$50 Off The Sexy Workout Gear That Actually Makes You Look Slimmer

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Art & Culture
May 23, 2012 6:00 AM
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NYC Comedy Map: Where To LOLOL For Real

It wasn’t too long ago that comedy in the Big Apple was relegated to just a handful of Manhattan clubs. These days, though, you can get your laughs on (and catch SNL stars off duty) almost anywhere. From traditional venues to alt havens, the New York comedy scene is booming like never before.

To get in on the hype, we turned to comic guru Aaron Eisenberg (you’ll find him in Barnstormer at The PIT) to put together a comprehensive guide to getting the good kind of bellyache. Thanks to his tips, we found that during any night of the week, there's a variety of shows at your fingertips — and you might not even have to get your wallet out to see 'em. As for the "where," well, we've made a map to make finding your LOLs easy. Without further ado, we present Refinery29’s cheat sheet to ROFL in New York City.

WestSide

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Music
May 21, 2012 12:00 PM
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Jack White, Beat Culture, & More Rock-Out-Worthy Shows This Week

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El-P, Despot, May 21, Santos Party House, $20
It’s been five years since El-P released I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, but now the venerable underground MC and Def Jux founder is back with another classic. Tonight’s show at Santos Party House celebrates the release of Cancer for Cure, and the return of one of rap’s most exciting voices.
Monday, May 21, at 8 p.m., Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette Street (between Walker and White streets); 212-584-5492.

DIIV, High Highs, Killer Mike, Beat Culture, Awesome Tapes From Africa (DJ set), May 24, Brooklyn Bowl, FREE with RSVP
The Hype Machine has put together a weirdly eclectic lineup for their “League Night” this Thursday. Highlights are Killer Mike, whose R.A.P. Music is one of our favorite albums of the year, and the artist formerly known as Dive bringing the evenings requisite hazy guitar-pop quotient.
Thursday, May 24, at 6 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue (between North 11th and 12th streets); Brooklyn, 718-963-3369.

Simian Mobile Disco, Michael Mayer, Lindstrom, May 25, Webster Hall
Webster Hall has been throwing their Girls & Boys party for years, but rarely does it feature such a stacked bill. DJing this Friday is Simian Mobile Disco, coming off the release of their fantastic new record Unpatterns, along with minimal techno mainstay Michael Mayer, and deep disco dude Hans-Peter Lindstrøm. What better way to start the long weekend than by dancing to these guys?
Friday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m., Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.

Up for more? Here are some bonus shows:

Jack White plays Roseland Ballroom. May 21 and 22.

Gossip play Terminal 5. May 22.

Hooray for Earth play Glasslands. May 24.

Shit Robot and Nancy Whang play a FREE show at the Hudson Terrace Roof Deck. May 24.

Black Dice play Secret Project Robot. May 26.

Photos: Via Jack White, Despot, Beat Culture

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Itineraries
May 20, 2012 10:00 AM
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5 Things To Do This Week In NYC

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Noho Design District
Be sure to catch the tail end of this four-day celebration of inspired designs and inspiring designers, presented in one of the coolest hotels in the city. In collaboration with Sight Unseen, the Noho Design District will include exhibitions, installations, and performances from innovators such as Makers & Brothers, Cool Hunting, Sonos, and more. Plus, take advantage of the beautiful weekend weather with a lovely stroll around Noho to witness the American Design Club's work displayed in local store windows, including The Future Perfect, Oak, and Environment Furniture.
When: May 20 through 21, from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: The Standard, East Village, 25 Cooper Square (between East 5th and East 6th streets); 212-475-5700.


Happy Hour At Via Tribunali
Pizza and beer are nice, but at Via Tribunali, your typical weekend indulgences get taken up a notch. Launching their happy hour this week, the Lower East Side resto lets you (and, say, 10 of your closest friends) feast on $5 pizzas, $3 beers, and $8 half-carafes of wine. That's not just a happy house, that's a very happy hour.
When: Everyday from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close (midnight Sunday through Thursday; 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday)
Where: Via Tribunali, 122 Ludlow Street (near Rivington Street); 212-260-8782.


The Hester Street Fair’s Hester Nights
Your favorite Saturday street fair crawl now lights up the night. Every Thursday night to be exact. Join the Hester Street Fair's Hester Nights as it kicks off this week and offers a fresh new way to shop, dine, and mingle, without having to wait for the weekend.
When: May 24 through October 25, Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: Hotel Eventi Courtyard, 851 6th Avenue (between 29th and 30th streets); 866-996-8396.
(Ed note: Due to inclement weather, the kick off of Hester Nights will be Thursday, May 31.)


Porter Grey At ATS
Squeeze in a little weekend shopping, specifically for the Porter Grey sample sale at American Two Shot. Exclusive pieces will be available from the spring '12 collection, and we're hoping to land our hands on something extra special to pack away this summer for all our upcoming escapades, near and far.
When: Sunday, May 20
Where: American Two Shot, 135 Grand Street (by Crosby Street); 212-925-3403.


DanceAfrica 2012 Bazaar
Join in the rich and vibrant celebration that surrounds the Brooklyn Academy of Music's annual DanceAfrica presentation. Preceding the evenings' performances, the DanceAfrica 2012 Bazaar will inlcude a 300-vendor street fair offering food, fashion, and, did we mention food? We're talking ethnic dishes culled from African, Caribbean, and African-American cultures. Our suggestion? Come hungry.
When: Saturday, May 26, from noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, May 27, from noon to 8 p.m.; Monday, May 28, from noon to 8 p.m.
Where:Ashland Place (between Hanson Place and Fulton Street)


Photo: Via Noho Design District; Via Tribunali

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Itineraries
May 17, 2012 4:20 PM
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If Pippa Middleton Does Come To NYC, This Is Where She'll Stay

Hotels come in many shapes and sizes but none in recent history seem to have the luxurious allure of the forthcoming NoMad. That's why we're calling it the new go-to home-away-from-home for visiting celebs and Duchess siblings alike. With 168 rooms and suites that feel like home (if you happen to live in a palatial France-meets-fiction boudoir), a gigantic atrium, a stunning library, and a cocktail bar that would drop even Don Draper's jaw, the haute hostelry is impressive without being too stiff. You can say merci to famed interior decorator Jacques Garcia — the dude behind Hotel Costes was specially commissioned to bring his incroyable aesthetic across the pond. Better still, the soon-to-be-open rooftop will serve up cuisine from award-winning NYC chef and restraunteurs and the retail space, already ready for you to shop, is stocked by Maison Kitsune. Take a breather. Okay, now flip through the gorgeous pics of the palace place and imagine yourself there. Ahhh, how's that for an afternoon break?

The NoMad Hotel, 1170 Broadway (at 28th Street); 212-796-1500.

Photos: Courtesy of M18
Itineraries
May 8, 2012 3:45 PM
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Win A Prize Pack For A Central Park Workout With SELF Magazine

For 19 years and counting, SELF Magazine has been hosting Work Out In The Park to get our lazy winter bums moving again. With classes from Crunch gym (including Fly Girls and Hippie Yoga), as well as fashion consultants on site, nutrition tips, and tons of free stuff, this event seems more like a lifestyle extravaganza than a workout. And, with the purchase of a ticket, you automatically get a one year subscription to SELF. The best news? You may not have to purchase a ticket at all —SELF is also offering two amazing prize packs, worth $300, which include, a gift card from Reebok for a pair of custom shoes, a pair of tickets to Workout In The Park, a Workout In The Park water bottle, and customized Workout In The Park earbuds. To win, just do what you do best and write a comments below. Let us know what keeps you motivated and you could be running along with the best of them.

When: Saturday, May 12, from 11 a.m to 3 p.m., rain or shine.
Where: SELF Magazine's Workout In The Park, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, Central Park West (at West 68th Street); purchase tickets here.

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Winner will be posted in the comments by the end of day tomorrow.

Photo: Courtesy of Skirt Public Relations

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Itineraries
May 6, 2012 9:00 AM
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5 Things To Do This Week In NYC

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Artist Market at the NADA Art Fair
The Artist Market is modeled after traditional Middle-Eastern souks, but you won't find any spices here. However, you will nab super unique, limited-edition pieces from some of Israel's leading artists. Even better? All proceeds will benefit the Artis Grant program, which awards money to artists and nonprofit institutions.
When: Monday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 534 West 22nd Street (at 11th Avenue); no phone.

Nanette Lepore Sample Sale
This slightly in-between season is rife with sample sales, so hit the ATM and prepare to do some serious damage. The flirty line will be discounting their signature sheaths, bright shorts, and jackets by over 50%. We suggest stopping by early to avoid the hoardes of discount-crazed shoppers.
When: Tuesday, May 8 through Thursday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 225 West 35th Street, 4th floor (between 7th and 8th avenues); no phone.

Stand By Me at Nitehawk Cinema
Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg combines two of the activities we love the most — movies and booze. This unique venue serves up a crazy extensive (and delicious!) menu to moviegoers and brings drinks to moviegoers right in their seats. Enjoy the service while you watch one of the most classic coming-of-age tales of our time.
When: Saturday, May 12, 12:35 p.m.; Sunday, May 13, 12:35 p.m.
Where: Nitehawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Avenue (between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue); 718-384-3980.

Odin Fragrance Pop-Up Shop
The hipster-friendly store has expanded on their three popular boutiques by opening a pop-up shop dedicated solely to the art of scent. The space boasts a larger-than-life sculpture made of cologne bottles, and will sell six unisex and four home fragrances.
When: Monday through Friday, from noon to 8 p.m.
Where: 330 East 11th Street (between 1st and 2nd avenues); no phone.

John Chamberlain at the Guggenheim
Catch the last week of the breathtaking exhibit devoted to sculptor John Chamberlain's many decades of work. Over 100 pieces are on display, from his early iron sculptures to his more recent large-scale foil creations. Before you go, make sure to download "Autobots," an alternative audio tour of the works, created by art collective Audio Tour Hack.
When: Through Sunday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Where: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue (between 88th and 89th streets); 212-423-3589.

Photos: Courtesy Odin

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Itineraries
May 3, 2012 3:00 PM
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Haute Humpday: Hang Out With DVF & Carey Mulligan At This Perfect Party

benefitembedNow that you've changed your closet over to spring (fingers crossed that the temps won't plummet again), it's time to start thinking about where you're going to take those sky-high strappy sandals and light-weight dresses for a spin. Consider this your invite to step out in style: On Wednesday, May 23, support one of the city's greatest causes at the Junior Spring Benefit for the Lincoln Center Institute — which we love attending every year, natch (c-c-check out the stylin' snaps from last spring). It helps bring dancers, musicians, actors, and visual artists from around the world to local classrooms in an effort to help children learn how to be creative and inspired, as well as deepen their ability to research and question.

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Itineraries
May 1, 2012 6:00 AM
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29 Signs It's Summer In NYC

Every year, there's always that brief stretch where Mother Nature seems to be off her meds— one day we're shivering and the next we wake up with the pressing need to install our AC units. Sure, there's been some kind of spring this year, but really, we're ready for the big-heat kahuna. So, ever the optimists, we've taken to finding 29 signs it's summer (or about to be summer, or eventually will be summer) in NYC. While our list might launch a whole new back and forth in your office of "you know it's summer in NYC when…" we had our wheels turning all weekend to come up with the best ways that really signal our favorite season is just a hop, skip, and a jump (or a Shake Shack line, or a Jitney ride) away. If you're still debating with your desk-mates, feel free to give us some of your best seasonal signposts in the comments below. We promise you'll be sick of the outdoor cocktails, the rooftop parties, and the Hudson-side tanning in no time…right
Itineraries
Apr 29, 2012 9:00 AM
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5 Things To Do This Week In NYC

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Seven Years of Beautiful Blowouts
Blow, the city's coolest blow dry bar, is celebrating their seventh anniversary with, fittingly, seven days of sales. There will be a different promo each day, but the motherlode is Monday's $7 blowout sale–yes, we said $7. Head in Monday morning before work, and see how long you can keep your newly coiffed look.
When: Monday, April 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Blow, 342 West 14th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues); 212-989-6282.

Vivienne Tam Sample Sale
The chic designer is known for her ethereal prints and whimsical dresses, but the pieces can make a serious dent in your savings. Enter the spring sample sale, which will boast a whopping 75% off retail prices for the collection. The sale will run from Wednesday through the end of the week, but we suggest stopping by early to claim first dibs on the gorgeous duds.
When: Wednesday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Vivienne Tam, 260 West 39th Street, 11th Floor (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues).

Beauty, Baubles & Bubbly
Wedding season is nigh, which means that even if you're not engaged yourself, there's a high chance you have a friend about to make a trip down the aisle. Hit up this curated bridal event, which will feature hair and makeup trials from Paul Labrecque, mini spa services from Exhale, and styling advice from the city's top bridal experts.
When: Sunday, May 6, from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Gabriella New York, 400 West 14th Street, Suite 2A (at Ninth Avenue); 212-206-1915.

Kumquat Cupcakery Baking Class
Learn how to bake award-winning cupcakes, while drinking beer—need we say more? Tickets to this class get you a full tutorial and local brews to sip on, and you'll leave with 24 mini cupcakes, printed recipes, and a feeling of total sweet tooth satisfaction.
When: Sunday, May 6, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: MEX Building, 33 Flatbush Avenue (between Fulton and Lafayette Streets).

Helmut Lang Sculpture Exhibit
Lauded designer Helmut Lang is making a foray into the art world, and his first stop is Washington Square Park. As part of the Frieze Art Fair, his sculptures will be displayed for the public in the Greenwich Village green space. Grab yourself some lunch from the nearby food trucks and stroll through the display.
When: Saturday, May 5 through Friday, June 15
Where: 24 Washington Square North (between Fifth Avenue and MacDougal Street).

Photos: Courtesy Beauty, Baubles & Bubbly and Vivian Tam

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Itineraries
Apr 27, 2012 4:30 PM
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What's (Actually) Cool Around Times Square

To tourists, Times Square is a dazzling beacon of glimmering lights, hot nightlife activities, and bumping restaurants, but to New Yorkers it's a total no-go zone (unless you like foot-traffic jams, getting hustled for the 10 p.m. comedy show, and the Naked Cowboy). But we refuse to believe that all of Midtown West should be left to the out-of-towners. Instead, we're reclaiming 42nd Street by bringing you what's actually worth navigating the blocks filled with slow-walkers, foldable maps, and hot dog stands. These attractions are worthy of locals' attention and redeem the area that we've otherwise avoided for years (sorry, Condé Nast-ers, you'll be downtown in no time). Keep reading for just some of what's cool in Times Square right now.

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Itineraries
Apr 26, 2012 3:45 PM
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This Luxe Auction & Gala Could Help Save The World

With a name like "goods for good," you can deduce that this organization, which provides essential supplies to communities in Malawi, Africa, is doing, well...good. However, their name alone doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the life-changing services they provide. You see, while materials like pens, notebooks, and blackboards are important for providing quality education, schools in Malawi require uniforms that many children, especially orphans, are unable to afford. And while goods for good does provide classroom essentials, they also help supply community centers with fabric, threads, notions, and sewing machines — as well as training in tailoring, business and financial management, and community leadership — so that adults can set up small businesses making uniforms for the kids who need them. These children, in turn, can get a quality education, which will enable them to become leaders in their communities as they get older. This cycle will ultimately make Malawi self-sustainable, and help raise everyone's standard of living — a very good thing.

Such important work cannot be done without help. On Thursday, May 10, goods for good is hosting a gala at Center548 to help raise money for their endeavors — and let's just say we're more than enticed by the evening's events. Not only will attendees be the first to see a short film about the progress the organization has already made (see a sneak peek below!), there are also going to be some seriously lust-worthy items up for auction that will directly fund supplies, training, electricity, and other things that Malawi needs. Up on the block are two tickets, backstage passes, and a meet-and-greet at Jason Wu's fall show at New York Fashion Week, an exclusive "Chicken and Egg" chef's tasting menu for four at Locanda Verde, a four-person tasting, paring and tour of Eataly, two premium tickets to the Madonna concert at Madison Square Garden in November — and so much more. Tickets for the "gala for good" can be purchased here, and while the starting cost of $220 is a little steep, rest assured that the money will directly benefit Malawi — and in this case, one ticket will buy a year's worth of school supplies for 10 children. So, break out your nicest dress, and maybe even win the chance to become Jason Wu's new BFF... if you can out-bid us, that is.

When: Thursday, May 10, from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Center548, 548 West 22nd Street (between 10th and 11th avenues); 646-963-6076; purchase tickets here.



Photo: Courtesy of goods for good

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Art & Culture
Apr 19, 2012 5:00 PM
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12 Hot Flicks From The Tribeca Film Festival (And Where To See 'Em!)

It's that time of year again, the time when film buffs everywhere thank a certain Mr. De Niro for bringing the much-anticipated Tribeca Film Festival to town. We don't know about you, but these fests can become overwhelming. You want to catch a flick, but don't know where to start looking. So we've done the popcorn-munching for you (you're welcome!) and have whipped up a bookmarkable list of all the movies we feel are must-sees. Sure we're no Ebert, but we're totally into entertainment, escaping the April showers on the horizon (unfortunate, but unavoidable none the less), and the exciting possibility of rustling our Sour Patch packet next to a bonafide celeb (how meta).

Click through for 12 great new things to talk about at your next dinner party.

Photos: Courtesy of Rubenstein/ The Tribeca Film Festival