Shopaholics rejoice! Your addiction is finally cost effective thanks to the effects of Laura Schooler. This couture crusader started a blog called Guerilla Shopper – a spot dedicated to sharing the best deals that can be found in zips across New York. It’s not just fashion either. Schooler also covers the city’s second passion: food. No sample sale is too obscure, no prix fixe too far to miss the roving eye of this on sale savior. So next time you’ve got some cash to burn, spend it wisely with a little help from your Guerilla Shopper.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started? I’ve been beating retail at its own game since the 80s! For decades I have been keeping my shopping techniques secret. People always ask me, “where did you get that!?” I rarely gave a straight answer because I didn’t want others to encroach upon my style. But now I’m older, wiser, and more willing to share. While I make a decent living, I am not independently wealthy by any means. I grew up in a very middle class way as the child of Midwestern parents, so I’m fairly down to earth. However, my shopping technique has allowed me to own tons of great stuff…without being in any debt…EVER.

What brought you to New York?

Ever since I was a wee lass with real blond hair, I set my sights on living in New York City. I was actually born near the Upper East Side and grew up in a small New Jersey town less than 15 miles away, so it may not seem like such a lofty goal. However, my parents instilled a deep love and appreciation for NYC, which made my yearning to live there something of a necessity and not just a mere desire. Dwelling in New York is not a “phase” for me. It is my life. Even when I leave to go to other grand cities like London or LA, I always feel a deep sense of relief upon my return.

What do you love about living in New York?

I guess my New York lust is indicative of my personality. I always like having things to do and desire constant action near my home base, to where I can quickly return if I am so moved. Where else better to fulfill those needs than New York?

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

I think a real, true New Yorker is someone who is always up for the next new adventure, no matter how big or small, and is able to make a funny, interesting story about all of his or her experiences. And then integrate those experiences into their “personal being” to ensure that future experiences will be even better and more exciting.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

I think what most people are surprised by when dealing with New Yorkers is how willing to help they are. I’m not sure that it’s because we are such a wonderful bunch of people, I think it goes along with the idea that we are all looking for a new experience and adventure, and who knows where that might turn up. So helping someone out may turn into a great story or a new connection that can lead you to something grand.

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

When I leave New York I miss having these kinds of spontaneous interactions with people, places and things.

Do you know any tricks or insider info?

Some people’s parents teach them the family business or how to meet a rich spouse or how to cook. Not me. My parents taught me how TO SHOP. If you love clothes, shoes, food & drink as much as I do, then you are in luck: I am your feet on the street in New York, telling you where to get great stuff at a good deal. Follow me as I trek through the shops and restaurants of New York on your behalf.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

Perhaps stereotypical of a New Yorker, I don’t find myself at many typical tourist attractions. I’ve never been to the top of the Empire State Building, never to the Statue of Liberty, I’m not a big fan of Broadway, etc. But, I do love my annual jaunt to Coney Island/Brighton Beach, which will continue to become more of a tourist attraction for years to come, I suspect.

Best neighborhood bar?

The best neighborhood joint in my neighborhood is the Rodeo Bar & Grill, hands down. Good food, drink and free live music.

Best late night joint?

Well, I don’t do late nights like I used to, but I guess I’d have to say L’Express on PAS – they serve food until all hours and you can get quite a “show” in there, depending on what time you arrive.

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

The last cultural thing I did was attend an art auction in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, at which I didn’t buy anything, except a couple of drinks.

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?

I don’t get to go to enough fancy schmancy restaurants, and now that my dad is retired, I can’t even rely on him to take me anymore. However, we did recently go to the Gramercy Tavern and the food and atmosphere – and the hooker in the bright yellow mini dress from the 80s – were excellent.

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?

My friend is going to kill me for letting the cat out of the bag on this one, but the best bar to meet members of the opposite sex is Marshall Stack on Rivington St. Seems like men over the age of 28 are in there actually looking to talk to women in the same age group.

Best new fashion trends / brands that you are loving?

Not exactly a fashion trend, but something that I have been most pleased with during the past couple of years is that shoes and boots have really upped the ante. There was a phase there in the 90s where I could hardly find a pair I liked, but now I am overwhelmed with the selection that not only suits my tastes, but also encourages me to take some fashion risks that I might not have taken before. Oh, and one request to the footwear designers who are reading this: please keep making tall leather boots that fit around normal sized calves. Thank you. My favorite brand? Well I find myself in Club Monaco’s sale section all too often, but on a more elite scale, I can’t believe the genius behind Marc Jacobs. And while I can’t afford to buy even a T-shirt, I am blown away by his style sensitivities, and perhaps more than that, his marketing approach! Other brands large and small should take note.

guerillashopper.blog

Check out more places to shop in Dress Code

What are your best picks for bargain shopping in New York?

Post a comment below and let us know where you get your thrifty threads.

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!

By the Pound
Housing Works just announced the opening of its new bulk clothing store, By the Pound, at 330 W.38th St. between 8th and 9th Avenues in Manhattan. By the Pound will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. All profits go to Housing Works, the nation’s largest grassroots AIDS service organization. Housing Works’ mission is to end the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness.

330 W.38th St.
BTN 8th and 9th Avenues

www.housingworks.org

Te Casan
Tuesday May 6, 6-8 p.m. Meet designers Francesco & Laurence Saldarini. Guests get 20% off the Saldarini Black Label 1892 Handbag Collection.

382 W. Broadway
BTN Spring & Broome
rsvp@tecasan.com
www.tecasan.com

Ike Designs
The Black Diamond Necklace: Local Williamsburg jewelry designer, Dori O’Dea (aka Ike Designs Jewelry), is offering a limited supply of sterling silver black diamond necklaces online only for $95.00 + $8.00 S&H.

www.ikedesignsjewelry.com

Did you know that black diamonds originated in dying stars, when shock waves from exploding red giant stars crushed carbon into dense aggregations of black diamond and sent them hurtling into deep space? Eons later, the Sun’s gravity lured some of this material into our solar system, where blocks of it slammed into our atmosphere, shattering into the fragments we find strewn over select areas today, perhaps billions of years after they formed!
Interested in wearing the ancient solar system around your neck?

Visit www.etsy.com and buy it online.

Century 21
Just in Time for Mother’s Day! Famous American & European Designers, 40-70% off.

22 Cortlandt St.
BTN Church & Broadway
www.c21stores.com

Housing Works’ Fourth-Annual Design on a Dime Presented by Real Simple Magazine
VIP event: Thursday, May 8, from 6pm to 9pm. The VIP benefit will offer exclusive preview shopping, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment.
Sale (open to the public): Friday, May 9, from 10am to 6pm and Saturday, May 10, from 10am to 5pm.
LOCATION (VIP EVENT AND SALE): The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St.
TICKETS FOR VIP EVENT: 212-645-8111 x 164 or http://housingworks.org/thrifts/
VIP BENEFIT PRICES: Tickets start at $200.
Reminder: the two-day sale Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10 is free and open to the public.

Nancy Gonzalez
Exotic Skins Handbag SAMPLE SALE, hosted by SHELLY & RENEE
Wednesday, May 7th: 10am-6pm
Thursday, May 8th: 10am-6pm

75 Madison Avenue
BTN 56th & 57th St
8th floor
www.shellyandrenee.com

http://guerillashopper.blogspot.com

Where do you shop to get the best bargains in New York? Post a comment below and tell us!