My first stop covered the first two vital elements, as I met up with a vegan buddy at the newly opened Terri (23rd between 5th & 6th). Terri, managed by former employee of the acclaimed vegan stop Blossom, offers an array of sandwiches, wraps, salads, smoothies and other assorted goodies that are all 100% vegan. My lunch order consisted of an ersatz bacon chicken ranch “burger” which, although it does not come with fries (we can’t have everything) was a splendid and satisfying amount of food for less than $9. I also opted to add buffalo wing sauce from the buffalo chicken sandwich, which the girl at the counter was happy to do for me, and a modification I highly recommend. And by the way, the staff there is excellent, very friendly and helpful, and I think that’s a very necessary feature to emphasize when starting a new food shop in this economy in New York City. Good prices+good food+good service=rare and return-worthy.

On the down side (there’s always a down side), my friend ordered a fake tuna salad sandwich that was my second-choice option, and apparently the meal was a little too wet with veganaise (vegan mayonnaise). Not only is this used to mimic the consistency of tuna salad (this version made with chickpeas) but it also coats the roll, so that overall there was just too much of it to balance the more subtle textures and flavors of the sandwich. I would opt to order this with the additional mayo left off. The deli-style shop only has limited stool seating along the windows, and I wish the seating had backs or was slightly more comfortable. There was also nowhere to hang or store purses and coats, so all of the patrons had shoved their various accoutrement onto the minimal eating space. Chairs with backs or hooks beneath the counters would go a long way toward streamlining the utility of the eat-in option at Terri.

While our food was well-priced, I was hoping to try a smoothie but they didn’t seem a big enough size or a big enough draw to spend $5 or above, since my sandwich barely cost more than that. My friend and I did, however, split a vegan ‘chocolate’ cupcake with ‘buttercream’ icing and it was perfectly rich, moist and just amazing.

After this, we grabbed a quick coffee at the Starbucks down the street to accompany us on our stroll down to Union Square, where I was to leave my friend off to his errands. Walking through the streets with good conversation and a Venti Chai Tea Latte certainly belongs in an ideal afternoon in NYC.

When we parted ways, I took the F downtown to SOHO, where I was attending the trunk show of Naana B, a designer from Columbia University who uses her art to reflect the influence of handmade fabrics from Ghana. I had the opportunity to meet Naana herself, who was warm and cordial but also very knowledgeable about her design direction, which is always a pleasure. I loved the versatile snakeskin clutches as well as hand-printed, mid-length trench jackets. Proceeds from all sales go to the Rural Communities Empowerment Centre in Ghana.

Because I was already in the area, I couldn’t pass up the chance to stop by the Sephora at 555 Broadway. Although the store was the busiest and most poorly staffed I’ve ever seen, I managed to pick up a new foundation since my own was running low and, unfortunately, discontinued as well. I am gravely disappointed that I had to ask two salespeople for help and was still verbally directed to brands and pointed in the general direction of the shelves, without actually being helped in any way. I wouldn’t shop there again if I could possibly avoid it; other locations are much more shopper-friendly and less painful to navigate. For now, I’m back to the same old Sephora brand mattifying foundation until I can find my next favorite to replace the Smashbox powder I so adore(d).

Although I then intended to swing by Trader Joes for some groceries on the way home, I decided that my day had been full and rewarding and there was no reason to end it on the harried note of the long grocery store lines, so I instead went home. Still; all things considered, I managed to have an ideal afternoon in NYC.

~SB

I confirmed my appointment downstairs via buzzer and was ushered upstairs to the fifth floor, which overlooks Madison Avenue. Upon entering, I was greeted by a narrow passageway and the reception desk. I’ll admit to being slightly ruffled that I stepped directly out of the elevator and into the salon, but I composed myself quickly and introduced myself to the ladies at the desk. On time for my appointment, I was ushered into the main body of the salon. Beyond the reception area, it opens up to an expansive, streamlined room with hardwood floors, Asian-inspired décor and a spa-like ambience. The room has a wide, open flow, which puts visitors (and, I daresay, employees) at ease. There is no effort to cram accoutrement and accessories into every nook to capitalize on the NYC real estate, and the entire space is lit considerately: not-too-bright, so visitors feel relaxed and non-industrial, but also not too dim, so hair designers can put forth their best work. Plus, of course, there’s the wall of windows that lets you look down over Manhattan, detached from the bustle of the street, yet not disconnected from your city.

This is where you can tell I haven’t had a very high-end haircut before. When I was led to the back room to change, I was closed behind plush curtains into my own little chamber, like a dressing room. With a blouse already hanging from the present hook, I was unsure if I was supposed to actually strip down. I decided to go with the old massage therapy rule: undress to the level that you can be comfortable. So I slipped out of my jacket and left the rest of my clothes in place, re-emerging in my black gown.

After a brief wait where I was politely offered a drink and accepted water, I met owner Eiji Yamane, who would be taking my appointment personally. Though it crossed my mind to be intimidated, Eiji immediately gave off a comforting vibe—confident and self-possessed, but utterly warm and inviting. I was surprised at how approachable and personable was the man who constantly has his hands in the hair of starlets such as Sarah Jessica Parker. Eiji (pronounced a-gee), who was mentored by esteemed stylist John Sahag, reinvented the dry cut technique to offer what can only be called ‘hair sculpture’ at his namesake salon, appropriately located just shy of the Upper East Side.

I sat down at a nearby station for an appraisal of my dry hair. Eiji evaluated my unruly mop (which hadn’t been washed or combed since the day prior) and ran his fingers through it, lifting it in his hand before letting it go, meticulously studying how it fell down and where it rested. After a few questions about my hair care routine, I was sent off to the adjacent room with the promise that we would take a look at my locks again once they’d been washed. I immediately felt as though the level of concern for my hair was impressive, and that I was in good hands.

The wash itself was extraordinarily relaxing. With the room to myself, I was able to lean back in a state of tranquil repose as a skillful attendant not only cleaned my hair but massaged my scalp as well. I could have lain there for hours listening to the tranquil music, under the diligence of my washer’s skilled hands—and hey, it didn’t hurt that he was cute. But all too soon it was time to sit up and get my hair cut.

The haircut itself lasted over an hour. Salon Eiji recommends allotting two hours for every appointment. There’s an excellent reason for that: quality takes time. Oh, and your hair is wet, so it needs to start drying before the dry cut can be performed; you might get a little break to enjoy some coffee or browse a magazine post-wash. ‘Performance’ is the correct word. Undistracted by other business matters and making me feel like I was the only person in the world, Eiji spent every moment devoted to my crown. I noted his serene focus as he analyzed and cut my hair, taking pains to touch every small section individually, like a parent who is adamant about not favoring any one child.

Eiji’s dry cut technique allows him to feel the true weight and texture of your hair in its common state—how you wear it everyday—dry. This eliminates the feeling that you might like your haircut when you leave your salon, but you are truly reserving judgment for tomorrow morning, when you have to wake up and do it yourself. Though you can travel to many salons in New York City for a haircut that looks gorgeous when you step out the door, the genius of this dry-cut technique is that you will continue to look stunning every day after. Eiji does not do anything to your hair, but rather works with your hair and face to create angles, lines and movement based on how your locks are wont to lie.

Personally, I’m lazy about my hair; with natural curls, I am blessed that I can throw in some product and air-dry to call my hair ‘styled.’ When I admitted this, Eiji stressed to me that it was his goal to allow me to replicate my hairstyle without stretching the boundaries of my styling ability, nor infringing upon my morning routine. In the days and weeks after my hair appointment, I can vouch that this promise was fulfilled. You will never get such an indulgent, insightful, flattering haircut that requires almost no maintenance. I highly recommend Salon Eiji to any NYC girls who want a caring cut;  Eiji not only made my hair beautiful, but gave me an experience I won’t soon forget.

Salon Eiji is also known for Bangtox™ styling (which uses bang sculpting to lift years from your face), Japanese Water Treatment (which strengthens and silkens strands) and Cashmere Hair Treatment (the ultimate solution for conditioning and soothing stressed tresses). Pricing ranges from $25 for a manicure to $750+ for chemical straightening and extensions. The salon is located between 57^th and 58^th at 601 Madison Avenue.

~SB

Whereas previously I would have only had the opportunity to chat with him via email, now I was able to schedule a live interview with Matt Fox, the purveyor of FineAndDandyShop.com. On July 10th, we met at The Coffee Pot in Hell’s Kitchen.

 SB: What is the biggest upcoming trend in men’s wear?

MF: We’re mad for plaid. Actually patterns in general. It’s all about the right mix of patterns and material to create your own individual look.

SB: Are men lazy about getting dressed or being stylish? Why?

MF: I think there has been overall trend in the past several decades towards dressing casually. It used to be that a suit and tie were a requirement for a guy in an office. Now it’s chinos and a polo. Most people follow trends so if the people around a guy are dressed casually, chances are he will as well. However, I think that’s slowly turning around. 

SB: When/why/how did Fine and Dandy start? 

MF: I’ve always loved visiting small men’s boutiques and for several years I’ve had a fantasy of opening up a storefront shop called ‘Fine and Dandy’ with a similar concept.  However NYC is a very expensive city and opening a shop has been too much of a risky venture. About a year and a half ago I had the idea to open online. We launched on October 31, 2008, to a great response. 
SB: What standards do you use for selecting items to sell? 

MF: When doing my buying I select my favorite things and in turn I sell things that I would wear or use. Also, affordability has been a major goal (everything is under $50) so that has been an important criterion.

SB: What is the modern dandy? How is he different from the well-dressed men of previous eras?

MF: The modern dandy uses traditional items like bow ties, pocket squares, fedoras, but in a modern way. I like to call my look dandy-inspired. Not too literal, otherwise it gets a little costumey. A modern dandy is a smart buyer who is less concerned with labels and is more interested in how a looks comes together.

SB: Is a dandy different than a fop?

MF: A fop is a historic character which hasn’t made its way into the modern world (whereas the dandy is prevalent). I think of dandy as a way of life, how a gentleman carries himself, and presents himself to the world. A fop was overly concerned about his appearance.

SB: Do you think there are a lot of women shopping for men online? More than men shopping for men? 

MF: Absolutely. We launched right in time for the holiday buying season and we found that a great deal of our customers were women buying for their husbands and boyfriends. 

SB: What are some upcoming items, or items you’d like to offer in the future? Any chance of expanding to apparel or shoes?

MF: I would absolutely like to add clothing and shoes someday. However, with clothing and shoes we will have to deal with sizes. In our current incarnation we are on a fairly small scale with no sized items (other than hats). If not before, perhaps when I eventually open that storefront shop!

Want to read more about men’s accessories and e-commerce? Visit the original Style Bard blog to read an interview with Greg Shugar, CEO of TheTieBar.com.

For the most part, I had the right idea. It’s full of tourists, full of rats, glowing with bright lights dimmed only by a fine layer of grit that permeates the air and settles on every surface. It’s a big metropolis, with a little bit of everything: from hobos to millionaires (often sharing the same sidewalk), from thrift stores to couture boutiques (often sharing the same block), from Thai cuisine to falafel stands (often sharing the same stoop).

Fitting so many stereotypes–and at the same time offering so many peculiarities at every turn–New York City hasn’t really come to shock or surprise me yet. However, every time I come across some little, personal, minor, unexpected detail about NYC life, it makes the city feel that much more like home. The details you come to anticipate, the ones you never knew to expect, are the things let you know you belong in NYC.

The first thing that I never knew about New York City was that ice cream trucks rule the streets in the summertime. On my own block in Brooklyn, the ice cream truck runs from about 11am to 11pm, circling round and round, up and down my street–when it isn’t parked around the corner, idling and awaiting customers. The children’s music wafts up to my open windows and swims through my apartment several times a day. In Manhattan, these trucks are parked or roving all over the place. If you spend any amount of time in the city, you can’t miss them. They’re pretty loud, somewhat gaudy, and overpriced ($3 for a small cone??). But even though I’ll groan aloud and complain each and every time ‘Do Your Ears Hang Low’ accosts my ears, this little annoyance is part of my new NYC life—even though I still get my ice cream cones at McDonalds, for about $.99 per cone; let the tourists pay $2 more for novelty and sprinkles.

The ice cream trucks are such an integral part of NYC, competitors such as the cupcake truck and taco truck have emerged to carve their own niche. I’ve even seen a pink-colored cotton candy car that totes a popcorn machine in the trunk! Thus far, these new roving food wagons have not adopted the blaring siren-call of the ice cream truck, thank goodness. And while they pay sufficient homage, we all know they’ll never be the same in prevalence or spirit as the original ice cream truck.

The second thing that I never knew about New York City was that it bears rubber bands the way a Christmas tree bears ornamentation. Rubber bands are everywhere; in the streets, on the sidewalks, in the grass. You can’t help but notice them. There’s really no need to ever visit Staples for this particular office supply. When I moved here, as I was setting up my home office, I realized that I hadn’t brought rubber bands with me. So when I discovered one immediately on the ground I thought aha! what luck! and I put it in my purse. Same with the next few. And then I picked up a few more for my cat to play with (she loves the challenge, I suppose). Then I realized that I was consistently finding rubber bands all over the place, and there was no need to collect them any longer. They would always be there, just under my nose, if I ever needed one. I cannot explain this phenomenon, but realizing this uncanny trait of New York City makes me happy. I hope that when winter snows coat the sidewalks in white, I will still be able to locate and snag spare rubber bands when I need them.

Rubber bands and ice cream trucks—these are two of the quirks that give NYC dimension. I hope to keep discovering little-known, bizarre characteristics as I settle in. It’s quite a treat to separate the Hollywood version of NYC from the minute, mundane realities. Like knowing that your partner brushes his teeth with his left hand and hums while he cooks, knowing the intimate details of NYC makes me fall in love with it even more.

~ SB

Intrigued, I RSVPed to the event (which cost $10) and decided that, given such a wide berth of time, I should arrive not at the very beginning or the very end, but sometime in the middle. Estimating that an hour-long window was needed to peruse merchandise, speak with designers and chat with fellow shoppers, I arrived at 3:30pm–right smack in the middle of the event.

Because an advance RSVP (and $10!) was required, I was a little disappointed when no one stopped me at the door to ask for my name or credentials. Anyone could wander in off the street? The small space was full of tables and racks of merchandise, from jewelry to dresses to shoes. A handful of women browsed the luxury merchandise, but the space was far from crowded. I suppose I expected to be elbow-to-elbow if I wanted to get close to on-sale emerging-label runway looks. But those hawking their wares outnumbered the shoppers.

Called an “ultra posh” setting in the e-vite, the studio space actually reminded me of the last Chamber of Commerce function I attended, where little more than folding tables and chairs designated boundaries from one entrepreneur to the next. And I believe that “ultra posh” event was held at a high school gym. I had to wonder if this would be just as fun.

But maybe I was just feeling cranky, since I’d entered the setting with an ugly thirst. It was a warm day, and the nearest subway portal was a few blocks away. Anticipating hors d’oeuvres and “tasty drinks” (non-alcoholic), I actually discovered what looked like warm sparkling juice in plastic cups on a tray on a shelf…was I supposed to help myself? If there ever were appetizers at this event, what I knew of them was crumbs and napkins in my periphery. No one tried to offer me anything; in fact, no one from POSHGLAM approached me at all, and I had no way to differentiate hosts from sponsors from guests.

Only the designers–or their representatives–seemed enthusiastic to talk to me, and happy to be there. After circling the room once to get a feel for the space, I made a second round, this time speaking with some of the sales people and learning about the small-label luxury brands.

Participants included Zhozet, Sukari, New York Couture, Sabido & Basteris, Andrea Lucille Designs and Nexus Showroom (home to labels such as Bete Noire, Jean Paul Knott, Sylvie Schimmel, Blessed & Cursed, O.P.X. and Farah Angsana).  As for the apparel, I rummaged through racks and eyed some designs, but nothing more than a few chic leather goods (too unseasonal to even considering buying) earned a second look. Always a magpie, I tarried by a few tables featuring gem-heavy jewelry, but no one was available to answer my questions (much less take my money). Maybe they were out picking up more hors d’oeuvres?

But Style Bard faves at the event were (of course) the sole shoe sellers, Ganache Couture. This may have been due to my extremely obvious (and well-chronicled) bias toward shoes, but it also had to do with the fact that CEO Quiana Smith was not only on hand to represent her wares, she was also a friendly and helpful presence who explained to me that the shoes I most fancied at her “booth” were the ‘Peepshow’ booties worn by Keri Hilson in the music video for “Knock You Down” (check them out at timestamp 1:29). Who knew Keri and I shared similar tastes in shoes?

I ultimately left empty-handed, but it wasn’t a waste of 45 minutes; I familiarized with some new brands and ogled many a gorgeous item. It wasn’t exactly a big on-the-scene moment for the Style Bard, but from now on I will be a little more leery about replying to invites that look like there’s been a fire sale on superlatives.

Not that I’ll stop attending such events (especially now that I’m curious to see if this is what they’re always like), but I plan to view them as the opportunistic sales functions that they are. The promise to access designer merchandise at reduced prices was absolutely fulfilled–but the venue, victuals and visitors left something to be desired. With sponsors including TheFashionList.com, Emmett McCarthy, Avelle -The New Bag Borrow or Steal, Boom Boom Beauty Bar and My Daily Thread, I guess I was just expecting something a little more…fashionable? Upscale? VIP?

Besides, I never got my “tasty” non-alcoholic beverage. And it’s really hard to act like a “sophisticated, stylish, and savvy” shopper when all you want to buy is a tall bottle of ice cold water. Thus, upon leaving my very first “exclusive” shopping event in NYC, the day’s prize was purchased for $1 at a cart down the street–and I didn’t even need to RSVP.

What I was not prepared for, however, was when my friend arrived and said, “Forget coffee. I think I can get you into this party. On a roof!”

That was all I needed to hear, of course. So off we went down the street and into an unmarked, innocuous building. Inside the lobby was a VIP table with an event planner checking names. “Friends and family of…” We said nonchalantly. I should mention we did not know the party recipient or its hosts. Security detail (there was security detail–with ear pieces!) wrapped our wrists in colorful bracelets and ushered us to the elevator bank.

And then we were on the roof.

So I spent the evening in a t-shirt and jeans–surrounded by people done up to the 9s in their LBDs, glittering jewels and hot, hot, hot 5” heels. Did I feel out of place? You bet. Did I order another cocktail and work it out? Of course. When you’ve got an open bar at your fingertips and the Hudson glimmering in the distance, there’s nothing you can do but straighten your spine and act like you arrived with a purpose.

Upon telling this story the next day, I got very similar replies along the lines of, “What a great New York story!” “That’s so New York.” and “Welcome to New York City!”

So tell me: are anonymous rooftop parties common in NYC? What about crashing them? Have you ever had the chance?

The next day I was thinking to myself–as I nursed a mild hangover with some pizza from the shop up the block; my inaugural slices as a city resident. Is this New York City life? If so, I think I could get used to it.

~SB

I met up with a friend in Union Square. After about twenty minutes of wandering around and checking out the various stores and restaurants, I abruptly commented, “All of the girls here look exactly the same!!”

And it’s true. There’s such a mass following of fashion trends—especially in street wear—that everyone kind of blurs together after awhile. I’m more used to it by now, but for the first few days, I kept thinking I was seeing the same four people over and over again.

Here are a few of the popular wardrobe staples that’ll help you blend right in when you’re in New York City:

1) High-waisted skirt
2) Tucked-in tank top
3) Embellished leather or metallic flat sandals
4) Neutral makeup
5) Bangs

There are, of course, a few other variations on this theme (see also: the maxi dress). But now that I’ve been here a few weeks, I’ve accepted the fact that whether I’m at a formal event or buying food from a cart, some version of this particular NYC girl will be within ten paces of me. An informal survey leads me to believe that no less than five of these girls are on any one crowded subway car.

Want to stand out in New York City this summer? Eschew the bangs, let your torso breathe and try a pair of wedges for a change. Plus, play with your make-up; there are a ton of fun ways to highlight your natural features, so why get stuck in a rut? Whatever you do, remember to embrace a style that reflects your unique personality and flatters your body type. Because I have to say it: high-waisted skirts are just not for every girl. And yes; I’m talking to you.

~ SB

Images courtesy of H&M, American Apparel and Steve Madden

Sure, everyone always said I’d grow up and become a city girl with a swanky apartment and a splendid writing career (right). But after hopping from Florida to Boston to Florida to Cambridge to New Paltz (where? – exactly) to Florida again, I decided that I needed to stop my shenanigans and pick a place of residence, already. Even my cat felt like she was constantly living out of a suitcase, and I was beginning to annoy USPS.

So here I am: my new home in NYC. It’s not really a posh penthouse, and I’m no Truman Capote (yet). But I do rent a sunny apartment in Brooklyn, and I’m working as a full-time freelance writer, blogger and editor. She’s on her way, folks!

If you’re already familiar with the Style Bard blogs (here and here) you may know that I’m a self-confessed shopaholic who loves a good deal. That might make living in NYC pretty dangerous, since sample sales and shoe stores lurk around every corner (literally).

But you may not know from whence the name ‘Style Bard’ comes. Y’see, I believe that crafting a well-honed personal style is much like poetry. You have to polish self-expression until it becomes a work of art. That’s why I call myself a Bard of Style.

But on this blog, as I write about my findings, experiences and observations on the streets of NYC, I’ll be going by something a little different. Something a tad more insightful and a little more honest: OMNY. Because at the end of the day, despite my ego and delusions of grandeur, when my opinions ricochet into the millions of voices that already rant and wax poetic about this metamorphic city, I’m actually just One More New Yorker.

Welcome to my blog.

~SB