District L

There is nothing more painful than the caustic return of Monday after a good weekend -- especially those excruciating moments right before viewing my Chase Checking balance for the first time in three days… But as unavoidable as the first flannel purchase for a new Williamsburg resident, Monday made its bitter return.

So what other option do I have than to reflect upon the past days’ unabashed consumption and celebration?

Festivities began early last week with Anna Dello Russo’s INC launch at Openhouse Gallery. The Wednesday night event possessed the right ingredients for a perfect party – Champagne, models, and a famous style icon.

The second half of last week enjoyed its good share of meet-ups. My first stop was Ludlow to visit designer and friend, Lois Eastlund. As I browsed through her new color-ways and styles, we caught up and discussed a particularly exciting photo shoot on the horizon.

Two Bisousciao macrons later, I finally summoned the courage to elbow my way through Soho. When I finally exhaled inside Bloomindales, I was immediately drawn to a table of megawatt LARUICCI cocktail rings like a sorority girl drawn to glittery puff paint and plastic stemware. Designer, Lauren Ruicci, was busy greeting impressed visitors at her weekend trunk show.

“We have a lot in the works for fashion week,” she hinted, “but I can’t really divulge much yet!”

After a bit of self-pampering and shopping, it was time for another rooftop rendezvous with friends -- once again, falling into a champagne haze in the name of birthday celebration. But by 8pm, it was already time to start pulling ourselves together for the Digitalism show at Terminal 5.

Post by Amanda LaMela

After a night of partying in apocalyptic proportions, our circadian rhythm still manages to adapt for fashionable matters. This afternoon, District L will be heading over to the Fashion Forward Fashion Show on Orchard and Broome. Starting at 1pm, designers such as Lois Eastlund, James Coviello, and Robert James, will be showcasing their LES designs in an outdoor event, hosted by LES BID.

Find us there -- with BisousCiao macron and d'espresso mochaccino in hand.

Post by Amanda LaMela

After a long and excessive Thanksgiving holiday, I took to the streets for some retail-induced cardio. Even in this crisp autumn weather, I find it’s easier to maintain my energy level when fashion is on the agenda, and isn’t it always?

Yesterday began with some velvet appreciation at Lois Eastlund, as I snapped some photos in her newest arrivals, met her new mascots, and browsed her dress archives. Mini Lois was sitting pretty among the freshly-placed Christmas decorations, enjoying her new plastic man-friend... But that story is to be continued.

After another blissful visit to 153 Ludlow, I made my way over to Mint Julep to peruse their array of unique accessories. Trend right and playful, this Ludlow Street boutique tapped into the sailor theme we enjoyed this past NYFW.

While my DL counterparts often take successful trips to Beacon's Closet, I rarely try my hand at second-hand. Keeping this in mind, I took baby steps right into Foley + Corinna. They tastefully mix top-quality vintage accessories with their own partygirl collection, so I wasn’t immediately compelled to scrub my hands after leaving. Although I didn’t score any merchandise, I did overhear the sales associate gushing about how lucky they’ve been with acquiring luxe furs. ::Hint::Hint::

Post F + C, I had worked up quite an appetite. I decided to visit my friends at BisousCiao Macrons. (Don’t worry, their delicious treats are gluten-free.) As I picked a few of my favorite flavors, the smiling French man behind the counter warned that my beloved fall recipes would soon be so-last-season. So if you have not yet tasted their pumpkin spice macron, you’d better hurry.

Last but not least, I headed down to The Young Designers Market on 268 Mulberry Street to visit Sarah from Box 185 and check out her fun assortment of accessories. With liberal use of feathers, leather, and fringe, Box 185 offered an exciting collection that’s just too cool to miss.

Unfortunately, my fun took a brief intermission when Chase AutoAlerts reminded me that I have rent to pay. Luckily, there is a place on the Lower East Side to relieve oneself of such pain. Aptly named Painkiller, the “60s-punk-tiki-bar” on Essex Street serves creative drinks beneath flames and inside seashells, meant to be shared among friends.

Who says there’s no cure for the Sunday blues?

Post by Amanda LaMela