Urbanite

In the Rockaways, surf and small business

Monday July 13, 2009 8:36 PM By Garett Sloane

Bobby Vaughn is the owner of FTW surf shop.

By Shayndi Raice

Special to amNewYork

Most people don’t think of New York City as a hot spot for surfing.

But since the city legalized the sport at two beaches in the Rockaways in 2004, the area has increasingly become a surfers’ haven. And local shops that cater to surfers are finding the recession is actually boosting business.

After all, why travel to Malibu when waves await at the end of the A line?

“One of my friends described us as recession-proof,” said Steve Stathis, 59, owner of Boarders Surf Shop near Beach 90 in Rockaway Beach. “People can still enjoy reasonably priced leisure activities. Just for a day out, you can come down here and rent a surfboard for $25 for four hours.”Stathis said that at the end of the winter, his business was down 40 percent. But that didn’t deter him from ordering the usual amount of merchandise for the summer, including more surfboards to rent.

His calculation was simple: Surfing locally would become a cheap and popular option in recessionary times. “We think we hit the nail on the head,” he said. “We’re seeing people in here that we’ve never seen before.”

Business this summer was slow in June, but is now on pace with past summers, Stathis said.

Bobby Vaughn, 34, said his business has benefited from city surfers sticking closer to home. In April, he opened up a surf shop, FTW, which sells higher-end gear. He does not rent equipment and his surfboards start at about $600 apiece.

He said that so far business is brisk.

“People can’t afford to go to other places,” he said. “A lot more people are staying local.”

Surfers at the beach last week shared those sentiments.

“Here, beaches are free. You only have to a buy a board once and you have it for life,” said Michael Terriberry, 30, of Maspeth.

Another surfer, Liz Henry, 23, of Brooklyn, was out with friends on a warm day.

“I can go as often as I want to go to the beach,” Henry said. “I can’t afford to go somewhere else.”

Tags: the rockaways, surfing, surfing in new york city, small business, bobby vaughn, ftw, surf shop, boarders surf shop, economy, queens, retail, shopping, sports

Sales: July 13 to 19

Sunday July 12, 2009 6:10 PM By Julie Gordon

J. Crew

July 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 13 to 16, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 261 W. 36th St., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 2nd Fl., 212-947-8748

Clothing and accessories for women, men and children are below wholesale prices. Bathing suits that were $94 are now $15. Women’s tops that were originally $40 are now $10.

W.A. Studios

July 13 to 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 390 Fifth Ave., at W. 36th St., Suite 410, 212-397-3599

The summer jewelry collection is up to 80 percent off. Prices range from $5 to $45.

Lela Rose Wedding

July 15 to 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 224 W. 30th St., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 13th Fl., 212-947-9204, x 11

Gorgeous gowns from Lela Rose are on sale for 50 to 80 percent off. Dresses range from $500 to $3,000.

Nanette Lepore (shown at left)

July 14 to 16, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 225 W. 35th St., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 4th Fl., 212-594-0012

Bohemian-style pieces by the designer are up to 75 percent off. Dresses that retail for $335 to $595 are now $75 to $160. Coats are now $195 to $275, reduced from $510 to $760.Miguel Ases

July 15 to 17, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 150 W. 25th St., btwn Sixth and Seventh aves., suite 601, 212-337-9646

The designer’s high-end jewelry line is up to 70 percent off. Cash payment gives customers an additional 10 percent off.

Made Her Think

July 16 and 17, 1 to 8 p.m. 195 Chrystie St., btwn Stanton and Rivington sts., Suite 301-7, 212-228-2144

Bold, dramatic pieces of jewelry are up to 60 percent off.

Send sale listings to jgordon@am-ny.com.

Photo: Nanette Lepore's spring '09 runway show (Getty)

Tags: sales, sample sales, shopping, fashion

Sales: July 6 to 12

Monday July 6, 2009 11:46 AM By Julie Gordon

French Sole

Until July 13, Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. 12 to 5 p.m. 976 Lexington Ave., btwn 71st and 72nd sts., 212-472-9200

The company that originated the ballet flat trend is selling its hand-made shoes for up to 70 percent off. Ballet flats are $105, half-off the original price. Leather sandals are on sale for $109, originally $200.

Halston

July 7 to 9, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 96 Spring St., btwn Broadway and Greene St., 2nd Fl., 212-282-1200

Dresses and accessories from the famous designer are 75 percent off. Long dresses that retail for $2,695 are now $695.Rachel Comey

July 8 to 9, 5 to 9 p.m; July 10, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; July 11, 12 to 5 p.m. 335 W. 35th St., btwn Eighth and Ninth aves., 7th Fl., 212-334-0470

Flirty dresses and men’s and women’s shoes are up to 60 percent off, with prices starting at $60. Silk dresses that were $380 are now $165.

Boutique on 57

July 8 to 10, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 12 W. 57th St., btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 212-247-2229

Clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry by famous designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Lacroix and Valentino, are up to 75 percent off.

Alexander Wang (see at left)

July 9, 2 to 8 p.m.; July 10, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; July 11, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 83 Wooster St., btwn Spring and Broome sts., 212-532-3103

Pieces from Alexander Wang’s edgy spring collection are 80 percent off. A denim-and-leather motorcycle jacket is $745, originally $1,495. A fitted dress that was $795 is now $395.

Photo: A model at the Alexander Wang spring '09 show (Getty)

Send sample sale listings to jgordon@am-ny.com.

Tags: shopping, fashion

Summer jewelry must-haves

Monday July 6, 2009 9:20 AM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon

Most seasonally themed clothing is a big style no-no (think Santa-adorned sweaters), but that’s not the case with summer accessories. Sea creatures, hula dancers, colors that remind us of the beach — they’re all fair game for adding a little warm-weather flair to a summertime ensemble.

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry necklace, $55; at emilyelizabethjewelry.com

Emily Elizabeth calls this brass piece its “Saved by the Bell” necklace. We’re sure Zack, Kelly, Slater, Screech, Lisa and even Jessie would approve.

Komodokat earrings, $9; at girlzlyfe.com

A campfire favorite, s’mores make their way onto the earlobes of New Yorkers this summer. Tasty!

Target bracelet, $12.99, and earrings, $4.99; at Target

Leave it to Target to make a completely affordable charm bracelet and earrings look expensive — and adorable.

Lucid New York necklace, $55; at The Market NYC, 268 Mulberry St. (Sat.-Sun.)

If your favorite childhood pastime was jumping rope, you’ll flip for this 14-karat gold vermeil piece of nostalgia.

GirlPROPS earrings, $4.99; at GirlPROPS, 153 Prince St., 212-505-7615

Pair these hula-girl earrings with a green skirt and some flowers in your hair — and bite into a ham sandwich — and you just might feel like you’re at a Hawaiian luau instead of a Brooklyn barbecue.

J. Crew ring, $65; at J. Crew

Dress up an evening outfit with this flashy floral cocktail ring, made of 18-karat gold-plated metal with Czech-glass rhinestones.

Steven Shein ring, $29; at shopstevenshein.com

Even if your summer romance doesn’t make it past the fling stage, this plexiglass-and-acrylic-on-wood ring will.

Little Bijou necklace, $50; at littlebijou.com

This turquoise piece from newbie New York City brand Little Bijou perfectly captures the tranquility of the summertime ocean and sky.

Manic Trout bracelet, $45; at manictrout.com

This handmade brass critter looks like he’s about to jump off the wrist and into the water.

Go for the bold

Designer Steven Shein gave us his take on wearing bold and bright jewelry.

-“It’s best to either wear one piece of loud jewelry at a time or go totally overboard and rock a ton of it.”

-“It doesn’t matter what you wear as long as you wear it proudly.”

-“Whatever one is comfortable with is usually the best way to go.”

Tags: shopping, fashion

City Living: Crown Heights

Wednesday July 1, 2009 6:42 PM By Rolando Pujol

Photos by Marie Claire Andrea (More images in Thursday's edition of amNewYork)

By James Yolles

Special to amNewYork

For a glimpse of Crown Heights, stand on a weekday afternoon outside the Kingston Avenue subway station, where residents stream onto Eastern Parkway, Frederick Law Olmsted’s sweeping, tree-lined boulevard that divides the large central Brooklyn neighborhood roughly in half.

There, Haitians, Hasidic Lubavitch Jews, African-Americans and whites emerge from the station. They head home, onto quiet streets of row homes, apartment buildings and housing projects, and onto avenues peppered with curried goat restaurants and kosher fish shops. The pulse of reggae music fills the air as traditionally dressed Lubavitchers go to pray. The diversity of Crown Heights’ population and streets alone makes it worth a visit.

It’s a neighborhood filled with promise, yet still working to turn a corner since the racially fueled riots of 1991.

The geography and makeup of Crown Heights can be confusing. The neighborhood straddles two community boards, two City Council districts and two police precincts. In every case, Eastern Parkway is the divider. Though technically part of one large neighborhood, these two areas have little to do with each other.

“This neighborhood has worked hard to pull itself up to get going in the right direction,” said Suzanne Spellen, a Crown Heights community activist. “The glory days are not behind us because we’re really in our glory days now.”Essential Visit

The Chassidic Discovery Tour

305 Kingston Ave., 718-953-5244, jewishtours.com

This is a unique opportunity to step inside a world most New Yorkers know little about. A rabbi will guide you through life in the Lubavitch community, among other interesting features.

Real Estate

Like many other neighborhoods, Crown Heights real estate was hit hard by the economic downturn. An example can be found on East New York Avenue, where vacant condos that were supposed to sell for $250,000-$350,000 were obtained by the city to house homeless families. Additionally, many Crown Heights residents who were priced out of Manhattan are now moving back since prices have fallen in the recession, said Greg Todd, an associate broker with The Corcoran Group in Fort Greene. Still, Todd says that he sees strong potential in Crown Heights.

To rent

$600

Studio on St. Marks Avenue with lots of light

$1,000

One-bedroom on St. Johns Place, completely renovated, two blocks from the No. 3 train

$1,650

Two-bedroom on Dean Street, newly renovated, on landmarked block

To buy

$318,000

Studio duplex condo on Park Place, completely renovated, on quiet block

$398,000

Two-bedroom condo on Park Place, new construction, in elevator building

$650,000

Two-family house on Lincoln Place, needs some work, one block from the No. 3 train

Contact: Greg Todd, The Corcoran Group, 718-496-5139

To Play

Places to meet friends, have a drink and relax are few and far between in Crown Heights. A recent influx of young residents has led to the opening of a few spots that have helped invigorate the nightlife scene.

Tavern on Nostrand

813 Nostrand Ave., 718-778-7160

Half a block into Crown Heights South, Tavern on Nostrand is a popular 4-year-old dining and after-work drinks spot that came under new ownership in March. There is an intimate, neighborhood feel at the bar, where Tuesday-Friday happy hours offer $5 well drinks and $4 beers. An owner said a name change is coming soon.

Washington Commons

434 Park Pl., at Washington Ave., 718-230-3666

You have to look carefully for this low-key bar on a Washington Avenue corner. The only indicator that there’s something going on inside is the small chalkboard listing happy-hour specials. The newly opened bar features a generous 3-8 p.m. happy hour seven days a week, where it’s $2 off all drinks. Instead of the usual standbys, there are 16 rotating beers on tap from Cooperstown, Chicago, Germany, Belgium and Vermont, among other places.

Franklin Park

618 St. Johns Pl., 718-975-0196

Part old mechanic’s garage, part outdoor beer garden, Franklin Park has a typically laid-back Brooklyn feel, partially thanks to the music (think Mark Ronson and Marvin Gaye). The beer garden is routinely packed on summer weekends, where many patrons sip Sixpoint Craft Ales from Red Hook.

Though there are a surprising number of restaurants in Crown Heights, few manage to stand out, but here are several worth a visit.

Abigail Café and Wine Bar

807 Classon Ave., 718-399-3200

This bright, airy spot, which opened a year ago, offers a diverse, affordable selection of wines and tap beers, along with an ambitious menu that often hits the mark. The roasted monkfish with a pea puree and roasted radishes is a refreshing summer dish. Abigail also offers a jazz brunch, and holds various weekly events that are detailed on the Web site.

Chavella’s

732 Classon Ave., 718-622-3100, cash only

This small Mexican restaurant serves flavorful food to a neighborhood crowd. In the tacos ($3), the vegetables are fresh, and the sauces are vibrant.

David’s Brisket House and Deli

533 Nostrand Ave., no phone

Though it’s just over the Atlantic Avenue border into Bedford-Stuyvesant, this old-school joint is worth mentioning. Inside this narrow, informal spot, you’ll taste some of the best pastrami and brisket sandwiches ($7.50) outside of Katz’s in Manhattan. Thinly sliced brisket, doused with juices, on rye with mustard and a pickle from David’s is a true New York City lunch.

The Islands

803 Washington Ave., 718-398-3575, cash only

There are a seemingly infinite number of West Indian restaurants serving jerk chicken and other specialties in Crown Heights, but this one is the best. You might have to wait for a seat at this restaurant across Eastern Parkway from the Brooklyn Museum, but it’s worth it. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of West Indian Crown Heights, order the jerk chicken platter ($8) and a Ting — grapefruit soda — to drink.

Q&A

Valerie Bowers, a 65-year-old former librarian, has lived in a three-story row house on Dean Street in Crown Heights since 1949.

What was the neighborhood’s character and flavor like when you were growing up?

It was more integrated. There were more white people. They’re starting to move back now. … You had bakeries, butcher shops, individual greengrocers and ice cream parlors. We didn’t have to leave the neighborhood to shop for clothing, which you do now. It was just a safe, friendly place to live.

Are there still remnants of that Crown Heights?

With all the crime problems we had in the ’70s and ’80s, this has been a stable community. So many of the properties have been passed down by families through generations. I still know my neighbors on either side from a long time ago. It’s not a transient place.

Is there anything you’d like to change?

Nostrand Avenue. I would like to see a better variety of commercial stores. I don’t know how many roti shops, how many nail shops there are, but there’s hardly any variety.

What do you think attracts people to this area?

The neighborliness. It’s a real community.

If someone had a few hours to spend in Crown Heights, what would you suggest they do?

Walk around. I would go down Dean Street, turn right at New York Avenue, and just look at the houses.

To Shop

Again, the lack of quality retail in Crown Heights is a concern, but the diversity of the neighborhood results in a variety of stores that add flavor to the neighborhood.

Beri Outlet

500 Prospect Pl., 718-622-3494

The outlet store for Dumbo’s Bluberi and Prospect Heights’ Redberi sells fashionable off-season vintage and designer women’s clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry. Clothing is up to 60 percent off, bags up to 50 percent, shoes up to 40 percent and jewelry up to 30 percent.

Judaica World of Crown Heights

329 Kingston Ave., 718-604-1020,

judaica-world.com

A block from the Lubavitch headquarters is Judaica World, one of the best places for Jewish items in New York City. It sells, among other items, menorahs, mezuzahs, Sabbath candleholders, yarmulkes, and Jewish books and music.

Raskin’s Fish Market

320 Kingston Ave., 718-756-9521,

raskinfish.com

Since 1961, Raskin’s has offered a wide variety of fresh kosher fish, pickled vegetables and other Jewish specialties. This is a taste of the real old Jewish New York that, for the most part, long ago left the Lower East Side.

Brooklyn Beverage Barn

1423 Bedford Ave., 718-783-0101

Another former auto garage turned drink-themed establishment, Brooklyn Beverage Barn has a selection of beers from breweries such as Flying Dog, Dogfish Head, and St. Peter’s — a rarity in Crown Heights.

To See

Weeksville Heritage Center

1698 Bergen St., 718-756-5250

Three historic homes from one of the first free black communities in the country still stand in the northeastern section of Crown Heights. Named for James Weeks, who bought the land in 1838, the village was once home to about 500 residents.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

145 Brooklyn Ave., 718-735-4400

The attractive museum features child-friendly exhibits that teach visitors about Brooklyn, its ethnic groups and cuisines. Children can also learn about area stream and woodland creatures and see live frogs. A performance theater, gift shop and cafe are within.

Jewish Children’s Museum

792 Eastern Parkway, 718-467-0600

This is a state-of-the-art, hands-on environment where children can learn about the Jewish faith, traditions, holidays and kosher foods. They can also eat at a kosher deli.

Brooklyn Museum

200 Eastern Pkwy., 718-638-5000

Housed inside a grand, 1895 Beaux-Arts building, this is the second-largest art museum in the city. It features permanent collections of paintings by prominent artists, ancient Egyptian works, and masks from Africa and the Pacific Islands.

Grant Square

Bedford Avenue at Dean Street

See several pieces of historic Crown Heights here: a statue of Ulysses S. Grant on horseback, the former Unity League Club headquarters and several examples of classic Crown Heights North architecture.

Tags: city living, crown heights, brooklyn, real estate, shopping, architecture, history, restaurants, nightlife

Sales: June 29 to July 5

Sunday June 28, 2009 4:59 PM By Julie Gordon

James Leonard Opticians

Until June 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1010 Second Ave., btwn 53rd and 54th sts.,

212-753-7733

Sunglasses and prescription eyewear from designers such as Prada, Gucci and Armani is up to 85 percent off.

Showroom New York

June 29 to July 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 202 W. 40th St., at Seventh Ave., 9th Fl.

Items are on sale from clothing and accessory designers including Sheila Elaine, DRES, Dinna Soliman, Corrente, Chulette and La China Loca. Pieces are up to 80 percent off.

bliss

June 29 to July 5, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. W Hotel, 541 Lexington Ave., at 49th St.,

877-TO-BLISS

Feel-good body lotions, creams and soaps are up to 75 percent off. Acne gel that was $32 is now $16. Lemon sage soap is now $8, reduced from $16.

Sophia Eugene and Christopher Deane

Until July 7, 12 to 8 p.m. daily. 37 Cornelia St., btwn Bleecker and W. 4th sts., 212-488-2124

Get stocked up for summer with silk and jersey dresses at 50 to 80 percent off. Frocks from Sophia Eugene that were $258 are now $100. Maxi dresses from Christopher Deane are now $150, reduced from $325.

Tags: shopping, fashion

Sample sales: June 22 to 28

Sunday June 21, 2009 10:54 AM By Julie Gordon

nOir

June 23 to 25, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 350 W. 38th St., btwn Eighth and Ninth aves., 5th Fl., 212-244-4846

Funky and unique jewelry is on sale for up to 75 percent off.

Jane Marvel

June 23 to 25, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 499 Seventh Ave., at 37th St., 212-380-2225

Practical and fashionable handbags and travel bags are up to 50 percent off. A large canvas weekend bag that was $142 is now $85.

Amanda Uprichard

June 24 to 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 226 W. 37th St., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 3rd Fl., 212-719-0320

Get girly dresses, tunics and tops in bright, summery colors. Silk dresses that were $188 are now $60. Be sure to look for the bargain bins, with pieces starting at $25.

Melissa

June 24 to 28, noon to 7 p.m. 520 W. 27th St., btwn Tenth and 11th aves., Suite 601, 646-478-8967

Look good while doing good by grabbing a pair of 100 percent recyclable shoes. Gladiator-style jellies are $35 (originally $70). Peep-toe wedges were $99 and are now $39.Bulga

June 24, 8 to 8 p.m.; June 25, 10 to 8 p.m. 145 W. 18th St., btwn Sixth and Seventh aves., 212-388-0339

Modern yet classic handbags for day and night are up to 70 percent off retail. A hobo shoulder bag that was $795 is now $350. A white shoulder bag that was $800 is now $250.

Various designers

June 25 to 27, noon to 8 p.m.; June 28, noon to 7 p.m. 230 Mott St., btwn Prince and Spring sts., 212-431-3694

Get frocks, tops, bottoms and lacy underthings from designers including Only Hearts, Rebecca Minkoff, Loomstate and Kaya Stuart. Pieces are up to 80 percent off.

Tags: shopping

New York City consumers keep it simple

Wednesday June 17, 2009 6:28 PM By Garett Sloane

New York City consumers still spend, but their habits are changing. (Getty)

By Danielle Sonnenberg

Special to amNewYork

When New Yorkers spend money these days, it’s likely to be on the basics.

Nine months after the city entered the Big Bust, shell-shocked shoppers are still cautious, leaving some of the city’s largest stores to cope with a changed consumer landscape.

“I think consumers are looking for small luxuries. They are spending on things they won’t do without,” said Joseph Magnacca, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer of Duane Reade.Food and beverage sales are booming — up 20 percent, Magnacca said.

Shoppers are dipping into the frozen foods section to replace dinners out and buying hair-coloring products to avoid the salon, Magnacca said.

Generic brands are also big. Duane Reade noticed the demand and introduced its own bottled water.

“I try to buy products that are store brands, they are much cheaper,” said Janelle Reid, a Brooklyn teacher.

At D’Agostino Supermarkets, shoppers are retrenching.

“Consumers are sticking with what they know and having a back-to-the-basics type of mentality,” said Anderson Chung, director of marketing at D’Agostino.

The organic aisle isn’t seeing as much traffic, he said, but demand for seafood, chicken and ground beef is up about 15 percent. Sales of T-bones and filet mignons are down 15 percent.

A recently unemployed D’Agostino shopper, Bianca Berry, 26, of Manhattan, was sticking with the staples: pasta, bread, cheese and peanut better.

“I revert back to my college days,” Berry said.

Simple shopping habits are taking their toll on high-end stores.

At menswear retailer Mario Caldi in midtown, they can’t cut prices deep enough to satisfy haggling consumers.

“It got a little bit better, but customers are still looking for discounts,” said Karma Lama, a salesman.

Paco Underhill, founder of Envirosell, which monitors shopping behavior, says it is no wonder shoppers are buying comfort not luxury.

“We are focused on the standard … hierarchy of needs: shelter, food and warmth,” he said.

Tags: consumers, retail, changing consumer behavior, new york city, duane reade, d'agostino supermarkets, envirosell, shopping, recession's affect on, big bust, economy, grocery stores

Sample sales: June 15 to 21

Sunday June 14, 2009 2:25 PM By Julie Gordon

Isaia

June 16, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; June 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 730 Fifth Ave., btwn 56th and 57th sts., Suite 1004, 212-920-1211

Men's suits, tuxedos, leather and casual clothing from the Italian designer are up to 80 percent off.

Tracy Reese (shown left) and Robert Graham

June 16 to 17, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; June 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 250 W. 39th St. btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 212-398-9300

There's something for men and women at this sale. Pieces from Tracy Reese's three lines — Tracy Reese, plenty and frock! — are marked down. A striped A-line dress from frock! (the lowest priced line) is $125 instead of $320. A skirt from plenty (mid-priced line) is $75 instead of $250. Robert Graham's knits, woven shirts and shorts are $60 each or three for $165 (originally $148 to $298 each).Catherine Malandrino

June 17, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; June 18 and 19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., btwn Sixth and Seventh aves., 212-388-0339

Dresses and tops from the luxury brand are 75 to 90 percent off. Vintage pieces from the runway collection are also available.

Cynthia Steffe

June 18 to 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 550 Seventh Ave., btwn 39th and 40th sts., 10th Fl., 212-403-6200

Spring and summer dresses, tops, pants, shorts and skirts are $5 to $50. Vintage pieces are also on sale.

Multiple designers

June 18 to 21, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., btwn 15th and 16th sts.

More is more at this sale. Available are men's and women's items from brands including Original Penguin, Freedom is Natural Nirvana, Lewis Cho, Pink Polka Dot and Josh Brody.

Priscilla of Boston

June 19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 264 W. 40th St., 2nd Fl., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves. 212-997-3956

Bridal gowns start at $199 (originally $1,500 to $8,000). Bridesmaid and special event dresses start at just $19.99

Send sample sale listings to jgordon@am-ny.com.

Photo: Tracy Reese spring '09 fashion show (Getty)

Tags: shopping, fashion

Sample sales: June 8 to 14

Sunday June 7, 2009 3:02 PM By Julie Gordon

Baby Eggi

June 9 to 11, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; June 12, 8 a.m. to 5 pm. 141 W. 36th St., btwn Broadway and Seventh Ave., Suite 1804, 917-385-8021

Kids clothing line Baby Eggi, which is designed by celebrity tattoo artist Mark Mahoney, offers items for $3 to $15 (normally $18 to $38).

Eugenia Kim

June 9 to 12, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 347 W. 36th St., btwn Eighth and Ninth aves., Suite 502, 212-674-1345

More than 1,000 men's and women's hats, belts and headbands from the spring/summer '09 collection are 50 to 70 percent off.

Rebecca Taylor (shown at left)

June 10 to 11, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 145 W. 18th St., btwn Sixth and Seventh aves., 212-966-0406

Feminine finds from the New Zealand designer are on sale. Sweaters are $125, camis $80, tops $115, pants and skirts $75, jackets $125 and shorts $50.Replay

June 10 to 12, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 38 W. 21st St., btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 11th fl., 212-462-2045

Jeans, outerwear, tops, dresses and accessories are up to 80 percent off. Jeans that were $285 are now $59.

Melissa Joy Manning

June 11, 5 to 9 p.m. Equinox Soho, 568 Broadway, at Prince St., 2nd Fl., 212-334-4631

Attend Melissa Joy Manning's sample sale soiree. Bold pieces of jewelry are up to 75 percent off, with some as low as $5 to $20. Restaurant Delicatessen is providing food, and Bulldog Gin is providing cocktails.

Butter by Nadia

June 13, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; June 14, noon to 5 p.m. 405 Van Brunt St., at Van Dyke St., Red Hook, Brooklyn, 347-410-3203

Brooklyn brand Butter by Nadia is offering its signature wrap dresses for $50 to $125 (originally $250 to $270). Also on sale are jersey and satin ball gowns for $150 instead of $360. Credit cards only accepted for purchases of $250 and up.

Photo: Rebecca Taylor spring '09 fashion show at Bryant Park (Getty)

Tags: shopping, fashion

Crown Heights deli now a general store for skateboarders with an eye for vintage

Sunday May 31, 2009 6:52 PM By Garett Sloane

Michael J. Sclafani and Valentine Leung run Park Delicatessen,

a skateboard, flowers and dry goods store in Crown Heights. (Willie Davis)

By Garett Sloane

It seems like an accident waiting to happen: selling skateboards alongside flower pots and antiques.

A classic bull-china shop scenario, but it works for Michael J. Sclafani and his wife, Valentine Leung, who restored Park Delicatessen at 533 Park Place in Crown Heights. They turned the old deli into a general store, selling skateboards; T-shirts; vintage dry goods; old gardening equipment; flowers on weekends; and Coca-Cola imported from Mexico, where it’s made with sugar cane, not corn syrup.

“They look great in the bucket,” Sclafani said, pointing to the longneck soda bottles on ice.

Just then, Jason House, 33, came in and yanked a Coke from the pail. House was the shop’s first customer when it opened in April.

“I like to stop in and see what new stuff they have,” he said.Sclafani buys the ice for the Cokes from an old-fashioned icehouse, which is cheaper than a bodega and seems to fit his style. He found a deal on ice the way he rummages through roadside sales in search of old dry goods.

Despite selling a mash-up of flowers, skateboards and dry goods, the store reflects Sclafani and Leung’s interests.

Sclafani has an eye for antiques and even the storefront is vintage New York. He kept the name Park Delicatessen from the shop’s early days. He’s leaving the faded, broken sign out front as it is. Inside, the tin ceiling is mint, the display freezers show off a collection of old skateboards, and the deli counter remains.

Since the store opened, it has become a hangout for skaters. On Saturday, Tyri Quesaunders, 13, was buying a new board. Kids were out front doing tricks off a wood ramp.

Tyri said he was excited when the Delicatessen opened, because there are no skate shops nearby.

The character of the store is sometimes lost on the younger generation of Crown Heights skaters, who are there for the latest skate gear. They hardly see the other half of the shop lined with old wares.

“A lot of the skateboarding kids don’t even notice it,” Sclafani said. “They’ll turn around and ask, ‘What is all this stuff?’”

Tags: park delicatessen, crown heights, small business, retail, vintage skateboards, skaters, boarding, storefront, flowers, dry goods, antiques, general store, skate shop, shopping, neighborhoods, economy, brooklyn

$1 flip-flops at Old Navy

Wednesday May 20, 2009 6:45 PM By Julie Gordon

Get your dollar flip-flops!

Old Navy is once again selling its solid-color adult and kids flip-flops for just $1. They're available all day on Saturday, May 23, while supplies last. The limit is six pairs per customer.

Tags: shopping

Sample sales: May 18 to 24

Monday May 18, 2009 11:39 AM By Julie Gordon

Cole Haan

May 18 to 20, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; May 21, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 317 W. 33rd St., at Eighth Ave., 718-747-1656

Men's and women's outerwear, shoes, handbags and leather goods are up to 75 percent off. Styles include sling-back, peep-toe wedges for $139 instead of $278 and a leather tote for $210 instead of $525.

Mackage

May 18 and 19, noon to 7 p.m. 275 W. 39th St., 7th Fl., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 212-391-5287

Gorgeous outerwear from Canadian favorite Mackage is half off. Women's leather jackets and coats range from $176 to $440, and men's pieces range from $300 to $495.

Miss Sixty & Energie -- Shown left

May 18, 3 to 7 p.m.; May 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; May 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 435 Hudson St., Suite 400, btwn Leroy and Morton sts., 212-597-0800

Get clothing and accessories for up to 90 percent off. Jeans and bags are $20; shoes and dresses are $25.Giuliana Teso

May 18 to 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 584 Broadway, 5th Fl., btwn Prince and Houston sts., 212-920-1211

Furs, shearlings and fur accessories are up to 70 percent off. Mink, fox, sable, Persian lamb, rex and more are available.

White + Warren

May 19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; May 20, noon to 8 p.m. 80 W. 40th St., 3rd Fl., btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 212-398-3295

Get cashmere tees for $55 (marked down from $200), wraps for $50 (marked down from $90) and summer-weight cardigans for $50 (marked down from $120).

Nanette Lepore

May 20 to 22, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 225 W. 35th St., 4th Fl., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 212-594-0012

Grab up Nanette Lepore's feminine pieces. Dresses are $140 to $150 instead of $335 to $595. Skirts are $100, marked down from $195 to $295. Shoes are $130 to $250, normally $255 to $525.

MINT Jodi Arnold

May 20 to 22, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 230 W. 39th St., 2nd Fl., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves., 212-997-2329, ext. 24.

Pieces from the girly brand MINT's spring collection are up to 75 percent off. Dresses start at $150 (regularly $375 to $560), jackets start at $200 (regularly $500) and sweaters start at $120 (regularly $375 to $560).

Photo: At the Miss Sixty spring '09 fashion show in New York (Getty)

Send sample sale listings to jgordon@am-ny.com.

Tags: sample sales, diane von furstenberg, tracy reese, furla, the nest, catherine malandrino, mackage, shopping

Sample sales: May 11 to 17

Sunday May 10, 2009 3:04 PM By Julie Gordon

Be & D

May 13 and 14, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 35 W. 36th St., btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 10th Fl., 212-629-3242

Handbags, shoes, belts and other accessories are 30 to 75 percent off. A portfolio is $200 instead of $595, while a clutch is $125 instead of $595.

Gant

May 13 and 14, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; May 15, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 20 W. 55th St., btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 212-230-1949

Men's and women's button-downs, polos, blouses, cardigans and v-necks are 80 percent off. Swimwear, shorts are skirts are just $19 to $25, down from $99 to $175. Blazers, trenchcoats and lightweight jackets that were $395 to $895 are now $50 to $95.

Tibi (photo from spring '09 show shown left)

May 13, 1 to 7 p.m.; May 14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; May 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 409 W. 39th St., btwn Ninth and Tenth aves., 212-966-3773

Spring pieces are up to 75 percent off. A silk chiffon gown is $189 instead of $695, and a silk organza blouse is $64, reduced from $248.

Inhabit

May 14 and 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1411 Broadway, btwn 40th and 41st sts., 24th Fl., 212-575-8668

Get men's and women's cashmere and cotton pieces. A cotton tunic that was $268 is now $40, and a cotton dress that was $298 is now $60.LaRok

May 15 and 16, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; May 17, noon to 6 p.m. 70 Wooster St., btwn Spring and Broome sts., 212-388-0339.

Prices on dresses, tops, T-shirts and more are slashed. A miniskirt is only $20, down from $168. A $348 dress is just $40.

Fred Flare

May 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 131 Meserole Ave., at Leonard St., Greenpoint Brooklyn, 718-349-1257.

Quirky boutique Fred Flare offers its already affordable home accessories, clothing, trinkets and books are even cheaper. Junk Food tees that were $24 are just $10. Lomography cameras are $10, down from $75. Sunglasses are $5 instead of $11. Paul Frank swimsuits are $10, dropped from $76.

Send sample sale listings to jgordon@am-ny.com.

Photo: A model at the Tibi spring '09 fashion show in New York (Getty)

Tags: shopping, fashion

It's a subway map ... no, it's a wallet

Thursday May 7, 2009 9:57 AM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon

If you've been known to accidentally hop on the M train instead of the N, keep reading.

The new Subway Map Mighty Wallet is made to look like an actual subway map, showing 80 stops in Mahattan on the outside of the wallet and key stops in Brooklyn and Queens on the inside. And, while it's as thin and lightweight as a map, it's thankfully a lot sturdier, made from the same material used to make express mail envelopes (Tyvek).

An eco-friendly bonus? It's made from 25 percent recycled materials, including milk and water bottles, and can be recycled.

Dynomighty Designs' Subway Map Mighty Wallet, $15; at dynomighty.com

Tags: shopping, transit

Sample sales: May 4 to 10

Monday May 4, 2009 11:54 AM By Julie Gordon

Jay Strongwater

May 6 and 7, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 260 Fifth Ave., btwn 28th and 29th sts.,

212-725-5400

Prices on high-end picture frames, tabletop pieces and other home accessories are slashed. Pieces are being sold at wholesale prices: $20 to $750 instead of $115 to $2,800. A gardenia-covered frame (shown at left) is $118.50 instead of $395.

Delman

May 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; May 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 145

W. 18th St., btwn Sixth and Seventh aves., 212-388-0339

Get up to 75 percent off on the shoes loved by celebrities including Leighton Meester and Brooke Shields. Metallic gladiator sandals, originally $295, are now $89. Snakeskin heels are $109, slashed from $365. Bright ballet flats, normally $195, are now $89.SFERRA

May 7 to 9, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; May 10, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., at 15th St.

Bed, bath and table linens from SFERRA, sold at Bergdorf Goodman and ABC Carpet & Home, are 60 to 80 percent off.

Botkier

May 7, 12 to 8 p.m.; May 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; May 9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; May 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 172 Mercer St., at Houston St., 646-747-4149

Get a discounted bags and shoes from celebrity favorite Botkier. A soft leather tote that was $650 is now $275. A medium-sized duffle bag retails for $450 but is being sold for $150. Platform sandals are $195, down from $445.

Bonpoint

May 7 to 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St., btwn Eighth and Ninth aves.

Designer children’s brand Bonpoint holds a spring/summer sale. Expect great finds for boys and girls from newborn to preteen. Merchandise is marked 60 to 70 percent off retail.

Send sample sale listings to jgordon@am-ny.com.

Tags: shopping, fashion

Tiny Living to close

Tuesday April 21, 2009 12:06 PM By Julie Gordon

Tiny Living, the adorably small East Village shop carrying home goods for (adorably?) small New York City apartments, is closing its doors. It'll most likely happen at the end of the month.

We got an e-mail from the shop today saying:

"the recent economic downturn did not spare tiny, and we are forced to say goodbye.

thank you all for your patronage over the last 4 years. it's been our pleasure to

bring new and exciting space saving accessories to you!"

Furniture, pillows, kitchen gear and other home goods are up to 75 percent off.

Tiny Living, 125 E. 7th St., at Ave. A., 212-228-2748

Tags: shopping

Sample sales: April 20 to 26

Monday April 20, 2009 7:28 AM By Julie Gordon

Frette and La Perla

April 20 to 24, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 4 W. 58th St., Fourth Fl., at Fifth Ave., 212-299-0400

Two luxury Italian brands — Frette linens and La Perla lingerie — are under one roof for a sample sale. Frette's bedsets and duvet sets are $550 (regularly $950 to $2,400), light quilts and bed covers are $400 (regularly $875 to $2,000) and robes are $50 to $100 (regularly $120 to $220). La Perla's bras are $40 to $60 (regularly $119 to $289), underwear are $20 to $40 (regularly $55 to $164) and sleepwear is $50 to $60 (regularly $184 to $500).

Mary Norton

April 21 and 22, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 23, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; April 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 12 W. 57th St., Suite 401, btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 212-265-5800

Shop for handbags and shoes from celebrity favorite Mary Norton (Carrie Underwood and Cameron Diaz have been spotted in her designs). Get a black glitter leather clutch with Swarovski crystal embroidery for $238.50, originally $795. Cheetah-print calf-hair peep-toe shoes with Swarovski crystals are $178.50, down from $595.

Francesco Biasia

April 21 to 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 320 Fifth Ave., Suite 1100, btwn 32nd and 33rd sts., 212-290-8500

Wallets and handbags from the spring 2009 line and past collections are 50 to 70 percent off. Wallets regularly priced at $200 to $700 are $10 to $200.Kara Janx

April 22 and 23, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 242 W. 36th St., 8th Fl., btwn Seventh and Eighth aves. 212-594-4797.

Spring and summer dresses are 50 to 80 percent off. A wrap that can be worn five ways is $145, reduced from $350 (comes in fuchsia, violet and tangerine). A silk charmeuse deep v-neck dress is $135 instead of $365. A silk charmeuse rainbow-style dress was $350 and is now $145. Older styles are $30 to $50.

Furla

April 22, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; April 23 to 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 145 W. 18th St., btwn Sixth and Seventh aves., 212-388-0339

Get handbags, wallets, shoes, jewelry and key rings for up to 70 percent off. A leather shoulder bag that was $635 is now $395. A straw purse with an embossed leather trim is $195 instead of $410.

Sigerson Morrison, Me&Ro and Zero + Maria Cornejo

April 22, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; April 23, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; April 24, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Metropolitan Pavilion. 125 W. 18th St., btwn Sixth and Seventh aves., 212-925-3849

Score great deals on items from three designers. Get a black leather jacket that was originally $1,773 for $532. A satin crepe wrap dress, originally $734, is now $294.

ISDA

April 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 23, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; April 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 80 W. 40th St., Sixth floor, btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 212-398-8340.

Get knit staples from ISDA, such as pants, sweaters, tees, dresses, tanks and shorts, for $25 to $100. In addition, 100 percent organic cotton home items from Plover Organic are 35 percent off.

Tags: shopping, fashion

Natural perfumer exhibits at Bendel

Sunday April 19, 2009 12:59 PM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon

Mandy Aftel, who only uses natural ingredients in her perfume brand, Aftelier, is showing her collection of fragrance-related artifacts at Henri Bendel until May 11. The psychologist-turned-perfumer, who creates her fragrances in California, gave us the low-down on the difference between natural and synthetic scents.

What is natural perfume?

It’s all made from materials that come from nature: flowers and barks and resins. It doesn’t come from a test tube.

What's the difference in the way it smells?

It smells richer. I think they interact with your body chemistry. I think because you're wearing something that's of quality from nature you feel differently about yourself.

Why does it cost so much? (Aftelier’s are $195 for .25 oz.)

It’s the ingredients. A synthetic perfume could cost, say, $80 a pound for the juice and mine cost $2,000 a pound.How long does the scent last?

A synthetic lasts all day. A natural lasts one or two hours.

Has the natural perfume industry been growing?

There's just been more and more interest in pure and natural perfumes because of the green movement and because of people's concerns about ingredients from cooking. People are more aware of artisan goat cheese, wineries. People are more interested in the integrity of ingredients for food, and I think that's spilled over into fragrance.

Is the making of natural perfumes more environmentally friendly than the making of synthetic fragrances?

A lot of the materials [in natural perfumes] are organic and sustainably harvested.

See "Living Perfume: The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel" until May 11 at Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St.).

Tags: arts, shopping

Get a Derek Jeter-style manicure and pedicure

Monday April 6, 2009 9:19 AM By Julie Gordon

Derek Jeter (Getty)

A Yankees jersey or hat not enough to satisfy your spirit style needs? Get a Yankees manicure and pedicure.

Just Calm Down Spa is offering a Yankees Blue manicure ($33) and pedicure ($55) to note the start of baseball season. The service starts with a chocolate chip soak and chocolate chip cookie dough scrub in honor of slugger Derek Jeter's favorite snack — chocolate chip cookies. The nails are then painted blue.

Available at Just Calm Down Spa, 30 W. 18th St., btwn. Fifth and Sixth Aves., 212-337-0032; Manicure, $33 and pedicure, $55

Tags: shopping

Sign of spring: Macy's Flower Show begins

Sunday April 5, 2009 10:53 AM By Rolando Pujol

Macy's on 34th Street on the opening day of the flower show. (Photo: Rolando Pujol)

The Macy's Flower Show began today and continues through Sunday, April 19. This year's theme is "Dream in Color." The details from macys.com after the jump, including information on a guided tour of the floral spectacle.

Featuring stunning landscapes, celebrity guests and renowned floral designers, Dream in Color will transform our State Street store into a vibrant, colorful dreamscape, showcasing unique garden environments overflowing with thousands of exotic trees and flowering plants.

GUIDED TOURS

To experience Macy's Flower Show to its fullest, take advantage of our 20-minute specially guided tours! They're available every half hour between 11am and 4pm from the 35th street door, and at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday and Friday evenings at Starbucks Coffee on the 35th Street Balcony. During the tour, you'll learn all about this year's flowers and plants, plus we'll give you an insider's look at how the show was installed. Tours are complimentary. For more information, call 212-494-4495.

Tags: macy's, macy's flower show, holiday tradition, shopping, manhattan, holiday traditions

Topshop opens its SoHo doors

Thursday April 2, 2009 1:29 PM By Perrie Samotin

British import Topshop opened Thursday at Broadway and Broome St. (Getty)

By Perrie Samotin

psamotin@am-ny.com

Style-minded New Yorkers have been eagerly awaiting the opening of British import Topshop since owner Sir Phillip Green announced his plans to bring the mid-priced, on-trend store Stateside two years ago.

The hype surrounding Thursday’s opening was ample — from the several delays over the last few months to rumors that the Kate Moss-designed collection sold out in three minutes flat in the U.K. But mostly, the hype came from young, stylish New Yorkers eager for a taste of some signature High Street style.“Are you ready to shop till you drop, New York?!” shouted the English emcee, who presided over the event, trying to elicit cheers from the crowd, whose lukewarm response proved that the fray was more anxious enter the store than participate in the seemingly forced buildup.

Seconds before 11 a.m., Moss and Green emerged to cut the ribbon and officially open the floodgates. While the crowd was eager, they were civilized — no Target-at–holiday- time madness, which may or may not have been the expected type of reaction.

Once inside, shoppers face the task of navigating the 25,000 square foot, four-floor space jammed with clothes, accessories, shoes, 32 dressing rooms, 200 sales associates and a DJ booth. (Women’s wear fills the first three floors, with TopMan occupying the cellar).

And what of the clothes? “I want everything!” said shopper Mira Black, 22, who said she’s been looking forward to the opening because “there’s been nowhere new to get reasonably-priced clothes that are cool.”

The phrase “reasonably priced” might be up for debate. While most items cost less than designer labels and the prices do span a large range, it certainly isn’t recession-friendly shopping. For example, a royal blue tulip skirt retails at $50, a pair of white jeans at $80, a silky floral romper at $110, a pair of sky-high neon yellow platforms at $135 and a studded blazer in the second floor designer “boutique” at $510.

“It’s a little high,” Christa Moore, 29, said of the $75 price tag on a headband she was eyeing, which resembled a tribal headdress complete with elaborate feathers and beading. “I guess you can’t really wear this that often,” she said.

Other shoppers were more surprised at the noticably un-manic scene than at the clothes. “It’s a little calmer than I expected,” said Elita Walker, 26, who said she’s frequented U.K. Topshops and said the scene was a lot crazier even “on a regular Tuesday.”

It’s likely that stylish New Yorkers will delight in Topshop’s trendy vibe and treat it as a place to go when they want to buy something new and hip, even if it’s only a pair of $18 floral tights.

Whether or not it lives up to the hype on a daily basis will remain to be seen.

Ten of our favorite Topshop/Topman items:

1. Black leather miniskirt with gold studs ($135)

2. Men's red, white and gray flannel sport jacket ($180)

3. Tribal print stretch cotton miniskirt ($44)

4. White Baxter skinny jeans ($80)

5. Men's black canvas satchel ($60)

6. Peach Mongolian skirt ($135)

7. Black tights with pink roses ($18)

8. Men's silver robot cuff links ($20)

9. White cotton "All or Nothing" tank ($28)

10. Kate Moss floor length chiffon ruffled gown ($510)

Tags: topshop, style, trendy, soho, shopping, kate moss, topman, british, england, nyc

City Living: Two Bridges

Wednesday April 1, 2009 7:27 AM By Rolando Pujol

By Magdalene Perez

Special to amNewYork

Quiz many Manhattanites on the location of Two Bridges, and most couldn't point out the tiny Lower East Side neighborhood on a map.

That is just the type of under-the-radar character that defines this largely ungentrified neighborhood, sandwiched, for the most part, between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.

Situated along the East River, Two Bridges has acted as a gateway for waves of immigrant communities. It was just blocks from here that Irish, Jewish and Italian gangs battled to the death at the notorious Five Points in the mid-19th century. Later, in the early 20th century, four-time New York State Gov. Alfred E. Smith rose to prominence from the tenement slums of Orchard Street. And more recently, after black and Hispanic families came and went, its become a solidly Chinese-American community.Current residents love Two Bridges for its cheaper housing, access to myriad Chinese restaurants, good transportation on the F and 6 lines, and short walking distance to great shops and nightlife in the Lower East Side, South Street Seaport and Chinatown. With the housing boom came a few condos and talk of transforming the East River waterfront, but for the most part much of the hood is still dominated by low-and-middle income housing and affordable, older co-ops.

Residents who adopt the neighborhood as their own, including Guns N' Roses guitarist Richard Fortus, appreciate it for its gritty, hidden character.

Find It

Two Bridges is bounded by the East River to the south, East Broadway to the north, Montgomery Street to the east and the Brooklyn Bridge to the west.

Did You Know?

In 1933 Knickerbocker Village on Monroe Street became the first apartment development in New York City to receive federal funding.

The One Thing You Must Do

Explore the eclectic shops on East Broadway. You will find an assortment of wares that ranges from edible (hand-pulled noodles, candy stores selling pineapple chips) to home decor (lighting and chandeliers). And whether its jewelry or specialty chopsticks, you’re sure to find a great price.

To Eat

Much of the restaurant selection in Two Bridges reflects its strong Chinese-American presence. You will find plenty of dumplings, glazed duck and freshly made noodle soups in hole-in-the-wall storefronts. Also on the menu: solid fusion, American standbys, and a greater variety of cuisines in nearby South Street Seaport.

Dim Sum Go Go

The French-American and Hong Kong proprietors of this new wave dim sum house serve 24 kinds of dumplings and other Chinese classics with a twist: hamburgers in steamed buns ($13) and black mushroom consommé ($6). A 10-piece dim sum platter, at $12, isn’t as cheap as nearby dim sum palaces, but tasty nonetheless.

5 East Broadway

212-732-0797

Everest

Stop by this friendly diner for an unpretentious breakfast or lunch. Pancakes, at $4.50, are a house favorite.

22 Chatham Square (Near East Broadway)

212-406-3719

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

The creamy, almost chewy treats at the Ice Cream Factory are a must no matter how hot or cold it is outside. The homemade flavors include ginger, lychee, almond cookie, peanut butter and jelly and more.

65 Bayard St. (b/w Elizabeth & Mott)

212-608-4170

To Shop

Just like any part of Chinatown, Two Bridges is bursting with low-cost wares. Jewelry, clothing, CDs, toys, books, you name it. Check out the 25 Cents Store on Elizabeth Street for wacky finds, or head above the Manhattan Bridge for designer boutiques.

Modern Living Supplies

A Williamsburg transplant, this furniture boutique has the mid-century modern wares to outfit any retro sleek apartment. The vintage selection includes names such as Eames, LeCorbusier, and Aalto.

20 Rutgers St.

646-373-1579

Project No. 8

A tightly curated selection of designer clothing and accessories brings a bit of SoHo (and its hefty prices) to the nabe. Kostas Murkudis cashmere knit ties go for $123 each, a Martin Margiela gold belt, $215.

138 Division St.

212-925-5599

Bangkok Center Grocery

Pop into this hidden shop just north of Two Bridges to find all you will ever need to whip up Thai food like a pro at home. Here is one of the few places to find kaffir lime leaves ($3 a pack), palm sugar, tamarind candies, lemongrass, Thai basil, and even cooking utensils (been searching for that sticky rice bamboo steamer?), all sold by a friendly and helpful staff.

104 Mosco St. (b/w Mott & Mulberry streets)

212-732-8916

To Play

Nearby Chinatown haunts near Mulberry and Mott are the best place to go looking for late-night kicks. Santos Party House on Lafayette Street provides beats for the Hip Hop and House music set, and there is no shortage of karaoke machines in the hood for those who love to sing.

Apotheke

Sexy lighting and a Victorian interior set the mood in this opium-den-styled cocktail lounge. The creative liquor menu includes a truffle-infused sidecar, Mexican pulque (agave extract) and house absinthe. To find the hidden bar, look for the red awning marked "Gold Flower Restaurant."

9 Doyers St. (b/w Bowery & Pell)

212-406-0400

Yello

A mostly Asian-American crowd hangs at this two-level lounge for its great happy hour specials (well drinks, $4 to $7, beer buy-one-get-one-free) and free karaoke. Once you’ve satiated your hunger for the extensive catalog of English and Asian pop songs, whet your appetite as well with food that skips from chicken wings to spicy New Orleans mussels.

32 Mulberry St.

212-964-3410

Whiskey Tavern

Take a seat at the bar and you will feel like an instant regular at this recently opened watering hole. The bartenders offer friendly service in a laid-back atmosphere, with a resident DJ on Friday nights.

79 Baxter St.

212-374-9119

To See

As one of New York’s oldest neighborhoods, Two Bridges is ripe with history. This is a fun place to take a walking tour and imagine you’ve slipped back in time to the 19th century, when Irish and Italian slums dominated the neighborhood, Chinatown had real opium dens, and seafarers crowded the docks.

The Sea and Land Church

Visit this Georgian-Gothic congregation and you can say you’ve seen the second-oldest church in New York City. Built from 1817 to 1819, the Dutch Reformed Church served the seamen in the community until it disbanded in 1864. Now the First Chinese Presbyterian Church, its building and pipe organ are both historic landmarks.

61 Henry St.

212-964-5488

First Cemetery of Congregation Shearith Israel

This graveyard is what remains from the earliest days of the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. This is actually the congregation’s second cemetery. The first, started by Portuguese and Spanish immigrants in 1654, no longer exists. Here the graveyard was in use from 1682 to 1828.

55 St. James Place.

212-873-0300

Alfred E. Smith House

Aside from its wooden door, this red brick apartment house doesn’t appear much different than any of the Lower East Side’s other tenement buildings. Yet it was here that four-time New York governor Al Smith lived from 1907 to 1923. The first Roman Catholic and Irish-American to run for president, he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1924 on a platform denouncing lynching and racial violence.

25 Oliver St.

Real estate

Two Bridges offers a diverse housing stock that runs the gamut of Manhattan apartments. For those seeking to buy, there are many older co-ops, often with concierge service, elevators, access to parks, and if you’re lucky, an amazing view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

A studio can go from $350,000 to $450,000, a one bedroom for about $550,000 and a two bedroom for $650,000 to $700,000. But the search may take time — these buildings typically have slow turnover as people keep it in the family, Phyllis Elliott, a senior associate broker for The Corcoran Group, said.

There are fewer new condo developments than the exploding luxury market in the East Village and Lower East Side, but some new condominiums, with price tags up to $1.6 million, have cropped up. Another option is loft spaces converted from older commercial buildings.

“All of this was very commercial years ago — the bakeries, the restaurants,” Elliott said. “That’s not the case any more. Now you see more and more residents moving in.”

For renters there are co-op buildings, condos, and tenement walk-ups. An East Broadway one bedroom can fetch between $1,650 and $2,200.

To Buy

$899,000 for a two bedroom, one bathroom in a 24-hour concierge co-op, 1,050 square feet. (Park Row at Pearl Street)

$555,000 for a one-bedroom post-war condo with balcony in an elevator building. (Division Street at Ludlow)

$885,000 for a three-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom apartment in 1,250 square-foot co-op. (East Broadway near Clinton)

To Rent

$3,799 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft apartment with a private backyard, 1,200 square feet. (Oliver Street at Bowery)

$3.000 for a three-bedroom in a fifth floor walk up with eat-in kitchen, 1,000 square feet. (East Broadway at Market Street)

$1,750 for a one-bedroom in a renovated walk-up one block from F train (Orchard Street at Canal)

Phyllis Elliott, The Corcoran Group Brooklyn Heights office

917-613-6422

phyllis.elliott@corcoran.com

Q & A

Kenny Ruan, 22, has lived his whole life in Two Bridges.

How has the neighborhood changed over the years?

It’s definitely more diverse. Back then it was only Chinese people. Now there are white people, different Asians, all kinds of people. It’s changed over the last ten years or less.

How do you feel about gentrification?

It’s definitely a bad thing because everything’s going up. An apartment used to be $600, now it’s like $2,000 for the same place.

What attracts people to the neighborhood?

The seaport is right there, Chinatown’s right there, the restaurants. Plus there’s a skatepark under the Manhattan Bridge that they just built.

What might deter someone from moving here?

The mess. It’s dirty — there’s garbage everywhere. There’s not so much crime going around anymore, but there’s still some crime. People get robbed. I’ve seen it and experienced it myself.

Where do people like to hang out?

I like Everest diner, and 69 [a 24-hour restaurant on Bayard Street]. And there’s Wo Hop — it’s a Chinese restaurant [on Mott Street].

Where do you think this neighborhood is headed in a few years?

I think it’s definitely going to be a lot more diverse. I wouldn’t be surprised if a white person or a black person moved into my building.

The Buzz

Over the years, many Manhattan communities have reconnected to the waterfront. The Financial District has Battery Park; the West Village, Hudson River piers. Now Two Bridges is getting its turn, with a state-of-the-art proposal for a new East River esplanade to stretch two miles from the Battery Maritime Building to East River Park. With the city Economic Development Corporation backing the plan and a request for contractors already out, the work is set to go.

Victor J. Papa, president and director of the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council, said residents are eagerly anticipating the development.

“The promenade between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge was never dealt with in terms of community needs,” Papa said. “Now we are hopeful that it finally will be.”

Tags: city living, two bridges, manhattan, real estate, shopping, architecture, history, restaurants, nightlife, endangered nyc, neighborhoods

Sample sales: Elie Tahari, Hayden-Harnett

Sunday March 29, 2009 2:14 PM By Julie Gordon

Elie Tahari

March 31 to April 3, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; April 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 510 Fifth Ave. at 43rd St., 212-398-2622.

Prices are slashed 70 to 80 percent on men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. Get a black tulle cocktail dress with a removable embellished belt for $129 instead of $898. Black snakeskin peep-toe platform sandals, originally $495, are now $79.

alice + olivia

March 31 to April 3, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 80 W. 40th St., btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 212-840-0887.

Get must-haves from celebrity favorite alice + olivia. Party dresses that were $295 to $484 are now $139. Skinny pants cost $99 instead of $264 to $298, and boyfriend blazers are $149 instead of $385 to $440.

Hayden-Hartnett

April 1 to 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 16 W. 36th St., Suite 501, btwn Fifth and Sixth aves., 718-383-4450.

Score 40 to 80 percent off apparel, bags, shoes and accessories from current

and past collections. The nylon-and-leather Bleecker backpack, originally $148, is now $74. Get the studded Ibiza leather slide sandal for $60, down from $120. A knit jersey dress with a braided belt is a steal at $78, down from $195.Rocawear

April 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from 1 to 2 p.m.); April 3, 10 a.m. to 4

p.m. (closed from 1 to 2 p.m.). 1411 Broadway, 38th Fl., btwn. 39th and 40th sts., 212-497-2000.

Get discounts on men’s and women's clothing and accessories, handbags and childrenswear. Men’s jeans that were $70 are now $20. Men’s T-shirts, originally $30, are now $15. Cash only.

The Sak, Sakroots and Elliott Lucca

April 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 339 Fifth Ave., 2nd Fl., btwn. 33rd and 34th sts., 212-329-4500.

Bags from The Sak, Elliott Lucca and the eco-friendly line Sakroots are on sale for

$5 to $60. Highlights include The Sak leather styles, Sakroots drawstring and hobo bags, and Elliot Lucca leather and woven leather totes and satchels.

A model at the Elie Tahari spring 2009 fashion show (Getty)

Tags: shopping

Celebrities' cheap beauty picks

Wednesday March 25, 2009 12:58 PM By Julie Gordon

Jessica Biel likes $.99 eyeliner from wet n wild, while Denise Richards uses $4.99 shave cream from eos. (Photos: Getty)

By Julie Gordon

Even celebrities aren’t immune to the sinking economy. Here, they share their favorite beauty buys for $10 or less.

• Actress Jessica Biel lines her peepers with wet n wild Eyeliner in Black Black ($.99 at drugstores). All the better to see Justin Timberlake with.

• Halle Berry keeps her lips kissably soft with Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 ($8.50 at Kiehl’s).

• Singer Alicia Keys doesn’t always have time to wash her face, so she uses Simple Skincare’s Cleansing Facial Wipes ($5.99 at Duane Reade). “I found them in London and went to virtually every Boots and wiped them out,” she says. “I am so excited I can now get them in the States.”

• “I like good old Vaseline for everything — chapped lips, whatever,” says “Lipstick Jungle” star Lindsay Price. (7.5 oz. jar for $3.99 at Duane Reade)

• Denise Richards keeps her legs smooth with eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream ($4.99 at drugstore.com).• Molly Simms keeps her locks in place with RickyCare Bungee Hairbands ($4.99 at Ricky's)

• Brittany Snow, star of the upcoming "Gossip Girl" TV spin-off, likes to use the LUSH Honey Trap Lip Balm ($8.94 at LUSH). Snow is also a fan of POP Beauty Nail Glams ($10 at popbeauty.co.uk)

• Victoria Beckham is a fan of the Goody Colour Collection StayPut Hold Headband ($3.99 at drugstores).

• “Ugly Betty” star Becki Newton’s makeup artist uses L’Oreal Bare Naturale Mascara on set ($9.95 at drugstores) because, as Becki puts it, “It’s easy and looks good.”

• Christina Applegate of "Samantha Who?" fame uses Physician Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Perfecting Mineral Concentrate ($9.95 at drugstores) to conceal blemishes, serve as a foundation and create a flawless finish.

• Actress Emmy Rossum smooths her tresses with John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serums ($10 at drugstores).

Tags: shopping

Old Navy SuperModelquin eerily similar to Michelle Obama

Monday March 23, 2009 7:29 AM By Emily Ngo

The Old Navy SuperModelquins are an odd advertising campaign, yes. It's odder still that one of the characters, which the company aptly named Michelle, looks conspicuously like first lady Michelle Obama. Yes?

— Emily Ngo

Old Navy

Tags: midtown, old navy, shopping, politics, michelle obama

Sample sales: Cynthia Rowley, DDC Lab

Sunday March 22, 2009 12:09 PM By Julie Gordon

Marchesa

March 25, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; March 26, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St., 2nd Fl., at Sixth Ave. [Don’t have a phone number]

Gowns and other evening wear is up to 80 percent off. Pieces that retail for $750 to $7,000 are now $200 to $2,650.

Cynthia Rowley

March 26 to 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 376 Bleecker St., btwn Charles and Perry sts., 212-242-3803.

Get up to 80 percent off Cynthia Rowley’s girly apparel and accessories, including 20 percent off all current full-price merchandise. A satin tunic that was $275 is now $89. A taffeta skirt that cost $255 is just $69. Originally $375, a cherry blossom-adorned dress (shown at left) is now $199.

Anna Sheffield

March 26 and 27, noon to 7 p.m. 153 Lafayette St., 4th Fl., at Grand St., 212-925-7030.

Anna Sheffield’s Bespoke and Bing Bang jewelry collections are discounted. A three-bangle set is $118 instead of $295. A sterling silver chain necklace that was $265 is $106. Silver oval earrings are just $48, marked down from $120.

DDC Lab

Until April 5: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 Mercer St., at Howard St., 212-226-8980

Casual-wear from DDC Lab is 80 to 90 percent off. Men’s and women’s jeans are now $40, down from $228, and men’s and women’s T-shirts are now $20, down from $98. Women’s tops that were $358 are now $60, and men’s shirts that were $198 are now $50.

Tags: shopping

Spring cleaning (and shopping) the green way

Thursday March 19, 2009 8:25 AM By Emily Ngo

It's spring — time to clean out closets and ready your wardrobe for warmer weather. Clothes swaps are the best way to do both and feel good about it. Here's a big one this weekend:

Spring Clothing Swap and Book Drive: Swap-O-Rama-Rama Returns to Astoria

Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

A.R.R.O.W. Community Center, 35-30 35th Street in Astoria

Directions: N/W to 36th Avenue or R to Steinway

You bring clothes, other people bring clothes ... and then you swap. It's that easy. Remaining items will be donated to Hour Children thrift store.And it's also a book drive: Gently used or new books will be donated to the Queens Library. Local branch libraries will have first dibs.

This event is sponsored by Triple R Events: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, the Astoria Book Club and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. RSVPs appreciated but not required: *queensisgreen@gmail.com* or call (646) 202-0825.

— Emily Ngo

Tags: shopping

NYC malls stay strong, bucking national trend

Tuesday March 3, 2009 3:09 PM By Sean Joseph

The Manhattan Mall, in Herald Square, has seen two major tenants shutter recently. (RJ Mickelson/amNY)

By Lucy Cohen Blatter

Even as malls across the country implode under the pressure of chain-store bankruptcies and the deepening recession, New York City’s shopping centers are poised to weather the storm probably better than any market in the nation, observers say.

“New York is not a microcosm of the rest of the country,” said Erin Hershkowitz, a spokeswoman for the International Council of Shopping Centers. “Certain retailers are closing, but not enough to close down entire malls,” she said.

The city’s population density and the sheer number of consumers will likely spare the malls from the fate of some national counterparts.

In fact, Hershkowitz predicted that in the coming months, malls will see more vacancies, but they should turn around by the end of the year.

Without a doubt, New York malls have not been spared some of the pain.

For instance, the Steve and Barry’s and KB Toys chains have closed for good, hitting both the Staten Island Mall and Manhattan Mall. Further, the Staten Island Mall’s owner, General Growth Properties, faces bankruptcy. Smaller stores at both malls have shuttered, too.Jim Easley, a spokesman for the Staten Island Mall, said the handful of stores that have recently closed in his mall have been filled with temporary merchants. Just this past weekend a Steve Madden shoe store closed, but another store, Traffic Shoes, is set to take its place this spring.

“It used to take about three months to fill a space, now it takes about six. In other parts of the country, though, it might take a year,” Easley said.

Queens Center, one of the country’s most successful — with nearly 150 stores — hasn’t seen any recent closings.

Brooklyn’s King’s Plaza — which has around 140 stores — has only seen two closings — The Limited and the Limited Too. The Limited space will soon be filled by Forever 21.

But According to Subha Ramesh, vice president of real estate for The Limited, the company did not renew its lease simply because the 13,000-square-foot space was too big.

“We only needed about 60 percent of that,” she said. “And we have to be careful how we spend our capital.”

Ramesh said the company would be interested in returning to King’s Plaza — whose rents she described as competitive. For now, though, they are searching for space in another city mall.

Typically, those malls charge a monthly rent of somewhere between $35 and $75 per square foot. But industry experts say prices are now negotiable, speculating that this year, rents are likely to be about 2 to 3 percent lower.

“There is probably going to be more negotiation than ever before,” said Daniel Butler, vice president of retail operations at the National Retail Federation. “And retailers know the recessionary period will not last forever. Statistically, after a recession, there are five-plus years of real growth. They’ll work on their long-term strategies, closing underperforming locations and focusing on better-performing ones.”

Emily Mathis contributed to this story.

JC Penney heads to Manhattan Mall: The storm before the calm

The arrival of the JC Penney store at the Manhattan Mall eventually may be one of the bright spots in the city’s mall scene, but its construction has caused considerable upheaval for the Herald Square shopping center.

Work on the 150,000-square-foot JC Penney, set to open this summer, has deprived the mall of a food court and bathrooms. It is so quiet that many retailers are closing at 8 p.m. rather than 9, the official close time.

But the JC Penney construction is moving full steam ahead and a fair share of the dislocated retailers plan to come back.

“JC Penney could be a good anchor,” said Michael Appel, who leads the retail and consumer goods practice at Quest Turnaround Advisors. “It’s probably a step below Macy’s, which, in this climate, is a good thing.”

According to JC Penney’s Tim Lyons, there were never any plans to delay the opening because of the current economic situation.

“We’ve wanted to have a Manhattan presence for a long time,” he said. Plus, he added, that in this economy, it helps that they’re “strong on price.”

For now, it seems mall retailers — like taxpayers — will just wait things out.

Elvis Perez, a manager at Strawberry who was helping out at the very-quiet Manhattan Mall location said, “It’s the city that never sleeps. But sometimes it has to sleep.”

Tags: economy, shopping, retail, mall, queens, manhattan

Move over, Snuggie

Monday March 2, 2009 11:13 AM By Emily Ngo

There's a new couch-potato cover in town.

By the very silly Pantalaine

— Emily Ngo

Tags: snuggie, shopping

Fashion Week: Mark Indelicato dishes on the future of 'Ugly Betty' at Christian Siriano

Friday February 20, 2009 9:19 AM By Julie Gordon

By Jessie Pascoe, Metromix

Last night at Christian Siriano, we caught up with a tired Mark Indelicato, who plays Betty's fashion-obsessed nephew on “Ugly Betty.”

“This is my last show. Christian Siriano is closing it up for me and I am so happy,” exclaimed Indelicato. “Fashion Week has been great, but I am tired. I am done!”

Thankfully, the star’s not done on “Ugly Betty.”

“Everything has been really crazy,” said Indelicato. “Some one turns evil! Some one is going to die! It is pretty crazy and intense. My character is not turning evil or dying. Thank God!”

Photo: Brian Ach/WireImage.com

Tags: fashion week, christian siriano, shopping

Fashion Week: Benicio del Toro is fashion's newest poet

Wednesday February 18, 2009 9:12 AM By Julie Gordon

Benicio del Toro at G-Star (Getty)

By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

Surprise ending at G-Star last night! After a long, boring show set to live classical piano music, actor Benicio del Toro took center stage and gave a dramatic reading of band Joy Division's song "Candidate." Strange? Yes. But del Toro is the new face of the brand — and G-Star has a history of staging stunts like this. In February 2008, then-spokesman Dennis Hopper ended the show with poetry.

Tags: fashion, fashion week, shopping

Fashion Week: Robert Verdi on recession style

Monday February 16, 2009 1:25 PM By Julie Gordon

Robert Verdi at the Tents on Monday

By Jessie Pascoe, Metromix

To say Bryant Park is a sartorial circus is an understatement. There are few events that inspire people to dress to the nines, well, at 9 am on Monday morning.

"Two-turned heads is all I ever ask for," stylist Robert Verdi confessed at the Tracy Reese show. "You know you've gone to far, if three heads turn when you walk in the room."

How to achieve this grace during a recession? "Accessories! It is all accessories-driven during a depressed economy," Verdi noted. "Take a great belt and using it on your coat, giving your coat a new shape and look. It's wearing jewelry over basic, classic pieces and adding an arm of bangles or a great necklace with some beads. Tights with last year's shoes, can make them feel like new shoes. Alter a skirt length. These accessories can make outfits new again."

His recession-fashion advice couldn't come at a better time: Hue tights were handing out chic (and free!) black lace tights to anyone who walked by the tents on Monday.

Photo credit: Getty

Tags: fashion week, tracy reese, robert verdi, shopping

Fashion Week: Lindsay Lohan and crew give the luke-warm shoulder

Monday February 16, 2009 2:47 AM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon

Some big stars were at the Matthew Williamson store opening in the Meatpacking District on Sunday night, but they were clearly in no mood to talk to reporters.

A micro-mini dress-clad Lohan made her big entrance and stopped to answer one question from Elle before being whisked off by a publicist type to the back of the store. So, what's an amNY writer to do? Follow that Lohan! We asked if she had time to answer a quick question, to which she replied (nicely, we will admit), "Sorry, I can't right now." She then proceeded to hang out and pose for pix with Matthew, and sign a little girl's autograph book. Cute.

Next celebri-snub? Heidi Klum. The always bubbly supermodel breezed in and out of the soiree in three minutes flat, answering a lonely one question in the process.

The most annoying blow-off was season five "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee, who said she would only discuss fashion. The gist of our convo: She loves Matthew Williamson, wants lots of clutches for spring and isn't curbing her shopping habits because of a little thing called the recession. How nice for her.

(Photo: Getty)

Tags: matthew williamson, lindsay lohan, katharine mcphee, heidi klum, fashion week, shopping, entertainment

Fashion Week: Near riotous conditions at Barbie

Saturday February 14, 2009 11:44 AM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

The runway at Barbie

"This is the most depressing thing in America," muffed a disgruntled blonde. No, she's not taking about the recession or the war or even subway delays. This was the general reaction at the Barbie Fashion Show at Bryant Park on Saturday. It seems the show was way overbooked so hundreds of doll fans were left crushed together in a chaotic line. No one one got a break, not even the dozens of kids brought along to the show at the invitations' request. Other audience reactions included declarations of "I have heat stroke," "Get off my shawl," "This is most ridiculous line," "This isn't a fashion show, this is a publicity gimmick" (this from a security guard!) and "These organizers are so incompetent." Of course, none was dramatic as the blonde's, but we have to agree that we haven't seen this crazy a line since Heatherette showed at the Tents — when the crowd was so tight our scarf ended up in someone's pants.

Photo credit: Getty

Tags: barbie, fashion week, riots, shopping

Fashion Week: Love still feelin' the love

Saturday February 14, 2009 7:48 AM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon

Newly single Jennifer Love Hewitt isn't letting a little thing called Valentine's Day bring her spirits down. In fact, she's still feeling the love: The "Ghost Whisperer" star and her best friend are having a girls night out in New York to celebrate.

"Guys never get it. It always gets to be drama. We're not having any drama," Hewitt said.

The two gals exchanged gifts Saturday morning — Hewitt received a scarf and candle, and her pal got a necklace engraved with the words "I love you more."

Besides heading out for a night on the town with her BFF, Hewitt must do one thing before heading back to Los Angeles on Monday: chow down at John's.

"I love John's Pizza," she said.

But by the amazing way she looked in her tight Dolce & Gabbana dress at the Georges Chakra show, we bet she'll only have one slice.

(Photo: Getty)

Tags: jennifer love hewitt, fashion week, georges chakra, shopping, pizza

Fashion Week: The future of menswear at Duckie Brown

Saturday February 14, 2009 7:40 AM By Julie Gordon

Patrick McDonald at Duckie Brown

By Jessie Pascoe, Metromix

Duckie Brown designers' Steven Cox and Daniel Silver seemingly simple declaration that their fall collection is about "overcoats and jackets that keep you warm and fashionable" belie the fashion forward details the duo have become known for. Not only did their diverse casting pique the interest of New York Times writer Guy Trebay, but the details (hats resembling British guards), blankets as scarfs, turtlenecks covering half of the face) created strong shapes for fall. We spotted Patrick McDonald, the quintessential dandy about town, and asked him what he thought about Duckie.

"I think they are innovators.They take chances and create new silhouettes that are amazing. Someone just asked me if they are trendy and I said, "no, they're not, they are trend-setters. They set the trends and others follow."

One wonders if the whole blankets as scarves look takes to the street. But at least this accessory is recession-friendly: it can double as an actual blanket when needed.

Tags: fashion week, duckie brown, patrick mcdonald, shopping

Fashion Week: Ashley Dupre at the Tents!

Saturday February 14, 2009 6:27 AM By Julie Gordon

Yigal Azrouël with Ashley Dupre

By Jessie Pascoe, Metromix

Our first show at the Tents was the Yigal Azrouël show. The Israeli-born designer spun a collection that was definitively “dark and romantic.” However, we couldn’t help notice the front row guest Ashley Dupre (of Spitzer infamy) and Andre Leon Tally from Vogue (note: they DIDN’T arrive together). Ashley Dupre did seem chummy with the designer, while Andre rocked an Obama toque and looked to clutching an Obama tote. We glad the glossy’s editor-at-large is continuing the sartorial fanfare he debuted last season.

For the full scoop on the Dupre sighting, check out WWD

Photo Credit: Brian Ach/WireImage.com

Tags: fashion week, ashley dupre, spitzer, shopping

Fashion Week: Joanna Garcia is always in character

Friday February 13, 2009 11:12 AM By Julie Gordon

Joanna Garcia at BCBG (Getty)

By Julie Gordon

If you adore Joanna Garcia's kooky, bubbly character, Megan Smith, on "Privileged," chances are you'll adore Joanna Garcia.

"I'm [like Megan] in every way — every sad, scary, neurotic way. That's me, pathetically," Garcia told us before the BCBG fashion show on Friday afternoon.

And it's not just a coincidence. Garcia said there's a "synergy of two crazy girls" between herself and head writer Rina Mimoun.

"She writes this piece of tidbit that she would like to see me do and somehow my air-humping or this terrible song I'm singing will make it into the show," she said.

(Photo: Getty)

Tags: bcbg, joanna garcia, fashion week, shopping

Fashion Week: Hip kids: The new must-have accessory?

Friday February 13, 2009 7:26 AM By Julie Gordon

A look from Built by Wendy's fall 2009 collection

By Jessie Pascoe, Metromix

The tents are up, the runways out and Fashion Week for fall 2009 is off! The week-long event might begin today, but we got our fashion fix early last night at indie design label Built by Wendy. Held in a gallery space on Mulberry Street, the designer Wendy Mullin created a fall collection that melded soft floral prints with vibrant, punchy reds found in opaque tights and lady-like heels (Was Mullin taking a sartorial hint from Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, perhaps?).

The ideal woman for this fall line? According to Mullin, "this season's Built by Wendy woman is modest and winsome,a girl as much at home at her French boarding school as she is traveling the world."

Speaking of school kids, we counted help count FOUR very hip middle-school age kids in near the front rows with their stylish moms. Could fashion forward kids be the new must have accessory for fall?

Tags: fashion week, shopping

Fashion Week: Christian Siriano says it's rough out there

Friday February 13, 2009 6:48 AM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon

It's hard out there for a "Project Runway" winner — and Christian Siriano isn't afraid to admit it.

"I don't fund my whole business based on my clothes. I obviously have to do tons of other projects," Siriano told us at the Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection Friday morning.

Thursday marks Siriano's first time at Bryant Park's Tents. Last season, he showed his duds at an off-site location in Chelsea. And while the tons of fashionistas at the show may have applauded Siriano's work, it didn't exactly translate to huge sales.

"Selling wise, I will say I didn't get tons and tons of stores picked up," Siriano said. "I got really good stores and I've done a few trunk shows and the trunk shows were really lucrative. But I was prepared for a lot less. But hopefully this season will be better even though the economy's worse."

One goal? Getting his clothing into Saks.

"I really, really love them, and last season they were really into [my collection], and hopefully this season they will be as well," Siriano said.

We hope so, too!

Tags: christian siriano, hearth truth red dress, fashion week, shopping

Housing Works to open new location

Tuesday February 10, 2009 5:53 AM By Julie Gordon

By Julie Gordon

One of the city's best thrift shops — Housing Works — is expanding come Feb. 24 with a location in Tribeca.

The new shop, located at 72 Warren St., btwn West Broadway and Greenwich St., will sell used furniture, clothing, artwork, housewares and books — likes its counterparts in the West Village, Brooklyn, Chelsea, Gramercy, Brooklyn Heights, the Upper East Side and Yorkville and the Upper West Side.

All Housing Works profits go toward homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. All staffers are volunteers.

Tags: housing works, shopping

LES store knows hose

Thursday January 29, 2009 7:19 AM By Emily Ngo

(Curtis Dann-Messier)

Ideal Hosiery, 339 Grand St. on the Lower East Side, is a throwback building. Located in the “Bargain District” of New York, it is a forgotten store front far from easy subway access. The peeling paint, the dusty wares, invite further exploration. The facade asks more questions than it answers. At least we will know where to go when we need to buy sheer stockings in bulk.

(The store has been around for at least 50 years, an employee informs us after first asking "What's it matter?")

— Curtis Dann-Messier

Tags: lower east side, shopping, manhattan

Scarves: Our picks

Sunday January 25, 2009 11:20 AM By Julie Gordon

By Emily Gordon

Whether you’re trying to stay warm or merely spice up a simple ensemble, a knockout scarf can brighten up any winter day.

Lacoste wool-blend scarf, $85; at Lacoste, 608 Fifth Ave., 212-459-2300

Lacoste’s wool-blend, striped scarf is toasty-warm and soft — unlike so many of the scratchier wool items out there.

Echo floral scarf, $36; at echodesign.com

This bloom-covered silk scarf reminds you that spring and summer will soon be here.

Sir Alistair Rai love scarf, $145; at Intermix

Brand Sir Alistair Rai aims to spread a positive message with each of its pieces, including this gorgeous bright-pink rayon scarf stitched with the word “love.”

The Urban Village ‘Rwanda’ scarf, $60; at the-urban-village.amazonwebstore.com

Help out others while looking fashionable. This mohair-silk blend scarf comes from a line called Urban Village, which is designed by Whitney Port of MTV’s “The City” and is made in Rwanda by rural women artisans. One hundred percent of the wholesale profit goes back to Rwanda Community Works and The Urban Village.

Gap dip-dye scarf, $29.50; at Gap

Complement a neutral-colored outfit with this lightweight, frayed-fringe scarf from the Gap. It comes in four colors: Majesty (shown), jewel sea, mission tan and rosamunde.

Old Navy two-tone scarf, $12.50; at Old Navy

Who said fashion has to cost a lot? Not Old Navy, whose affordable two-tone scarf is one of our favorite pieces of the season.

Tags: fashion, shopping

What's so wrong with vowels?

Sunday January 25, 2009 8:54 AM By Emily Ngo

This sign for GRDN, a Park Slope store, reminds me of this sign for brgr, a Chelsea eatery.

(via roboppy on Flickr)

It seems dropping vowels to create an original name for your store is not so original after all.

— Emily Ngo

Tags: shopping, signs, restaurants, brooklyn

City Living: West New York

Wednesday January 14, 2009 2:26 PM By Rolando Pujol

A view of the Manhattan skyline from West New York. (Photo: Alana Abel)

By Magdalene Perez

Special to amNewYork

With a total area of 1.4 square miles, and a population of 46,000, West New York is a city in miniature. Located across the Hudson River in the New Jersey Palisades, it has long served as a haven for immigrants and commuters who prefer its lower rents and more relaxed lifestyle to the big city across the water.

In the late 19th century, the manufacturing city was dominated by European immigrants, including Germans, Swedes, Slavs, Armenians and Jews. Today, though one of many Latin American cultures in the city, the Cuban community is still strong.

West New York resident and former mayor Albio Sires now serves as one of a handful of Cuban American representatives in the U.S. congress, and the annual Cuban Parade enlivens Bergenline Avenue each June.

West New York has a split personality. Just two decades ago it had the unenviable distinction of being one of the poorest cities in New Jersey. But an ambitious transformation of the waterfront has changed all that. Now, dozens of high rises have created a gilded coastline boasting luxury living at prices unattainable in New York.Abhi Gupta, an accountant who works in midtown, said he moved to a newly built West New York condo five years ago to escape the city’s high housing prices. Now he appreciates living in the Palisades for more than just its low price.

“It’s quiet, it’s close to New York City and I have more space than in New York,” said Gupta, 32. “It’s the next best thing to living in New York City.”

Gupta is typical of West New York’s newest residents: Young professionals who like the Manhattan skyline views and 15-minute commute to midtown by bus or ferry. But the older West New York still exists, one where two-family homes and walkable streets support a small-town atmosphere, family-owned businesses sell their wares at discount prices on Bergenline Avenue, and the food, culture and music is infused with Latin American culture of all stripes.

FIND IT

West New York is bounded by 67th Street and North Bergen on the north, the Hudson River on the east, 49th Street and Union City on the south and Kennedy Boulevard West on the west.

THE ONE THING YOU MUST DO

See the Hudson River view. Whether you’re perched high in the bluffs or waterside, this is a view of the Manhattan skyline you won’t forget. To try both, start in Donnelly Park, where you can catch a glimpse from eastward-facing benches and coin-operated scopes. Then walk down Hillside Road to Riverwalk Place, where a perfect-for-strolling cul-de-sac abuts the water.

REAL ESTATE

West New York is divided into two parts: the riverfront and the plateau, located west of Boulevard East. In the latter, two-family houses and five-story walkup apartments abound, while the riverfront is dominated by high-rises.

Buyers will find plenty of newly built luxury properties that will seem like a steal compared to New York City prices, according to Coldwell Banker Realtor April Hartmann. Prices range from $189,000 for a studio in a doorman co-op to $3 million for a waterfront townhouse, with many condominiums offering amenities such as a gym, pool and free shuttle buses that will take you to the New York ferry.

“West New York’s a deal,” Hartmann said.

Renters can expect to pay from $980 per month for a one-bedroom in a pre-war building to $7,000 per month for a river-view townhouse, Hartmann said.

To Buy

• Studio in river-view co-op, 24-hour doorman, gym, pool, 650 sq. ft. Listed: $189,900. Sold: $175,000. (Boulevard East)

• One-bedroom, waterfront apartment with pool, club house, basketball court, yoga studio and screening room, 750 sq. ft. Listed: $360,000. Sold: $350,000

• Two-bedroom, two-bath, waterfront townhouse with two pools on property, 1,280 sq. ft. Listed $529,000. Sold: $490,000

• Five-bedroom, two bath single family home. Fully renovated 1913 Tudor colonial. Listed: $649,000. Sold: $590,000. (Near Boulevard East)

• Two-bedroom, two bath waterfront apartment with concierge, indoor parking, pool, gym and conference center, 1,380 sq. ft. Listed: $699,000. Sold: $672,000.

To Rent

• Renovated two-bedroom with high ceilings, living room, dining room and den, $1,600. (Park Avenue and 61st Street)

• Two-bedroom with private garden, $1,500. (65th Street and Boulevard East)

• Three-bedroom, two-bath duplex, with private garden and washer and dryer, $1,900. (64th Street at Boulevard East)

• Studio with hardwood floors, washer and dryer in building, $880 (64th Street near Boulevard East)

• One-bedroom, fully renovated condo, laundry room in building, $1,000 (Monroe Place near 61st Street)

DID YOU KNOW?

• West New York was a filming location for the Will Smith movie “Independence Day”

• “My Chemical Romance” frontman Gerard Way is a former resident

• Bergenline Avenue is the longest commercial avenue in the state

TO EAT

West New York’s high Hispanic population makes eating in the city like taking a culinary tour of Latin America. You will find Salvadorian pupusas, Mexican tamales and Brazilian churrasqueria, to name a few. And the eating doesn’t stop there. With new condo projects sprouting along the river, restaurants like P.F. Chang’s China Bistro chain have followed.

Meson Español

Seafood abounds at this white-tablecloth restaurant, where the owners ply regulars with sangria, fresh clams ($8.50), and lobster ($35) amid a Spanish-villa décor. While not on the menu, try ordering a tortilla (potato omelet) to enjoy this mainstay of Spanish cuisine.

5700 Kennedy Boulevard W.

201-865-5880

Las Palmas

A neighborhood fixture for more than 30 years, Las Palmas serves up Cuban cuisine just like abuelita (grandma) made it. The most popular dish, churrasco, comes in three sizes, $7.95 for “mini,” $15.95 for small, and $23.95 for large, with rice and beans on the side.

6153 Bergenline Ave.

201-861-1400

Teri Teri

The small but slick interior gives this Japanese restaurant an on-the-go feel, but you’ll want to stay for fresh sushi rolls ($4 to $9), beef ramen ($9), and veggie tempura ($7).

5509 Bergenline Ave.

201-325-8374

Yella’s

This submarine shop, just over the North Bergen line, is splashed with bright colors and offers cheap eats. Try a roast beef and gorgonzola sandwich, served on a ciabatta roll, for $4.99.

5905 Kennedy Boulevard W.

201-869-3661

Luna Restaurant

The expansive, dark-lit interior of this Salvadoran restaurant includes a jukebox and bar. Pupusas are $1.25 each, with filling choices such as cheese, beans, meat and pork rinds. Entrees including carne asada ($9.50) and salmon filet ($12) complete the menu.

512 55th St.

201-770-9113

Panaderia El Carretero

A Colombian pastry shop and diner-style restaurant, El Carretero serves up hefty meals at prices that are wallet-friendly. The traditional bandeja paisa piles on steak, sausage, beans, avocado and egg for $10.50. The fresh juice and shake menu includes passion fruit, papaya and South American mamey ($3 each).

3500 Bergenline Ave.

201-863-6681

TO PLAY

Where West New York is strong on food, it lacks in culture and nightlife. Most residents simply get their fun fix in across the water in New York, or in nearby Hoboken. But those who look hard enough will find a few weekend options for dancing, drinks and music.

De Cachet

A bright and newly opened restaurant and lounge, De Cachet hosts some of the classiest (and packed) weekend dance floors this side of Hoboken. Friday night is Ladies’ Night, with a house and hip-hop mix.

512 59th St.

201-553-2817

Casa Del Faro

On Saturdays this river view restaurant pumps a Latin mix of salsa, merengue, bachata and more.

759 Farragut Place

201-854-1004

Sammy’s Bar

Regulars keep it low key at this neighborhood dive.

5400 Park Ave.

201-866-3686

Harbor Bar & Brasserie

Enjoy a late-night view of the Hudson from this riverfront bar in nearby Weehawken.

500 Harbor Boulevard

201-348-4444

TO SHOP

Shoppers flock to Bergenline Avenue to take advantage of a discounted 3.5 percent sales tax available only in the “Urban Enterprise Zone” from 49th to 67th Streets. Big name stores such as Payless ShoeSource and The Children’s Place are here, as well as countless independent clothing, electronics, furniture and other shops.

House of Style

Jeans, jackets and accessories ranging from ECKO to Polo Ralph Lauren fill the racks at this shop, where sales abound.

5612 Bergenline Ave.

201-866-6003

My Day

This shop sells lovely prom and quinceañera gowns, but what really shines are the children’s formal wear, including a boy’s three-piece white tuxedo suit and toddler-sized dresses finished with ribbon flourishes.

5506 Bergenline Ave.

201-974-2222

Food Bazaar

While it may look like any old supermarket on the outside, this grocery store is stocked with a cornucopia of international foodstuffs, from yucca to fresh papaya.

5701 Broadway

201-863-2826

Bambi Baby Store

Better described as a superstore, Bambi’s catch phrase is, “We deliver everything but the baby!” Appropriate for a place where you can find strollers, cribs, furniture, car seats and more.

5409 Bergenline Ave.

201-867-6132

TO SEE

Miller Park

Check out Miller Park for its two basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds and walking trails. Then take a peek at Miller Stadium, where Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig took part in exhibition games in the 1930s. Today the minor league stadium is used mostly by Memorial High School.

5701 Jackson St.

201-295-5270

Donnelly Park

Donnelly Park has an Olympic-sized pool, a playground, and basketball courts, but its biggest claim to fame may be the filming of “Independence Day” within its environs. Locals say the spot is unrecognizable after renovations, but look for the chess tables and you’ll be standing where Will Smith once performed.

Boulevard East and 59th Street

201-295-5270

Police Headquarters

You won’t find a plaque commemorating the events, but West New York had a brush with the seedy side in the late 1990s when an FBI investigation led to the arrest of former police chief Alexander V. Oriente and more than a dozen others for operating a racketeering operation. The men accepted money in exchange for protecting illegal gambling, prostitution and after-hours liquor sales, according to the indictment.

428 60th St.

201-295-5000

THE BUZZ

For those who have lived in West New York more than a decade, its rapid waterfront development has been nothing short of astounding. It started in the early 1990s, when city officials, seeking to boost tax revenues, proposed more than two dozen harbor projects, including new luxury high-rise housing, roadways and sewers.

“They’ve built like a little city down there,” said Angela Peña, a 30-year resident. “Even my son says to me, ‘This is not the same place where I was born.’”

The addition of six or seven new communities since 1990 has attracted thousands of white-collar commuters to the city, and more are sure to come. According to former Mayor Albio Sires, the finished waterfront should add 15,000 new residents to the city.

Officials have accomplished their goal of building a new tax base, but some residents complain the new construction is driving housing prices sky high.

“Rent is going up so much,” said Peña, who like 70 percent of the population, rents. “Right now I pay $430 a month, but if I moved they would renovate and rent my apartment for over $1000.”

THE Q & A

Juliana Palomino, 22, has lived in West New York for eight years. She is a student at Bergen Community College.

What attracts people to West New York?

I like the fact that it’s 15 minutes away from New York. It’s diverse, it’s right next to everything, and the view is pretty great from Boulevard East.

How has the neighborhood changed over the years?

There are a lot more buildings now. We’ve got a lot of condominiums, and rent is skyrocketing.

Do you think gentrification will help or hurt the neighborhood?

It sucks, because it pushes people like me out.

Where do people like to hang out?

We have a lot of restaurants. Bergenline is the best place to eat. To hang out, most people go to the city or Hoboken, but I like a place called Harbor Bar (in Weehawken).

What might deter people from moving here?

It’s got its problems. It used to be more violent, but I don’t think it’s like it used to be anymore.

If you could change something what would it be?

I commute by bus, so I would like that to be better. I’d like to see more service, because sometimes you have to wait an hour for another bus. There’s a ferry to New York, but since I commute in the other direction it doesn’t help.

Where do you think the city is headed?

The rent is going to keep getting more expensive. Hopefully there won’t be any more yuppies. I don’t want to see us turn into Hoboken.

If someone had a few hours to visit, what should they do?

Definitely go out to eat and shop. Then you can visit Boulevard East, get a nice view, talk and have a cup of coffee.

THE FACT SHEET

Municipal Building

428 60th St.

201-295-5200

Transportation

Bus

To New York Port Authority: 128, 155,157,168 (Boulevard East) 154 (JFK Boulevard West)

To Jersey City PATH train: 84 (Bergenline Avenue) 88 (JFK Boulevard West)

To Hoboken PATH train: 89, 22 (Bergenline Avenue), 23 (Boulevard East)

Light Rail

To North Bergen/Jersey City: Union City stop on Bergenline Avenue/49th Street

Ferry

Via New York Waterway – Dock at Port Imperial Boulevard and Pershing Road

M to Midtown West 39th Street

W to World Financial Center Vesey Street

11 to Pier 11 Wall Street

Public Library

425 60th St.

201-295-5135

Crime

West New York had four murders, four rapes and 97 robberies in 2007, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Police Department

428 60th St.

201-2 9 5 - 5 0 0 0

Fire Department

428 60th St.

201-295-5220

Schools

Public

PS 1

6129 Madison St.

201-553-4025

PS 2

317 66th St.

201-553-4040

Middle School

201 57th St.

201-553-4160

Memorial High School

5501 Park Ave.

201-553-4110

Private

Our Lady of Libera School

5 8 0 0 K e n n e d y B oulevard W.

201-8 6 4 - 5 5 5 7

St. Joseph of the Palisades High School

5 4 0 0 B r o a d w a y

201- 8 6 4 - 9 7 0 0

Banks

Bank of America

6 0 5 0 B e r g e n l i n e A v e.

Wachovia

4 5 R i v e r w a l k P l ace

201- 8 6 5 - 6 0 2 7

PNC Bank

150 60th St.

201-295-2002

Markets

A&P Supermarket

1 9 A v e nue at P o r t I m p e r i a l No. 2 1

800-9 2 8 - 2 2 7 4

Fiesta Supermarket

5500 Bergenline Ave.

201-348-1178

Tags: city living, west new york, new jersey, real estate, shopping, architecture, history, restaurants, nightlife, latinos, cubans, development, gentrification, immigration, retail

Funky Flatbush store closes its doors

Tuesday January 6, 2009 8:13 AM By Emily Ngo

Hekima Hapa, left, and Ngozi Odita dress a model for a fashion show that the boutique owners hosted in November at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple in Fort Greene. (Jefferson Siegel)

A huge thanks to Harriet's Alter Ego for re-energizing the Park Slope/Prospect Heights stretch of Flatbush Avenue with its offbeat fashions. But alas, it has become the latest victim of the "very sick" (President-elect Barack Obama's words) economy. Snap up the boutique's trends for as little as $20 or $30 before it closes its doors on Jan. 10.

-- Emily Ngo

Tags: shopping, boutiques, brooklyn, park slope, trends, economy

City Living: Flatiron

Wednesday December 31, 2008 12:21 PM By Rolando Pujol

The Metropolitan Life tower looms over the Shake Shack. (RJ Mickelson/amNY)

By Lana Bortolot

Special to amNewYork

The toy industry may have largely vanished from the neighborhood, but there’s still plenty of play going on in the Flatiron District.

Boasting some of the city’s most renowned restaurants and iconic architecture, and anchored by two neighborhood parks, Flatiron is shedding its wallflower reputation and becoming a downtown neighborhood of choice.

“We’re seeing a resurgence of blocks that were desolate after 6 p.m. now with new restaurants and different ground uses coming on line,” says Jennifer Brown, executive director of the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership, the area’s two-year-old business improvement district. “Everyone in the neighborhood is excited about the growth and that people are making it their home. It’s a really relevant neighborhood with a lot of access.”

The restoration of Madison Square Park, ringed by stately architecture, set the gears in motion here, and the improvements keep coming. The area has been spruced up with trees and other plantings, and a new pedestrian plaza around the Flatiron Building may eventually include a concession stand, and a flower or holiday market.

The BID’s social services program has addressed the quality of life issues that plagued the area for years with a dedicated Clean Streets and Public Safety program.

A mix of upscale national brands and independent businesses line the retail corridors of Broadway and Fifth, many of which cater to the home-design market. And now, a number of luxury condo conversions will ensure that those businesses thrive as Flatiron becomes a full-out residential neighborhood.

Though residents welcome the changes, there are concerns about the neighborhood losing its character and becoming another shopping mall or Meatpacking District. Community Board member Jennifer Kozel, herself a Flatiron resident since 1999, says that while most of the changes are good, others are “problematic.”

“As the neighborhood becomes more residential, there are more amenities and that’s very exciting if you live here,” she said. “But as some of the buildings are converted to other things, you whittle away at a district. Those changes can be rough because you change the nature of the neighborhood.”

The influx of residents into a traditional manufacturing district also creates a need for elementary schools, which Flatiron lacks. And as the area becomes more popular with young families, quality of life economics—especially in current conditions—will become more of a factor in deciding who can afford living here.

“It used to be that when you moved in, you could get a big space for cheap and that would compensate for having to send your child to a private school,” Kozel said.

Still, Halstead Property executive vice president Barbara Licalzi, who has lived in Flatiron since 1993, says there’s no lack of interest in the neighborhood.

“The saving grace of Flatiron is that we don’t have a lot of inventory and that’s what keeps it desirable and active.”FIND IT

The boundaries often include parts of Chelsea and Union Square, but the Flatiron District is anchored between Sixth Avenue and Broadway, from 23rd street to 14th street.

THE FACT SHEET

Get there: Three subway lines serve Flatiron: N/R/W; F/V and 6 stop at 23rd street. The M23 bus runs crosstown.

Community Board 5: 212-465-0907

Police Precinct: 13th Precinct, 230 E. 21st St. 212-477-7411

Crime stats: The 13th Precinct reports one murder, 10 rapes, 242 robberies, 341 burglaries for the year to date. In the same time period last year, there were three murders, six rapes, 225 robberies, and 332 burglaries.

Fire Department: 18th Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway

Schools: Manhattan Village Academy High School, 43 W. 22nd St., public (9-12); School for the Physical City, 55 E. 25th St., public (8-12)

Markets: Union Square Greenmarket (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday); Whole Foods, Union Square; and Trader Joe’s, 142 E. 14th St.

Libraries: Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, 40 W. 20th St., 212-206-5400 (TTD: 212-206-5458); and Science, Industry, Business Library, 188 Madison Ave., 212-592-7000.

THE ONE THING YOU MUST DO

Abracadabra Super Store

10 W. 21st St., 212-627-5194

You can shop here, of course, or you can come for the sheer spectacle of this magic store, one of a few reminders of the mystery and magic of New York vaudeville. No. 1 gag gift purchased by police and firemen: stink bombs and flatulence spray, says sales associate J.P. Groth. Free magic shows on Friday nights 7-9 p.m. and magic classes start in January.

TO SHOP

Two types of retail dominate the area: fashion for your body and for your home. National brands dominate many of the storefronts, but hometown favorites keep this from feeling like a shopping mall.

Fishs Eddy

899 Broadway, 212-420-9020

Leave your backpack at home so you can browse this stocked-to-the-ceiling emporium of vintage and reproduction china and glass for the table top. The store has commissioned several lines of NYC-themed retro dishware and features other collectible American glassware.

Environment furniture

876 Broadway, 212-780-0051

You can’t live off the grid in New York, but you can make your home eco-friendly with furniture from this chic and simple store. And you don’t have to be green to appreciate the unique textures, exotic woods and modern aesthetic.

Ricky’s Outlet

893 Broadway, 212-677-5462

Get your groove on here at reduced prices. Ricky’s first outlet in the city features bath and hair products and accessories, hip totes, cool Dooodolls and colorful boas.

Metropolitan Design Center

909-11 Broadway, 212-477-7596

MDC, “born and reared” here, still manufactures in Brooklyn. The collections here are modernist, sleek and almost too beautiful to sit on but the designs are original to MDC and reflect the company’s home-grown sophistication.

ABC Carpet & Home

888 Broadway, 212-473-3000

The granddaddy of all New York City design stores, ABC mixes up all your fantasies about castles, souks and English manors in a multi-floored emporium experience. Noted for the prestigious carpet collection, hand-picked by experts in foreign lands.

TO SEE

Flatiron has attracted, in recent years, a quiet gathering of cultural and restful spots where you can experience the New York not for tourists.

Walking tours

The Flatiron/23rd Street BID sponsors free walking tours of the historic Flatiron district every Sunday year-round. Tours meet at 11 a.m. at the southwest corner of Madison Square Park at 23rd Street and Broadway.

Madison Square Park

23rd Street between Fifth and Madison avenues

Once a down and out patch, and now a jewel box after a major restoration, old-growth trees, flowering gardens, a playground and dog run provide a respite in the park-starved neighborhood. In warm weather, cultural programming includes free concerts and family programs. The de rigueur activity, however, is queuing up at Shake Shack. On now: Tadashi Kawamata’s “Tree Huts,” a series of wooden huts perched in the bare trees (until Dec. 31).

AIGA Gallery

164 Fifth Ave., 212-807-1990

When not contemplating the role of Helvetica in design society, the professional association for designers hosts public events and shows in its gallery. Two design exhibitions — the AIGA annual competition, and the National Biennial Awards from the Australian Graphic Design Association — are on display through February 2009.

Daryl Roth Theater

20 Union Square West, 212-375-1110

The longtime home of international Off-Broadway hit De La Guarda, this nontraditional theater, located in a landmark former bank building, now hosts Fuerzabruta, from the same creators. Also here: DR2, a smaller theater that often hosts kids’ shows.

Tibet House

22 W. 15th St., 212-807-0563

Not in Flatiron proper, this institute is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture through art exhibitions, cultural programming and mediation classes. Free admission.

The Museum of Sex

233 Fifth Ave., 212-689-6337

The six-year-old museum exhibits more than 15,000 objects including artifacts, historical ephemera, media and fine art that explore current discourse and the history of sex in cultures across the world. On right now: The Sex Lives of Animals.

TO EAT

Flatiron boasts some of the city’s most famed dining—from brand-name chefs to notable sandwicheries. Come hungry when you come here.

Bar Stuzzichini

928 Broadway, 212-780-5100

Named for the small pickings of Southern Italian food (stuzzichare means “to pick”), come here to sample fare beyond the usual pasta on a platter. Take advantage of the small-plate philosophy here with Roman-style artichokes and lightly crisped rice balls. But if you must have pasta, try the pistachio with pecorino and lemon.

Boqueria

53 W. 19th St., 212-255-4160

This small Iberian restaurant occupies a culinary craving somewhere between tapas and the usual paella palaces. The menu weighs heavily toward pork—artisinally prepared and as much a part of Spanish food culture as paella (which you can also get here). Come early and prepare to wait.

City Bakery

3 W. 18th St., 212-366-1414

Its humble beginnings as a small greenmarket restaurant on Union Square aren’t lost in the serve-yourself restaurant that’s now a downtown institution. Season, local ingredients still uphold the food philosophy here, as does the killer mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies.

Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop

174 Fifth Ave., 212-675-5096

Since 1929, working-class New Yorkers have raised their cholesterol level here. Along with your sandwich (the egg salad deserves note), you get a serving of old-style New York. Don’t ask for a check: you won’t get one. Owner Josh Konecky keeps it all in his head; that’s part of the charm of the place.

Rickshaw Dumpling Bar

61 W. 23rd St., 212-924-9220

The best deal in the hood comes in small packages — steamed or fried. The modest prices let you sample to your heart’s content, but you can also supplement with soups and salads for a full meal. Unusual here: chocolate soup dumplings.

Shake Shack

Madison Square Park

We shouldn’t mention this because the lines will get only longer. The wait is worth it: toothsome burgers and dogs, and sublime custards and shakes you’ll want all year round. And now you can: this year, Shake Shack will stay open all winter.

Tabla

11 Madison Ave., 212-889-0667

Indian fusion cuisine in an unusual setting overlooking Madison Square Park. Book well in advance, and if you can’t get a coveted table in the balcony, try the street-level Bread Bar for home-style Indian.

Veritas

43 E. 20th St., 212-353-3700

Impress a date here or select a wine form the impressive private wine collection of Park B. Smith (of the home design emporium). Featuring an American French nouveau menu and expert sommelier to guide you through the daunting wine list.

TO PLAY

There’s no shortage of options here, from elegant lounges to playful pastimes.

230 Fifth

230 Fifth Ave., 212-725-4300

From the creators of Palladium and the Roxy, comes this nightclub in the sky (on the 20th floor). Drinks are pricey, but the view is, as they say, priceless. Outdoor lounge is open in the summer with 360-degree views.

The Cutting Room

19 W. 24th St., 212-691-1900

Live acts in the back and an art-filled lounge-y atmosphere in the front serve people looking for both entertainment and a comfy place to have a classy cocktail. Co-owned by recurring Law & Order detective Chris Noth (aka Mr. Big), the bar features Monday night jams and above-average bar food. Go now: It’s closing Jan. 13.

Duvet

45 W. 21 St., 212-989-2121

Designed by Andres Escobar and billed as a “dining boudoir,” Duvet features 30 customized “dining beds,” on which good friends can party, eat and engage in pillow talk. Custom slippers, European bed linens, flat-screen TVs complete the scene. What you won’t find anywhere else: an aquarium of exotic jellyfish.

Flatiron Lounge

37 W. 19th St., 212-727-7741

This neighborhood favorite is known for its Jazz Age atmosphere and refined cocktail menu, which changes with the season. Fresh juices, inventive twists and kicky things like martini flights make this popular with downtowners who want to play like uptowners.

Flute

40 E. 20th St., 212-529-7870

The second of two Champagne emporia in the city (a third Flute is in Paris) offers a good selection of sparkling wines and plenty of opportunities to experiment with tastings or flutes (try a flight of three to inform your palate). Not feeling bubbly? There’s wine and beer, as well as inventive cocktails.

Live Bait

14 E 23rd St., 212-353-2400

There’s a kitschy down-hominess of this place that people seem not to tire of. More frat boy than hipster, more backyard than front of house, it’s a reliably loud place to throw back a few beers with some Cajun munchies.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Flatiron Building, constructed in 1902, was considered one of the first skyscrapers. It was eclipsed in 1909 by the neighboring Metropolitan Life Insurance Building.

The slang term, “23 Skidoo,” was originated by local police admonishing Flatiron construction workers who enjoyed the view provided by sudden wind gusts blowing up the skirts of passers-by.

America’s first community Christmas tree was illuminated in Madison Square Park on Christmas Eve 1912.

Madison Square Park is considered to be the home of baseball: the first baseball club, the New York Knickerbockers, was founded here in 1845.

Madison Square Park was named for James Madison, fourth President of the United States.

Q & A Josh Konecky, owner of Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop

How long have you been in the neighborhood?

I grew up in Peter Cooper Village, worked here in the printing business, and ate here (Eisenberg’s) for 15 years before I bought it.

What are some of the changes you’ve seen?

Major industries are gone—the toy industry and the printing business. And national stores make it seem like we could be anywhere in the country, not New York City.

What do you like about the neighborhood?

I like that Flatiron has become more of a 24-hour area. I used to shut down at 5 p.m. because there was no one here after that. Now that’s not the case.

What would recommend people do here?

Other than eat at Eisenberg’s? (regular diner Debbie, sitting at the counter, looks up from her tuna sandwich, “Where else are ya gonna eat?”) Go to the park. Eat at other places. Shop independent merchants in the area.

What’s the best thing about owning a business here?

I didn’t set out to save Eisenberg’s but it’s surprising to see how many people thank me on a daily basis. I’m just trying to hold on to a piece of old New York—I think that’s important to keep something old in New York and I enjoy doing that. (Debbie, stuffing her lettuce back into her sandwich: “God bless you for that.”)

REAL ESTATE

Though conversions are on the rise here, the housing inventory is low in Flatiron, making the neighborhood high in demand. Some rental deals can be found, evoking the early 1990s when leases often came with a free month’s rent.

TO RENT:

Studio apartment in new luxury building, 511 square feet. $3,200/month.

One bedroom in same building, 694 square feet, $4,000/month

Two-bedroom in same building, 1,079 square feet, $6,500. 37 W. 21st St.

One-bedroom, one-bath duplex apartment with a terrace in a prewar building. 1,200 square feet, $2,299/month.

20 E. 22nd St., Lior Lev, Citi-Habitats, 212-777-7757.

One-bedroom, one-bath apartment in a postwar building. 1,400 square feet. 5 E. 22nd St., Lior Lev, Citi-Habitats, 212-777-7757.

Two-bedroom, two-bath condo in a pre-war loft building. 2,152 square feet.

$12,000/month, 9 W. 20th St. (also for sale: $2.5M). Barbara Licalzi, Halstead Property 212-381-4228

FOR SALE:

Three-bedroom, three-bath condo in post-war high rise. Two balconies. 2,100 square feet

$3.6 million.

Two-bedroom, two-bath condo in same building, 850 square feet: $1.275 million. 5 E. 22nd St.

Barbara Licalzi, Halstead Property, 212-381-4228

Three-bedroom, two and a half bath condo in a post-war, high rise loft building,

2,200 square feet plus private terrace. $3.25 million. 63 W. 17th St.

Vered George, Halstead Property, 212-381-4206

Two-bedroom, two and half bath penthouse duplex in a landmarked rowhouse. Two private decks, private keyed elevator. 1,557 square feet. $1.995 million, 52 W. 22nd St.

Greg P. Annunziata, 212-381-2366 and Ines Rodriguez, 212-381-2354

Tags: city living, flatiron district, manhattan, real estate, shopping, architecture, history, restaurants, nightlife, development, economy, retail, skyscrapers, stuff that's cool

55,000-title collection of Kim's Video setting sail for Italy

Tuesday December 30, 2008 1:35 PM By Rolando Pujol

Via Yelp

The fate of Kim's Video's 55,000-title collection has been settled — and the beneficiaries will be the 11,000 residents of Salemi, Italy. Former Urbaniter Lauren Johnston has details of how owner Yongman Kim's priceless collection has become the subject of an unusual transatlantic gift.

Kim's will end rentals on St. Marks Place Dec. 31, as the former Kim empire meets its demise, the victim of Netflix and changing media-consumption habits.

From the News: Kim went with a bid from Salemi Mayor Vittorio Sgarbi – a former TV talk show host described as "one of the oddest and most colorful figures in contemporary Italy,"by the British newspaper, The Independent – who's trying to revitalize his poverty-stricken town.

Jeremiah at Vanishing New York has more, including photos.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: kim's video, history, retail, east village, st. marks place, endangered nyc, real estate, shopping

Florsheim shuffles out of Herald Square

Sunday December 28, 2008 8:49 AM By Rolando Pujol

The Florsheim site on Sunday, Dec. 28 (Photos: Rolando Pujol)

Florsheim Shoes has been at the corner of 35th Street and Sixth Avenue for as long as we remember. This morning, we walked by and found it shuttered.

The corner looks positively funereal now. The white lettering on the Florsheim sign has been darkened, and the windows have been papered in black.

We hadn't shopped in the store in many years, but we always appreciated it presence in the neighborhood. It was just a good old-fashioned shoe store. Nothing wrong with that.

After hitting retails problems that sunk shoes chains such as Kinney, Florsheim got a new boost in 2002 when members of the namesake family took over again.

amNY will dig around for more on this corner's fate this week.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: florsheim shoes, herald square, manhattan, endangered nyc, shopping

Stores offer deeper discounts after the holidays

Thursday December 25, 2008 1:15 PM By Garett Sloane

Stores offer big sales after Dec. 25 to keep consumers in the shopping spirit. (Getty)

By Marlene Naanes

and Keiko Morris

mnaanes@am-ny.com

New Yorkers will reap the benefits Friday of retailers’ last-ditch effort to come back after a dismal holiday shopping season, slashing prices up to 75 percent in day-after-Christmas sales.

Stores including Macy’s and Bed Bath & Beyond are offering between 50 to 75 percent off, with coupons delivering deeper savings. Yet even with additional incentives this year, the same economic crisis that spurred the discounts is also holding back even the most serious bargain hunters.

“I plan to look for the 70 to 80 percent off — the real deals,” said Cassandra Sykes, 53, of Union Square. “[You should] only take it if you need it because of the things you are going through right now.”Dec. 26 has become more than a day for consumers to return unwanted gifts, with many stores opening early and offering door-buster specials.

“They are going to have a lot of inventory to sell,” said Britt Beemer, chairman of America’s Research Group, a market research firm. “When you are already at 60 and 70 percent off, how low can you go?”

Bad weather dashed retailers’ hopes of salvaging the season last weekend with the lowest number of shoppers — 38.7 percent surveyed — in six years, according to the America’s Research Group/UBS 2008 Christmas survey.

Even people who were able to go Christmas shopping are not tempted to do post-holiday spending with so much economic uncertainty.

“You don’t want to go crazy on one day when you don’t know what the next week is going to bring,” said Leon Vincent, 27, of the Upper West Side.

This year, 51.5 percent said they bought a gift card, compared with 57.6 percent last year and 66.8 percent in 2006, so retailers have to be more aggressive, Beemer said.

Some New Yorkers who received gift cards say they will go out and spend it, but they won’t go overboard regardless of the deals.

“I’m not that hardcore,” said Julia Smith, 29, of the Upper West Side. “I will probably go shopping but only because I received some gift cards. Wherever my day takes me, I’ll just go out looking around.”

Keiko Morris is a Newsday staff writer.

Got a gift card for the holidays? Here’s what you should know:

— Find out whether there are expiration dates or activation, maintenance, inactivity and transaction fees tacked onto the cards.

— Spend your card, don’t save it. Since retailers can’t count a gift card until it is redeemed, stores will entice consumers by holding special sales after Christmas and stocking shelves with new merchandise in January.

— Keep your receipt. Some retailers are able to reissue a lost gift card if consumers have kept the original purchase receipt.

— Many retailers allow recipients to register cards online, which enables customers to check their balance and report lost cards.

(National Retail Federation)

Post-Christmas shopping tips

— Make a shopping list and know exactly what you want to buy.

— Shop early, especially if there is something you really want. Stores get busy around 11 a.m. and shopping traffic is heavy throughout the day.

— If you are returning a gift, bring your gift receipt. Many stores are making it difficult to return items without receipts.

— If you are returning something without a receipt, be thankful for store credit.

— Accept that everything will take longer than usual. Even if the retailer is discouraging returns, people will attempt to take back items without receipts. Also, some stores are understaffed, adding to delays.

— Be polite. No one wants to listen to a screamer.

(Britt Beemer, chairman and founder of America’s Research Group, a market research firm)

Tags: shopping, macy's, bed bath & beyond, christmas, post-christmas, sales, discounts, bargain hunters, gift cards, retail, economy

Cover story: Spending on empty

Tuesday December 23, 2008 3:06 PM By Emily Ngo

By Annie Lok

Special to amNewYork

The mantra during the holidays is “shop, shop, shop,” but for some, the consumer chant is like dangling a drink in front of a recovering alcoholic.

One member of Debtors Anonymous, a group that counsels shopping addicts, said she has a more difficult time controlling her addiction when the holidays roll around.

“A lot of times those urges overcome me, and I want to go and spend, especially now it’s the holidays, I want to get my family everything they want,” said Kathy, also a spokeswoman for the group, which only allows members to use first names when talking with the press.

Shopping addicts have a hard time controlling the urge to spend, because their affliction is often psychological and not just about experiencing money troubles, according to Debtors Anonymous. A shopaholic’s self-worth is sometimes tied to spending on others out of fear of letting them down, Kathy said.

“Friends, coworkers who asked me for money, I would give it to them even if I don’t have money to pay my electric bill,” said Kathy, a 15-year member of the group, which can be found at DebtorsAnonymous.com.

Kathy is an extreme example of the debt problem in the United States. Credit card debt is nearly $1 trillion, four times what it was about two decades ago. Also, with the economy in the dumps, more Americans are delinquent on their payments.“When people lose their jobs or otherwise run into financial trouble, they use their credit cards to pay basic expenses,” said Erik Salazar, a manager at GreenPath, a consumer credit counseling agency in New York City.

GreenPath helps people manage finances but differs from Debtors Anonymous, which is a 12-step healing program that, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, fuses financial advice with spiritual guidance.

There has been about a 20 percent surge in consumers coming in for counseling at GreenPath during the last few months, according to Sarah Fouquart, a group manager there. The agency sees up to 500 people a week and is experiencing far fewer cancellations than they’d expect during the holidays.

“What we find, there is some reluctance to close the credit cards this time of year,” Fouquart said. “People want to hang on to them for holiday spending.”

In New York, the temptation to shop is in every window — even for consumers who are not members of Debtors Anonymous or involved in credit counseling.

“If you have to buy something — presents, anything — you don’t have a choice,” said Jose Obas, 50, of Flatbush. “You have to use your credit card. There’s just no money.”

The debt spiral is familiar to Jeanette Pearl, 33, of Ozone Park, who has about $10,000 in credit card bills.

“Everyone’s in debt, no matter what age they are,” Pearl said. “It starts at a young age, and as you get older, it gets worse. You have to start getting out of it as soon as you can.”

It seems more people are trying to shake the habit. Members of Debtors Anonymous said they noticed more newcomers, although the exact number in its ranks is unknown.

Rebecca, from Manhattan, has been a member of Debtors Anonymous for four years, and said the organization has imbued her with a spirituality that transcends consumerism.

“I’m not using money to comfort myself, to escape,” she said.

Emily Ngo contributed to this report.

Tags: cover story, shopping, debt

Henican: Wishing you a merry 'Money Christmas'

Tuesday December 23, 2008 3:03 PM By Emily Ngo

Years from now, people will still remember 2008 as the Money Christmas — and not because we all have so much of it now.

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t felt this broke since college.

And 2008 didn’t become the Money Christmas because Grandma decided, after all these years, to slip $50s — not $20s — into the little money envelopes she sends to the kids this time of the year.

Honestly, Grandma, it’s the thought that counts, not the denomination — although, yes, some greedy eyes did shine a few watts brighter when the Christmas-Eve-Eve mail arrived.

But that goes only so far.

This is the Money Christmas because — let’s just face it — the impossible issues of money, money, money are dominating not just the news right now but also our lives. The lack of money. The lust for money. The hope that some day, we might actually have some money again.

Is this really what the Celebration of the Birth of Christ is supposed to be about? Of course not. But here it is, Money Christmas, 2008.

Money: Not enough to pay the mortgage.Money: Not enough to fill the stores.

Money: Mega-bailouts for Detroit and Wall Street.

Money: Not even mini-bailouts for you and me.

Money: The CEOs are still getting theirs.

Money: Blago’s auctioning a Senate seat on eBay.

Money: Caroline’s obviously loaded, but she won’t say how much or from where.

Money: The MTA has so little, the subway fare could be $3 soon.

Money: Gave it away to Bernie Madoff.

Money: Mets and Yanks think we should be pay more for their stadiums.

Money: Your pension and my 401K — both cut in half.

Money: Barack’s coming — and he’d better get us some.

When I was a kid and $10 was Grandma’s Christmas denomination, we had a sticker on the back of our car. “Keep Christ in Your Christmas.”

We could probably use a new one now: “Christmas: Give Cash This Year.”

Tags: henican, economy, shopping, christmas

City Living: Boerum Hill

Tuesday December 23, 2008 2:21 PM By Rolando Pujol

Photos by Sam Horine

By Craig Raphael

Special to amNewYork

Until the 1960s, Boerum Hill was known as “South Brooklyn” or "North Gowanus" along with neighbors Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.

But in true New York real estate fashion, the area was rechristened in the name of the Boerum family, former farmland owners, in order to improve its appeal. The name may have taken time to stick, but today there is no doubt that Boerum Hill is firmly on the map.

With new shops and restaurants popping up along Atlantic Avenue and scenic tree-lined streets nearby, it has fast become one of Brooklyn's most desirable neighborhoods.

Proximity to several subway lines and the Flatbush Avenue LIRR station, as well as the BAM cultural district and other Brooklyn institutions, is also a big draw.

“It’s close to everything — there are a lot of great shops and restaurants,” said resident Maeve O’Donnell. “And because the buildings are low-rise, you really get a sense of the changing light and the season. It’s very refreshing.”

Atlantic Avenue, the commercial center of the neighborhood, is the home of “Antique Row,” a unique cluster of antique shops, in addition to a host of African and Islamic stores between Third and Fourth avenues.

It also hosts Atlantic Antic every fall, one of the biggest street festivals in New York. Boerum Hill is known for its strong sense of community, nourished by groups like the Boerum Hill Association, which holds meetings and events throughout the year. Said resident Kelly Williams: “You get to feel like you’re having a real neighborhood experience in the middle of it all.”

FIND IT

Boerum Hill is bordered by State Street to the north, 4th Avenue to the east, Warren Street to the south and Smith Street to the west.

Bedouin Tent

TO EAT

A variety of culinary options can be found along Atlantic Avenue, including bakeries and an ice cream shop to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you're in need of a cup of coffee and a snack, pop into The Victory Café (718-596-9035) on the corner of Hoyt and State streets.

Bedouin Tent

Fresh pita baked before your own two eyes make the falafel sandwiches at Beduoin Tent among the best in Brooklyn. Other highlights include 10-inch Middle Eastern pizzas and marinated chunks of juicy lamb. 405 Atlantic Ave., 718-852-5555

Jolie

Jolie is a French bistro that rises above the pack with nightly specials, strong drinks and an excellent brunch menu. Try the hangar steak sandwich, cooked rare — you won’t be disappointed. 320 Atlantic Ave., 718-488-0777

Hanco’s

The classic Vietnamese sandwich (shredded pork, Vietnamese ham, cilantro, mayo and daikon radish) is in fine form at Hanco’s, which also serves bubble tea and a variety of iced drinks. 85 Bergen St., 718-858-6818

Blue Marble

Smooth, creamy organic ice cream in flavors such as pistachio-almond, maple and pumpkin (in addition to traditional favorites) has attracted droves of locals to this recently opened shop. They also serve coffee, tea and baked goods. 420 Atlantic Ave., 718-858-1100

Mai

With a beautiful interior, friendly service and stellar South Asian food, Mai is one of the best values in the neighborhood. The fish dishes, in particular, are excellent; order the curry squid or pan-seared salmon with mango chutney. 497 Atlantic Ave., 718-797-3880

Betty Bakery

Red velvet cupcakes, petit fours and apple tart tatin are among the highlights at this adorable bakery, which also serves muffins, scones, pastries and bread. 448 Atlantic Ave., 718-246-2402

The Brooklyn Inn

TO PARTY

Smith Street’s bar and restaurant row may be the neighborhood’s de facto hang-out spot, but it’s not the only game in town. Nearby venues include a biker bar with karaoke and a lounge converted from a historic synagogue.

Kili

Head to Kili during the week when you can stake out a spot by the fireplace and enjoy the cozy atmosphere with friends. Tuesday night is open mic, and DJs play throughout the week. 79 Hoyt St., 718-855-5574

Deity

A former synagogue replete with pillars and mirrored walls, Deity is a lounge with an alluring ambiance and hopping weekly dance parties. 368 Atlantic Ave., 718-222-3692

The Brooklyn Inn

A historic setting and plenty of character make the Brooklyn Inn a favorite among locals and non-locals alike. 138 Bergen St., 718-625-9741

Hank’s Saloon

An authentic dive bar with cheap beer, free barbecue and requisite sticky floors, Hank’s is most well known for its rollicking jukebox and live-band country karaoke. 46 Third Ave. (at Atlantic), 718-625-8003

Vintage Signage

TO SHOP

Those in need of last-minute holiday gifts will find plenty to choose from at the various antique shops and boutiques that line Atlantic Avenue between Smith Street and Fourth Avenue.

GRDN

Provisions for “the urban gardener” abound at GRDN, which offers a colorful array of garden accessories, supplies, plants and themed gifts. 103 Hoyt St., 718-797-3628

Sterling Place

Stylish home décor, antique furniture, cookware and novelty items can all be found at Sterling Place, which also has a store in Park Slope. It has a plethora of gifts for men including antique razors, watches and assorted trinkets. 363 Atlantic Ave., 718-797-5667

Knit-A-Way of Brooklyn, Inc.

In search of soft, plush yarn to fashion a new hat or scarf? Is your kitten in need of a new diversion? Look no further than Knit-A-Way of Brooklyn, which also hosts weekly knitting and crochet classes. 398 Atlantic Ave., 718-797-3305

Aanwar Co.

The dizzying variety of lotions, creams and essential oils at Aanwar Co. is enough to keep your skin nourished and sweet-smelling for a lifetime. 428 Atlantic Ave., 718-875-3791

Vintage Signage

Filled with signs and other ephemera from Brooklyn and France, this store’s visual delights add a healthy splash of color to Antique Row. 334 Atlantic Ave., 718-834-9268

Horesman Antiques

Horesman Antiques is a sprawling, classic antique store with high-quality furniture, objets d’art, paintings and jewelry. 351 Atlantic Ave., 718-596-1048

Sterling Place

TO SEE

A number of cute neighborhood attractions, as well as some can’t-miss seasonal events, keep things busy in Boerum Hill.

Hoyt Street Garden

After you’ve spent your energy browsing the shops on Atlantic Avenue, relax at this charming community garden, adorned with signs that boast “Winner of the Dress Up Your Neighborhood Contest.” A bulletin board outside gives the scoop on local events. Corner of Hoyt Street and Atlantic Avenue

Metaphor Art Gallery

A contemporary art gallery that showcases the work of emerging and mid-career artists, Metaphor specializes in installation, works on paper and painting. Currently on display is a holiday group show entitled “Treasure Chest.” 382 Atlantic Ave., 718-254-9126

Atlantic Antic and Atlantic Avenue Art Walk

Mark your calendar for next fall’s Atlantic Antic, which fills 10 blocks of Atlantic Avenue with hundreds of vendors, multiple music stages, hayrides, belly dancers and other attractions. Earlier in the summer, the Atlantic Avenue Art Walk provides a self-guided tour of artist studios, public art exhibits, live music and other activities. Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue

ESSENTIAL VISIT

Stroll down Atlantic Avenue and pop into the various stores and boutiques. On the way back, ogle the brownstones on Pacific and Dean streets.

REAL ESTATE

Boerum Hill has some of the finest housing stock in all of Brooklyn, consisting mostly of three- and four-story brownstone and brick buildings dating from the 19th century. "It's more low key (and less expensive) than Brooklyn Heights," said Emily Fisher from Halstead Realty.

Dean Street

TO RENT

One-bedroom floor-through on Pacific Street with stainless steel appliances and marble fireplace: $2,600

Renovated studio on State Street with hardwood floors and full bath: $1,195

Two-bedroom on State Street with exposed brick and hardwood floors: $2,400

TO BUY

Three-family, four-story brownstone on Pacific Street with crown moldings, marble fireplaces and south-facing garden: $2,175,000

One-bedroom co-op on Atlantic Avenue with wood-burning stove and private roof: $595,000

Two-bedroom condo in new building on Dean Street with stainless steel appliances and energy efficient details: $780,000

RECENTLY SOLD

1,300-square-foot condo on Bergen Street: $845,000

3,360-square-foot multi-family brownstone on Pacific Street: $2,350,000

First rental and sale listing courtesy of Emily Fisher at Halstead Property,(718-613-2048). Other listings from Trulia.com and Craigslist.

Q&A WITH MAEVE O’ DONNELL

Maeve O’ Donnell is a 24-year-old artist living in Boerum Hill.

What are some of your favorite places in the neighborhood?

Bedouin Tent — the lamb sandwich is delicious and everything is fresh. They have a little garden in the back and you get a free pastry at the end of the meal if you dine in. Sterling Place is great for birthday and Christmas presents.

What do you like most about the area?

The community is very welcoming; people say hello to each other on the street. I was also very lucky that my landlord introduced me to my neighbors.

What’s not so great about Boerum Hill?

There’s a lot of traffic that passes through on the way to the bridges or the BQE, and it can be very loud.

How has the neighborhood changed since you moved there?

Atlantic Avenue has gotten a lot more commercial, which is nice because they are fixing up a lot of the old storefronts. It’s brought a lot of life to the fronts of the buildings, which are very clean and well kept.

How do you think it will change?

I worry that it will become too expensive. The boutiques are already really expensive, and the restaurants are getting more upscale, which will make it more difficult to go to them. I also worry that with the economy, some of the problem spots in the neighborhood may get more dangerous.

DID YOU KNOW?

There is still disagreement over the neighborhood’s boundaries—while some residents consider Court and Smith Streets to be part of Cobble Hill, others maintain they lie within Boerum Hill.

Actors Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams drew attention to Boerum Hill when they moved there in 2005.

In the 1920s, Boerum Hill was home to many Mohawk steelworkers, famous for building several of New York's most famous skyscrapers and bridges.

In the early 20th century, the Brooklyn downtown theater district was in full swing, and many traveling vaudeville actors took up residence in nearby Boerum Hill.

FACT SHEET

Library Brooklyn Public Library—Pacific Street Branch: 25 Fourth Ave., 718-623-3808

Police Station: 84th Precinct. 301 Gold St., 718-875-6811

Fire Department: Engine 226, 409 State St.

Food Markets: Met Food, 197 Smith St., 718-237-0317 C-Town Supermarket, 239 Bond St., 718-852-8542

Transportation Subway: F, G to Bergen Street; A to Hoyt Schermerhorn; 2,3 to Nevins Street. Bus: B61, B63 (Atlantic Avenue), B37, B103 (Third Avenue), B65 (Bergen Street).

Banks: Washington Mutual, 192 Smith St., 800-788-7000 Independence Community Bank, 130 Court St., 718-722-5700

Crime Stats: The 84th Precinct, which also covers Downtown Brooklyn and Vinegar Hill, has reported one murder, three rapes, 235 robberies, 129 felonious assaults, 136 burglaries, and 52 grand theft autos in 2008. In 2007, there were two murders, three rapes, 214 robberies, 165 felonious assaults, 145 burglaries and 47 grand theft autos in 2007.

Schools:

Public Elementary: PS 251 Philip Livingston School, 314 Pacific St., 718-330-9275 PS 37 The Pacific School, 314 Pacific St., 718-330-9305 MIDDLE: School for Global Studies, 284 Baltic St., 718-694-9741 HIGH: School for Global Studies, 284 Baltic Street, 718-694-9741 Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Place, 718-858-5150

Private: St. Ann’s School, 129 Pierrepont St., 718-522-1660. Brooklyn Friends School, 375 Pearl St., 718-852-1029.

Tags: boerum hill, city living, real estate, restaurants, shopping, history

Shop for yourself with these pre-Christmas sales

Tuesday December 23, 2008 1:37 PM By Emily Ngo

Really now, it’s time to be serious. Buying and making gifts for others is fun and makes you warm, etc., but you deserve something for all the hard “thinking about others” you’ve been doing.

With one eye on the post-Christmas sales, concentrate and take advantage of these pre-Christmas sales (60 percent off appears to be the magic number):

J. Crew: As much as 60 percent off a ton of stuff, and hey, it’s final sale time!

Nine West: Ewww yourself. As much as 60 percent off, with an additional 30 percent off sale items.

Banana Republic: As much as 60 percent off, and lots of sizes left.

Timberland: Winter sale with free shipping on $100 orders and promo codes for an extra 20 percent off.

Best Buy: Up to 20 percent off of digital cameras.

— Emily Ngo

Tags: shopping, sales, online, christmas

City storefronts, in danger of closing, find rent relief

Sunday December 21, 2008 4:37 PM By Garett Sloane

Mr. Joe is saddled with skyrocketing rents while sales receipts are plummeting.

By Garett Sloane

gsloane@am-ny.com

To keep city stores from shuttering, landlords and tenants are displaying an unprecedented level of cooperation, even renegotiating signed leases, according to business leaders.

Storeowners and landlords throughout the city are contending with an abysmal business climate, but instead of folding, communities are coming together to try and keep their neighborhoods vital.

“It’s getting just brutal out there,” said Councilman David Yassky. “Mom-and-pop and neighborhood retail stores have been suffering with rents for years now, but now they’re getting the double whammy of business just falling off the cliff.”

Consumer spending is one of the hardest hit sectors of the economy, and stores are not pulling in enough to make their rents.

“They’re paying rents based on the 2007 economy, but their sales receipts are the 2008 economy,” said Yassky, who is chairman of the council’s Small Business Committee and is running for city comptroller.Wilma Alonso, executive director of the Fordham Road Business Improvement District, said she has seen a change in attitude on the part of landlords.

“Property owners are identifying issues with their tenants, and they cannot pay the rent so they are going to be able to renegotiate the lease at least temporarily,” she said.

Revisiting leases is a recent phenomenon for the retail sector in New York, according to a number of brokers and business leaders. While renegotiating helps keep stores open, it is also a sign of how weak the economy is, Yassky said.

A business owner, Joe Mizrahi, said he renewed a lease in October for one of his three Mr. Joe stores, which sell clothing and apparel. The rent went up from $19,000 a month to $30,000 at his space on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, but since then business receipts have been down 60 percent from last year, he said.

Now, he wants to renegotiate the terms of that lease.

“I’m sure [the landlord will] say no — I don’t know what to do. It’s very painful,” said Mizrahi, who has been in business more than 30 years.

After years of prosperity, many revitalized neighborhoods are struggling to keep the gains they’ve made. Healthy retail is at the core of every vibrant downtown area, and a key quality-of-life component.

“When it’s clean. When it’s tidy. When things are in order, people end up recognizing it and want to keep it that way, and they’re empowered to do even better,” said Robert Walsh, commissioner of the city’s Small Business Services.

The reverse is also true, he said.

“When you see the streets have not been swept, the bad guys recognize that and people looking to make trouble in a neighborhood or community see that there is neglect and they pounce on it,” Walsh said.

Walsh has seen the worst of days during decades of working with the small business community. As executive director of the Union Square Business Improvement District, he spent the 1990s chasing crack dealers out of the neighborhood and helped develop the area into the energized shopping corridor it is now.

“We’re going to be working hard to ensure that [the city] doesn’t revert back,” he said.

The mayor’s office has come up with a number of initiatives in the last few months to help small businesses, including $5 million in microloans to help them get money during the credit crunch. Also, merchants, landlords and community leaders are banding together with a sense of urgency as they recognize their shared predicament.

“The landlords are talking to their tenants. The retailers are talking to their brokers. The brokers are talking to the owners, and everybody is trying to look for solutions,” said Faith Hope Consolo, chairwoman of the retail leasing and sales division at Prudential Douglas Elliman.

The dynamic has certainly shifted. During boom times city landlords were notorious for driving out businesses in search of higher-paying tenants, but today they’re willing to negotiate by offering more free months rent, longer deals at the same rate and money to improve the stores.

It’s a phenomenon Yassky called “enlightened self-interest” on the part of landlords, and their continued flexibility is likely going to be necessary if they want to retain tenants rather than try to attract new ones under the current market conditions.

Stores in the city are going to have a hard time making enough money to pay the rent, according to a recent study by Property and Portfolio Research, a Boston-based firm that analyzes retail data. The firm predicts the city’s “economic vacancy rate” will shoot up from historic lows of 2 percent seen last year to near historic highs of 12 percent by the end of next year. The economic vacancy rate does not mean the amount of physical storefronts that are open or closed. It is an indicator of how much money stores are making compared to how much they should be making to support the amount of retail space in a given area.

If the indicator shoots up, however, it translates to more closed storefronts, said Andy Joynt, the New York metro area analyst at PPR.

There are no definitive studies on the exact amount of empty storefronts in the city, but Prudential Douglas Elliman projects that vacant storefronts will jump from historic lows of less than five percent to about 15 percent next year.

“Some retailers are iffy at the moment,” said Patrick Breslin, the president of Grubb & Ellis East Coast Retail Group. “So Christmas is do or die time.”

He predicts the city is “way off from hitting bottom,” and next year will see a number of stores closing.

With a long slog likely ahead for city stores, the business districts, merchant associations and almost all relevant community groups are becoming more vigilant.

“Relations in many communities are better than they’ve ever been before,” Walsh said.

There are more people taking pride in the community, and more people willing to speak up than there were during some of the city’s darkest days like the 1970s, he said.

“When we see problems of public safety or sanitation or vacancies,” Walsh said. “It’s going to be our job to keep our eyes and ears open, and look to pounce when we see problems.”

Aline Reynolds contributed to this report.

Tags: retail, tenants, landlords, rents, economy, new york city, storefronts, vacancies, david yassky, small business services, robert walsh, faith hope consolo, patrick breslin, grubb & ellis, prudential douglas elliman, property and portfolio research, fordham road business improvement district, wilma alonso, shopping, development

Discounts (barely) helping NY shoppers through season

Sunday December 21, 2008 3:49 PM By Emily Ngo

Shops on 34th Street in midtown Sunday advertised sales galore.

By Emily Ngo

Last-minute Christmas shoppers were greeted Sunday by massive signs announcing deals galore, but most New Yorkers were unfazed. At the stores lining midtown’s 34th Street, shopping bags were a more rare sight than last year.

Deborah Raji snapped just two $25 sweaters, marked down from $40 at Banana Republic, calling the deals “decent.”

“The sales are equal to last year,” said Raji, a 24-year-old from Harlem.

The brightly colored store displays advertising $5 deals (H&M) and up to 70 percent off (Aldo shoes) were only meant to lure customers inside, said Liza Pizzaro, 37.

“Discounts are the same as last year, if not worse,” huffed the Bronx resident. “And we have less money to spend so they’re just killing us.”

Humay Guliyeva, an Upper West Side resident, stood out in the crowd with her masses of shopping bags. She admitted she wouldn’t be able to buy as much if she didn’t shop at stores known for their deals, like H&M and Old Navy.“The really good stuff — the quality clothes and designer brands — are never on sale anyway,” said Guliyeva, who bought a $7 T-shirt from Old Navy.

“People just shop,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s Christmas, and they have to buy presents.”

Jailito Rodriguez emerged from Dr. Jay’s, a clothing store whose windows were plastered with announcements of a “super sale” of items 40 to 80 percent off the original price. He had saved $40 on his purchase of a backpack, hat and gloves.

“There are definitely more deals, and it’s probably because of the poor economy,” said Rodriguez, 28, who works in midtown. “And people are buying. We tend not to think when we see a deal.”

(Photos: Emily Ngo)

Tags: shopping, midtown, christmas, deals, restaurants

City Living: Sunnyside

Thursday December 18, 2008 7:27 AM By Rolando Pujol

Explore 20 photos of Sunnyside HERE. (Photos: Alana Abel)

By Joseph Broadus and Miranda Siegel

Special to amNewYork

“Welcome to Sunnyside” proclaims the brightly lit sign at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue, and one certainly does feel welcome spending time in this sprawling, multicultural neighborhood.

Although it’s traditionally been an Irish area, Sunnyside has long welcomed newcomers, with sizable Korean, Turkish, Romanian and Colombian populations now calling it home.

“This area is always changing,” says Juaquin Velazquez, owner of The Haab, a Mexican coffee shop. “There are a lot more young people moving in from Manhattan. But it’s changing for the good; people here are very open.”Known for being home to one of the country’s first planned garden communities, Sunnyside is defined by three commercial strips — Greenpoint Avenue, Queens Boulevard and Skillman Avenue — which divide the neighborhood into smaller areas with distinct personalities.

The historic district around Skillman Avenue, which is characterized by an easy pace and blocks of two-story houses with private gardens and shared interior courtyards, is the one that Manhattan resident John Davison, a designer, prefers.

“There’s such charm; in the spring, it’s like a 1960s bohemian garden city in London,” said Davison. “It’s the most tempted I’ve ever been to move out of Manhattan.”

Closer to Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue, among the standard conveniences of banks, pharmacies, salons and fast food joints, are too many Irish pubs to count, too many bakeries to resist and even a few options for the connoisseur of Romanian food and entertainment.

“The more time we spend here, the more we find,” says Michel LeRoy, another guest considering the area. "You won't find better food for the price than in this neighborhood."

FIND IT

Sunnyside is defined by Van Dam Street to the west, the Sunnyside Rail Yards to the north, New Calvary Cemetery and 51st Street to the east and the LIE to the south.

THE ONE THING YOU MUST DO

Sunnyside Gardens, an early example of a New York planned community, was designated a historic landmark just last year. Take an hour to wander the sidewalks and pathways, peek through the ivy-covered gates into the lush and nurtured gardens, fantasize about afternoon tea and forget about the city.

DID YOU KNOW?

* Sunnyside is home to Sunnyside Gardens Park, one of only two private parks in New York. (The other is Manhattan’s Gramercy Park)

* One of Sunnyside’s most recognizable landmarks, the vaguely “art deco” Sunnyside Arch at 46th Street and Queens Boulevard, was built in the eighties by a community group. It was renovated in 2005.

* Many famous entertainers have called Sunnyside home, including Ethel Merman, Perry Como, Bix Beiderbecke, Rudy Vallee and James Caan.

* Sunnyside hosts the only St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York that makes space for gay and lesbian members of the Irish community. The St. Pat’s for All parade also features representatives from Caribbean, Latino, Korean and American Indian communities.

* On the corner of 45th Street and Queens Boulevard, where a Wendy’s now stands, there was once The Sunnyside Gardens, a boxing and wrestling arena where Andre the Giant fought several matches and where John F. Kennedy held a campaign rally in 1960.

TO EAT

With Korean, Peruvian, Irish, Turkish, Italian and Mexican restaurants all in good supply, Stray Vintage co-owner Tara Glasser isn’t exaggerating when she says, “You can definitely just do an eating tour of the neighborhood.”

Aubergine Café

With its brick walls, specialty coffee, crocks of steaming chili, cozy seating and patrons waving to their friends through the windows, Aubergine embodies Sunnyside: warm and easy-going, with a strong sense of community.

49-22 Skillman Ave. 718-899-1735

Los Pollos Limeños

Behind an awning covered in toque-wearing cartoon chickens is a Peruvian joint dishing up generous, inexpensive platters of plump, succulent chicken, sweet maduros and fried yucca. Expect your standards for cheap food to rise!

45-51 46th St. 718-392-8141

Dazies

With its resident piano player, soft lighting and fur-clad clientele, Dazies has been pampering Sunnyside’s most discerning residents for nearly 30 years. Go on, guzzle that wine and scarf that platter of Pollo alla Napoli with gusto—these prices won’t leave holes in your wallet.

49-41 Queens Blvd. 718-786-7013

Alpha Donuts

In a city of cutesy patisseries and $5 cupcakes, it’s refreshing to find a bakery—and a 24-hour bakery at that—that just keeps it real. Hang out at the old-fashioned diner counter and savor the luscious creations: dense, oily and crusted with glaze.

45-16 Queens Blvd.

Sidetracks

Love it or hate it, this might be a sign of one new nightlife trend in the area: the ultra-modern lounge. Enjoy a range of dishes, including shepherd’s pie and scallops cannelloni, surrounded by fancy lighting and illuminated red squares on the walls.

45-08 Queens Blvd. 718-786-3570

Rose Restaurant

With the vibe of a comfort-food diner and all the friendly first-name greetings that go along with it, Rose Restaurant is the place to enjoy Irish breakfasts, fish and chips and chicken potpie—and to indulge your quiet curiosity about bangers and mash.

44-07 Queens Blvd. 718-784-0745

TO PLAY

From the slew of Irish pubs lining Queens Boulevard to live comedy, karaoke and open-mic nights, one doesn’t need to go far—or spend much—to be entertained in Sunnyside. Opening soon on Skillman Avenue is Claret, a wine bar that will definitely fill a need in the area.

The Diving Bell

One of many new businesses attracting local attention, this Queens Boulevard pub features live music on weekends. No reports yet of any spontaneous drunken sea shanties inspired by the nautical decor, but it won’t be long.

45-15 Queens Blvd. 718-786-6005

Bliss Street Station Restaurant

A classic Irish pub, complete with brogues cursing a bad football play and trading weekend fishing stories. They food is also popular, but meal or no meal, the welcoming staff and entertaining conversation will entice you to stick around for a few drinks.

47-02 Greenpoint Ave. 718-729-2547

Center Cinemas

There’s a certain charm in watching Quantum of Solace with your feet stuck to the floor and your back pinched in a cramped seat, right? It may not pamper you, and you may feel like washing your hands (or showering) after you leave, but if you’re strapped for cash the $4 Tuesdays offer a cheap escape.

42-17 Queens Blvd. 718-361-6869

The Grind

In this airy coffee shop—which also has weekly comedy and open-mic nights—you can nurse a cappuccino and crack open a novel while hypnotic trip-hop plays in the background. Come early if you’re looking to stretch out and study—that couch by the fireplace goes quickly!

39-24 Queens Blvd. 718-361-0396

TO SHOP

The area south of Queens Boulevard, behind the Sunnyside Arch, is something of a homegrown outdoor mall lined with discount clothing stores, salons, Colombian bakeries, a Latin-American music store, and a pet store, complete with puppy in the window.

Stray Vintage

Though the Modern Lovers playing on the stereo make it seem like this vintage goods store is better suited to Greenpoint or Park Slope, it feels right at home on its quiet corner. Pop in to chat with the friendly young owners and explore the yellowing paperbacks and Patsy Cline records, and you just might leave with a 1940s radio or a vintage Super-8 projector.

48-09 Skillman Ave. 718-779-7795

Turkiyem

At this local Turkish imports shop, you'll find all kinds of wrapped Ülker biscuits, grape molasses, halal meats, rose and quince jams, boregi, baklava, Turkish Delights and pickled stuff.

46-31 Skillman Ave. 718-937-3456

Kumari Enterprises Inc.

This is the place to go to buy gifts for the relative who just can’t get enough jade elephant figurines. The small shop is crammed with beautiful hand-knotted rugs, Tibetan and Nepali handicrafts, incense and jewelry; you could even leave bundled up in an authentic Tibetan herdsman hat!

45-43 47th St. 347-242-3604

Butcher Block

Breeze past the $150 gift baskets and marvel at the walls of products imported from Ireland and Great Britain. There are daily lunch and dinner specials, but you could also just load up on beetroot salad, McVitties’s digestive biscuits or even a Mint Aero bar for the road.

43-46 41st St. 718-784-1078

TO DO

Though Sunnyside is best known for its dining options and old-world charm, there are still plenty of other fun things to do in the area besides eat and wander around. It’s easy to get to know your neighbors, and with the recent establishment of the Sunnyside Shorts Film Festival and a new CSA (Community Supported Agriculture organization), it looks like the options are only expanding.

SugaRroom

Juan Arache's cake design studio not only sells Dora the Explorer cake molds and instructional DVDs, it also offers cakemaking courses! That's right, you can learn how to make gum paste gardenias, roll out slabs of fondant cream and squeeze royal icing out of a pastry bag in their workshop next door.

Visit sugarroom.com for class schedules and rates.

43-46 40th St. 718-707-2900

Thalia Spanish Theatre

Behind the modest façade of Queens’s “first and only bilingual Hispanic theatre,” you’ll find colorful tango and flamenco dances and groundbreaking, first-rate performances of Spanish, Latin American and Hispanic plays. In addition, regular workshops offer lessons in acting, puppetry and dance to children.

47-17 Greenpoint Ave. 718-729-3880

Films at All Saints Church

No gross bathrooms, no $5 popcorn, just informative and worldly films. On the second Friday of each month, toss a small donation into the basket and enjoy a night of thought-provoking movie-viewing and discussions with neighbors. This month’s feature focuses on Brazilian urban planning.

43-12 46th St. 718-784-8031

Saturday Farmer’s Market

The market in front of Lou Lodati playground recently added a fish stand and organic beef vendor to the standard assortment of fruit, produce, and baked goods. Pick up one of the buttery soft, molasses-rich gingerbread cookies to nibble as you stroll among the tents.

Skillman Ave. at 43rd St.

THE BUZZ

Ask any local what’s up in Sunnyside and you’ll hear the same story over and over: Younger people from Manhattan are flocking to the area to escape the high rents while taking advantage of the easy access to midtown.

Are the locals bothered by this influx of newcomers?

Catherine Murphy, the owner of Aubergine Café, doesn’t seem to mind. “People are very welcoming here; the new families are really investing in the neighborhood,” she said. “They’re not just coming here to sleep; they’re putting down roots.”

Q&A WITH JESSE MCTIERNAN

Jesse McTiernan, 30, works as a restaurant host in Manhattan. He moved from Woodside to Sunnyside a year and a half ago.

What’s your favorite place to hang out in Sunnyside?

There are really a lot of good places. I think Sidetracks stands out as a really pretty place. It has a nice crowd, a good bar scene, a lot of 20-30 year olds. I think it is part of a new kind of Sunnyside.

What’s great about the area?

Definitely the proximity to midtown Manhattan. It’s so close to everything, but you get so much more space for such a bargain. It literally has everything you want. Also, from certain blocks you can get a great view of the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

What’s not so great?

Oh, the movie theater! You have to wear galoshes if you go in that place.

Why did you move to Sunnyside?

There were a lot of reasons: the amount of space you get for your money; it’s easy to get to Manhattan and Long Island City, which has a lot of fun bars; and it’s easy to get out to the Mets games in the summer.

What type of person would like to live there?

I think if you’re into Ireland, you’d definitely like it. Also, though, just families and young professionals who want to have the space to live like adults.

How has the neighborhood changed?

I think the neighborhood’s looking younger; the crowd on the train’s looking younger. More people like me are moving in from Manhattan. It’s nice; there are more dating options now.

Any big changes on the horizon?

Well, the secret is out, so the prices are going up and the area is expanding further out from Queens Boulevard.

What’s something about the area that nobody knows?

The park in the summer is a great place to play basketball, and it definitely stands up to the [West] Fourth Street Courts [in Manhattan]in terms of the quality of the players.

REAL ESTATE

Aside from the very attractive Sunnyside Gardens—one of the country’s first planned garden communities—Sunnyside is largely made up three-to-six story prewar apartment buildings and co-ops.

In recent years, young professionals have discovered Sunnyside’s lovely housing options, and more are settling in.

“People moving to Sunnyside from Manhattan find the 20 minute commute on the 7 train is outweighed by the larger apartments they are able to rent,” says Bonnie Milcarek, Licensed Real Estate Agent at Pari Passu Realty Corp. and a Sunnyside resident.

“It’s better than living in a closet in Manhattan.”

TO BUY

$183,000 for a 500-square-footprewar studio co-op (43-33 48th St.)

$280,000 for a two-bedroom prewar co-op (45th St.)

$335,000 for a two-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a garden-style co-op building (48-35 43rd St.)

$357,000 for a renovated 1000-square-foot split two-bedroom, two-bathroom co-op

$402,560 for a 629-square-foot one-bedroom condo (43-33 48th St.)

TO RENT

$800 for an L-shaped studio with separate kitchen (41st St. at 50th Ave.)

$1,400 for a renovated one-bedroom apartment (44th St. at 47th Ave.)

$1,550 for a renovated three-bedroom apartment (Skillman Ave.)

$1,800 for a three-bedroom apartment (near the Bliss St. Station)

$1,900 for a two-bedroom apartment in a historic Sunnyside Gardens two-family home (Skillman Ave. at 44th St.)

$2,500 for a two-bedroom apartment on a tree-lined residential block*

*Call Bonnie Milcarek, Licensed Real Estate Agent at Pari Passu Realty Corp. 917-679-9195.

THE FACT SHEET

Queens Community Board 2

Libraries

Queens Public Library – Sunnyside

43-06 Greenpoint Ave. 718-784-3033

(undergoing renovation)

Queens Public Library – Woodside

54-22 Skillman Ave. 718-429-4700

Transportation

Subway: 7 to 33rd-Rawson St.; 40th-Lowery St.; 46th-Bliss St.

Bus: Q32, 39, 60, 104; B24.

Police Station

108th Precinct

5-47 50th Ave. 718-784-5411

Fire Department

Engine 325, Hook & Ladder 163 (Woodside)

41-24/2 51st St.

Banks

Capital One Bank

40-20 Queens Blvd. 718-392-9470

Supermarkets

Associated Supermarket

44-07 Greenpoint Ave. 718-361-5638

Food Dynasty

46-10 Queens Blvd. 718-706-6563

Crime stats

The 108th Precinct, which include Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City, reported three murders, eight rapes, 183 robberies and 262 burglaries so far this year. For the same period last year, there was one murder, 12 rapes, 187 robberies and 193 burglaries.

Schools

PS 199, 39-20 48th Ave.; PS 150, 40-01 43rd Ave.; PS 11, 54-25 Skillman Ave.; IS 125, 46-02 47th Ave.

Tags: city living, sunnyside, brooklyn, real estate, shopping, architecture, history, restaurants, nightlife, queens, development

Beware the Old Navy megaphone man on 34th Street

Sunday December 7, 2008 8:56 AM By Emily Ngo

If you had the misfortune of passing Old Navy's 34th Street store on Sunday, you've likely fallen victim to the promoter with megaphone. He's shouting ... and we mean shouting ... about the last day of sweater deals at the retailer.

The deals — 40 percent off Old Navy's warmest — are worth ducking in for, but don't forget to grimace at the obnoxious megaphone man on your way through the door.

— Emily Ngo

Tags: shopping, old navy

City Living: Inwood

Wednesday December 3, 2008 9:24 PM By Rolando Pujol

A perfect place to appreciate Inwood’s beauty is the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. Below, the Mamajuana Cafe, whose name is inspired by a Taino Indian miracle potion. Twenty-four photos of Inwood HERE.(Photos by Alana Abel)

By Magdalene Perez

Special to amNewYork

When schoolchildren in New York are taught that the Dutch purchased Manhattan Island from American Indians for just $24 and trinkets some 400 years ago, it’s unlikely the teacher also mentioned the transaction occurred in Inwood, the borough’s most remote neighborhood.

Perched at Manhattan’s north end, Inwood blends a unique mix of big-city feel with serene settings. Three beautiful parks, Fort Tryon, Isham and Inwood Hill, surround the Art Deco walk-ups in an oasis of green. Apartment buyers are often attracted to Inwood by the prospect of Hudson River views and good schools, at prices much lower than downtown.

Once the setting of some of the most heated battles of the American Revolution, Inwood transformed from rural to urban in the early 20th century. With the subways came development, and for many years Irish and Jewish families dominated the neighborhood.

That changed in the 1970s and ’80s, when an influx of immigrants from the Dominican Republic gave the neighborhood a distinctly Caribbean flavor.

A concentration of buyer-owned co-ops west of Broadway and rented apartments on the east side shape the neighborhood. But that is changing. With younger downtowners coming north in search of cheaper rents, Inwood is seeing a transformation, with more bars, restaurants and hangouts opening to suit the newcomers’ tastes.FIND IT

Inwood is bounded by Harlem River to the north and east, Hudson River to the west, and Fairview Avenue to the south.

A striking building at 213th Street and Broadway

REAL ESTATE

Long ago, development came in waves, first on the east, then west of Broadway, and today the avenue is still a dividing line of sorts. You’ll find co-ops on the west — some in beautiful Art Deco buildings — and rentals on the east.

Prices have risen in recent years, but the overall pain in the housing market has made a dent, according to Lisa Snyder, a real estate agent for Halstead Property.

“Everything’s come down in price pretty significantly,” Snyder said. “Right now the market is dead.”

To buy

$229,000

Studio in a 1939 co-op, 425 sq. ft. (Seaman Ave. near 215th St.)

$275,000

One-bedroom, one-bath co-op in elevator building with parking (Park Terrace East and 215th St.)

$675,000

Three-bedroom, two-bath in a 1954 co-op (Indian Road near 215th St.)

$1,720,000

Three-story four-family home with garden patio, 3,456 sq. ft. (95 Park Terrace West)

Recently sold

$290,000

One-bedroom, one-bath co-op on Arden Street, 725 sq. ft.

To rent

$1,500

Two-bedroom with river views (Cumming St. and Seaman Ave.)

$999

Studio with views facing Inwood Hill Park (Seaman Ave. at 204th St.)

$1,050

One-bedroom (Sherman Ave. at Thayer St.)

Contact: Lisa Snyder, Halstead Property, 718-878-1712

DID YOU KNOW?

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar grew up here.

The Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Basketball Diaries” was set in 1960s Inwood.

A founder of Macy’s Department Store, Isidor Straus, owned a country estate here.

The oldest farmhouse in Manhattan, Dyckman House, is on Broadway and 204th Street

TO EAT

Years ago, Inwood was not among the greatest places to find varied and quality eats. But foodies can take heart in knowing that has changed. Today a veritable restaurant row has sprung up on Dyckman Street, and the many Dominican options are now complemented with American, Italian, Asian and Mediterranean spots.

809 Sangria Bar & Grill

112 Dyckman St.,

212-304-3800

With a curtained “VIP” section, this Dominican restaurant is one of Inwood’s places to be seen. For those who usually trek downtown to eat, the prices are a bargain. A roasted lobster is $28 and filet mignon goes for $26. The appetizer sampler for two comes with arepas, empanadas, crab cakes and croquets, $24. And don’t forget the sangria.

Garden Cafe

4961 Broadway (near 211th),

212-544-9480

Neighbors swear by brunch at this American café located steps from Isham Park. In warmer days, the outdoor patio is a plus. You can expect to pay between $12 and $24 for an entrée, stuffed chicken breast and seared wasabi-aioli tuna, respectively.

Indian Road Cafe & Market

600 W. 218th St.,

212-942-7451

Exposed brick walls and high ceilings complement the rustic nature of Inwood Hill Park, just past this Italian bistro’s doorstep. The chefs go seasonal: this fall an endive salad with toasted pumpkin seeds, apples and dried currants ($10) graces the menu, along with “Arthur Avenue” sausages ($12), beef goulash ($14) and a Portobello and kale sandwich ($10). Also drop

by for a wide selection of local craft beers.

Park Terrace Bistro

4959 Broadway (near 207th),

212-567-2828

This French-Moroccan spot won top honors —best dinner, best service and best ambiance — in Inwood’s annual dining guide. The kitchen makes couscous full of shrimp, scallops, almonds, apricots and cranberries, served in saffron cream sauce ($24). Fish, chicken, veggie or lamb tagines range from $16 (veggie) to $25 (fish). If that isn’t enough to make you feel like you’ve been transported to North Africa, the belly dancers and plush interior will.

Mamajuana

247 Dyckman St.,

212-304-1217

The big draw at this Dominican restaurant is a buffet-style brunch for just $19, with unlimited mimosas and coffee. Staples such as fresh-to-order omelets and pancakes are offered alongside Dominican dishes such as mashed plantains and black beans and rice. All in an airy, high ceiling space that evokes the Spanish Old World.

de Cafe

4842 Broadway (near 204th),

212-567-7657

For a quick, cheap bite, drop by this Inwood Hill Park coffee shop. Java, espresso and sandwiches serve to energize. And who can beat a breakfast omelet with potatoes and toast for $5.25?

TO PLAY

Inwood is no bar-hopping Lower East Side, but there are plenty of watering holes, from lounges to dives. Summertime brings music, movies and performances in the parks. And for those who seek arts, culture and dance year-round, hop a train to nearby Harlem, where museums and music venues abound.

Piper’s Kilt

4944 Broadway,near 207th St.,

212-569-7071

Customers find a friendly atmosphere and affordable beers at this neighborhood bar. And regulars swear by the burgers, too.

Guadalupe

597 W. 207th St.,

212-304-1083

This Mexican restaurant offers one of the best happy hour deals in town: 2-for-one margaritas and half-price bar food and drinks. The cavernous interior has a medieval feel: stained glass and dominating religious-themed paintings abound.

Pied Piper Children’s Theater

20 Cumming St.,

212-544-2976

Children from 5 to 18 can learn acting skills in this theater located in Holy Trinity Church. The repertoire includes Shakespeare, Don Pasquale and children’s classics such as “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Liffy II Bar

5009 Broadway, near 213th St.,

212-544-7255

This comfortable bar is not well known, but it has plenty of perks. Rotating activities range from karaoke to bingo.

Scavengers of Inwood is packed with antiques. The shop is at 600 W. 218th St.

TO SHOP

Tread Bike Shop

250 Dyckman St.,

212-544-7055

Neighbors swear by the helpful customer service at this bike shop, where tune-ups are always given free estimates.

Nostylgia

251 Dyckman St.,

212-304-0337

Sneakerheads will find classic kicks and clothing at this urban boutique.

Quisqueya

551 W. 207th St.,

212-569-3531

This shop has a full range of Spanish-language music, from salsa to reggaeton.

Critter Outfitter

210 Pinehurst Ave.,

212-928-0342

Locals pick up pet essentials and accessories at this shop just south of Inwood.

PJ’s Liquor Warehouse

4898 Broadway,

212-567-5500

This well-stocked spirits house peddles a big selection of wine at surprisingly low prices.

THE BUZZ

Many Inwood residents don’t mind being a bit further than most from the bustle of downtown Manhattan.

So it comes as no surprise that when nightlife began to appear in the neighborhood, some began to complain.

Noise by far has been “the most compelling issue” among residents who appear at community board meetings, according to Ebenezer Smith, the district manager of Community Board 12.

“People come from outside the neighborhood, they come to Dyckman and cruise,” Smith said. “The residents think this noise is from restaurants on Dyckman, but really the restaurants have nothing to do with it.”

The Cloisters are assembled from five monastic structures from southern France.

ESSENTIAL INWOOD

The Cloisters

Fort Tyron Park, A train to 190th

A perfect place to appreciate Inwood’s beauty is the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. In this medieval art museum, you’ll feel far from the city, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Inside, 5,000 artworks, including tapestries, sculpture and painting, date from the Ninth to the 15th centuries, when lords and ladies ruled Europe. The building is assembled from five monastic structures from southern France whose gardens are tended today just as they would have been 600 years ago.

TO SEE

More than any other neighborhood, Inwood offers peeks into Manhattan’s rural, Dutch Colonial past.

Dyckman House

4881 Broadway at 204th St.,

212-304-9422

Visiting this 1784 farmhouse, the oldest in Manhattan, gives you a chance to imagine upper Manhattan when it was just fields. Now a museum, entry is $1 for adults and free for children. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Inwood Hill Park

Dyckman St. and Payson Ave.,

212-304-2365

This park, shown above, on Manhattan island’s northernmost tip boasts the only natural forest left in the borough. Here is where Dutch colonist Peter Minuit bought Manhattan island for the equivalent of $24 and some trinkets in 1626. Today you will find caves, a salt marsh, birds and a host of ballfields and trails.

Fort Tryon Park

Fort Washington Ave. and Cabrini Blvd.,

212-795-1388

You can thank John D. Rockefeller Jr. for crafting this breathtaking park, a former battleground during the American Revolution.Steep hills offer amazing views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades, providing the perfect setting for a walk or run.

The BASICS

Subway

207th, or 215th; A to Dyckman or 207th - Inwood. Bus: 100 or Bx 7 (Broadway), Bx 12 (207th Street), 4 (Fort Washington Ave)

Schools

Public: Elementary: Amistad Dual Language School, 212-544-8021. Middle: Harbor Heights Middle School, 212-927-1841. High: High School for International Business and Finance, 212-927-1841; High School for Health Careers and Science, 212-927-1841. Private: Good Shepherd School, 212-567-5800; Northeastern Academy, 212-569-4800

Banks

Bank of America, 4941 Broadway, 212-544-0147; Chase, 161 Dyckman St., 212-304-2286 ;

Food Markets

Pathmark, 410 W. 207th St., 212-569-0600; La Torre Supermarket, 5008 Broadway, 212-942-1212

Library

Inwood Library, 4790 Broadway, 212-942-2445

Post Office

90 Vermilyea Ave., 212-000-1111

Community Board

CB12, 711 W. 168th St., 212-568-8500

Police

34th Precinct, 4295 Broadway, 212-927-9711

Fire Department

Engine 95, 515 W. 181st St., 212-570-4284

Crime

The 34th Precinct, which covers Washington Heights and Inwood, has reported three murders, 17 rapes and 229 robberies so far this year. It reported one murder, 18 rapes and 243 robberies through this time last year.

Q&A

David Gross, 20, is a student and lifelong Inwood resident.

How has Inwood changed over the years?

My dad has seen more change than I have. He’s seen it grow more Hispanic, and now more white people are moving up here again. Recently a lot of restaurants have been popping up around here, like Mamajuana, that attract a lot of people. That’s one of the biggest changes I’ve seen. As far as safety, it was worse before; they’ve actually done a lot of clean-up and it’s pretty safe.

Where do you like to hang out?

Dyckman Express is one of my favorite places [to eat]. It’s cheap but really good.

Is gentrification affecting the neighborhood?

It’s interesting because there’s kind of a split. In the last five or six years we’ve gotten a lot more people from downtown. Apartments have gone up a lot. I’ve seen a studio go from $700 a month to $1,100 now. It’s still cheaper than downtown, but it’s a lot more expensive now.

What attracts people to Inwood?

We’ve got a lot of shops where you can get clothes. A big, big thing is the restaurants. If you come to Dyckman on a Friday or Saturday night, you can’t find any parking, some places even have valet parking.

What might deter someone from moving here?

Parking. Just the amount of people who come out during the prime hours from 4:30 in the afternoon on make it really frustrating. There’s sometimes construction on the subway, but I go to Westchester for school, so I don’t find it an issue.

If someone had a few hours to visit, what should they do?

Eat! You can tell I’m a big food person. But besides that, definitely the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. And Inwood Park is nice because it’s still natural. You’ll see people playing baseball, handball, soccer, everything.

Tags: inwood, city living, real estate, shopping, restaurants, music, museums, manhattan, history, arts, architecture

Victoria's Secret Angels: Heavenly at Lexington Avenue store opening

Tuesday December 2, 2008 11:12 AM By Julie Gordon

Heidi Klum, left, and Alessandra Ambrosio at the Victoria's Secret fashion show in Miami. The show airs Dec. 3 at 10 p.m. on CBS. (Getty)

By Julie Gordon

Forget a rabbit’s foot or a shiny penny. For supermodel Heidi Klum, good luck comes in the form of red lingerie on New Year’s Eve.

“I’m picking already some new red undies for the new year, ” Klum told us Tuesday at the Victoria's Secret Lexington Avenue store opening. “It has to be red. It’s a good luck thing.”

Besides donning good-luck underwear, Klum said she, her husband Seal and their kids plan to “hang in our pajamas for days.” We’re guessing that part doesn’t include red lace.

At yesterday’s store opening, we also chatted with the other VS models about their favorite ways to feel sexy.Angel Doutzen Kroes’ evening attire can get a tad racy.

“When I want to dress up sexy, I wear a garter belt to surprise my boyfriend,” Kroes said.

New mom Alessandra Ambrosio — who gave birth in August — didn’t give up her pretty underthings even when she was pregnant, saying she donned little panties. The only difference? Her bra size — she went from a 34-A to a 34-B.

Selita Ebanks said the elaborate costumes, hair and makeup at this year’s show in Miami — airing tonight on CBS at 10 p.m. — made her feel incredibly glamorous.

“You watch it, and you’re like, ‘Oh, I was fierce,'" she said. “I’m not normally fierce. I’m more of a tomboy.”

Tags: victoria's secret, heidi klum, selita ebanks, alessandra ambrosio, doutzen kroes, shopping, fashion, entertainment

Holiday fashion: From cubicle to cocktails

Monday December 1, 2008 12:25 PM By Julie Gordon

Photos: RJ Mickelson

By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

Sparkle and shine this holiday season with two-for-one styles that transition effortlessly from day to night. We’ve got simple sartorial steps, from layering to adding costume jewelry, that will spruce up your winter look for both work and post-work soirees.

Click here to look at clothing and accessories that'll work for day and night, and where to buy them.

Tags: fashion, shopping

Sample sales: Hanky Panky, Brian Reyes, Botkier

Monday December 1, 2008 6:12 AM By Julie Gordon

"Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively (Serena), left, carries a Botkier bag on set.

Check out these sample sales this week:

Eberjey

Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 180 Madison Ave., suite 1101, between 33rd and 34th streets. 212-696-5393.

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t look hot underneath your layers with discounted Eberjey lingerie. Mesh and lace low-rise thongs that were $18 each are now $25 for three. Chemises that were $70 are now $25. Also on sale are printed and solid swimsuits, now $40 instead of $120.

Hanky Panky

Dec. 2 to 3, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 260 Fifth Ave., between 28th and 29th streets

Hanky Panky’s thongs couldn’t be more comfortable. Now they’re only $10, down from $18. Camisoles, pajamas and slips from the brand are also on sale, at up 75 percent off.

Brian Reyes

Dec. 3 to 4, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 101 Fifth Ave., suite 10-A, between 17th and 18th streets. 212-488-3800

Formerly of Oscar de la Renta, Brian Reyes has been making a splash in the New York fashion scene for the last few seasons. Now, the young designer’s garments are a little more wallet-friendly. A cigarette pant that was $420 is now $100. A silk dress that was $695 is now $150.

Rafe

Dec. 3, 1 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 85 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, between 16th and 17th streets.

Rafe’s well-made leather bags, accessories and shoes are up to 80 percent off. Available pieces, all from the fall/winter ’08 collection, include clutches, shoulder bags, satchels, boots, flats, wristlets and wallets.Melissa

Dec. 4 to 6, 12 to 8 p.m. 520 W. 27th St., suite 601, between 10th and 11th avenues. 646 478-8967.

Ecofashionistas should flock to the Melissa sample sale, where adorable, comfortable shoes made from recycled material are discounted. Besides the brand’s signature label, shoes from designer collaborations with Vivienne Westwood, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Campana Brother and J. Maskrey are also on sale.

Botkier

Dec. 4 to 5, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 7, 12 to 6 p.m. 117 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring streets. 212-343-2782

Botkier bags, boots, pumps and wallets — favorites on the “Gossip Girl” set — are 75 percent off. Popular items you’ll find at the sale include the Chrystie leather hobo, Sasha nylon duffel, Morgan leather satchel and Heather riding boots.

Tags: shopping, fashion, eberjey, hanky panky, brian reyes, rafe, melissa, botkier, "gossip girl, " blake lively

Macy's vs. Gimbels: Their Herald Square rivalry isn't over yet

Friday November 28, 2008 9:43 AM By Rolando Pujol

On this Black Friday, when tens of thousands of people will cram into Macy's in Herald Square, it's easy to forget that Gimbels was also a big draw for many of those shoppers, as it held court just down the street for the better part of the 20th century. Of course, Gimbels was never quite as sophisticated, and was always something of the underdog. Its final Black Friday in Herald Square came in 1985, and it would be gone by the next fall.

Still, references to their legendary rivalry still come up. There's the old saying "Would Macy's tell Gimbels?" And thank goodness for annual showings of "Miracle on 34th Street," which makes reference to the old retail battle and helps keep Gimbels' legacy alive.

Now, Gimbels hasn't entirely gone away. Its ghosts haunt the Manhattan Mall, which is Gimbels former home. But up in the sky, on West 31st Street near Sixth Avenue, a huge painted sign for Gimbels still lords over its former neighborhood. The sign is atop the department store's former warehouse building. Alas, its "G" is partially missing, but that doesn't undercut the beauty of this scrappy survivor.

Macy's has two generations of similar signs atop its vast emporium, but they are easily visible only from neighboring high-rises.

In that one respect, Gimbels manages to top Macy's, some 22 years after Gimbels vanished.

-- Rolando Pujol

Two painted Macy's signs on the east side of the Herald Square store. (Photos by Rolando Pujol)

Tags: macy's, gimbels, shopping, signs, holiday traditions, herald square, manhattan, skyliner, real estate, history

Poor economy no excuse for looking bad

Monday November 24, 2008 2:06 PM By Julie Gordon

By Mina Hochberg

If your beauty regimen is burdening your purse, it might be time for an overhaul of the products you buy. To help you out, here are 20 worthwhile finds ranging from $1 to $20.

$1

e.l.f. shimmering facial whip, $1; at Target

It will give your cheeks a natural glow that’s just as rosy as pricier blushes.

$2

Tropez two-timers eyeshadow, $1.99; at drugstores

Two shadows in one palette make this a true bargain buy.$3

Kiss My Face olive oil bar soap, $2.99; at Whole Foods

Doubling as a facial and body soap, this soap is a favorite among Kiss My Face fans.

$4

Tone sugar glow exfoliating body wash, $3.50; at drugstores

This comes in a whopping 18-ounce bottle, and is a steal for the price. It leaves your skin surprisingly soft with a subtle, pleasant melon scent.

$5

Wet N Wild ultimate minerals powder foundation, $4.99; at drugstores

Avoid pancake face with this affordable, effective powder foundation.

$6

Aveeno skin relief body wash, $5.99; at drugstores

A small dollop of this unscented body wash goes a long way.

$7

Clean & Clear morning burst detoxifying facial cleanser, $6.49; at drugstores

It’s hard to find a cheap facial cleanser that actually gets the job done, but this one leaves your face feeling refreshed and squeaky clean.

$8

TRESemme colorTHRIVE(is “colorTHRIVE” part of the name? if so, it should be bolded?) shampoo and conditioner, $3.99 each for 25-ounce bottle; at drugstores

ColorTHRIVE shampoos and conditioners cater to different hair colors.

$9

Purpose dual treatment moisture lotion with SPF 15, $8.99; at drugstores

Most facial moisturizers cost twice as much for half this amount. Plus, the lightweight formula doesn’t leave a sticky film on your face.

$10

Farmhouse shea butter lotion, $9.95; at Aphrodisia, 264 Bleecker St., 212-989-6440

The divine lavender scent makes this a luxe purchase minus the luxe price. It also makes this lotion a great alternative to daytime perfume.

$11

Tarte fRxtion, $11; at Sephora

Tarte’s fRxtion is a lip exfoliator and emollient in one: One side scrubs away dead skin, the other side moisturizes and enriches.

$12

Alba papaya enzyme facial mask, $12; at Whole Foods

Some masks need to be slathered on, but not this one. A paper-thin layer is all you need for a tingly clean face.

$13

Burt’s Bees thoroughly therapeutic honey and shea body butter, $13; at CVS

Body butters typically cost more than $20, but Burt’s Bees offers a wallet-friendly one that packs a lot of moisture in one application.

$14

Physicians Formula organic wear 100 percent natural origin bronzer, $13.95; at drugstores

If your pale face needs a touch of color during the winter months, there’s no need to pay department-store prices. A few swipes of this bronzer will give you a subtle, summer-worthy glow.

$15

Philosophy ‘Amazing Grace’ to go, $15; at Sephora

This perfume from Philosophy, popular for its subtle floral scent, comes in larger, more expensive bottles. If you’re only an occasional perfume user, though, the portable size should last for months.

$16

Jason Natural apricot shampoo and conditioner, $7.95 each; at Whole Foods

If you’re looking for an inexpensive upgrade from your average drugstore brand, try these. The apricot scent is sweet but not overpowering.

$17

Kiehl’s malleable molding paste, $16.50; at Kiehl’s, 109 Third Ave., 212-677-3171

To tame flyaways while retaining volume, run a tiny dab of the paste through your hair. A jar of this can last for months. It’s also great for creating a slightly tousled style.

$18

C.O. Bigelow tropical fruit face scrub, $18; at Bath and Body Works

You wouldn’t guess it from the extremely gentle sensation, but this scrub is capable of some serious polishing action. It also smells like a lovely basket of fresh fruit.

$19

LORAC lip stain, $19; at Sephora

A heavy-duty lip stain that actually stays put all night. The intense gloss will make heads turn.

$20

Tweezerman nail rescue kit, $20; at Sephora

If you can’t afford a spa manicure, invest in this handy nail kit. It contains three tools — cuticle pusher, cuticle snipper and nail file — to give yourself a quick and easy manicure.

Tags: shopping, beauty, sephora, kiehl's, tweezerman, lorac, economy

Duane Reade shows off new look

Sunday November 23, 2008 3:45 PM By Garett Sloane

The Duane Reade at West 34th Street and Eighth Avenue is sporting a new sign and has a whole new look. (RJ Mickelson/amNY)

Last week, Walgreens may have lighted Times Square’s brightest sign, but another pharmacy chain doesn’t want its New York roots forgotten.

At the Duane Reade at West 34th Street and Eighth Avenue, just a subway stop away from the Times Square Walgreens, the New York retailer got a makeover, part of a quiet campaign that is sweeping locations throughout the city.

The new look is sleek, classy and urban outside, and more open, less cluttered and brighter inside. The chain is also emphasizing its New York roots with an image of the skyline behind the cashiers at the West 34th and Eighth Avenue store and a slogan that reads: Uniquely New York Since 1960.

Also, a poster out front shows the classic Duane and Reade street signs that mark the company’s first location.Shoppers at the store yesterday noticed the new look.

"It looks like a foreign store more than an American store," said Denny Lewis, 60, of midtown. "The fixtures seem taller [than before], and it's more

streamlined," he said. "It has a different twang to it."

A turnaround campaign dubbed the “Duane Reade Full Potential” plan began under former chief executive Rick Dreiling in 2006 and continues under his successor, John Lederer, who has spoken of “elevating” the Duane Reade brand since he took over in April.

In his first conference call with investors he touted his experience in “merchandising, improving operations, brand building and driving scaleable growth.”

There are 245 Duane Reade stores in the city and surrounding areas, and more than half have undergone some remodeling. The company has reported stronger sales at the upgraded locations.

The redesign campaign has also led to new pharmacy services, new higher-end products on the shelves, and even fresh sandwiches at some locations.

Duane Reade executives would not comment for this article.

Duane Reade stores are ubiquitous but have had a reputation for sloppiness, a stigma the new campaign appears to be trying to address as it faces increased competition from chains such as CVS and Walgreens. Walgreens in particular is making a heavy push into the city with plans to open 30 stores in the next three years on top of the 53 it already has here.

Duane Reade may be “uniquely New York,” but Walgreens is making itself right at home with its high-profile Times Square locale, which marks its return to the “Crossroads of the World” where it had a store until the 1970s.

Aline E. Reynolds contributed to this report.

Tags: duane reade, walgreens, cvs, rick dreiling, john lederer, pharmacy, retail, shopping, manhattan, grocery stores, economy

"Black Friday" looks bleak for Fifth Avenue and beyond

Thursday November 20, 2008 2:21 PM By Garett Sloane

The holiday window display at Barneys New York has a hippie vibe, hoping shoppers will show some love this season. (Getty)

By Danielle Sonnenberg

Special to amNewYork

Attention city shoppers: There are unheard of bargains to be found this holiday season, even at super-luxe Fifth Avenue retailers.

The sales came sooner this year, weeks before “Black Friday” — the day after Thanksgiving — which is the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. Retailers depend on the holidays for a large piece of their yearly earnings — up to 40 percent, according to the National Retail Federation. This year, however, customers are having a harder time parting with their money than they’ve had in decades.

“Retailers are going to do whatever they can to get customers to spend money in their store,” said Rebecca Flach, director of public affairs at the Retail Council of New York State.The retail climate is frigid, with some analysts predicting holiday sales to decrease from last year.

Still, other analysts are a little less bleak and are forecasting an anemic 1 percent to 2 percent rise in holiday sales.

A recent stroll through some of Manhattan’s luxury department stores revealed a retail landscape barren of shoppers and pockmarked by sale signs.

At Saks Fifth Avenue, where the company has predicted a tough holiday season, the store has resorted to discounts that are sure to hurt its bottom line. Prices for Dolce & Gabbana were 40 percent off weeks before “Black Friday.”

Meanwhile, a saleswoman at Bloomingdale’s said that this is the first time prices on Burberry products have been cut before Christmas.

Also, earlier this month, Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman were trying to generate customers with one- and five-day sales.

“I recently went to Macy’s Herald Square to find clothing for job interviews, and found racks of clothing on sale, some of which were marked 75 percent off,” said Ailene Morgan, 37, of Manhattan.

Small businesses are also getting creative to attract holiday shoppers.

The owners of New London Pharmacy in Chelsea are offering free services from foot massages to mini-facials.

“Sometimes nothing makes you feel better than a makeover and a glass of wine,” said New London co-owner Abby Fazio.

With all the holiday discounts, Flach has only this advice for shoppers who still have income to spend: “If there is a must have on their list, they should pick it because it may not be there after Christmas.”

Tags: saks fifth avenue, barneys, macy's, bloomingdale's, bergdorf goodman, black friday, thanksgiving, shopping, retail, luxury, new london pharmacy, holidays, manhattan, holiday traditions, economy

City Living: Cobble Hill

Wednesday November 19, 2008 7:12 PM By Rolando Pujol

Children enjoy a crisp fall day in Cobble Hill this weekend. CLICK HERE FOR 27 MORE PHOTOS OF COBBLE HILL ON AMNY'S FLICKR STREAM. (Photos: Phil S. Kropoth)

By Miranda Siegel

Special to amNewYork

As one of the components of BoCoCa, a name dreamed up by brokers to describe the ritzy patch of wine bars, stylish boutiques and gift shops in northwest Brooklyn, Cobble Hill blends rather seamlessly into neighbors Carroll Gardens and Boerum Hill.

As well, the plentiful retail options and packs of yoga-glow moms pushing expensive baby strollers draw inevitable comparisons to that other pretty enclave across the Gowanus Canal, Park Slope.

But Cobble Hill is smaller and more intimate, especially east of Court Street where the noise and fuss gives way to peaceful little streets, gardens with wrought-iron fences and pre-Civil War era townhouses.

“It's a great place to get lost in,” Frank Baldaro said. “Incredibly romantic surroundings, and the architecture has a sort of Dickensian flavor to it.”In addition to the unique architecture, Cobble Hill is defined by a number of long-time residents—particularly aging Italians—and the concentration of Middle Eastern businesses near Atlantic Avenue.

The neighborhood is also home to younger residents who feel they have outgrown areas such as Williamsburg and Bushwick, but don’t yet have families of their own.

“Sure, there are hipsters, but it's not Williamsburg,” Baldaro said. “And too many strollers but it's not Park Slope, either.”

But everyone can agree that Cobble Hill is one of Brooklyn’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

“Once I saw the view from my building, it was so easy to fall in love with Cobble Hill,” said Kim Correll. “All of the brownstones look like something out a movie. I feel lucky to live here.”

FIND IT

Cobble Hill is defined by Atlantic Avenue to the north, Smith Street to the east, Degraw Street to the south, and the BQE to the west.

THE ONE THING YOU MUST DO

Cobble Hill Historic District is nineteenth-century Brooklyn at its loveliest; go deep into the belly and get lost in the little streets, then take it easy in Cobble Hill Park.

The Chocolate Room is at 269 Court St.

TO EAT

You can get just about anything here: Middle Eastern (around Atlantic Avenue); New American (along Smith Street); French bistro; sushi; cheap Chinese; juice bar; even raw and vegan food. There are also a few high-end dessert places and bakeries with table service.

The Chocolate Room

The super-cheery staff loves your corny “chocoholic” jokes at this gourmet binge palace, where the brownie sundae — a boiling hot specimen encased in chewy hot fudge, complemented by house-made ice cream — will turn you into a believer. The bourbon vanilla flavor is excellent, but the standout is the mint chip: It’s like a milky mint leaf.

269 Court St. 718-246-2600

Bocca Lupo

To get away from the chaos on Smith Street, head deep into Cobble Hill to this lovely wine bar and restaurant: There’s great service, delicious small plates, an affordable wine list, all kinds of meats and cheeses and a laid-back vibe. Try the mint panna cotta with strawberries or the assortment of flavorful bruschette.

391 Henry St. 718-243-2522

Yemen Café

This authentic Yemeni joint distinguishes itself from the rest of the Atlantic Avenue pack with its succulent boneless lamb, plump chicken with root vegetables, and unique fatah: warm homemade bread bits soaked in honey and butter.

176 Atlantic Ave. 718-834-9533

Joya

Housed in a cavernous candle-lit space with a DJ, this affordable, popular (but worth the wait) Thai restaurant has great sticky rice, delicious curries, and a great bar.

215 Court St. 718-222-3484

Sweet Melissa Patisserie and Crémerie

Possibly the best place to bring your daughter (or anybody, for that matter) in the area, Sweet Melissa serves excellent pastries, traditional High Tea and small meals. The Cremerie next door crafts egg creams, waffle sundaes and ice cream sodas.

276 Court St. 718-855-3410

Nectar

This cheery little juice and smoothie bar also serves wraps, salads, elaborate grilled cheese sandwiches, Ciao Bella gelato and breakfast all day long.

198 Court St. 718-855-6166

Sam’s Restaurant

A reminder of the heyday of Cobble Hill’s Italian population, this no-frills restaurant has been cooking up reliable red-sauce Italian food since time immemorial.

238 Court St. 718-596-3458

Ceol Pub at 191 Smith. St. is a great Cobble Hill Irish Pub.

TO PLAY

With so many bars and lounges (particularly on Smith Street) it’s easy to stay local and have fun. If you want to go elsewhere, the Lower East Side is a short trip on the F, and fifteen minutes on the G drops you smack in the middle of Williamsburg. If it’s beat-up furniture, good coffee, and free WiFi that you’re after, check out Tea Lounge (254 Court St. 718-624-5683).

Clover Club

Swank without being snooty, Clover Club features a menu of delicious, complex cocktails that one patron compares to “full meals that someone invented recipes for.” If you come by on the early side, it’s a good place to do work, too.

210 Smith St. 718-855-7939

Boat Bar

Low-lit and vaguely seedy, this neighborhood dive bar wins points for its awesome jukebox filled with mix CDs, comfy couches, board games, pinball machine and fun-loving crowd.

175 Smith St. 718-254-0607

BookCourt

A bright neighborhood bookstore with in-store “literary events” (they’ll start up again in March 2009). The back room offers chairs for reading and a floor so polished you’ll have to resist the urge to slide across the room in your socks.

163 Court St. 718-875-3677

Robin des Bois

A French bistro and wine bar filled with all sorts of antiques, where happy diners feast on French toast and Bloody Marys under a large statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Don’t miss that dried-out crocodile in the window.

195 Smith St. 718-596-1609

Bar Tabac

At this bar and bistro, there’s plenty to please drinkers (frothy Belgian beers) and teetotalers (tart, pulpy lemonade) alike. Delight in the excellent all-French wine list, read the paper over brunch and enjoy a greasy little bucket of frites. Open late.

128 Smith St. 718-923-0918

Ceol

A welcome change from Smith Street’s slicker options, Ceol offers a warm, pubby Irish atmosphere complete with shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, frosty pints of Guinness, live music and karaoke.

191 Smith. St. 347-643-9911

Examining the offerings outside the Community Bookstore.

TO SHOP

Smith and Court streets are packed with shops selling gourmet food, housewares, clothes, pastries, meats, toys, gifts — you name it. There are a few small markets embedded in the otherwise residential historic district; Trader Joe’s just took over the former Independence Bank building on Court Street; and IKEA and Fairway are just a short bus ride away.

Dear Fieldbinder,

There are many women’s clothing boutiques in Cobble Hill, but the best place to blow your cash is Lara Fieldbinder’s serene and enticing shop. The hand-picked pieces are more refreshingly stylish than outright sexy and the saleswomen are helpful without being intrusive.

198 Smith St. 718-852-3620

Community Bookstore

Who likes digging for treasure and doesn’t mind dust, cramped spaces and mind-boggling clutter — just like your favorite packrat uncle’s apartment? Everything’s here, from that elusive Sanskrit picture book to that beat-up copy of “The Human Condition.”

212 Court St. 718-834-9494

Sahadi’s

Enter this haven of Middle Eastern goodies and take a big whiff. Heaven! Shoppers from all over are drawn to the big bins of beans and pulses, fresh cheeses, dried fruit and olives soaking in brine—all at great prices.

187 Atlantic Ave. 718-624-4550

Rashid Music Sales

The retail outpost of America’s oldest and largest distributor of Arab music offers plenty of new sounds to explore and new stars to idolize.

155 Court St. 718-852-3295

Damascus Bakery

Cheap homemade pita by the bag, a case of spinach and meat pies, handmade Syrian cheese, a fridge full of dips and some of the best baklava in the city make this shop a fine choice for Middle Eastern goods.

195 Atlantic Ave. 718-625-7070

Rocketship Graphic Novels and Comics

The graphic-novel nerd will be in heaven in this un-snooty shop, where the small but extremely well-chosen selection offers both familiar and unusual choices as well as works by local artists.

208 Smith St. 718-797-1348

The counter at Stinky Bklyn

Stinky Bklyn

Stinky indeed! In addition to super-pungent cheeses of all sorts, there are huge ham-legs, pointing upward like Rockettes’ gams on the counter near the front, which are ready for carving.

261 Smith St. 718-522-7425

Tip: Tickets are $6.50 a pop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

TO DO

Strolling along Smith Street, Court Street and Atlantic Avenue, popping into boutiques and shops, should be enough to keep you busy in Cobble Hill.

Cobble Hill Historic District

The warren of narrow, treelined streets east of Court Street is crammed with lovely pre-Civil War era houses, many with wrought iron fenced and ornate detailing. The carriage houses on Verandah Place are particularly stunning.

Hicks Street to Court Street and Atlantic Avenue to Degraw Street

Cobble Hill Cinemas

A neighborhood theater where the lobby is decked out in old-school murals, tickets are $6.50 a pop on Tuesdays and Thursdays and there’s a pumpin’, charmingly dated preshow animation that advises you to be quiet and turn off your cell phone.

265 Court St. 718-596-9113

Cobble Hill Park

This small park surrounded by houses has an old-timey look to it: You can take a load off under one of the trees while your kid scurries around the playground.

Clinton Street at Congress Street

Workingmen’s Cottages

America’s first low-rent housing units, which were built in 1877 and inspired by similar buildings in London, were among the first to offer plumbing and well-ventilated spaces to the working class.

Warren Place at Baltic Street, east of the BQE

Some of the nicest real estate you'll see in Brooklyn is in Cobble Hill.

REAL ESTATE

The landmark area west of Court Street has some of Cobble Hill’s most desirable properties: gorgeous 19th-century townhouses on narrow tree-lined streets.

“In addition to the historic brownstones, the area offers walkability, great schools, pretty 19th-century churches and a neighborhood feel,” said Emily Fisher, associate broker at Halstead Brooklyn LLC. “It used to be sort of a stepchild to Brooklyn Heights, but today plenty of families prefer Cobble Hill—it’s a little quieter than Brooklyn Heights.”

Added Robin Rae at Brick Real Estate, “Many young professionals are moving here: young lawyers, financial types, and those who work in the creative arts are all attracted to the proximity to Manhattan and varied retail options.”

TO BUY

$609,000 for a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom duplex with shared patio (Clinton Street at Amity Street)

$839,000 for a 1220-square-feet two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom duplex in converted schoolhouse (401 Hicks St.)

$2,950,000 for a five-bedroom, two-bathroom carriage house with original details (Verandah Place)*

$4,995,000 for a six-bedroom, two-bathroom 1843 Greek revival townhouse with large garden (Amity Street)*

RENT

$2,600 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in pre-war townhouse with original details and terrace (Clinton Street)*

$1,950 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in pre-war townhouse (Henry Street)*

$3800 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in pre-war townhouse with terrace (Court Street)*

$4000 for a floor-through three-bedroom apartment (Henry St.)

*Contact: Brian Lehner, senior vice president at Brown Harris Stevens. 718-858-5423

IF YOU BOUGHT IN… 1990

Townhouse on Verandah Place: $2,950,000

In 1990, adjusted for inflation: $450,000

Townhouse on Amity Street: $4,995,000

In 1990, adjusted for inflation: $650,000

DID YOU KNOW?

• Cobble Hill was originally called “Ponkiesburg,” which is roughly the Dutch equivalent of the area’s current name.

• Many restaurants and shops in Park Slope also have outposts in Cobble Hill: Coco Roco, Bird, Tea Lounge, Chocolate Room and Sweet Melissa Patisserie are a few.

• The corner of Atlantic Avenue and Court Street was the site of one of the most important posts during the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Brooklyn.

• American novelist Thomas Wolfe once lived at 40 Verandah Place.

• Saturday Night Live’s short film “The Line” was shot outside Cobble Hill Cinemas on Court Street.

Q & A WITH KIM CORRELL

Kim Correll, 29, is a business development representative living in Cobble Hill.

What are your favorite places in Cobble Hill?

Bocca Lupo, and Clover Club has great drinks… the Southside Fizz is awesome. If you ask anyone where you should go for beer and good, cheap food, they’ll direct you to Trout. Teddy is good for clothing and accessories, like a purse or a cute pair of earrings.

What’s so great about the area?

It’s historically preserved, which is a big asset: No high-rises and lots of narrow streets. And the shopping is fantastic, so I rarely go into the city anymore to buy gifts. Also, it’s also easy to get to the IKEA and the Fairway: The 61 bus takes you right there.

What’s not so great?

I live on Hicks overlooking the BQE, and what sucks is that the other side is not historically preserved: They’re building condos right across from my house and it’s wrecking my view of the city!

What type of person would like the area?

Pretty much anyone who is historically sensitive, though I doubt many older people would want to move here, as most buildings have been preserved and therefore have no elevators. A woman on my floor who has been here 23 years is thinking of moving because her friends can’t come up the stairs anymore to play cards.

Do you see any big changes on the horizon for the area?

There’s not a lot of turnover here — I don’t really see people moving in or out. I think the economic situation is keeping people around, and also when it comes to buying a house, this is a destination, not a stepping-stone.

What about gentrification?

It’s as developed as I could ever imagine it getting. Even though Cobble Hill has gentrified, it’s been able to maintain its soul: You still see people sitting on their stoops at night when it’s warm out talking to other people in the neighborhood.

THE FACT SHEET

Community Board 6

Libraries

Brooklyn Public Library – Carroll Gardens

396 Clinton St. 718-596-6972

Transportation

Subway: F, G to Bergen St.

Bus: B61, 63, 65, 75.

Police Station

76th Precinct

191 Union St. 718-834-3211

Fire Department

Engine 202/Ladder 101 (Red Hook)

31 Richards St. 718-403-1402

Banks

Ridgewood Saving Bank

244 Court St. 718-923-0300

Independence Savings Bank

179 Pacific St. 718-625-2843

Supermarkets

Trader Joe’s

130 Court St. 718-246-8460

Met Food

486 Henry St. 718-237-2829

Crime stats

The 76th Precinct, which include Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Columbia Street Waterfront District and Red Hook, reported four murders, three rapes, 75 robberies and 97 burglaries so far this year. For the same period last year, there were three murders, seven rapes, 98 robberies and 78 burglaries.

Schools

PS 29, 425 Henry St.; Brooklyn Heights Montessori, 185 Court St.; School for Global Studies, 284 Baltic St.

Tags: city living, cobble hill, brooklyn, real estate, shopping, architecture, history, restaurants, nightlife, stuff that's cool, neighborhoods, gentrification, food, development, arts

Throwback Thursday: Circuit City's problems inspire memories of Crazy Eddie

Thursday November 13, 2008 7:27 PM By Rolando Pujol

You never know what joys await in the basement. Our friend still has a Crazy Eddie bag in hers, untouched for at least 20 years.

The economic crisis does not seem content to leave any business unscathed. This week, it was Circuit City's turn to shudder as the electronics chain took cover under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a last ditch effort to stay in business. And Best Buy is now warning about disappointing holiday sales.

Well, all this disappointing talk has us hankering for a simpler time, to the days when electronics chains meant one thing in New York City -- Crazy Eddie. There were others, of course: Brick Church, Savemart, (with Don Adams as the spokesman, talking into a shoe phone, Agent 86 style!), the unbeatable and ultimately defeated Wiz and Trader Horn for starters.

But nothing quite gets the nostalgia engines going better than a nice old Crazy Eddie commercial. We've always thought it would be fantastic to bring this chain back -- even one brick-and-mortar location, we theorize, would be teeming with nostalgic New Yorkers looking to get in on pitchman Jerry Carrol's "insane" deals. (And no, he was NOT the real Crazy Eddie. The story's here.) While you try put that "crazy" business plan in action, lose yourself in this assemblage of Crazy Eddie ads that await you after the jump. You'd be insane not to revisit these chestnuts.

-- Rolando Pujol

Want even more? There's more here.

Tags: crazy eddie, circuit city, best buy, old school, throwback thursday, television, shopping

City Living: Flushing

Wednesday November 12, 2008 3:06 PM By Rolando Pujol

The hustle and bustle at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Main Street typifies the energy of downtown Flushing. Below, the Unisphere has become the symbol of Queens — and its plaza is popular with skateboarders. CLICK HERE TO SEE 26 PHOTOS FROM FLUSHING ON OUR NEW FLICKR STREAM. (RJ Mickelson/amNY, top; below, Alana Abel)

By Magdalene Perez

Special to amNewYork

Flushing is a neighborhood of stark contrasts. From sprawling green lawns in suburban north Flushing to the grit and activity of Chinatown, Flushing has it all.

Lovers of the outdoors can find thousands of acres of green, either in pristine Kissena Park or Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the site of two World’s Fairs — in 1939 and 1964. And for those whose taste in sports is more geared to pulling out the plastic than cycling or running, discount stores, specialty shops and deals abound along Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue. Those who live here will save a pretty penny on rent as well.

The neighborhood has a rich history of tolerance. Shortly after Dutch settlers colonized the area in 1645, a small group of English settlers made waves when they refused to abide by a ban on practicing the Quaker religion. Today, Flushing is considered by some to be the birthplace of American religious freedom.It’s only appropriate for a neighborhood that has become a haven for immigrants. Years ago, the area was dominated by Irish, Italian, German and Jewish immigrants, but during the past two decades the number of Asian-Americans has quadrupled. Today, there are people from every part of the Asian continent, but especially China and Korea.

That’s not to say Flushing is for everyone. It’s far from Manhattan — this is no Astoria or Long Island City. Those taking the No. 7 train can expect the ride to Manhattan to take at least 30 minutes outside rush hour. And non-Chinese speakers may not adapt easily to downtown Flushing, which is home to the most concentrated Asian population in the New York area.

Others love Flushing for the same reasons. A world of culinary delights awaits in the urban core, from sweet-filled sesame balls to bubble tea. And certainly the ethnic diversity extends far beyond the pan-Asian continent.

So check it out — visit the Unisphere, get your shop on in Flushing Mall and stroll north Flushing for a look at the picturesque Tudors.

Homes along Carlton Place in Flushing, Queens. (Photo by RJ Mickelson/amNY)

REAL ESTATE

Downtown, which centers around Main Street and the No. 7 train, is in the heart of busy Chinatown, where apartments start at $750 a month for a studio, $900 for a one-bedroom and $1,200 for a two-bedroom. Those who prefer to rent in a two-family home can find one-bedrooms ranging from $1,000 to $1,400 a month and two bedrooms starting at $1,400, according to Laura Copersino, a broker for Prudential Douglas Elliman. Buyers of a co-op downtown can snag a two-bedroom for $250,000 to $350,000.

To rent

$1,300

for a one-bedroom in a six-story condo (Pople Avenue at College Point Boulevard)

$1,600

for a two-bedroom in a

two-family home (38th Avenue

at 149th Place)

$1,850

for a three-bedroom in a

semi-detached brick house with two-car parking (150th Street at Northern Boulevard)

To buy

$1,288,000

for a four-bedroom Colonial in north Flushing (Parsons Boulevard and 37th Avenue)

$1,550,000

for an eight-bedroom, six-bath house (Leavitt Street

near 33rd Avenue)

$349,000

for a one-bedroom in a high-rise condominium (147th Street

at Delaware Avenue)

$999,000

for a three-bedroom, two-and-

a-half bath in north Flushing

Contact: Laura Copersino, 718-819-4011

FIND IT

Flushing is bounded by Flushing Meadows-Corona Park to the west, Francis Lewis Boulevard to the east, Jewel Avenue to the south and Willets Point Boulevard to the north.

Carom Cafe and Billiards on 3402 Linden Place is a hangout for neighborhood kids. F-Shah Faizam, 17, of Flushing plays pool. (Photo by RJ Mickelson/amNY)

TO DO

Chinatown

Main Street near Roosevelt Avenue

Shop and eat to your heart’s content (on the cheap!) in this, New York City’s largest Chinatown.

Shea Stadium

Casey Stengel Plaza

Say goodbye to the original home of the New York Mets, now awaiting demolition to make room for the new Citi Field, scheduled to open in 2009.

New York Hall of Science

47-01 111th St.

718-699-0005

Bring the whole family for a day of fun experiments and learning. From microbiology to math, it’s all hands-on.

Flushing Quaker Meeting House

137-16 Northern Blvd.

718-358-9636

This wood-shingled house is the oldest house of worship in New York City. Built in 1694, it is still used as a Quaker meeting place every Sunday.

John Bowne House

37-01 Bowne St.

718-359-0528

Back when New York City was little more than a Dutch colony known as New Netherland, this quaint English Colonial was home to one of the settlers who petitioned Gov. Peter Stuyvesant to allow freedom of worship in 1657. The petition, known as the Flushing Remonstrance, is recognized today as a forerunner of American protection of religious freedom. Today the house is a museum.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Perimeter Road between 111th and 131st streets

718-760-6565

The most recognizable feature of this park is the Unisphere, a 12-story stainless-steel globe built for the 1964-65 World’s Fair. But other attractions abound. There are 1,255 acres of fields, meadows, lakes and playgrounds, with space for baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball and cricket. Not to mention a children’s farm and zoo.

Kissena Park

Oak and Rose avenues

718-359-1297

You’ll feel far from the city watching the turtles, ducks, herons and egrets at this park’s namesake, Kissena Lake. For cyclists, there is a 400-meter, state-of-the-art velodrome track.

Queens Botanical Garden

43-50 Main St.

718-886-3800

Created as an exhibit in the 1939 World’s Fair, the botanical garden has rose, bee, herb and perennial gardens as well as changing displays.

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is at 36-12 Prince St. in Flushing. (Photo by Alana Abel)

TO EAT

If you like — or love — Chinese food, this is the neighborhood for you. Flushing has a plethora of Asian restaurants. The ambience and décor may be non existent in some of these spots, but your tastebuds will thank you. Pizza and diners also abound, but white tablecloth spots are harder to find.

Yei Mei Fung Bakery

135-38 Roosevelt Ave.

718-886-2607

With so many colorful breads, sweets and cakes to choose from, this bright, stylish shop is almost impossible to resist. Just stay firm when your basket starts to fill up — the salesgirls are masters of suggesting additional treats, ranging from $1.50 to $4 each. Another green tea muffin, anyone?

Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

38-02 Prince St.

718-461-8686

One classic Vietnamese dish that’s hard to resist is the big bowl of pho, a beef soup that comes with noodles, veggies and sides of bean sprouts, basil and lime ($5). The thin-sliced raw beef cooks in the piping hot broth. Try the spring rolls, $6, to complete the experience.

Sun Ji Hui Mian

136-31 41st Ave.

917-838-1011

Watch in awe as the noodle master in this no-frills basement shop expertly hand-pulls your dinner. The broad noodles are tossed in a broth with glass noodles, cilantro and chunks of fatty lamb, $4. You can also add beef, bean sprouts and greens to your liking. Finish the meal-size bowl with a vinegar-soaked side of cucumbers and julienned potatoes.

Rose House

Queens Crossing, 136-17 39th Ave.

718-359-7673

Outfitted in chandeliers and luxurious red and gold, this English tea house couldn’t feel further from the gritty bustle of Main Street around the corner. Sip your tea — black, Moroccan, peach or anything in between — with English-style cakes. On the way out, snag a gift box packed with loose teas, bone China or fruit preserves.

THE BUZZ

The city has pushed for redevelopment in downtown Flushing, including the huge Flushing Town Center and Flushing Commons developments, each totaling more than $500 million.

Together the two will add 1,500 apartments and more than one million square feet of retail space.

But with new development comes new neighbors, and current residents are pushing for more, said Marilyn Bitterman, district manager of Community Board Eight.

“There’s a concern for schooling, and there’s also a concern for traffic,” Bitterman said.

To offset the influx, the Community Board is asking developers to build at least one parking space per apartment. And there’s already one location in mind for a new school: Willets Point.

Gao's Chess School in the Flushing Mall at 133-31 39th Ave is a great place for your youngsters to learn of art of chess and Chinese checkers. (Photo by RJ Mickelson/amNY)

TO PLAY

Nightlife lovers are best advised to keep a MetroCard handy — the watering hole options in Flushing are somewhat limited. For those who prefer daytime entertainment, a handful of arts and culture hotspots thrive.

Queens Museum of Art

New York City Building, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

718-592-9700

Suggested admission to this contemporary art museum is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. In addition to cutting-edge exhibitions, the hall is home to the world’s largest-scale model of an urban area, the Panorama of New York City.

Flushing Town Hall

137-35 Northern Blvd.

718-463-7700

Not a municipal center, but rather an entertainment hub. Here you will find contemporary dance, live jazz, classical music and art exhibitions.

Star Karaoke

14416 Northern Boulevard

718- 445-7777

Grab a private room in this karaoke joint and rock to your own beat. The songs include English language and Chinese selections, and some rooms come equipped with disco lights and tambourines.

Paradise Alley

41-09 150th St.

718-460-6941

Find friendly service and an outdoor patio at this bar, located across from the Murray Hill LIRR stop.

Kelly’s Pub

13611 41st Ave.

718- 359-9668

The bartenders serve up strong, cheap drinks at this dive. A jukebox and the crowd of regulars should keep you coming back.

TO SHOP

In stores along Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue, shoppers who don’t mind the sometimes-pushy throng can score clothes, stationery, and affordable household goods. Check out the Old Navy, or head to Flushing Mall to hit many stores at once.

Benetton Discount Store

40-06 Main St.

718-461-7777

The price-conscious can find fashionable steals at this United Colors of Benetton outlet.

Toy Qube

Flushing Mall, 133-31 39th Ave.

718-939-8605

This shop specializes in the world of designer vinyl toys. So if you’ve got a gift in mind for that (most likely adult) friend who just has to have a limited-edition glow-in-the-dark Kaws doll ($1,110), or one of the latest mini figurines from Kidrobot, $7 to $8, this is the place to buy.

Joyce Shop

Flushing Mall, 133-31 39th Ave.

718-359-4678

You can find Hello Kitty-style stationery, stickers and toys at this teen-centric shop.

THE Q&A

Tom Finkelpearl is the director of the Queens Museum of Art.

What attracts people to Flushing?

First and foremost the food. There are really good Asian cuisines available — Chinese, Korean, Indian and others. If you want to experience inexpensive and authentic Asian food, this is the neighborhood.

How has the neighborhood changed?

Since the 1970s, the transformation has been complete. It was getting kind of worn around the edges, but now it’s been changed by the new influx of energy and money.

It’s become a much more Asian neighborhood with a bustling downtown center, but if you walk three or four blocks from Roosevelt and Main you’ll be on pretty quiet, comfortable Queens streets.

Is Flushing experiencing gentrification?

I haven’t seen a situation in which the bad side of gentrification is coming out. The trend is toward fairly expensive real estate, but I don’t think it’s going to sap the neighborhood of character. It’s been an incremental change, I think in a good direction, toward increased property values and safer streets.

Is there one thing you wish you could change?

One of the frustrations has been the inconsistency of the 7 train. It’s the only line that goes to Flushing, and if they’re doing track work, it can be really frustrating.

Any little-known facts?

The Queens library is the most-used branch library in the United States. It’s an amazing institution. It’s not just about books and DVDs on the shelf; they also do shows and events there in many different languages.

THE FACT SHEET

Transportation: Subway: No. 7 train to Willets Point Boulevard/Shea Stadium, Flushing-Main Street

Train: Long Island Rail Road Port Washington Branch to Flushing/Main Street,

Bus: 19, 65, 66, 25, 34, 44, 32, 14, X32 to Main Street; 28, 16, 13 to 37th Avenue

Library: Queens Library, 41-17 Main Street, 718-661-1200

Community Board: Community Board Eight, 718-264-7895

Police Precinct: 37-05 Union St., 718- 321-2250

Crime: The 109th Precinct, which includes Downtown Flushing, East Flushing, Queensboro Hill, College Point, Malba, Whitestone, Beechhurst and Bay Terrace, reported four murders, 13 rapes and 217 robberies so far this year, compared to five murders, 15 rapes and 189 robberies this time last year.

Fire Department: Engine 273 / Ladder 129, 40-18 Union St.

Schools: P.S. 163, 159-01 59th Avenue; PS 024 Andrew Jackson,141-11 Holly Avenue; PS 201 Kissena School, 65-11 155 Street; Queens College School, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard; JHS 237, 46-21 Colden Street; H.S. 425 John Bowne High School, 63-25 Main Street; Townsend Harris High School, 149-11 Melbourne Avenue (private)

Tags: city living, queens, flushing, history, neighborhoods, real estate, shopping, restaurants, architecture

Harriet's Alter Ego thrives in creative ways

Sunday November 9, 2008 1:21 PM By Garett Sloane

Hekima Hapa, left, and Ngozi Odita dress a model for a fashion show that the boutique owners hosted Friday at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple in Fort Greene. (Jefferson Siegel)

By Garett Sloane

gsloane@am-ny.com

Creativity and energy are two necessary traits for small business owners looking to survive these tough economic times.

Fortunately for the owners of Harriet’s Alter Ego, a Brooklyn fashion boutique and art gallery, their business model is based on those characteristics.

“All around us businesses are closing. So we are definitely seeing [the hard times],” said Ngozi Odita, co-owner of the store at 293 Flatbush Ave. “That’s when you have to get creative. Are we going to stay here and wait for customers to bang our door down or are we going to get proactive?”Odita, 33, and her business partner, Hekima Hapa, 35, are nothing if not proactive. They created an African-inspired clothing line after they met about 10 years ago. They built a customer base by vending at street fairs in the city, and then created a center for their activities at a Brooklyn storefront in 2002.

They are also creative when it comes to financing their operations with a blend of personal savings, nontraditional loan sources, bartering and community relationships.

“Because we are such an open space and open to the community at large, people are always willing to help out,” Odita said.

From their storefront, Odita and Hapa have created a network that relies on raw materials from as nearby as Harlem and as far away as Africa to create clothes that are sold in stores as far away as Japan. They have come a long way from the days of city street fairs and flea markets.

“If you have an idea or something you really believe in, you can’t let anything stop you,” Odita said.

Tags: harriett's alter ego, ngozi odita, hekima hapa, retail, fashion, boutique, flatbush avenue, brooklyn, small business, shopping, economy, arts

City Living: Clinton Hill

Wednesday November 5, 2008 4:05 PM By Rolando Pujol

Beautiful real estate on Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. (Photo by RJ Mickelson/amNY)

By Craig Raphael

Special to amNewYork

When the oil executive and philanthropist Charles Pratt built himself a mansion atop a scenic hill in Brooklyn, other wealthy industrialists followed suit, transforming the rural locale into a suburban enclave.

Today, Clinton Hill is best known for the exquisite Romanesque mansions and adorned brownstones built during that time, as well as the institute founded by Pratt, which specializes in architecture, art and design, and information and library science.

The Pratt Institute and the neighborhood’s housing stock are what have traditionally lured students and residents.

“A big draw is the architecture — there’s unique brownstones and quite a few landmarked mansions, buildings that you wouldn’t find in other areas,” said Robin Lester.

But now the neighborhood has many other things to offer, including a growing number of locally-owned shops and restaurants on Myrtle Avenue.

Dubbed “Murder Avenue” during the sharp decline of the 1970s, the street has improved dramatically since then, with the help of community groups and citizens throughout the neighborhood who have made efforts to open new businesses and restore housing, much of which was in a state of disrepair.

As crime has subsided, other commercial corridors like Fulton Street have experienced their share of the revival. A seemingly endless street paving project has stunted growth along the corridor, but a new wave of cafes and bars has recently popped up.Families continue to relocate to Clinton Hill to take advantage of the tree-lined streets, quick commutes to Manhattan and strong sense of community.

“It feels like a small town; people hold the door open for you,” said Phil Myrick.

He added, “It’s in a good groove. A lot of people wanted a greater variety of services, and that’s all happening now.”

FIND IT

Clinton Hill is bordered by Clinton Avenue to the west, Classon Avenue to the east, Park Avenue to the north and Atlantic Avenue to the south.

TO EAT

Charming eateries are scattered throughout Clinton Hill, with the majority on Myrtle Avenue. The neighborhood offers something for everyone — laid-back cafes with classic comfort food, textbook greasy Chinese and Mexican, and a hookah bar that serves tasty Middle Eastern grub.

Castro’s

Giant burritos stuffed with tangy pork and enchiladas with green sauce are among the highlights at this popular Mexican restaurant. Chips and salsa are free if you dine in and there’s a lovely outdoor garden in which to enjoy them.

511 Myrtle Ave. 718-398-1459

Kum Kau

Many locals boast that Kum Kau, which has been around since 1975, has the best greasy Chinese food in Brooklyn. Standouts include sesame shrimp, Tai Chin chicken and roast pork with broccoli.

463 Myrtle Ave. 718-638-1850

Brown Betty Café

Stop by this warm, welcoming eatery for delicious Thai iced coffee and many enticing brunch options, including free-range jerk chicken, rum-raisin French toast and breakfast pizza: a pizza round topped with tomato, avocado cheese and two over easy eggs. They also serve dinner.

466 Grand Ave. 646-591-7483

Mike’s Café Diner

A neighborhood melting pot that’s packed to the brim on weekends, Mike’s offers diner favorites at dirt-cheap prices. Arrive early on weekends for the crispy fried chicken and waffles — they’re worth their weight in gold.

328 Dekalb Ave. 718-857-1462

Square Root Café

Vintage soda and cigarette machines create a retro diner feel at the recently opened Square Root Café. On Wednesday nights the cafe hosts independent film screenings; on the next two Sundays check out live jazz 4-7pm.

584 Myrtle Ave. 718-230-7077

Choice Market

Rich, flaky pastries and pies, aromatic coffee and generous sandwiches are among the reasons Choice Market is so popular. When the weather is warm, outdoor benches are a great place to relax and people-watch.

318 Lafayette Ave. 718-230-5234

Zaytoons

The decor may be clichéd, but the food is anything but, in particular the hummus, babaghanouj and fattoush salad, which are impossibly tasty and fresh. Cap off your meal with a draw on the hookah pipe.

472 Myrtle Ave. 718-623-5522

TO PARTY

Clinton Hill offers a variety of locales in which to hear live jazz, attend a movie screening or simply sip drinks with friends.

Outpost Lounge

By day, this appealing lounge serves up specialty coffee drinks, freshly squeezed juices and a number of food options; by night, it has drink specials, DJs and live music. It also hosts art exhibits, outdoor movies and other special events.

1014 Fulton St. 718-636-1260

Rope

A relaxed spot that caters to the hipster crowd, Rope features a jukebox, weekly trivia nights and a lively backyard with a grill during the summer.

415 Myrtle Ave. 718-522-2899

Tamboril

Formerly the site of a porn shop, Tamboril serves new Latin cuisine and hosts weekly Latin jazz bebop sessions. On Nov. 13, the restaurant’s official grand opening will feature a live jazz band and new works by the artist Al Johnson.

527 Myrtle Ave. 718-622-5130

Bar Olivino

On a nondescript block of Fulton Street lies this enticing wine bar, an outpost of the Olivino wine shop next door. It’s perfect for lingering with a small group, even more so because of reasonably priced wine and appetizers.

899 Fulton St. 718-230-4675

TO SHOP

Boutique shops and unique offerings are much of what give Clinton Hill its special charm. Most stores are located on Myrtle Avenue, but those outside the main drag are worth a special trip.

Karen’s Body Beautiful

Scrubs, lotions and hair treatments are all freshly made at Karen’s, and the store kitchen is right there to prove it. Fragrant, seasonal soap offerings include mandarin clove, precious plumeria and milkshake.

436 Myrtle Ave. 718-797-4808

Polish Bar of Brooklyn

Creamy pink walls create a calming effect at the Polish Bar, which offers a full menu of nail, makeup and waxing treatments. Complimentary scrubs and lotions enhance the typical salon experience.

470 Myrtle Ave. 718-622-5363

Dope Jams

Dope Jams has a solid vinyl collection with a heavy concentration in R&B, soul and house. They also sell books and incense in addition to bargain LPs off the street.

580 Myrtle Ave. 718-622-7977

Heavenly Crumbs

Perfectly moist cake nestled under rich, creamy frosting makes the cupcakes at Heavenly Crumbs among the best in the city. The bakery is also known for its specially designed cakes, which range from stylish wedding towers to designer bags and shoes, which almost pass for the real thing.

355 Franklin Avenue. 718-623-6271

Repop

In the shadow of the Brooklyn Navy Yard lies this groovy thrift store, which sells vintage furniture, decorative lamps, and collectibles. It also features rotating art exhibitions that open on the first Friday of every month.

68 Washington Ave. 718-260-8032

TO SEE

The best way to experience Clinton Hill is to meander on Clinton and Washington avenues, taking in the lush greenery and historic architecture, before making your way to the commercial centers of Myrtle and Fulton avenues.

Myrtle Avenue Public Art Walk

This past summer, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership launched its public art initiative, which brings installations, sculpture and interactive exhibits to neighborhood sites. Now on display are paintings by artist Anne Lafond (on the windows of several Myrtle Avenue shops), as well as the “Tree Hugger” exhibit, an environmental art project by artists Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieszka Gradzik (scattered throughout Myrtle Avenue).

Pratt Sculpture Garden

The largest contemporary sculpture garden in New York has featured the work of global artists since it opened in 1999. Sculptures can be found throughout the Pratt campus, though most are concentrated in the main garden on Dekalb Avenue.

Dekalb Avenue between Classon and Grand.

Brooklyn Flea

The popular Brooklyn Flea gathers a dizzying array of vintage furniture, clothing and accessories, in addition to artisan crafts, to a vast high school parking lot every Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Vendors rotate from week to week so there’s always something new to be found.

357 Clermont Ave.

ESSENTIAL CLINTON HILL

Walk down Clinton and Washington Avenues and admire the ornate brownstones. Check out the various Pratt mansions, including the George Dupont Pratt House at 245 Clinton Ave., and the Caroline Ladd Pratt House at 229 Clinton Ave. Want a chance to step inside one of these beauties? The Society for Clinton Hill runs a house tour every two years, and the next tour will be held in 2009. For more information visit www.societyforclintonhill.org/

REAL ESTATE

In addition to its famed historic houses, Clinton Hill offers more affordable real estate, including artist lofts, pre-Civil War frame houses and apartments in high-rise co-ops. Housing closer to the border with Bedford-Stuyvesant is also less expensive.

Many families and young professionals have relocated to the area to take advantage of the low rent and generous space allotments, by Brownstone Brooklyn standards.

“There are a lot of good-size family-type apartments,” said Mark Kalinoski of Tungsten Realty. “It has been a very good place to get duplexes at a reasonable price.”

TO RENT

One bedroom with hardwood floors, large living room and granite countertops: $1,450

One bedroom in converted factory building with hardwood floors, doorman and roof deck: $2,146

Three bedroom, three bathroom with tall ceilings, landscaped yard, and basement: $3,800

TO BUY:

Seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom multifamily house on Clinton Avenue with wooden floors and original details: $1,800,000

Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo with terrace and large rooms: $795,000

RECENTLY SOLD:

Six-bedroom, four-bathroom on Classon Avenue: $885,000

Six-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom on Washington Avenue: $999,000

Rentals courtesy of Mark Kalinoski, The Tungsten Group, 212.991.6515. Other listings from trulia.com.

Q&A WITH ROBIN LESTER

Robin, who writes the community-centric ClintonHillBlog, has lived in Clinton Hill for four and a half years.

What attracts people to the area?

In addition to the architecture, it’s very green — lots of big old trees which are gorgeous in the spring and fall. There’s also local businesses and unique amenities.

What are some of your favorite things about the neighborhood?

Clinton Hill is the New York I was always looking for but could never find. I’ve really gotten to know my neighbors and on the whole people are very friendly. It’s really unlike any other neighborhood in that it has a very strong local character.

What are some things you don’t like about the area?

It could use slightly better subway access. The G is not as bad as I thought it would be, but the C is really lacking — the cars are dirty and it doesn’t come that often. We could also use a good bookstore; we don’t have one and neither does Fort Greene.

What are some of your favorite places to eat?

Maggie Brown on Myrtle has a warm interior and good comfort food. Brown Betty also has a very intimate atmosphere and a great dinner menu given its size. I also love Choice Market — the pastries are gorgeous and it’s a really good place to socialize.

How has it changed since you’ve lived here?

In many ways it has changed for the better. There’s a greater variety of food options, local services and shops. I’ve also heard that a few of the local schools are improving. On the negative side, there are many people moving in who have been priced out of other places, and while a lot of them are eager to get involved, there’s definitely a contingent of wealthier newcomers who aren’t as amenable to the neighborhood culture.

How do you think it will change in the future?

With rising rents, I worry that it will no longer be an option for young, creative people. If I was trying to move here now I wouldn’t be able to afford to buy an apartment. I also don’t want it to become the next Park Slope and turn into a stroller parking lot.

THE BUZZ

Many residents are concerned about a recent wave of crime in Clinton Hill and neighboring Fort Greene. Several shootings have been reported in recent months, and in a particularly gruesome incident, a dismembered body was found in a box outside of Fort Greene Park.

Council member Letitia James organized a town hall public safety meeting last month to address residents’ crime related concerns, which was also attended by local police and Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Many notable alumni have graduated from Pratt Institute including actor Robert Redford, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and Tupperware designer Morrison Cousins.

The Pratt Institute Library was Brooklyn’s first free library when it opened on Jan. 4, 1888.

Rapper Notorious B.I.G. grew up at 226 St. James Place, at the southern edge of Clinton Hill.

Clinton Hill is in fact situated on a hill; as a result, it is more resistant to flooding and hurricane damage than neighboring hoods.

FACT SHEET

Library

Clinton Hill Branch, 380 Washington Ave. at Lafayette Avenue718-398-8713

Police Station

88th Precinct, 298 Classon Ave. 718-636-6511

Fire Department

Engine 210, 160 Carlton Ave.

Food Markets

C-Town Supermarket, 325 Lafayette Ave. 718-783-8656;

Associated Supermarket, 492 Myrtle Ave. 718-789-9674‮

Transportation

Subway: G to Clinton-Washington Ave., Classon Ave.; C to Clinton-Washington Ave.

Bus: B38 (Dekalb Ave), B48 (Classon Ave) B54 (Myrtle Ave), B61 (Park Ave)

Banks:

Bank of America, 49 Myrtle Ave. 718-852-1548;

Sovereign Bank, 200 Willoughby Ave. 718-636-3886

Crime

The 88th Precinct, which also covers Fort Greene and the Brooklyn Navy Yard, has reported three murders, seven rapes, 186 robberies, 102 felonious assaults, 152 burglaries, and 88 grand theft autos thus far in 2008.

Schools

PUBLIC

ELEMENTARY:

P.S. 11 (Purvis J. Behan School) 718-638-2661

P.S. 20 (Clinton Hill School) 718-834-6744

MIDDLE:

M.S. 113 Ronald Edmonds School 718-834-6735

HIGH:

Benjamin Banneker Academy 718-797-3702

PRIVATE

Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School 718-857-2700

St. Angela Hall Academy 718-622-6919

Tags: city living, real estate, clinton hill, brooklyn, shopping, restaurants, architecture

Sample sales: Anna Sui, Tibi, Vivienne Tam

Sunday November 2, 2008 10:21 AM By Julie Gordon

Anna Sui's clothing is discounted this week. (Getty)

Every Monday, amNY gives you 411 on the best sample sales of the week:

Anna Sui

Nov. 3 to 7, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 to 2:30 p.m., 4:30 to 7 p.m. 250 W. 39th St., suite 1801, between Seventh and Eighth avenues. 212-768-1951.

Grab up funky designs from Anna Sui. Chunky cable knit sweater coats that were $482 and are now $75. Printed silk tops that were $220 and are now $60. Velvet dresses that were $400 are now $100. Sample tops start at $15, and sample dresses are $50. Scarves, hats, leggings and headbands are $5.

Shoshanna and Anlo

Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 231 W. 39th St., suite 422, between Seventh and Eighth avenues.

Beloved for its figure-forgiving girly frocks and bathing suits, Shoshanna is holding a sample sale with jeans brand Anlo. Shoshanna dresses that were $350 are now $150. Bikinis that were $165 are now $65. Anlo jeans that were $200 are now up to 75 percent off.Jay Strongwater

Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nov 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., fourth floor, between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

Beautiful tabletop pieces, picture frames and vanity items are deeply discounted. Small square frames that were $115 each are now $35 each. A large leaf tray that was $1,400 is now $400. A koala bear figurine that was $595 is now $175.

Vivienne Tam

Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 260 W. 39th St., 3rd floor, between Seventh and Eighth avenues. 212-840-6470.

Beautiful, detailed, feminine dresses from Vivienne Tam are up to 75 percent off. A taffeta rose appliqué dress that was $495 is now $120. A silver metallic peony dress that was $795 is now $150.

Tibi

Nov. 5, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 336 W. 37th St., Penthouse 15, between Eighth and Ninth avenues.

Known for its eye-catching prints, Tibi is discounting actual samples by 75 percent and offering overstock from the store at wholesale prices.

Catherine Holstein

Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov. 9, 12 to 6 p.m. 188 Ludlow St., Apt. 22-J, at Houston Street.

Fall sweaters, coats, dresses, skirts and T-shirts from celebrity favorite Catherine Holstein are up to 75 percent off. Coats that were $750 are now $200.

Tags: sample sales, shopping, fashion, shoshanna, tibi, anlo, anna sui, vivienne tam, jay strongwater, catherine holstein

Like the 'Gossip Girl' gang, NYC students doll up uniforms

Wednesday October 29, 2008 9:23 AM By Julie Gordon

Interviews and photos by Alana Abel

Wearing school uniforms doesn’t inhibit the characters on the TV show “Gossip Girl” from showing off their personal styles. It doesn’t stop real New York prep school students either. With jackets, headbands, bags and legwear, these gals have found a way to make required clothing all their own.

Erica's school has no restrictions when it comes to students’ hair — except for dye. So this high school freshman spices up her look by experimenting daily with her locks. Today’s choice: A thick headband atop a modern beehive.

Lucky Star, a sophomore, carries her books in a large handbag that coordinates with her uniform’s blue motif.

Kristen gives her outfit a punky twist with a colorful scarf. On days this 15-year-old doesn’t don a stand-out scarf, she usually wears a bright jacket.

Kelley, 14, keeps it simple with small accessories, such as these gold rings bearing a small stone, her name and a cross.

Tags: entertainment, shopping, fashion, gossip girl

Macy's: A part of America's life for 150 years

Tuesday October 28, 2008 2:00 PM By Rolando Pujol

The Empire State Building was red in honor of Macy's 150th anniversary, as seen from the department store's 35th Street entrance in Herald Square Tuesday night. (Photo: Rolando Pujol)

Macy's turned 150 Tuesday, and in the evening, the Empire State Building blazed in red until midnight to mark the occasion. Read about Macy's history here. And a fun fact: The Macy's star was inspired by a tattoo on R.H. Macy's arm. The tattoo was a tribute to "the star that guided him when lost at sea." Read more Macy's history here.

Tags: macy's, empire state building, herald square, history, retail, architecture, manhattan, shopping

Sample sales: Kooba, MaxMara, EOS watches

Monday October 27, 2008 7:37 AM By Julie Gordon

Bags from Kooba are on sale this week.

Every Monday, amNewYork brings you sample sale listings for the week:

European Designers collection

Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 30 W. 57th St., fourth floor, between Fifth and Sixth avenues.

Pieces from European designers Alessandro Dell Acqua, Finamore, Attolini and McLeod are up to 75 percent off. Men’s and women’s clothing, handbags, sunglasses, belts and fragrances are available. A percentage of proceeds benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

MaxMara

Oct. 27, 1 to 8 p.m.; Oct. 28 to 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 145 W. 18th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

Trendy pieces from MaxMara’s collections (including Max & Co and ‘SMaxMara) are 70 percent off. A winter cape that was $385 is now $115. A printed long-sleeved dress that was $228 is now $69.Kooba

Oct. 28 to 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed 2 to 3 p.m.). 141 W. 36th St., between Broadway and Seventh Avenue.

Leather bags from celebrity favorite Kooba are 50 to 80 percent off. The brand is known for its bright colors, detailed hardware and interesting shapes..

EOS

Oct. 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1140 Broadway, loft 804, at 26th Street.

Retro-inspired digital watches are between $5 and $50. Regular prices ranged from $80 to $300.

Tags: sample sales, kooba, eos, maxmara, shopping

Wine shop-less Trader Joe's in Brooklyn boosting local liquor stores?

Saturday October 25, 2008 2:18 PM By Emily Ngo

Food megastore Trader Joe's at Court Street and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Via Flickr.

The new Trader Joe's in downtown Brooklyn is far superior to the chain's first NYC store in Manhattan. It's more spacious, the lines seem shorter and it's much more aesthetically pleasing. On the downside, though, TJ's Brooklyn doesn't -- and won't -- have a wine shop. That's right. No three-buck Chuck in Brooklyn.

The city allots only one liquor license per chain, a Trader Joe's employee tells me.

But the absence of a TJ's Wine Shop is starting to benefit nearby wine stores. Zap Wines & Spirits on Court Street say they have noticed a boost in business, in the form of Trader Joe's bag-carrying customers. The true test will come closer to the holiday season, Zap says.

-- Emily Ngo

Tags: shopping, brooklyn, trader joe's, food

City Living: Jackson Heights

Wednesday October 22, 2008 5:23 PM By Rolando Pujol

Jackson Heights is known for its excellent transportation options. (Photos: RJ Mickelson/amNY)

By Craig Raphael and Miranda Siegel

Special to amNewYork

Located in northwest Queens, vibrant Jackson Heights offers an elaborate treasure hunt with treats to track down and loot to discover. You can go on the prowl for the plumpest and most delectable samosas, haunt the Latin bakeries in search of glistening, eggy flan, peer into freezers full of fragrant, milky kulfi popsicles, and try arepa after arepa until you've found the tastiest meat.A flurry of activity, along with significant populations from Bangladesh, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina and Pakistan, among other countries, makes Jackson Heights one of Queens' most popular destinations. Manhattanites who scarcely venture off their island will often daytrip here, and visitors of South Asian descent flock to the area from every corner of the city and beyond.

“This is where you can get the most authentic Bangladeshi and Indian food in the city; people come here for that,” noted Ajit Bardhan.

Jackson Heights was mainly farmland until 1908, when the Queensboro Realty Company bought and began developing the land. The new neighborhood was designed in the style of 19th century English "garden cities": rows of spacious houses with front lawns, access to interior gardens, large windows and lush foliage.

The garden apartments were followed by lovely co-ops —the country's first — which were given fancy names like Hampton Court and Chateau. Together with the garden houses, they make up the Jackson Heights Historic District.

The idyll was disrupted in the 70s and 80s, when Jackson Heights, like most of Queens at the time, became riddled with drug trafficking and criminal activity.

It wasn't until residents banded together and made efforts to beautify and improve the quality of life in the area that things started looking up.

Today, Jackson Heights is a neighborhood that embraces all kinds of culture, with many community centers, clubs devoted to visual arts, and a flourishing gay, lesbian and transgender community that celebrates with The Queens Pride Parade each June.

So it is surprising that the neighborhood remains somewhat overlooked given all it has to offer, including a major subway junction between the 7, F, E, R and V trains that provides convenient and fast access to Manhattan.

“It’s a very quirky community — there’s a variety of different groups and constituents, as well as a growing number of families with children,” said Elena Madison. “And they all co-exist pretty peacefully.”

FIND IT

Jackson Heights is bordered on the west by the BQE, on the east by Junction Boulevard, on the north by Northern Boulevard, and the south by Roosevelt Avenue.

The Dunolly Owners Flea Market on 35th Ave in Jackson Heights.

TO EAT

Jackson Heights offers a veritable smorgasbord of food. The bulk of the South Asian restaurants are located on 73rd and 74th streets between Roosevelt and 37th avenues, also known as “Little India.” Vendors and shops selling Latin treats such as tacos, empanadas and rich, gooey pastries are concentrated on Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard. There’s Thai and Afghan, too!

Rajbhog Sweets and Snacks

The title of this shop, which is the main supplier of kulfi and other goodies to stores throughout Queens, says it all: There are sweets (gulab jamun, jalebi and mango burfi) and there are snacks (chole poori, samosa and kachori). Hang around with your food to enjoy the Indian music videos.

72-27 37th Ave. 718-458-8512

Arunee Thai Cuisine

This Thai restaurant is known for its impressive array of appetizers and salads, as well as its solid flavor combinations and clean execution. You’ll swoon for the deep-fried quail with garlic sauce and spicy papaya salad.

37-68 79th St, 718-205-5559

Afghan Kebab House #4

One of only a few Afghan restaurants in New York City, #4 offers awesome kebab combos, scallion-stuffed bolanee (fried turnovers) and delicious naringe paulau (lamb topped with orange rind and pistachios).

74-16 37th Ave., 718 565-0471

Jackson Diner

Arguably the most well-known restaurant in Queens, this airy eatery is often crowded with families and bargain-seekers piling their plates high with rich and spicy chow from the $9.95 all-you-can-eat buffet.

34-47 74th St, 718-672-1232

Pio Pio

The Jackson Heights branch of this Peruvian chain cooks up its signature plump, succulent chicken, a soft and greasy masterpiece that slides right off the bone. Sides include plantains, yucca and rice and beans.

84-15 Northern Blvd. 718-426-1010

Cositas Ricas

Cositas Ricas is a lively Colombian restaurant that features a bar, a bakery and some unusually attractive waitresses. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the shellfish or chicken dishes, but the Pollo Sebastian is especially tender.

79-19 Roosevelt Ave. 718-478-1500

TO PARTY

Jackson Heights has a lot going on when it comes to nightlife: Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard are lined with clubs, and there’s a happenin’ gay scene, too. Some restaurants are open late to cater to the night owls.

Natives

A bold marquee attracts visitors to this sprawling restaurant, where you can get cozy in a plush booth and watch the comedians, musicians and the occasional theater performance on the large stage.

82-22 Northern Blvd., 718-335-0780

Terraza 7 Train Cafe

Terraza 7 Train Café is a great coffee shop and bar that hosts a mix of independent films, art exhibitions, live music and creative workshops.

40-19 Gleane St., 718-803-9602

Club Atlantis 2010

Queens’s largest gay club attracts people from throughout the city, who come to gyrate to Latin and club beats. Stiff drinks and a lively crowd compensate for the steep cover.

76-19 Roosevelt Ave., 718-457-3939

Chibcha Restaurant and Nightclub

A Colombian nightclub pounding out meringue and salsa favorites to eager partygoers, Chibcha has been a neighborhood favorite for years. They also serve food.

79-05 Roosevelt Ave, 718-429-9033

Village Moon Tattoo shop at 78-01 Roosevelt Ave.

TO SHOP

Jackson Heights is a very popular shopping destination, not only for New Yorkers but also for people from all over the greater metropolitan area. Stock up on aromatic spices, salwar kameez, gold jewelry, baked goods, Latin music and Indian books.

Rudy Volcano II

This purveyor of Guatemalan goods offers an eclectic mix of textiles, incense, peculiar carved stones (owl or phallus, anyone?), baby booties, decorative pipes, jewelry and housewares.

79-07 37th Ave., 718-651-7100

Newman Jewelers

A dizzying array of religious figurines, decorative china and oh-so-precious statuettes, including porcelain renderings of trout, brown bears and playful kittens. Prices are truly steep, but the owner promises “a discount on anything you buy.”

78-03 37th Ave., 718-429-3413

Patel Bros.

Want to admire numerous rows of tangy chutneys, pick up a bag of frozen samosas, or attempt to haul a 25-pound bag of jasmine rice home on the subway? Patel Bros. offers these enticing options and more, including pulses, bingeworthy sweets and snacks and a variety of unusual and inexpensive spices.

37-07 64th St., 718-898-3445

Maharaja Sweets

Enter this small, glowing shop and find yourself facing a glass case filled with small piles of mysterious pink, brown, and white sweetmeats. Come here for ladu, burfi and pure vegetarian food.

73-10 37th Ave., 718-505-2680

La Nueva Bakery

There are many Latin bakeries in Jackson Heights, but La Nueva is among the most popular. The dulce de leche-filled cake roll is out of this world, as is the syrupy, custardy flan. They also have mate gourds made out of hooves.

86-10 37th Ave., 718-507-2339

Travers Park is at 34th Ave between 77th and 78th Street.

TO SEE

The best way to experience Jackson Heights is to wander around soaking up the atmosphere, popping into shops to sample treats or check out Indian or Latin DVDs. The area is also home to a movie theater.

Sunday Play Street and Greenmarket

In a neighborhood lacking much green space, the Sunday Play Street, which occupies a closed-off portion of 78th Street on Sundays until mid-November, is an absolute joy for youngsters and adults alike. Around the corner on 34th Avenue, the local Greenmarket sells farm fresh produce, dairy and meat.

78th Street between 34th Avenue and Northern Boulevard

Eagle Theater

In a previous life, Eagle Theater was known as “The Earle” and showcased racy entertainment to eager patrons. Today, the renovated Art Deco theater draws in crowds with the latest Bollywood hits.

73-07 37th Road, 718-565-8783

Jackson Heights Historic District

Jackson Heights was America’s first “Garden City” based on the writings of Ebenezer Howard. Though the coveted private gardens are hidden behind the co-ops, some are visible from the street. There are also minor attractions like “the birthplace of Scrabble,” which was originally played at the Community United Methodist Church on 35th Avenue at 81st Street.

76st to 88th streets between Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard

Beautiful real estate along 35th Avenue and 82nd Street in Jackson Heights.

REAL ESTATE

Jackson Heights is home to some lovely housing options, including historic low-rise co-op apartment buildings, the famous “Garden Houses,” and one- and two-family houses.

“The co-ops are prewar and have beautiful nine-foot ceilings, original crown moldings, transoms, dumbwaiters, and are surrounded by gardens,” said Marlene Flores, sales associate at Century 21 Best, Inc. “I also like to focus on selling the beautiful old garden apartments; people really love them.”

TO RENT

$1,200 for a prewar studio apartment (37th Avenue and 73rd Street)

$1,399 for a one-bedroom brand new apartment (84th Street and 35th Avenue)

$1,500 for a three-bedroom apartment (82nd Street at 34th Avenue)

$1,650 for a rent-stabilized two-bedroom apartment (35-34 95th St.)

$1,750 for a brand-new two-bedroom apartment (75th Street at 30th Avenue)

$2,100 for a four-bedroom apartment (85th Street at 32nd Avenue)

$2,550 for a three-bedroom duplex with garage (30-31 78th St.)

TO BUY

$179,000 for a renovated one-bedroom co-op (Roosevelt Terrace)

$269,000 for a one-bedroom co-op with private gardens (The Dunolly)

$310,000 for a two-bedroom co-op (The Greystones)

$315,000 for a two-bedroom co-op with balcony and garage (Pelham Manor)

$390,000 for a 1,033-square-foot one-bedroom condo with eat-in kitchen (The Colton Condominium)

$459,000 for a three-bedroom co-op with private gardens (Hampton Court)

$469,000 for a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom co-op (The Berkeley building)

$1,100,000 for a 2,700-square-foot five-bedroom, four-bathroom prewar two-family home (35th Ave.)

CONTACT: Marlene Flores, sales associate at CENTURY 21 Best, Inc. 718-446-1300

Q & A WITH ADAM GORFIN

Adam Gorfin, who works in a shop dealing in rare books and prints, has lived in Jackson Heights for four years.

What do you like best about the neighborhood?

The amount of space you get can’t be beat — it’s real living, not closet living. It’s also not pretentious in any way whatsoever; there’s no new-fangled youth trying to make it into some sort of bohemia.

What is something you don’t like about the neighborhood?

It can get extremely loud, especially late at night. At 4 a.m. these huge party buses roll by, and when they pull up at a stop light it’s a nightmare.

What are some of your favorite places to eat?

Deshi Biryani has really good south Indian food. I like the street food; there are some great taco carts. I’m also a fan of Legends Bar and Grill, which is a bizarre southern BBQ place smack in the middle of Little India.

How has the neighborhood changed since you’ve lived there?

It really hasn’t changed much at all. For example, this big supermarket was renovated about a year ago, and people wondered if it would become more upscale. They did put in a cheese island with your typical fancy cheeses, but a week later it had returned to the usual mishmash of strange generic cheese.

What is something people don’t know about the neighborhood?

It’s really overlooked as a whole. The amount of space you get for the price is really reasonable. There are buildings that are meant to be lived in, and I appreciate that.

THE BASICS

Library

Queens Library, Jackson Heights Branch

35-51 81 St.

Police Station

115th Precinct

92-15 Northern Blvd. 718-533-2002

Transportation

Subway: 7 to 74th, 82nd St; E,V,R to Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Av.

Bus: Q32, Q33, Q47, Q49, Q66

Crime Stats

The 115th Precinct, which covers East Elmhurst, North Corona and Jackson Heights, reported three homicides, 32 rapes, 287 robberies, 229 felonious assaults, 283 burglaries and 199 motor vehicle thefts thus far in 2008. In 2007, there were four homicides, 30 rapes, 268 robberies, 229 felonious assaults, 324 burglaries and 209 motor vehicle thefts.

Schools

PUBLIC

ELEMENTARY:

P.S. 2 Alfred Zimberg School, 75-10 21st Ave

P.S. 149 Chrsta Mcauliffe School, 93-11 34th Ave

P.S. 212, 34-25 82nd St

P.S. 69, 77-02 37th Ave

P.S. 222 Christopher A. Santora School, 86-15 37th Ave

MIDDLE:

I.S. 145 Joseph Pulitzer, 33-34 80th St

I.S. 230, 73-10 34th Ave

HIGH:

Renaissance Charter School, 35-59 81th St

PRIVATE

Blessed Sacrament School, 3420 94th St

Lexington School for the Deaf, 30th Ave and 75th St

St Joan of Arch Elementary School, 3527 82nd St

Garden School, 33-16 79th St

MORE CITY LIVING HERE

Tags: jackson heights, city living, real estate, shopping, restaurants, queens, neighborhoods, food

Sample sales: Tahari, Cynthia Steffe, Robert Marc

Monday October 20, 2008 7:04 AM By Julie Gordon

Cynthia Steffe

Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 550 Seventh Ave., between 39th and 40th streets, 10th floor. 212-403-6200

Girly frocks, pants, skirts and tops from designer Cynthia Steffe are all under $100. Pieces from the spring, summer, fall and holiday collections are available.

FORM

Oct. 22, 6 to 9 p.m. 402 West Broadway, second floor, at Spring Street.

Go glam at a discount. A cashmere jacket that was $1,200 is now $650. A cashmere cardigan that was $600 is now $375.

Elie Tahari

Oct. 21 to 24, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 510 Fifth Ave. at 43rd Street, ground floor. 212-398-2622.

Men and women’s clothing, shoes and handbags are 70 to 80 percent off. A women’s brown silk cocktail dress that was $448 is now $159. A men’s cashmere sweater that was $398 is now $79. Knee-high flat leathers boot that were $625 are now $199.

Marchesa and notte by Marchesa

Oct. 22, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St. at Sixth Avenue, second floor. 212-274-2700

Gowns, cocktail dresses and evening separates from celebrity favorite Marchesa are 50 to 80 percent off. Star fans include Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes and Sienna Miller.

Skagen

Oct. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 339 Fifth Ave., between 33rd and 34th streets, fifth floor.

Known for its modern timepieces, Danish brand Skagen is holding its first sample sale. Prices will be slashed on titanium, stainless steel and leather watches; plastic and metal sunglasses; bags and jewelry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which supports breast cancer research.Robert Marc

Oct. 23 to 25, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues, fourth floor. 212-675-5200

Sophisticated plastic and metal frames from Robert Marc’s namesake line and other brands sold in his eight NYC stores are 50 to 90 percent off. Robert Marc glasses that were $395 to $695 start at just $49. Titanium eyewear from Gimme Glasses that were $325 to $395 start at $59. As an added bonus, all buyers will recent a 20 percent discount coupon to use on their next purchase at a Robert Marc boutique.

GANT

Oct. 22 to 23, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 20 W. 55th St., 11th floor, at Fifth Avenue.

Check out discounted men’s and women’s sportswear and accessories from GANT’s fall collection.

Tags: sample sales, shopping

Jamie-Lynn Sigler to release jewelry line

Wednesday October 15, 2008 9:26 AM By Julie Gordon

Jamie-Lynn Sigler is channeling her art class days with a new project: Designer of forthchoming jewelry line C.J. Free.

"I am artistic, I used to go to art school and sketch and draw and paint in middle school and high school," Sigler told us.

Flash forward eight or nine years (Sigler is 27) to Los Angeles. While Sigler was living recently with pal Holly Freeman, the pair started stringing beads and charms, and drawing and sketching ideas for a jewelry line, which is named after Holly's son.

The men's and women's customizable pieces, which will be available by the end of the year or beginning of '09, are yellow or rose gold and have beads and/or charms.

"My friend's husband loves gorillas, so we made him a bracelet with a gorilla charm," said Sigler, who was also promoting the MasterCard Savings program, which offers enrolled cardholders discounts and offers at 25,000 retailers. "My friend has a son, so we made one with a little boy."

Maybe she'll make us a bracelet with a mini newspaper.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: entertainment, shopping, fashion

Discovered in Greenpoint: Blast-from-the-past campaign buttons

Monday October 13, 2008 11:44 AM By Lauren Johnston

Robert Germino sells his political memorabilia at the corner of Bedford Ave. and N. 12th. St. in Williamsburg. Photo/Lauren Johnston.

Yesterday we met Bob Germino. The 71-year-old retiree has lived in the Williamsburg-Greenpoint area all his life and has a love for local politics - and the paraphernalia that goes with it.

In fact, in 1977, he ran for school board (District 14), and still keeps this campaign card in his wallet.

These days you'll find Germino at the corner of Bedford Ave. and N. 12th. in Williamsburg selling bits and pieces from his personal collection, including old magazine ads, photographs, and best - this large selection of old campaign buttons (we picked up a "Bella Abzug for Mayor" for $3).

He's also got "Ed Koch for Mayor," and "Re-elect Gerges" and "Stefanizzi in '82."

Stop by his corner for these bits of New York's political history, but also for his stories of the hot campaigns of yesteryear. Definitely worth some weekend loitering

Tags: greenpoint, bella abzug, ed koch, urban archaeology, stuff that's cool, shopping, politics, history, brooklyn

Campaign buttons for Williamsburg hipsters

Monday September 22, 2008 1:32 PM By Emily Ngo

It's New York City. Street vendors sell Obama buttons by fistfulls. But I'll bet few street vendors have Obamaton buttons of the Democratic Stuff.com variety. I picked out the ones best suited for Williamsburg. You're welcome, hipsters.

Visit the site to find the best pin for you. Meanwhile, I'm Googling "Hipsters for McCain" buttons. Tell me if you find some.

— Emily Ngo

Tags: shopping

A taste of Target in Manhattan

Sunday September 14, 2008 1:25 PM By Emily Ngo

Monday is the last day to shop at the mini-Target on 57th and Sixth. (Flickr)

Monday is the last day (this time around) to experience Target in Manhattan. The four mini-stores (located in midtown, Union Square, SoHo and the East Village) and called Bullseye Bodega are ending their five-day run of low-priced goods by high-end designers.

Are these Bullseye boutiques better than that floating Target at Chelsea Pier last year? Can't wait for Target in Manhattan to open next year? Tell us why.

— Emily Ngo

P.S. When I first came across the storefront, I remember thinking how much intellectual-property trouble that poor bodega was going to get into for using Target's trademark. Then, I learned it actually was Target.

Tags: target, shopping

Williamsburg's Recon outpost there to stay

Wednesday September 10, 2008 11:11 AM By Lauren Johnston

Earlier this summer we reported the opening of a secret discount outpost in Williamsburg that was set to last only through the summer. We've now learned the secret sneakerhead haven (N. 5th and Roebling) is here to stay -- and not only that, they're expanding the merch.

They still have the sneaker overstock from the Lafayette St. Recon shop ($40 sneakers) and have started to stock surplus merch from urban streetwear line Hellz Bellz, which sells for about a third of the retail price.

According to the shop dude, new shipments come in once a week and sell out fast. Hours are roughly until 8 p.m. Hazier on the opening time.

Tags: williamsburg, brooklyn, shopping, stuff that's cool

'Whole Foods' of kosher shops opens in Midwood

Tuesday August 19, 2008 2:23 PM By Rolando Pujol

A boy does some grocery shopping at Pomegranate kosher foods supermarket on Tuesday in Midwood. (Photo by AP)

Dubbed as the “kosher Whole Foods,” Pomegranate, Midwood's much-anticipated upscale supermarket, opened its doors yesterday to a neighborhood full of observant Jews, many with disposable income.

"This is a prime location," said a well-dressed orthodox woman who did not wish to be named. She was impressed by the cleanliness of the store. "I waited two years for something to open here; what was here before ... was filthy."

The 20,000-square-foot store at 1507 Coney Island Ave. at Avenue L replaces a KDS Supermarket. It has a 50-car parking lot and full-time rabbinical supervision over products ranging from prepared foods (bundles of haricot verts, sushi, roasted chicken) to imported snacks to dry-aged beef. A butcher pointed out a customer who bought $150 worth of their best steaks, at $32.99 a pound.

"Our clients will come from way beyond Midwood," manager Mayer Gold said. "I've already seen hundreds of people in here from all walks of life."

Gold tells us that any time the store or its kitchen is open, there are two rabbis paying attention to every move. Its "high-end that happens to be kosher," he says.

But some people were just window-shopping. "It won't be my main store," said a woman in her 30s who declined to be named. "But there are some interesting items."

The store is owned by Abraham Banda, of Williamsburg, who also owns a kosher grocery store in Great Neck, Gold said.

Jesse Blonder, director of the nearby Center for Kosher Culinary Arts, hopes Pomegranate will live up to its claims. "I hope to have a one-stop shopping experience over there," he says. "I can't send my staff to Red Hook Fairway every time we need good kosher cheese."

-- Sara Pepitone

Tags: kosher, midwood, shopping, religion, gentrification, food, brooklyn

Fall fashion has arrived

Monday August 18, 2008 4:14 AM By Julie Gordon

If a drop in temperature leaves you bright-eyed over boots, jackets and sweaters, take a look at our fall fashion guide.

Shot around the streets of West Chelsea on a recent cool day, it showcases many of the season's trends: country chic, a return to women's pants, florals, a dressed-down corporate look for men, hats, Dr. Martens, texture, embellishments.

Click here to view.

And then head to the stores.

— Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

Tags: fashion, fall, shopping

8coupons.com offers eight-cent deals in city

Tuesday August 12, 2008 11:51 AM By Garett Sloane

Co-founders of 8coupons.com, Landy Ung, left, and Wan-Hsi Yuan, attend their company's promotion at Wicked Willy's last week. (Photo: Emily Ann Epstein)

Jordan Fisher waited patiently in line — about 20 deep — to show the bartender his coupon for a pair of frosty eight-cent Miller beers.

When it was his turn, he reached into his pocket, but didn’t pull out a crumpled paper voucher. He presented his cell phone and redeemed his beers for pennies.

Fisher’s coupon was texted to him by New York-based 8coupons.com.

“It’s cheap alcohol,” Fisher said at the promotion for the beers at Wicked Willy’s on Bleecker Street last Friday. “How can you go wrong?”

The deal was part of 8coupons.com’s “Ocho Loco” offer — Spanish for crazy eight. The startup Internet company is celebrating its year anniversary this month with weekly specials, including eight-cent hot dogs, latkes or matzo ball soup at Friedman’s Deli in Chelsea Market next Tuesday.Landy Ung, 29, co-founded the site with her boyfriend, Wan Hsi Yuan, in August 2007. It is for New York businesses, but the couple plans 8coupons.com sites for Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and possibly Boston in the second quarter of 2009, Ung said.

“The site just works so well because there’s nothing for people to download or print,” she said. “It’s just texting.”

The coupons are texted to customers who visit the Web site and request them.

The site has been growing steadily since its launch, doubling its user base nearly every month.

According to Ung, 8coupons.com boasted 60,000 unique users in July, up from 30,000 users in June, which in turn was up from around 20,000 in May. Ung wouldn’t discuss how much money her company has generated, but by the looks of things she’s doing well: She quit her day job and the company has moved from her home to a Midtown office.

Merchants pay a $265 monthly subscription fee to put promotions online. They can either post their own coupons or they can join forces with 8coupons.com for “Ocho Loco” deals, which are not always as low as eight cents but some promotion with eight in the price.

“It’s good advertisement for the place and it brings in a lot more business,” said Rudy Farran, owner of Snacklicious Cinderella Falafel, which will serve eight-cent falafels and hold a falafel-eating contest at its East Village shop on Aug. 31. Nearly 800 people showed up in a two-hour span when Farran partnered with 8coupons on a similar event last year.

Ung knows that many folks are suspicious of texting, fearing that they’ll be spammed nonstop once they give out their numbers. She assures them, however, that is not the case with 8coupons.

“We don’t spam,” she said. “All we do is send the text out that one time.”

(Leah Hochbaum Rosner)

Tags: deal, stores, coupons, retail, e-coupons, economy, manhattan, shopping, zany, stuff that's cool, restaurants, food

Robert Verdi hearts porn!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 3:04 AM By Julie Gordon

It’s not the clothes or the models that stylista Robert Verdi is excited about come this September’s Fashion Week — it’s the porn!

“Before I look at Style.com, I watch porn. All anyone wants to do at Fashion Week is watch porn,” the “Fashion Police” host jokingly (?) told us after National Underwear Day’s runway shows in midtown west Tuesday night.

So when we see reporters at the Tents "typing up articles” or photographers "uploading show photos" on their laptops, we’ll know what they’re really doing!

— Julie Gordon

Tags: robert verdi, fashion week, shopping, media, entertainment

Doomed Starbucks killing their coffee buzz

Tuesday July 22, 2008 3:52 PM By Garett Sloane

Avi Dayan enjoys coffee at the Starbucks at 565 Fifth Ave., which is closing. [MORE PHOTOS] (RJ Mickelson/amNY)

Avi Dayan is a man wronged.

His Starbucks, at 565 Fifth Ave., is among 11 in the city targeted for closure by the overextended coffee-shop chain.

“It’s not right,” he says. Dayan works nearby, comes down “two, three times a day” and knows the people who work there. He asks if there is anything that can be done to save it, and finds no relief in the fact that the Starbucks on the other side of the block at 575 Fifth Ave. has been spared.

With a Starbucks practically everywhere, it’s hard to imagine that people are attached to any of them, but customer loyalty runs deep. So when the company announced it was closing more than 600 locations nationwide, it was more than just an inconvenience for some people.Another regular at that doomed Starbucks, Professor Joe Omokwe, doesn’t see the logic of the decision. “It’s irrational,” he says.

The CUNY professor also works at the Ghanese consulate on East 47th Street. He carries a book of Greek letters, but soon he won’t be able to read at his usual spot, the 565 Fifth Ave. Starbucks, around the corner from the consulate. The shop at 575 has no room for reading.

That won’t be a problem for Sandy Yadad. He was sitting comfortably the other night at a Starbucks at East 36th Street and Madison Avenue, just before closing time.

“I am very happy,” he says of the survival of his Starbucks.

Yadad is here twice a week. He studies at the Science Business Industry Library nearby, but sometimes he comes from his home in Jersey City just to work in this well-lighted Starbucks.

“I like the employees. I like the incredible playlist of music. I like the fact that I can sit here quietly and do my work,” Yadad says as Bob Dylan plays in the background

It may seem like random forces at work, leading Omokwe and Dayan to shuffle along while leaving Yadad’s routine unhindered.

Only the “executive and field leadership teams” know the corporate calculus that spared 575 Fifth Ave. but not 565. On the surface, 565 is superior — more tables and better air conditioning. But Starbucks writes in an e-mail that the “teams used several criteria to identify stores for closure” among them terms like “market conditions” and “profitability.”

A barista at the spared Starbucks at 575 Fifth Ave. agrees, saying there’s more to it than chance. He seems to have faith in the guiding hand of corporate governance.

“There’s a bigger plan at work,” he says.

-- Garett Sloane

Tags: economy, shopping, restaurants, neighborhoods, manhattan

Throwback Thursday: The ShopRite Can Can Sale

Thursday July 17, 2008 10:20 AM By Rolando Pujol

A montage of scenes from the famous "disco" ShopRite Can Can commercial. Montage via X-Entertainment.com; commercial below via newlevel7 on YouTube.

It's a New York television tradition that dates back decades, and yesterday, we were reminded of it when we stumbled upon a commercial for the ShopRite Can Can Sale. Twice a year, the people at ShopRite try to rid their shelves of cans by discounting them, and bombarding the tri-state airwaves with a happy little jingle that plays off the Moulin Rouge Can-Can.

When I was a kid, the commercial played only in January, and its appearance unofficially signaled the end of the Christmas commercial season. Over the years, a July sale was added, and the commercial itself was updated. One constant has been the voice of "the ShopRite lady," who has been lending her talents to ShopRite ads since the 1970s.

For our money, though, ShopRite should bring back the version shown below, with the Can Can girls kicking up a storm to a disco beat. The version first appeared in 1980 or so.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: commercials, throwback thursday, shoprite can can, television, shopping, old school

Recon/NORT opens secret B'klyn discount outpost

Tuesday July 15, 2008 6:46 AM By Lauren Johnston

The Lafayette Street sneakerhead mecca Recon/NORT has opened a limited-time-only warehouse outpost on Roebling Street in Williamsburg. We stumbled upon it yesterday in an unmarked garage space between North 5th and 6th streets.

The exterior is plain Army green when the metal grate is pulled down. It keeps limited hours - as far as when it's open, the people at the Lafayette store said, "It's basically open whenever they feel like opening the gate." According to the sales guy inside, it will be open on-and-off through the end of summer.

Now the important stuff - the store's signature limited-edition Nikes are on sale for $40. T-shirts on sale for $10. Regular store prices range from around $80 to $160. So we suggest you get one of these, and wait for the metal gate to rise:

-- Lauren Johnston

Tags: williamsburg, shopping, fashion, brooklyn

Saved: Murray Hill shoe store escapes the boot

Thursday July 10, 2008 9:59 AM By Rolando Pujol

When we first told you there was a chance that Lord John’s Bootery in Murray Hill might survive its rent negotiations, our hopes were dim.

After all, it’s not often that the integrity of a mom and pop shop triumphs over big bucks in this city.

Thankfully, the Murray Hill shoe store has bucked the trend.

After customer outcry and a merciful rent decision by the building’s landlord, the veteran shop will be staying put.

“When we put up the closing sign, a lot of nice people came in and said, ‘What can we do?’” store owner John Kyriannis said.

Kyriannis, whose father opened the store, said he made a personal appeal to the landlord.

“Essentially, they liked us and they decided to give us a concession on the rent and help us out, even with this struggling economy,” he said.

And the customers are thrilled.

“They’re happy that we’re moving forward,” Kyriannis said. “Hopefully we’ll be here for another 55 years.

— Megan Stride

Urbanite on Lord John's Bootery

Tags: murray hill, lord john's bootery, small business, manhattan, shopping, neighborhoods

Graffiti-fied windows at Lord & Taylor

Wednesday July 9, 2008 9:37 AM By Julie Gordon

Photos by Lia Chang/Lord & Taylor

Five members of the Bronx-based graffiti/muralist group TATS CRU were at Lord & Taylor bright and early this morning. Seems like a bit of an strange sight, doesn't it?

The artists weren't there to shop, but rather to create graffiti murals in the windows of the store.

Bio, Nicer, BG 183, How and Nosm each painted a mural live, which will be on display until July 27.

Check out 10 photos from the murals by clicking here

—Julie Gordon

Tags: graffiti, lord & taylor, manhattan, shopping, old school, fashion

The writing on the windows (of Lord & Taylor)

Tuesday July 8, 2008 2:12 PM By Julie Gordon

A TATS CRU mural in the South Bronx that pays tribute to Mad Mark and Big Pun (Flickr)

Graffiti goes mainstream yet again, as the art-form will take over Lord & Taylor's windows July 9 to 27.

Work from five graffiti artists (all members of Bronx-based graffiti/muralist group TATS CRU) will be featured: Bio, Nicer, BG 183, How and Nosm. Each of the artists will create their murals live in the windows the morning of July 9.

We recently reported on Greenpoint graffiti-art supply store Alphabeta, which caused quite a stir when it opened. Click here to read the story.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: lord & taylor, graffiti, manhattan, shopping, old school, fashion

TriBeCa Whole Foods opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday

Tuesday July 8, 2008 12:07 PM By Rolando Pujol

The TriBeCa Whole Foods will have check-out conveyor belts, unlike its other locations in the city. Photo by street scenes on Flickr

If there’s one things residents of TriBeCa routinely complain about, it’s the lack of grocery stores.

They’ll be hard-pressed to complain starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, when a ribbon-cuttng marks the opening of a Whole Foods at Greenwich and Warren streets.

“TriBeCa is an underserved area when it comes to grocery stores and we’re happy to give them a supermarket selling high quality food at competitive prices,” Fred Shank, a spokesman for Whole Foods, told Urbanite.

The store will try to cater to the young families living in the neighborhood, Shank said.

It will be the only Whole Foods in New York City to a have a suburban-style checkout, which has a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt will make for a faster, easier checkout for families who may want to do their bulk shopping at the new store, Shank said.

The store will also feature a "kids aisle," which includes children-friendly snacks from juice boxes to frozen waffles.

“It’ll have all the treats moms are looking for for their kids,” said Shank.

-- Simone Herbin

Check out Racked's comprehensive coverage.

Tags: whole foods, tribeca, grocery stores, shopping

Dollar flip-flop day at Old Navy!

Wednesday June 25, 2008 12:44 PM By Julie Gordon

This metallic pair of flip-flops, usually $5, is just $1 at Old Navy Saturday.

Attention all beachgoers! All flip-flops at Old Navy this Saturday, June 28, are $1.

Head over and stock up!

— Julie Gordon

Tags: fashion, shopping

Hair's to fashion

Wednesday June 25, 2008 8:00 AM By Julie Gordon

Maxi dresses, tie-dye, beads — and the Public Theater's presentation of musical HAIR this summer — are all bringing out our inner flower child.

If you're as psyched as we are for HAIR and this season's neo-hippie trend, you'll love that brand Theory and HAIR are collaborating.

Theory's three New York store locations (40 Gansevoort St., 151 Spring St. and 230 Columbus Ave.) are offering a limited-edition collection of clothing and accessories inspired by the sixties ($45-$95).

And on July 9, a mini-performance of HAIR will take place in front of the Gansevoort Theory.

Peace.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: fashion, theater, shopping

Pimps & Pinups: From East London to the Lower East Side

Thursday June 19, 2008 5:03 PM By Rolando Pujol

Updated story here.

A boutique hair salon is bringing its pompadours and beehives from London’s East End to the Lower East Side.

Pimps & Pinups opened almost three years ago in a gritty neighborhood in London and is now scheduled to open its second branch at the end of the summer on Stanton Street.

“The Lower East Side and East London are so similar it’s unbelievable,” says John Hoad, who will move from England to manage the New York store. Hoad, speaking from the London salon, said that the store’s owners looked all over Manhattan and Brooklyn — Chelsea, the Meat Packing District, the West Village and Williamsburg — for the right neighborhood before settling on the LES.

“Just pacing up and down the block we were able to see it’s cool,” he said.

The salon will be almost a replica of the London one — black, sparse and industrial. Music and complimentary beer and wine are coming as well.

The store specializes in “period hair-ups” but all styles are offered.

More in Monday's amNewYork.

-- Garett Sloane

Tags: pimps & pinups, lower east side, london, shopping, real estate, manhattan

Throwback Thursday: Caldor and Woolworth's

Thursday June 19, 2008 10:26 AM By Rolando Pujol

Your eyes do not deceive you. The shell of a Caldor still remains in downtown Flushing. (Photo by Elisabeth Stuveras)

During a visit to Flushing Tuesday night for a Korean barbeque feast, we stumbled upon the massive Caldor building and were stunned to see it still there, the sign still up, almost a decade after the chain collapsed into bankruptcy. Here's some background on recent attempts to develop the site -- we were interested to see it was once a Masters, which as a child was one of our default shopping locations, up in Elmsford.

Anyway, in searching YouTube for Caldor commercials, we found something far more interesting. A video of the Flushing Woolworth's from its final days of business in 1997. The footage is an amazing time capsule that takes you from the street (where you catch a glimpse of the Caldor building) right into the store itself. Definitely worth your time. It's directly below, followed by a few vintage Woolworth's and Caldor ads.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: caldor, shopping, retail, flushing, throwback thursday, television, queens

Not to be a snob, but.....

Thursday June 19, 2008 7:54 AM By -- Diane Goldie

So I'm walking my daughter to school this morning and I notice an armada of Sleepys trucks parked on the west side of Church Street between Warren and Chambers streets.

A large man with a clipboard is directing a team of movers as they unload mattresses into the empty corner store festooned with a red, white and blue banner that barks: "Grand Opening!"

Ok, us Manhattanites need mattresses that will help us get "the rest of our lives" just as much as our suburban neighbors, but that, paired with the finishing touches being put on the 7 Eleven next door, gave me flashbacks to a strip mall on Staten Island's Hylan Boulevard that I once Iived near.

While Manhattanites have grown to accept the two K Marts, a Home Depot and a slew of GAPs, Payless shoes, Body Works and McDonalds outposts, the sight of a Sleepys and 7 Eleven -- with their bold signage glimmering in the sunlight -- adjacent to each other on a TriBeCa street was a bit jarring -- even for a girl from Staten Island.

-- Diane Goldie

Tags: shopping, sleepys, 7 eleven, advertising, architecture, gentrification, manhattan, signs

Fashionably proud

Wednesday June 18, 2008 2:16 PM By Julie Gordon

Designer Zac Posen showed off his Obama love Tuesday night in a fashionable way (because, really, how else would he do it?)

He sported this "Yes We Can" T as part of his ensemble for a cocktail event at the Harold Pratt House and a dinner at Philippe, both held in celebration of the upcoming New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala.

Is this a preview of what's to come at September's Fashion Week? And, more importantly, will anyone dare to sport a John McCain shirt?

— Julie Gordon

Tags: zac posen, obama, politics, fashion, shopping

Old-school sights on Smith Street

Tuesday June 17, 2008 10:18 AM By Rolando Pujol

Scene from a stroll down Smith Street:

Above: On the corner of Smith and President streets. there has been some form of cafe/bagel store for years. But as an old canopy was removed, a sign from a former business is visible again. Park Lane Florist, according to Gowanus Lounge, occupied that corner 20 years ago.

2. A block down Smith Street, among the new bistros and drug stores is "Wholesale Confectionary" with some very old candy and gum displays in the window.

Text and photos: Jefferson Siegel

Tags: endangered nyc, shopping, smith street, brooklyn, real estate, signs

Sample sale picks of the week

Sunday June 15, 2008 1:43 PM By Julie Gordon

Shoshanna

June 17 to 18, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 231 W. 39th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, suite 422. 212-719-3601.

Get dresses from Shoshanna’s spring 2008 collection that are up to 75 percent off.

Alice and Olivia

June 17 to 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 80 W. 40th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues. 212-840-0887.

Flirty frocks from Alice and Olivia are 40 to 70 percent. Dresses that originally cost between $297 and $396 are now just $119 to $238.

L.A.M.B. and Jill Stuart handbags

June 18, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; June 19, 10 a.m. to8 p.m. 145 W. 18th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues. 212-388-0339.

L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani’s rock-and-roll line, meets Jill Stuart’s vintage-inspired collection at prices that are half off. A Jill Stuart tote that was originally $550 is now $275. A wallet from Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers collection regularly retails for $285 and is now $148.

Rafe

June 18 to 19, 10 a.m. to 7.p.m.; June 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 85 Fifth Ave., between 16th and 17th streets. 212-609-1199.

What could be better than doing good while looking good? Shoppers can stock up on Rafe bags, shoes and small leather goods at 80 percent off, and half the net proceeds go to Shoes that Fit, an organization that provides new shoes to children in need.

Tags: shopping, fashion, sample sales

Their 'kea to furniture sales

Friday June 13, 2008 5:47 AM By Emily Ngo

It's known far and wide that the Red Hook Ikea is opening this week (Wednesday at 9 a.m., to be exact), but the Swedish furniture giant wants it to be known even farther and wider.

Those strolling pass the Brooklyn Library near Grand Army Plaza today can stroll into a living room setup that Ikea has placed front and center on the sidewalk. That's right, a living room outside. It's all in good, promotional fun.

The nice but overdressed lady with the earpiece and clipboard tells me it'll be around until 7 tonight. Check it out.

-- Emily Ngo

Tags: ikea, red hook, shopping, prospect park, advertising, parks, brooklyn

From Radio Row to Digital Downtown

Thursday June 12, 2008 4:22 PM By Rolando Pujol

The technological descendants of these radios, once found on Radio Row, can be found at Digital Downtown at the World Financial Center, a stone's throw from where Radio Row once stood. (Photo via montanaman1 on Flickr)

The gadget industry has come home to New York, where consumers’ love affair with all-things electronic started, says Martin Porter the executive producer of Digital Downtown.

“New York is the birthplace of the $161 billion consumer-electronics industry,” he says. “Ever since the 1920s and Radio Row.”

Radio Row was a cluster of electronics stores in lower Manhattan that existed for about a half-century, before construction of the World Trade Center displaced it. Now, down the block at the Winter Garden is a first-time electronics expo, Digital Downtown, which has brought together 30 companies to show off their latest products.

Thursday was the first day and event organizers said it was packed, drawing crowds from the Wall Street set to those just out for a stroll on a nice day.

The Winter Garden is a sprawling public space — with palm trees — and the expo, running through Saturday, is free and open.

Two of the larger attractions are a Best Buy trailer and a Pioneer dome. Porter says a display of a brain-powered remote control at Best Buy is a big draw: “You put on a helmet and control [things] with your mind.” Hmmm.

The Consumer Electronics Association, which holds the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas every year, is a partner in Digital Downtown.

Martin says he hopes this is the first of many years to come for the event. Eventually, there will be a whole week dedicated to gadgetry with displays all over the city.

-- Garett Sloane

Tags: digital downtown, radio row, world trade center, winter garden, electronics, technology, today's freebie, shopping, media, manhattan, history

It's not the first time a Virgin bolts out of Times Square

Wednesday June 11, 2008 9:41 PM By Rolando Pujol

Richard Branson shows off his newborn, the Virgin Megastore, on April 22, 1996, the day before it opened. (AP)

Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, remembers the darker days, when neon signs in Times Square flickered: Peep Show, Nude Girls, XXX.

Then came the Virgin Megastore flashing its giant red “Virgin” logo at the Crossroads of the World. The international retailer was among the first — the move was announced in 1994 — to see the potential of one of the city’s most famous locations. Today, the megastore is on the brink of closure.

“We’re very sorry to be losing such a pioneering retailer. But alas, this won’t be the first time in Times Square’s long and colorful history when a virgin has high tailed it out of the neighborhood,” Tompkins texted from his Blackberry on Tuesday.

For Tompkins, news of Virgin’s closing comes with some sadness, because of how big a part the store played in Times Square’s renaissance.

“It was a huge psychological shift for Times Square,” he said by phone yesterday. “It was a name brand that people didn’t expect to have.”

The Virgin Megastore didn’t only chase the seedier elements from the neighborhood, it also took a whack at the city’s independent music stores, which represents a certain irony for Frankie Smith, 36. He bartends near Times Square, lives in Washington Heights and has shopped at Virgin almost twice a week since it opened.

“These guys have knocked the little guys out,” he said while checking out the store’s alternative-music aisles at 1 a.m. yesterday. “And now the little guys are long gone.”

If the Virgin closes he’ll have nowhere left to go: “It’s ridiculous to have to go to Best Buy to buy music.”

Smith laments the erosion of the music industry, losing ground as digital downloads kill the CD.

“It’s sad commentary the music industry when Times Square can’t support a music store,” he said.

-- Garett Sloane

Tags: virgin megastore, times square, endangered nyc, shopping, real estate, manhattan, history, gentrification

Cosby Sweaters not feeling the love

Tuesday June 10, 2008 4:30 PM By Rolando Pujol

One of three Cosby Sweaters currently up for grabs on eBay.

Who doesn’t love the Cos? But even his most ardent fans aren’t jumping to buy some of his famously loud “Cosby Sweaters,” which he made famous on his 1980s sitcom. So far, there hasn't been a single bid.

Perhaps the $5000 starting bid on eBay is a bit too much to swallow.

Bill Cosby played Dr. Cliff Huxtable, the perfect husband to Claire and ideal dad to Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and Rudy. The sweaters, seemingly inspired by the work of Kandinsky, were arguably as much a part of the show as any character.

If you cough up the dough and snagged one, think of all the costume contests you’d win -- and the benefits surely don’t end there.

The sweater will offer great comfort on a cold winter day – and perhaps you’ll be able to pick up a whiff of Jell-O Pudding Pops. The possibilities are endless.

So no collection of ‘80s kitsch is near complete without a Cosby Sweater.

While, yes, you could dig through most thrift-store bins and probably salvage a decent look-a-like for a buck, why do that when you can own the real thing!

There are some serious bragging rights up for grabs.

Each sweater comes with a hand-written letter of authenticity signed by Cosby. And the best part is that all the money goes to Cosby’s charity, Hello Friend, for children with learning disabilities. The auction ends on June 12th.

-- Simone Herbin

Tags: bill cosby, cosby sweaters, ebay, fashion, zany, stuff that's cool, shopping, old school, entertainment

Update: Longtime shoe store battles for its life

Monday June 9, 2008 4:32 PM By Rolando Pujol

Lord John's Bootery in Murray Hill might be on its last legs, but for now, it's still standing.

Store owner John Kyriannis is in final rent negotiations with the Third Avenue property's landlord, which Kyriannis said should wrap up this week.

In recent years, the store has been struggling thanks to the withering economy and the age of Internet shopping, Kyriannis said.

"Times are a little tough," Kyriannis said. "It's just been a little harder to compete."

Lighter wallets seem not to have lessened the shop’s community appeal, though. This past week, customers from years past have been stopping by the store to wish it well.

"A lot of people have come in, hoping that we don't have to go," Kyriannis said. "Hopefully our

landlord will agree and we can go on for another 55 years."

-- Megan Stride

Tags: lord john's bootery, manhattan, rent increases, gentrification, shopping

Fashions on the cheap

Sunday June 8, 2008 2:36 PM By Julie Gordon

A model walks the runway at 3.1 Phillip Lim's fall '08 fashion show. Pieces from Lim are discounted at Castor & Pollux's sample sale this week. (Photo: Getty)

Sample sales worth checking out this week:

Robert Graham

June 9 to 11. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 264 W. 40th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues. 212-869-8001

Get discounted pieces from prep-master Robert Graham. Men’s jackets that retail for $598 are now $125; women’s jackets that usually cost $398 are on sale for $70; women’s blouses that normally cost $198 are selling for $40. You can also buy three blouses for $100.

Jeff Cohan

June 9 to 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 214 W, 39th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, fifth floor. 212-840-0600.

Showrooms for brands Jeff Cohan, Fusun, Allora and Chaudry combine forces to offer items at half off or more.

Veka Bridal Couture

June 9 to 13. 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; June 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 15, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. 262 Mott St., between Houston and Prince streets. 212-925 -9044

Veka Bridal Couture boutique is offering gowns by designers including Victorio and Lucchino and Suzanne Ermann at 30 to 75 percent off retail.

Eugenia Kim

June 10 to 13. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 347 W. 36th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues, suite 502. 212-674-1345.

Headbands, belts and men’s and women’s hats are 50 to 75 percent off the retail price. The Straw Max fedora, a style worn by Cameron Diaz, was originally $285 and is now $125. Two Paris Hilton favorites, the Marissa engineer cap and Muffy equestrian cap, retail for $185 and are now $95. Silk headscarves, which Fergie has worn, were $155 and are selling for $65.

Castor & Pollux

June 11 to 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 265 W. 37th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, suite 703. 212-268-8774

Like this West Village hot-shop? Then you'll love the sample sale. Pieces from designers including Acne, Filippa K. and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel are up to 70 percent off. Pare Gabia wedges that were originally $118 are now $30. A Phillip Lim top that was $312 is now $93.

Monique Leshman

June 10 to 12, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. 240 W. 35th St., suite 403. 212-244-7776.

All tunics, caftans, dresses and blouses are now up to 80 percent off retail. Caftans that retail at more than $800 are now $200. Beaded tunics that are in stores for $700 are now $250. Cotton tunics that retail for $235 are now $40.

Tags: shopping, fashion

Virgin Megastore leaving Times Square

Wednesday June 4, 2008 3:52 PM By Rolando Pujol

The Virgin Megastore will be gone by next year. (Photo by Jefferson Siegel)

Updated story here: Virgin Megastore's fate: Little guy cackles with glee

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square, that behemoth depository of all things entertainment at the crossroads of the world, will be shuttered in the first quarter of 2009, according to reports.

Vornado, the company that owns the property, is forcing out the struggling chain so that it can up the rents on a new tenant, according to Reuters.

Virgin pays $54 a square foot in an area where rents can easily fetch $700, an executive vice president at Vornado told Reuters.

The chain's Union Square location should also vanish early next year, a victim in part of escalating rents.

* See all of our NYC shopping coverage

* See more of our Endangered NYC coverage of disappearing landmarks

* See photos of celebrity events and concerts in NYC

* See highlights of 50 years of celebrities and musicians at the Puerto Rican Day parade (and on Sunday, photos from this year's parade)

* Rewind and see NYC TV, the way it used to be back in the day ... and ought to be again.

* See more of our New York City Entertainment coverage

-- Garett Sloane

Tags: times square, virgin megastore, real estate, shopping, manhattan

Star-to-the-bucks minus some bucks

Tuesday June 3, 2008 3:11 PM By Julie Gordon

(Getty)

Expect even more laptop-wielding bloggers and freelancers to take over your neighborhood Starbucks.

The coffee chain is now offering free WiFi for up to two hours in company-operated stores in the U.S, plus rewards for customers who register their refillable Sbux cards online (select free syrup and milk options, free hot and iced coffee refills, free tall drink with the purchase of a pound of whole bean coffee).

If this news just made your day, check out our top 10 ways you know you're a Starbucks addict.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: starbucks, coffee, quick bite, restaurants, shopping

Farewell to New York's ugliest facade

Tuesday June 3, 2008 2:50 PM By Rolando Pujol

It was ugly. It was bizarre. It was mind-boggling. It was a New York original. And now it's gone.

We're talking about what had to be the ugliest facade in all of New York City. Known variously as the "Foot Saver" or the "Dr. Locke" building, it was quite a streetscape aberration.

At some point -- we dare suggest it was the 1960s or 1970s, but bad taste truly has no vintage -- the townhouse-style building was insanely covered up in rust-colored metal sheets. Windows were of course, necessary, so openings were very crudely cut, apparently by a saw-wielding, blindfolded amateur.

There it stood, a testament to bad taste and to another time in retail along 34th Street. Dr. Locke/Foot Saver belongs to an era when low-rent retail, shoe stores and fast-food joints ruled the roost around Herald Square. There's still plenty of that, but more and more, it's high-end retail that you'll find along this stretch. Dr. Locke/Foot Saver survived the arrival on the street of Banana Republic and Club Monaco.

Below is the building today, covered in scaffolding with the ugly metal facade carted away. However the facade winds up looking, it will be an epic improvement. Sure, that's easy enough, but we doubt the new facade will be as perversely transfixing.

-- Rolando Pujol

Check out this post by Transfer on the Dr. Locke building, with plenty more pics. A little background on the Dr. Locke we imagine inspired the name. And chime in on your favorite ugly building here.

Tags: architecture, ugly buildings, 34th street, dr. locke, shopping, real estate, manhattan, endangered nyc, signs

Ghost of Madison Square diner, long before Shake Shack

Monday May 26, 2008 4:06 PM By Rolando Pujol

For Memorial Day, we celebrate a piece of Americana -- metal soft-drink signs that once graced countless diners and luncheonettes.

There's still a few around, for sure, but today, we bring your attention to one that is hidden in plain sight in Madison Square, right across from the park on East 23rd Street.

Preserved under a deli's awning is evidence of a long-ago diner. It's a downright perfect relic: An intact Pepsi Cola sign, coupled with some lettering for a coffee shop.

Madison Square Park may be home to the Shake Shack, and the neighborhood around it devoid of all the seed its accumulated during the latter half of the 20th century, but we guess that if you look closely enough, it's possible to find traces of the neighborhood's retail past.

You just never know what lurks underneath those ubiquitous vinyl awnings.

-- Rolando Pujol

UPDATE: Jefferson Siegel updates us with the tragic history of this site, and includes a photo that shows the coffee shop sign in question.

The coffee shop under the awning was just east of the Wonder Drug store, which caught fire on October 17, 1966. When firefighters went inside the drug store to fight the flames, the floor collapsed under them, killing 12, the largest one-day loss of life for the fire department up to that point.

The fire spread to other buildings. This photo, taken the next night, shows Broadway looking north from 22nd St. as a crane was brought in to demolish what remained of the buildings.

Tags: madison square park, signs, coffee shops, endangered nyc, shopping, manhattan, gentrification

Muji mania alert: Flagship store opens May 30

Wednesday May 21, 2008 1:48 PM By Rolando Pujol

The Muji store under construction last month.

It's official: MUJI Times Square opens at noon Friday, May 30 in the New York Times Building. The 4,350-square-foot shop represents the second foray into New York for the Japanese purveyor of stylish household and other goods at discount prices. Muji essentially means “no-brand quality goods.”

The full release is after the jumpNEW YORK - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - MUJI U.S.A. LIMITED announces that “MUJI Times Square”, the U.S. flagship store of MUJI will open at 12:00 p.m. noon on Friday, May 30, 2008 in the New York Times Building at 620 Eighth Avenue. With 4,350 square feet of retail floor space, the store is along 40th Street overlooking the moss-and-birch-tree garden on the ground floor in Renzo Piano-designed building.

Following the opening of “MUJI SOHO” at 455 Broadway, NY in November 2007, “MUJI Times Square” is the MUJI’s second U.S. store. The store will offer over 1,750 household items and 420 apparel items at the opening.

MUJI, originally founded in Japan, offers good quality products at reasonable prices which includes a wide variety of household items, apparel and foods. Mujirushi Ryohin, the name in Japanese which MUJI was originally derived from, translates as “no-brand quality goods”. The value of the MUJI product is in what it is, even without the name of the brand and/or the name of person designing it. The essence of MUJI products lies in its simplicity, flexibility and modesty to fit different life styles and individual preferences. MUJI does not direct its products to be affected by any trends and “isms”, rather does aim to be universally relevant. MUJI products maintain reasonable price levels, not by compromising quality, but by avoiding the waste typical of much product – manufacturing and distribution – in the form of unnecessary functionality, an excess of decoration, and needless packaging.

Tags: muji, retail, times square, manhattan, shopping, development

Saving the environment's in the bag

Thursday May 8, 2008 10:54 AM By Emily Ngo

Eco-conscious New Yorkers aren't strangers to hauling their groceries in reusable totes.

Well, stores like Target have made it even easier to reduce the use of plastic and paper. This sturdy tote, made from recyclable polypropylene fabric, folds into itself to become the size of a billfold. Unfolded, it's large can hold several melons or several pairs of shoes. Plus, the design doesn't shout Target; it's kind of cute and discreet.

Carry it around in your purse or pocket.

I snapped mine up for 99 cents at the Atlantic Center Target.

— Emily Ngo

Tags: environment, shopping

The true meaning of cheap and chic

Tuesday May 6, 2008 3:17 PM By Julie Gordon

It feels like every big designer whose pieces are sold at stores like Barneys is doing a line for Target. But the same items sold at Barneys and Target? That's a different story.

This weekend, Rogan for Target be available for three days at Barneys before heading to Target May 18. The eco-friendly collection is priced $14.99-$44.99, and includes dresses, hoodies, tanks and bathing suits.

Shopping hours:

May 9 - Sunday, May 11

Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: barneys, rogan, target, fashion, shopping

Queens is green ... and stylin'

Sunday April 27, 2008 11:16 AM By Emily Ngo

It was nearly impossible to get a seat this past weekend at the Queens is Green Fashion Show in Long Island City, where several local designers showed off their eco-friendly lines.

I had half-expected the show — the first of its kind in the area — to be a display of newsprint dresses and jeans crafted from tree bark, but was happily disappointed. Most of the clothes shown were absolutely street-ready. Great looking enough for a normal person to wear but made with a conservation mindset. One collection was made of 100 percent organic cotton (Dani Starre); another was de- and reconstructed T-shirts (JUNKSTAR). My favorite? Astridland by Astrid Brucker, which are the perfect spring dresses in extremely original cuts.

I’ll pass on the cardboard flip-flops and innertube miniskirts, but Queens is Green taught me helping out the environment through fashion can be done every day. Shop at thrift stores. Swap clothes with friends. Buy organic. The show, put on by Politirazzi blogger Lynne Serpe and Robyn Sklar, was an extreme success.

More green events to come through Lynne’s group Triple R events, including a garden and grub potluck. Be sure to check it out.

— Emily Ngo

Tags: fashion, shopping, queens, environment

The heavenly survivors of Hell's Kitchen

Tuesday April 22, 2008 4:29 PM By Rolando Pujol

All too often, we find ourselves writing about small businesses that have vanished, taking with them an irreplaceable part of a neighborhood. So we thought we'd begin to profile from time to time businesses that are beating the odds, staying alive and helping preserve the character that makes their neighborhood great. When we happened upon Susan Banas' noble project to give Hell's Kitchen shops owners digital cameras and have them photograph (and thus preserve) their world, we were intrigued. This celebration of the soul of a neighborhood deserves mentioning, and reminds us of the little miracles happening all around the city -- shops that defy the odds somehow. Oftentimes, it's just plain circumstance: They own the building or an understanding landlord. But whatever the case, they deserve to be celebrated.

Explore Kristen V. Brown's story on the homage, as well as shops we selected. And here's a photo gallery.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: hell's kitchen, endangered nyc, gentrification, shopping, manhattan

Smell your way green

Tuesday April 22, 2008 12:32 PM By Julie Gordon

In the spirit of Earth Day, here's a new beauty pick from the always-green Body Shop: the store's yummy Aqua Lily fragrance collection, launching this week.

The water-based scent has top notes of green apple, watermelon, dewy bamboo, tangerine and pink pepper; middle notes of muguet, lily, rose, violet and reseda; and base of cedarwood and musk.

It’s available in eau de toilette ($15), shower gel ($11) perfume oil ($22), body spray ($13), body lotion ($13) and bath lily ($5).

Who said being eco-friendly was tough?

— Julie Gordon

Tags: shopping

Hand me a tissue

Wednesday April 16, 2008 12:55 PM By Julie Gordon

Try a light scent in spring, like CB I Hate Perfume's "to see a flower."

Are you already popping Zyrtec or Claritin like it’s candy? Then you might want to stay away from certain perfumes.

“Once in a very blue moon I get someone who has very severe hayfever who tries my grass [fragrance] and sneezes. There’s zero pollen in it. So it’s just an [idea] that I sneeze when I smell this, so therefore I sneeze,” says Christopher Brosius, owner of CB I Hate Perfume in Williamsburg.

Spring and summer allergies can also be set off by other scents — so switch to something lighter in the warmer months.

Get scent-hunting advice and our top picks for spring fragrances in Monday’s Style section of amNewYork.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: cb i hate perfume, fragrance, shopping, brooklyn

Urban archaeology: We love Te Amo

Wednesday April 9, 2008 11:21 AM By Rolando Pujol

Smoke shops with the Te Amo branding once were incredibly common across the city, but like fallout shelter signs, they're become rare enough that happening upon one merits comment. But what about happening upon two, on either side of Fifth Avenue on 33rd Street?

This one is on West 33rd Street, right across the Empire State Building. It's in pretty good shape, and has the bonus of having a yellow sign touting the other goods available, and a Te Amo "cube" at far right.

Just down the street, on East 33rd Street between Fifth and Madison avenues, is a Te Amo sign with much the same elements, only organized differently. The cube is slapped in the middle of the sign, depriving us of a clean view of the main Te Amo sign. But we're not complaining.

We'll update this post as we find new Te Amo signs, and dig around a bit on their history.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: endangered nyc, urban archaeology, shopping

Chic bag lady

Tuesday April 8, 2008 7:53 AM By Julie Gordon

I’ve been searching high and low for a short spring jacket. So I was psyched when a super-funky one made its way to my desk yesterday — a black, water-resistant “packable” number from Montreal brand Mackage.

After taking a spin around the office in it, my co-worker said I resembled a garbage bag. But I think I looked more Derelicte than Hefty.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: mackage, shopping, jacket, fashion

Not so tasty eats

Sunday April 6, 2008 12:30 PM By Julie Gordon

For a party to celebrate the launch of foodie community Web site Eats.com, the food being served at Marquee on Thursday was inedible enough to make us question the merits of said Web site. The fact that the accompanying magazine recommended The Spotted Pig as one of the city’s hidden gems makes us further question said Web site.

In other party news … Antonio Prieto Salon celebrated 25 years in business earlier Thursday night. Prieto and his crew toasted the silver anniversary with champagne sangria, tapas, cupcakes and hiring model-bartenders.

— Julie Gordon and Daisy Carringon

Tags: eats.com, antonio prieto, marquee, salon, food, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, manhattan, fashion

Creativity to a T

Wednesday April 2, 2008 1:05 PM By Julie Gordon

Miss those kindergarten arts and crafts days? We sure do.

Then head to the SUPIMA pop-up shop in SoHo Thursday to paint your own T-shirt. The store will provide the shirts and art supplies — plus cocktails (this isn't kindergarten, after all). You supply the creativity.

72 Greene Street, between Broome and Spring streets; 12-7 p.m.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: shopping, fashion

Worth your time?

Wednesday April 2, 2008 9:59 AM By Julie Gordon

We perused the following sample sales so you know whether they’re worth checking out (and lowering the balance in your checking account) this week:

Calypso Warehouse Sale (261 W. 36th St., second floor, running until April 6)

What’s good: $50 leather clutches, $50 teensy but adorable leather cross-body bags, $30 flats (Note: they run wide/big), $50 sweater dresses

What’s bad: You can’t try any of the clothing on.

Verdict: Check it out for the accessories.

Linda Richards (209 W. 38th St., fifth floor, running until April 18)

What’s good: Gorgeous winter coats at majorly reduced prices, really helpful employees who actually give honest opinions

What’s bad: You might get turned off by the pastel raincoats and dowdy flowery skirts.

The verdict: You can get a beautiful winter coat for $300-$500 (Some regularly hover around the $1,000 mark).

— Julie Gordon

Tags: calypso, sample sales, linda richards, shopping, bargain, manhattan, fashion

Bridal bang for your buck

Tuesday April 1, 2008 7:12 AM By Julie Gordon

Bride-to-be Priyanka Mahajan tries on a Monique Lhuillier gown. (Photo by Dennis Wo. Ho)

Though Filene’s Basement’s “Running of the Brides” sounds like a good idea in theory, hundreds of women fighting for discounted wedding gowns also seems like our worst nightmare. That said, we’re suckers for a bargain.

Thankfully, Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier offers a civilized approach to dress shopping as well as bargains (well, the bargain part is only for a limited time). From April 8-9, the atelier will have a bridal sample sale — with gowns 50-75 percent off. And the best part? It’s by appointment only. Call 212-319-6778 to schedule.

We fell in love with Mark and his shop at a recent photo shoot we did there with New York brides-to-be. His couture gowns are breathtaking — all types of styles from Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge, Elizabeth Fillmore and other top designers.

Before you head over to the sale, get amazing shopping tips from Mark Ingram. And, check out our full bridal guide for advice on planning the ultimate affair.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: bridal, wedding, gown, dress, shopping, mark ingram, manhattan, fashion, entertainment

Modern threads with a mod spirit

Monday March 31, 2008 9:59 AM By Rolando Pujol

Tucked behind the Trader Joes at Union Square is the small boutique shop Apt 141. The colorful prints and cheery store window caught my eye one recent Saturday. I spotted a black top with an Art Nouveau print that I just couldn’t pass up. Here’s what I found out about the boutique and its label 3Free:

Designer and co-owner Lisa Foti opened Apt 141 13 years ago with her partner Cornelius Byrd. What started out as a vintage clothing boutique evolved into their own original women’s clothing line – 3Free. “We saw a need for more feminine dresses,” Foti says. “We like to play with shapes, mix colors and textures together.” Wrap dresses in bold prints, jersey tops and skirts are their mainstay. Depending on the body type tops can be worn as dresses, skirts as tops and some items are reversible.

“We listen to our customers and ask them what they are looking for, she said. They also name each new dress style after women – the Ruby dress, or the Emily, for example.

Nothing is mass produced. “It’s all made here in the U.S.,” Foti said. “We won’t be going to China to cut costs.” They offer limited numbers of each dress and are always changing up the looks. Foti is also working on an “environmentally conscious clothing” line. Dubbed the “Clover,” the clothes will be made from natural fabrics like bamboo.

The 3Free label can be found in boutique shops in Manhattan and the boroughs. Foti hopes to take 3Free nationwide over the next few years. They are in the midst of getting a Web site up and running.

3Free dresses go for $98-138. Tops and skirts typically sell for $68.

Location: 141 E. 13th Street, (off Third Avenue)

Store hours: Mon.-Sat. Moon-8pm, Sun. Noon – 7pm

Phone: 212-982-4227

Apt.141@gmail.com

threefreedesign@gmail.com

-- Peggy Mihelich

Tags: shopping, manhattan

Princess hair for a pauper's sum

Sunday March 30, 2008 12:47 PM By Julie Gordon

Gorgeous locks don’t just get that way without a little work (unless you’re some freak of nature). And, in New York, you also need some moolah.

So imagine my excitement when I heard a salon was actually giving away highlights.

To bring on more hair clients, DEX New York (which is mostly a photography studio and makeup salon) is offering complimentary partial highlights until June 30. They usually start at $120.

I took DEX up on its offer Friday, plus forked over some dough for a haircut.

I was definitely happy with the results (and the flow of compliments that followed). The staff was also really friendly and attentive.

The only disappointing part of my experience was the extra $40 blow-dry fee tacked onto the price of my haircut. Ug.

That said, I really can't complain. Free hair services are like sample sales multiplied by ten.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: hair, salon, dex, haircut, highlights, shopping

No skirting the issue

Thursday March 27, 2008 1:29 PM By Julie Gordon

“When’s the last time you wore a skirt?” designer Rebecca Taylor asks me.

Um … does a bathing suit cover-up count? A towel wrapped around my waist paired smashingly with a tank top?

Like the rest of NYC gals, I’ve been loving the dress trend for the past few seasons, as my friends, co-workers and anyone else I’ve so much as encountered in the last year can attest to. But Taylor’s enthusiasm has got me thinking that it’s time to change things up a bit.

“It’s the craziest thing,” she says. “I’m so desperate for a skirt.”

That sentiment is mirrored in her spring collection — which includes several knee brushing, slightly A-line styles in a variety of colors (strawberry, cream, grey, black). Taylor recommends tucking a shirt into one of her feminine pieces to create a neat, tailored look (no pun intended).

A cute addition? Pockets. And, thankfully, hers are stitched down and have no extra fabric around the thighs.

“Men just don’t get it — you don’t need extra bits of fabric around the thighs,” Taylor says.

We agree in more ways than one.

Check out more spring skirt tips from Taylor, and other designers and experts, in Monday's Style section in amNewYork.

— Julie Gordon

Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tags: rebecca taylor, skirt, dress, shopping, fashion

Pocket of old Manhattan poised to disappear

Thursday March 27, 2008 12:16 PM By Rolando Pujol

Ninth Avenue between West 17th and 18th streets is a remarkable pocket of Manhattan the way it once was -- homegrown shops that cater to their neighbors. That's it. The eastern side has a barber shop (with hand-painted sign), a liquor store (alive with bold neon), a dry cleaner (with 1960ish plastic sign), and so forth. And these are long-running businesses, with the kind of patina and roots that enrich the neighborhood. You take them as a group and you ask yourself how such places can hang on -- and what can be done to save them.

Th building that houses them has a new owner seeking to lure high-end retail -- that was the plan back in November. Now, Jeremiah at Vanishing New York reports in a compelling read that most of the shops have been told their days are numbered.

As he observes, "I've been wondering when the block would begin to vanish, but I didn't know it would happen with just one real estate deal."

It's a thought we've had from time to time about this stretch. We made a point of walking by here occasionally just to soak in the old-school flavor.

After the jump are a few more cell-phone shots we took of the street back in October. We plan to make another visit soon. Time is of the essence, as it is for so many of these places in today's New York.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: endangered nyc, shopping, restaurants, old school, manhattan, history, economy, development, signs

Welcome to Yogurtville

Wednesday March 26, 2008 3:20 PM By Julie Gordon

Stop calling it Murray Hill. 10016 is officially the zip code of Yogurtville.

Everywhere you turn in this 'hood boasts another frozen yogurt shop. So we took a quick walk and counted. On our little excursion, we found the following places that sell fro-yo (and a lot of people with hair gel). And we have a stomachache.

Tasti D-Lite (29th and Third, 31st and Second, 36th and Third), Berrywild (30th and Third), Crème Lite (around 31st and Third), Baskin Robbins (around 30th and Third). And there’s a Pinkberry and a Flurt a little ways down.

Mmm ... I’m hungry for … anything but fro yo.

— Julie Gordon

Tags: shopping

Literally head over heels

Sunday March 23, 2008 12:39 PM By Julie Gordon

I did an experiment on Thursday.

Hypothesis: Making it through a day (commute included) in heels is a good idea.

Conclusion: Um, no.

I was rocking the look until I stepped off the crosstown bus at the end of the day. I missed a step and ended up twisting my ankle and banging up my knees. Ouch.

So what’s a girl to do? Buy more cute flats (and refrain from wearing high shoes while using public transportation). Here are some top picks for spring:

Forever 21 'Ainsley Loafer,' $18.80

Urban Outfitters '80/20 Deenie Wrap Skimmer,' $82French Sole 'Shandra Laser-cut Ballet,' $185

Urban Outfitters 'Between the Lines Oxford,' $38

Pink Studio 'Shandi,' $70

Jeffrey Campbell 'Siena' in mustard, $49.99

Splurge alert: J. Crew 'Tivoli metallic ballet flats,' $250

— Julie Gordon

Tags: shopping, shoes, heels, flats, j. crew, bloomingdale's, urban outfitters

I'll have another

Thursday March 20, 2008 7:26 AM By Julie Gordon

Sometimes, a jam-packed bar can be cool — if you’re in the mood to chat up strangers, you’re with a big party or, more likely, you’ve already had a few cocktails. But you know what’s never cool? When a place is so crowded you can’t catch the bartender’s attention long enough to order a drink.

Perhaps new lounge Antik has solved that problem. The 74-capacity spot is waitress-only service; in fact, there isn’t even a bar. And reservations are requested.

The vibe is intimate and laid-back, the decor is vintagey, with black chandeliers, low marble tables, patterned wallpaper and a red and gold color scheme.

The drinks, $10-$13 each, are creative and certainly potent. And we didn’t even have to push our way to the bar to get one.

Antik opens Friday. 356 Bowery, between Great Jones and Fourth Street, 212-388-1655

— Julie Gordon

Tags: nightlife, bowery, antik, bar, lounge, entertainment, bars, manhattan, shopping

Duly Noted: It's a circus out there

Wednesday March 19, 2008 11:32 AM By Rolando Pujol

* Albany press corps heard whispers of Paterson's affairs for years ... [Observer]

* ... But really, why are we still talking about this? [Daily Gotham]

* Speaking of circuses, as Coney marks its possibly last summer (sound familiar?), the Circus Sideshow opens Sunday. [Kinetic Carnival]

* New York's boulevard of shoe stores is skipping a few steps these days. [Jeremiah's Vanishing New York]

* A theater designed by none other than Thomas Lamb has gone dark in Ridgewood. [Lost City]

* Thursday is the 97th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. [Daily Gotham]

* Scotland Week will mean haggis hot dogs coming April 4 and 5! [Midtown Lunch]

* City Room has an update on the leaning tower of Broadway. [City Room]

* Toll Brothers target Murray Hill/Kips Bay. Check out the comment thread on the virtues of Murray Hill. (Mighty fine townhouses there, for starters.) [Curbed]

* And just north in Turtle Bay, the UN is suspending weekend tours. Be sure to visit if you haven't before the renovations get under way. [NewYorkology]

-- Rolando Pujol

Photo: jason.I.ryan via Flickr

Tags: turtle bay, murray hill, history, eighth street, coney island, duly noted, brooklyn, politics, queens, shopping

The best shopping discovery ever

Sunday March 16, 2008 11:41 AM By Julie Gordon

It pays to be a technical tourist.

Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s both offer 11 percent discounts to New York “visitors.” In other words, if you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you’re golden!

Here’s how it works.

Bloomingdales, 11 percent discount: Go to the Visitor’s Center on the balcony for a one-day discount pass. It can be renewed as often as you’d like. (1000 Third Ave. at 59th Street, 212-705-2000)

Macy’s, 11 percent discount: Head to the Visitor’s Center on floor 1 ½ for your five-day discount pass. It can be renewed as often as you’d like. (151 W. 34th St. at Seventh Avenue, 212-695-4400)

Now I'll never change my Jersey license over to New York.

— Julie Gordon

Photo: AP

Tags: shopping, macy's, bloomingdale's, manhattan

Urban archaeology: Second Avenue surprise

Thursday March 13, 2008 2:43 PM By Rolando Pujol

We've been frequenting the "Your Choice Convenience" grocery store at East 39th Street and Second Avenue for years, and never paid much attention to its architecture.

Not long ago, however, we noticed these little beauties promoting "2nd. Ave. Tobacconist" and "Pipes" In fact, you can still load up on pipe gear here, so these signs aren't entirely vestigial. Their survival seems somewhat precarious, though, and it appears there is a missing panel on the left side, right over the doors.

The main sign, at left, is typically bland signage fare.

-- Rolando Pujol

Tags: signs, shopping, endangered nyc, real estate, old school, manhattan, urban archaeology

Depression

Thursday March 13, 2008 1:15 PM By David Freedlander

You ever wake up some mornings with just the vaguest feelings of melancholia, a certain heavy-heartedness, and you're not sure where it comes from? Then you open the Daily News, and see that now only are Urban Outfitters and Target moving to your borough, but your neighbors are actually excited about it.

To wit:

Brooklyn shopaholics rejoice: Urban Outfitters, a trendy clothing store, and a brand-new big-box Target store opened their doors to borough shoppers this week.

The hipster thread mecca will greet its first Brooklyn customers with free Brooklyn totes Thursday at its new location on Atlantic Ave. at Clinton St.

Meanwhile, shoppers have taken the new Target in Midwood by storm since it opened Sunday

Meanwhile, Andrea Esposito, 17, of Carroll Gardens, beamed at the sight of the Urban Outfitters store, longing for a new clutch purse.

"I've been waiting forever, since I knew it was opening," said the bubbly teen.

"I like their fashion and stuff. It's better, because I don't have to take the train."

Her mother, Cecilia Esposito, 46, agreed.

"Brooklyn has enough restaurants. Now all we need are stores and we're complete, and we don't have to go to the city," she said.

Khristen Genga, district merchandising manager for Urban Outfitters, was equally psyched.

Excuse us. If you need us, we'll be off whimpering in a corner.

NYDN

--David Freedlander

Tags: shopping, big box, brooklyn

We're buzzing about: shamrocks, perfume and youth

Thursday March 6, 2008 6:13 PM By Julie Gordon

Our favorite fashion and beauty finds this week:

bliss’ ‘bite-sized beauty’ youth group kit

The sensitive-skin-friendly products in this kit will help you keep a fresh-faced look — no matter where you are in the aging process. It includes a travel-sized cleanser, toner, concentrate, eye cream and moisture cream.

$68, bliss SoHo, 568 Broadway, second floor; bliss 49, 541 Lexington Ave., bliss 57, 12 W. 57th St., third floor; 212-219-8970

Shamrock Airwalks

Get prepped for March 17 with these kitschy kicks from Airwalk.

$19.99, Payless, 110 W. 34th St., 212-947-0306, and other locations throughout NYC

Burberry The Beat

Burberry Brit and London devotees will love this similar but lighter springtime scent from the beloved brand.

$62, Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., 212-753-4000

Primal Elements Democratic & Republic Soaps

The election heated up this week, meaning we got more worked up, sweatier and in desperate need of some soap. We opted for political-themed product. For more election style, read this past Urbanite blog entry.

See www.primalelements.com for NYC locations or to buy

— Julie Gordon

Tags: shopping, beauty, fashion

Together At Last

Tuesday March 4, 2008 1:31 PM By David Freedlander

Wow. I guess this is what they mean by synergy. Today, downtown, by City Hall, we saw multiple sellers hawking a special newspaper combo meal of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post for the bargain basement price of $1.00.

For you economists out there, that's basically like getting 30 percent off the Journal by agreeing to take the Post off their hands. Which, now that we think about, may have been how that whole Rupert and Bancroft deal went down in the first place.

-- David Freedlander

Tags: newspapers, shopping

My name is (fill-in) ... and I am a Starbucks addict.

Thursday February 28, 2008 11:12 AM By Julie Gordon

If Tuesday’s three-hour Starbucks closing left you with symptoms of withdrawal, we’ve got news for you — You’ve got a problem.

Don’t believe us? Here are the top 10 (other) ways you know you’re a Starbucks addict:

10. Even when you’re not having coffee, you sit in Starbucks because the music’s just that good.

9. Green and black are your favorite colors.

8. That dude who made the film “171 Starbucks” is your idol.

7. You time your coffee breaks around the cute barista’s work schedule.

6. You’ve actually asked if you can purchase the art on the walls.

5. You use the word Starbucks like people use Kleenex or Xerox.

4. You use Starbucks-speak in the outside world. i.e., I’ll have a tall nonfat beer.

3. You know that if you order a drink “for here,” some Starbucks will give you a ceramic mug.

2. You bought the Starbucks Christmas ornaments … and you’re Jewish.

AND ... the No. 1 way you know you're a Sbux addict is:

1. You know why only some employees wear black aprons (They’ve completed the “Coffee Master” course).

— Julie Gordon

Getty photo

Tags: starbucks, coffee, new york, shopping, restaurants, quick bite, food

J. Crew's newest sidekick

Thursday February 21, 2008 4:20 PM By Julie Gordon

We fell in love with Madewell’s preppy yet urban-friendly styles when the J.Crew-owned brand hosted a pop-up shop over the holidays. So you can guess our mood now that Madewell opened a permanent boutique in SoHo this morning.

At a preview shindig last night, we got a better taste of the flavor of the brand — and picked out our must-have pieces for the spring.

They are:

Buffalo plaid bowery blouse ($62), cotton scarves in one of a variety of prints (prices vary), wellies in bright yellow or green ($98), striped hoodie sweater in navy blue and green ($65), short-sleeved cardigan in gray ($48) and a killer pair of tall boots (a splurge at $268).

Mm, that’s a pretty long list. Better start saving now.

Visit Madewell at 486 Broadway at Broome St., 212-226-6954.

— Julie Gordon

Getty photo

Tags: shopping, madewell, j. crew, manhattan

The skinny Starbucks debate

Wednesday February 20, 2008 6:03 PM By Julie Gordon

If you’re a Starbucks addict, you’ve probably noticed the chain’s new skinny latte. You may also have noticed that the tall drink boasts only 90 calories — while the regular old nonfat latte has 100 (FYI, it used to be listed as 120 calories until recently).

And that that seems to make no sense.

The skinny latte contains espresso, skim milk AND sugar-free flavored syrup. The plain nonfat latte just has espresso and skim milk.

So how does the skinny have fewer calories than the plain? Starbucks registered dietitian Katie Thomson offers this official explanation:

“Our tall nonfat latte (without syrup) contains 100 calories, but a tall skinny latte (with sugar-free syrup) contains only 90 calories because there is slightly less milk. The 0-calorie sugar free syrup displaces about 0.75 fluid ounces of milk.”

We’re not physicists over here at amNewYork, but this whole thing seems a little strange. How could a nonfat latte once have 120 calories and now it has 100, unless the cup size changed? And why make such a big deal about these new skinny lattes if they only have 10 calories fewer than the plain nonfat lattes?

Ah … the questions that run through our heads when we need coffee.

— Julie Gordon

Getty photo

Tags: starbucks, coffee, shopping, restaurants, quick bite, manhattan, food

Toy fair journal: Catching a (street) wave

Tuesday February 19, 2008 6:47 PM By Rolando Pujol

Scott Smith glided along the linoleum floor on a board shaped like an elongated figure eight. But it had only two wheels, not four, and Smith, 36, was not skateboarding—he was street surfing, his board powered not by pushing with his foot, but by moving his body.

The board, a combination of a skateboard and a surfboard that is called The Wave, was just one of the so-called “hybrid action” sport products on exhibit at the 2008 American International Toy Fair, which is going on this week at the Javits Center. Other products married surfing and snowboarding; skateboarding and snowboarding; kiting and dirt biking and even kiting and snowboarding.

Tim Baxmeyer, the president of Virginia-based HQ Kites and Design, which makes a series of hybrid products incorporating kites, said such sports have gained popularity recently, thanks to marketing in adventure magazines and on the Internet.Among the other hybrids: landboarding, which involves riding a skateboard with off-road tires to go on dirt roads, kite buggying, which involves a three-wheel vehicle, and even snowkiting, which is just what it sounds like—snowing or skiing while being pulled by a large, powerful kite.

Baxmeyer said action sports, like other more traditional ones, typically attract boys and young men, as well as some young women, ages 9 to 34. They debuted on the East and West coasts, especially New Jersey and California, but now they are finding followers throughout the country.

According to Smith, who teaches street surfing on The Wave, that hybrid has grown in popularity to include sales people and instructors in 26 states and 13 countries. “This is such a new concept, a new sport,” he said. “Kids that I’ve seen take to it right away—especially those that have never skateboarded before.”

Another hybrid is the Flowboard, designed by two astrophysics students in 1999 and used for emulating snowboarding on the street. The board has multiple wheels on each end, arched to allow for movement back-and-forth at extreme angles.

Mike Kearn, president of Sport Technology, Inc., said sales of the Flowboard have increased 400 percent in the past year.

Sport Technology also distributes Snow Skates, a board with flat panels on the bottom to allow for users to get the feel of skateboarding on the snow.

“Because of the Internet, where most of our sales are, we have lots of customers even in Middle America,” said Kearn. “People don’t have to wait until something is popular on the coasts to hear about it.”

Nearly all the exhibitors interviewed said that these hybrid sports provide an adrenaline-rush alternative to couch surfing with a game console, as well as a twist to old-fashioned sports.

“When I was younger, before video games, going outside and being physical was the norm,” said Baxmeyer, 31. “These new innovations in sports are starting to bring people back to that.”