BBCity Pulse

Pop-In To A Pop-Up

Jessica Levy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:15:24 -0400

Have you noticed lately that stores are open one week and closed the following week? Often with nothing left to show but newspaper covered windows. You aren't going crazy! Yes the economy is in the trenches but luckily stores have used this misfortune in a positive way. In a traditional business plan, staying in business for just a few weeks would conclude as a flop. However, many brands are choosing this outcome on purpose. Pop-up stores have become a growing trend in and around New York City. Pop-up stores or stations, showcase merchandise for a limited amount of time to create buzz. Considering the bone-chilling cost of retail space and the state of the economy, this is the perfect solution to desperate landlords and brands. Pop-up stores provide brands with an alternative way to connect with customers without the burden of monthly rent.

Gap has recognized this trend and isn't missing the boat. Now through February 7th, customer's can keep their New Year's resolution at the pop-up store next to the Fifth Avenue flagship store. The pop-up store houses Gap's newest line of activewear. In addition, the space offers sessions, demonstrations, and tips from Crunch personal trainers and instructors. Shoppers can receive free Crunch guest passes or exclusive membership offers with a purchase.

Check out the latest shopping & activewear trends at the Gap Flagship store before next week's newspaper takes over the store front.

Source: ny.racked.com

Surviving Another NYC Winter

Jessica Levy — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:21:36 -0400

You can live it up even in the brutal winter.

Drink it up!
Have you seen the famous Mud Coffee Truck in the heart of Astor Place? The orange truck resembles a boom box and is hard to miss. The long line can be intimidating but you will soon taste what all the fuss is about. Enjoy a cup while you walk and battle the cold winter air. Whether it’s part of your daily routine or another NYC gem you happen to stumble upon, the orange Mud coffee truck should not to be missed this winter.

Bundle it up!
You may already know this but it is almost impossible to use your phone while wearing gloves. You don’t have to sacrifice feeling in your fingers for a text message. This winter, wear “convertible gloves.” The style gives you the option to wear mittens or fingerless gloves. Problem solved! Convertible gloves are available at Urban Outfitters and The Gap.

Laugh it up!
Humor can warm up the heart and soul. A warm dose of humor on a cold day can be found at the Comedy Cellar. According to the New York Post, “The Comedy Cellar has it all- the edgiest acts, the widest variety and an atmosphere second to none.”

Craft it up!
Embrace your inner child with arts and crafts. The projects will keep you busy and inside during the winter months. Whether you’re 10 or 100 years old, there is something for everyone. Check out the Little Shop of Crafts for a list of classes and workshops.

Time For Me

Jessica Levy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:43:10 -0400

Nowadays it seems like Mondays turn into Fridays in a New York minute. Remember “Me” time? It’s probably been awhile since you’ve been able to pencil it into your busy schedule. Treating yourself to a spa treatment doesn’t have to be booked weeks in advance, break the bank or be saved up for a special occasion. It can simply be because it’s Tuesday and you deserve it!

Treat yourself every Tuesday to $25 spa treatments. SpaSally.com, a New York City spa search engine has teamed up with the best spas to offer popular services.

Welcome in the holiday season looking your best. SpaSally.com is hosting a Free Spa Party on December 9th at Le Salon Chinois. The party will be from 2pm-7pm. You will be able to choose from a free hairstyling consultation, makeup consultation, bang trim or chair massage.

Sign up at 25tuesdays.com and schedule your “Me” Time.

A Conversation Piece is Born!

Jessica Levy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:28:48 -0400

You can now own a legendary piece of Hollywood glam that nobody else will have. Film Biz Recycling opened PROPS to the public as a means of recycling TV, film and commercial props. PROPS is a not-for-profit boutique and the entire inventory is donated. Most of what you will find is brand new and has been worn or used by celebrities on set. Rare gems include a collection of mirrors, lamps, clothing, jewelry, etc. VIP status is not needed to shop. Everything in the house of PROPS is negotiable, no price tags included. New pieces are donated and delivered twice a week. At this rate, you can decorate your home or apartment in half the time at half the price.

Location: 43-26 12th St, second floor, Long Island City, Queens.

Election Day Freebies

Jessica Levy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:42:07 -0400

The Museum at FIT is home to permanent and temporary exhibitions that portray the role of fashion in society. The current exhibition, “Fashion & Politics” explores the influence of clothing on social change and patriotism. The designers involved in the exhibit include Catherine Malandrino & Vivienne Tam. The exhibit showcases an ''Ike'' dress from the 1956 Eisenhower campaign, a ''Nixon'' paper dress, and memorabilia from the 2008 presidential election.

Experience the history of political fashion statements. The cost to view the exhibit is free- It’s your American right! (Exhibit ends 11/7)

Blooming Beauty

Jessica Levy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:49:06 -0400

Head over to Bloomingdale’s today for a complimentary skin consultation and mini NIA24 facial from a skincare expert. Dr. Ariel Ostad will discuss tips on reversing skin damage and promoting skin health. With the purchase of NIA24 products, 20% will go to the American Cancer Society.

Location: 1000 Third Ave (at 59th St)
Time: 5-8 pm
Date: 10/29/09
Cost: Free!

Sex & The City 2: Movie Taping Spots Revealed

Jessica Levy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:27:17 -0400

If you are a young working professional in New York City, the lure of the HBO hit show, Sex & The City had something to do with it. It was the fabulous lives of the four characters that captured young hearts and inspired our venture to The Big Apple. Carrie said it best, “Women come to New York for the two L's: Labels and Love.”

For most of us, we didn’t live in the city during the taping of the actual show. It is safe to say that we were in high school or college attempting to make our own version of a “cosmo.” Finally, our time has come to experience the thrill of the Sex & The City 2 taping in the city that we love dearly.

There are countless restaurants, hotels, street corners, stores, & lounges, known for Sex & The City scenes. Admit it! We love to visit these places.

Please share a post about your experiences at a famous Sex & The City venue or where you have spotted a taping of Sex & The City 2.

The Pursuit of the (Chanel) Suit

Jessica Levy — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:54:14 -0400

“What’s In a Name?” Shakespeare always knew the right questions to ask. Throughout time, historic figures and pop culture icons have become one-name wonders.

Case in Point: Cleopatra, Pocahontas, Cher, Madonna, Oprah, Giselle & Beyonce. Each name has a different story to tell. Chanel is one name that has always kept me in awe.

On September 25th (today!), “Coco Before Chanel” will open in New York & Los Angeles. An Anne Fontaine film, the movie tells the inspiring story of a French orphan turned fashion royalty. The part of Gabrielle (aka Coco) Chanel is played by Audrey Tautou. As we will learn, our beloved Gabrielle experienced humble beginnings before becoming a legendary couturier.

The best part about seeing this film is that you get to spend a night in Paris if you see it in New York City. The film is being shown exclusively at the iconic Paris Theatre, a New York City must-see. It could be the Parisian lights or the view of the Plaza Hotel (or the combination of both), but a visit to the Paris Theatre will make you want to dust off your French beret and Haute Couture.

Source: livingincinema.com

Sweet Glam

Jessica Levy — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:56:46 -0400

I remember it well…
I was the little girl that thought it was completely necessary to wear bright red lipstick for the elegant (invite only) occasion of reading a fashion magazine. No excuses, some of us are just born with glitter in our veins. I saw the world through the glossy pages as a chic fantasy.

And then I grew up…
I now know the reality of this fantasy. With the state of the economy, most publications are fighting not to fold and optimism is often left at the door. Life isn’t a piece of cake these days. It’s actually a cupcake.

Glamour Magazine is launching a new marketing campaign bursting with cupcakes, lollipops, hearts & balloons (this speaks directly to my inner child). “Live for Glamour” cupcake ads will be projected onto New York City stores, including Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Saks. Billboards will appear in high traffic areas across New York City and Los Angeles.

Cupcakes can be found behind the scenes at Fashion Week as well! Even designers experience mortal cravings. Charlotte Ronson and Thakoon are known for eating cupcakes backstage. Of course we love love love Magnolia & Crumbs. However, I want to bring the spotlight to Cupcake Republic, featured at The Purple Lab Scoop Event for Fashions Night Out. Each cupcake is made with organic and natural ingredients. It gets even better: No Eggs, No Dairy, No Guilt. Need I say more? Let your inner child indulge.

Source: fashionista.com

How To Be A Hepburn In A Hilton World

Jessica Levy — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:43:05 -0400

Lets face it; we live in a world driven by pop-culture. Society norms are influenced by tabloids, scandalous videos and of course, reality TV. It is safe to say that that next legendary icon will not be known for the little black dress or strand of pearls. No matter how hard we try ladies, the jig is up. During the Audrey and Jackie era, the world was a simpler place.

This notion came into full force during my annual visit to the Strand Bookstore. A New York City gem, located in the heart of Greenwich Village. I came across the book “How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World: The Art of Living with Style, Class, and Grace.” Within seconds the overall message of the book was delivered. What the media values today as “on-trend” makes a mockery out of old world class. I can’t imagine Grace Kelly becoming a legend for a Chicken of the Sea blunder. Jessica Simpson received worldwide press after she asked the infamous question back in 2003.

Moral of the story: As a young professional it is vital to understand the tactics and strategies of historic figures known for a timeless platform, rather than a transient soapbox.