A caravan is most commonly known as a large group of traders or travelers who strike out on a journey together through hostile territories. In the jungles of New York City, it’s important for consumers to band together and do the same. It’s a dangerous world out there for the uninformed shopper, so sharing as many resources and tricks as one can is a necessity for survival in this city! This is why Caravan founders, Brian and Claudine Gumbel, are able to take such pride in the achievement of their fashionably acclaimed mobile shopping center. In June of 2005, Brian and Claudine converted an RV into a portable clothing store – carrying some of the most exclusive fashions in the city. The Caravan has been known to drive to hotels, apartment buildings, offices – and even Staten Island – to bring fashion & convenience to the most spontaneous of shoppers. Since its creation The Caravan has seen great success, and the result has been more permanent roots on the Upper East Side at a spin-off store called Caravan91. The Caravan is a fabulous attraction worth checking out, for even the laziest of shoppers. It’s an experience unto itself. So if you happen to catch the Caravan rolling by, be sure to hail it down and jump right in – which is exactly what our Dress Code host Sasha did in the Boogie Down Bronx!

Caravan91
128 E 91st Street, 10128
www.shopcaravan.com

What are some of your favorite alternative shopping destinations?

Post a comment and let us know!

For those people who in High School just missed being voted the hippest, liveliest, or most fun person in the grade, there is now a new site for them to redeem their past social misfortunes. Socially Superlative is a web journal that keeps itself in the know about the latest openings, parties, cultural events, and launches taking place throughout New York City. By staying on top of this site’s most recent posts, you will surely guarantee yourself the trophy title – Biggest Event Enthusiast – among your friends and co-workers! You can thank blog contributors Alice, Yvonne, and Mosaka in your acceptance speech.

What brought you to New York?

Mosaka: Native NYer; born and raised
Yvonne: A college education, which has since gone to waste.
Alice: Both Von and I went to NYU, which is one of the most expensive educations in the nation. Thus, we shamelessly mooched off the free food, booze and swag on the NYC party circuit after classes. Now SS lets us replace “shamelessly” with “legitimately with a press pass.”

What do you love about living in New York?

Mosaka: The nightlife, the parties, the fast paced environment, the fact that you can get anywhere in the city in less than 20 minutes, the fact that you can meet someone new everyday, the diversity, it’s energy, the fact that I can buy soy hotdogs from a street vender in Soho, the skyline at night, the fact that it is forever changing.
Yvonne: There are always people crazier than you.
Alice: The ridiculously high standards we hold restaurants to. I protest dinners at places with less than at 25 in Zagat.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

Mosaka: Growing up here? (sorry I’m bias)
Alice: Someone who maximizes luxury by mixing high and low or expensive and cheap. Italian food is dinner is at Il Mulino and midnight snack at John’s Pizza, both in Greenwich Village. Red carpet outfits are composed of H&M, cheap vintage discoveries, but completed by irrational $500+ shoes. Having the same level of fun at the latest “it” club like 1Oak or Tenjune and frat-astic Brother Jimmy’s in Murray Hill but also never passing up apartment parties.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

Mosaka: Nothing really. New Yorkers have done and seen it all.
Alice: The ease of D-List fame, which is best defined as non-celebrities derisively spotlighted in Gawker. There are people who are known for just their blogs. If you’re getting rejected by invites from SS (sorry! many are not open to the public), then start writing about excruciating yet voyeuristic debauchery while being frequently photographed by the paparazzi.

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

Mosaka: The parties!! And my yorkie Max.
Alice: Having too much to do. Boredom has yet to enter my vocabulary.
Yvonne: Accessibility to food 24/7

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

Mosaka: Yes, make friends with bouncers, Dj’s, anyone and everyone who is in the know. Be friendly to people even if it is the waiter passing out drinks. These are actually some of my favorite people to talk to at events.
Alice: Tip graciously. You can skip lines at pretentious clubs by getting the doorman to remember you. I’ll start with event at a club, like Bijoux, so I get in by through the guestlist. Afterwards, I’ll introduce myself by giving a business card and thanking them for the service with a tip ($20 but I am a girl, boys should aim higher). When I go back and they let me skip the line, I’ll almost always thank and tip again at the end of the night. I’m frugal towards things for myself, but always a generous tipper for karmic service.
Yvonne: Talk to as many new people as you can.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

Yvonne: Ice skating in Central Park’s Wollman Rink
Mosaka: Von stole mine

Best place to dine late night?

Mosaka: Wo Hop in Chinatown it’s open 24 hours! And look out for the picture of Gino!
Yvonne: Coffee Shop for their mac & cheese and cheese fries, or San Loco for nachos.
Alice: Cafeteria for grilled cheese on Texas toast. Any place in Koreatown (32nd between 5th Avenue and Broadway) for do-it-yourself barbeque and a side of japchae, which are Korean stir fried noodles with vegetables.

Best live music venue?

Mosaka: I used to go to Roseland a lot back in the day.
Yvonne: Not really the best venue, but my good friend performs at Spike Hill in Williamsburg for Thursday open mic night. Very chill, and fun to support your friends.

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

Mosaka: Fashion show at the Museum of Natural History?
Yvonne: Does seeing High School Musical 3 opening night count as “cultural?”

Strangest/ coolest NY experience you have ever had?

Alice: The most entertaining was an MTV Awards after party that was hosted by Wyclef John. My friend coquettishly waved to him and we all ended up dancing on stage. The rest is her story to tell…and I think he was married at the time. Celebrity encounters happen all the time, but rarely occurs outside of NYC, am I right? The strangest NY experience was at Deep when we wandered into the VIP section where the owners’ girlfriends invited us to join their table. The owners were all a “family” with names Vinny, Danny, and Tommy and one guy responded to the “what do you do question” with “creative loans.”

Best area or neighborhood for fun on a budget?

Mosaka: Anywhere in New York just read the event section on Socially Superlative..we’ll take care of you!
Yvonne: East Village is steadily becoming more expensive, but you can still find great deals.
Alice: Chinatown; dim sum is rarely more than $10 a person and you are stuffed. For free dessert, go next door to Aji Ichiban, a candy store with tons of weird dried seafood samples.

Best way to spot a trend (this can apply to a trendy new band, new restaurant, hairstyle… anything, really)?

Mosaka: I don’t really follow trends or the next “it” thing I play by own rules. I am actually pretty clueless when it comes to stuff like that. I didn’t even know what a blog was until January of this year when I started reading Dlisted which is the only other blog I read. There are writers on my site who read multiple blogs so they help me stay in the loop, but sometimes they mention names of people in their reviews and I have no idea who these people are. Like I said I am pretty clueless.
Yvonne: Copy your cool friends!

What are some of your favorite New York City events?

Post A Comment And Let Us Know!

Being a bargain hunter, with a taste for the finer things in life, is no less than a full time job; and most New Yorkers just can’t find the time in their already hectic lives. So what’s a thrifty shopper to do? Rely on the Guerilla Shopper – that’s what! The Guerilla Shopper has been “beating retail at its own game since the 80s” and with a repertoire like that, the Guerilla Shopper is sure to keep you abreast of the latest bargains and shopping trends! Check in with this blog once you’ve inevitably reached your wits end with your usual shopping haunts!

10012: Soho’s Hair Hideaway

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Your hair is not a place to cut corners! (no pun intended) You may have to spend more money than you want to, or than your husband/significant other wants you to. Tough. Do it. It will make you look better, feel better and give you something to look forward to every 6 weeks or so…8 weeks at the longest. This is where you can spend the money that you’ve saved after utilizing effective Guerilla Shopping technique! So where should you go? Try Mario Diab salon (stylist Helik Torres is my favorite). Set in something of a mini-co-operative business space in Soho at 62 Crosby St., the salon is tucked in the basement. Completely outfit in black and white, this calm environment allowed me to get my hair done efficiently and effectively in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling mirror while drinking green tea. I was in, I was out and on my way. With my hair bouncing happily atop my head.

What is your favorite “Hair Hideaway”?

Post A Comment And Let Us Know!

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/2008/10/24/east-village-dress-code/ http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/10/24/east-village-dress-code/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:25:43 +0000 Cool in Your Code http://www.coolinyourcode.com/?p=2934

For the ultimate mix of old and new, and a little something all its own, head to the East Village. Vintage toys, magazines, and clothes of all kinds can be found at Love Saves The Day. If you are missing your School House Rock lunchbox, Smurf miniatures, or an awesome 80’s era leather jacket, you can probably find it here in Leslie Herson’s home for all things nostalgic. When you are done looking back, Blue and Cream showcases the cutting edge of high-end fashion. With labels such as Charlotte Ronson, Alexander Wang, L.A.M.B., and Herve Leger, Jeff Goldstein has created a haven for the modern fashionista. And the truly original can be themselves at legendary fashion designer Patricia Field’s home on the Bowery. A little bit Hollywood, a little bit old school, and a little bit for everyone can be found downtown.

Love Saves the Day
119 2nd Avenue, 10003

Blue and Cream
11 E 1st Street, 10003
www.blueandcream.com

Patricia Field
302 Bowery, 10012
www.patriciafield.com

What Are Your East Village Shopping Destinations?

Post A Comment And Let Us Know!

Below the rumbles of the 7 train on 74th Street, you’ll discover the colorful world of Little India in 11372. In addition to their multicultural culinary offerings, Jackson Heights has got you covered when it comes to sari shopping and ethnic jewelry. So if you want to look like an Indian princess or just own a piece of traditional Indian culture – check out three hot destinations that CiNYC Fashion Host Sasha strongly suggests!

Saris are the traditional garb of women in India, and the first must have when realizing your Bombay dreams. 74th Street offers a dazzling array of fabrics and colors to get you started. Ready made sari’s are typically offered in store but it’s best to have yourself fitted for a custom piece. With so many different types of embroidery and other options, you’ll have to get more than one!

If you’re looking for 11372’s answer to Target, then you’ll need to experience Butala Emporium. It is your one stop shop for furniture, music, beauty products, home accents, jewelry and so much more!

All you need now is some bling to complete your look. For traditional jewelry, Shri Krishna has wall to wall genuine 22 karat gold selections. Intricate designs and precious stones gives this shop its brilliant shine, and the helpful salespeople will hook you up from head to toe.

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?

Post a Comment and Let Us Know!

]]> http://www.coolinyourcode.com/2008/08/29/sohaute/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.

In a city where a trunk can double as your dining table, and where your kitchen (if you have one) is also your storage space, the Antiques Garage takes making the most of your space to a whole new level. This feast of a flea market is housed on two floors of a Chelsea garage, one that begins a thrilling transformation into one of the city’s greatest bargain havens at the stroke of midnight. Here you can find obscure items such as 19th century photos, vintage handbags, and fine silver you never imagined you needed. This hard-core market is also associated with the outdoor West 25th Street Market and the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, located on 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. You can even take advantage of the $1 shuttle rides that this Hell’s Kitchen establishment provides to both Chelsea locales. CiNYC host Sasha got a chance to unlock the secret wonders that this shopping staple has to offer.

Antiques Garage
112 W. 25th Street, 10001

www.annexmarkets.com

Check out more of Sasha’s Dress Code adventures here!

Where Do You Like To Shop?

Post A Comment and Tell Us Where You Like To Find Your Fashion Treasures.

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!