Welcome to Chinatown

After a long afternoon shopping and trend hunting my friend and I were looking for the perfect place to have lunch. As we walked down the overstuffed sidewalk I felt an odd texture rub against my hand.  It was not a familiar feel; something cold and oddly slippery.  I glanced down and noticed my hand glistening with a strange clear substance.  

And that's when I saw it.

Hanging upside down and dangling on a stick was a pig, dead and ready for roasting it appears.  Now, I may not be foreign to the sight of a pig on a stick, it was the first time however that I saw one in a major metropolis.  Needless to say, I slightly traumatized by the situation.  

Welcome my friends to Chinatown.

When I heard "Chinatown" I automatically thought of Canal Street and its array of fake Fendi and Tory Burch bags as well as its countless below-market priced vendors.  It wasn't until I delved deeper into its streets that I realized that a different world can be found.  I was mainly fascinated by the fresh market's food assortment.  The selection ranged from exotic fruits to hard-to-find vegetables that my mother would kill for.  A fascinating sight however was the fresh meats and seafood available for purchase.  Not to spoil the surprise (see pictures below) I was nothing but shocked at what I saw.

Partridges

Fresh pig's feet.

Crocodile Feet

Squid

 *Based on true events with photos by Elana Baziz.

2011 Fashion's Night Out

Yesterday was the official start of Fashion Week in New York City and like recent traditions passed, the entire island was buzzing. For one night, fashion seemed to be on the top everyone's priority list.

"Where are we going tonight?"

"Which store do we meet you at?'

"Who did you say is going to be there?"

These were the top questions being asked around the city just hours before the big events.

For those who don't know, Fashion's Night Out began in 2009 and features many retail stores banding together and staying open late in hopes of increasing their sales, thus stimulating the fashion economy. Now on its third year running, the event has transformed itself into a global phenomenon.  FNO is celebrated from Los Angeles to Milan to Paris... but it still all began in New York City!


This year, celebrities and fashion's biggest names were literally littered all around the city.  Dakota Fanning in Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Kelly Rowland at Macy's in Herald Square, Oscar de la Renta and Narciso Rodriguez at Bergdorf, and the list goes on.


As a fashion-lover and self-diagnosed incurable shopaholic, I felt that it was my duty to contribute my own part in the night's festivities.  And so here are pictures of the city's epic night:

Lines, lines, and lines.  The scene in every store throughout the city! 

The fabulous Rachel Zoe at Bloomingdale's!

A giant high heel shoe loose in the street. No, wait, an edible high heel shoe made out of candy and gum balls!

A carnival at Alice and Olivia, complete with cotton candy and face painting!

Karaoke at Kate Spade in SoHo.

Free champagne and hors d'oeuvre in every store ensure a large crowd.

Guests at the Upper East Side Dolce and Gabanna (above) were far more interested in the open bar and party scene than the fashions for sale.

After receiving confirmed rumors of Justin Bieber in Dolce and Gabanna, we decided to make it our next destination.  While Bieber may have left the building by the time we arrived, Tyson Beckford wasn't a bad alternative!

Fabulous Fall Trends; Spotted Right in NYC

"September is the January in fashion"

This was the famous line uttered by fashion editor Candy Pratts Price in R.J. Cutler's 2009 documentary film The September Issue.  And oh how those words are true.  Gone are the days of bohemian rhapsody and the 1970's revival as New York City- and the world actually- prepares for a its new look.

And so, as a resident of the fashion capital of this side of the world, I felt it important to report back the top trends for this coming cold weather season.  This collected list however is not limited to the the trends spotted on the runway or the glossy pages of Vogue and Elle; it will also include the unique alterations that only New Yorkers can master to turn seasonal trends into accessible fashion statements. Read... and learn.

Colored Denim, Part 2

The colored denim phase already happened this year, accepted by many in fact. However, if you're one of those that just couldn't get used to the idea of having hot pink or cobalt blue legs, this fall twist may have you reconsidering the option. Re-done in dark hues such as garnet, rustic orange, and hunter green, this trend has been toned down so that the not-so-fashion-forward can have a try at it. The best part is that since its a continuation of an existing trend, it is available from premium denim labels such as JBrand and Current Elliot to the more reasonable Zara and Levi's.

BTW: Celebs from Kim Kardashian to Jada Pinkett Smith and Nicky Hilton have adopted the trend!

Oversized Cocktail Rings

So this fabulous retro style is not just limited to its namesake party, or even a post-work round at the bar. Yes, this classic trend as transitioned itself into a daywear regular - igniting instant style on what was probably a simple look.

Celeb-stylist Rachel Zoe loves her jewelry - especially this dramatic trend.  My favorite line?  Definitely Nicole Richie's House of Harlow, which features Aztec symbols and geometric designs.

Jewel-Tones

Everyone knows diamonds are a girl's best friend.  This fall however, rubies, sapphire, emerald all join its rank; at least when it comes to color.

Pink diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, and Topaz:  all stars this fall season.
(The celebs look good too)

Costume Eye Make-up

Credit Lady Gaga for the rise of this trend, but it seems that the extremist performer's dramatic look has trickled down to the masses of fashion enthusiasts in New York City.  Walk down Fashion Avenue, and you will see everyone from fashion students to high-power execs adapting the trend - toned down their way of course!

Fur, Fur, and More Fur!

Okay, so maybe you don't have to go all the way and wrap yourself in a dead animal-if you're not into that- but the trend is everywhere this season.  From small accents of a raccoon collar on a leather jacket to a full length rabbit fur coat, the trend is available from every designer, and every fast-fashion retailer.  Best part? Since the trend is so large, it's available in many retailers at every price-point.

Out in NYC, nothing protects you from the strong fall wind than a good fur shrug or collar wrapped warmly around your shoulders! (True story)


Red
There's a lot that can be said about the color Red.  It's the color of luck, confidence, seduction, and power; and this fall's hottest color. 

PS: Red turns out great in the cameras! Wear it at a party and everyone's eyes will instantly gravitate towards you in the post-picture, PROMISE!