New York Survival Guide

 I strolled into CVS this evening in search of Kleenex and stopped dead in my tracks en route to paper goods as my eyes caught hold of the hair care aisle. Shelf upon shelf of salon products stood gleaming under the fluorescent lights, premium brands (Bumble & bumble, Goldwell and Pureology, to name a few) luring the customer to bypass the rows of plain Jane brands (Neutrogena, Dove and Clairol, for example) in a battle of grooming beauty. I knew immediately that an expose for The Stylish City readers was in order.

Why not?
While it may seem convenient for drugstores to carry your favorite shampoo or conditioner – after all, who has time for a trek uptown for a conditioning mask when you’re between errands and, perhaps, first dates, downtown – it’s also illegal (to a degree). If you read the fine print on the back of those bottles of Paul Mitchell, it clearly states that they only guarantee the product if purchased in an authorized salon. Some even tell you to flat out avoid purchasing the product if it’s not coming from a verified. I asked my friend, a colorist who works for a well-known salon, about this, and she confirmed that most of those products that appear at drugstores are overstock from beauty supply outlets and are often expired, damaged or discontinued. She also pointed out that the chemical formulations in these products can change over time, and just like every other consumer product, be it aspirin or pomade, it has a shelf life – and an expiration date. You wouldn’t drink milk past its sell by date, would you? Think about it.

But it seems like a bargain! Isn’t it?
Let’s see. You want to buy a potentially expired – and potentially hazardous – shampoo or conditioner because of its brand name, and because it costs maybe a dollar less than the price a salon would charge. Would you also buy cigarettes (ew!) if they were printed with Louis Vuitton logos? I didn’t think so – and if you would, you can stop reading right here and now. Only fashionista wannabes buy for labels. Salons have relationships with representatives and distributors who work for these illustrious high end brands, thus guaranteeing their authenticity. A little bird also told me that some salons will offer product discounts for loyal customers. It never hurts to ask.

Now what?
The choice is yours, bargain babes. I have a high/low system incorporated into my life – there are some things I simply can’t budge on (such as Fekkai’s Glossing Cream conditioner, also known as perfection in a tube) and some that I’m flexible with (one clarifying shampoo is pretty much as good as the next no matter what the price – really). If you’re really tempted to try a high-end product but aren’t sure you’re willing to fork over $30 for shampoo you might only use once, ask for a sample from your salon, or check out places that carry travel-sized versions of these same products, such as Sephora or Ulta.

Piracy: so Napster and 1999. Duh.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

Although I touched on the poop laws and fines of our great big juicy red apple that most of us call home in last weeks article, I have a sneaking suspicion there are still lots of fellow New York pet owners who have well…decided to turn their head in the other direction when their four legged friend poops.  Out of sight out of mind right?…WRONG!

As a fellow dog parent (of 2 pooches I might add) I find it a tad bit, well, offensive that I am constantly having to dodge pooch piles as I wander from block to block all the while thinking “why is it that I can scoop the poop, yet others can’t?”  Yes, I admit it’s by no means the most pleasant event of my day, however I take pride in helping to keep my block (and my chic new stilettos), poop free and beautiful.

So my fellow dog friendly readers, I say we take action…if you happen to see someone who thinks they can “poop and dash” simply approach them and in a very friendly tone let them know their lack of responsibility stinks! (If you’re feeling generous you can even offer a bag!)

– Lindsey

As a fellow New York pet owner, I know just how incredibly important it is to keep your four legged friends calendar of events up to date and full. Whether your pooch is a shop-a-holic, or loves socializing with fellow canine’s, there is plenty of things to keep them happy. With that said, you might be scratching your head with new ideas that will keep their tails wagging!  Have no fear, below are some great options that cover all corners of this concrete island we live on.

Meetup.com is a wonderful social network that hosts groups for basically any breed in existence.   Or if you’re looking to mix it up a bit, you can join one of the “active dog” or “small dog” groups which is all encompassing to any dog.  Throughout the month they meet at parks all over the city, often in one of the great off leash parks, so your dog can get some great exercise with their new best friends. It is free to join most groups, you just have to contact the administrator and ask to join!

Looking to sniff out the dog world’s trendiest stores, bakeries and parks? Snifnycdogs.com has this incredibly detailed map of Manhattan, as well as the other boroughs that pin points all the top dog stores, bakeries, veterinarians and more.  This site also lists several of the Meetup group calendar dates, so you can be sure that you will not miss the next social event of the season!

-Lindsey