A caravan is most commonly known as a large group of traders or travelers who strike out on a journey together through hostile territories. In the jungles of New York City, it’s important for consumers to band together and do the same. It’s a dangerous world out there for the uninformed shopper, so sharing as many resources and tricks as one can is a necessity for survival in this city! This is why Caravan founders, Brian and Claudine Gumbel, are able to take such pride in the achievement of their fashionably acclaimed mobile shopping center. In June of 2005, Brian and Claudine converted an RV into a portable clothing store – carrying some of the most exclusive fashions in the city. The Caravan has been known to drive to hotels, apartment buildings, offices – and even Staten Island – to bring fashion & convenience to the most spontaneous of shoppers. Since its creation The Caravan has seen great success, and the result has been more permanent roots on the Upper East Side at a spin-off store called Caravan91. The Caravan is a fabulous attraction worth checking out, for even the laziest of shoppers. It’s an experience unto itself. So if you happen to catch the Caravan rolling by, be sure to hail it down and jump right in – which is exactly what our Dress Code host Sasha did in the Boogie Down Bronx!

Caravan91
128 E 91st Street, 10128
www.shopcaravan.com

What are some of your favorite alternative shopping destinations?

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For the ultimate mix of old and new, and a little something all its own, head to the East Village. Vintage toys, magazines, and clothes of all kinds can be found at Love Saves The Day. If you are missing your School House Rock lunchbox, Smurf miniatures, or an awesome 80’s era leather jacket, you can probably find it here in Leslie Herson’s home for all things nostalgic. When you are done looking back, Blue and Cream showcases the cutting edge of high-end fashion. With labels such as Charlotte Ronson, Alexander Wang, L.A.M.B., and Herve Leger, Jeff Goldstein has created a haven for the modern fashionista. And the truly original can be themselves at legendary fashion designer Patricia Field’s home on the Bowery. A little bit Hollywood, a little bit old school, and a little bit for everyone can be found downtown.

Love Saves the Day
119 2nd Avenue, 10003

Blue and Cream
11 E 1st Street, 10003
www.blueandcream.com

Patricia Field
302 Bowery, 10012
www.patriciafield.com

What Are Your East Village Shopping Destinations?

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Below the rumbles of the 7 train on 74th Street, you’ll discover the colorful world of Little India in 11372. In addition to their multicultural culinary offerings, Jackson Heights has got you covered when it comes to sari shopping and ethnic jewelry. So if you want to look like an Indian princess or just own a piece of traditional Indian culture – check out three hot destinations that CiNYC Fashion Host Sasha strongly suggests!

Saris are the traditional garb of women in India, and the first must have when realizing your Bombay dreams. 74th Street offers a dazzling array of fabrics and colors to get you started. Ready made sari’s are typically offered in store but it’s best to have yourself fitted for a custom piece. With so many different types of embroidery and other options, you’ll have to get more than one!

If you’re looking for 11372’s answer to Target, then you’ll need to experience Butala Emporium. It is your one stop shop for furniture, music, beauty products, home accents, jewelry and so much more!

All you need now is some bling to complete your look. For traditional jewelry, Shri Krishna has wall to wall genuine 22 karat gold selections. Intricate designs and precious stones gives this shop its brilliant shine, and the helpful salespeople will hook you up from head to toe.

The sidewalks of New York are much like the runways when it comes to trends. From what’s new to what’s truly original, New Yorkers know how to find it and flaunt it. Whether it’s a great discovery from a sample sale or a simple shirt that’s totally chic, the locals of 10019 and 10036 are all about strutting their stuff. CiNYC’s Style Decoder Hitha canvassed Hell’s Kitchen to learn why the fashion scene in these stylish zips is so incredibly hot!

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In a city where a trunk can double as your dining table, and where your kitchen (if you have one) is also your storage space, the Antiques Garage takes making the most of your space to a whole new level. This feast of a flea market is housed on two floors of a Chelsea garage, one that begins a thrilling transformation into one of the city’s greatest bargain havens at the stroke of midnight. Here you can find obscure items such as 19th century photos, vintage handbags, and fine silver you never imagined you needed. This hard-core market is also associated with the outdoor West 25th Street Market and the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, located on 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. You can even take advantage of the $1 shuttle rides that this Hell’s Kitchen establishment provides to both Chelsea locales. CiNYC host Sasha got a chance to unlock the secret wonders that this shopping staple has to offer.

Antiques Garage
112 W. 25th Street, 10001

www.annexmarkets.com

Check out more of Sasha’s Dress Code adventures here!

Where Do You Like To Shop?

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Nobody does reinventing yourself better than New Yorkers. Tycoons have become TV stars, waitresses become supermodels, and sometimes movie stars become fashion’s next big thing. That’s what happened when teen drama queen Phoebe Cates gifted the Upper East Side neighborhood that she loves with the unique boutique, Blue Tree. Phoebe had a loving hand in every aspect of the store, which offers clothing, jewelry, home items, and gifts from all over the world. Having created a vintage feel in a modern setting, Phoebe can most often be found in her store, greeting her customers as family and helping them put an amazing look together or find a special gift. Phoebe delights in sharing the work of new and exciting designers with her clientele. You can expect to find pieces from Sir, Mercy, Heiki Jarick, and Antipast. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your friend, your child, Blue Tree can help you look like a starlet. CiNYC host Sasha caught up with Phoebe on an uptown adventure.

1283 Madison Ave, 10128
www.bluetreenyc.com

Check out more of Sasha’s Dress Code exploits Here!

Where Do You Like To Shop?

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Every zip code has its own sense of style. So what trends best represent yours? On the Wednesday March 26th edition of the CW11 Morning Show, CiNYC Fashion Guru Sasha staged “Dress Code: Best of the Boroughs!” Here’s a list of the looks that highlight this city’s style.

Brooklyn: CiNYC’s first episode in Williamsburg (where Sasha’s mom grew up) featured Brooklyn Industries – a homegrown business showcasing the work of local artists. Graphic t-shirts are available for $28-$38, and you can find stores in Brooklyn as well as Manhattan. www.brooklynindustries.com

Staten Island: Sasha noticed a lot of attention to beauty and especially to the nails in Staten Island. Dark colors and chalky opaque colors for spring are hot now. You pay only $5-$7 for Essie and OPI nail polish, available at your local beauty supply store. www.essie.com www.opi.com

Bronx: Da Bronx loves cool, athletic footwear but especially this super cute line called Pastry. The Pastry brand is designed by the daughters of Reverend Run of Run DMC, Vanessa and Angela Simmons. The style is both affordable and chic. Own your own pair of Pastry shoes for just $60-$70. Shop at multiple locations of Dr. Jay’s. www.drjays.com

Queens: In Astoria the club kids are going crazy for designer eyewear – the sleeker and more sophisticated, the better. Gradient Lens Aviators with colored wire frames are the coveted look. You can look like a star for $230-$300, less than the price of an “it” bag. www.shopbop.com

Manhattan: Embrace themes of peace, love, and karma through the spiritual scarves of Sir Alistair Rai at Henri Bendel in 10019. Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie adore these bright, colorful, urban scarves. A major trend, these are on second re-order. Prices range from $115-$165. www.siralistairrai.com

Do you agree with Sasha’s borough picks? Have your own ideas on what’s hip in your zip? Post a comment below and let us know!

Kimberly Van Schoyck is rocking the world of accessories with innovative, bold creations that will spice up any wardrobe. We caught up with KVS to hear how her artistic heritage keeps her designs current.

How did you start making jewelry?
My grandmother was a model turned accessory maker. I would always be in her basement playing with pieces of chains and putting them together. My mother would buy me metals and films and I would teach myself to make jewelry. I was exposed to so much from my grandmother that I didn’t need to learn it at school.

How would you describe your jewelry?
Heavily stone-based with minimal metal. I use a lot of semi-precious stones and mixed materials such as silk ribbon. It’s colorful, it’s bold, and accented with metals. I like to call it wearable art.

Would you say NY has an influence on your designs?
Definitely. You see all these creative people and it makes you want to be creative.

What inspires you?
I have a very creative and artistic family. Aside from my grandmother, my mother is a painter and sewer. I also love color. The stones come first and then I work around them.

Is New York a good place to be a jewelry maker?
Yes and No. There’s a lot of competition, but that breeds success. It’s a hard industry to break into because you’re also investing money in expensive materials. You put a lot of yourself out there. But there’s also plenty of opportunity in New York, such as markets for up-and-coming designers.

What are your biggest challenges?
The cost of material. Also trying to find the best material to offer the best price to customers. I travel often so many of my stones are from abroad, and I spend time searching for the right pieces. No two stones are exactly the same; I put a great deal of effort into detailing each by hand.

Is your wardrobe lacking art? Pick some up at Zoe Accessories.
www.zoeaccessories.net

Freemans Sporting Club is teaching New Yorkers how to wield a straight razor with minimal damage. Cut Throat 101 is a one hour class offered on Sunday afternoon by the store’s master barber. Each student learns the tricks of the trade for the cleanest, closest, nick free shave from positioning to conditioning. When you’re finished with your lesson, take your complimentary products and peruse the designer men’s clothes and various sundries. You can also stop in to the barbershop anytime during the week for a professional shearing.

www.freemanssportingclub.com

8 Rivington Street, 10002

For expert techniques and great grooming gear, head over to eShave in 10022. This shave shop carries artistic, hand-crafted brushes and razors, as well as products that will transform your shaving experience. The entire eShave line is on display in this open, modern boutique. Free consultations are also available for personalized tips. “It is my vision that one day, everyone will use a shaving brush, just as everyone, today, uses a toothbrush,” says Danielle Malka, president of eShave. The future is filled with eShave’s finely tuned tools that leave your skin irresistibly smooth.

www.eshave.com