Introducing New York's Definitive Must-Shop Store List (Plus Deals Galore!)
New York is a part of our DNA. Sure, we have some stellar on-the-ground reporting from our other cities, but Refinery29 grew up here, cut its teeth in the big city, and the Big Apple is the place we call home. So when we were tasked to choose our 29 favorite stores in the entire city (!!), the pressure was on. This wasn't something that we could take lightly — this city raised us, after all. So, our only rules: No major chains, and each store needed to have a specific charm that came from pure, unmistakable NYC flavor. If the suspense is killing you (dun, dun DUN!), then head on over to our new "Stores We Love" hub. But, even better, if you're in the mood for some serious wardrobe upgrading, we've asked some of our featured stores to come up with exclusive deals for our readers. Whether these are your mainstays or you've never ventured through their doors, the spots we love all have fresh deals to get your weekend started early. While you are at it, see if your favorite boutique made our list, here.
There's An Undies Party Tonight And Everyone's Invited
Not for peeps who like going commando, organic apparel designer Pact and Nerve.com are hosting an underwear party tonight, but don't think you can attend in your skivvies. Leave that to the models, who will be pantless and handing out frosted cookies (double yum). There will also be "booths for kissing," but we suggest you keep your pants on for this one (no one wants a free show). Instead, get your glossy lips smacking and untwist those panties from their knot 'cause this sounds like it going to be one hell of a party! And who knows, maybe you'll find that special someone to do it all over again come V-Day.
When: Tuesday, February 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Pact x Nerve Underwear Party at Story, 144 Tenth Avenue (at 19th Street); RSVP at loveparty@wearPACT.com; no phone.
em> Photo: Courtesy of PACT
Bjork, Nicolas Jaar, A$AP Rocky And More Great (FREE!) Shows This Week
Smith Westerns, Porcelain Raft, Bleached, January 31, Webster Hall, $20
Three great bands bring varying degrees of volume to Webster Hall. Porcelain Raft makes atmospheric indie imbued with perma-frost romance, Smith Westerns lean toward garage rock jangle, and ex-Mika Miko gals Bleached go for razor sharp pop punk. An excellent lineup, whatever your your preferred level of adrenaline. Tuesday, January 31, 8 p.m., Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.
Björk, February 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 & 18 New York Hall of Science, $75
For those who complained that Björk’s Biophilia worked better as a multimedia performance than an audio experience, the perennially avant-guard pop artist will bring the whole iPad-created extravaganza to New York for a few select dates. Get your tickets fast, as these sensory-overloaded evenings will surely sell-out quickly. Friday, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday, February 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 19, at 8:30 p.m., New York Hall of Science, (at 111th Street and 44th Avenue); Queens; 718-699-0005
Nicolas Jaar (“From Scratch”), February 5, P.S. 1, FREE
If you slept on tickets for Nicolas Jaar’s sold-out Friday show at the Williamsburg Hall of Music, have no fear. The sound architect behind last year’s fantastic Space Is Only Noise (and recent Scout Larue collaborator), will be playing a five hour experimental set this Saturday in P.S. 1’s very own geodesic dome. Sounds almost too awesome to be real. Saturday, August 20 at 2 p.m. PS1, 22-25 Jackson Avenue (at 46th Avenue), Long Island City; 718-784-2084
Up for more? Here are some bonus shows:
Rapper of the moment A$AP Rocky plays Irving Plaza. February 1.
Three bands we like a lot, Class Actress, Pictureplane, and Beige, play 285 Kent. February 3.
The Rapture is DJing a free event at Yotel. February 4.
Tycho, Oneontrix Point Never, and Beacon play the Music Hall of Williamsburg. February 5.
Photos: Via Smith Westerns, Bjork, Nicolas Jaar
The 9 NYC Artists You Need To Know Now
If the only artist you know is McQueen (we get it, you went to the Met), we're here to help you get your art game on. And hard. To keep you current with the new class of creatives that everyone's buzzing about, we spoke with a real-deal art pro who does this stuff, you know, for a living. As the director of Chelsea institution, the Andrea Rosen Gallery, Andrea Cashman spends her time jetting to Frieze, Venice, and both Swiss and Miami Basel in order to survey the newest and most-talked-about artists. (Oh, and she's an alum of Deitch Projects, the most rabble-rousing, party-throwing, and cool-kid-featuring gallery of the aughts). We tasked Cashman to, very literally, curate a list of her nine artists to watch, complete with all the insider dish. So, while plenty of collectors pay top dollar for Andrea's thoughts, she's given us a 2012 artist cheat sheet, with an exclusive glimpse into the future of art.
Check out nine up-and-coming NYC artists you need to know about before they make it big.
Check out nine up-and-coming NYC artists you need to know about before they make it big.
Upgrade Your Space (For A Good Cause!) At This Killer Art Sale
So, we clearly never need a reason to hit up a great sale — give us even a small discount, and you can bet we'll be there to take a look. However, a great sale that gives back to an even greater cause actually makes our hearts race. And we've found just such a thing, for the decor fiends in us, just in time for the frigid nesting weather out there.
ACRIA (The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America), is offering up some pretty incredible artwork for 20-40% off, depending on what you spend. And, okay, it's legit art, so the prices are a little steep — purchases under $999 are discounted by 20%, anything over $1,000 is 25% off, anything over $5,000 is 25% off, and anything over $10,000 is 40% off. But, if you have the cash, there's no greater cause to give it to: ACRIA supports, develops, and explores the research, technologies, and therapies that can help to treat and cure AIDS, plus they provide AIDS education in the US and around the world — not too shabby, huh? Just be sure to email the store requesting the discount on your purchase.
Don't have the cash to drop on a piece of art? No worries — you can still help out this awesome cause. On Tuesday, January 31, you can attend a cocktail reception and take a guided tour of the show HIDE/SEEK at The Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition explores how gender and sexual identity have shaped American art, and includes works from Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and many more. The exhibition is free to YFA members and $50 for non-members, and you can RSVP via email.
When: ACRIA Cocktail reception and private tour, Tuesday, January 31, starting at 6:30 p.m.; art on sale now through Tuesday, January 31.
Where: The Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway (between Washington and Flatbush avenues); 718-638-5000.
Photo: Courtesy of ACRIA
Don't have the cash to drop on a piece of art? No worries — you can still help out this awesome cause. On Tuesday, January 31, you can attend a cocktail reception and take a guided tour of the show HIDE/SEEK at The Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition explores how gender and sexual identity have shaped American art, and includes works from Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and many more. The exhibition is free to YFA members and $50 for non-members, and you can RSVP via email.
When: ACRIA Cocktail reception and private tour, Tuesday, January 31, starting at 6:30 p.m.; art on sale now through Tuesday, January 31.
Where: The Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway (between Washington and Flatbush avenues); 718-638-5000.
Photo: Courtesy of ACRIA
Chairlift, Real Estate, Cloud Nothings, & More Great NYC Concerts This Week
Chairlift, Violens, Dive, January 23, Bowey Ballroom, $15
With their new album, "Something", Chairlift has set a career high water mark filled with massive buzzing synths and deceptively catchy arrangements. Live, Caroline Polacheck and Patrick Wimberly amp up their recordings with even more energy. Even in big venues like the Bowery Ballroom, Chairlift never fails to command the room.
Monday, January 23, 7:30 p.m., Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street (between Bowery and Chrystie Street); 212-533-2111.
Cloud Nothings, Bleedying Rainbow, Jump Into The Gospel, January 26, The Studio at Webster Hall, $10
With the aid of legendary producer Steve Albini, Cloud Nothings have darkened their sound and upped their wattage. Following the recording of Attack on Memory, their live show, too, has evolved. While frontman Dylan Baldi is still the driving creative force behind the project, the Cloud Nothings have united as one of the best new(ish) live bands around.
Thursday, January 26, 8 p.m., Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.
Real Estate, Black Dice, The Babies, Dogleather, Oneohtrix Point Never (DJ Set), Ducktails (DJ Set), January K&K Super Buffet, $5
An awesome (albeit slightly oddball) lineup of amazing Brooklyn bands all playing in a Queens Chinese restaurant. Why not? We can’t recommend the food, but noise geniuses Black Dice and lackadaisical Jersey Rockers Real Estate should be enough to satisfy your appetite.
Saturday, January 28, 9 p.m., K&K Super Buffet, 1378 Palmetto Street, Ridgewood, Queens
Up for more? Here are some bonus shows:
Friends, Phone Tag, and Spanish Prisoners play Cameo Gallery. January 24.
Cass McCombs plays Bower Ballroom. January 25.
Antony & The Johnsons play Radio City Music Hall. January 26.
Photos Via: Chairlift, Cloud Nothings, Spanish Prisoner
Get Down At This Weekend's Boombox Party (If You Still Have A Boombox)
Yes, we are aware that it's 2012, but apparently these dudes didn't get the memo. The Boombox Party is the newest brainchild of Decentralized Dance Party and Newmindspace (of previous successes like the annual pillow fight), and it doesn't take a genius—or someone born before 1990—to figure out what this one's all about. Taking place January 21 at 9 p.m. at a secret TBD location, organizers ask for peeps to show up in their snazziest business attire (I know, we don't get it either) and rock out to tunes blasting from their boomboxes. While we're not sure we're down to party this time, we're having serious flashbacks to making up "dance routines" in our bedrooms. B*witched, anyone?! You tell us, will you flashdance with this mob? (Gothamist)
Try East Hampton's 1770 House For A Last-Minute MLK Weekend Getaway
Surprise! The MLK long weekend is right around the corner (like, starting in a few hours). If you've got that cherished three-day weekend and no plans to fill it, we recommend popping out of the city, taking the two-hour drive to East Hampton, and shaking off all that city stress and BS that's really been harshing your zen lately.
The Hamptons might be a crowded place during the summer, but we recommend a stay over the winter months for a truly different (and frankly, more affordable) experience. And if you're going to do it, we recommend laying your head at 1770 House, which is part of the hotel collection by Mr & Mrs Smith. Though not actually built in 1770 (it's actually much older — dating back to 1663, in fact!), the house officially became an inn in that year. Ever since, they've been hosting and pampering guests like the grandma you always wish you'd had (or perhaps did have).
With only six rooms and one carriage house, it's an inntimate experience that's worth indulging in once. Click through our slideshow for a deeper look into the idyllic inn, restaurant, and tavern (that both Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedy brothers used to frequent, perhaps even at the same time)… and then click here to take advantage of their special winter rates.
1770 House, 143 Main Street (at Dayton Lane), East Hampton, NY 11937; (631) 324-1770
1770 House, 143 Main Street (at Dayton Lane), East Hampton, NY 11937; (631) 324-1770
Party On! 19 Awesome Event Venues In NYC
Of all the variables that can make or break a party, the Venue (yes, capital V) is quite possibly the most important. Who cares what the bride wears if it's too crowded to see her? What good is delicious food if the space is unappetizing? And how are we supposed to get our dance on with that cute friend of a friend if all eyes are on the empty, ballroom-sized dance floor? To solve the party planning pickle, we turned to events guru Bronson Van Wyck, who led us to the very best spaces for every NYC bash. In true form, he's thought of it all—the blank-slate space for your themed bonanza, the NYC classic that'd get you the most RSVPs, and even the chicest rooftop for your summer soiree (hey, it's never too early to start planning!). These luxe locales are so epic and fun, you might want to plan a party just to check 'em out. If so, count us in +1.
Start your invite list and click through for our current favorite party spaces in NYC!
Start your invite list and click through for our current favorite party spaces in NYC!
Real Estate, King Krule, Girls, And More Awesome Shows This Week
A Benefit for Jonathan Toubin: Chain and the Gang, 5 Dollar Priest, Eleanor Friedberger (Fiery Furnaces), Nicole Atkins, and more, January 12, Music Hall of Williamsburg, $20
Jonathan Toubin, DJ and New York Night Train founder, was recently injured when he was tragically hit by a car in Portland. This benefit features a fantastic line-up raising money for Toubin, who is still in critical condition. If you are planning on seeing a concert this week, this is $20 well spent.
Thursday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Music Hall of Williamsburg, 2, 66 North 6th Street (between Kent and Wythe); Brooklyn; 718-486-5400.
Lee Ranaldo, Kaki King, Buke and Gase, Twi The Humble Feather, January 12, Merkin Concert Hall, $25
The recent separation of Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore may have marked the end of an era for Sonic Youth fans, but that doesn’t mean the band members are sitting idle. Case in point: Lee Ranaldo will be performing his own score to Buster Keaton’s silent 1922 classic Cops at the Merkin Concert Hall. You had 27 years to see Sonic Youth, now’s your chance see one of the world’s greatest guitarists doing something truly different.
Thursday, January 12, 7:30 p.m., Merkin Concert Hall, 6 Delancey Street (between Bowery and Chrystie Street); 212-533-2111.
Girls, Real Estate, King Krule, January 14, Terminal 5, $25
Saturday's lineup at Terminal 5 features three big names in indie playing one stellar show: seventeen year old British wunderkind King Krule, New Jersey four-piece Real Estate, and San Francisco garage rockers Girls. And for a taste of just how good Girls are live, check out the awesome video we premiered for “Love Like A River.”
Saturday, January 14, 7 p.m., Terminal 5, 610 West 56th Street (between 11th and 12th Aves.); 212-582-6600.
Up for more? Here are some bonus shows to catch this week:
Keepaway record release at Glasslands. January 10.
King Krule plays twice more, at Mercury Lounge and Glasslands. January 11 and 13 respectively.
Dinowalrus, Fergus & Geronimo, Total Slacker, and Weird Rivers play 285 Kent. January 13.
The Stepkids and Cuckoo Chaos play the Knitting Factory. January 15.
Pink Mountaintops play the Rock Shop. January 14.
Photos Via: Eleanor Friedburger, Girls, Sonic Youth
Ring In 2012 By Rocking Out: Patti Smith, Ted Leo, NKOTB And More!
If you don't have plans for Saturday night and/or aren't looking to spend an astronomical amount of money on cover for a club, you're not only in good company, you're in luck. For the regulated price of a concert ticket, you can catch that awesome show you've been meaning to see and secure rad New Year's Eve plans. We're talking Patti Smith, AraabMUZIK, Ted Leo, Matt & Kim, NKOTB, and more. Bonus: This way you actually get to control the soundtrack that keeps you dancing straight into 2012. Be ready for plenty of loud tunes, bumping bass, and sweaty revelers— but believe us, it's worth it.
Click through for the NYE musical low-down
Photos: Via Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Patti Smith, AraabMuzik
New York's Newest Gay "Mecca" Explains What A "D.I.N.K" Is
This week in the adventures of WTF, we've begun to demystify the soon-to-be Hell's Kitchen's gay epicenter, The Out NYC. If you're unfamiliar with this project, peep the video on their site, which explains: "last year over 43 million people came to New York, over 7 million of them gay," (cool, makes sense).
But then the video then goes on to qualify their customers, "They have two producing incomes and no kids to spend it on. Double income no kids — D.I.N.Ks." Um, did he really just use the word D.I.N.Ks? Indeed. We're pretty sure we haven't heard that term thrown around since the early '90s, and we were happy to say goodbye to it then.
While we're unsure about the uhh, terminology, at least it seems the hotel is turning what used to be an abandoned drive-in motel into something buzzy and productive (despite its potential to be a futuristic eyesore — we're having fearful visions of bumping bass in a gigantic super-club à la Peter Gatien, minus the cool, cutting edge bits.) So...let's just wait and see, we suppose? (Gawker)
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