The well-known fashion renting company received an avalanche of bad comments following a series of fulfilment and inventory problems experienced at the end of September. Management responded promptly with an adequate damage control strategy, a well-positioned media presence and checks written to angry customers. After a shorter than expected time the company returned to declare that the issues caused by the new system were solved, and that the company is “back to business” as usual. As a customer who had experienced more than once their lack of reliability prior to September 24th, I ask myself: are they going back to what they were, or to a business we can 100% count on?

Image credit: IStockphoto by Getty Images

One more reason to fall in love with fall is the long-awaited H&M designer collaboration. This year H&M has brought Pringle of Scotland, a “champion of British heritage” to their home of “fashion at the best prices” and the result is a practical yet sophisticated collection. From cosy jumpers to elegant sportswear and even some coordinate sweaters (argyle, anyone?) for you and your doggie, this collection can easily find place in everyone’s winter wardrobe. The materials used: cotton, recycled polyester and some wool, show H&M’s new commitment toward creating less harmful fashion.

I love the idea of spring cleaning. Back in Romania we frantically scrubbed every corner of the house, hauled heavy rugs outside to be aired, and spread generous amounts of lavender in closets and dresser drawers.

But I don’t remember throwing clothes away.

It’s true we had a more permanent relationship with our clothes, probably born out of necessity–communism has its share of problems, but consumerism isn’t one of them. Perhaps this is why the KonMari method never quite resonated for me. But for all you KonMari fans out there, take a moment to consider these seven facts before embarking on your next purging ceremony.

– Due to the popularity of Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, thrift shops and donation centers are having trouble keeping up. Treehugger reports that Goodwills in the D.C. area saw a sixty-
six percent increase over last year. Do you really want to add to their problem?

– Your well-intentioned donations may hurt the environment more than help it. Only 0.1 percent of the clothes we donate are recycled into new textile fibre. A large percentage of the rest end up in methane producing landfills or toxic gas emitting incinerators.

– Fashion trends have a way of coming back. Don’t throw your clothes away just because they are not trendy anymore. Remember, even fanny packs and mommy jeans have found their way back on the runway.

I get the appeal of Marie Kondo’s spark joy method. It’s simple to follow and validates our need for joy. But I’m inclined to take a less aggressive approach.

– I get the appeal of Marie Kondo’s spark joy method. It’s simple to follow and validates our need for joy. But I’m inclined to take a less aggressive approach. I assess my wardrobe at the beginning of each season. I hold on to pieces that fit my lifestyle and current trends, and I part with pieces that are damaged, that I’m not comfortable wearing, or no longer fit my body. The difference? I make sure I have the things I need, even if they don’t spark joy, so I avoid wasting more money. Also, I avoid feeling guilty about past spending.

– You’ve probably read stories about bloggers who make $29,000 selling their closet. I don’t know what they had in their closet, but recently a second-hand shop offered me less than fifteen percent of the market suggested retail price of some nearly new items.

– I don’t know about you, but an empty closet is just another excuse to go shopping. After that first dopamine rush caused by the newly organized closet I’d look to replace the things I got rid of.

If you want to save money, declutter your closet, and save the planet, shop with restraint. It might not be as easy as buying with impunity and purging, but it’s more cost-effective, less wasteful and better for the environment.

I am not going to lie, I love living on the Upper East Side. No, it’s not exactly sample sale heaven, but there are so many other benefits that make up for that. It’s not just the museums and the park that make me starry eyed, but also the meet-cutes that happen with Candice Bergen who stops to baby-talk your dog or Paul McCartney who is shopping ahead of you at Dean & DeLuca—both of which have happened to me. Fine, maybe this isn’t unique to the Upper East Side; celebrity run-ins happen citywide when the city is New York. And it’s understandable why so many celebs make their homes here… where else would they stumble across so many sample sales and consignment stores and thrift shops PACKED with underpriced gems all within any given three block span?

If you’re an avid TSC reader, you probably know by now that I myself have mixed feelings about secondhand apparel and shoes. Yes, I confess I am an only child and I’ve never liked sharing things. I didn’t borrow clothes from friends growing up and I can’t imagine wearing some stranger’s shoes. But the economic data doesn’t support my shopping preferences as the second hand apparel industry (offline and online) is an astounding $18 billion industry, and it is forecasted to reach $33 billion by 2021.

While I suspect most of the future growth will come from online consignment shops such as ThredUp and platforms like TheRealReal and Vestiaire Collective, I do hope Upper East Side second hand clothing stores still have a place in the future of fashion. Whether you’re motivated by investing in better quality you couldn’t afford otherwise or by environmental consciousness and sustainability, there are plenty of reasons to give second hand shopping a second look. Heck, even I did a double take that paid off.

On a recent visit to Margoth Consignment Shop at 218 East 81st Street, I was received with so much kindness in this cozy store, that I let my guard down and—gasp!—forgot about my preconceptions about second hand clothes. I don’t often establish relationships with sales people, but I feel in this kind of store, it’s not only a perk, it’s a must. My advice? If you can, get the inside scoop, make friends with the owner, ask her to let you know if something you want is brought into her store. This gives you an advantage you’d never get from any typical clothing store or sample sale.

Designer Revival at 324 East 81st Street is a much larger store with a good selection, pleasant décor, and a chic atmosphere to help support your retail therapy. Although I didn’t buy anything there, I’ve bookmarked their beautiful and functional website DesignerRevival.com and I will most certainly check it out from time to time.

If you want to minimize the traveling time and you want to hit as many consignment stores as possible, you can try Madison between 84th and 85th. For many years that block has been the location for Encore Consignment and BIS Designer Resale, but the imminent upcoming arrival of Michael’s puts it into a different category. Michael’s, the “family-owned mainstay known as a go-to for secondhand designer-label fashions & accessories” will be located on the North East corner of Madison and 84th.

I haven’t seen the financial statements of these stores, but I have a feeling nobody is getting really rich from doing this. Still, they’re sticking with them for the joy, the more personal retail experience, and the benefits for the environment and your wallet. These are challenging businesses, especially when you have to pay the Upper East Side rents. What they sell depends on the quality and quantity of products people give them to be sold. While some of them (Designer Resale, Michael’s) have new management with prior experience from the corporate world, social media savvy, and adaptability to adjust to the times, these are still tough times for most of them. If you love vintage and want to save the world (or just your money), give these small stores a chance. And when you are there and you stop by at Dean & DeLuca for a latte, don’t forget to look for Paul McCartney… you never know.

FIT’s Textile and Surface Design Department and New York Textile Month Present:
EcoSessions : Crafting Connections

Supporting creative communities requires consumers to recognize and covet the unique characteristics of craft. This panel conversation between Jennifer Gootman (West Elm), Abrima Erwyah (Studio One Eighty Nine) and Luna Lee (EILEEN FISHER) will address the role of brands in developing an appreciation for textiles and communicating the craft story to their customers so commerce can support artisan communities. Part of New York Textile Month.

RSVP Here

Schedule:
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00-8:00 – Panel discussion
8:00-8:30 – Wrap-up and networking

WHEN: September 27, 2017. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

WHERE: Fashion Institute of Technology
HAFT Theater
227 West 27th Street
New York, NY 10001

ADMISSION: Free

And there is new name in town you should know about.  Frances de Lourdes is a new brand of luxury tees and tanks in ultra soft, lightweight Italian cashmere and silks. The collection, designed and produced in New York City by 36-year-old Alejandra Echeverria, was born out of a desire for a refined classic tee,an elevated version of her favorite vintage staples – the perfect tee.

The collection, which is tightly edited in both color and silhouette, consists of eight (8) timeless luxury tees and tanks made from fine Italian cashmere and silks.

Image credit: Frances de Lourdes

Life can get messy sometimes. Really messy. That dream job you interviewed for may not have panned out, you may feel like you’re barely afloat where finances are concerned, your friendships could be in serious need of resuscitation, your family may be driving you berserk, and your relationship with your SO–once seemingly indestructible–could be falling apart at a rate faster than you can patch it up. Let’s all just let out a collective, heavy sigh for the ongoing disequilibrium life delivers on the regular.

The truth is that you won’t likely find a quick fix to some of the more difficult curveballs hurled your way. Ultimately, you’ve got to get right to the source of the matter and work it out like you would a knot in your back. That takes time, of course, but there are things you can do meanwhile that can actually improve your overall sense of happiness and inner serenity. And no, we’re not talking about a shopping spree or pedicure (which, OK, may temporarily placate you).

Tidying Up Your Space, Literally

Even if you’ve convinced yourself that you’re able to live amidst clutter — that you even thrive in the chaos — you’ll still benefit from cleaning up your space. And by space, we mean every physical area in which you spend any time at all. That includes your office cubicle, your car (should you own one), and, of course, your home.

Tiny NYC apartments are particularly susceptible to clutter, especially if you’ve got roommates and especially if you’re busy, which is likely the case. Think about the clutter in those spaces. Maybe it’s dog hair, cat hair, dirty dishes, disheveled laundry (both clean and dirty) piled on the floor and furniture, last week’s leftovers in the fridge collecting mold, mail you’ve been meaning to open for weeks, clogged shower drains, wet and musty towels, bedsheets that haven’t been washed in ages, spider guts smeared against the wall that you failed to clean up post-freakout, dresser drawers full of makeup or notes or junk… you get the picture. Doesn’t the thought of it all overwhelm you? Living in it may be affecting you more than you realize, even if you’ve only got a few of the aforementioned dirties to deal with.

Turns out, unkempt quarters and accumulating clutter can negatively impact you. The solution, then, it seems, is to remove it from your life. You may not be able to take full control over your career forecast or friendships at this point, but you can certainly take control of the tangible clutter you’re dealing with.

Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project” and “Happier at Home” — both instant New York Times bestsellers — says that even the smallest adjustments or actions can made a difference in your mood. For example, making the bed, reducing excess of anything (cups, vases, shirts, shoes, ketchup packets), and clearing even one shelf or organizing one drawer are all ways you can increase your overall happiness.

If you’re unsure of where to start, especially if you want to tidy your home from bathroom to entryway, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, is a good go-to. It’s another best selling book, this one by Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo. It “takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again.”

Purge Your Belongings, Lift the Weight

Don’t just stop at tidying, either. Purge, baby, purge. Even if you consider yourself a sentimentalist, a wee hoarder, a collector, just try to cast aside that, “What if I need it?” mentality and let go.

A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used or worn something in six months, and you don’t see yourself doing so in the next six months, toss it in the donate bin. It may be hard to part with items you’ve been sitting on (perhaps literally) for years, but getting rid of them can be incredibly satisfying in the end.

As a personal aside, I’ll tell you that whenever I’m going through a particularly difficult issue or major life change, which seems to come about once every couple of years, I’ll seriously purge. The process feels like an emotional cleansing of my soul, allowing me to start anew. I literally feel a weight lifted off of me. When my space is clean, when I’ve dropped off that bag at the local thrift store, and when I come back home and sit in a clean, less densely-decorated and stuffed room, I feel accomplished and, somehow, freer.

And a bonus you may not consider: There’s money to be made on those items collecting dust. Maybe it’s an old cell phone that’s worth a Benjamin or two, or it’s a pile of clothing you could send off to a website such as ThredUp, Tradesy, eBay or PoshMark, or maybe you could list an item or two on Craigslist or a selling app, such as OfferUp, Close5 or Gone.

Tell us — when’s the last time you purged your belongings? When’s the last time you dedicated an entire weekend to cleaning and purging and tidying?

By Wendy Rose Gould

Welcome to part two of our “walk in your favorite NYC characters’ footsteps” series, where we give you the deets on popular TV show hangouts. We think it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon — or even a day — and potentially makes for a great date idea. You’ll also score brownie points with out-of-towners coming to visit you, especially if they’re major fans of any of the shows below.

Sex and the City

It’s a no brainer to include this popular TV show. I mean, it probably gets at least partial credit for making people think of NYC as such a sexy and cosmopolitan place.

Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte were all over the big apple, but so many of their hot spots were in Manhattan itself. Now, there are plenty of guided tours you can sign up for that may be of interest. For example, On Location Tours does a great one that includes stops at over 40 locations, and we imagine it’d be a lot of fun to pal around with other SATC fans on a tour bus.

If you’re more of an individualist or prefer to set your own pace, a self-guided walking tour may be more your thang. We like this one by FreeToursByFoot, which does a nice job of highlighting some of those favorite SATC moments.

For example, you could start at the flagship Tiffany and Co. (727 Fifth Avenue, between 56th and 57th St.), where Trey re-proses to Charlotte. And speaking of nuptials, hop on over to the gorgeous NYC Public Library (Fifth Avenue and 42nd St.), which is where Mr. Big and Carrie planned to get hitched. You can also pay homage to Carrie via a little shoe shopping at none other than Manolo Blahnik (31 W 54th St, between 5th and 6th Avenues).

Seinfeld

So Seinfeld was technically filmed in California, but the show itself was set in New York City, which is where you can find a lot of the TV show’s famous landmarks.

The number one must-hit spot, of course, is Monk’s Cafe, where Elaine, Jerry, George and Kramer spent way too much of their time. The cafe itself isn’t real, but the exterior of Tom’s Restaurant (2880 Broadway) is the filmed facade.

A second contender for where the crew spends most of their time is at Jerry’s Apartment, located at 129 West 81st Street, Apartment 5A. The outside of the apartment was actually filmed in Los Angeles, but it’s still cool to go to the location. Elaine’s apartment is located near Central Park at 447 Central Park West.

Two additional places you can venture to that are completely real (unlike Monk’s), is Kramer’s H&H Bagels (1551 2nd Ave), where he went on strike, or you could nab one of his favorite hot dogs at Gray’s Papaya (2090 Broadway), which is called “Papaya King” in the series.

If hot dogs and bagels aren’t your thing (I mean, they’re so New York, but we won’t judge you), perhaps you could slurp up some soup at Mendy’s (61 E 34th St) . This post by HuffPo has some other places you can visit.

Friends

This list would be so remiss without Friends. Like SATC, there’s a guided tour you can take with On Location Tours, which makes everything super easy for you. Note that Friends was filmed in California, but many of the exterior shots were filmed in NYC to keep that Big Apple vibe.

For those who prefer to do a self-guided tour, we’ve got your back. We recommend started at Pulitzer Fountain in Central Park (Grand Army Plaza at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue), which you’ll recognize from the opening credits. While this wasn’t the actual shooting location, the California fountain it was shot in is a replica of the original.

We’re bummed to inform you that Central Perk, the coffee shop where Joey, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel spent a lot of time, isn’t real. They actually created a pop up shop, which closed in about a year’s time. Don’t fret, though. You can stop by the Solow Building (9 W 57th St #45), where Chandler worked, or hit up Lucille Lortel Theater (121 Christopher St), where Joey put on an off-Broadway performance.

Another cool spot to hit up is the Corner of Bedford and Grove, which is the apartment building where all six characters dwelled.

Stay tuned for part three of the series!

By Wendy Rose Gould

Hitting NYC and want to walk in the footsteps of your favorite TV characters? Or maybe you’re a resident looking for a new way to spend the afternoon? Why not!

Visiting the hallowed stomping grounds of well-known TV characters makes for an eventful day, a cool date idea, and would certainly earn you brownie points with anyone visiting from out of town.

Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a list of popular television shows based in NYC, with this post focusing specifically on Brooklyn. Now you can eat where those characters have eaten, sit where they’ve sat, drink from the same cups from which they’ve possible drank, and frolic in the same gardens or down the same sidewalks they’ve too traversed.

GIRLS

We have to start with Lena Dunham’s GIRLS, which as you probably know, airs on HBO. Unlike some shows (ahem), this TV series does film in NYC, and in Brooklyn, to be specific. There, Hannah, Jessa, Marnie and Shoshannah get into their daily mischief.

Fortunately, you can find a surplus of resources to help you walk in their footsteps. In fact, avid watchers of the TV show have gone so far as to Google Map the show’s filming locations, pinning notable destinations for other fans. We’ll direct you to DailyDot, which has this very map of must-hit destinations available to you.

You can also check out the Huffington Post’s “Visit GIRLS” guide, which tells you how to get to Marnie’s Lehmann Maupin Gallery, the Tom & Jerry’s 288 Bar, Magnolia Bakery and Ray’s Cafe Grumpy.

P.S. If you’re able, get yourself to a Bushwick party and dance the night away a la wild girl Jessa.

Another good link to check out is this one, from the Guardian, which gives you the deets of Bushwick’s Country Club, where you can grab a pizza, and Beacon’s closet, which features a giant mural of none other than Lena Dunham’s famous mug. Weird? OK. But probably worth a visit if you’re a big fan.

2 Broke Girls

Sassy Max, played by Kat Dennings, and sweet Caroline, played by Beth Behrs, “reside” in good old Brooklyn and work as waitresses at a dive-y Williamsburg Diner. The show was actually co-created by Sex and the City‘s executive producer, so it’s no surprise that it’s set in good old NYC.

There’s a bit of a controversy on whether or not 2 Broke Girls accurately portrays what it’s like to be broke in Brooklyn, and some even say it’s a portrayal of an outdated version of Brooklyn. But does it really matter? Well, maybe, but today we’re just giving you the info on where the show’s set.

The girls are all over Williamsburg, so that’s where you’ll want to head. From there, well, things get a little iffy. The show technically shoots in Los Angeles, but we recommend grabbing a cupcake at Brookyln Cupcake or Cupcake Land in honor of the girls’ cupcake endeavors. And, to maintain that 2 Broke Girls spirit, get yourself something yummy at Jimmy’s Diner or Shorty’s Diner, and feel free to lament about your lackluster bank account and woeful dating life while you’re chowing down on greasy grub.

Sex and the City

Yep, though SATC has a very “cosmo” vibe to it, parts of the show were shot in Brooklyn. For example, Miranda, after proposing to Steve, decides to move their growing family to the borough. She later upgrades to a house in Brooklyn with new love interest, Robert, after things get serious.

For the record, there are entire Sex and the City tours you can sign up for, but most of the destinations aren’t in Brooklyn. However, some popular SATC destinations include the following:

First, There’s Brooklyn Bridge — technically Lower East Side Manhattan — but we’re including it because it connects to Brooklyn. It’s also one of the cooler destinations in NYC, so you should go there anyway.

Also hit up Junior’s Restaurant, at 386 Flatbush, where Carrie and Big dined. And if you wanna get real deep into SATC fan-dome, check out King’s County Supreme Court at 360 Adams and Johnston Street, where Carrie and Big ventured to tie the knot. I mean, we could also suggest you get married there, yourself, but that may be taking things too far…

By Wendy Rose Gould

So you want to spend the day acting like a Parisian? Perhaps you’re a bit of a Francophile looking to sate your French tastes. Maybe you’re dying for a vacation, but a trip to Eiffel Tower is out of your budget. Or, even better yet, you’re trying to plan the perfect date night for a special someone or your gal pals. Whatever your mission, we’re here to help.

Before we even start listing destinations and restaurants and events, let’s first cover a bit of ground, here. Parisians are a breed all their own. Similar to New Yorkers in many ways, sure, but very different in their own regard. If you want to aim for authenticity, consider nailing the “Parisian look.”

According to Marie Claire author Susie Moore, who lived in France, “It is all about the timeless, well-cut, and classic look – snug jeans, tailored blazers, classic trench coat, cashmere sweaters and little black dresses. They obsess over fabric too—it has to feel expensive (even if it’s not)!”

Those little details — like the French silk scarf hand-me-down from grandma or the effortless chignon – make all the difference.

Finally, you’ve got to nail the attitude, too. This cheeky article at Garance Dore insists there are a few keys to being a proper Parisian. For starters, you’ve got to turn your nose up a little bit at tourists, even if you’re a tourist yourself. Blend, walk with confidence, and act like you belong. Also adopt a “woe is the world” stance, and make an effort to engage in healthy complaining about the state of things these days. It’s the Parisian way to bond.

Another must: frankness. Flattery only gets you so far, but the cold hard truth shall set you free. And finally, you mustn’t go without a glass of wine in your hand for any extended period of time. It’s preferred that, whilst sipping, you passionately converse about current hot topics. A Parisian is always well versed. Mix in a little bit of that complaining and you’ll have it nailed, for sure.

Food and Drink

Now that you’ve got the commandments down, it’s time to go along your merry way. We recommend these three restaurants to start, but of course New York has plenty more to offer. We chose these restaurants because they’re not over-the-top expensive, but still promise comforting Parisian cuisine and the authentic charm of a neighborhood bistro.

La Mangeoire

1008 Second Ave. at 53rd Street
New York New York
212-759-7086

La Mangeoire is noted for its cozy, romantic charm and authentic French rustic charm. Since its inception 35 years ago, the food has consistently been ranked high by restaurant-goers. For a real bargain and delicious dining experience, try the lunch or dinner Prix Fixe, $25 and $45 per person, respectively.

Demarchelier Restaurant

50 E. 86th Street
New York New York
212-249-6300

Opened in 1978, Demarchelier Restaurant is another go-to for New Yorkers looking for a genuine French experience. They now offer a completely organic menu, in addition to their regular menu, which also makes it popular among the environmentally conscious.

Maison-Kayser

Multiple Locations – New York City

We’re putting Maison-Kayser on this list for several reasons. First, it’s an “authentic artisanal French Boulangerie.” That means the baked goods, including perfected French bread, are made and baked on site all day long. Second, because there are numerous locations, this is an accessible one for many. Consider dropping in for just desert, or opt for the full blown meal. P.S. They also deliver.

La Sirene

558 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
212-925-3061

Finally, we must mention La Sirene. We’re particularly fond of their BYOB ($10 cork fee), and the menu is a delight. It’s “crafted to reflect the best of South France” and promises delectable bites thanks to in season, fresh ingredients.

Events and Destinations

Food out of the way, let’s discuss some other ways you can get your Parisian on in the Big Apple.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is a no brainer destination for both tourists and residents alike. To make it a truly French experience, swing by the French Impressionist exhibits and soak up the culture.

Jean-Claude Carrière Cine Salon

On Tuesdays through June and July, FIAF is hosting what they call a Cine Salon. “Catch some of the most subversive and surreal films of the past 50 years. In this series, works by leading directors—including Buñuel, Malle, and Godard—are united by one common thread: the imaginative French screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière.” Dates include Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 and July 7, 14, 21 & 28. Get more info on the website.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, takes place on July 12 this year. New York will host a street fair on 60^th street between Fifth and Lexington Avenues from noon to 5 p.m. “This year’s edition will include an even greater line-up of exciting events, with new activities including a champagne tasting in our beautiful Skyroom, free film screenings for kids and families, and talented performers making their Bastille Day debut on the main stage,” says the website. Get more info via the link.

By Wendy Rose Gould