CityStyle.com

Ho, Ho, Holiday Gift Guide

Editor — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:00:10 +0000

Holiday season is officially here. And with it comes the joys of giving (and receiving) glorious gifts. Here, our short-list of toys, threads, and other cool stuff. Enjoy.

FRED’S COOL JAZZ ICE CUBE TRAY

Sometimes the best bar in town is the one at home. Especially when your ice cubes are shaped like Stratocasters. That’s the idea behind Fred’s Cool Jazz Ice Cube Tray. For less than a ten spot, you get a trio of groovy guitar molds made of premium food grade silicone. Bonus: they also double as Popsicle molds. Hendrix would be proud.

Get into the guitar lifestyle at amazon.com.

FRIEND OR FOE’S SINATRA TEES

Of course, if you would prefer to wear your appreciation of music, the good looking tee shirts from the jazz aficionados at Friend Or Foe have got you covered. For their latest collection, they’ve hooked up with Ol’ Blue Eyes. So the next time you feel like channeling a little Rat Pack, start here.

Check out Friend Or Foe’s full Holiday 09 Collection.

WALLETS BY MAKR

Sure there a lot of handsome wallets out there. But not many are hand-crafted to such precise measurements using premium leather for so few Washingtons. That’s the charm of MAKR, a superb, little leather-goods shop located in Orlando, Florida. Think of them as stylish, wallet-friendly wallets (and bags).

Peruse the goods at makr.com.

THE VIPER SMARTSTART

It’s not easy to get excited about winter. But when your ride’s equipped with the superior technology of Viper SmartStart (and you have an iPhone), the coldest season is that much easier. With VSS and an iPhone, not only can you remotely start your car from your apartment, you can also get the heat started too. Ah, technology.

Learn more about Viper SmartStart here.

BACON POP

Standard microwavable popcorn is okay. But sometimes you want something more… bacon-y. (Or is it bacon-ish?) Either way, the bacon-loving food engineers at Justin & Dave’s have a greasy good solution: it’s called Bacon Pop. As in bacon-flavored popcorn. You can thank us later.

Experience bacon in a whole new way at baconpop.com.

The Secret Sale Report

Editor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:32 +0000

Now that it’s November, it’s time to elect… savings on your Fall/Winter wardrobe. Here’s our insider’s list to the best sales in town.

TUESDAY

J. CREW, NOW BELOW WHOLESALE

Stylish. Comfortable. And now seriously discounted. Yes, J. Crew is clearing the racks. Head to Clothingline in Midtown to score below wholesale prices on sartorial staples, like sweaters, blazers, outerwear, and shoes, for men and women. Through Friday, 10am - 7pm.

J. Crew Sale at Clothingline, 261 West 36th Street (between Seventh & Eighth Avenues), 2nd Floor, Midtown West, (212) 947-8748, jcrew.com

THURSDAY

THE RUGBY INSIDER SALE

The collegiate, preppy style of Ralph Lauren’s Rugby line is going on sale this Thursday. Stop in their University Avenue shop where select merchandise for men and women are up to 25% off for their celebrated Insider Sale. You’re welcome.

Rugby, 99 University Place (near 12th Street), Greenwich Village, (212) 677-1895, rugby.com

THE EMANUEL UNGARO SAMPLE SALE

You may have heard that Lindsay (yes, that Lindsay) lent her artistic abilities to the latest Ungaro collection. Now you can slip into something designed by the tabloid staple as the Fall/Winter collection heads to the Coolture Showroom for discounts of up to 80%. Think of it as getting one step closer to LiLo…

The Emanuel Ungaro Sample Sale at the Coolture Showroom, 409 West 39th Street (at 9th Avenue), (212) 249-4090, ungaro.com

SUNDAY

80% OFF LA PERLA

The only thing sexier than silk, lace and satin… is snagging La Perla’s divine lingerie at 80 percent off. Get your deeply-discounted deep cleavage this Sunday through Wednesday.

La Perla, 4 West 58th Street (between Fifth & Sixth Avenues), laperla.com

Mark Ronson: DJ and now, Gucci sneaker designer

Editor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:00:23 +0000

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wear.

So when the Gucci style gods wanted a healthy dose of hip to go with the launch of GUCCI ICON-TEMPORARY, their new flash sneaker store debuting later this week in Soho, they called for Ronson.

Mark Ronson.

You’re well aware of Mark’s reputation as turntable master, award-winning producer (see Back to Black by Amy Winehouse), and favorite DJ of the fashion police.

Now, thanks to a smart collaboration with Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini, you can add footwear designer to the list. Starting this Friday, his new line of Gucci Ronson shoes will debut at Gucci’s new pop-up shop on Crosby Street.

Along with his designer sneaks, Gucci will also unveil a limited edition collection of kicks featuring 16 men’s styles and 2 women’s styles, all highlighting classic Gucci design elements. Each shoe comes with either silver or gold metal dog tags, and you can even emboss your initials onto a customized leather tag on each shoe’s laces.

Throw in a special 12-inch vinyl record with tracks selected by Ronson himself and you’ve got a pretty cool deal.

You do own a turntable, don’t you?

Gucci Icon-Temporary opens to the public on Friday. To see more Gucci Ronson kicks, click here. For more details, visit Gucci Icon-Temporary’s Facebook page.

Gucci Icon-Temporary
43 Crosby Street (between Broome & Spring Streets), Soho
no phone
gucci.com

The Luxe Summer Sale Report

Editor — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:55:58 +0000

Summer-ing calls for looking sharp. Thankfully, your favorite luxury labels are all on sale. High design, meet low prices…

It’s that time of year again. When everyone’s favorite West Coast designer, James Perse, moves its luxurious tees, shirts, and other apparel for 60 to 80% off. You’ll need to register here for this exclusive online-only sale.

Visit JamesPerse.com.

Speaking of luxurious, Barneys is clearing the racks. Head up to Midtown for your favorite luxury department store’s Designer Sale and score up to 40% off select clothing and accessories for men and women, and gifts for the home.

Barneys, 660 Madison Avenue (at 61st Street), (212) 826-8900, barneys.com

Ladies love Jimmy Choo. And now, Jimmy Choo is showing them some love with an early Summer sale. Stop in the New York Flagship for discounts on select stilettos, sandals, and more.

Jimmy Choo, 645 Fifth Avenue (at 51st Street), (212) 593-0800, jimmychoo.com

Calling all John Varvatos fans: The noted menswear designer is offering nice reductions on select merch from last season. Bring your Black Card.

John Varvatos Soho, 122 Spring Street (at Greene Street), (212) 965-0700, johnvarvatos.com

For a little Italian luxe in your wardrobe, hit Domenico Vacca’s special sale. The high-end haberdashery is celebrating Summer with smart pricing on select men’s and women’s apparel. Happy hunting.

Domenico Vacca, 781 Fifth Avenue (near 60th Street), (212) 759-6112, domenicovacca.com

Summer Style… Starts Now

Editor — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:00:04 +0000

The start of Summer calls for white-hot sartorial splendor. Get yours here…

Tee up in style at J. Lindeberg secret pre-Spring sale. Stockholm’s finest golfing outfitter is reducing select men’s apparel and accessories by 25%. Hurry, sale ends soon.

J. Lindeberg, 126 Spring Street (at Greene Street), (212) 625-9403, jlindeberg.com

Find more relaxed and casual pieces at Nicholas K’s sample sale. This weekend only, the high fashion men’s and women’s Spring collections will be reduced by up to 75%. Friday (10am-8pm), Saturday (11am-7pm), and Sunday (Noon-6pm).

Nicholas K, 208 West 29th Street (between Seventh & Eighth Avenues), nicholask.com

Premium denim purveyors, G-Star, are throwing an epic End of Spring Sale. Hit their Soho store for up to 50 percent off select clothing and denim. Sale is currently in progress.

G-Star, 270 Lafayette Street (corner of Prince Street), (212) 219-2744, g-star.com

Class-up your wardrobe at Emanuel Ungaro’s Sample Sale. The noted French designer’s week-long sale kicks off tomorrow with up to 80% off men’s and women’s merch. Wednesday (Noon-6pm), Thursday (9am-7pm), and Friday (9am-6pm).

Emanuel Ungaro Sample Sale at The Warwick Hotel, 65 West 54th Street (between Fifth & Sixth Avenues), ungaro.com

Everyone has their favorite Ronson - your girlfriend’s just happens to be the sweet and stylish one. Encourage her infatuation and bring her to Charlotte Ronson’s Spring/Summer 09 Sample Sale. Wednesday (5/27) through Friday (5/29), 10am - 7pm.

Charlotte Ronson Spring/Summer 09 Sample Sale, 1071 Avenue of the Americas, Suite #301 (near 41st Street), charlotteronson.com

The Super Secret Sample Sale Report

Editor — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:00:52 +0000

If it feels like Summer (and it does!), maybe it’s time to dress like it. Amp up your wardrobe with something from these fine sales. You deserve it.

The nautical look always looks sharp. Saving up to 70% off the nautical look at Paul & Shark’s Sample Sale is even sharper. Head to the Italian label’s three-day sale for deeply discounted polos, jackets, and more. Today, tomorrow, and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Paul & Shark Showroom, 79 Madison Avenue (between 28th & 29th Streets), Suite 1206, no phone, paulshark.com

To help cap off the final day of Billy Reid’s sale tomorrow, the good bourbon makers at Woodford Reserve are donating a few bottles of Kentucky’s finest bourbon. Enjoy 25% off men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, and a complimentary glass of bourbon. Tomorrow, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Billy Reid, 54 Bond Street (near Bowery), (212) 598-9355, billyreid.com

Rising menswear designer Spurr is having its first-ever sample sale! Celebrate by stocking up on select shirts, suits, denim, and outerwear, at up to 65% off. Happy hunting. Thursday and Friday, from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.

Spurr Sample Sale at Starworks, 5 Crosby Street, between Grand & Howard Streets, Suite 3D, (646) 336-5920, spurr.tv

Ah, the secret Barneys Sale… Arrive early next Monday for up to 40% off men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as gifts for the casa. Ladies: enjoy triple free stuff points. Our friends at Racked have the promotional flier.

Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenue (at 61st Street), (212) 826-8900, barneys.com

43,000 Square-Feet Of Armani Style

Editor — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:01:21 +0000

In your world, actions speak louder than words.

With that in mind, nothing says stimulus this season…

… Like a brand-new flagship store. Opening next Wednesday, Italian fashion maestro Giorgio Armani is moving to Fifth Avenue. Armani/Fifth Avenue sits on 43,000 square-feet of prime UES real estate while its glass walls stretch 45-feet high.

In his glass house, like you’d expect, is a glossy, beautiful, modern display for everyone to admire. Start at the basement for all your casual needs courtesy of EA7 and Armani Jeans; those Beckham-approved threads also make their home here. The ground floor houses accessories and fragrances. Climb up the modern staircase and you’ll find Armani Casa, as well as both Giorgio and Emporio collections.

Being a flagship, there’s a stable of perks. Book a private VIP fitting room for those precision suit fittings. And in between picking peak lapels and debating vents, you might even sample Armani Dolci’s line of fine chocolates.

The sweets and select products from both lines are unique to this store.

So is that limited-edition, crocodile messenger you’ve had your eye on.

Armani/5th Avenue
717 Fifth Avenue (at 56th Street)
Tel: (212) 339-5950
armani5thavenue.com

Black Fleece, Meet Bleecker Street

Editor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:01:41 +0000

You’re always willing to give the shirt off your back.

That’s about to change…

…thanks to Brooks Brothers’ first freestanding Black Fleece store. We’ve been hearing rumblings of the store’s existence since last October, and are happy to report that the anticipation comes to an end this Sunday.

The collaboration between America’s benchmark in tradition, Brooks Brothers, with New York’s designer debonair, Thom Browne, has been found peppered in Brooks Brothers shops across the country, but never standing alone. Sunday can’t some soon enough. Think short jackets and high-hemmed pants coupled with sleeves exposing ample cuff, shin-brushing trousers, and stunted collars—it’s the sharper end of America’s move toward a narrower fit.

The 1,700-square foot space, however, is anything but narrow. The interior is a masculine contrast to Browne’s shrinking suits. It’s lavish and upscale. Exposed brick walls, handsome slate-hued Louis XV armchairs, topped with a stunning chandelier all work in effect to give you West Village moxie meets New England prep school.

It’s safe to say Browne is the new Black this season.

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece debuts this Sunday.

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece
351 Bleecker Street (at West 10th Street)
Tel: (212) 929-2763
brooksbrothers.com/blackfleece

Global Goddesses And The Beautiful Botswana

Editor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:46:32 +0000

With Thanksgiving Day coming into range, now would be a good time to think of all you’re grateful for.

Like Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana (plus six of her sexiest friends) photographed against the lush landscape of Africa.

Introducing the 2009 Pirelli Calendar. Those lucky enough to be on the list have been receiving “The Cal” for over 40 years. While Pirelli may be better known for making tires, they’ve been producing these glossy masterpieces since 1964. The roster of calendar girls both past and present reads like a supermodel all-star team: think Giselle, Kate, and Cindy. Match these muses with photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Herb Ritts, Patrick Demarchelier, and stunning backdrops (Côte d’Azur, Rio, Shanghai) and you’ve got yourself a year’s worth of dates with beautiful women.

This year, supermodels Daria Werbowy, Mariacarla Boscono, Lara Stone and Rianne Ten Haken are among those shot by Peter Beard in beautiful Botswana. Beard, having spent three decades in Kenya, is considered one of the world’s greatest interpreters of the mystery and charm of Africa. Through his lens, we see wild and unspoiled Africa, elephants as metaphor of the human race…

… And some of the most gorgeous goddesses frolicking in the Okavango Delta.

Thanks, Pirelli!

Click here to sample more supermodels and scenery.

Visit pirellical.com.

Behold: The Secret Sample Sale Report

Editor — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:01:08 +0000

Bring the Benjamins. Break out the Black Card. It’s time for another round of luxury sample sales…

Emporio Armani online is having a Private Sale and you’re invited: score complimentary shipping and 40% off Fall apparel and accessories when you checkout using the code “EXCLUSIVE”. The secret sale ends this Friday.

Browse the virtual racks at emporioarmani.com.

Dress down with style at the Rogues Gallery Sample Sale. Select gear from the nautically-inspired collection can now be yours for up to 90% off! Today through Thursday.

Rogues Gallery Sample Sale, 33 West 26th Street, Fourth Floor, (between Broadway & Sixth Avenue), roguesgallery.com

Rag & Bone, Surface to Air, and Obedient Sons headline BBlessing’s Late Fall Sample Sale. Enjoy markdowns of up to 35% off select Autumn/Winter merchandise. Sale starts today.

Bblessing, 181 Orchard Street (between Stanton & Houston Streets), (212) 378-8005, bblessing.com

Update your weekend wardrobe with some tailored edge from Steven Alan’s Sample Sale. Starting Thursday, take 30 to 75% off the noted designer’s signature shirts, Rag & Bone gear, and other labels. Through Sunday (11/23).

Steven Alan Showroom, 87 Franklin Street (between Broadway & Church Street), (212) 219-3305, stevenalan.com

Nicholas K is clearing the racks: starting Thursday, select merch from the Men’s and Women’s collections are reduced by up to 90%! Sale ends Sunday. Happy hunting.

Nicholas K Sample Sale, 33 West 17th Street (between Fifth & Sixth Avenues), nicholask.com