Hold My Hand
Now that it is really winter weather again, I had to go and buy another pair of gloves since I have already lost two gloves since November. Luckily I found a pair plus one at Anthropologie on sale for $19.95, which is such a great idea. Hopefully I won't lose more than one glove before April. If you live in Pittsburgh and missing a glove, then you probably know about One Cold Hand which is like a "Missed Connections" for glovers. [Groan if you want to]
How Deep Is Your Love
Save: For last minute shopping, check out Retail Me Not for coupon codes.
Vote: For your favorite rising New York comic on the ECNY Awards site.
Listen: Coverville's latest podcast is all Bee Gees with Feist doing a cover of "Inside and Out".
I Will Survive
Recommend: SimpleMicro is the BEST online store for laptop accessories. They have low prices on laptop batteries and ac power adapters. I ordered an ac adapter on Monday afternoon and got by 2PM on Tuesday.
Stepping In Her I.Miller Shoes
EAR: What?! There's a pair of earrings just for bloggers?? Yes, there is a Santa Claus. Najwa Moses has a new line of bold, colorful earrings made from 100% leather. Check her line, Salte, on her Stylaholics website.
FEET: Piperlime wants your shoes! If you see the big silver pump, you can donate gently-used shoes, which will then be given to Soles4Souls.
NOSE: I got a free sample of Stella McCartney's perfume, Stella, and it's nice!
Tourist Trap
Black Friday: Hold up! Wait a minute! I thought we African Americans had a whole month in February, and now this. Oh, I see... My bad. Black Friday is all about shopping and retailers are hoping to be" in the black". I have no cash to spend, but I will raise a black leather-gloved fist to anyone I pass by today waiting on line to spend their payday loan on a video game. Keep Hope Alive!
Kaput: Hipsters (and the like), stop wearing Kefiyyehs!
Fit But You Know It
Electric: Michael Mione's designs are truly glamorous! I went to the opening of his studio last night in Soho, and it was fun. There were models wearing Mione Designs dresses which are great for celebrations--weddings, parties, and red carpet. I even spotted Nole Marin from Elle and America's Next Top Model at the party.
Thunder: RKB gave me a copy of I Got Thunder: Black Women Songwriters On Their Craft. It's a collection of interviews that editor LaShonda Katrice Barnett did artists including Abbey Lincoln, Chaka Khan, Nona Hendryx and others. I just read about Abbey Lincoln, and now I want to hear some of her music. All of the women are fascinating!
Armor: Ok, I am so enamored of arm warmers. Maybe it's because they would seem work with short sleeved shirts that I love to wear, and then there's no need for a cardigan to keep me warm. However, there's a chance that a "rag doll" look may happen, but I'm willing to risk it for a pair of cashmere arm warmers at Uniqlo.
Gettin Wise
Suspension: I roamed about lower Manhattan looking for suspenders and I found them at Ted's Formal Wear. I will wear them with a long skirt I bought at the Salvation Army.
Surprise: Flipped through the latest issue of Essence and found a jewelry designer who stuff I adore. Check out Subversive Jewelry.
Schoenbrun: My friend Diana's plushies are on display at MF Gallery through December 23.
What Cool Breezes Do
What's cooking: The Professor (of WFMU fame) just launched two blogs, The Audio Kitchen and The Radio Kitchen.
What's keeping: Me. Check out my new header/logo on Keeping Nickels, designed by Shawn Hollenbach.
What's happening: My birthday is in exactly three weeks away. Whoa! This pretty necklace is what I will probably buy for myself. (via TechYum)
What's doing: Since I am not above asking, you can help me celebrate by coming to Chicks and Giggles on November 27 or donate to my beauty fund with a gift certificate to Sephora. Since reading Beauty Confidential, I need a ton of products to keep me looking young. [Black does crack...eventually]
Thriller
No, you didn't stumble over to the cupcake blog. I want to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and the beginning of the super-busy fall social season.
I sniffed Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir and I love it.
Non-sticky laptop: The Playboy blog is a great read.
Signature pieces: Jewelry from Lillot.
Battle: Poetry Vs Comedy is tonight. Halloween version.
Anniversary
Today is the fourth anniversary of Nichelle Newsletter. Read my first post.
I went to 10022-shoe at Saks this afternoon since I was in midtown for a meeting. It's the shoe department at Saks with its own zip code, however it doesn't even take up the whole floor. There were tons of pumps with red soles that I am afraid of even picking up. I can't wear the sky-high heels, so Christian Louboutin is not for me. In fact when I am an old lady, I will only wear Ferragamo flats. I saw them in the shoe department and I have fallen in love with their classic design. Grosgrain ribbon rules!
Be Easy
Potent Pumpkin: Modern Spirit Pumpkin Pie Vodka.
Treat: Treats Truck is having a Halloween party Saturday afternoon in DUMBO.
Twisted Pumpkin: If you join Fretzels', Fretzel of the Month Club, then you get pumpkin pie spice pretzels.
Green Sweets: Sprig interviewed Rob Wunder from Yummy Earth. Yummy Earth makes organic lollipops.
Baking: If you are in the mood to bake a pie or some cupcakes, head over to The Brooklyn Kitchen to pick up all the baking supplies and cooking utensils you need.
Rock This Town
State: Today, I stopped in the cutest little corner store, Blue Ribbon General Store. It is at the corner of State and Bond in Brooklyn, and sells old fashioned taffy, games, books and more. The store is great for gifts.
Start the slutty costumes early: Fashion Indie is hosting a Punk vs Rockabilly Halloween Party on Thursday. [Free admission before midnight]
Still Single: I love WNYC, really I do. However, I imagine that going to a singles event at the opera with people who religiously listen to WNYC could actually make my genetallia retract as fast as a politician at a press conference. [I know. I hang around comedians waaaay too much]
LES Artistes
Rock: The AfroPunk show is tonight at the Filmore (Irving Plaza). I so wish I could go, but my schedule is full.
Charm: Caught the afternoon session of Ladies Who Launch Live and met Ruth Mikos who make very cool jewelry and glass tiles. I especially like this necklace.
Pop: I went to the Pop Candy happy hour and talked to Whitney Matheson and I got some Flare gum.
Snap: Chicks and Giggles' Hell's Angels is tonight. I will be giving away cool stuff as this is the last show at Time Out New York Lounge in midtown!
I Am A Little Explosion
Reading: The Sensuous Woman by J.
Not Ikea: Scandinavian Grace in Williamsburg.
Kunta Who?: The Complete DVD Collection of the epic miniseries, Roots, is now available.
Conference Call: I am going to the New York Times Small Business Summit tomorrow, so I will not be wearing flip flops on Wednesday.
Running In The Family
Take 5: The Loser's Lounge is doing a tribute to The Jacksons (Rebbie, Latoya and Janet included) at Joe's Pub. Shows are October 11, 12 and 13. I have to go!
21 and holding: Ok, maybe I can shop at Forever 21.
2 cool: I will be on the Food Network this Saturday talking about snack cakes.
4 real: Seeing Naeem, Santi and Amanda doing the electric slide onstage at The Klaxons After Party last night.
8PM: Chicks and Giggles tonight at Mo Pitkins. Free!
A Little Respect
USA! USA! USA....Rachel is quoted in USA Today about cupcakes.
Number #1: The Budget Fashionista is tops in traffic for all fashion blogs.
Cheap: Housing Works (126 Crosby Street) is having an Open Air Book Fair on Saturday, September 29. Books, records, CDs are only $1.
BTW: I will be appearing on the Food Network special, "Heavyweights", on September 29. Check your local listings.
Lastly, it's like the Container Store for condoms: Devine Toys. Get one for the next time, Madonna!
The Remedy
Picture: Martha's photography website.
Party: I went to CrunchGear's anniversary party last night and it was fun.
Sell: For those who are fed up with eBay fees, sell your stuff on eCrater.
Donate: I am doing the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk on September 9. My Aunt Phyllis who used to take me to Shoney's when I was a kid, is living with breast cancer.
Master Blaster Jamming
Windy City Tease: Threadless is opening a store in Chi-Town. Grand Opening is September 14.
Second City Sex: The book party was over a month ago, but I just started reading, Sin In The Second City by Karen Abbott.
More Tail: I also read More Tales Of The City, and I loved it. The equation: Will and Grace + Melrose Place - LA + San Francisco + a ton of weed + a White girl who was passing for a Black model.
Fashion Swap: My next clothing swap is September 16.
Sans Culotte: I WANT this necklace! (via Josh Spear)
Teach: This fall, I want to teach a basic bookkeeping/personal finance class for creative people. Please let me know if you would be interested or know of a place where I can do it.
The Latest Fashion
Style: This past weekend I met Monif of Monif C. Plus Size Fashions. She's having a midsummer sale!
Secret: New York & Company is the best store because nobody in Manhattan shops there. [Snobs!]
Play: Remember Fashion Plates?! I may be dating myself, but I loved that toy. Well, FashMatch is the Web 2.0 version.
Fame
Bookmark: DollyMix is a Brtitish blog that really gets it.
Fame: How famous are you? I am 1% famous.
Pedal: If you love things with bicycles on them, then check out GirlsCanTell on Etsy.
Found Vintage: I love the necklaces made by Samantha Tate also on Etsy.
Lay Lady Lay
Bodacious Ta Tas: If you cup runneth over, then you may want to shop for bras at Bravissimo. (via Ariel Waldman who I had a cupcake with on Saturday while she was in town.)
Boink Boink: Check out Lux Nightmare's latest online project, Boinkology. It's all about sex.
Curve: For the girl who has plenty of them, then a shopping trip to Lee Lee's Valise may be in order. It's not for the skinny bitches, so only stop in if you are size 12 and up. (via Uffish)
Ice Cream Castles
Pretty: I stopped by a party at Te Casan, which has to be one of the prettiest shoe stores in the city.
Premature Visitation: Walked all the way down to new Tribeca bar Smith and Mills (71 N. Moore St), but it doesn't open until Friday.
Praline: I had the most delicious sccop of butterscotch praline ice cream at the new West Village cafe and gourmet pantry, Rue Bourbon ( 529 Hudson). They also have red velvet cupcakes, but at $3.50 a pop, they better be good...
Prepare: If you want to make your own ice cream, why not buy a fun ice cream maker like the Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball.
Do The Funky Chicken
I had an "Only In New York " experience Wednesday evening. I was walking south on Bleecker Street near Charles but not on the same of the street as the always-crowded Magnolia Bakery when a woman stopped to ask me where the Marc Jacobs store is located. First, I laughed. Second, I pointed across the street to where ONE of the Marc Jacobs' stores is on the corner.
She said, "I didn't recognize it."
"See, it has all those polaroids of people taking pictures with a chicken for Easter", I explained.
She looked puzzled as she walked across the street.
Meanwhile at the next block I walked into the other Marc Jacobs' where there was a blowout sale on random winter accessories like scarves, fingerless gloves and wellies. Luckily I found a colorful little beaded necklace for $11. I had a mini-fashion orgasm!
Auto Suggestion
IdealBite: It's like a Daily Candy for the eco-champions. They have a blog, too.
ThreadlessKids: Kids dressing like hipsters. Apple sauce stains look great on a T-shirt designed by a RISD graduate.
See Jack Shop: Guys, now you can save a little dough and look good. The Budget Fashionista has a spanking new site just for you.
Site Design: A cute little home interior store in Astoria (35-11 34th Avenue) that has cupcake dish cloths, cool retro rocking chairs, and awesome vintage glassware. [Full disclosure: Bookkeeping client]
Because Of Money
Every once in a while, I see something I like and put it on my This Next list. Currently, there's not a way to "monetize" this, but I like doing it anyway. There a few applications doing the image/shopping search thing (Wists, Snap, TheFind and Like), hopefully one will make it happen easily.
See more of my Nichelle's Picks list at ThisNext.
Blue Suede Shoes
Having too little money to do serious spring shopping, I found myself wandering through Payless looking for some cheap but cute shoes. I found patent "pleather" ballet flats in electric blue. I love the bright blue color, and at $12.99 these ballet flats are a great deal. However I recommend going up a size 'cause these bitches are vegan and they don't stretch.
Mellow Yellow
I stopped by Etsy labs last night and bought this beautiful necklace from Gemmafactix. It is made from vintage beads with sterling silver chain. I also met wallet seller, Tiny Meat. They have cupcake wallets. Later I went to see a few bluegrass artists including In Mountains, In Stars perform at a loft apartment in Chinatown. Listening to the music was very relaxing. I also pulled out my crochet (a yellow aghan throw) and crocheted while the band played. The band leader said my crocheting was very soothing to him, as he played so it was a cool interactive music experience. Plus it was all-offline. Imagine that in Second Life?!
Ladies Home Auxiliary
I admire the crafty people from Etsy especially since I started back crocheting. Above, Tracy and Brooke have cute earrings available for sale. Also I love talented musicians like The Lascivious Biddies who are playing March 17 at BAM. Finally I love absolutely LOVE wrap dresses, and I may buy one in every color this spring.
I Confess
Here's a few of my favorite things:
Sometimes wearing two bold necklaces is much better than one. (See above picture)
The Knights of Prosperity is a hilarious sitcom! I watch it on ABC online.
FlyGirls, a fun stylish blog that I found on 55 Secret Street (Thanks, Nichelle)
Issy Salomon, a jewelry designer, has fantastic vintage-inspired necklaces. He has a space at Edge NY.
Hold Me
Happy MLK Day!
Last night's clothing swap was a big success. Lovely people donated clothes, found some new stuff, and donated to charity. There were four bags of clothes and a box of shoes left to give to the homeless shelters in New York City. Thanks to PJ and her friends for helping me gather up the clothes and taking them to the shelter.
Now with the new clothes, maybe I will buy a pair of shoes. I found lots of pretty shoes on Endless.com, a new shoe shopping site by Amazon.
By the way, the teddy bear pictured above was crafted by Diana Schoenbrun. She will be selling some of her crafts at the H & N Pre-Valentine's Party on February 11.
Give Me The Night
Gut: Last night I attended Karen Salmansohn's GUT Seminar at the Soho House. Buy her book, Gut, which is kinda like Gladwell's Blink but funny.
Guide: I created two cool lists on This Next: Nichelle's Picks and Cupcakes Take The Cake Shopping Guide.
Gather: Having an event? Use EventBrite! This site facilitates pre-paid events and reservations.
Free Your Mind
Earlier today, I stopped by the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Chelsea. I scoured the racks for anything good and I found a Company by Ellen Tracy skirt that was brand new. It still hadthe price tag on it which has a suggested retail price of $178. Retail price at the thrift store was a steal at $8.99. That is a serious effing markdown!
Then I stopped by The Gap and bought a $4.99 tank top and the salesperson was named Eloquent. I wonder if she is great at public speaking...
Hot Stuff
Listen: Tayari Jones recommends the latest by Brand New Heavies
Reduce: Make the world smarter by taking action at this informative blog, Reduce Idiocy.
Gloss: Cheap make-up by E.L.F
Thrift: Wednesday is Family Day at my local Salvation Army Thrift Store. All clothes except "pink tags" are %50 off. I bought two wool sweaters and a skirt for $5 total.
Battle: Next Thursday is Poetry Vs Comedy.
The Choice Is Yours
Dance: Brazilian Girls' latest CD "Talk to La Bomb" is out now. They are having a release party this Thursday at the Spiegeltent.
Read: Vertigo by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. It's a thriller with sexy bits.
Save: I went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store on 125th Street today and bought 3 long-sleeve tops for $5 total.
Idolize: Adira is going to have a Friday night residency at the PIT in October. "Adira Amram is an American Idol" will entertain you with hot jams for teens and sultry white girl soul singing.
Remember: Old Skool hip hop duo Black Sheep played last night at Mo Pitkins. Call it a comeback or not; the choice is yours.
Our Lips Are Sealed
plastic fingers
Originally uploaded by emilirobot.
I stopped by Missha in Soho today, and I love it! If you like Sephora but are not "married" to brand names then you will like this cosmetics and body care shop. Many products are $4.99.
Here's another frugal tip:
For brunch, buy a bottle of champagne from Astor Wines. The location has a big selection of champagnes, and a buddy of mine bought a cheap bottle of delicious peach champagne. [Bellinis, anyone?]
Yellow
Yellow Wedges
Originally uploaded by candiedyams.
I want the yellow ones.
Lianne has the black ones.
We believe in interracial relationships with our shoes.
Monday, Monday
Kerria close
Originally uploaded by aquajo.
I looked for a picture tagged "Monday" on Flickr and found this lovely one of a flower.
Fresh has a new fragrance called Cannabis Santal. Spark it up!
Matthew Sweet and Susannah Hoff's Sid N Susie will be my soundtrack this spring.
Diamonds and Pearls
Überkitch
Originally uploaded by marie-ll.
Yesterday I found this wonderful jewelry store on Mott Street in SoHo called Pearl Daddy. It's all freshwater pearl jewelry. I love all the strands of pearls and the earrings. I talked to the owner and told her I would be back to do some serious shopping. [BTW, the picture about is not from the store, but it's a cute one,huh?!]
The Walk
A PSA from me...
Spring's here and people tend to get a bit frisky with the more sunlight and warmer weather. Hooking up on a school night can be fun; that's totally cool. However, it can been in pain in the ass (no pun intended) clothing-wise the next day. Women cannot wear the same outfit to work two days in a row. This is especially a problem if you see the same people 5 days/week. "Walk of Shame" Shopping is the only solution. Jessi Klein's piece in Paper is spot on, and I have a few more recommendations.
- If you hook-up downtown, you best bet is to go to Century 21 (22 Cortlandt Street). It opens at the crack of dawn at 7:45 AM, Monday Through Friday.
- Most Gaps/Old Navys open at 10AM, except for the ones near Times Square which may open at 9AM.
- K-Mart on Astor Place (yes it may come to this) opens early. I think as early as 8AM, but I have to confirm.
- Canal St is a no go because all you will find of knock-off of Balenciaga bags and I LOVE NY hats, which would be good only if your "walk of shame" morning coincides with Halloween and you could say that you are in costume as a tourist.
- Here a proactive option: If after a few drinks during happy hour, you are 99.9% that you going home with the musician/writer/vegan that you are talking to, stop by the American Apparel
store on the Lower East Side (183 East Houston St) which stays open to 10PM on weeknights. A Henley Dress $36 and one of the acrobatic Melange scarfs $15 would only set you back $51.Besides, he's gonna pay for the taxi to Astoria or East Bushwick right?
ADDENDUM: For the trashy-chic trendy fashionistas, there's Strawberry. The one near Grand Central opens at 8AM.
PPS: Thanks to The Company Bitch, the conversation continues and here's a tip from one commenter...Gap on 6th Ave around 46th Street opens at 8 AM., and I've heard that the JCrew in the Amex building downtown opens around 7 AM.
Around The World In A Day
Giving Gridskipper a run for its money, new website/blog iTraveliShop just launched. Edited by my old friend Christina Valhouli and founded by a bloke named John Vipond, this site features the best in travel and shopping.
Each week iTravel iShop features global shopping destination guides, where we break down each city in terms of the best shopping streets, the top shops in the city, the best malls and markets, and what to buy, as well as stylish restaurants and bars.
Back On Board
Consumerist, the latest blog offering from Gawker Media, has perfect timing. The last two weekends before Christmas are big shopping days, even bigger than Black Friday. Editor Joel Johnson comes back to the blogfamily after leaving GM to freelance. Previously he was busy editing Gizmodo. This means that Consumerist will definitely be the best the place to find the best deals on electronics, but Fashion Bug deals are NOT cool.
Shop Around
Shopping Parties! Argh!
Who is the genius that thought it would be a great idea to organize all these shopping parties? I have received invites to at least five of these "parties" in the past week. Drinking and shopping don't mix well. You need to clear-headed to decide that the studded leather cuff is NOT what Grandma wants for Christmas. Shopping parties promotes two vices of mine: spending too much money on clothes I don't need and drinking too much. Plus, many of these parties are located in bar and lounges that usually don't have the ugly lights on until the end of the night. I am all about celebrating the season the excessive shopping parties must cease.
White Rabbit
Holiday shopping with crowds, tourists, snobby retail workers can give anyone a headache. Why not seek an alternative and support local small businesses instead? Every Saturday and Sunday at White Rabbit on East Houston, there are a great group of retailers and emerging designers.
- Jaime Earl. This body and skincare line by Jaime Williams is fantasticly sweet and creamy. The lemon coconut shea butter is intoxicating.
- Bonbon Oiseau. Beautiful jewelry and sexy belt chains by artist Deborah Stein
- Art Ware NY. A mother-daughter business where Celine Beitchman and her mom employ vintage glass in their jewelry collection. They also have cute felt pins to accessorize your winter coat or hat.
- New York Couture. Cassie Kogler mixes downtown and vintage fashions in a stylish way.
Chocolate Factory
Last night, Girly and I visited Mariebelle on Broome Street. They have a fantastic selection of chocolates, caramels and other yummy confections. I bought a white chocolate bar with infused with strawberry. This place is perfect for the Chocolate lovers who are on your holiday shopping list.
Gimme Shelter
While walking dangerously near the Meatpacking District this afternoon, Brian and I spotted a new store/cafe. It's called Costantino (306 West 13th Street) and they sell home furnishings, exotic jewelry and clothing. Plus, it is also a cafe with salad and sandwiches on the menu. It looks like a cool place for lunch if you are in the area. Constantino is also available for readings and small events.
Shop Around
Emerge NYC is more than a store. Emerge NYC is a collective of the best clothing, jewelry and accessories designers in the city. Last night I attended a shopping night that was sponsored by Casa Naranja and Finlandia Vodka. It was great! There was some really fantastic necklaces and earrings that were very unique. I grabbed a few business cards, so check out these links.
Do You Believe In Magic?
sean john
Originally uploaded by candiedyams.
Last weekend, my sister was in town for a visit and to boost the city's economy by doing a little shopping. She went to the Sean John store near Bryant Park and bought this black leather belt with a shiny silver buckle. When I examined the crest on the buckle, I noticed at the bottom that the word "majestic" is misspelled. The word "magestic" is engraved. I even did a "define: magestic" in google and this I what I found: No definitions were found for magestic. Did the designers at Sean John ever think to use spell check?!
Diamonds and Pearls
suede boots and fishnets
Originally uploaded by candiedyams.
The black suede boots I got from my mom two years ago for Christmas. The fishnets I bought last week at CVS. They are L'eggs' "Diamond Net" and you can get a dollar off coupon from the Leggs.com site. Yay for fall and fishnets!
Strawberry Letter #23
Mint Tingle Trojans
Originally uploaded by candiedyams.
Yesterday I got a nice little card in the mail from Andrea. Andrea is the salesgirl/make-up artist at the Fresh store on Bleecker St. I have only met her once and spent about $100 in the store, so it was nice surprise to get a note from her asking me if I am enjoying the products I bought a month ago. This is an example of excellent customer service. I will definitely go back and buy more make-up and shea butter from that store.
Speaking of receiving cool stuff