November 19, 8am / $32

The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza / 17 Irving Place / 10003

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Want to look like a million bucks without spending anywhere near that? Who doesn’t? The Guerilla Shopper has mastered the fine art of finding a great deal. Her Code Word column will decode where to shop, eat, and spend your hard earned dough – while keeping you out of debt. This Guerilla Shopper is in the trenches of New York City, now you can join her!

Is it a Sin? John Varvatos Store: 10003

OK, I am only going to say this once and MUCH to my chagrin: the new John Varvatos store in the old CBGBs space is like the ultimate goth rock bachelor pad. It kicks so much ass. It truly does. I really wanted to hate it and spit in its general direction, but whomever they hired to design and architect it should win an award.

It appears that they have kept the old walls and some of the old details. It is painted entirely black and features an altar of burning candles in red glass holders as well as a giant black chandelier that is actually a bunch of regular-sized chandeliers that are grouped together on the ceiling to take on the vibe of a giant alien-like lighting phenomenon. There is a section of old school high-end stereo equipment and on the other wall a bunch of old rock vinyl. There are giant stained glass windows hanging high on the wall where the middle of the bar used to dwell. There are pictures and posters of all the regular suspect rockers on the walls.

Oh! And the men’s clothes and shoes are exceptional as well. However they are rather expensive (a $900 cotton sport coat?), so I’m not sure who will actually shop here. Young up-and-comers can’t afford it. Real rock stars will get it for free. So I guess the merch at Varvatos will be worn by those who are a fortunate combination of the two.

For more of Guerilla Shopper’s fashion faves click here.

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What are your “guilty” New York pleasures?
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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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October 14, 11am

110 University Place / Btw 12th & 13th Sts. / 10003

bowlmor.com

Want to look like a million bucks without spending anywhere near that? Who doesn’t? The Guerilla Shopper has mastered the fine art of finding a great deal. Her Code Word column will decode where to shop, eat, and spend your hard earned dough – while keeping you out of debt. This Guerilla Shopper is in the trenches of New York City, now you can join her!

Jill Anderson: Wearable Wedding Wear

It’s wedding season gals (or so I’ve heard)! Are you getting hitched? Are you the David’s Bridal or Vera Wang type? If you answered “yes” and “no” – in that order – you may want to check out Jill Anderson on E. 9th St.

Ms. Anderson offers “Wearable Wedding Wear” to those women who would probably be a bit more low key than perhaps the typical image of a bridezilla. One of the theories behind the customizable “Parachute Dress” (pictured here), is not so much that you should breakdance or skydive while wearing it, but more that you can and will wear it again. And maybe even again and again. Make it longer, shorter, fuller, lined, red, green, blueindigoviolet. It’s your big day dammit!

Ms. Anderson’s shop also features various jewelry pieces. However, I think the jewelry from Ike Designs would be more appropriate for brides-to-be looking for something special to wear with their Wearable Wedding Wear. My advice would to be contact Dori O’Dea, the designer behind Ike, as her Web site only reveals a small portion of her delicately lovely wares.

I do. Do you?

Jill Anderson
331 East 9th Street, 10003
www.jillanderson.com

Ike Designs
www.ikedesigns.com

For more of Guerilla Shopper’s fashion faves click here.

Like this entry? Check out more from our Code Words contributors here.

Do You Have Any Wedding Wear Ideas? Post a comment below and tell us!

Help fight breast cancer by doing pilates in Union Square Park. Stay in shape and feel refreshed all the while helping find a cure.

September 28, 9am-5pm

Union Square Park (South) / 10003

PilatesforPink.com

Sept. 25, 8 pm / $10-15

The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza / 17 Irving Place / 10003

Click Here for More Info!

The East Village has always been home to free thinkers and independent artists. The innovators behind East Village Radio have created a home for this community to express itself. EVR is an internet radio station that serves as both a voice for the local downtown cultural scene and as a forum for the community at large.  From its street level studio on First Avenue, over 60 DJs and hosts provide 16 hours of free live programming a day, in 2 hour show blocks, 7 days a week. The shows encompass music from new wave to vintage jazz to ambient electronic, as well as news, comedy and commentary. This collective’s mission is to promote a communitarian spirit, encourage nonconformity, and provide a platform for innovative music. Stroll by their window and give a shout out or log on and enjoy their live stream and podcasts.

19 1st Avenue, 10003

www.eastvillageradio.com

What Song Do You Want to Hear on the Radio?
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“It’s the audience that makes you a star.” Well, since 1934 audiences have delighted in the acting talents of Brooklyn-born Fyvush Finkel, who goes Back on the Block with CiNYC Host Hank through Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This artisan of the stage and screen was born Philip Finkel in 1922, adopting the stage name of Fyvush (Yiddish for Philip) when he started his almost 35-year career acting in New York’s Yiddish Theater. Mr. Finkel made the move to Broadway in 1964 in the original production of Fiddler on the Roof, eventually landing the lead role of Tevye the milkman during his 12-year run with the show. He was nominated for 2 Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe in the early ‘90s for his role as lawyer Douglas Wambaugh on the television show Picket Fences, winning the Emmy in 1994. Most recently the former furrier appeared in the television series Boston Public and returned to the stage in David Ives’ Off-Broadway play New Jerusalem with the Classic Stage Company. In this special segment of Back on the Block, Hank and Fyvush visit East Village landmarks John’s and The Orpheum Theater, to talk about a life well lived…and still going strong.

John’s
302 East 12th Street, 10003

Orpheum Theater
126 Second Avenue, 10003

www.orpheum-theater.com

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Where do you go to see great theater?

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McSorley’s Old Ale House has been serving up it’s own home brew since 1854. The drink menu consists of light or dark McSorley ale and is complimented by classic pub fare, including burgers and liverwurst sandwiches. This once men’s only bar is still popular with guys and draws a robust weekend crowd.

15 East 7th Street, 10003

Are you a beer enthusiast?

Post a comment below and let us know your favorite local breweries!