DailyCandy New York

All in the Family

2009-11-06T14:45:00Z

The Crangi Family Project

Don’t know about yours, but our relatives are best appreciated at a safe distance.

But it’s a family affair at The Crangi Family Project, a new Meatpacking District jewelry boutique.

Philip Crangi (in all his lumberjack-chic glory) designed and built the jewel box of a shop. Black pressed-tin ceilings, dark velvet walls, and ribbon trim were done by hand. Custom shelving displays his namesake line — designed with sister and biz partner Courtney — and Giles & Brother costume collection. Dad’s an artist who will showcase sculptures. Sister-in-law Sheri manages the tiny space.

A smattering of vintage books and home items that inspire their work (Bauhaus, botanicals, African prints) are mixed in with bold, braided pieces; a drawer of delicate charm necklaces; and, if the mood strikes, special baubles made for runway shows.

You know, it’s all relative.

The Crangi Family Project, 9 Ninth Avenue, between Little West 12th and 13th Streets (212-929-0858).

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Just a few dollars and a dream.

SHOP (SECRETLY)
Two Bridges Trading
What: A former fashion editor opens a very temporary shop in a Chinatown apartment.
Why: Special, local, and hipsterish ephemera (books, zines, prints, accessories).
When: Fri. & Sat., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 31 Oliver St., at Madison St., ste. 5d. Cash only.

SEE
Multiverse Playground
What: Hit all your culture marks in one evening — ogle conceptual art by Art Battles, laugh at jokes by Comedy Central’s Kurt Metzger, and rock out to Boy Crisis and rap duo Das Racist.
Why: Advance tickets for $15 ($20 at the door) secures a free power hour of Colt 45 (6-7 p.m.) and guarantees a raucous dance party.
When: Sat., 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave., b/t Meadow & Stagg Sts., Bushwick (718-715-4961).

EAT
Dovetail Expands
What: Our favorite Upper West Side resto knocked through a wall, making room for more tables, a new design, and an expanded bar with a view.
Why: Same great taste, less filling.
When: Daily, 5:30-10:45 p.m.
Where: 103 W. 77th St., b/t Columbus & Amsterdam Aves. (212-362-3800).

BUY
SuRevolution Sale
What: Artisan home goods from South America (carved bowls, pillows, ceramics, wood sculptures) from a cozy suite in Little Italy.
Why: Prices start at ten bucks.
When: Fri., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 197 Grand St., b/t Mulberry & Mott Sts., ste. 6s (212-255-6928).

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: New sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Two Bridges Trading

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Sample Sale Half Court

2009-11-04T14:45:00Z

NYC Sample Sales

She shoots. She scores.

What: Sferra
Why: Luxe linens, sheets, blankets, towels, and bathrobes are 60-80 percent off.
When: Nov. 4-8. Wed.-Sun., 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., b/t 15th & 16th Sts.

What: Fred Perry
Why: Preppy duds for women and men at 65 percent off.
When: Nov. 4-8. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 547 W. 27th St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves., 3rd flr. Cash only.

What: Emanuel Ungaro
Why: Clothes for guys and girls (plus accessories) are 80 percent off.
When: Nov. 5-7. Thurs., noon-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 409 W. 39th St., b/t Ninth & Tenth Aves. (212-249-4090).

What: La Perla
Why: Ritzy lingerie, sleepwear, and swimsuits up to 75 percent off.
When: Nov. 8-11. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Where: 4 W. 58th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 4th flr. (212-920-1211).

What: White + Warren
Why: V-necks, crewnecks, and turtlenecks are $85 (reg. $220); cashmere tees are $50 (reg. $125); cashmere thermals for men are $125 (reg. $300).
When: Nov. 10-12. Tues. & Wed., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs., 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 80 W. 40th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 3rd flr.

What: Hugo Boss
Why: Suits for dudes, $400. Leather jackets for ladies, $300.
When: Nov. 10-14. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Soiffer Hasken, 317 W. 33rd St., at Eighth Ave.

What: Shoshanna
Why: Spring dresses for $150; bikinis for $65; jeans for $75.
When: Nov. 11 & 12. Wed., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 422.

What: Tibi
Why: Seventy percent off shift, scalloped, and strapless dresses (they’re hovering in the $100 range).
When: Nov. 11-13. Wed., 1-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 409 W. 39th St., b/t Ninth & Tenth Aves.

What: Kathleen Cook Swim and Orlando Carreras
Why: Bathing suits from $30. Men’s button-downs from $50.
When: Nov. 12 & 13. Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 147 W. 35th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., ste. 1003.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

String Theory

2009-11-02T14:45:00Z

Shadowplay Knitted Necklace Collection

You totally sat out of frog dissection day. And the egg-in-the-bottle test? You were not impressed. The only chemistry you cared about in high school involved dark chocolate and an eighth of mushrooms.

But designer Heather Goldberg, a Band of Outsiders and Threeasfour grad, examined planetary space, oceanic aragonite, and crystal formations like an A+ student for her Shadowplay necklaces.

Organic and naturally dyed yarns are combined with fair trade silver closures made by the Karen Village Hill Tribe in Northern Thailand. Crystals in hues of pewter, rose, and ambergris are worked into the ways of the weave.

The conclusion? A new line of knitted, amorphous pieces that highlight movement and light.

Now, if only she could solve that little problem of gravity.

Available by e-mail order (orders@shadowplaycollection.com). To see styles, go shadowplaycollection.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Shadowplay

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

DailyCandy Halloween Costumes

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T07:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Fake it ’til you make it a costume.

PLAY
This Halloween Soundtrack
What: A spooky, scary podcast compiled by queen-of-the-creepy, Fever Ray.
Why: Apparitions of Amadou & Mariam, Neil Young, and Yo La Tengo.
When: You open the door for trick-or-treaters.
Where: From your speakers.

SCORE
Yves Saint Laurent Sample Sale
What: Up to 80 percent off retail prices on ready-to-wear.
Why: In honor of All Saints Day.
When: Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., 4th flr.

A.P.C. Overstock Sale
What: Women’s, men’s, and accessories up to 80 percent off.
Why: You’re not over it.
When: Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 33 Grand St., b/t Wythe & Kent Aves., Williamsburg.

SHOP
OH:Pop Opens
What: Two-month pop-up sells unworn, limited-edition vintage bodysuits and lingerie from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Why: The Only Hearts archives is paring down to their skivvies.
When: Thru. Jan. 1. Opens Sun., noon-7 p.m.; Mon.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.
Where: 230 Mott St., b/t Prince & Spring Sts.

SPOOK
Mount Vernon Hotel Historic Halloween
What: Back in 1799, the UES spot was actually a rustic retreat from the city (which didn’t extend above 14th Street). For one night, you can tour the decorated carriage house by candlelight.
Why: Ghost stories. And the eerie feeling that you’re not alone.
When: Fri., 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Where: 421 E. 61st St., b/t First & York Aves. (212-838-6878).

Gods and Heroes Halloween Party
What: Dress like one, then attend for live performances (The Very Best), hip-hop on vinyl, dance music from DJ phenoms (17-year-old Kyle Hall, local fave Small Change), and the open bar (all night).
Why: The $35 ticket, sweating, and melted face paint will benefit Charity Water.
When: Halloween, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: A secret location that doubles as a Brooklyn temple. R.S.V.P. for details.

Photo: Courtesy of Fever Ray

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Everybody in the Club Is Getting Tipsy

2009-10-28T13:45:00Z

Tipsy Parson Restaurant Opens

Couplets are our favorite kind of verse.

Doesn’t this sound like poetry: Charming twosome (a fine pair themselves) behind Little Giant open second endeavor today in Chelsea?

Tipsy Parson has all the Southern gentility a neighborhood could hope for. Two rooms serve dueling moods. A sunny parlor hosts oyster service and a charcuterie bar stocking all-Southern cheeses. Shelves are full of mementos (lucky horseshoe, vintage typewriter), bar snacks are plentiful (cheese curds, pickled shrimp, hush puppies), and a slushie machine churns out Concord grape juleps.

An antique church pew gives an air of Old Savannah. In the dining room, expect perfect pairings from brunch (choose-your-own-adventure pancakes and bourbon-glazed sausages) to dinner (chicken and dumplings, duck and roasted grapes).

The smell of slow-roasted buttery goodness fills in where words cannot.

Tipsy Parson, 156 Ninth Avenue, between 19th and 20th Streets (212-620-4545).

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images