the waist, the chest. I would charecterize the line as a melange of flameco and edwardian proportions with the elegance of tuxedo accents. She also did the most gorgeous coats I have seen in a while: volumonous, yet chic, and the draping was done to perfection. There was also a swing trench, bolero bomber jackets, and a mohair trench that I MUST have. I must admit the show was a little all over the place, and could have benefited from being paired down juuuust a bit, but after my let down from John Bartlett, I thought that Alice Ritter had hit a home run.

MARC BAUER: Oh the controversy! This year, Bauer's invitation noted that his show was to be sponsored by Peta. Seeing as how fur is huge right now, you can imagine the commotion that went on before the show: what to do with my coat? my hat? my scarf? An online-brit-blogger from Marie Claire actually approached me and my co-worker about just that: "how do you feel about going to the show? will you stash away your hat? If you wear it, is it defiant or just blaze?" Got in a picture, so maybe you'll see me online! Anyway, Marc's show was a letdown. For starters, he began the presentation by filling the Salon with fog via a fog machine placed off-stage. NOT A GOOD IDEA. I looked around as people coughed, fanned their faces, and generally made noises and gestures of disgust. But the show is not about the special effects... although the clothing didn't garner a very different reaction: No real inspiration whatsoever. He is an evening- wear designer which to his credit means that he has to satisfy myriad body types and tastes. But come on: velveteen floor length gowns? Even the model looked dumpy and ridiculous. His only saving grace were the 8 (or so) white gowns he did at the end. Sequins, appliques, and tulle, it was really beautiful although probably not so practical. And if I see one more empire waited floor length gown I will stand it protest. come on now! At least offer a twist, lets not add on to a trend that has gone on for long enough. Does it really take that much creativity to bedazzle a waist band and throw it onto some tulle gathered at the bust? His one high point: excellent ruching.

BCBG: Absolutely disgusting. Models wore these hand knit beanie-caps that looked like they had been snatched up from the reduced bin at a Salvation Army. There was an American Indian theme scattered throughout: adorned bibs on baby-doll dresses for one, but would Pochahontas be caught dead in a floor length black gown, slashed at the top with swarovski crystals? Me no think so. My prediction: It will take many many moons for BCBG to make up for this blunder of a collection.

NICOLE MILLER: Finally, something fresh and new! Miller's inspiration came from Colombia (the country, not the school. Sorry girls), and Peru. Models donned swinging skirts of varying lengths(please note that floor length skirts are making a comeback), and beautiful white blouses with front ties, or tiered arms. My favorite piece was what looked like (from the front) a knitted throw draped gently across the waist. When she walked past however I noticed that it wasn't a scarf, but a sweater. it was a great piece. Her gowns at the end were also extremely beautiful, and unlike some other designers who showed yesterday, she had unique twists on her designs that really made the dresses pop. Most notable was her last look, where two pieces of chiffon looped through a low slit on the back and then gracefully floated behind as it moved. Thank goodness that Nicole Miller was my last show of the day . . . it put me back in the mood to continue with fashion week and gave me the hope that maybe not all designers had suffered from a lobotomy that stripped them of all creativity and ingenuity.

GENART: I stayed for only a little (I had 15 minutes to get back uptown to catch Nicole Miller), but this was truly an experience. The presentation/party was held at the waterfront on 27th and 11th. The Warehouse-like space was scattered with vodka bars, lounges, and cocktail tables. At varying distances across the room were little stages where models stood like manequins showcasing the designs of the new and up-and-coming young designers. There was some interested styling, and overall the designs were intriguing. I never really cought which designer went with each stage, but one thing is true: we're in for some great new faces to grace the stages in upcoming fashion weeks! How nice it will be to have a breath of fresh air!

Ok thats all for now: not only because those are the only shows I saw, but also because i'm getting bored of blogging about them! Stay tuned for my next installment of fashion week fall 2007 coverage. Things to look forward to: Abaete, Carolina Herrera, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Chaiken, Badgley Miscka, Max Azria and many many others.

In the meantime check out some images I've posted.
(Marc Bauer and Alice Ritter images were unavailable at time of publication)

"fashion week is really hard for me"

sexy time

2007-01-30T22:21:00.000-05:00

food for thought

2007-01-29T13:17:00.001-05:00

I think this is a fascinating time in design. Vintage is over. This is going to be a very important moment in fashion because we cannot just reproduce; we did the Twenties already, we did the Thirties, the Fifties, the Sixties, up to the Nineties. Instead, we have to think. We have to start inventing again.

-alber elbaz, lavin

Bedknobs and Broomesticks

2006-12-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

A brief glimpse into the everyday art world of the east village . . .

Exquisite Shopping

2006-12-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

The best thing about moving downtown is the vibrant boutique scene right around my corner.
Last week, I called in sick and spent the day pounding the pavement in search of the perfect dress for my brother's upcoming bar mitzvah on New Year's Eve. I needed something special, slightly conservative, and definately vintage!

A stones throw away from my apartment at Exquisite Costume I found THE dress! Exquisite's owner, Stacey Lanna handpicked it for me along with a couple high waisted wool skirts that were pretty awesome as well. The dress is a luxurious navy blue velvet from the 1940's with puffed sleeves and a flounce to the skirt which hits mid-calf. Don't you love the feeling of trying something on and knowing that you will not leave without taking it home! The dress was an instant hit and a perfect fit and I quickly snatched it up, an unexpected finaly to my normal shopping trips that are plagued with indecision.

Be sure to check out Exquisite Costume (see business card on right and click for enlargement). Compared to most vintage stores laden with overpriced and unoriginal polyester threads, the collection at Exquisite Costume is classy and quite impressive. The shop stocks Victorian lace blouses, mod high heels, flowy 1970's disco tops, and antique accessories - hats remniscent of a speakeasie crowd and groovy hand bags of a certain 1960's glamour. Prices are reasonable and although some items are more expensive, take solace in the fact that the vintage clothing and accessories at Exquisite Costume were not picked off the rack of your local salvation army and marked up. Stacey works as a stylist on fashion editorials and has been a vintage collector for years. This stuff is legit. Now if only I could find the perfect heels...

Vintage Par-tay

2006-12-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

I have SO much vintage that has just been piling up over the past
few months. I quit doing the market many months ago but I have been
shopping like crazy! I have so much stuff and would like to make it
available to you but I cant possibly photograph it all. So, I think it
would be really fun to have a vintage party at my place! I live in
beautiful Fort Greene, right off the C train on the second floor of a
brownstone apt. I will have plenty of room to try things on, nice big
mirrors and lots of wine! I can do this tmrw evening , Saturday or
Sunday afternoon. Depending on how many people get back to me about
which time is best, I will make my plan. Thanks!!! -Eliza ALSO-this
is a more inexpesive way to shop considering you wont have to pay
shipping, paypal fees etc., and you can try things on!!!

SCARY

2006-12-07T21:38:00.001-05:00

Planned Parenthood just sent me this message about a new Bush administration appointee, who is anti-birth control and anti-family planning. Even worse, he's been put in charge of the country's family planning program.

Eric Keroack was the medical director of five so-called "crisis pregnancy centers" hat oppose contraception and do not distribute information promoting birth control. In Keroack's new role, he will oversee hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding meant to provide access to contraception and reproductive health information.

Sometimes nostalgia is awesome

2006-12-07T00:53:00.000-05:00

playing hard to get when we're together
hard to get there on your own
when will you ever come to conscience?
i let you be alone
you never had it better
than when i was with you baby
so come back to earth
let's drink some tea and smoke some herb

tuesday's temptation

2006-12-05T23:25:00.000-05:00

check out Paper Magazine's TIPS FOR TODAY in NYC:

THE TEMPTATIONS CHRISTMAS AT THE APOLLO THEATER What’s Christmas good for if not nostalgia? Tonight at the Apollo Theater, The Temptations will bring you their motown-y versions of old Christmas classics. Doo wop do waaah. The Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., (212) 531-5305. =8 p.m. $45, $55, & $65.

Don't forget to get the HPV Vaccine

2006-12-05T20:14:00.000-05:00

FYI: Studies have found the vaccine to be almost 100% effective in preventing diseases caused by the four HPV types covered by the vaccine. Girls/women do not need to get an HPV test or Pap test to find out if they should get the vaccine. An HPV test or a Pap test can tell that a woman may have HPV, but these tests cannot tell the specific HPV type(s) that a woman has. Even girls/women with one HPV type could get protection from the other vaccine HPV types they have not yet acquired.

cOVer MY pILLs

2006-12-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

Last time I checked some of you gave some great advice about Birth Control methods. Last week, I visited the Margaret Sanger Center on Bleeker Street, which is the Manhattan branch of Planned Parenthood NYC.
I had a great discussion with a smart midwife at P squared.

One of the things we complained about was the lack of insurance coverage for birth control pills which we both agreed was a dumb move by misogyonistic health companies and policy makers. She reffered me to a site called COVER MY PILLS which advoces that contraception is basic healthcare for women.

their mission:

We believe that contraception should be treated in the same way as other medical needs. This means that insurance plans should treat prescription contraception the same way they treat other prescriptions, and that to fail to do so is sex discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This also means that pharmacists and doctors should make sure that a woman's contraception prescription gets filled, no matter what his or her personal views about contraception are.

According to the midwife, those making these decisions just aren't aren't particularly partial to women's health care, a mistake that could be costly.

Consider the newly released HPV vaccine. Doctor's offices must pay $200-$300 for each vaccine which must be stored at a certain tempature until it expires. As of now, there are very few places offering the vaccine due to the cost, some of which is undoubtedly passed on to the patient. Imagine if pharmaceutical companies, insurance and healthcare providers, and hospitals decided to offer the vaccine on a widespread basis. There is a lot of money to be made in that venture!

Inspirational Boutiques

2006-12-01T20:19:00.000-05:00

THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY VISIT NEW YORK'S PREMIER VINTAGE MARKET. AT THE SAME SITE FOR OVER 30 YEARS. A "MUST" STOP FOR THE NEW YORK DEALERS!
WE HAVE A VAST ARRAY OF VINTAGE CLOTHING, FURNITURE, LINENS, JEWELRY, GLASSWARE, RECORDS, ART WORK, BOOKS, RECORDS, COLLECTIBLES, SILVER, AND ALL SORTS OF TABLEWARE ETC. ETC.
EITHER TAKE THE"F" TRAIN TO 7TH AVENUE OR THE"R" TO 9TH STREET. HOURS ARE 9:00AM TO 4:00PM. REMEMBER THE DAYS ARE SHORTER. COME EARLY TO GET THE GREAT DEALS.
A PERFECT MARKET TO BUY THOSE SPECIAL GIFTS.

Bargain Blowouts

2006-12-01T17:18:00.000-05:00

Since we are all thrifty ladies who like to look chic and put together, but sometimes don't have the dough to do it . . . i thought that this clip i came across would come in handy for us all:

Salon V2 - 153 Hester Street - 212.226.7690

"One of downtown Manhattan's best kept secrets, Gary Liao is the King of Blowouts. Whle blissed out from a 10-minute shiatsu scalp massage, you'll watch this dashing stylist straighten your locks until they gleam, twisting th ends around a brush for a bit of kick."
Price: $10-$15

Carsten Institute - 22 East 17th Street - 212.675.4884

"Like a good tavern during Prohibition, this beauty school and salon has an unmarked entrance. inside are blowouts so cheap and gorgeous they should be illegal. The loft bustles with talented stylist aspirants who specialise in soft, naturally flowing stules, and the intoxicating scent of heral products will give you a guilt-free buzz."
Price: $12

Free Association

2006-12-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

In the Fashion & Style section of The Times this week there is an interesting article about a boutique in California called Free City.

800 Very Unsquare Feet

Nina Garduno, a fashion industry veteran opened Free City with the idea to "make things with the simplest elements with the highest of possibilities.” The boutique sells vintage bicycles, jeans, T-shirts, and also "functions as a gathering space." The article discusses the idea of fashion with regard to big corporations and small boutiques and the idea of authenticity. The article talks about the way in which fashion has been redefined.

"But in another way, Ms. Garduno may have instinctively realized that fashion was being redefined. It was no longer strictly about the clothes. It was, as a number of executives grasped, about the accessories. More farsighted individuals recognized that fashion’s ability to confer status or taste was illimitable and, indeed, could be transmitted through other forms, like a style of cellphone, and even by more abstract notions, like authenticity.

Several stores were on the edge of this wave, none more so than Colette in Paris and Corso Como in Milan, which sells fashion as well as books and CDs. But Ms. Garduno believes these stores are no longer innovative, in part, she says, because the shopping experience has grown static and in part because people have developed an almost free-associative view of authenticity.

This just means you can’t get into peoples’ heads so easily, or, for that matter, dazzle them with a few loaded words, as a number of big companies have recently tried to do with advertisements. The Gap’s current ads, with “peace” and “love” in gold, really resemble the style of her hand-printed graphics.

But for something to be perceived as authentic, that value has to be communicated cleanly through every detail — from the quality of the wash, if it’s a T-shirt, to the integrity of the physical environment. This is the almost visceral sense you get when you enter Free City. Not to sound crunchy, but you feel the love."

The article poses an exciting perspective about the idea of shopping and fashion that I thought we could apply to the Communal Closet Online as well as to the future Communal Closet! Essentially, Garduna reveals that

"It’s about the experience. I’m interested in having someone walk out of Free City and having had an experience. That’s what matters. They could buy a cheaper bicycle or T-shirt anywhere.”

So ladies, in regard to the present and future of the Communal Closet (both in cyberland and in real time) what kind of experience is it that we are looking to encounter ourselves and to convey to (potential readers/shoppers)?

GENETIKZ RULEZ

2006-11-30T23:47:00.000-05:00

genetics totally rules. here is an inspirational genetics pic.

btdubbs i just fained

wooster is opening this building up

2006-11-30T22:42:00.000-05:00

So, I have noticed that more and more stuff has been being stuck to that building too. I like the grocery boxes that say FRESH. It's on my way to work from Alex's house. I want him to put something up of his own but he is too busy for his art these days. Did anyone read the New York magazine article about burn out? They compare public school teachers and ibankers. Anyway, Wooster wont say what days its going to open the building because it's afraid of the hype but I'll post the info if they give it up. I think it's tours and DJs and art.. should be cool. The whole glorious place is being converted into condos soon, likely for rich, boring people who will never fully appreciate the neighborhood. It's sad. I agree that New York needs more quality street art. Have you seen the pieces by Banksy?

street art

2006-11-30T15:31:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back during some of our regular Thursday night debauchery in town, I asked a couple of you to pose in front of this vivid display of street art right down the block from my apartment.

Well, turns out there is actually some sort of mission behind the madness.
Check out the Wooster Collective for more incredible displays of street art from across the world:

Wooster Collective

The very idea of a collective seems to me like both a glamorous (1960's hello!) and practical way for a bunch of individuals to make an impact.
With regard to graffiti or street art, New York City seems to have the most stringent opposition to this type of self expression compared to other urban destinations across the globe. In Barcelona, I was blown away by the long stretchs of graffiti murals as in Berlin where there were also periodical street exhibitions consisting of junk sculptures- an old mattress, or a broken rennaisance-esque sculpture with weeds growing out of it, artfully arranged in a large alleyway. Well, for my photo 1 class last semester, I took several black and white shots of this display which were pretty well received...my creativity or the original artists?
Which brings me to my final topic of appropriation be it art or public space, but i'll leave it at that as i've written one too many reading responses about the topic on courseworks. The cool thing about this avenue is that you can post pics!!

S&M at our Alma Mater?

2006-11-29T13:52:00.000-05:00

...and no I ain't talking about the original roomie situation.
This just in from papermagazine.com:

TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMEMBER 29th

AWESOME COLOR + O'DEATH + BIRTHDAY BOYZ AT COLUMBIA Given the recent S&M hubbub at Columbia, there's no time like the present for a trip uptown. Get your boogie and your bang on with the Bushwick-bred, Thurstom Moore-approved Awesome Color. Expend your primitivist libidinal energies with O'Death, whom the Voice called the " sexiest Appalachian hardcore." Lastly, hit the books with local math rockers the Birthday Boyz. Jerome Green Annex, W. 116th St. between Amsterdam

Soul Sisters

2006-11-29T12:48:00.000-05:00

So I saw this in NY Magazine and then again on someone's facebook profile.
I love it. I think it was on exhibit somewhere in NYC but where? Who made it? I'd really like to know so I can commission him/her for a mural in my future home...

In hindsight, the theme is Eastern Europe

2006-11-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

I'm so tired of hearing people speculate over celebrities' eating habits and twig-like extremities and affinity for trailer-park drugs. I feel like they're children almost: you can't pay attention to them when they act out. It's totally the way I deal with the kids I babysit for; if they freak out and cry I tell them they can just go to their room and do it. Although I gotta say, I did like Sienna's Marchesa dress. I don't hate Marchesa clothes, but they definitely don't deserve the hype they get. Does anything? Let's see. Here are some interesting cultural events I am dying to go to, and if anyone else is interested, then COME ON, let's GO!

1. Spring Awakening: This is some play from Eastern Europe in the 19th century about kids and their reckless sex lives at the turn of the century in Prague (I think). Anyway, Duncan Sheik (oh yes, you remember the 90s pop hit, "Barely Breathing") revamped the score and now it's (off? on?) a Broadway play. There's S and M involved, in case you needed that extra incentive.

2. Neue Gallery/Sabarsky Cafe: Ridiculous I've never been to this considering I swoon at the sight of a Schiele. It's on 86th and 5th and currently has on display the highest selling painting of all tell (Klimt's Adele Bauer-Blcoheriojpaosidjfwhatever). We should go and look at paintings and eat pastries afterwards.

3. Met: The Met has German Portraits from the 20s now, which all have this creepy darkness to them. Totally up my alley.

Speaking of Eastern Europe, I applied to teach English Kindergarten in Vienna. How dope?

With regards to the six month slump, I do think it's a pretty regular thing, but if it persists I'd revisit the subject. Unfortunately Andy Warhol's Montauk estate was just purchased so my plan of buying it and turning it into our own little fashion/art/lifestyle commune (with our resident doctors in case one of us gets injured collaging) is thwarted. Alas, not sure I had the 30 mill anyway.

Morning Ladies

2006-11-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry to turn the blog into a negative rant space so quickly after it was created with love but I have to say, going home for break gave me some time and perspective to think about what I am doing and where I am working and I don't know if I can keep doing it. In many ways, this is an ideal job. The place is prestigious, the pay is good, dinner and car rides home, no crazy weekend hours, interesting cases, the lawyers are nice, I am getting lots of praise and encouragement from my teammates and learning what it's like to be a lawyer... but I can't seem to get over the fact that my office has no window, that I leave for work when it's cold and barely light out and return when it dark and everything is closed. Some days, I don't get outside for 12 hours. For what? I am a legal assistant-- I can't even explain to people what I do all day. I will probably get good recommendations for law school and be on my way after 2 years and forget I ever felt like this. The problem is not that the job sucks or I'm not learning anything. I am, but sitting on a plane for 6 hours and talking to all my sister's friends who are about to graduate and travel made me wonder if there is something else I could be doing with fewer drawbacks-- something that is both a good job and fun! I heard about one job where you go around the world to different cities for 3 months at a time and sell advertising space in the Tokyo Times. You work in small teams, make salary and commission and live in nice prepaid apartments and dress stylish and professional to attract clients. Everyone is under 26 and the guy I know who is doing it said they have gone to Cairo, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and next Rio and Latin America. It sounds so exciting. But I'm sure I will run into the same 6th month slump if I took that job. No friends, no boyfriend, no home... the grass is always greener. I think I felt the 6th month slump when I started at Columbia, when I went abroad and in every long term relationship I've had. There is something about wanting to jump ship before committing to things. So far I have stuck everything out and been happy for it. But I wonder if I would be even happier going for a change.

gifts of crystal

2006-11-28T19:35:00.000-05:00

So... i have some juicy gossip to share:

Marisa, knowing that I am bored out of my mind and need something to kill the time, sent me a link to a socialite website which, to quote her, is " interesting yet vapid". Glorious.

ANYWAY

I read a little something about notorious stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe and her infamous clients; lindsay, nicole, and mischa to name a few. Apparently Rachel has a profession on the side: DRUG DEALER... and no its not the culprit we all imagined... she is not provided rides on white horses, but instead.. is giving gifts of crystal to those dearest to her.. that is, crystal meth.

Holy shit these girls aren't dieting or snorting coke . . . bitches are getting high on meth.... fucking crackheads.

Here is the link to read more from socialiteranking.com regulars:

(just scroll down past the heinous marchesa dresses and red carpet snapshots.) fyi: marchesa was one of my clients and the show was totally uninspired... can't you tell from the dresses?? the hems aren't even finished for gods sake

note- there's also some juicy info about sienna miller's coked-out party persona. . .

enjoy!

the spirit of communal closet lives on....?

2006-11-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Communal Closet online!
I arranged for this blog to continue the tradition of sharing that we established a year ago with the original Communal Closet.
In the closet, we put castaways but also items that we wanted to share and thought others might appreciate. Excuse the simplicity of this first entry, but what I am trying to do here is reestablish the spirit of sharing that the closet allowed for. So, I call upon you all and I also challenge you to post. I think that we should start this off as somewhat of a free for all. post what you want, when you want, if you will. Art, music, fashion, food, politics, feelings, pet peeves...any of these can be worthwhile topics.
I've started this as project to combat those daily spurts of boredom that are all too familiar to those of us who are working and those of us who are surfing the web, hunting for jobs and apartments. Maybe if we jumpstart a blog, great things will follow.
If anything, this blog can serve as a forum where we can express ourself and share new ideas.
Right now, we can keep it on the D.L. until we see it what happens, if anything.
I have high hopes. You are some of the most stylish, in the know, opinionated and expressive people i know. POST BITCHES!