Arnie in the Village

Last night, in desperate need of heat, Andy and I went to the famed Russian and Turkish Baths in the East Village which has been in operation since 1892.  I emerged refreshed, red face and happy.

It was a wonderful if rather gritty and 'rustic" experience, moving from one spa experience to another while Caucasians speaking different languages in half-dress surrounded me. I heard Spanish, Russian, French, someone was even humming some Turkish prayer eeks.

The Baths are over 40 years old and reportedly, Collin Farrel would go here everyday when he comes into town.

After, we walked on to look for an Indian restaurant nearby and ended up in Thai NY ( 394 3rd Ave,   New York 10016
At 28th St.

We ordered Spring Rolls, dumplings, Pad Thai and Sea Food with Basil (Pacific Wave it's called). Loved it. Walked on and found a lot of Indian food AFTER we finished dinner.

Walked past Elvie's Turo Turo ( 214 1st Ave,   New York 10009 btwn 12th & 13th St) , even. So I know where to go if I want a different take on Pinoy food or craving for some Chicken Tikka or Tandoori.

Versatile Item

I love clothes that are versatile. Black cardigans that turn into scarves. A tube dress that turns into a skirt. Full-on pants that folded up become capris. Or think the little black dress, the white  button down shirt or even Diana Von Furstenberg's "wrap dress."

So when I bumped into the "Circle Scarf" sold at American Apparel, I was immediately drawn to it.

It's one long piece of tubular knit material that you can wear many ways. I actually have something like this I bought at Market Market, but it was smaller and was meant to be worn as a scarf-slash-head piece in the same manner--many different ways.

At US$25 each, though, I think it's highway robbery. So I am thinking of creating one when I get some of my stock knit material which are gathering dust right now in Makati. It is a fabulous idea though.  Maybe some print material would make it even more versatile.

I ended up buying a unitard for use at the spa and for, hopefully, consistently diligent yoga classes downtown. Shhh there is a free one week trial!

Barbie Accessories

No, it's not what you would think. Another talented accessories designer from my FIT class, Margaux. Her pics can't be downloaded so just go to her site. :)

P.S. Ok I just took a picture of my screen so here's a preview. :)

Zipper Art

My classmate at FIT evening class, Kate Cusack, creates the most beautiful jewelry out of the most mundane materials like zippers. And the beauty of it is you never see that they are made of zippers till you come closer. You only see how beautiful they are wholistically. They're just gorgeous.

Check her out at her website.

Buttons Buttons Buttons

Just had Asian lunch and crepe dessert at Come Over Caffe (off 62nd and Lexington) when I stumbled upon a little piece of a sartorial dream next door: a store selling buttons! Yes just buttons! In the business district of the Upper East Side.

 Tender Buttons has buttons galore. I couldn't stay long a while ago but I will go back tomorrow to spend more time searching for new buttons for one of my jackets. Happiness!

Recession Fashion

At school last Tuesday night (I take evening classes at FIT on Fashion Start-up Business), we discussed how hard it is for garment manufacturers and fashion designers is right now to make a profit.

Apparently, though, one of those still making money is Walmart. Interesting fact.

However, people in class were wondering why a lot of people still buy expensive organic food and green clothing?

One theory that came up was that most people with money just shifted or prioritized their money on more important or at the very least, more gratifying purchases. Between health and looking good, health sounds like a better priority especially with health costs at an all time high. And buying green well, just feels better.

But that isn't the mindset of the teens, college students and even the twentysomethings. They hardly feel the aches and pains of old age....yet. So when we asked our teacher, a veteran of the garment business, who he thinks is the best market right now, he said it's the teens--they are first priority in the family and often have the purchasing power.

So I've been wondering how to start that business with them in mind in these times. It's truly amazing how we can always think creatively even in crisis.

Gave In

Got the plaid dress. Glad I did. :) It's el cheapo and versatile. I can layer it now over pants or leggings or alone with capris or shorts in summer or when I get back to tropical weather in Manila.

In the photo, I layered it over my Proenza and Schouler for Target long-sleeved striped tee. Love, love!

Rad Plaid

Okay my prayers are answered. I dropped by at Astor Place station and spied a shhh...KMart. To kill time in between appointments, I went around and found US$19.95 plaid shirt dresses! Long-sleeved, just the right length and in 3 color variations.

I was there to buy a flash disk so I am holding out till tomorrow. It's just a short subway trip away. And for US$20, a real steal.

Will take pictures when I get it tomorrow. Love, love.

Mad for Plaid

Why is it so hard to find a plaid shirt dress? I haven't really had time to look for a long time but I really want one in a long sleeved version which I can wear with tights and a coat and a wide belt.

I found one in Urban Outfitters--yay!--but it was in a rather stiff cotton almost linen material which looked boxy on me. I wish they had it in a softer material. Plus the one they had was in this drab gray plaid. A blue or a red would look nicer.

Anyone know where I can get one, short of altering a thrifted one?

NY Budget Finds

As I am on a student's budget right now, I am a bit stringent when it comes to comparison shopping.

Like did you know that in one branch of H&M alone, they had 3 different prices for relatively the SAME long-sleeved v-neck wool blend sweater? I found one for US25, US$14+ and US$12. It boggles the mind.

In comparison, Express has the same ones for US$25+ too.

I also found 2 for US$12 opaque tights at H&M but the line at the cash register was so long, I just gave up.

Fortunately, I went to my favorite Forest Hills haunt, a place called Value Depot manned by a kindly Indian lady, which sold thick tights for US$3.99 each. I got one in ribbed and one in cable. You can't have enough thick black tights in this weather! I even got black opaque stockings ofr ..hold your breath, US$1.99. I checked the quality and it wasn't really that different from the H&M and Zara ones.

Am a pretty happy camper. I am actually contemplating on getting one of their pleather jackets for US$19.95!

In other news, I love, love love Urban Outfitters. They have the loveliest jackets which don't look like ones anywhere else. I found one with a longer than average coat tail that look just divine but it came only in a size small. *Sigh* Oh well I can always come back.

Hurrah for comparison shopping. :) I wanna go thrift shopping in Brooklyn again and rip apart a boy's navy jacket to see how it's made and sew it back together again.

Shirt Dresses Ad Infinitum

I just spent 3 hours of my life poring over this site. I think it's a Korean site and boy do they have the most awesome shirt dresses and coats! The styling has that Japanese-Korean aesthetic to it, too so I find it real cool.

The number of options just boggles the mind. Plus this V-Neck one that I like is only US$19.80!

Wade through "dresses" and drool. :)

Queer Eye for QVC

My favorite Queer, Carson Kressley, gets on the designing bandwagon to design a series of perfect basics for QVC. I woke up this morning delightfully surprised to see Carson peddling his wares on the home shopping network here in the US, and he was funny as ever.

Normally, I laugh at the way people host and sell items on that channel. They can border on fake. But I, of course, Carson was an exception. Am charmed and believe in the evolved taste and style of Carson because one, he's gay. And two, he does a perfect job in styling people on Queer Eye for a Straight Guy.

He perfectly describes the button-down stretch long-sleeved shirts he has in his aptly named "Perfect" line as a basic that can be "tjutzed" just right because of the extra long and high collar (just right), and his classic wool-cashmere peacoat as close to "custom-made" because of the raglan sleeves (no shoulder fit problems). I felt myself nodding and agreeing at all he said cause they were not BS at all.

The peacoat is divinely lined with silky-material and has a beautiful navy blue ribbon detaiing INSIDE the jacket running around the waist. How very Paul Smith!

Am checking the rest of the collection online now. If you've never bought anything on QVC, I think this is a perfectly good time to do so with Carson's items. And as Carson explained, "You save gas, too."

Style Guide

Went to the nearby Barnes and Noble and with a lot of time in my hands, bought a book: "The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style."

They grouped people into 10 basic styles, and I discovered that I am mostly an "arty slick" girl.

The other styles include "euro chic", "california casual", "rock and roll", "posh eclectic" and "mod." There are more and even included a "mix and match."

It's a pretty good book and can give you some inspiration during mornings when you don't know what to wear. You can either pick just one style, or be a different person everyday.

P.S. It also has "Lucky Breaks" at the back. That means exclusive deals, discounts and giveaways. Ooh I'm tempted to shop online!

In Search of Open Toe Boots

Fall is definitely here. I have my old reliable Nine West classic black boots. And white flat leather boots.

But lately, I've been thinking of getting open toe boots for fall. I've been Googling for ideas. Am sure I'll find something at H&M or Top Shop. I can't wait to go to New York next week.

Personal Style

I stumbled upon this blog a few months back, and it only goes to show you don't really have to spend a lot to look unique and wonderful.

Check her out: Kingdom of Style. She's handy with the sewing machine and a knife (see her slashed out cool t-shirt).

Watching Tim Gunne

One of the many pleasures of being here is being able to watch shows I would otherwise not be able to back in Manila. Case in point is "Tim Gunne's Guide to Style."

I particularly like the way Tim Gunne explains style principles in a way that is easy to understand. He perfectly communicates how to make the best of one's proportion, to avoid bulk and to use the right silhouette.

However, the more I watch, the more I realize it's really a very "basics" kind of show. Which is good, but it ends there. So most of the time, these "everyday normal" people wear pretty classic bordering on boring clothes.

Again, perfect fit is a minimum, I think. After a while, it can get boring. I wish they would get out on a limb and "go wild" a little.

Lip Service

I have a new favorite lip balm: Alba TerraTints!

I bought it at the Healthy Options store in Greenbelt 1 back in Manila. I wonder where I can get a replacement here?

What I like is that it's naturally tinted (using minerals) and has a chemical-free  SPF. I am currently using Garnet for everyday. It's like your favorite lipstick smudged twice off your lips.

What's nicer is it has a nice pepperminty feel and smell. Oh and it comes in 6 other colors, apparently. I am personally hooked and hope I never run out of a tube.

In the Red

My favorite lipstick, Laura Mercier "Healhty Lips", a rich, semi-matte red favored by Julia Roberts, has just gone its course. I need a new red. But would it be worth it to try another brand?

I tried MAC "Russian Red" but it overwhelmed me a bit. What do you think is a nice red lipstick that's not too matte nor too shiny?

Clothes to Fall For

Fall is making herself felt. I can feel it in the coolness in the air. I see lots of pumpkins and Halloween decorations, The leaves of trees are all turning into delicate variations of yellow and gold. Oh and yes, there's a lot of talk about Rei Kawakubo's capsule collection for H&M.

You know, Rei Kawakubo, that media-shy, avante garde Japanese designer/founder of Comme des Garcons.

Previews of her upcoming collection reveal the same Japanese, dexonstructive aesthetic. She has used some color  in the men's line, something rare as she often churns clothes in blacks, grays and whites. I can't wait to get my hands to check the construction and understand the pattern behond her designs. Most of her designs have an element of asymmetry. Asymmetry complicates the patternmaking process a bit (this is for the designers/sewers out there).

And goodie, she has stuff for men, kids and also designed accessories. H&M Tokyo gets first dibs on the collection though. A few days later, the rest of the world follos suit.

I am still surprised that despite New York's acceptance of individuality, I could be having coffee at Dean and Deluca's on Broadway and see people pass by dressing the same way. It is not so in Hongkong, Korea and Japan. 

The presence of Muji, Uniqlo, this collection and th growing appeal for anything Japanese in this side of the world is a pleasant direction that I can't wait to see unfold.