Restaurant, Broadway, and Off-Broadway Week Coming Up!

All the steals and deals Weeks are coming up! 

Broadway Week

When:  January 24th - February 10th

The Deal:  2-for-1 tickets to some of Broadway's hottest shows including American Idiot, Billy Elliot, The Addams Family, Chicago, The Lion King and so many more. 

Off-Broadway Week

When: January 24th - February 13th

The Deal: 2-for-1 tickets to off-Broadway shows AND 2-for-1 drinks after the show.  Off-Broadway only has to do with how many seats are in the theater...not with how great a show is.  Snap up tickets to over 30 shows including Nora Ephron's Love, Loss, and What I Wore and The Fantasticks.

 Restaurant Week

When: January 24th - February 6th

The Deal:  Lunch - $24.07, Dinner - $35. This is the best deal in town with top restaurants offering an uber-reasonable fixed price menu.  Granted you may feel they are trying to turn your table, or you may not get the most perfect service in the world but who cares?!  You just had a three course dinner for $35 at a fabulous restaurant.  Deal.

So find a friend, a date, or even an enemy (gotta keep 'em closer) and stay true to your New Year's resolution to see more shows and eat more great food in 2011.

To book tickets or reserve tables go to nycgo.com.

FREE Levi's on Friday in Bryant Park!

All American and completely classic but with a new twist.  Head to Bryant Park this Friday, August 27th, and starting at 10am you can get a free pair of Levi's Curve ID jeans.  Bring in a pair of jeans that doesn't fit and walk away with one that does...because obviously, all asses are were not created equal (yes, I stole that from the Levi's website).  The new fits are based on shape, not size, so there will be great options for pears, apples, and all the other fruits they try to box a woman's shape into.  There will also be a performance by uber-stylish songstress Janelle Monáe and styling tips from Bobbie Thomas.  Hope to see you there!

When: Friday, August 27th at 10am

Where: Bryant Park

Why: Free Levi's Jeans

Remember: Bring a pair to get a pair

Levis.com

All the Rage: The Striped Boatneck Shirt

One part beatnik, one part jolly roger, and one part nautical for a bit of WASP, the striped boatneck tee is classic and edgy all at once.  It made a comeback this past spring, and I think we have hit full-on rage status.  How do I know this?

1. The striped tee is seen on seven different people in New York Magazine's Fall Fashion Issue that just hit the stands.

2.  Last night at dinner I was one of three girls in the back dining room of Mekong in Soho wearing one (all different takes on the general style, so you know these are being sold everywhere).

Even though you can find these shirts in everything from sequins (J. Crew) to lace (Erin Fetherston), I found my favorite to date at Esprit this past weekend.  The thick knit, exposed back zipper, and button closure to roll the sleeves adds the perfect luxe touches to make this sweater look much more expensive than its $50 price tag.  Get on this!

Click here to check out the Esprit Sporty Sweater.

Images courtesy of Espritshop.com

Amazing Fall Finds at LOFT

Yesterday, I walked past LOFT (of the Ann Taylor variety), and I saw this amazing mustard colored jacket in a photo on the window.  Further hunting on their website gave way to one conclusion: they really have some lovely pieces for fall!  I can visualize any of my pics below going from late summer to fall to winter and back to spring: Dresses move from being worn with sandals to tights and booties and tops get layered with cardi's or jackets.  I will definitely be checking out these cheap/chic finds in person to see if they are too be good to be true.  But, if my past experiences with LOFT count for anything, the clothes fit great, wear well, and most importantly....look way more expensive than they really are.  

Check out LOFT's new arrivals here.

Twill Anorak Jacket - $148

Flutter Silk Dress - $128

Lightweight Dolman Zip Hoodie - $59

Perfect Layering Tank - $27

Mesh Jewels Knit Dress - $79

Cropped Lamb Skin Leather Jacket - $298

Twisted Neck Exposed Back Zip - $49

Marissa Slim Cargo Pants - $59

A Close Second: SecondDibs.com

Ok, so I have an unhealthy obsession with 1stDibs.com.  You know, the website to search uber expensive antique furniture, estate jewelry, and vintage clothing from across the globe.  1stDibs may be a little too chic for my wallet, so that brings me to SecondDibs.com: a quirky little site for furniture, lighting, wall decor, and everything else.  So instead of thinking Paris antique dealer, think Upstate NY tag sale with cool mid-century pieces.  Located in Chatham, NJ, the Second Dibs warehouse is open on random Saturdays and by appointment.  And, for those outside of the tri-state area, they ship nationwide.  Below are some of the pieces I would snap up if my apartment weren't a glorified shoebox.  Enjoy!

SecondDibs.com

PS - For you Ugly Betty fans mourning the end of the show, the furniture and accessories from the set are available now on Second Dibs!

Mahoganized and nickel-plated dining table - $399

Ebonized ash sling-back club chair - $129 each

 Arteriors side tables (set of 2) - $325

 Contemporary mirrored credenza - $199

 Mid-century dining table - $150

 Wassily Chairs (set of 2) - $398

Images courtesy of SecondDibs.com

Zac Posen for Target Launches!

Zac Posen for Target hit stores yesterday.  The prices are great, the line is all color color color, and Zac says he is a 'quality fanatic'.  Looking outside at this NYC rainy spring day, I am loving how colorful and summery the clothes are...yes, this coming from the person who dresses in various shades of black and gray most of the time.  Haha.  I think I am digging the crazy print short sleeve button down top. shirt  Has anyone seen this in person??  Is this another Rodarte disappointment or is it a Proenza Schouler style win?  Yea or nay....

Browse the collection.

J. Crew Final Sale Spring Picks

The J. Crew final sale is happening right now....then again, I feel like it is constantly happening.  Haha.  Here are my top picks that will take you through summer and into fall.  Best of all, I don't think any of them scream J. Crew.  It's always better to keep them guessing.  Luxe details will escalate your entire look.

Checkered Puckered Shift Dress - $120 (was $150)

Looks more Bergdorf than J. Crew
 

Panier Clutch - $50 (was $88)

Pair with a black dress for a spash of color.

Twisted Chiffon Cardigan - $55 (was $78)

Perfect for chilly offices

 Whip-snake Belt - $25 (was $40)

Love the color!

Colorblock Meron Dress - $100 (was $165)

The orange sleeves make this totally modern.

Studded Bangle - $13 (was $22)

Hermes inspired...why not!

Solid Twist Front Bandeau - $60 (was $80)

Sexy without showing skin.  Go strapless.

 Twisted-neck Painter Tee - $20 (was $30)

Summer staple.

 The Pixie Pant - $60 (was $88)

My favorite pants in the world.  Now on sale!

Let Them Eat Cake

Ask my closest friends, and they will tell you that I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Marie Antoinette.  I visited Versaille during a high school spring break trip, but truthfully, I was way more interested in why it smelled like pee after hundreds of years (yes, those lazy Frenchies peed behind tapestries instead of using the proper loo....or so that is what our tour guide said).  Since then, however, I have become a woman obsessed.  Maybe it started with reading The Journey by Antoinia Fraser, then I sank further down the rabbit hole after Sofia Coppola's Marie-Antoinette which finally humanized this controversial figure, but I was completely done in after reading Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution by Caroline Weber.

So, in my email newsletter from The Museum at F.I.T. I was thrilled to see they had scheduled Caroline Weber to discuss her book and Marie Antoinette's wardrobe and its influence on the history of fashion in France.  I have been to a handful of discussions at F.I.T., which have been greatly entertaining, and I just love their museum with its ever-changing exhibits.  And best of all....it's free!  So, if you are in NYC on Monday, April 19th I would love to see you there!  Discussion starts at 7pm.  

Click here to register.

The Dealist

Do you live in NYC?  Do you love to do random stuff?  Do you love to do random things at a fraction of the normal price (which in this city can basically be an arm, a leg, and your first born child for an evening of entertainment)?  If so, The Dealist is completely for you.  Sign up for a daily email of steals and deals on everything from the New York City Opera, to yoga classes at Fierce Yoga, to the tasting menu at stellar neighborhood restaurants.  For example, right now they have NYC Opera tickets to Madame Butterfly with a backstage tour for $35!  You can even submit ideas for deals and users can vote on which ones they want the Dealist team to offer ASAP.  Want to take that special someone on  helicopter tour over the city or just get your ass back into shape?  No one has to know that you saved a ton of coin...but you will.  

Check out their website and sign up for email alerts here.

Finds at the J.Crew Final Sale

One of my favorite "places" to shop for shirts is the J.Crew Final Sale. I think my friends are sick of the silk snow leopard print shirt I chose last year, so I thought I needed to expand my horizons from black, gray, and animal prints. I always seem to catch the Final Sale in January after most everything has been picked over, but never do I leave without filling my "shopping cart" with a few goodies. And, I know the stores in NYC rarely have anything on sale let alone things in my size, so online is the way to go. I am definitely a separates person. This way I can do shirts with jeans, skirts, or trousers, and I don't get boxed into dress land. I know better than to buy dresses....I just won't get as much wear out of them, and since I don't need to dress up for work it is really a pointless purchase for me (summer dresses are a different story).

To whet your appetite, here are a few of my favs from today's shopping excursion. You may see me wearing any one of these in 4-7 business days, so don't tell anyone my little secret.

Click here for the J.Crew Final Sale

PS - I got free shipping using the code SRC51Y I found on the blog JCrewAficionada.

This Weekend: Decades Out FREE Theatre

This just came across the Shitty Chic radar screen:

Looking for something to do this weekend? Something involving theatre maybe? Something free?

Tonight, Friday, is the opening of the DecadesOut playwright's reading series, The Launch Pad. A reading of 'Dark Matter' kicks off the series at 7pm (a really wonderful script), tomorrow Sat afternoon 2 to 5 pm they'll be reading 3 short plays. And, another full length feature ends the series on Sat evening at 7pm. All the details and descriptions of plays and directors actors etc are below. And this evening the posse will reroute to a local watering hole for a toast or two afterwards. I hope you can make it out for some FREE cultural activity this weekend. A great opportunity to get to know a fantastic group of artists in the collective, DecadesOut.

3-Legged Dog (3LD) Art & Technology Center
80 Greenwich Street at Rector St in Lower Manhattan

Half of the donations collected throughout our series will be donated to Haiti Relief in partnership with the Beholders Group.

• Friday, January 15th
  7:00pm–10:00pm
• 
  
• DARK MATTER by August Schulenburg
  Directed by Zack Calhoon
  Maxine Clerk is a physicist chasing after the mysterious dark matter and energy that make up 95% of our known universe. As a rival colleague undermines her efforts, her personal life also begins to unravel. Facing the illness of her daughter and father, the distance of her lover and mentor, and the dangers of her own darkness, Maxine's struggle to understand the universe becomes a matter of personal survival.


• Saturday, January 16th
  2:00pm–5:00pm
  


• Two Shorts and a Solo Piece
  Directed by David Denson
  WORMHOLE by Whitney Hamilton
  A female astronaut drifts on the outer reaches of our solar system as her radio contact tries to help her back. She squeezes through a wormhole --- a hypothetical "tunnel" connecting two different points in spacetime in such a way that a trip through the wormhole could take much less time than a journey between the same starting and ending points in normal space. Thus, she is propelled into another dimension.
  
  LISTEN TO THE UNIVERSE by Francis Kuzler
  Radio astonomer Peter Haskell has spent years deciphering the sounds of space, but now he hears something that he's never heard before, the voice of a woman screaming about love and the human soul. Can Peter cope with his latest discovery?
  
  FIRE IN THE GARDEN by Ken Weitzman
  In 1965 Norman Morrison, a Quaker from Baltimore, drove to the Pentagon and, in protest over the U.S. policy in Vietnam, doused himself in kerosene and lit himself on fire. Looking on as he did this was his one-year-old daughter. Fire in the Garden is told by a new father who finds himself haunted by Morrisonís act as he struggles mightily (and comically) with the challenges of modern fatherhood.
  
  Featuring: Jennifer Larkin*, Ryan McCarthy*


• Saturday, January 16th
  7:00pm–10:00pm


• EXILE by Lindsey Ferrentino
  Directed by Tony Macy-Pérez
  Exiled historical figures Einstein, Brecht, Lenin, Trotsky, Napoleon Bonaparte, and a Catholic Nun meet in front of a wall to contemplate how and why they need to get over it, confusing themselves into wondering whether or not they have already done so. Consumed with the menial, they debate action vs. intellect with cynically humorous dialogue as bleak and ironic as their landscape. Inspired by the proposed wall to be built between the United States and Mexico, this play questions the idea of boundaries, what it means to be contained, and the isolation of genius. The cast of characters must work together to salvage their sanity before it's too late in this new absurdist tragicomedy.
  
  Featuring: Grace Kiley*, Pascal Escrout*, Thomas Garvey*, Patrick Melville*, Marek Sapieyevski, and Leal Vona

Associations of Hip Needs Your Help Today!

All I am asking is for a few bucks. It's the 15th (one of my two favorite days of the month) so I believe most people got paid today and what better way to do your "good deed for the day" than to donate a few bucks to get this project produced. My great friend back all the way from middle school, Sarah Saunders, is involved, and they only have until midnight tonight to raise the money needed to get the rest of their funding. If they don't get to $4k it's lights out, so they need our help!

Trust me, you will never miss that dollar (or $3, or $5, or $7), but you will make a huge difference here.



About the project:

"Art scenes come and art scenes go. What then remains? New York City and its Burroughs have long been a place for the aspiring to enter and the famous to exploit. Each new art neighborhood shifts according its own the economic status. When one neighborhood’s art scene explodes, so does its real estate. For instance, West Village turns to Soho turns to Williamsburg turns to East Williamsburg turns to Bushwick. When a scene is brought to a neighborhood hype grows, there becomes a pressure, an obligation to be cutting edge; an obligation of hip.

Associations of Hip takes place during a demolition party. This party models itself off a party I attended the summer of 2008 in the Lower East Side where the entire building was being torn down to build condos so the tenants decided to throw a party and make as much noise as they’d like, spray paint the walls, kick holes through partitions and plenty of drugs. Associations is a tribute to the underground art scene and asks the question; are these artists, or are these kids trying to be cool?

Incorporating multi-media and live stream video to explore the power of a camera and the vogue of celebrity. An allure and curiosity we all carry with us. Laura Fitch is a young photographer turned video-blogger who is dealing with the loss of her first great love and left to face the reality of her current job. She’s making money and doing her art, but is that enough? Through avoidance, drugs, liquor, friends, and an underground party, she learns to jump out of her own pain and discover self-expression.

There are many movements towards giving our artists a place to play, let this be another."

Easy on the Wallet Wellies

Once I returned to the frozen tundra of New York city after the Holidays, I realized I was in desperate need of a new pair of winter boots. This meaning warm, waterproof, quasi-stylish, not a boot that hits the knee as it is fairly impossible to stick your pant legs inside it, and one that may work double duty as rain boots in warmer months. I once had a pair of Marc Jacobs wellies that made my heels bleed, so I was hesitant in going that route again. Lesson learned: stick to the rubber boot experts. There is a reason the Marc ones are so cheap: they are incredibly heavy, hard to walk in, and they draw blood.

I had always walked past the Tretorn store on Spring Street and after checking out their website I had to stop in a try them on for myself. I am in love. Forget Hunter wellies that will run you over $100 + $30 for the fleece socks. I bought a pair of Tretorns on the spot for $45 on sale. I went with the black Skerry's with the brown leather pull-tab, and I love that they are mid-height. They also have micro-fleece lining which has been super warm with my thick winter socks. And, as an added bonus, it looks like everything on their website it currently on sale. I will definitely be back when the weather warms up to check out all their canvas sneakers, which are a stylized breath of fresh air to their Converse All-Star contemporaries.

PS - I love the Skymra Mid Puffer for guys

Shop Tretorn Online

Rodarte for Target: The Verdict is In!

I went to Super Target in my hometown of Mesquite, Texas on Monday afternoon sure to find a bumper crop of the Rodarte capsule collection. With sugarplum dreams of tulle and bows, off to Target I went, Mom in tow...sorry it rhymed. Under the guise of stocking up on socks and last minute Christmas gifts I steered the cart through the women's clothing, and my under the radar Rodarte fantasy came to a screeching halt. There was plenty of Rodarte left on the rack, and for good reason: it was heinous. Now don't get me wrong, I know things can look awful on a hanger and great on a body, but I did not even want to go there. The Mulleavy sisters were obviously not wearing their "luxe for less" while designing this collection. The tulle dresses were cute in a Marla from Fight Club girly guttersnipe kind of way, but the bows on the shoulders were too much. The leopard print dress I was so excited about was see-through lace that may make one look like a slutty Chester the Cheetos Cheeta. The only saving grace was the black lace cardigan which was almost sold out (only one extra small was left). In a nutshell, this is just so-so design with awful fabric choices. Incredibly disappointing, especially since I know it can be done well. I got an amazing dress when Proenza Schouler did a line for Target a few years ago you would never in a million years guess came from Target...so much so that I was shockingly in the New York Times Style section wearing it. I can't say the same for the Rodarte collection. For shame.

Am I being too harsh? What do you think?

Rodarte for Target - SOS

Yep, that's right. Rodarte for Target was unleashed to the public on December 20th, and now it looks like all pieces are sold out online. Lucky for me.....I am in Texas and am going to make a run over to my good old Mesquite Target Super Center where I am assuming I can get my hands on a few goodies. Will keep you posted if anything is available....or if they even ordered stock for this location which is definitely questionable since most residents think the GAP is high fashion. I really want the leopard print dress and the black lace cardi.

Rodarte for Target - View the Collection

*PS - SOS stands for "sold out sucker".

A Single Man - Meticulous Living Meets the Big Screen

I saw A Single Man this past weekend and, truthfully, I have been on pins and needles for the past few months waiting for this movie to come to a theater near me. Luckily, I live in New York, and I never have to wait very long for movies to open since they normally premiere here first. Hehe. I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with anything Tom Ford has put his lovely little stamp on, and I remembered when he recently left Gucci he said he wanted to go into film making....and I have been waiting tirelessly for years for the final product: A Single Man.

Even if the story and acting were awful (which they so obviously weren't), A Single Man is visually arresting. The story is about a professor mourning the loss of his partner, his friend Charly, and how you would experience things if you knew this were to be your last day on Earth. The stark visual contrast of the saturated colors "pre-loss" and the gray-scale tones "post-loss" are enough to make you feel like someone is sitting on your chest. As George takes notice of the little wonders of his day...his last day....you can see the vividness return like he is waking up from a haze.

I just loved a Single Man for many reasons (wonderful acting, great story, beautifully shot), but ultimately I am a total sucker for wardrobe and set. The movie takes place in the early 1960's, and I was mesmerized by how the film looked and the way people were outfitted....you know, when people used to actually "get dressed" do go somewhere. To leave one's house in sweats was completely taboo (thank you Juicy Couture for changing that), and the hair/makeup was just amazing. I also have a new found appreciation for eyeliner after seeing a magnificent set of eyes drawn on Charley (Julianne Moore). The interiors were also fantastic. Set before the days of Corian and ultra sleek Italian sterility, I loved the contrast of George's glass and wood house (quite impressive for a professor's salary) to the luxe girlishness of Charly's. I caught myself thinking of ways to redecorate my apartment after I left the theater, which means the movie got the wheels in my head turning and is completely dangerous to my pocketbook. The scenes between the two of them are just amazing, and yes, I am wearing black liquid eye liner today. Thank you for the inspiration, Charly.

Richard Haines' Portrait Sale is ON!

Get in on this ASAP!

Richard Haines' Holiday portrait sale is happening right now. From now through December 26th get a black and white sketch of one person for $50, two people (lovers, friends, enemies, frenemies, you name it) for $100. This is a great holiday gift, and I LOVE the one I had done of Toddy and me the last go around. Send in your photo or venture to Bushwick for a oh-so-fab sitting.

It's ON People, the B/W Portrait Sale is Back!

Yourself in Graphite Part Deux

A few weeks ago I wrote about Richard Haines, fashion illustrator extraordinaire. He does wonderful commissioned sketches of you, friends, family, whatever, either by photo or in person at his studio. I sent him a pic of my bestie and me for his birthday present (what do you get the boy who has everything, really), and six weeks later there we were.....immortalized in graphite. I absolutely love it, and I am thrilled Richard will be running the sale again in December. This is a great gift idea for something truly personal that you (or your giftee) will treasure forever!

Click here for the details on the portrait sale

Check out Richard Haines' blog, What I Saw Today

Calgon Take Me Away

I really have no idea where "Calgon take me away" comes from, but my mother says it all the time when she wants to teleport herself to anyplace other than where she is or when she wants to do anything other than what she is doing. I am feeling that way now on this rainy New York fall day....which is quite scary because February is still three months away, and I can't imagine what my mental state will be like then. Sooooo, how delighted was I to see that this week's issue of New York Magazine is featuring amazing getaways for the bargain winter traveler to "sun-soaked beaches, snowy peaks, igloos, waterfalls, steamed snook, and more." Destinations include Venezuela, the Dominican, Monaco, South Africa, Colorado, Norway, Israel, and the list goes on. Grab it on the newsstand this week or click below for all the goodies online. You will be thanking me and NY Mag come end of February.

New York Magazine's 2009 Winter Travel Bargain Guide

The End of "Insufficcient Funds" Forever!

I know this is very NYC-centric, but I have been waiting for this to happen for the past THREE years. While living in Chicago, I always had a CTA transit card that was hooked up to my plastic and automatically refilled every month. I was nothing less than shocked when I moved to New York City to find that I had to physically buy a new Metrocard every month. For a city that has a couple million legs up on the public transit in Chicago I thought this very strange and like I had reverted back to the Stone Age....or at least a time before things like online bill pay, cell phones, and hotel rooms with actual keys instead of swipe cards.

But now my dreams have come true, and New York is finally offering an EasyPay XPress Metrocard that is linked to your debit/credit card and automatically refills. READ: No more running to the turnstile in hopes of catching the train that just pulled into the station only to be denied by running into the locked turnstile bar and seeing "Insufficient Funds" pop up on the screen.

There are two options:
1- The unlimited monthly which will refill automatically every 30 days
2- The "Pay-Per-Ride" card that will put $45 on your card and refill when the balance drops below $20 (you still get the 15% bonus).

This is a total no-brainer. Saving time, limiting stress, reducing trash (no tossing cards after 30 days), and making that train when you are running 10 minutes late is always chic.

Click here to get your card.