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!

10075 & 10009: It’s a Personal Affair

If making your way up north to The Upper East Side, head over to E. 80th street where you will come across something of an unexpected find — a small store called pa (Personal Affairs). There’s also a downtown location on E. 7th St. Two cool codes!

A very comfortable setting and a friendly, encouraging saleswoman, create a stellar shopping experience. The wide array of clothing designs, all from Germany, is structured, yet feminine; wearable, but fashion-forward with their own point-of-view. I purchased one of the coolest skirt-suits I have ever owned here. It’s a black pinstriped suit, which sounds conservative, but due to its creative design it avoids the stuffy-pinstripe-syndrome.

And if they don’t have your size in the things you like best, they immediately call their other store to check for you. This is not only “old-fashioned” service, it’s just plain old good business!

Additionally, they almost always have a sales rack with some fun clothes for cheap. Good service + fun clothes + sale rack = a Guerilla Shopper recommended shopping stop.

Personal Affairs
102 E. 7th Street, 10009
212-420-7778
Open Monday: late afternoon (appointments a must) Tue-Sunday: 1:00-8:00p.m.

236 E. 80th Street, 10075
212-288-0192
Open Mon-Friday: 1:00-8:00p.m. Sat & Sunday: 12:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

www.pa212.com

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

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

Where Do You Find “Old-Fashioned” Service?

Post A Comment Below and Tell Us!

]]> http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/10/27/guerilla-shopper-personal-affair/feed/ 0 http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/08/01/christabelles-closet/ http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/08/01/christabelles-closet/#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:40:23 +0000 Cool in Your Code http://www.coolinyourcode.com/?p=1667

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.

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!

The Devil Should Wear Kifka and Heller

Reminiscent of any high-end Soho boutique, but right in the midst of Hell’s Kitchen, dwells Kifka + Heller, where the Devil really is in the details.

Reopened this past April, K+H provide wearable, chic fashions for the men and women in and around 10019. The current collection is designed using rich but versatile materials such as silk jersey, leather, linen and denim with the idea that fashion-forward couples can build wardrobes that are complementary and also linked via meticulously designed and styled travel bags.

So what more can be said about New York City clothing boutiques that we all haven’t already heard? Well, in this case, K+H caters to an individual’s tastes and desires. Want that dress in a different color? Ask. Need help figuring out how to wear those jeans and top? They’ll style you from head to toe (and will lend you shoes to ensure that you can visualize the full package that is you). Feel like you need some jewelry to go with those new separates? They have a relationship with the jewelry designer next door. In the “industry” and need wardrobe? They do industry rentals. Hell, need a one-of-a-kind chair for your living or bedroom? Well they make those too.

So what does the (near) future hold? For the forthcoming Summer 2009 collection, K+H are planning new designs using green fabrics comprised of bamboo/hemp and blends. Just don’t roll them up and smoke ‘em.

Going to K+H is more like visiting your personal stylist and having your whims catered to from the minute you walk in the door, but without price points that will send you running back to TJ Maxx (their prices generally run from $185-$950). And I can almost guarantee that if you go there now, you will one day be able to say, “Oh I used to go to Kifka+Heller back in the 2000s when they only had that small space on west 49th St!”

See you in Hell!(’s Kitchen).

445 W. 49th Street
btn 9th & 10th Ave
New York, NY 10019
kifkaandheller.com

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

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

Where do you go for the best bargains in New York? Post a comment below and tell us!

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.

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!

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Take advantage of Celia San Miguel’s experience as a writer and editor for in the know magazines like In Style, VIBE and, currently, GIANT. All those connections keep her “up on the hotness,” as every stylish lady should be. On her blog, San Miguel will explain how a funky belt from Waist Candy Buckles can make your outfit much sharper than jewelry or a handbag, why the future of mineral foundations can be found in Beauty Cosmedic’s Brush2Go, and that the right throw pillow can transform your drab bedroom into a sexy boudoir. This artist, fashion lover, and mom has got the hottest books, movies, decorating tips and beauty products to keep you “Sicka Than Average”. Since Celia has her finger on the pulse of what’s hot, we asked her what’s hot in NYC.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started? I launched SickaThanAverage.com in February, mostly because I felt that there weren’t too many sites that catered to women like me, girls who love haute couture but who are also into vintage duds and hip-hop influenced streetwear (from the latest limited-edition dunks to the hottest graphic tees). The site is geared towards multicultural, stylish women who were reared in hip-hop culture and who therefore have an aesthetic sense that’s heavily influenced (but not limited) by it. It’s a product-driven site, so audiences can look forward to going to SickaThanAverage.com every day and finding something cool for their homes or a great beauty find or a hot dress or handbag. I try to mix it up so that there’s high-end and low-end items in there, instead of keeping everything within one price range (after all, some things make you feel like splurging and, other times, you just want a great bargain). Another distinguishing factor is the lack of celebrity-centered content (pictures of celebs wearing something, etc.). I feel that if a garment, beauty product or gadget is cool enough, it should automatically appeal to people. I want to encourage people to lead, not to follow, by highlighting different fun finds and letting them formulate their own opinions and by always encouraging my readers to nurture their own individual styles. If they think something featured is positively hideous, they’re open to say so in the comments section. I actually encourage them to share their opinions, whether good or bad. It’s the dialogue and the sense of community that I want to provide. If anything, I’m just saving them the effort of hunting down unique items in every store, website and blog imaginable! Getting started was easy enough. I’d been doing a lot of market work through the years (whether at In Style, Complex, The New York Post, VIBE or GIANT), and I just applied that, plus my shopaholic skills, to the web. The trickiest part was probably coming up with the name –once I had that, I was good to go!!

What brought you to New York?

I’m originally from Puerto Rico, but while attending prep school in New Hampshire (Phillips Exeter) and, later, college in Cambridge, MA (Harvard University), I kept traveling back to NYC for holidays and school breaks (the airfare to PR was a lot of money and most of my friends lived in New York, so it was way easier and more affordable to come and stay with them in the Bronx). Over time, it became a second home to me so that, once I graduated from college, I already felt like I was acclimated to the city and its culture.

What do you love about living in New York?

So much to love about New York. I love the beautiful graffiti murals in the Bronx, the music festivals in Central Park (Summerstage rules), shopping for vintage duds in the LES, rummaging through cool flea markets, the lights on the George Washington bridge at night time, walking past Rockefeller Center around Christmas time, eating at outdoor cafes in the summertime, watching a foreign flick at the Angelicka and stopping by obscure bookstores for a good read.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

New York is all about having heart and being fearless when it comes to self-expression. Whether it’s through your language, your walk, your choice of music or your personal style, New Yorkers tend to be unafraid of veering from the norm. I think there’s also a do-or-die attitude that’s prevalent here; a true New Yorker knows how to bounce back after being knocked down.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

I’m always surprised at how much an area or neighborhood can change in just a couple of blocks. Take 34th street for example — if you walk in one direction, you’re in a central shopping area with Macy’s, H&M, Old Navy, etc, and then you have Madison Square Garden right there. Walk east and south for just a few blocks and you’re in Korea Town. Or, walk west and a few blocks up and you’re in the garment district. Walk south enough and you’re in Chelsea! And each placehas such a distinct flavor and vibe.

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

The fast pace is definitely addictive. We may complain about how non-stop our schedules are, but when we go outside of New York, it seems like everyone is moving too slow! It’s the funniest thing. And, as crazy as this sounds, I actually miss the noise. I went to stay at my dad’s house in Aguas Buenas, PR, one time and I was completely freaked out because I couldn’t hear cars and trains going by. You’d think the silence would’ve granted me some good rest but, instead, it kept me up at night. Go figure.

Do you know any tricks or insider info, in terms of spotting a trend?

I don’t know if there’s necessarily any tricks to spotting a trend. Sure, it helps if you’re going to 7th on Sixth and observing any commonalities between different designers’ collections but, in terms of more streetwear-based trends, those tend to grow organically among niche groups or neighborhoods. My main thing is this: pay attention to what the kids are doing — especially when it comes to hip-hop fashions — because they really do set the trends as much as they follow them.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

Hmmm…Corny tourist attraction? I’d probably have to say the Empire State building, when they switch up the light scheme, I’m always a little mesmerized.

Best neighborhood bar?

I like this spot called the Den in Harlem. One of my homeboys spins there, and it’s got a nice vibe, plus the drinks are good and not too pricey.

Best late night joint?

I don’t go out too often but, when I do, it tends to be to the same few spots: Apt, La Linea, Lotus, Nikki Midtown and 40/40.

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

I saw this really great movie, Elite Squad. It was actually an advance screening of the flick, which is a wonderful, albeit violent and graphic, film about Brazil’s police force directed by JosePadilha.

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?

For brunch, it’s got to be Serendipity 3, which is right by Bloomingdale’s. It’s small and the line is usually going out the front door, but it’s well worth the wait. If it has chocolate in it, order it.For lunch or dinner, I absolutely adore Blue Fin and Asia de Cuba.

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?

I think you can meet anyone pretty much anywhere. Whether it’s at a nightclub or at a poetry reading or an outdoor concert, NYC is just that kind of place.

Best live entertainment venue?

S.O.B.’s and Joe’s Pub tend to have a lot of great R&B acts coming through to perform. I don’t particularly love the venues themselves, but as far as hearing great music, they’ve definitely got good lineups.

Best place to find fun clothes or styles, on the cheap?I love the consignment store Tokio 7. You can get great designer shoes and clothing for a fraction of the original price. Also, there’s a flea market every weekend on 25th street where you can often score great jewelry and accessories.

Get well soon at sickathanaverage.com.

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How do you keep up on the trends?

Post a comment below and let us know what’s hot.

Brownstone is a Harlem boutique offering women unique clothing creations, accessories, cosmetics and pampering in a comfortable, elegant environment. Now in a new, larger space the store offers goods from over 40 local designers for a unique shopping experience. Entrepreneur Princess Jenkins keeps her customers coming back with star treatment and one-of-a-kind duds.

24 E. 125th St., 10035