District L

Last night marked three years in the LES for Lois Eastlund. Friends and fanatics celebrated in her 153 Ludlow boutique with an evening of mingling, drinking, and most certainly, shopping. Lois Eastlund’s loyal following donned her crisp, comfortable signatures for Friday night’s festivities. Adding new pieces to her collection of versatile, color-blocked dresses and distinguishing mod styles, guests were snatching the looks that walked her runway just weeks ago. Vibrant tones and slick fabrics juxtapose basic black for a look that reflects the neighborhood just below E. Houston – flexible, energetic, and distinct.

The 11/11/11 event was sponsored by Boutiika, ATTITUDE by Jeanne, ID Pop Shop, and of course, yours truly.

Post by Amanda LaMela

At about half-past 5pm, I found myself sprinting down 58^th street and descending deep into the bowels of the Hudson Hotel. Socialite darling, Douglas Hannant, was celebrating and presenting his “Pink” launch at Good Units. With a performance by The Vandelles and a relaxed attitude, the Park Avenue Prince was looking refreshingly ‘downtown.’

Two air kisses, one cocktail, and a few photos later, I found myself back on 58^th with the good intention of taking a subway. But with another glance at the darkening skies, I muttered, “F*** that,” and hailed a cab down to Greene Street.

I arrived in Soho on Fashion’s Night Out against my initial judgment. The streets reminded me of Halloween in elementary school – everyone especially focused on their attire, scoping out which door would reap the best goodies. But instead of dodging eggs, I dodged drunk tourists until I finally slid into REALM on 98 Greene.

REALM Boutique was throwing an exceptionally style-list FNO, hosted by Lissy Trullie, May Kwok, Michelle Trachtenberg, Leandra Medine, Susie Bubble and Chelsea Leyland. Champagne in hand, I sifted through racks upon racks of luxurious rarities until boutique owner, Lewaa Abdulkhalek stopped me for an introduction.

Presenting his collection of Jitrois, Lewaa highlighted a few key items – a stretch leather sheath dress, a feather-trimmed cocktail frock, and a bright suede skirt. “Black will always be our best-selling color, but red is the predominant fashion color right now,” he shared. I shuddered in delight as I slipped on a cropped chinchilla bomber jacket. “We have a full-length version coming in soon,” Lewaa suggested. I flipped the tag to reveal the price… $31,000.

“Yeah…” I lied, “I guess I’ll just have to wait for that one…”

Post by Amanda LaMela

After the District L brunch bunch infiltrated Pala with animated facial expressions, alcohol-fueled revelries, and gluten-free demands, we made our weekly visit to our obvious favorite, Lois Eastlund. While recapping last week's anniversary party, Lois started sharing her next upcoming calendar-worthy shopping event.... so listen closely.

Apparently American Express, the Fashion Week sponsoring, Don't-Leave-Home-Without-It, status card, has added another item to its fashion resume: Small Business Saturday

Amex understands the importance of small boutiques to our local economy and to our wardrobes. That is why they will be offering incentives to shoppers who spend at participating independent retailers the Saturday after Thanksgiving. So if you visit a store like Lois' and spend $25 or more on your American Express, you'll receive a $25 statement credit.

Let's boil that down: Spend Money = Get New Stuff + Get Free Money Back + Support Local Business

Now, that's an equation we can work with.

Post by Amanda LaMela