Its easy.... get an email every day... or just forward this one if you are already getting it.... get an email every day for your vital fix :)
just click here for a subscription. Enter your email addy and then receive a confimation email (then click to confirm) and your done!
here is the link:
http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=84561
; "Picture_14")
Spring is just around the corner (I hope) -- now its time to sit outside and people watch! Every weekend i try to go to Cipriani's downtown for killer Bellini's. LOVE the staff there -- last time they gave me their left over famous bellini mix to put in my freezer so i could throw my own bellini party, so chic!
Next time you want a KILLER Bellini, be sure to stop by Cipriani Downtown
(oh, and if youre hungry the Curry Chicken is EXCELLENT - yes, even though its an italian retaurant!)
The perfect Bellini, by Cipriani ($14 per glass)
Downtown by Cipriani
376 W Broadway
(b/w Spring & Broome)
212) 343-0999
Want to lose 5lbs? 50 lbs? its all possible in a very short amount of time.... i lost like 40 lbs. in 6 weeks about 5 years ago before i moved to LA (and i knew i needed to be super skinny to keep up). Im not saying its easy. Weekly weigh-ins, food charts, B-12 shots and optional diet pills are included.....
You are in-the-know, right? if so, you know Dr. Levine....
Dr. Levine
RS Levine MD
146 E. 62nd Street, 4th Floor
212.593.2727
no website
$85 per week and no web site
trust me - you will lose the pounds if you go to him.....
This is great for a traveler (all over the country). Its also great for a last minute fix. Trying to get in to the hottest restaurant in NYC at the last minute? Been dying to go to La Esquina but you keep getting a big fat "no" over the phone? Enter primetimetables.com
You can be a full-time member or pay-by-reservation. Because you deserve only the best.....
$35 for reservations purchased up to 48 hours prior
$40 for reservations purchased the day before expiration
$45 for reservations purchased the same day before 1PM.
$450 for premier access all year
PrimeTimeTables, specializing in impossible reservations.
I cant tell you how many times i go to the store and forget what exactly im looking for (and im not that big on lists - no time). Ill buy bounty and forget to buy cream - ugh! ... and i so dont feel like leaving my apartment again to go back to the store. The "all out of" pad stream-lines this for you... love it!
"Have you ever wandered blindly at the grocery store, trying to remember what to buy? Stick this baby on your fridge and check off depleted items as you run out, then replenish with ease and certainty when next you shop.
Brilliant!!!!!
the "All out of" pad
$7.50
available at knockknock.biz
My friend Steph is an AVID mystery book fan. She took me to the cutest little book store in NYC. Need to find an out of print Agatha Christie book for your biggest mystery book fan? This is the place....
No doorman? No
problem! "Your Neighborhood Office" takes care of all your needs –
messenger, hold packages, mail, priority mail, Fedex, UPS, fax,
photocopy, notarize, have PO Boxea, and sell all the things you need to
function ..
Your Neighborhood Office
332 Bleecker St.
212 989 8303
I am obsessed with this. i Wish i had a chic chalet in Aspen so i could luxuriate in this!!!
Click for more info and price:
www.bless-service.de/nr_28/nr_28_02.html
The best and chicest Italian restaurant in NYC is Il Cantinori (natch!)
If you visit NYC or live here splurge and dine with the media elite, celebrities, and fashionistas in a truly relaxed and beautiful atmosphere.
Best appetizer: Grilled Calamari
Best Entree: Veal Scallopini
Ask for Domenico to be your server, he is THE BEST!
Il Cantinori
32 East 10th Street
NYC
212.673.6044
www.opentable.com for reservations
Ive always been a fan of out and out.com
many thanks for the great press today, so sweet and chic!
click on the picture below (click on "Fashion Advice") to enlarge and view!!
People have asked for more restaurants - i love to dine out so im happy to bring it on.....
The best French restaurant in NYC hands down is Raouls. Super understated and chic (ask to sit in the enclosed garden in the back). Raouls is great for groups or a romantic date. After youre nice, relaxed and loose from your meal (and wine) go upstairs and get your cards read by their tarot card reader. Raouls is expensive, but worth it.
Best appetizer: Frisee Salad
Best entree: Steak Au Poivre (this is what they are most famous for)
Best red wine on the menu: Flowers pinot noir, of course
Raoul$ (love anything that ends in a dollar sign!)
180 Prince Street (between Sullivan & Thompson)
212-966-3518
I am always buying gifts and forget to buy the card, so annoying! this is a brilliant idea:
"Cardstock: every card you need this year. Box of 40 offset cards and 42 envelopes. 100% post consumer paper."
Inludes:
6 birthday
2 congratulations
2 valentines
6 thank you
2 mothers day
2 fathers day
2 sympathy
2 anniversary
4 blank
2 get well
6 holiday
4 new year
$60
click here to purchase
If you are bi-coastal your chic best friend is too, right?
Goyard is now carefully branching out into the high-end pooch market. These dog bowls bear the Goyard Saint Honoré motif in coated canvas, and are perfect for a weekend jaunt.
Goyard Pet Traveling Bowl
prices vary based on monongramming, etc.
For more information: www.goyard.fr
also available at select Barneys stores, www.barneys.com
Getting a big bonus this year? I hope so....
I need this, so chic!
The Marquis Jet Card - NetJets 25 hours at a time. Choose from 10 different aircraft types and enjoy exclusive access to NetJets fleet of over 650 aircraft. Guaranteed availability 24x7x365. No long-term commitment. Highest standards of safety, security and personal service. Nothing can have a greater impact on your life than flying privately.
Call to inquire: 866.538.6992
Even if you dont like musicals you will LOVE Grey Gardens (just as good as the documentary!)
Prices vary (Stubhub has great seats - we were 2nd row center!)
AMAZING!!!
Looking for the best people to frame your most important pictures/art?
expensive and worth it....
NYC:
Chelsea Frames
http://chelseaframes.com/page/nvy7/Home_Page.html
197 9th Avenue @22nd
212.807.8957
LA:
The Jerry Solomon Group
960 North La Brea Avenue
323.851.7241
Everyone should know about this (and i think everybody does, right?)
I live above whole foods in NYC and everyone is always so jealous. My response is always "i dont really go there - i use fresh direct" - people look at me after this like i have 3 heads. Um, hello - i dont want organic toilet paper or "all natural" ginger ale. Derrrrr.......
Fresh Direct is still the best (they even make caviar spreads for when youre entertaining friends - love it!)
www.freshdirect.com
Miss New York? Love New York? Going to New York?
These matches are great:
"rarely does an artist capture the mood and soul of an entire city – and in a matchbook, no less.
tobias wong’s new york city story matchbook contains a reproduction of the new york city skyline in cardboard. there’s only two matches – but light them and see how much this matchbook city changes. bonus points for figuring out which buildings the matches represent.
comes mounted in a display case."
New York City story matchbook by tobias wong for conduit
$25
available at www.unicahome.com
I used to do the whole brunch scene.... pastis, balthazar, etc.
LOVE ditch plains, so chic!
Best appetizer: Baked clams with Chorizo
Best entree: Scrambled eggs w/ bacon and cheddar
Best drink: Spicey bloody mary - yum!
all the drinks are 1/2 bottles or full bottles (if you order wine you have to order a half bottle, etc.)
Bloody Mary's are INSANELY spicey - in a good way....
Enjoy
:)
Ditch Plains
20 Bedford Street (at Downing)
212.633.0202
http://www.ditch-plains.com/
Need hard-to-find or sold-out tickets? need the best seat in the house (always) in any city for any show? The answer to that is always "yes".
expensive but worth it. Vital!
When i eat mexican food i dont want it to be fancy or taken seriously. This is one of the things i miss about LA - nothing beats the mexican food there!!! Arriba Arriba reminds me so much of Marix in LA - my favorite restaurant in LA for fun times!
Nothing beats their eclectic crowd, festive vibe (Dj spins every night,) killer margaritas (especially the frozen ones) and GREAT food. Whenever i feel like hitting the town (but am missing LA) i head to Arriba Arriba!
good times...
Arriba Arriba
762 9th Avenue (@51st street)
NYC NY
212-489-0810
http://arribarriba.com/
For those of that know me you know that i have been a little, well, stressed.....
My friend Barry turned me on to acupuncture and i really love it, and Shane is the BEST - trust me (and Barry!)
Thanks, Barry!
Shane Hoffman
Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs
1841 Broadway # 509 (columbus circle)
NY NY 10023
by appointment
212-489-5038
Around $95 per session after initial visit
LOVE Anthony for alerting me to this..... a must and a great gift for new yorkers....
" Cd with 20 ways to calm down your noisy neighbours. A loud orgasm, a crying baby are just some examples. Very nice!
Comes with ear plugs!"
REVENGE!
$12 euro
available http://www.poaa.nl/revenge-p-409.html
I thought long and hard about getting a tattoo. I'm so glad that i waited and love the little black bumble bee i got. It's all about going to a clean and extremely sterile environment. It's also, obviously, about finding the best artist. I was so excited when they put the temporary tattoo on me and now am even more excited about the permanent one. The best tattoo parlor in NYC is Bowery Tattoo, and Lalo does a great job!
Bowery Tattoo
334 Bowery
New York, NY 10002
212.253.7899
Ask for Lalo
Tattoos starting from $50
A lot of people have asked me to post restaurants on this site. Im going to start posting best of NYC & LA restaurants every now and then.
For now, my favorite restaurant in NYC is DEFINATELY Gusto. Love it there!
The scene is uber chic, and the owners couldnt be nicer. Once you start to become a regular youll be feeling like family, too.
Best on the menu:
Best Cocktail - Prosecco Classico (AMAZING drink!)
Best Appetizer for the table - Meatballs
Best Appetizer for yourself - Grilled Octopus
Best Pasta - Spaghetti bolognese (not on the menu)
Best Entree - Dover Sole (filet)
Love Gusto - always good times there...
Gusto Ristorante e Bar Americano
60 Greenwich Avenue (@ Perry Street)
NYC
212.924.8000
you can also make reservartions at www.opentable.com for this restaurant
PS: For a more intimate dinner at Gusto you can reserve the wine cellar room - perfect for a dinner party of 14, so fun!
When i lived in NYC i knew many a glam fashion editor who didnt have time to put mascara on every morning, and got their eyelashes tinted about once every 3 weeks.
When i moved to LA I quickly found that it wasnt just for the girls. I remember my friend Candace saying "nothing is sexier than a guy who has long lashes - every hot guy in LA is doing it," - and i couldnt agree more.... :)
Best eyelash tinting for men and women in NYC and LA:
NYC:
Ashley
John Barrett Salon, $65
754 Fifth Avenue (@ Bergdorf Goodman)
212.872.2700
LA:
Tonya (she does great brows, too). $45
L.A. Vie Lorange
638 1/2 N. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood
310.289.2501.
Sometimes (if i havent planned ahead for a car) it seems impossible to get around NYC. Many times i feel like i cant find a taxi, my destination is way too far to walk and i have NO idea how to GET to my destination by subway.... until now!
HopStop may be old for some, but it's new for me. Just like getting directions from mapquest you type in your start and end address and it tells you the fastest way to get to your destination via subway. I love a good back-up plan :)
I have had this blog for how long now? hmmmmm.... i think around 4-5 months??? As i said before, i used to fly to LA for haircuts. And, when im in LA I still JUMP on the chance for a cut from Sue.
I havent posted my favorite haircut in NYC, as you can probably tell, because i wasnt thrilled with anyone (AT ALL!!!). I tried them all - some "chic" place in the meatpacking district (horrible,) then i tried Sally Hershberger downtown (nightmare) and then Bumble & Bumble downtown (aka horrifying.com) -- hate hate hated them all!!! I just found the BEST hairdresser (he ONLY cuts mens hair, though)
Ill never go to another hairdresser again (except, of course, for you, Sue!) xoxxo
Thank you Dan & Billy for the tip :)
Paul Labrecque Salon, haircut by Martial
$125
171 East 65th Street, NYC
(212) 595-0099
(PS: they also do the BEST air-brush tan in New York City - trust me on this)
Both of these services are SO GOOD i almost didnt post!! (aka, one of my exclusives!)
Enjoy!
Sometimes i just need a 3 day weekend from the cold weather and need to get out of the city. South Beach has always been a favorite of mine - an easy flight, a beautiful beach, and great restaurants. But i have generally been really disappointed with the cheezy South Beach crowd, and also have always walked away from my vacation furious about how loud my hotel room was. Could the walls be ANY thinner in every hotel room in South Beach?? and, why is the bachelor party ALWAYS next door to my room? My quick fix to all of this came this past May when i went to my friend Natasha's wedding on Fisher Island and thought i'd try out the Setai. I had drinks there before and couldnt believe how un-cheeze-like the crowd was and how beautiful the hotel in general was. When i stayed there i couldnt get over the amazing rooms, attention to detail, and, most importantly had the BEST night sleep i have had in South Beach - EVER!!! The hotel is expensive, but at the Setai i know i can rest easy and be chic while doing so :) I'm even considering joining "the Setai Club" (the fancy way of saying a "time share") there!
Rooms start at $800 per night
www.setai.com
I feel like i love charities for 2 important reasons:
1) It's important to give to something you believe in
2) It's equally important when searching for your mate that they believe in those things, too, right?
My friend Ezra and I REALLY worked the charity circuit this past summer in the Hamptons. We had the best summer ever! - amazing parties and we were giving back
I remember turning to Ezra after a Gods love we deliver
event (great charity) and saying "their has to be a way that we can
find out about all of the charity events we want to go to," - well,
Ezra, i found it!!!
www.charitynavigator.org
I know, I know - everyone is obsessed with shoe service plus, but,
honestly i am so not. While i like that its clean, contained, and
provides friendly service, i have never been totally thrilled with the
job they have done. Don't get me wrong - i like shoe service plus, but
in my opinion i'm going to vote them as a runner up to Artys.
Artys shoe repair is amazing. I love buying shoes at Jeffrey, New York. I remember about 5 years ago looking at Jeffrey (with about 4 pairs of shoes i was about to purchase in my hand) and i said, "where do you think the best shoe service place is?" - he looked at me without batting a lash (and didnt care if i lived in the neighborhood or not,) "Artys - its the only place we send our shoes for maintenance. I wouldn't go anywhere else".
Ask anyone who has used them - they are the best. They are no frills, but the best. And now Ill never go anywhere else. Thanks, Jeffrey! - i've remembered this tip for all of these years!
Arty's Shoe Service,
243 8th Avenue (22 & 23 - South side of the street)
212-255-1451
Lots of my friends prefer white wine over red. I do, too, on many occasions. Nothing is worse than the side effects of red wine: namely blue-looking teeth and crusty lips (yuck!) -- lets also not forget about potential spills and stains - especially on white couches! The problem with white wine, though, is what will your guests prefer? Chardonnay, Sancere, Pinot Grigio? So many options......
I have found that my guests can always agree on one wine that they love universally: Pouilly-Fuisse. Its absolutely delicious and is diverse enough to please any white wine lover. It's the only white wine i drink......
Enjoy your wine (stainless!)
Louis Jadot, Pouilly-Fuisse, 2005
$19.95 per bottle
$239.40 per case
available at www.sherry-lehmann.com
I'm not big in to sweets or birthday cakes. It's not for weight reasons, i'm just not a big fan..... until now!
I love Sant Ambroeus and i LOVE Goyard!!!!
This is super special, and super chic :)
Very New York, so fun!
Delicious!
Goyard Couture Cake
$500
www.santambroeus.com
I love love LOVE these winter boots soooooo much i am dying!
And I love my friends Katja and Richard at Hugo Boss for endlessly
searching the world for me so i could have them (now i have them in 2
colors!) - these are INSANELY beautiful and SUPER comfy. I just cant
wait for it to get cold out to bust these out!!
Initially i wasnt going to post these because they are so hard to find, but i hear they are available at some of the Hugo Boss outlets. Even if they are not, you are always sure to find something at Hugo Boss :)
Thanks, Katja and Richard! I'm in love!
Hugo Boss Men's Mukluk Boots,
around $200 (outlets only)
www.hugoboss.com
For YEARS i have been looking for the most relaxing resort in the
caribbean. I want some place private. I want a place that would be
good-enough for an A-list celebrity. I want to be surrounded by the
best of the best. I want an amazing spa. I want modern rooms. I want
great food. I want to be so relaxed that 5 days feels like 10. Well, I
found it...... (thank you, Harlan!)
If i were you, i would book this hotel NOW for the winter to guarantee availability.
Direct flights from JFK on American (or your private jet) :)
rates starting at $680 per night
www.parrotcay.com
PS: The picture was taken from me on my last visit to Parrot Cay - it really looks like it could be lifted from a brochure, doesnt it? SO CHIC THERE!!!!
Love this SO MUCH!!!! :) :) :) :)
"Shame On You Kit from Herbal Essentials for the days when you can’t make it home. Includes toothbrush and toothpaste, a 1 size fits all thong, 3 condoms, phone card, packet of pain reliever and a “leave behind note” with envelope. Packaged in zip pouch.
6in X 5.75in (closed)"
SOOOO trashy chic! :)
$26
available at http://www.flight001.com
click on title above (shame on you!!!!) above to purchase. This is so smart and oh so VITAL!
My friend Steph knows that I like champagne, but that I LOVE
Prosecco. It reminds me of being in Europe in the summer - their is
just something that feels lighter, crisper, and chicer about Prosecco
(maybe it's because i secretly wish i was Italian?)
I have been searching for the perfect Prosecco all summer and, now that summer has come to an end, of course i have found it. I'm going to pretend it's summer for just a couple more months..... :)
Bisol Prosecco "Cartizze", 2004
$42.99 per bottle
$400 per case
available at www.madwine.com
Ive always dreamed of having the closet space i had in LA in New York. Now i can. This is expensive but amazing.
Based in New York City, Garde Robe is a full-service wardrobe storage facility providing first-class storage for your clothes.
Each stored item is accompanied by a photo and detailed description as well as being placed with similar items in one of 18 categories (Black Tie, Evening Wear, Leather, Outerwear, Pants, Skirt Suits, etc.)
One "rack" includes 50 garments. Additionally, you get one large breathable canvas box (15"x19"x7") which may be used for accessories and ten shoe boxes as a bonus. The process includes:
- Pick up and delivery of your wardrobe or individual items as needed on demand
- Photographing, cataloguing and storage of wardrobe at the Garde Robe Loft
- Personal cyber closet and leather bound wardrobe portfolio of your items
-
Garde Robe will arrange for professional cleaning through one of
Manhattan's premier dry cleaners, repairs and alterations, as needed,
to your stored items
- 24/7 access to your Garde Robe Closet
Just call them or email them with any item you want from your closet and they bring it (or them) right over in a flash!
$350.00 per month.
for more info go to www.garderobeonline.com - they even have an option JUST for shoes!
One of my most vital and amazing tips! thanks, Lisa (& Manny)!
I know its a little early for some for Pinot Noir, but i had the BEST
Pinot the other night at the Four Seasons with my friend Vanessa. I'm
ordering a case today.... SO GOOD!
Flowers, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 2004
$45.95 per bottle, $551.40 per case
available at www.sherry-lehmann.com
I tend do go for facials at my dermatologists office now (laser
facials, etc.) -- but when i feel like going to a spa their are only
really 2 spa's i would ever go to for facials:
New York:
Acqua Beauty Bar
7 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
212-620-4329
http://www.acquabeautybar.com/
Actifirm facial, $195
While Acqua Beauty Bar might not be as slick as the mandarin oriental in appearances, they hands down give the best facials. All of the facialists have been trained by Sonya Dakar (and they only use Dakar products) - i always come out of Acqua absolutely glowing. They also give a great mani/pedi. No changing rooms there (just a fair warning).
Runner up: Cornelia Spa, Midtown
LA:
Kinara, West Hollywood
656 North Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-657-9188
www.kinaraspa.com
Red carpet facial, $150
Whenever i want to feel like im stepping out on to a red carpet in LA I head to Kinara for their signature red carpet facial. Your skin is promised to glow with absolutely no signs of a facial: no blotchiness, no redness. Just clean, beautiful, glowing skin.
Sonya Dakar does have a spa in LA and, while i love her products, i wouldnt recommend necessarily getting a facial there (LOTS of product pushing).
Runner up: I hear GREAT things about the Dermalogica Spa in LA for facials, too (all from people i HIGHLY trust) -- trying it out labor day weekend. Keep you posted....
Enjoy.....
:)
I am a really big fan of destination weddings. Nothing is better than
hopping on a plane and traveling to a chic destination for a fabulous
wedding, weekend of fun, and a feeling of your own honeymoon (even if
you are by yourself). My friends Karen & Chris turned me on to
destination weddings because their wedding was so insane. After going to their wedding, it really is hard to look forward to another.
The perfect resort for a destination wedding is where Karen & Chris's was - the Maroma Hotel in the Maya Riviera in Mexico. The beach was BEAUTIFUL (and has won many awards,) and the flight couldnt be easier from NYC or LA. Just fly directly in to Cancun and its about 45 minutes away (and close to Playa Del Carmen - so chic!)
Boy, was that wedding amazing! No wonder it feels like Chris & Karen are still on their honeymoon years later!
Direct flights from NYC on Continental, www.continental.com
Direct flights from LA on Mexicana Airlines, www.expedia.com
I feel like no one has dinner parties in New York because no one knows
how to cook, not just because of lack of space in apartments.
mychefdirect.com is brilliant because it takes the guessing and legwork out of throwing the perfect dinner party (they do everything for you, including serve), and their rates are extremely reasonable. I'll never have a pit in my stomach again about throwing a dinner party.
prices vary
www.mychefdirect.com
I always get frustrated when i burn a friends CD on to my G5 and the
names of the songs dont pop up on to itunes. It's so annoying (even
with the advanced methods). My friend Heather just told me about a
great site that takes care of all of this for you - Musicbrainz.org.
This site is great. I just downloaded the software and it automatically
updated my ipod - so now instead of saying "track 08" on my playlist it
says "i love new york" by madonna.
AMAZING tip, Heather. Thanks!!
free at www.musicbrainz.org
Having a clean, beautiful couch is absolutely vital!!!
When i bought my new couch i wouldnt let ANYONE sit on it for months. I didnt even sit on it i was so worried about the white getting dirty. I would say things like:
"only white spirits on this couch! - white wine, water, or vodka soda!"
or "no jeans - they will run on the white!"
I have since been a little more lax. Recently, though, i totally destroyed my friend Helen's suede couch with a pair of runny jeans. I couldnt believe it after all MY worry (i should be equally worried about other peoples couches - and i should know better with dark denim).
So, I called B&B Italia (who would, naturally, have the best cleaning service) - i saw Helen's couch tonight while having cocktails at her place and, well, it's now a new sofa!
Nice couch, Helen! (and sorry!)
xo
AAA CleanTech of New York City
212-619-7600
cleans start at about $175 (you should clean your couch once every 6 months if you love it)
Nothing is better than getting a great massage at home or in-room,
especially right after long flights or travel when you just want to
roll in to bed right after. I have had lots of great massages, but
these two are definately the best massage therapists in my opinion by
far.
NY:
Chris Votsis, Massage Therapist
$185 p/hr
917-470-4704
www.massagemanhattan.com
LA:
Nate Geare, Massage Therapist
$160 for 90 minutes (includes valet)
619-395-6592
No web site
I wasnt going to post this, assuming everyone knew about it, but i am always surprised at how many people DONT
use opentable. It's one of my most favorite, and most vital, resources.
I hate talking on the phone. I love being able to book reservations
online at some of the best restaurants in NYC & LA (a la Il
Cantinori, Gusto, Sushi Roku). I also love that i have a stored
profile: "must have corner table". I also love that i just got a $100
check for using the site so much. If you dont use opentable, you should.
Establish your profile at www.opentable.com - it's free!
Why do i love busy business executives so much, do you ask?
Because they always find the BEST things to simplify their life.
My great friend Serena introduced me to Groove Gurus today and i am completely obsessed. Groove Gurus was founded literallty by gurus in the music business. The team is comprised of dj's, music managers, former label professionals etc. How it works is simple: you identify what types of music you would like for certain aspects of your life (dinner parties, happy hour at-my-place, getting ready to go out, etc.) and Groove Gurus creates various playlists that match your lifestyle. They even pick up your ipod and have it back to you the next day - fully loaded!
3 hours of music runs at approx $300 and this is available in NY & LA
So now, whether im going to Bali on vacation or throwing a party at my place, ill always have just the right selection of music.
Thanks, Serena, for the chic tip!
I was talking to my friend Emma last night at an engagement party. She
just moved to connecticut and told me about this amazing resource. I
dont know ANYONE who has ever been 100% comfortable with an upcoming
move. Did i hire a reputable service? Are their some things i should
hold on to and not put in boxes? All of these questions can be answered
and more on movingscam.com!
I, myself, have had one REALLY bad moving experience. Had i known about movingscam i feel like i could have potentially avoided a bad situtation.
GREAT tip, Emma!
NY: Rescue Nail Spa
Former
restaurant manager-and Manolo collector-Ji Baek was constantly
searching for the perfect pedicure. As a self-confessed germophobe, she
couldnt stand the lack of cleanliness at the corner nail place, while
at fancy spas, the mani-pedi seemed like an afterthought. So Baek
headed to beauty school, and in 1998 opened Rescue Nail Spa, a
style-conscious nail house offering spa-quality treatments coupled with
a hospital-grade attention to hygiene and sanitization (no razors or
blades). With services both quick (the signature manicure with Dr.
Hauschka's cuticle oil below) and indulgent (like the La Mer Pedicure),
everyone agrees they walk out with the best mani and/or pedi ever. The
Meatpacking district location has the most eclectic crowd and is the
most fun.
LA: L.A. Vie L'Orange
When
i moved to LA i couldnt believe how hard it was to find a good
mani/pedi. The nail salons were even more disgusting than the standard
corner nail salons in New York (how is this possible?). I couldnt
believe that people would stand for this. Then i was turned on to L.A.
Vie L'Orange and i never have gone to another salon in LA again. The
nail technicians are excellent (and have great stories,) the setting is
extremely chic and clean, and the chairs are so comfortable (think
first class vs. coach). I love L.A. Vie L'Orange - it really is one of
the things i most miss about LA.
NY:
Rescue Me Nail Spa,
prices vary
34 Gansevoort Street, 212-206-6409
No web site
LA:
L.A. Vie L'Orange, West Hollywood
prices vary
638 1/2 North Robertson Blvd., 310-289-2501
www.lavielorange.com
It seems like my friend Brent is always
introducing me to my-new-favorite-thing. After brunch this weekend he
took me to my new favorite store for a birthday gift. While i do find
it extremely hard to buy scent for people (and, as i have said before,
am not very in to scent in general) i was completely floored when Brent
took me in to this store. Not only is it beautiful, but all of the
scents smelled great. So, why do you ask, is this store full of
made-to-order scents so great for birthday gifts?
Made-to-order means that the essential oil concentrates in the perfume remain separate from the alcohol right up until the moment of purchase. Only then do their lab experts proceed to the final formulation of the perfume, then bottle and label it with the date of fabrication and the persons name on the bottle. LOVE THAT!!
Thanks, Brent!!!!
made to order perfume & cologne, starting at $85 (goes up to $40,000! - YIKES!)
Le Labo Grasse - New York
233 Elizabeth street NY NY
for more info, www.lelabofragrances.com
I recently just got the most beautiful flowers from my friend Kaia.
They were the most gorgeous arrangement i have gotten in years. When i
told him how beautiful they were he said:
"Oh, im so glad, -- i
asked for them to be modern and masculine, with a twist" - and boy, did
they deliver! -- my arrangement is similar to this one shown on their
web site. While i do have some favorite florists for specific
arrangements (Takahimaya, for example, is the ONLY florist i'll order
an orchid from -- and Michael George, of course, ONLY for white calla
lillies) - but this florist is SO amazing. And, you can order online,
too - LOVE THAT!!!
Thank you, Kaia! :)
Arrangement as shown, $125
available at www.flowersoftheworld.com
I lifted this picture from my
favorite blog (The Sartorialist.) When i saw these shorts in the
picture i literally RAN to the store to get them (LOVE the purple
lining!). When i arrived at the store I couldnt believe i had never
been there before. WOW!!! everything is amazing and i could have easily
purchased literally every single item in there. I so frequently dont
like new stores that pop up in the city. But, this store is seriously a
keeper. Special thanks to The Sartorialist! - check out his blog (it's
incredible!!)
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
Odin, 199 Lafayette Street
WOW!
I
havent tried this out yet but i am DEFINITELY going to ASAP. This is a
brilliant concept for people that dont have full-time cars in their
respective cities.
Zipcars live in your neighborhood! you can drive BMW's, VWs, SUV's and more. By the hour or day. Includes gas, insurance, and parking. Simply establish an account, receive your zipcard in the mail and youre ready to reserve online, walk a block and drive away! All you do is go to a designated reserved parking spot, walk to the car, then just hold your Zipcard to the windshield. The doors will unlock, and it's all yours!
Drive away... and return to the same reserved parking spot when youre done with the car. It's that simple. I love that gas, insurance and XM Satellite Radio are included, too.
The rates seem totally reasonable averaging at about $10 an hour to about $69 a day. LOVE how easy this is!
Available in Boston, NYC, Chapel Hill, DC, Toronto, and San Francisco. More cities coming soon. I'm definitely planning on joining Zipcar!!!
The ONLY place i will ever take my clothes to get tailored in NYC is
Dynasty tailors. It may not look like much on the outside, but just
walk inside, ask for Joseph, and youll see right away that he is a
genius. He took 5 inches in from a Gucci leather blazer i had years ago
and it felt custom made! Dynasty is GREAT!! I never worry about the
perfect fit with Dynasty in New York.
Dynasty Tailors
6 East 38th Street (5th & Madison)
(212) 679-1075
ask for Joseph
I really prefer in-home massages so i can literally roll in to bed
afterwards (more on that later,) but if i have to go to a day spa (or
if i feel like i want the full-on spa experience,) I have to say
nothing beats the mandarin oriental spa. I love everything about it -
and they think of everything from
the best hair products in the bathroom, to super powerful hair dryers
after you shower, to toothpaste and toothbrushes (disposable of course)
if you want to freshen up!
Going to a spa has never felt more chic!
http://www.mandarinoriental.com
massages starting at $275 (includes tip - pricey but worth every cent)
I know that tanning salons are so not PC - but, c'mon, lots of us go!
The best salons in NYC & LA are not disputable, in my opinion. They both are UVB-free, so you don't burn and you come out with a really healthy glow.
NYC (various locations - Greenwich Village is the best one though):
Portofino Sun Center, (212) 627-4775
LA (West Hollywood):
UVASUN, (323) 651-4540
Hands down the BEST cars, drivers, and most reliable on-time departures (and arrivals!)
1-800-427-DIVA
www.divalimo.com
I ALWAYS have had a problem with dry cleaners -- why is my shirt now shiny? why are my buttons now chipped? ARGHHHH!!!!
Never again!!
Cameo dry cleaners are expensive, but by far the best in the city - AND they pick-up and deliver anywhere in the city! I'm in love....
Just call and establish an account - it's SO easy!!!
Cameo Cleaners
212-677-3949
How do i know this? Don't ask such things!! just trust me on this - seriously!
NY:
Dr. David Colbert, NY Dermatology Group, 212-533-8888
www.nydermatologygroup.com
LA:
Dr. Garo Kassabian, Lift MD Aesthetics, Beverly Hills, 310-285-0400
www.liftmd.com
I have to say, i am EXTREMELY happy with my new derm. The offices are
BEAUTIFUL and i feel like my skin is shaping up nicely. It's the only
Doctor's office i am happy to go to.
Dr.David Colbert
(or Dr. John Adams)
New York Dermatology Group
119 fifth avenue, NYC
212-533-8888
