DailyCandy New York

11 Things Bodkin Designer Eviana Hartman Is Loving Right Now

2010-02-09T08:30:00Z

An organic list of loves from an ecochic designer.

So Flocking Cute

2010-02-08T16:00:00Z

Quail Bridal Launches

When it comes to the bride choosing frocks for her maids, all they’ve really got is a wing and a prayer.

Which is all they’ll need now that Quail has a new collection of dresses just for the occasion.

A passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again (yes, for serious, promise).

But the awesomeness doesn’t stop there: Williams is ready and willing to accommodate outrageous requests (say, match the trim color to a sentimental T-shirt) at a price that’s easy to swallow (from $200).

So go ahead and start with the strapless A-line, double-tier skirt, and sweetheart top in silk florettes or organza. She’ll happily tweak designs along the way to suit your style.

Because that puce poly number sure was for the birds.

Available online at quailbridal.com. To see styles, check out our gallery here. Maids who purchase a dress in February will automatically enter the bride to win a free getaway dress of her choice from the collection.

We’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away a dream wedding — worth a whopping $100,000 — to one lucky couple. To enter, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding.

Bird Watching

2010-02-08T15:59:00Z

Quail Bridal is a passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, and the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again.

Great Balls Afire

2010-02-08T14:45:00Z

The Meatball Shop Opens

With no disrespect for the jack of all trades, we’ve fallen hard for the Daniel of one.

Chef Daniel Holzman sharpened his knives at Le Bernardin, but he’s mastering a humbler art at The Meatball Shop, which he’s opening tomorrow with childhood pal and Frank alum Michael Chernow.

The genius concept: Start with meatballs — spicy pork, beef, vegetable, salmon, and chicken (the unlikely star). Get them alone, in sliders, on heroes, with sauce. Don’t forget sides like freshly milled polenta, ice cream sandwiches made by Chernow’s wife, and beers sold by the milk jug and pitcher.

The small space is Americana charming, with tables made from reclaimed East Village tenement wood. Watch the open kitchen work while you wait at the counter; that’s La Quercia prosciutto going into the grind.

They serve till 4 a.m., for your prehangover convenience. And prices are almost too low to print.

We’re balls out for this one.

The Meatball Shop, 84 Stanton Street, between Allen and Orchard Streets (212-982-8895 or themeatballshop.com).

Suitor Up

2010-02-08T09:00:00Z

Suitor Personalized Stationery and Calling Cards

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a VP title, that brown-eyed handsome hunk in marketing, and a butt like Jessica Biel’s.

You want it all.

Add to the list Suitor, a new line of personalized stationery and calling cards, as well as folded notes that convey “Hi,” “Because,” or “Thanks a ton.”

Designer Jessica Murnane took the old-fashioned notion of a man courting a woman by leaving a calling card or writing beautiful love letters and gave it a crisp, contemporary twist for all occasions.

She starts with thick, bright white stock and finishes with classic letterpress fonts in black ink. The result is a unisex collection that is sophisticated and understated.

Be warned: It costs a pretty penny.

Then again, you can’t put a price on happiness.

Available online at suitorlife.com.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Suitor

7 Anti-Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

2010-02-07T15:30:00Z

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T08:45:00Z

What to Do This Week

Belt it out.

LOUNGE
Don’t Tell Mama’s Glee Cabaret
What: Rakesh Satyal, author of the heartbreakingly funny novel Blue Boy, performs an evening of torch songs from the unabashedly nerdy, totally unironic, almost embarrasingly cheerful hit show.
Why: Drama kids, unite.
When: Fri., 7 p.m.
Where: 343 W. 46th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves. (212-757-0788). Tickets are $10; reserve a seat here (they’re going fast!).

CHEW
Heartbreaker Baker
What: Savor Brooklynite Eleanor Eagle’s modestly sized, heart-shaped cookie/bar confections in flavors like oatmeal fig with orange glaze and chocolate with caramel and sea salt.
Why: It’s like Pat Benatar and the women of Heart formed a baking club.
When: Just give them 36 hours’ notice (72 hours for a custom label).
Where: To order, call 920-644-3278; e-mail eleanor@heartbreakerbaker.com; or go to heartbreakerbaker.com.

RUSH
Hayden-Harnett’s Kapow Sale
What: Last chance to get 70 percent off apparel and 40 percent off bags.
Why: Itsy-bitsy suede shorts and fluorescent floral bikinis.
When: Sun., noon-8 p.m.
Where: 253 Elizabeth St., b/t Houston & Prince Sts. (212-334-2247).

TRY OUT
Thistle & Clover’s Open Call
What: The emerging talent-supportive boutique is in search of the next big clothing/jewelry designer. Budding designers have half an hour with the judges to prove their design prowess.
Why: There are two slots left, saved just for DailyCandy readers.
When: Mon., 5 & 5:30 p.m.
Where: 221 DeKalb Ave., b/t Adelphi St. & Clermont Ave., Fort Greene (718-855-5577). E-mail info@thistleclover.com with a brief bio, images of your work, and/or a link to your website.

DEVOUR
Cupcakeland Opens
What: Williamsburg finally gets a dedicated cakery for sweet tooths and sweethearts. Expect reasonable prices and daily rotating flavors like green tea, lemon-raspberry, and mint.
Why: We suppose it was inevitable.
When: Tues.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 390 Metropolitan Ave., b/t N. 5th & Havemeyer Sts., Williamsburg (718-388-5260).

CLICK
The Love Affair
What: New e-commerce site offers free same-day delivery in NYC on brands like Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson, Rebecca Minkoff, and Ko.des.
Why: Thru Sun. DailyCandy readers get 25 percent off with code LOVECANDY at checkout.
When: Between your morning and afternoon meetings.
Where: Wherever your boss can’t see your screen.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Faustian Bargains

2010-02-05T14:45:00Z

Faustina Restaurant Opens

Few things are certain in this uncertain world. Yes, you’ll die and pay taxes. (Sorry.)

And you will overeat at Scott Conant’s restaurants. (Less sorry: At least this one’s enjoyable.)

You’ve already eaten your weight in spaghetti pomodoro at Scarpetta. (Who, us?) And now you’ll be led into temptation at Faustina, opening today in The Cooper Square Hotel.

Alas, resistance is futile. The holy-shit dishes at the tasting included grilled ciabatta with poached duck egg, tender octopus with fingerling potatoes, slow-roasted escolar with saba, cannelloni with burrata, and torrone panna cotta. Mercy? Not yet: The olive oil-poached sardines with artichokes will convert everyone who thinks he hates the little swimmers.

The former Table 8 space has been gently made over in subtle grays with dark red jolts. Calm and fiery, as befits the Roman empress for whom the place is named.

Do try to channel some regal restraint.

Faustina, 25 Cooper Square, Bowery, at East 5th Street (212-475-3400). For the first week, Faustina is holding four tables per night for DailyCandy subscribers; parties of two to four, 7-9 p.m. Mention DailyCandy when reserving.

Take cover: It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Peruse our lingerie arsenal to organize your panty raid.

Photo: Janelle Jones

Jacket Required

2010-02-05T14:15:00Z

Guy French Jackets Launch

Guys have it so easy. They throw on a blazer and — just like that — they’re dressed for a party.

But girls in Guy French have it easier. The brand-new line of jackets makes you feel pretty and put together.

Inspired by and named after women the founders know and admire, the first collection consists of nine pieces. There’s Camille, a gray relaxed wool and silk number with roll-up sleeves that perfectly embodies a Parisian who works in crisis management, and Christine, a structured style comprised of navy wool with an attached silk scarf collar for drama.

All handmade and available via e-mail or at one of the upcoming trunk shows, prices range from $275-$470, which is more than reasonable for such craftsmanship.

You should have no problem manning up.

To order, e-mail sales@guyfrench.com. To see styles and trunk show dates (under “Purchase”), go to guyfrench.com.

Take cover: It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Peruse our lingerie arsenal to organize your panty raid.

Photo: Courtesy of Guy French

Lingerie Look Book: 25 Reasons to Undress

2010-02-05T00:00:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2010-02-04T14:45:00Z

What to Do this Weekend

Stir the pot.

HELP
Soup and Bread Cookbook Party
What: Chicago-based hunger fighters and cookbook authors convince five great NYC chefs (Roebling Tea Room, Jimmy’s No. 43, Roberta’s, etc.) to serve free homemade soups and bread.
Why: Hand over a tip for your meal; donations benefit the New York City Coalition Against Hunger.
When: Thurs., 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th St., b/t Second & Third Aves., Gowanus (718-643-6510).

REAP
Basis Good Food to You
What: Affordable, sustainable produce sourced from small farms is now delivered to your home or office — so long as five people are in.
Why: If it’s good enough for Dan Barber and about 150 other chefs, we’ll eat it, too.
When: Order by Fri. prior to the week of delivery.
Where: E-mail goodfood@basisfoods.com; call 212-334-5544.

SAVE
Aloha Rag’s Winter Sale
What: Your last chance to score Alexander Wang, Martin Margiela, and 3.1 Phillip Lim at up to 75 percent off.
Why: It’s not yet banana hammock weather.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6:30 p.m.
Where: 505 Greenwich St., at Spring St. (212-925-0882).

EAT
Xi’an Famous Foods
What: The recently opened Manhattan home of delicious, sinus-busting, hand-pulled noodles saves you a trip to Queens.
Why: You’re feeling slurpy.
When: Daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 88 E. Broadway, at Forsyth St. (646-209-8242).

CATCH
Travels of William Bartram–Reconsidered
What: Last chance to see artist Mark Dion’s cabinet of curiosities exhibit filled with tourist tchotchkes, jarred specimens, and other roadside Americana.
Why: Curios make you curiouser.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, 521 W. 21st St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves. (212-414-4144).

REMINISCE
Chanterelle Menu Exhibition
What: Purchase the defunct eatery’s legendary menu covers created by a litany of famous friends like Chuck Close, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Annie Leibovitz. They’re on display for the first time since closing.
Why: Get by with a little help from your friends.
When: Sat. & Sun., 1-9 p.m. Reception, Sun., 5-9 p.m.
Where: Kill Devil Hill, 170 Franklin St., b/t Java & Kent Sts., Greenpoint (347-534-3088).

Photo: QuintanaRoo / Flickr

The Weekend Guide

2010-02-04T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Take a breather.

RELAX
Yantra Mats
What: The cotton creations are lined with 8,820 tiny pressure points designed to improve circulation and increase mental clarity. There’s talk they may even help with metabolism, too.
Why: It hurts so good.
Where: Online at yantraway.com.

BUY
Layer Cake Shop
What: Girly e-boutique stocked with everything you could ever need for baking, from cookie cutters and food coloring to doilies and toppers.
Why: Get baked.
Where: Online at layercakeshop.com.

SUPPORT
Help Haiti Art Fundraiser
What: Popular blog Booooooom has compiled great artwork from Betsy Walton, Hannah Stouffer, Gemma Correll, and more — all of whom have pledged to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Haitian charities.
Why: Raise the roofs.
Where: Online at booooooom.com.

USE
SarcMark
What: Download it for $1.99 to indicate when you’re being sarcastic in e-mails or over IM. That’s a small price to pay for keeping friends.
Why: Like you’d even get it.
Where: Online at sarcmark.com.

WEAR
Gel Lip Stains
What: Tarte’s newest product supposedly increases the moisture content in your lips by 6,000 percent – so your pouters appear plumper and healthier.
Why: Kiss, kiss.
Where: Online at sephora.com.

LISTEN
Concrete Jungle
What: The super-smart Nigerian/German singer Nneka just released her first U.S. album. You might recognize “The Uncomfortable Truth” from one of our videos.
Why: Hip-hop hop, and you don’t stop.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Yantra Mat

Write On, Wanderer

2010-02-03T17:00:00Z

HazelMail Virtual Postcard Service

Hi bunny!

Paris rocks. Dinners at Itinéraires, late nights at Curio Parlor, crashing at glam Park Hyatt. For someone who’s not working or meeting with clients or going to the gym, I sure am busy.

So busy there’s no time to buy postcards or find stamps. Which is why I’m sending this postcard from my BlackBerry. Cool, right? (I took this photo crossing the Louvre last night.)

I’m using HazelMail, an app (yeah, another damn app) that turns my photos into postcards. I choose a pic, add a background and border, pick a font, write the message, et voila: a real live postcard delivered to your door. Works for iPhones, too.

It costs a few bucks, but HazelMail has cheaper bundle rates. And it’s worth it — so much more personal than a crap tourist shot of the Eiffel Tower. And no mad scramble at the airport to find a postbox.

All to tell you how much I wish you were here.

Available online at hazelmail.com.

Going somewhere? Not without stopping by the Travel Desk first, you’re not. Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

And did someone say sales? To London, Belize, and Bali? Why, yes! Someone said DailyCandy’s Winter Travel Sales, to be precise.

Barely Legal

2010-02-03T14:45:00Z

LaQuan Smith Clothing

When you turned 21 … Well, you don’t remember turning 21. (Shots of Aristocrat will do that.)

When LaQuan Smith turned 21, he was dressing Lady Gaga and Rihanna and creating a stunning, ocean-inspired collection for New York Fashion Week. No big.

The Queens-based women’s wear wunderkind in today’s video is the ultimate follow-your-dreams success story: He taught himself to sew on his grandma’s machine, made his own designs, showed up uninvited to fashion parties, introduced himself to the right people, and voila.

Maybe you’ve seen him around town. He’s the one in sequins and six-inch heels. He’s so hot Kanye once stopped him to approve, “I like your style.”

We’d have to agree.

For more information, go to laquansmith.com. For custom orders (before he gets too big), e-mail info@faag.us.

Felt Up

2010-02-03T14:15:00Z

Fiat Luxe Felted Soaps

The last time you lathered up with a hirsute showering buddy, you felt far from clean.

Wash away that lingering grossness with a new fuzzy friend: Fiat Luxe’s felted soap.

Wrapped in naturally antifungal wool, the fragrant bathing beauties act as cleansing agent and washcloth in one.

Energize with hand-grated amber resin from India, soothe skin with the vibrant calendula citrus blend, or refresh your senses with lavender buds.

As you scrub, the felt magically shrinks along with the soap, reshaping the miniature works of art. Once you’ve whittled your way down, simply slit the colorful casing and insert a new bar.

The result?

Sudsy balls you can’t wait to get your hands on.

Available online at fiatluxedesigns.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Fiat Luxe

Heart-Shaped Deals

2010-02-02T16:00:00Z

From us. To you.

19 Gifts for Your Valentine

2010-02-02T14:00:00Z

Shooting practice with Cupid in an hour? Ready, aim, fire away.

That's What She Wed

2010-02-01T14:15:00Z

DailyCandy Weddings Launches

Dearly Beloved Readers,

We’re here on bended knee, finally ready to pop the question: Wanna join DailyCandy Weddings? It’s a new weekly e-mail hopelessly devoted to your big day.

Take the leap and you’ll receive unconventional inspiration (boozy snow cones, modern ketubahs), floral trends (rhinestone bouquets), and new designers (bridesmaid frocks you’ll actually wear again). We’ll keep you prenuptually preoccupied with fresh ideas on how to make your wedding day, well, yours.

To sweeten the deal, we’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away an Ultimate Wedding — with a whopping $100,000 budget — to one lucky couple. The day of perfection will be brilliantly organized by our favorite A-list planner, Jo Gartin.

Love is forever, but the clock is ticking, so hop to.

It’s vow or never.

To sign up for DailyCandy Weddings, go to dailycandy.com/weddings. To enter the Ultimate Wedding contest, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimate wedding.

In It to Win It

2010-02-01T06:00:00Z

Enter the Ultimate Wedding Contest

Choreographed ceremony entrances. Morning weddings. Slutty bridal gowns.

Some decisions should be left to the experts. If you win the Ultimate Wedding contest, yours could be in the capable hands of an A-list planner.

We’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away a dream wedding — worth a whopping $100,000 — to one lucky couple. This day of perfection will be organized by Jo Gartin, who’s planned the nuptials of Kate Walsh, Elizabeth Banks, and an upcoming Bachelor (so she can handle even the most demanding leading lady).

To enter, answer three questions and upload a photo on Crate & Barrel’s website by March 31, 2010. Couples are encouraged to run their own marketing campaigns; the 50 finalists will be those with the most votes. A panel will then select the lucky Mr. & Mrs.

Gartin will bring the winners’ Ultimate Wedding to life — from designing invitations, choosing a locale, and setting the scene to creating a menu and picking a band.

You’re welcome. This one’s on us.

To enter, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding.

Here's the Plan

2010-01-31T11:00:00Z

What to Do This Week

Love, actually.

VIEW
Chris Craymer’s Romance
What: The London photographer’s first solo exhibition features touching, quirky, and steamy portraits of couples.
Why: Live vicariously.
When: Tues.-Feb. 16. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Trask Gallery, at The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park S., b/t Lexington & Park Ave. S. (212-475-3424).

CHEW
Pancake Month at Clinton St. Baking Co.
What: Kick off a month of special flavors with a chocolate and blood orange version of the fluffy, light hotcakes.
Why: Nom nom nom.
When: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. & 6-11 p.m.
Where: 4 Clinton St., b/t E. Houston & Stanton Sts. (646-602-6263).

CLICK
Honey in the Rough’s E-Apothecary
What: Eminently awesome LES indie boutique finally puts its favorite beauty products online.
Why: Find obscure but coveted brands like Germany’s funky Uslu Airlines nail polish.
When: Your computer boots up.
Where: Online at honeyintheroughstore.com; 161 Rivington St., b/t Clinton & Suffolk Sts. (212-228-6415).

REMEMBER
J.D. Salinger
What: Reread your coming-of-age favorites by the 91-year-old genius recluse (who passed away last Wednesday).
Why: Forgetting would be crummy.
When: You feel like a phony.
Where: Your teenage bedroom seems most appropriate.

BOUNCE
Das Racist at Cameo Gallery
What: The buzzy Brooklyn rap duo does a Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique cover set.
Why: You loved the nerdy-good “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell” single, and you’re ready to dance.
When: Tues., 8 p.m.
Where: 93 N. 6th St., b/t Berry & Wythe Sts., Williamsburg (718-302-1180). Cover is $5.

PLAN AHEAD
Sixth Annual PowerHouse Books Portfolio Review
What: Amateurs get critiques on their pics and advice from pros like Elle’s senior photo editor and the editorial director of Abrams Books.
Why: Feel the Flickr of fame.
When: Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Sign up this week to be included.)
Where: PowerHouse Arena, 37 Main St., b/t Front & Water Sts., Dumbo. Sign up online at powerhouseportfolioreview.com.

Photo: Chris Craymer