While my closet may suggest otherwise, finding the right-sized clothes to fit my frame is no small task. Despite the myriad of clothing boutiques at my disposal in the Big Apple, I’m rarely able to wear frocks right off the racks. Since most American labels are cut so large (can you say “Super Size Me”?), I can either fly to Europe for more petite (but pricey) clothes or try a more fitting alternative, like paying for alterations at Stanton Tailor Shop.
A Lower East Side landmark since 1993, Stanton Tailor meticulously mends everything from frayed pant hems to, believe it or not, parachutes. Having tried dozens of tailors in my time, absolutely nothing compares to level of craftsmanship offered at this one-man show. Run by my new best friend, Pablo Vargas, a self-confessed control freak who simultaneously supervises multiple fittings, repairs, customer calls and even the cash register (no computer terminals here), Stanton Tailor is one of the most unconventional businesses I’ve ever seen. The size of a walk-in-closet, this old-school shop still manages to serve more than 75 customers a day. With lines that snake out the door, Stanton Tailor is so busy they might as well have one of those ticket dispensers you find at the deli to manage the crowd. Come on a Saturday and you’d better bring a copy of War and Peace to help make the time pass. Perhaps more entertaining is watching poor Pablo balance himself on a ladder in order to pull down your alterations (which hang suspended from the ceiling).
What I love most about Stanton Tailor is that they’ve willingly reconstructed several complicated pieces from my closet such as a delicate silk blouse with a ruffled Victorian collar – items other tailors wouldn’t dare touch. They’re also one of the cheapest tailors in town. Original pant hems average only $10, practically half the price of what you’ll find uptown. Just don’t bother asking Pablo to specify a pick-up date. When your stuff’s ready, it’s ready! So long as you’re willing to put up with the chaos, Stanton Tailor will magically mend your wardrobe and just maybe, your life.
Stanton Tailor Shop
90-96 Stanton Street (@ Orchard Street)
212-353-9753
Monday – Saturday from 10am-7pm (fittings only from 10am-6pm)
Move over Park Avenue, there’s a posh new neighborhood in town – 10022-SHOE. That’s right, Saks Fifth Avenue’s newly expanded high-end (eighth floor) heel emporium is so big (8,500 square-feet to be exact), it has its very own zip code. If that’s not outlandish enough, you can even commemorate the occasion by collecting their limited-edition shoe-adorned stamps. More than just a fancy address for pumps, 10022-SHOE also offers in-house shoe repair (should you break a heel running to the register), a VIP back room for private “head-to-toe” shopping and a ritzy café – all the creature comforts you’ll need to feel right at home. But what you’ll really be blown away by are the 10,000 jaw-dropping designer footwear styles – nearly double the amount the flagship formerly carried on the fourth floor.
The Willy Wonka of footwear, 10022-SHOE carries such an abundance of styles it will put you in catatonic state. From the moment I set foot inside, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Picture a striking 70-foot-long curving wall centerpiece covered with hanging, hand-blown Murano glass bubbles and spacious seating banquettes organized by designer. As for the merch, expect a dazzling museum-like display of 38 world-class designers such as Marni and Miu Miu, along with an impressive roster of new tenants including Azzedine Alaïa, Brian Atwood, Costume National, Derek Lam, Gianvito Rossi, Jonathan Kelsey, Nicole Brundage and Sergio Rossi. If you can’t stomach blowing all your rent money on a $785 pair of Christian Louboutin pumps, there’s always the sweeter $5 candy version at Charbonnel et Walker, the adjacent all-chocolate café.
Truth be told, I was so paralyzed by the sheer plethora of patent-leather platforms, men’s-inspired booties, sky-high sequined stilettos and suede knee-high boots that I sadly headed home empty handed. Pathetic, I know.
When it comes to shopping for clothes, I’ve always favored small, boutique-y environments over busy chain stores. Call me high-maintenance, but I like getting special attention from sales staff such as frequent phone calls informing me about all the latest merch, free alterations and the ability to buy anything on layaway. Judging from the friendly vibe at Helianthus, a hip East Village hideaway, which recently popped-up on LaGuardia Place, I’m hoping to get even more of the same star treatment.
An unassuming street littered with casual eateries catering to the NYU crowd, LaGuardia Place is the last locale I expected to find a hidden shopping gem like Helianthus. Stocked with a well-edited mix of girly gear with an urban twist, Helianthus is a true shopper’s paradise thanks to prices that won’t break the bank. Owner Grace Wong, a recent FIT design graduate who apprenticed for Anna Sui, initially opened Helianthus (which is Greek for “sunflower”) to showcase her soon-to-be-designed clothing label. But since business has been booming from day one, those plans were temporarily put on the backburner. So for now, Helianthus’ racks are hanging with a bevy of established and indie brands from the U.S., Europe, Japan and Korea.
Expect an eye-opening palette of purple, shimmery silver and charcoal grey silhouettes that perfectly complement the hot pink plastic chairs and matching trash bin. Get a jumpstart on your fall wardrobe with flirty, punk-influenced ’80’s ensembles ranging from blousy ruffled tops by Alisha Levine, knee-grazing knits by Ulla Johnson, silk halters by Samantha Treacy and buttery leather carryalls with gold hardware by Bulga. And for jewelry junkies, there’s a gargantuan glass display filled with rhinestone-encrusted headbands, pendants with skulls and pretty chandelier earrings. Throw on a pair of patent leather skimmers, a bunch of silver studded bracelets and a wide cinch belt and you’ve got the Cyndi Lauper look down to a science. Multi-colored hairdo not included.
Not one, but three fun-filled days of discount designer shopping with some of the biggest names in the biz at up to 80% off, all under one roof! From first fall finds to irresistible summer steals, this sale of sales offers fabulous frocks from over 50 heavy hitters including Tocca, Cynthia Rowley, Tibi, Nicole Miller, YaYa and Gryphon.
But wait… there’s more! Cutler Salon stylists will be on hand to provide free “sexy socialite hair-to-go” along with pointers for caring for your coif. You’ll also receive special deals on Stella McCartney’s sultry new fragrance, Stella, along with complimentary cocktails and serious swag. Plus, Fashion Junkie will be stationed at the VIP lounge, offering expert tips and tricks for building your wardrobe.
When: Tuesday, August 21 – Thursday, August 23, 2007
Time: Tuesday, August 21st: 12pm-9pm (VIP & Members Only), Wednesday, August 22nd: 8am-8pm & Thursday, August 23rd: 8am-6pm
Where: The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street (between 6th & 7th Aves.)
Special Deal Just For YOU! Billion Dollar Babes is offering Fashion Junkie subscribers a special VIP start time of 5pm on Tuesday, August 21st so you can get first dibs on all the dazzling merch. Make sure to pre-register here and present a print out of your email confirmation at the entrance for admission. Happy shopping!
Just because I’m a shopaholic doesn’t mean I’m as culturally deprived as you might think. I can appreciate a Matisse just as much as a pair of Manolos. After all, fashion has always imitated art. Or is it the other way around? Whatever the case, with Travessia – a new Lower East Side boutique-cum-gallery space, I no longer need to brave the lines at the recently renovated MoMA to view some real works of art.
The brainchild of Hiroko Rodriguez, who also moonlights as a video artist, Travessia was created as an interactive store designed to stimulate the mind as well as the body. An open and airy industrial loft flooded with sunlight, Travessia is filled with a fusion of avant-garde fashion and art not often found under one roof. Stop by for regularly rotating exhibits from pottery to photography (Hatumi Ori’s visual installation, “I Am Here,” runs until September 2nd) set alongside sculptural silhouettes culled from Europe and Japan. Unbelievably clean and uncluttered, Travessia’s racks are filled with a bevy of underground, hard-to-find brands. Some of the showstoppers include sophisticated silk dresses with bird motifs by Custommade, lightweight tanks and tees by Klasica and ruched print shirts by Margarita Saplala. Picture an equally edgy assortment of accessories ranging from eco-friendly bags fashioned from recycled sail masts (by Seabags), jaw-dropping vintage-inspired jewelry by Klasica (key chains with giant tusks and bizarre insect rings) displayed on antique letterpress trays.
With a revolving selection of designs and décor, Travessia will keep you coming back for more. Who knows… you may even find a painting to perfectly complement that nouveau party dress.
While my closet may suggest otherwise, finding the right-sized clothes to fit my frame is no small task. Despite the myriad of clothing boutiques at my disposal in the Big Apple, I’m rarely able to wear frocks right off the racks. Since most American labels are cut so large (can you say “Super Size Me”?), I can either fly to Europe for more petite (but pricey) clothes or try a more fitting alternative, like paying for alterations at Stanton Tailor Shop. 
