Cheryl Maday started Cheryl Shops in 2003 as a way to channel her fever for fashion into an outlet where others could benefit from her style savoir faire. Thus was born one very thorough destination site for all things designer…and discount.

Tell us about your blog. My friends were always asking me about sample sales and where to shop in New York, and I’ve always loved fashion, so that’s what I decided to focus on. Sample sales are my most popular feature, but I also write about everything from designer-mass market collaborations, store reviews, seasonal trend guides, and general fashion news, and I’ve gone to the last five Fashion Weeks in Bryant Park.

What brought you to New York?

Back in college, I came to visit a few friends who were going to school here, and I completely fell in love with the city – the energy, the pace, the whole nine yards. I also majored in magazine journalism, so New York seemed like a pretty logical place to move.

What do you love about living in New York?

I love that everything happens here first – whether it’s a restaurant or a band or a fashion designer, there’s always something new and exciting happening. I love that you can walk through a neighborhood you haven’t been to in a few months, and it can be completely different than the last time you were there. I also love not needing to own a car.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

You definitely need a certain level of resilience to live here – a combination of ambition and persistence wrapped in a tough skin. Kind of like a weed!

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

New Yorkers definitely have the reputation of being rude, and I don’t think that’s necessarily true. We’re just really efficient, and maybe that comes across as brusque. And we love to give directions – I’ve had other New Yorkers stop and interrupt and correct me while giving directions!

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

Since New York City is the fashion capital of the country, there is really no reason for you to pay full retail for anything. Between sample sales, end-of-season sales, amazing resale boutiques, and all of the discount stores, plus the Woodbury Commons outlet mall upstate, there are endless off-price options. For assistance in this endeavor, read Cheryl Shops-I list the week’s sales every Monday night.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

I love toy stores-both F.A.O. Schwarz and Toys R Us-and am more than happy to accompany visitors with small children there. When my boyfriend’s brother and his family were in town, we spent several hours playing around at F.A.O. Schwarz, like Tom Hanks in Big. I had a blast.

Best place to dine late night?

Had I responded to this several months ago, I would’ve recommended Florent in the Meatpacking District; the food was great and the clientele was ultra-fabulously downtown, but, sadly, it’s now closed. As a slightly more mellow replacement, I suggest my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Bar Tabac, which is open till 3 a.m. on the weekends. The goat cheese salad is heavenly.

Best live music venue?

Radio City Music Hall. The Art Deco lobby makes you feel totally swanky, the sound quality is amazing, and-this is important because I’m an old lady-you get to sit down the whole time.

Best kept secret in neighborhood fashion boutiques?

I don’t know if there’s such a thing as a best-kept secret in media-saturated New York, but Gabay’s in the East Village is fairly under the radar in terms of discount shopping. They get overstock from stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel, so you can usually find designer clothes and accessories-think Chloé, Marc Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik-for pretty good prices.

Best area or neighborhood for fashion steals?

Chelsea has Filene’s Basement, TJ Maxx, and Loehmann’s, plus the Barneys Warehouse Sale twice a year, and there are frequently sample sales at the Metropolitan Pavilion. I also love the designer resale shop Fisch for the Hip on 18th Street. If you’ve got time to dig, go dig there.

Best way to spot a trend?

For a refined experience, walk around Soho on a weekday – between the shopgirls, showrooms, and various artsy people who work down there, everyone is devastatingly stylish.

Best high end shop? Best place to find reasonable knock offs?

For high end, count me among those who worship at the altar of Jeffrey. The shoes are to die for (and somewhat more affordable during the twice-yearly sales), they have a great mix of big-name designer and cutting-edge labels, and the salespeople are lovely. Of all the fast-fashion chains in the city, I still think H&M is the best. Zara has better quality and Forever 21 has better prices, but H&M has a stronger, on-trend runway influence. Of course, once Topshop opens later this year, I’m bound to change my mind!

www.cherylshops.blogspot.com

Which Sales Have You Sampled Successfully?
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AltaMira creator Craig Arend was inspired to create his fashion/photo journalism hybrid blog on a Paris vacation in 2006. He started by shooting candids of fashionable Parisians and then progressed to asking them to pose on the street and show off their style. With street fashion fast legitimizing itself as a solid reference for high fashion magazines, runways, and designers, the time was right to organize his portfolio. And thus Altamira was born.

Tell us about your blog and how you got started? My blog is a street fashion photo blog first and foremost. It documents people who wear their clothes with a unique sense of style, a couture sense of fashion, and an aura of self-confidence. I capture the middle ground: the balance between a Parisian fashion sophisticate wearing Lanvin and Chanel pieces to someone wearing a self-created pair of knicker pants they rescued from a dumpster.

The name AltaMira comes from the caves in Spain. The paintings in the caves have inspired people for decades, Picasso included. When literally translated to English, the phrase means “high view”. In my blog’s case, that means “high view” of the streets. In the same way that the caves were crowned a UNESCO Heritage Site, I hope to someday achieve equally great recognition in the photography and fashion communities.

What brought you to New York?

A childhood dream. I remember when I was young my family would take vacations and drive across the States. Before we’d go, we’d shop at bookstores for books on where we were going. I would always gravitate to the books on New York City. To this day I can still see in my mind’s eye the Berlitz travel guide to New York City, in its glossy cover, with the skyline in the foreground.

What do you love about living in New York?

New York has something for everyone if you know where to look. It epitomizes convenience by condensing into one tiny geographic pin point.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

I view the city like a garden/gardener relationship. A New Yorker is someone who allows the gardener (the city and all the challenges and greatness it has to offer) to cultivate, water, and pull the weeds out of the garden (the person). If you allow New York City to make you a better person, then you are a New Yorker.

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

My best tip is actually non-fashion related. If you show up at Mario Battali’s Babbo before it opens, you can get a table when they open the door without waiting weeks to exercise your reservation.

Best kept secret in neighborhood fashion boutiques?

For women, the shoe boutique, Girls Love Shoes. It’s on Ludlow and Hester and they stock hundreds of vintage shoes from the 1930’s to the early 1990’s.

Best area or neighborhood for fashion steals?

Nolita

Best way to spot a trend?

When certain articles of clothing repeat themselves over and over again, either on the runway, the press, or the streets, a trend is forming. From the Fall/ Winter 08/09 collections, Chloe, Lanvin, Balenciaga, and Lanvin all styled their models in pointy toed stilettos–that’s a trend to watch for.

Best high end shoes? Best place to find reasonable knock offs, of said shoes?

The quality craftsmanship of a Louboutin. The knock off version from Nine West.

www.altamiranyc.blogspot.com

What Street Styles Have Stopped You In Your Tracks?
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Whether it is the ultimate bachelor pad or the one room apartment, New Yorkers make the most of personalizing the space they call home. Bringing out the interior designer within doesn’t always work out and for some, help is much needed. If you can’t afford to get a magical helping hand from an interior designer, Nicole from SoHaute gives you design tips in just a click. Her decorating obsession has inspired her to launch a blog and share what she finds inspiring.

Tell us about your blog. What is the Premise? What are your main coverage areas? So Haute (sohaute.typepad.com) is a blog about interior design and all things related to stylish living. My blog features inspirational interiors, decorating ideas and profiles on interior designers that I love. So Haute also highlights products for the home, great places to shop, design books, happenings in the design world and reviews on the interiors of chic hotels around the world that I’ve visited.

How did you get started?

I’ve always had a love for interior design. My mother is a decorator so I was exposed to the industry while growing up. As a young girl I would often watch my mom work and I used to especially love going with her to the show houses that she worked on. I would wander off, admiring the beautiful rooms while daydreaming about which ones I’d want inside the house I’d own when I grew up. People always tell me I have great taste and I think it’s because I’ve been cultivating my “eye” throughout the course of my lifetime. Since I graduated from college, 5 years ago, I’ve been obsessed with interior design and I love reading all of the magazines but there are really only a small handful of shelter magazines that are done really well. After getting hooked on a few really great design blogs I decided to start my own as a way to indulge in my love for interior design by chronicling all of the amazing places, people, things and ideas that inspire me. I think that all of the great design blogs out there really fill the void for décor obsessed people like me who are hungry for more content than what the handful of design magazines out there have to offer.

What brought you to New York?

I moved to New York to work in fashion. In college I interned at KCD, a PR firm that handles publicity and produces fashion shows for some of the top names in the industry including Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Zac Posen…you name it. After that internship I was set on moving to New York after graduation and here I am 5 years later!

What do you love about living in New York?

I love the fact that New York offers the best of everything…the best entertainment, best restaurants, best museums, best shopping, the best in design…you name it. And so many important industries are centered here like fashion, entertainment, finance, publishing…so living here you’re really at the pulse of what’s happening and you also have the opportunity to become connected with very influential people.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

Of course being born and raised here qualifies you as a New Yorker by default! For New York transplants like myself its all about feeling like you belong here and loving every bit of what living in the city has to offer. As a New Yorker you also have to be open minded, culturally aware and adopt a certain “swagger” that all New Yorkers have.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

I think New Yorkers get a bad rap. There’s a stereotype that New Yorkers are rude, and pushy and I’ve certainly experienced people like that but in my years living here I’ve also encountered some incredibly nice people, even strangers, who have erased that perception.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

I miss the convenience! In New York you can get things quickly, every place delivers from restaurants and grocery stores to places like Home Depot and the Container Store. And there’s always a 24 hour deli or bodega open if you need things at random hours. When I leave town I don’t have those luxuries.

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

So many New Yorkers complain about crappy apartments or not having enough space. Here are 5 tips to turn your apartment into a place you love, even if you don’t have a ton of money:
1. Paint! It’s the cheapest way to spruce up your apartment and will instantly make your place feel more “decorated.” Most buildings will allow you to paint as long as you either paint the walls back to the original colors or cover the cost of repainting when you move out.
2. Dress your walls. There’s nothing more boring than bare walls so buys some inexpensive artwork whether it be a painting, photographs or any other artwork that suits your taste. You can find inexpensive art on the street, in flea markets or at big box stores such as Ikea.
3. Buy nice bedding. Nice bedding will instantly make your room feel more “dressed up.” I’m a fan of crisp white bedding which is what is most commonly used in fancy hotels.
4. Maximize with Mirrors. Most New York apartments are tiny. Incorporating large mirrors into your place will create the illusion of a larger room and will also reflect more light which will make your space appear larger.
5. Surround yourself with things you love. Whether it be your favorite color, family photos, a stack of your favorite books or souvenirs from your travels, surrounding your self with things that have personal meaning that you love will make your place feel more like home.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

I know its kind of cliché but I love Central Park. When you’re deep into the park you almost forget you’re in the middle of an insanely busy city. It’s such a quiet refuge.

Best place to dine late night?

I love French Roast! It’s a cute little French bistro that has locations on the Upper West Side as well as downtown in the Village. They’re open 24 hours so no matter how late…or early… you can go there and get great food. After an especially late night out I’ll go there and order either steak frites or their macaroni and cheese which is amazing!

Best store to ever happen to interior design?

ABC Carpet & Home and Mecox Gardens! If I had to use a single store to furnish an entire home it would be one of these two.

Best shops for home accessories?

I love Global Table on Sullivan Street in Soho. It’s a small shop that sells unique, affordable accessories from around the world. Pearl River Mart, also in Soho, is a great place to go for VERY inexpensive, Asian inspired ceramics and other accessories. They also sell those great Noguchi knock-off lanterns paper lanterns that everyone loves for dirt cheap.

Best shops to visit for decor inspiration?

ABC Carpet & Home and Mecox Gardens for sure. I find designer Thomas Obrien’s shop Aero very inspiring. Calypso Home is also great…they have a small, but very well merchandised selection of home furnishings and accessories. Antony Todd’s shop is also great for inspiration.

Best area or neighborhood for decor deals?

Flea markets are a great place for décor deals. There are a ton of great flea markets and antiques shops along 25th street in Chelsea. There’s the antiques garage on 25th between 6th and 7th, the outdoor flea market on 25th between 5th and 6th and there’s also a church on that same block that holds a flea market on the weekends during the summer. And interspersed throughout those flea markets are a myriad of antique and vintage shops where you can score great deals. I wrote a detailed post for So Haute on the 25th street antique district. Century 21 is the best place to go for great deals on luxurious bed and bath linens. And don’t forget the New York Craigslist postings. It’s a great place for deals on secondhand furnishings and they even have a “free stuff” section where you can find furniture that people are giving away for free.

Best day of week and time of day to attempt to go to Ikea in Brooklyn?

I prefer the Ikea in Paramus, NJ. I live uptown so it’s easier for me to get to…just a few minutes off the George Washington Bridge and there’s never any traffic getting there. Zipcar is the best way to go and the best time is after work on a weekday when the store atmosphere is very civilized.

sohaute.typepad.com

Where Do You Go To Decorate Your Digs?

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]]> http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/08/29/sohaute/feed/ 0 http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/08/25/organic-beauty-expert/ http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/08/25/organic-beauty-expert/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:29:48 +0000 Cool in Your Code http://www.coolinyourcode.com/?p=1902

Andrea Kane is not your typical “Earth Mother,” though she does possess a great reverence for Mother Earth. In addition to being a military veteran, a doula, and a massage therapist, Andrea has experience as a PR expert and teacher. While she currently resides on the West Coast, her stint in the Big Apple has taught her all about the good, the bad, and the tricky of navigating the organic product world. Now she’s here to share all the natural knowledge she’s amassed along the way.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage
areas, how did you get started? This blog was started September of 2006 after I closed my online natural body care store. During the move from Hawaii to San Diego, I considered many career options. While trying to figure it all out, The Organic Beauty Expert was born.

I never intended for this blog to continue, but am so glad it has. I named it The Organic Beauty Expert because I thought it was a catchy name that people could remember. The blog has grown as I have grown, and have learned more about the beauty industry. I have taught classes on making natural products and aromatherapy at The Learning Annex and The University of Hawaii, and for many corporate groups. I worked as a beauty consultant for start up beauty companies and still create signature scents.

This blog doesn’t push rhetoric and you won’t find the same ol’ “we must protect the earth” mantra. I try to use as many natural based products as possible, but when it comes down to it, efficiency is the word of the day. And if you can’t respect or understand that honesty, this ain’t the blog for ya!

You are from New York, and now live in San Diego. Do you think that New Yorkers are embracing the organic beauty wave as heartily as West Coasters have been?

Most definitely! In fact, New York is where I received my green education. In the early 90s living in Park Slope, I knew nothing about recycling or co-ops or eating well. New York has always been the spot for making the trends, whatever they may be, and in this case, they’ve added being green with style.

What do you miss most about living in New York?

I miss the ability to eat any type of ethnic food whenever the mood hits. I miss the energy most of all. My poetry and free style writing was so raw when I lived in the city. Lastly, I miss the museums and the art of living in NYC.

Where do you find daily inspiration?

Daily inspiration now comes from within. There’s not a lot of outside stimulus living next to the beach, but one makes do.

If you were stranded on an island (like Manhattan), which natural beauty products would you absolutely have to have?

Only one… most definitely the Blueberry Fusion face scrub from The Body Deli. It’s simply divine and a girl can’t be rescued and have splotchy skin!

When navigating the sea of “organic”, “natural”, or “Earth-friendly” products available today, how do you determine what is a legit product and what is simply clever marketing?

At the end of the day, it takes reading the ingredient lists. Many companies who sell online have taken to promoting the “active ingredients”, which many times focus on the two or three only natural ingredients within a sea of crap.

Best natural home remedies?

Tea tree essential oils and rosemary. Perhaps some lavender. That covers germs, cleaning, room sprays, diaper rash, bites, minor burns and even fresh breath.

Living a “green” life can be pricey. What are the most worthwhile splurges?

For me, organic beauty products and fruits. Skin care products have been shown to soak into the skin so I’d rather that stuff be as pure as possible. Fruits with edible skin also have to be organic in this house. Again, I’m not really fond of eating pesticides.

Favorite NYC organic/natural restaurants or shops?

I love Angelica Kitchen for veggie food on the cheaper side. Pure Food and Wine is wonderful too, though a bit pricier. Also, for organic groceries, Westerly Natural Foods and Elm Health Foods are great.

Strangest “natural” product you’ve come across while writing for OBE?

The strangest was a face cream made with amniotic fluid. I don’t think I need to explain further.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

Went to a reading of The Vagina Monologues. With a business, husband and two kids, culture takes a back seat!

Tips for balancing being Earth friendly while not becoming completely anti-society?

Just doing what fits into your lifestyle and budget. I’m not pro-environment so much as I am objective sensible choices. Many green folks work from guilt to sell their products. I take a knowledge stance. Do the green thing when it fits your budget and because you want to.

Best green vacation spot?

Hawaii, of course!

Anything you’d like to add?

Organic doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes I see people pushing organic as a way to boost the price times five. Clothing, jewelry… I’m into it if it doesn’t mean I have to take out a loan.

www.theorganicbeautyexpert.typepad.com

Where Do You Go To Get Your Natural New York Fix?

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FoodMayhem creators Jessica Lee and Lon Binder met in early 2006 and bonded over their mutual love of New York, travel, and of course, food! Two and half years later, they are married and eagerly blogging about the good, the bad, and the most unusual aspects of the New York culinary scene. Check out FoodMayhem before your next journey into the chaotic city foodscape!

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage
areas, how did you get started? FoodMayhem is all about food, cooking food, buying food, dining in, dining out, snacking, kitchens, chefs, cookbooks, anything food related is fair game. The idea is to share our love of food with everyone, and we hope that our experiences can help other people. The blog started out as a journal for ourselves to remember our dining experiences, good or bad, but apparently people wanted to read it.

What brought you to New York?

We both grew up in NY.

What do you love about living in New York?

We love the availability of different foods in NY, both in terms of ethnic groceries and markets and a wide variety of restaurants. Personally, I (Jessica) love living in NY because I hate cars and sitting in traffic. This city is so walkable!

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

A New Yorker is someone living in NY, who realizes that NY is a melting pot of every type of person. So a true New Yorker doesn’t try to fit a mold.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

I don’t think anything about New Yorkers surprises us since we both grew up here.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

Pizza, bagels, and constant, diverse availability of everything.

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

Never go to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day!

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink…we both grew up as competitive figure skaters (coincidentally).

Best place to dine late night?

Korea Town (a row of restaurants on 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue) has many 24-hour restaurants and the East Village is usually hopping late night too.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

Movie – Batman

Best restaurant for people watching?

BLT Steak, Pastis, Nobu…There’s tons in NYC but we’re the wrong people to ask. When we’re at a restaurant, we’d rather not be too crowded and the only person we’d like to see, is the chef.

Best area or neighborhood for international cuisine?

Different ethnic foods tend to group into areas like Chinatown, Korea Town, Little Japan, Indian Row, Spanish Harlem, etc. but the East Village seems to have the widest variety.

Best way to spot a tourist trap?

My first instinct is to say if you see too many cameras, but that could be tourists or food bloggers, haha…and if it’s a lot of food bloggers, it may be a great spot.

Best Brunch spot?

Bouley for a fancy brunch (the type of place you take your girlfriend’s mother to impress her) or Dim Sum at Jade Asian Restaurant or Dong Yi Feng (both in Flushing).

www.foodmayhem.com

Is The Way To Your Heart Through Your Stomach?
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When Around the Blog debuted in December 2007, Adam’s World was the first blog to be profiled. Adam has been unstoppable ever since. Between his aptitude for discovering artists just before they make it big, and his innate knack for self-promotion, the sky’s the limit for this bounteous blogger. We thought it was a good time to check in with Adam and get the scoop from the man who’s got the whole world in his hands.

What has been going on in Adam’s World since we last spoke? Tons. It’s been non-stop. One of the biggest revelations is that a handful of my former Artists Of The Week have landed on various MTV channels. Substantial’s video for It’s You (I Think) earned a spot in rotation on MTV2’s Sucka Free, Rabbi Darkside was a coach on Made, Seme Rock made a brief cameo on that same episode of Made, and Rue Melo’s This Is My House just premiered on mtvU on July 21st. Rabbi D has dubbed my endorsement “The Adam B Midas Touch.” I’m just really proud that my people are doing big things.

You’ve always been on the cutting edge of exposing new artists. What expansions has your blog seen? New features or recurring columns?

I’ve actually added a handful of new features to the site this year including a few monthly columns that people have been loving. There’s From A to B 90’s Style where I go back and forth talking about 90’s music videos with my good friend, and fellow journalist, Bear Frazer. I also have The Vibe Report, where I give a monthly wrap up of the things I felt were important from the month that was, and my most recent addition to the site, Tales From The Discount Bin, which is a monthly look at the interesting entertainment related things I find in discount bins and dollar stores.

What about the rest of your empire?

When it comes to other media, I now have Adam B TV in full swing, which features video clips from both my radio show and my various travels in the music world, and I’ve also started uploading sections of my radio show, The Adam B Experience, making them available for both stream and download on Adam’s World. After the awesome feature here back in December quite a few other media outlets have taken notice of Adam’s World. The New York Times has linked to me and one of their writers recently contacted me to interview me for a story he’s putting together on bloggers. Fairfield Magazine did a two page feature on me a few months back and I received a nice mention in Beyond Race magazine, as well. Finally, Gawker got on the Adam Bernard bandwagon for a quick second, although it wasn’t in the most flattering of ways. I looked at it as a positive, though. Hey, at least they know my name, right?

Obviously, getting the New York Times to link to your blog is a massive coup. Who else has approached you after reading Adam’s World ?

One really interesting door that was opened to me thanks to Adam’s World was at Jive Records when they asked me to help them start up Usher’s blog. It ended up just a one month project, but I can definitely see it leading to others. The Usher gig led me to realize quite a few important people are frequenting my site. This was reiterated even more so when I wrote a story about how we need to stop focusing on first week album sales. Not only was that article, First Week Phonies, syndicated by a number of other websites, including at least one indie label site, one of the top marketing people at a major label sent me an email telling me how much he enjoyed it. How amazing is that?

How do you go about drawing new readers to your site?

I have actually become a pretty fantastic shameless self-promoter. I just had t-shirts printed up that I’m giving to the artists I work with. The front says “I’m a B-Lister” and the back says “are you down with Adam B?” with my blog’s address underneath. Since Adam B is my radio name, “B-Listers” is the tag I’ve given to the awesome people who love my show and what I do. So far the shirts have been a hit. Look for them on your favorite artists!

What would you say to a new writer looking to gather clips or simply share ideas?

I have been spreading the blogging word. In fact, I spoke at two high school journalism classes in Stamford, CT, earlier this year and one of the biggest things I tried to stress to the students was that thanks to blogging they can start writing now and hone their voice sooner rather than later. I’m looking forward to going back and speaking to them again to let them know about all the doors my own blog has opened for me, many of which have been completely unexpected.

What’s next for Adam B?

I honestly have no idea what the next year holds, but whenever a new opportunity presents itself you can be sure I’m going to explore it.

adambernard.blogspot.com

Have you discovered the next big thing?
Post a comment below and let us know all about it!

As someone whose closet was regularly raided by friends throughout high school and college, Christina Carathanassis now has a closet to share with the world – Christabelle’s Closet (Christabelle is Christina’s childhood nickname). This owner and creative soul behind the designer resale boutique Christabelle’s Closet started blogging in order to satiate her inner editor and allow her to wear the label of “fashion go-to-girl” with pride. We sat down with Christabelle herself, to delve deep into the mind of our fashion-obsessed friend and dish about the truly important things in life… Designers, Discounts, and Daring NYC Style.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started? Christabelle’s Closet The Blog is an extension of my award winning, online consignment boutique, ChristabellesCloset.com. Though the main store’s theme is “budget shopping on a dime” offering top designer clothing, shoes and handbags on consignment for less, the blog actually encompasses all things fabulous! We cover the gamut from fashion and beauty to food and travel (and pretty much everything in between). It definitely opens the playing field in terms of voice and expression. I love it! For as long as I can remember, people have asked me for advice on the newest, coolest things on the market – a blog is a pretty loud voice to offer everyone counsel – so along came the birth of Christabelle’s Closet The Blog. It also offers a great platform to give my shoppers the HOTTEST deals in our consignment shop with our weekly “deal of the day” post as well as giving the scoop on the hottest places to visit, beauty products to buy, designers to check out etc. the remainder of the week. I originally was a Journalism major in college and wound up in Beauty PR for 10 years, so creating a blog seemed like a very organic way for me to nurture my inner editor! It also gives me a great excuse to “shop” (as if I needed one). I love exploring niche brands, uncovering really amazing products and services and having the ability to give them well deserved exposure. There are SO MANY fantastic businesses out there…I am here to sniff them out and give them props!

What brought you to New York?

I grew up in Bergen County, just 10 short minutes from NYC…I couldn’t imagine living anywhere but the Big Apple!

What do you love about living in New York?

The energy…the city reminds me of a big record…pumping out music at the hand of a great DJ. There is NOTHING like it.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

Style and individuality. There is a definitive “je ne sais quoi” about people who live in NY…the city becomes a part of your soul. No matter where I go within the US and abroad – people ALWAYS know I am from NY and it makes me super proud (and no, I don’t have an accent lol!)

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

The number of friendly people on the streets! People talk to me wherever I go – they are compassionate and kind (with the exception of a bad seed here and there elbowing me in the rib during a sardine packed subway ride!)…New Yorkers will always tell you like it is, but in the nicest way they know how. I make it a habit of complimenting other women on the street if I like their style…it feels good to sprinkle a little nice into someone else’s day. Everyone should pay it forward in their own way.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

24-7 food deliveries…did you know places ACTUALLY CLOSE in other major cities? It makes me appreciate the convenience this great city has to offer.

Best tips, tricks or insider info regarding navigating a THE sale at Barney’s?

If you don’t mind picking through the bins, boxes, piles on the floor and dare I say garbage bags – going on the last day, during the last hours of a sample sale can provide you with MAJOR discounts and at times free goodies. Selection might be scarce, but there are deals to be had – leave your shame at home.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

The Chrysler Building…not sure if that is really a “tourist” attraction, but I have a little crush on it. The architecture is amazing! I secretly long to take one of those Big Apple Tour double-decker buses around NYC with a group of my best friends (I guess it isn’t a secret anymore!).

Best place to dine late night?

Viand on Broadway and 75th – they have a little bit of everything and the staff couldn’t be nicer. The grilled cheese is especially delicious after midnight.

Best music venue?

The Beacon Theatre – not a bad seat in the house.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

Hooted and hollered at my boyfriend’s band playing at The Bitter End. Hooted and hollered at Ryan Star kicking out some serious tunes at the Rockwood Music Hall.

Best place to people watch?

Central Park…wow…I can spend HOURS there. It is pure (and free) entertainment.

Best shop for thrifty yet stylish clothing?

If you promise not to tell anyone I am over 21 (and have been for quite some time) – FOREVER 21 has the cutest “disposable” clothes and accessories. And of course, www.ChristabellesCloset.com…

Surest sign that a trend is “over”?

For me, a trend is OVER the second I spot more than 10 people on the street wearing it. Onto the next for me! I don’t like being a sheep…

www.christabellescloset.com

Where Do You Find Discount Designer Duds?
Post A Comment Below And Give Us Some Lip About Styling Tips.

When spatial savvy and conscientious creativity meet just the right amount of hip, girly goodness, you are experiencing Gabrielle Blair’s “Design Mom” blog. The mother of five, Gabrielle started blogging in July 2006 and found the creative outlet and sense of community extremely satisfying. Design Mom is half personal journal and half advice for time-starved moms on the go.
From fashion tips to travel tricks, Design Mom is updated daily and guaranteed to keep you in the know!

Tell us about your blog: What is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started? My blog is called Design Mom. I write about the intersection of Motherhood and Design. I started my blog right after my 5th baby was born. I was looking for a creative outlet that I could do in the middle of the night or for a few minutes here and there throughout the day. Blogging was perfect. About a year in, I then helped found a popular social media site called kirtsy – the blog Mashable called it “Digg for Women”.

What brought you to New York?

My husband started a PhD program at Columbia. And since my career was in Graphic Design and Art Direction, it was easy for me to move my work to New York.

What do you love about living in New York?

I love feeling like everything happens here.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

In my experience, New Yorkers are tough to stereotype. There are so many people from so many backgrounds. But it’s pretty safe to say that anyone moving to New York is the kind of person that’s up for an adventure.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

Is it too cliché to say “the diversity?” I can’t imagine living anywhere else in the country where my children’s classmates would represent as many cultures and peoples and countries as they do.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Best place to dine minus kids?

Craft.

Best kid-friendly restaurant?

Hmmmm. Hot dog stands. With five kids, no matter how friendly the restaurant, eating out with all 5 just isn’t that fun. : )

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

Saw Iron Man. And loved it. Robert Downey Jr. was hot!

Best place for children to to be exposed to culture?

The MOMA’s Family Programs are fantastic.

Best tip for making the most out of small NY spaces?

Own less.

Best new design trend?

Owning less by owning well-made things that can last a lifetime.

www.designmom.com

How Do You Get Creative In Your Code?

Post A Comment Below And Give Us Some Zip Tips.

The word “free” is hardly one most associated with New York City. But as two of its denizens are happy to point out – low cost entertainment can be found in many zip codes. That’s why two New School students launched FreeNYC, to let New Yorkers know that there’s more to this fine city than budget busting cab rides and absurdly priced lattes. In fact, there’s an endless array of events & activities that can be enjoyed FREE OF CHARGE!

But don’t take our word for it, check out what FreeNYC publisher Christopher Lehault and editor Lindsay Udo have to say about their incredibly cost efficient blog.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started? FreeNYC.net is New York City’s premier daily guide for free and inexpensive events. Every day we scour through dozens of submissions and hand-select what we find to be the most interesting, most unique, or best values the city has to offer. Most listings tend to cover Manhattan and Brooklyn but we do list events from all 5 borough and we try and concentrate our efforts on nightlife, art openings, live music, community activities, and activism events. 99% of our listings are free with an occasional listing up to $5 simply because it’s a great value.

FreeNYC started in 2005 on a complete whim. I often found people asking that inevitable question: “What’s going on tonight?” At the time, I was fascinated with blogs and wanted to explore the medium so I figured events and nightlife (something near and dear to my heart) was the perfect subject matter. And like everyone else fresh out of collage – or living here in general – I was always on a tight budget and hunting down cheap stuff to do. Everything kind of came together and it’s been a labor of love ever since.

What brought you to New York?
Chris – Initially to study Graphic Design at Parson School of Design (which is my secret day job)

Lindsay – a left wing, communist, hippie, liberal arts college

What do you love about living in New York?
Chris – The accessibility of just about everything in the world. Just about every great musician, artist, author, or thinker comes through this town at one point or another. You can only say that about a handful of cities around the world. It can be overwhelming sometimes when there are two or three great concerts in a night, plus an art opening and a lecture.

Lindsay – The diversity of the people, culture, music and art that just doesn’t exist anywhere else.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
Chris – Oh wow, NYC is so amazingly diverse that it’s a hard one to pin down. I think everyone here has a dream and that’s the common denominator. For some it’s to become a great artist or make it in a band. For others it’s to give your children the opportunities you didn’t have. And some just want to become stinking rich or become a superstar. Whatever it is, everyone here has something they are driving for that makes all the hard work this city requires well worth it.

Lindsay – You are officially a New Yorker once you have memorized most of the MTA subway map.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
Chris – I guess its how small “your New York” is. Have you ever noticed that after you live here for a few years that you start to run into people on the street, or in a random bar? In a city with a surplus of eight million you’d never expect to have so many random encounters on the street. But then you look at how much of the city you actually cover on a daily basis, week to week, and you realize that “your New York” is tiny… a handful of bars, a dozen restaurants near work, and a couple blocks around your apartment. That always amazes me.

Lindsay – This one is twofold… What surprises me about New Yorkers is that even with trashcans on every single corner and about every 20 feet in the subway, people still continue to litter. On the other hand, I am constantly surprised how resilient New Yorkers are. From blackouts to giant water pipe explosions, whatever happens New Yorkers can really roll with the punches.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
Chris - 24hr Bodegas (and with that, ATMs.) I’ve really gotten used to having all the comforts of life within a two block walking distance no matter where I am or what time of day it is.

Lindsay – I miss being able to get food at almost any hour of the day!

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
Chris – A ton of them! Most of which end up on FreeNYC.net. Here are a few quickies that may be obvious to some and eye-openers to others:
- Taxis are only available (technically) when the light on top is on so don’t waste your time waiving at all those light-less ones in the rain, save your strength.
- Museums can be expensive but galleries are free. Some of the best art in the world can be found in Chelsea. And on Thursdays it is one of the cities biggest parties so you can get your snacking and drinking in as well without spending a dime.
- You can go to the bathroom just about anywhere in the city (unless there is a maitre ‘d)… just don’t ask. Walk in and head straight to the back. Most places will think you’ve come back from a cigarette or cell phone call and are already eating/drinking there. I know the bars and restaurants are going to hate me for this one but its kind of necessity!

Lindsay – One of my favorite things about the city is how many awesome museums there are. What most people don’t realize is that a lot of them are “suggested donation” which means that they are only suggesting that you pay their obscenely high prices to get in. You can actually pay-as-you-wish. You should keep in mind though that many of these places rely on your contributions to stay afloat, so try not to short change them too much. Plus, most of the museums (and botanical gardens) have at least a few hours a week where admission is totally 100% free!

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
Chris – Staten Island Ferry… its like a poor man’s cruise! Grab a few tall boys and take a tour of the harbor on a nice spring day. You get some (relatively) fresh air, a nice view of the Statue of Liberty, and its totally free! My other would be watching the sunset over Central Park from the top of the Met all summer long. It’s usually pretty mellow up there that late in the day but if you go by yourself, be prepared to take a lot of photos for people. Tourists tend to think that since you are sitting there quietly with a glass of wine that you can be easily interrupted for a photo.

Lindsay – 4th of July Fireworks.

Best neighborhood bar?
Chris – Hmm… thats a tough one since all my good ones were really these country dives that are now closed (Village Idiot) or might as well be (Coyote Ugly). Depending on the neighborhood: Loki (Park Slope), Alligator Lounge or Bushwick Country Club (Williamsburg), Finnerty’s (NYU-ville), Botanica (Soho/Village), Welcome to the Johnsons (LES), Heartland Brewery (Anyplace where tourists go).

Lindsay – Well that is a bit of an interesting predicament here in Park Slope, there really seems to be a shortage of good neighborhood bars (see Community Board 6’s feelings on Union Pool). But there are some good ones including Union Pool, and The Royale.

Best late night joint?
Chris – Nublu (Ave C and 4th St) or Smalls (10th St & 7th Ave). Both these places always have a small cover, a great laid back vibe, and seem to have magic happening after 2am. Smalls is also 18+ which is golden in a city with little nightlife for the under-21 crowd.

Lindsay – Crooked Disco at Galapagos… I swear I am not saying this because its our party, its really one of the most fun late night joints around!

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)?
Chris – Murakami exhibit during the day at BMA followed by a picnic and then caught the Wood Brother’s at Bowery Ballroom. Like I said, only in New York.

Lindsay – The Takashi Murakami exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum which was awesome! Before that it was the new Harold and Kumar movie at The Pavilion, totally hilarious!

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
Chris - I’m not much for fancy schmancy but I’ll make an exception for Buddakan. The space is stunning and the food amazing. A close second would be Dressler in Williamsburg.

Lindsay – Al Di La in Park Slope, mmmmm! While it isn’t fancy schmancy (you can go in your jeans) it will put a dent in your wallet, but it’s totally worth every penny. Their menu changes pretty often so its hard to steer you in the right direction, but their pastas are always perfect, and the hanger steak is a good staple. Oh, and be sure to get dessert!

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?
Chris – If longevity is a concern then I would say anywhere you are doing something you love (other then drinking and dancing) and there’s an easy conversation starter. Chelsea on Thursdays for a gallery hop can be great or the Upstairs in the Square series at Barnes and Noble if these are things you are into (if your more outdoorsy, just try EMS or Chelsea Piers). If longevity is not a concern then Down the Hatch (for college types), Happy Ending (for hipsters) or late night at Crooked Disco (there seem to always be these random makeout sessions going on).

Lindsay - I haven’t had to meet members of the opposite sex in a while (yay boyfriend!) but I will say that I was kinda over the whole drunk dudes in a bar thing. I’d say the best places are bookstores, coffee shops, even the park. Any place that encourages conversation beyond “wooo whooooo shots!”

Best live entertainment venue?
Chris – Smalls or the Village Vanguard for Jazz (no one takes advantage of the great Jazz here). Mercury Lounge for bands. SOBs for Urban/Latin/Caribbean culture and Nublu for the electronic/DJ culture. RIP Wetlands, Coney Island High, Tonic, The Academy, and The Cooler. Each would have won out had they not been forced to close down.

Lindsay – For bands I’d say the Bowery Ballroom. But for other types of performances, I love BAM!

Best “deal” in the city?
Chris – Oh man, anything on FreeNYC! For real, I have seen so many unbelievable things for free that its hard to pick one (or remember them all). I’ll go with the Celebrate Brooklyn series. They are at night in Prospect Park so it’s easier then dealing with the 90º heat at Summerstage with much shorter beer lines. Plus, you get to see an amazingly diverse line-up on music for a $3 suggested donation (see above).

Lindsay – Honestly the entirety of the summer is the best deal in the city. Free concerts at Summerstage, Prospect Park Bandshell, McCarren Park and on the Piers. Then there are free movies outdoors at Bryant Park, Hudson River Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Check FreeNYC for all the summer calenders!

Find out what’s free at www.freenyc.net

What is your favorite Free Activity in NYC?
Post a comment below and let us know what’s funky and frugal.

Armed with unbridled enthusiasm for Pippi Longstocking and MFAs from The New School, eight writers dedicated themselves to writing and reading great books for children and teens. They have been there for each other from first chapters to first rejection letters to first book signings. Their blog, Longstockings, is part book review, part advice column for navigating the murky world of agents and publishers, and part support system for each other, as well as their loyal subscribers. Whether you are a reader or a writer or both, if you love kidlit, log on!

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started? We are eight writers and we’re all about kids books. Some of us write for middle grade readers, some of us write for teens and some of us write for both. One of us even has a picture book coming out! We cover everything and anything related to kids’ books and the ups and downs of being a writer. We met at the New School where we all got MFA’s in, you guessed it, Writing for Children, and we are not only a blog but a critique group and support system for each other. We love kidlit and we love blogging about it!

What brought you to New York?
Wanting to live in the greatest city in the country and possibly the world.

What do you love about living in New York?
Great food, awesome stuff to do, the best museums outside of Europe, great mix of people, everything you need is close by and I don’t ever have to drive.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
Living here and loving it.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
How quick people are to help each other out. I have two kids and when I needed to shuttle them about in a double stroller people would practically get mowed down in traffic with their efforts to open doors for me.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
The pace and electricity of the city.

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
The most amazing cookies in the world are at Levain Bakery on 74th between Broadway and Amsterdam.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
Ellen’s Stardust Diner- waitstaff singing Broadway tunes is my definition of awesome.

Best neighborhood bar?
I like The Heights in my neighborhood, Morningside Heights.

Best late night joint?
For food I’d say French Roast.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)?
Saw the Sex and the City movie- I wasn’t in love with the story but it was wonderful to see the ladies again!

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
I love Candle 79 on, surprise, 79th at Lex.

Best place for Children to be exposed to new authors?
I’m a huge fan of the Bank Street Bookstore which gets great authors (and also musicians).

Best new author you have recently discovered?
Aside from my fellow Longstockings, who rock, I’d have to say Debbie Reed Fischer who wrote BRALESS IN WONDERLAND, a terrific teen novel about the modeling world.

Best place to find rare books?
I’ve found some terrific stuff at The Strand.

www.thelongstockings.blogspot.com/

What is your favorite children’s book?

Post a comment and below and let us know what’s cool to read.