An unnamed Keith Haring mural that enjoyed a brief life on the Lower East Side in the 1980s has returned in all of its DayGlo glory.  The mural was recreated by using photographs of the original mural that Haring, a New York artist, painted, then shortly thereafter painted over.  Haring died of AIDS at the age of 31 in 1990 and the new mural is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Haring’s birth.  The mural is located on a large piece of concrete at the corner of Bowery and Houston (map).  You won’t miss it… it’s bright!    

Photo credit: personal collection 

___________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Leggings   All of the major fashion mags may have said that leggings are out but there are still quite a few girls rocking this look on the street.  Remember, these are not to be work in place of pants, so always wear this look with a long shirt (one that covers your posterior!) or dress.  (Bonus points to the girl wearing the leggings in the above photo for pairing them with patent flats!) 

Converse   High-top or low-top, for men or women, in any color Converse are back and they are back BIG!  This retro favorite is worn by hipsters, rockers, and preps alike. 

Flats   Tory Burch flats may be all the rage in L.A. (and in some Upper East Side circles) but they are almost nowhere to be seen in downtown New York.  Instead, opt for metallic flats which are hot for spring.  Word is that we can look for patent to come back later this season.  Flats can be paired with just about anything, from skinny jeans (which are still being worn) to dresses with leggings.  

BONUS:   A Whole Foods Reusable Shopping Bag  Yeah, I thought this was a little strange as well… but at least one in five people had one of the new Whole Foods bags slung over their shoulder.  Of course, I was on Bowery, just a few blocks from the Bowery Whole Foods.

Photo credits (left to right): leggings, personal collection; Converse, personal collection; ballet flats, Flickr 

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Pearl River Mart was founded by Chinese immigrants over thirty years ago and was branded the first Chinese-American department store.  It was popularized as a second-floor store on Canal Street in the heart of Chinatown.  My first trip to the original Pearl River Mart was very memorable.  There were plates and bowls stacked from the floor to the ceiling, boxes of shoes and clothing, and bolts of beautiful Chinese silk, in the corner, leaning against the wall.  Despite the store location and merchandising missteps, Pearl River was became a very popular shopping spot for New York City residents and visitors alike. 

A few years ago, Pearl River Mart decided to go “upscale” and moved to its new “Armani-Ex-esque” location in Soho.  The new location in Soho is everything the old one wasn’t:  trendy and organized.  During my first visit there a few years ago, I found it difficult to believe that it was the same merchandise!  I wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself now that I didn’t have to dig through stacks of kimonos.  I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed; it didn’t feel like it was that good of a bargain anymore.  But time has softened me and I once again stop by Pearl River anytime I am in Soho with a few minutes to spare and always end up leaving with something. 

You don’t have to trek to Soho to visit the first Chinese-American department store.  Pearl River has a great website that sells everything from window shades to Chinese New Year decorations.    

Location:  477 Broadway, map, 212-431-4770

Subway:  R, W to Prince Street; 6 to Spring Street

Hours:  Daily from 10am-7:20pm (including weekends and holidays)

Bonus:  Pearl River Mart has a great collection of affordable New York City guidebooks and maps.

Photo credits from top to bottom:  Me shoe “shopping” outside of the original Pearl River Mart, personal collection; The new Pearl River Mart, personal collection.

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

The fashionable Japanese clothing retailer opened its first store in the famous Harajuku district of Tokyo in 1998.  The retailer’s sales quickly took off and it now has over 700 stores in Japan as well as stores in South Korea, China, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, and the flagship store in Soho, New York. 

The Soho Uniqlo, which opened in late 2006, is a three-floor mecca for mens, womens, and childrens clothing.  Shoppers rejoice at the sight of tops and sweaters in every color of the rainbow, a huge wall of designer graphic tees, a reasonably priced cashmere collection, and high-quality denim in every cut to look good on every body type. 

The spring collection has arrived bringing with it an array of pastels as well as a nautical navy-and-white theme.  But, to make way for the new season’s collection, they have slashed prices on many items– I just picked up a charcoal pencil skirt for under $30!  

Next time you’re in Soho, drop by Uniqlo for stylish yet classic basics to add to your wardrobe at surprisingly affordable prices!   

Location:  Uniqlo, 546 Broadway, (map) 917-237-8811

Subway: R, W to Price; 6 to Spring; B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette

Hours:  Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-8pm

Know Before You Go:  Being a Japanese store, Uniqlo’s clothing carries Japanese sizing; larger sizes are limited. 

Photo credit: personal collection

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

The corner stone of Old St Patrick’s Cathedral was laid on June 8, 1809 and the church serves as the  Archdiocese of New York until the new St Patrick’s Cathedral was opened in 1879 in Midtown.  The church still holds various masses throughout the day and visitors are welcome to check out the beautiful interior.

 

Location:  Old St Patrick’s Cathedral, corner of Prince Street and Mott Street, (map)  212-226-8075

Subway:  B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette; 6 to Spring Street; R, W to Prince Street

Photo credit:  personal collection

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Balthazar offers a true French bistro dining. Breakfast and brunch feature eggs (from Benedict to Florentine) and Brioche french toast. For dinner, escargot and foie gras are standouts on the hors d’oeuvres menu while the entree menu boasts fish, chicken, duck, lamb, as well as no less than four steaks. Balthizar Bakery has an array of baked goods (from $2), salads (from $6), and sandwiches (from $6) available for carry-out.

There is one major downfall with being such a popular restaurant; every American not in Paris wants to experience Balthizar. This has led to a packed dining room– expect to be dining elbow-to-elbow with the couple at the next table.

Location: 80 Spring Street (map) 212-965-1414

Subway: 6 to Spring Street; R, W to Prince Street

Know Before You Go: Reservations are strongly recommended. No alcohol is served before noon on Sundays.

Photo credit: personal collection

___________________________________________________________________

Technorati Tags: b5media,The New York City Traveler,New York City,New York,NYC,tourism New York,Manhattan,travel,restaurants,food,Balthazar,Soho

Post from: The New York City Traveler