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.

CiNYC’s very own “Fashion Goddess” is getting personal. Stay tuned as Sasha, our shopping guru and expert on all things fabulous, takes you along on her designer sojourns, treks down Fifth Avenue, and her indefatigable quests for her ultimate passion…shoes! This Code Words contributor will help you find your inner fashionista…and give her some fashion tips.

Favorite NY Moments

After a day of looking thru racks and racks of overly trendy clothing and mu-fuggly accessories on 5th Avenue, I do something that acts as a cleansing. I walk over to YSL on 57th Street. You arrive and the chic hits you like a stack of bricks. The scent? Rich. The bags? Salivating. The shoes? Overwhelming! The cosmetics and fragrance-spritz here and there and maybe I will take the walk up the dark steps-hope I don’t trip on the way up-to look at magnificent clothes that I can’t afford.
The favorite shoe of the moment (of every moment) is the Tribute sandal. There is something marvelous about shoes so high that only a hooker can work them. I got use to this look over a year ago when the first Maryjane style hit the floor. After that I was smitten. 5-6 inches at least. I’m such a midget-I need the height and the length. With the shoes, I’m tall and fierce.

The good news is that taller, more fearful women may also indulge in this must-have lunacy because it comes shorter. The platform is still there but you don’t have to be a pole dancer to wear them. Love love love them. They come in many dazzling colors but the new cracked gold leather is BE-YOND! Plus Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, Ashley Olsen and Ashlee Simpson all have them-so what’s NOT to love. I’m so easily influenced!

Steep? $760. Yes. But they’re a slice of heaven. You cannot go wrong making an investment purchase at YSL. Everything that is in fashion/style right now- all has roots in YSL. The old grand master Yves Saint Laurent himself NEVER got it wrong and Stefano Pilati, the current creative director-is moving it forward but always maintaining the chic and making it right. Stop whining and go buy inexpensive clothing at H&M or recycle the summer stuff that you wore two years ago-that’s back in fashion. No one will notice. But they will notice old shoes. Indulge! It’s one of my favorite Calgon-ish moments! YSL..take me away!

Yves Saint Laurent
3 E 57th Street , 10022

www.ysl.com

What’s your favorite shoe of the moment?

Post a comment below and let us know!

Check out more of Sasha’s Dress Code moments here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tribeca is a shopper’s delight, filled with the hottest designers for all of your needs. CiNYC’s host Sasha checked out three locations that carry everything from baby booties to hot heroine attire.

The first stop is Bu and the Duck which carries clothing, hats, tights, and shoes for the kiddies all with an international, old-school feel. They promise style without the kitschy characters so your child can express his/her own personality.

www.buandtheduck.com

106 Franklin Street, 10013

Next stop is Petticoat Lane offering both underthings and outer accessories. Filled with the sexiest most saught after lingerie, this 10013 store’s got you covered. And you can pick up a trendy bag to carry it all home in!

149 Reade Street

Last but not least is Macki. This affordable boutique offers a personal shopping experience and their ever changing inventory keeps regulars there on a regular basis! It’s a one-stop shop with dresses, bags, belts, underwear, tops and jeans from hot and undiscovered lines.

www.mackinyc.com

146 Reade Street

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The Upper West Side has it all when it comes to fashion; hot vintage, cool denim, and high-end designer shoes. Cool in Your Code explores this west end to bring you the best in uptown fashion.

First stop is CPW where girls looking for a little chic are sure to shop. They offer vintage inspired clothing paired with a

modern twist. They consistently stock the hottest designers and denim is never in short supply.

495 Amsterdam Ave

Next up is Allan & Suzi, for over 20 years this store has been the hub of uptown vintage. With everything from couture to feather boas, you’re sure to find something you like. Celebrities and locals alike make Alan and Suzi a must stop shop for a one of a kind look.

www.allanandsuzi.net

416 Amsterdam Ave.

The last stop on our tour is Plaza Too, specializing in designer shoes for you, your mother, and your grandmother. Their collection ranges from elegant to whimsical and will definitely have you dancing!

www.plazatoo.com

2231 Broadway