New York City

There are many facets to Selfridges “No Noise” initiative, some which go beyond the literal interpretation of silence. First, they’ve reintroduced the Silence Room that existed when the store opened in 1909. The Silence Room serves as a refuge for busy shoppers to find peace of mind and re-fuel before heading back out into the frenzy.

In addition to their silence room, Selfridge has planted “Headspace Pods” throughout the store that take listeners through a guided, 10 minute meditation. They’ve also invited the John Cage Orchestra into the store for a live performance and will host a Sunday series of talks by the Idler Academy through February.

If Silent Rooms, medidation, live classical music and weekly discussions weren’t enough, Selfridge’s restaurants will have special menus that utilize raw and organic ingredients and help diners “enjoy the pleasures of simple food”. Diners will also have access to nutrition clinics and can sample organic and bio-dynamic wines.

Cooler yet, though, is Selfridges “Quiet Shop,” which takes the concept of “No Noise” to a revolutionary new way of shopping. Their “Quiet Shop” showcases a thoughtful selection of minimalist apparel from the spring and summer 2013 runways. And, with permission from some of the world’s most recognizable labels (including Creme de la Mer, Levi’s and Beats by Dre), they’ve de-branded merchandise. That means no logos to persuade buyers — truly an innovative step toward reducing “noise.”

CLINIQUE
No Noise Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

LEVI’S
No Noise 501 straight-leg jeans

Could NYC Handle “No Noise”?

The hustle and bustle of a big city such as NYC is one that’s hard to escape. Even at 2 a.m. on Tuesday night there are boisterous crowds filling up the streets with sound. Not to mention the visual noise city dwellers have so quickly become accustomed to.

We pondered the question, “Could NYC handle no noise?” Some may argue that big city dwellers have become so accustomed to noise (in its many forms), that shopping in silence would not relax them at all. In fact, it may achieve the contrary.

Further, what kind of effect would de-branding have on NYC shoppers? Just how big of a role does an obvious logo play in our shopping habits? For some — and the red carpet question of “Who are you wearing?” demonstrates this — it’s all about wearing and supporting the hottest designers.

The most important question to ask yourself, though, is this: Would shoppers as a whole be able to recognize greatness without the help of a label?

The story of renowned violinist Joshua Bell playing incognito at D.C. metro station comes to mind. With his $3.5 million instrument, Bell — one of the world’s most talented musicians — played six incredibly intricate Bach pieces for 45 minutes. And who stopped to listen? A mere 6 individuals, and for not much more than a few minutes each. Roughly 20 people tipped him a total of $32 as they walked by. And when he finished playing and the sounds of the city took over his space, nobody noticed and nobody clapped.

Maybe passers-by simply didn’t have the time to stop and listen. But if they had known that only two days ago this very performer sold out in a Boston theater where seats averaged $100 a pop, perhaps they would have made the time.

Which leads us to this question: what is your take on Selfridge’s “No Noise” initiative? Do you think it’d be an effective experiment within New York City? Share your opinion in the comments or on our Facebook page.

By Wendy Rose Gould

We know that even women who don nothing but designer labels and the season’s hottest trends love finding a good bargain on their duds. But now, it is   The New York Times writing about. They followed the footsteps of a handful of fashion savvy women who hunt product/clothing sales the way a hound hunts raccoons: ferociously and with determined, focused eyes. After all, an in season Alexander McQueen frock priced down 40 percent is like a trendy gift from the style gods. Only it’s not a gift that’s handed to them randomly. It takes real work — and plenty of time shifting through racks — to find these kinds of brag-worthy steals.

Says Annelise Peterson, a fashion consultant, “I fare-track for fashion.” However, instead of getting alerts in her e-box a la flash travel sales, she’s built a human network consisting of salesclerks who call and text her when the price and product are right. “It’s important to find a great source, a salesperson to point you to pieces that match your taste,” she noted.

The New York Times also interviewed affluent shopper and society figure Natalie Leeds Leventhal, who’s no stranger to Barneys sales racks. While inarguably wealthy, Leventhal still adheres to a strict set of buying rules when shopping. In fact, she says she refuses to pay full price on anything unless the item is so hard to come by it’ll disappear in the blink of an eye. Any other time, though, she scouts out a good bargain.

Like Peterson, Leventhal also has a network of salespeople who contact her if they get a product in she’ll appreciate. Read more about the steps fashionable women take when seeking designer goods at a fraction of their MSRP. We’ve said it for a long time, but now that The New York Times wrote it, you have to believe us.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Last night, we ushered in the end of an era. One of luxe opulence, high drama and, of course, really great styling. Gossip Girl was meant to fill the empty Louboutin’s Sex and the City left behind when the HBO show went off the air, but this teen/20-something centered prime time soap opera was in a whole league of its own.

Naturally, the finale was a highly anticipated one. It goes without saying that all finales are, but long-time fans of the show had even more invested in this particular series closer.

From the very beginning, the TV show’s audience had no clue who the main character of the show even was — “she” was an anonymous blogger who somehow knew every juicy detail of gossip on the Upper East Side. Since the show’s inception, we all wanted to know who was responsible for torturing these poor little rich kids. Really — finding out who posted under the moniker of Gossip Girl ranks right up there with finding out who Ted Mosby’s wife is on How I Met Your Mother.

SPOILERS AHEAD

I’m just going to go ahead and say it: Gossip Girl was none other than Lonely Boy Dan Humphrey. In a twist of irony, the outsider — who’d seen his fair share of upturned noses, rolled eyes and plenty of insults — was the one pulling the strings all along. In short, he decided that if he couldn’t get inside the Upper East Side’s world, he’d write himself in. And he did.

Dan put it perfectly as he explained to the audience why he became Gossip Girl:

“The Upper East Side was like something from Fitzgerald or Thackeray – teenagers acting like adults, adults acting like teenagers, guarding secrets, spreading gossip all with the trappings of truly opulent wealth. And membership into this community was so elite you couldn’t even buy your way in. It was a birthright – a birthright that I didn’t have. And my greatest achievements would never earn it.

All I had to compare it to was what I read in books. But that gave me the idea: I wasn’t born into this world … maybe I could write myself into it. I overheard enough conversations to mimic the voice of the Constance girls, but every writer needs his muse and it wasn’t until that photo of Serena in the white dress that I knew I had something strong enough to actually create a legend and launch a website.

Within weeks I was getting dozens of emails with stories about Upper East Siders, so I posted them anonymously. And then I got more. Before long it was a monster. Everyone was sending tips … When Serena came back from boarding school, I wrote my first post about me, Lonely Boy, the outsider, the underdog. I might have been a joke but at least people were talking about me.”

The end was admittedly a little corny, but Gossip Girl is endearing in that way. And to be honest, sometimes those warm and fuzzy endings are nice to have. The show concluded with Gossip Girl (aka Dan Humphrey) marrying his Serena while an already married (with adorable child) Chuck and Blair looked on with other friends and family. We also saw that Nate was thriving at The Spectator and contemplating a role as Mayor and that Lily and William (Serena’s father) were back together while Rufus was with a brunette.

In celebration of Gossip Girl’s long run (and what a fun run it was), I suggest gifting yourself a little something from Natori. After all, the show’s stylists seemed to have quite the obsession with the brand. Try a luxe robe or chemise and saunter around your house a la Blair Waldorf, or perhaps spritz a little of Natori’s soft and sexy signature EDP anytime you’re feeling nostalgic for S and B’s shenanigans.

Gossip Girl lovers can only hope that another NYC-centered TV show comes onto the air. The only catch is finding people as absolutely breathtaking to look at GG’s main characters — and creating the kind of juicy drama and mystery to keep people hooked. New York City certainly serves as a great backdrop for a fashion-forward drama.

Blair Waldorf Wears a Josie Natori Robe
Season 3, Episode 15: “The Sixteen Year Old Virgin”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Glamour Lace Chemise
Season 4, Episode 9: “Witches of Bushwick”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Dyansty Pajama Set
Season 4, Episode 18: “The Kids Stay in The Picture”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Nanami Dress
Season 5, Episode 7: “The Big Sleep No More”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Beguile Chemise
Season 5, Episode 15: “Crazy, Cupid, Love”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Silk Empress Robe
Season 5, Episode 19: “It Girl, Interrupted”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Beguile Tunic
Season 5, Episode 20: “Salon of the Dead”

Blair Waldorf Wears a Vintage Josie Natori Robe
Season 5, Episode 21: “Despicable B”

By Wendy Rose Gould

Everyone knows that if you are seriously trying to lose weight, it’s about lifestyle changes not restricting certain foods for a small period of time. Choosing healthy snacks all the time, getting to the gym, giving up your Wednesday night show in lieu of yoga class and walking to a different neighborhood when you go to dinner. But if you need a kick start, here are the fasts that I think most people can actually do.

My nutritionist recently suggested the best way to kick off my weight loss goal for Hamptons’ season is with a fast. For me to survive a fast, it better be a fast fast. Three days max! Then I’ll move into my lifestyle changes. Here are her suggestions:

Blueprint Cleanse. The BluePrint Cleanse Renovation is the beginner cleanse and great for someone who needs a mini cleanse or needs a push to kick off their spring healthy eating. The 3 day cleanse comes complete with six juices – a mixture of fruits and veggies with emphasis on the fruits. To safely go on and off eat just fruits and vegetables a day before and a day after. (Note: BluePrint also has a cleanse with food option, for those less inclined.)

Three Day Juice Cleanse. This is less regimented than the BluePrint Cleanse as you get to choose your own juices. Juices that are acidic, like tomato and orange, are banned from the list. Veggie juices shouldn’t be often combined with fruit juices. Only apples can be added to fruit juices. Juices should be homemade or FDA approved organic.

Fruits and Veggies. If you hate veggies, get over it. Eating just fruits and veggies for a few days is great for you and will shrink your stomach enough to get you off to a good start with your weight loss. Choose seasonal veggies and veggies you don’t normally eat, etc. It is a great way to kick off your food lifestyle makeover.

And finally, use the quiet time during your cleanse to examine what keeps you from changing your habits. Does your social life revolve around going out to eat? If so, choose a yoga class, a concert, an art exhibit or something else to go and do. This is New York after all. For more info on changing your food lifestyle visit livstrong.com.

Emma Dinzebach