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New York City. Home of $ticker $hock?

Published on July 26, 2010 in Money Saving Tips. 0 Comments

So you wanna come to the Big Apple?  You start your research for hotels and…What?  Are they kidding?  Where do they get the nerve to charge that!!?

Ok, NYC can be an expensive place.  However it’s also a place with only a…myriad of choices.  So take this little romp with me down the avenue less traveled and you’ll have a ball without breaking the bank.

Lodging: Think out of the box and try a NYC style “B & B” rental instead of a hotel. We don’t have those oh so quaint Victorians here, but you can opt for an apartment rental, hosted or unhosted.  You’ll either get a room in someone’s home or a whole, furnished apartment to yourself.  These offerings run the gamut from the most basic to the most luxurious and are located all over town.  This is especially good if you are traveling with a group.  The prices are lower than most hotels and you’ll have more space plus a kitchen.  One agency that books these is http://www.citylightsbedandbreakfast.com. Prices range from $80 – $300 per night.

Entertainment: There are countless choices of  things to do in the city, totally free, especially outdoors in the summer.  You can catch everything from movies to concerts to Shakespeare in the Park on a warm summer night por nada.  Go to http://www.nycgo.com/free/ for listings.

If a Broadway show tickles your fancy, there is an alternative to standing on line at the TKTS booth.  Go to http://playbill.com/ and become a member for free.  This will allow you access to their discounted tickets page.  You can pick them up at the theater, so purchase the same day if you like.

Dining: So many deals, so little time!   Here’s the skinny: Go to LivingSocial.com or Groupon.com and sign up for the NYC deals. In the weeks & months before your trip keep a close eye for restaurant offerings among so many others.  These deals are the real deal at up to 80% off.  You buy them on the day they are offered but can use them for up to year.  Just make sure it is valid for the dates you’ll be here

Shopping: Who doesn’t want to take advantage of being in the Fashion Capital of the world?  Here’s a tip: It’s also the bargain capital! The Carlisle Collection, the shop at home company, has a little known outlet store tucked away in an unassuming midtown office building.  Go to 423 W55th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues.  The basement and the 5th floor are where the action is, at up to 80% of regular retail.

Do you love that easy, unconstructed feel that Eileen Fisher does to perfection?  Check out the Boutique at 314 E 9th St, between 1st and 2nd Avenues in the East Village.  Almost every item they carry is discounted up to 60% off regular retail.

Got a hankering for Hermes?  Check out La Boutique designer resale shop at 1045 Madison Avenue, between 79th and 80th Street.  Ring the bell and ascend the wooden staircase to the 2nd floor.  You find all the top names starting at about 1/3 or regular retail.  Such a deal!

Hmmm.  So what to do with all the money you’ve saved?  How about a $12 cappuccino, with tax & tip, in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, at 59th Street and 5th Avenue?  Wait!  Where are you going?  Don’t run away!

Eat in Midtown for a Buck? Hell Yeah!

Published on June 9, 2010 in Money Saving Tips. 0 Comments

Warning!  Only the tightest of tightwads should read this post.

Of course we love to shop, but a girl’s gotta eat sometime!  You could sit down in one of the 26 seats at Masa in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.   There, you’d  spend 3 hours having the most extraordinary dining experience; one you will remember for a lifetime.  At the end, you’ll  plunk down a mere $300-$500.

Or not…

In a city of extremes, we’re going to the other right here & right now.  We’re talking about eating for one American dollar in Midtown Manhattan. That’s right.  One dollar.

You can visit no less than 4 pizza joints where a slice ranges from 99 cents to 1 dollar.  Bros Pizza can be found at the SE corner of 40th St. & 9th Ave. and the SW corner of 38th St. & 8th Ave.   Slices are $1; you can get 2 & a drink for $2.75.  They also have a location on St Mark’s Place between 2nd & 3rd Aves. in the East Village.  The Z Deli on 8th Ave. between 48th & 49th Sts. is serving up 99 cent slices, as is a no name counter on 9th Ave. at the corner of 41st St.

But I’m lactose intolerant, you say!  Then how about some chicken?  Piece of Chicken at 362 W. 45th St. in from the SE corner of 9th Ave offers real southern fried chicken for $1 a piece.  Or you can get 2 pieces and a side dish for $4.  The most expensive item on their menu is a smothered pork chop with rice and two greens for $6.50.

I’m a meat-n-potatoes girl, you opine!  Will ya settle for a dog-on-a-bun?  Most of the hot dog carts along 8th Ave. from about 46th St. through the 50s sell them for $1 each during the day.

But I want more healthy fare!  Then how about a salad?  The magic number at Stiles Farmers Markets seems to be $1.  Head of romaine lettuce or bunch of broccoli, an avocado, or pound of tomatoes… all sell for a buck each.  You can spend $5 and make a salad for a whole group.  There are also lots of fruit for a dollar or less a pound.  Of course, prices change here, but I’ve found them consistently the lowest around.  They have 2 locations: 352 W. 52nd St., between 8th & 9th Aves. and 569 9th Ave., between 41st & 42nd Sts. (right next to the 99 cent pizza joint).

So…mangia!  And let me know how you liked your cheap eats.

What’s in YOUR Closet?

Published on May 26, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

At the beginning of my Dress Like a Diva…Shop Like a Tightwad seminar I ask the class, “What is the number one thing we can do at home, before we leave the house to go shopping, that will save us money?” Invariably, I get the same answer: “Make a list.”  That’s a great answer.  But how do you know what to put on your list?  After a few more guesses, someone will come up with some variation of “figure out what you have.”

Exactly! 

That, my friends, is the answer.  If you don’t know what you have, you can’t know what you need.  If you don’t know what you need, you’ll buy things you don’t, which is a grand waste of money. 

The quickest way to figure out what you need is to…(insert drumroll)… CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET!  Having a clean and organized closet is the best way to ensure that you won’t spend money unnecessarily.  It also provides you with other benefits, such as looking more stylish and put together.  Plus, you’ll be happier when you open a closet filled with lots of things you love. (and remember are there)

Clean your closetHow many of us have a closet full of many different sizes of clothing?  It’s not an empowering experience to be greeted with every time we open our closet.   No woman enjoys being reminded of when she was a size 6, if she is now a 14, or of when she was a 16, if she in now an 8.  I was discussing this “multiple size syndrome” one evening before teaching a class with Jessie Garza, a well known stylist.  He termed this as: “our closet mocking us.”  Not exactly a welcome notion. For some reason though, we seem to have trouble letting go of those unnecessary items.    Cleaning your closet will put an end to this “mocking.”  The goal is to be confronted with a closet full of clothing that you love, that fit correctly, and are stylish and flattering –  every time you open the door.

When you clean your closet, you must commit to being ruthless with yourself.  This is not an excercise for WIMPS!  Do not attempt it on your own.   The best route is to employ an image consultant who’s familiar with this process and takes no prisoners.  If that doesn’t appeal to you, the next best person is a sister, because she will not be likely to mince words to spare your feelings.  If you don’t have a sister, you’ll have to settle for a friend, who agrees to be brutally honest with you.  Then…

1st Step – Take every single last item out of your closet and throw it on the bed.   Yes!  Then pick up each garment – one-at-a-time – and decide which one of three  piles it will go in: 
                   Pile #1 is the throw away pile.  It’s comprised of the things that no one will ever wear again.  Either it has holes, or stains, or cigarette burns.  It’s faded or has bleach spots; let’s face it, it a piece crap!  Toss it!  And don’t look back!
                   Pile #2 is the give away pile.  Maybe you won’t wear it again for any number of reasons, but it’s still usable.  Either it’s the wrong size, or it’s no longer age appropriate, or it’s no longer contemporary enough.  If you’re 50 years old and that micro mini still fits…TOSS IT!  You’re too damn old to be running around in a skirt up to your whosiwhatsis (I’m that age too, so I can say that).  Anything decorated with the Bedazzler, toss right out (the window).  Linebacker shoulder pads – fuggetaboutit!  Now there might be things in this pile that have sentimental memories attached.  That’s fine.  You don’t have to give it away, but put it away in a special place, so that you can visit it when you want; not every time you open your closet.  The things in Pile #2 you can donate to charity or if new enough, bring them to a consignment shop for possible resale.
                            Pile # 3 should contain all you want to keep.  You should love these items, they should fit and should be contemporary or able to be made so by adding a trendy accessory or some small alterations.  And they should be age appropriate for you.   Every single piece in this pile must be tried on to determine if it meets all of the criterior above.  This is where the help of a professional, sister, or friend is most important.  Try them on piece by piece and be ruthless with yourself.  Remeber your goal!Clean your closet

Once you have tried every last thing and decided what you’re keeping, put the items back in the closet with the hanger hook facing outward instead of inward.  That way, if after 6 months it’s still facing that way, you know it’s not something that you like, want to wear, or need.  Get rid of it!

After this process maybe the only thing left in your closet is one white blouse.  That’s OK!  Now you know what you have and what you need. Organize your closetThis will definitely cut down on wasting money on unnecessary purchases.  Come back for my future post about some techniques to help determine the correct styles for your particular body.  This will aid you further in ‘restocking” your closet.

Until then, what item in your closet makes you say “What was I thinking!?

For closet consultations either in person or remotely, call Pamela at 800-808-4614.

Spring is here and the bargains are in bloom

Published on April 21, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Walking down the street on a bright sunny spring day, cherry blossoms wafting through the air like a gentle snow, a girl’s thoughts turn to…BARGAIN HUNTING of course!  Some of the best sales for those truly motivated by the thrill of the hunt are just around the corner.  Below are three of my favorites.  Shopping these sales are a win, win, win situation for everyone. You are getting fabulous things you might not usually have access to. You are reusing & recyling both when you shop & donate and you are helping  incredible organizations continue their work. Plus they are just enormous fun  What more could you ask for? 

Posh Sale @ The Lighthouse for the Blind
May 12 -May 16th
Preview Wed  4-8
Thus-Sat 11-7
Sun 11-5
111 East 59th Street
Between Park & Lexington Avenues
New York City

This has been “The Hottest Sale in Town” since 1963.  I went to my 1st one in 1980(I was only 5 years old).  This sale is chock full of designer duds donated “gently used” from NY’s elite and brand spanking new from all the top designers in town.  You will find names like Manolo Blahnik, Burberry, Coach, Furla Classics Collection, Carolina Herrera, March Boutique, Nicole Miller, Bettye Muller, Tracy Reese, Joan Rivers, Rachel Roy, Theory, XOXO,and more for men,  women and children.  They have one of the most extensive fur salon’s ever(gently used).  All proceeds benefit the Lighthouse’s efforts to fight vision loss and help make better the lives of those touched by it .

Now in days of old when men were bold, all you had to do to get first dibs on the best loot was to get there at about 7:30am and wait on line for the doors to open at 10.  Alas fair maidens and courtly gents, this is no longer the case.  There is a preview night, May 12th , with  tickets going for $175, which includes admission to all  public days too.  Tickets for individual public days are $10each or $30 for all 4. Buy online before May 7 and bogo free.  75% of the ticket price is tax deductible.   The stock is replenished daily, so it’s worth a few trips.

I LOVE THIS SALE!  The clothes are fabulous.  Understand that the competition for is fierce for the best stuff.  The women are wild!  Don’t be shy here or you’ll get mowed down.  A few tips:

  • Get there between 8-9am.  The line will be around the block by the time the doors open.
  • Wear clothes that come off and on easily. Speed is the name of the game here. If you snooze, you lose!
  • Wear a bag with a shoulder strap that you can sling across your body so that both hand are free.
  • Have lots of fun.  This sale is a blast!

Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Annual Clothing Sale
Donate:  April 5th -29th
Donor’s Day:  Wednesday, May 5th 10-8(By Ticket Only, see below)
Public Dates:  May 6th -12th  Weekdays 10-8,  Sat 10-4,  Closed on Sunday
135 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley NY 11560
(516) 676-1460

The first year this sale took place Richard Milhaus Nixon was president.  They’ve honed it since then to one of the best Ive ever been to.  The NY Times has written  this is where the “elite meet to shop for designer bargains”  An entire gym is filled to the rafters with all sorts of women’s clothing & accessories and even some home decor items.  There is a separate room for men’s wear & the women’s shoes are in the very large dressing room. (Almost everything is “gently used”)

I’ve gotten St John’s knit tops for $5 & Hermes shoes for $6.  You will see every major designer.  Ferragamo, Yves St Laurent, Dorney & Bourke, Ettienne Aigner, Adrienne Vittadini, Ann Taylor, Coach & Prada are some of the names I have bought in the past.  There is so much here to go through . I have gone up to 4 different day in past years and still not seen everything.

It is a fun, fun experience.  Another plus is that if you donate, you get a ticket for “Donor’s Day”, which means you get to pre-shop the public sale one day before it opens.  There is a very long line for both donor’s day and opening day.  The same tips apply to this event as do the Posh sale.  The only difference is the lead time.  You have to get here about 1 hr before it opens instead of 2 1/2 hrs.  The prices are fixed for those 1st two days, then they start fall until the last day when everything is under $5 each.  Alert for NYC residents: the Long Island Railroad’s Locust Valley station is right at the end of the street.  It is worth the trip! (Bring your rolling cart or suitcase. You’ll need it)

Minks to Sinks
Under the tents at Danbury Road & School Road in Wilton,
1 mile north of Wilton Center (Town Tennis Courts)
Sat May 1st, 9am to 5pm 
Sun May 2nd, 12pm to 4pm  (1/2 Price Bargain Day)
Mon May 3rd, 9am to 12pm  (1/2 Price & Fill a Bag: Bargain Day)

This is the largest semi-annual tag sale in Wilton CT.  It has it’s roots in a town rummage sale which began in 1931.  In 1952 there was a donation of both a mink coat & a sink and the name Minks to Sinks was coined and  has stuck.  I have known about this sale for years and have been meaning to get there for as long.  I’m sad to say I haven’t made it yet, however I know it’s one of the best.  I know this because it is a favorite of the “dealers”.  In fact I’ve heard (a rumor only, not verified by me) that dealers get there really, really early actually sell spaces on line.  If that’s true, that’s a good sign.  Will this be the year you’ll run into The Elegant Tightwad rummaging around.? I’m hoping it will be!  It always takes place the first weekend in May & October.  I’ve also heard the clothing here is incredible.  Here’s some Directions.  Proceeds from this sale benefit  FCA (Family & Children’s Agency) of Norwalk.

So bargain hunters, you have your work cut out for you!   Happy shopping & remember to shop responsibly:)

What the heck is a consignment shop?

Published on April 13, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

On a recent tour I was explaining what great deals you could get at consignment shops.  One of my shoppers looked at me with an expression that suggested heavy indigestion and said scathingly ” What the heck is a consignment shop?  Isn’t that old clothes?”  (Exactly like my mom did when I started bring home my finds at sixteen years old:)

Well, yes, in the sense that someone else has already worn them.  However in NYC you have never seen “old clothes” like these old clothes.  Here’s a hint. People who wear Chanel don’t usually wear them out!  That’s the kind of finds you will get on a regular basis at New York City consignment and even thrift shops.

A quick definition is in order for the uninitiated.  Consignment shops are stocked with clothes brought in by regular people like you and me(and not so regular in NY, where there’s lots of celebs who do to, on the down low).  When the item is sold the money is split between the store & the consignor.  It’s usually a 50/50 split.   Keep this in mind when you clean out you closets.

To give a quick example, here’s a Fendi leather bag, retailing for around $2000.  I found it for $450.  Now I don’t usually fork over that kind of dough for any handbag, but this was a must have.  The 2 styles of handbag I love are knapsack & drawstring.  I just fell in love with this one, however I also knew I would get enormous use out of it.  I’m like a linebacker with my bags.  I destroy them.  All those beautiful soft leather numbers are not for moi for every day use. This one is thick, durable leather.  It will look great for years.  That was the clincher(and my justification).

Ok, so I’m not the best photographer.  A more usually priced purchase for me is this Coach Bag I paid $60 for, and it was brand new.

Of course handbags and shoes are just a fraction of what is available in these stores.  You’ll find lots and lots of clothes from Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, St John, Juicy and everyone else on down.  Remember too, these shops are very selective.  Everything is in pristine condition.  Once you wash or dry clean it, although they have to be freshly laundered to be accepted, there will not be a trace of any one’s cooties left.  Plus, and this is a very big plus, you are recycling.  In this country which we are blessed to be living in, there is sooooo much surplus.   You could go for the rest of your life living & dressing extremely well & never buy another new item. 

I love this type of shopping!  I don’t just go at home though.   Whenever I travel I research these kind of shops which are convenient to my destination.  They are one of my 1st stops.  Besides the deals and the thrill of the hunt, it also gives me an idea of what the locals are wearing.  Then I can be fashionable wherever I am.

So if you hear “consignment shop”,  perk up your ears before you turn up your nose.  You might find the treasure you’ve been looking for at a price to die for.  Here’s some tips for consignment shopping:

  1. Plan to hit a number of stores in one day.  That maximizes time & your chance of finding what you want.  NYC has the upper east side in the 80’s where you could hit 10 or more shops within walking distance of each other.
  2. Keep an open mind.  Try not to do this sort of shopping with a specific item in mind .  Think more of building your wardrobe.
  3. Get motivated by the thrill of the hunt.  This way you won’t get discouraged if you don’t find things you like right away.
  4. Really, really look through those racks.  Unlike regular retail, every piece is different.  If you don’t take the time to really look you could miss the deal of a lifetime.
  5. Try on, try on, try on.  Don’t pay attention to sizes.  They mean little on new item and less on used.  It may have been taken in, out etc by the previous owner.  If it looks like it might fit, try it on.
  6. If you’re finding a bunch of things you like in your size, look at the tag for the consignor number(# assigned to each person whose clothes they sell).  If it’s the same, then you’ve hit on a  person with your taste & size.  Ask the store owner to inform you when this person brings in more items.
  7. Check your items thoroughly.  Even though stores are selective, they can miss flaws.  Before you plunk down your cash bring the item to the lightest place in the store and look it over front & back, inside & out.  Remember there are no refunds or exchanges in these type of stores.
  8. Ask the 3 magic questions to help avoid impulse buying: Where would I wear this to? I could find a $5000 Roberto Cavalli gown for $100.  If I’m not strutting down the red carpet anytime soon, I might as well throw that hundred buckaroos out the window. What would I wear it with?If I don’t know what I will wear it with and I’m not getting that at the same time, there’s a good chance it will sit in my closet.  Another waste of $$$.  Would I buy it at full price?  Sales are very seductive!  If it’s not something I would pay full price for, it probably won’t get worn.

Use these tips the next time you go consignment shopping and let me know how it goes.  Here’s some of fav shops in NYC:

La Boutique Resale – 3  locations
(Check out the Anna & Kristina’s Beauty call video in the right corner of their web page & you will see yours truly)
803 Lexington Ave. – 2nd floor
62nd St.

1045 Madison Ave – 2nd Floor
near 80th Street

227 E. 81st Street
between 2nd & 3rd Avenue

Margoth’s
218 E 81ST St
Between 2nd & 3rd

Encore
1132 Madison Ave
Between 84th & 85th

Happy Shopping!

 

Some of this week’s sample sales

Published on April 12, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

The weatherman is being kind to us this week, so it’s a perfect time to save money on the season’s hottest duds. Here are some of this week’s sample sales. We have big  & not so big names, but all fabulous,  discounting up to 80%. 

Bulgari”s haute selections at up to 70% off retail.  Handbags, Small Leather Goods,
Scarves, Gifts & Fragrances.  Last day 4/14, 9-6:30,   317 West 33rd Street, NYC
(Just west of 8th Avenue), Credit Cards only, No strollers.

Loro Piana’s exquisite cashmere for men & women. Outerwear, accessories & clothing too.  Bolts of cashmere and wool fabrics for suits, jackets and outerwear.  317 West 33rd Street, NYC, (Just west of 8th Avenue),  4/18-4/22, Sun -Wed 9:-6:30, Thur 9-5

Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted.

CREDIT CARDS ONLY

Betsey Johnson’sunique designs that we’ve loved  forever are on the menu. Check it out 4/14 – 4/16 at the Millenium Bdwy Hotel, 145 W44th St, bet 6th & 7th Aves.  10am -10pm

Deck yourself out with Tahari’s classic lines for up to 80% off.  Both men & women plus handbags & shoes. 4/13-4/17 at 510 5th Ave, bet 43rd & 44th Sts. Wkdays 8:30-7:30, Sat 10-5

Score pants, tops, dresses at deep discounts at the Julie Haus sample sale. 4/13-4/16,  39 W38th St,  bet 5th & 6th Aves, 6th Fl,  10-8

Rock & Republic!  Blowout sale at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W 18th St, bet 6th & 7th, 4th Fl, 4/16-4/18, Fri 4-9, Sat & Sun 9-7.  Men’s, women’s & accessories up to 80% off. 

Happy Shopping!

Check back later in the week for more sales!

Happy holidays to all!

Published on April 2, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

I have spent the last 2+ weeks getting settled in my new NYC apt.  I love living here, but I never want to see another box again!

All I will say for now as another week comesto an end is  to wish everyone a wonderful Easter & Passover.  We have gotten some really nice weather, finally, here in NY in time to connect with family and friends and engage in the rites of our respective religions  I’ll

Kim has her hands full with all her finds at one showroom

with  some pics of some of this week’s happy shoppers.

Charlotte in little black dress with some interesting detailing.

Charlotte & Kim with the day's finds.

Leia and...Mom pore through the racks in the East Village

 

Julia models one of her finds.At the end of the tour...Susan, Julia, Me, Scott & LInda with the day's take.

At the end of the tour...Susan, Julia, Me, Scott & LInda with the day's take.

 

Happy Holidays to All!

Every Tuesday a new NYC spa will offer a service for just $25 at SpaSally’s www.25Tuesdays.com

Published on February 16, 2010 in Money Saving Tips. 0 Comments

Below is a press release for a new site giving great deals.  Looks pretty good to me.  I think I’m going to try this massage.  I LOVE Ayurveda!

$25 Abhayanga Massage & Dry Brushing

 Tuesday February 16th, 2010.  New York, NY – Every Tuesday a new NYC spa will offer a service for just $25 at SpaSally’s www.25Tuesdays.com The deals can only be purchased on Tuesdays, but can be used any day within a year. When the clock strikes midnight the deal is gone. The $25 spa deal can only be purchased online at www.25Tuesdays.com 

 This Tuesday’s $25 deal is:

 $25 Abhayanga Massage and Dry Brushing at FineLiving New York Ayurveda

40 minutes (67% off – regularly $78.00)

 Abhayanga a-bh-yan-ga, an Ayurvedic Body Massage with Herbal Oils, is a very beneficial massage. Oils and strokes are chosen according to body type and condition. This 30 minute massage can benefit your body in many ways like removing stress and fatique and stregthening the immune system. It also includes 10 minutes of dry brushing or silk gloves exfoliation, which is fantastic for your skin.. Happy Valentines Day to you!

 Or upgrade to:

 $50 Abhayanga Massage and Dry Brushing

70 minutes (55% off – regularly $113.00)

Thirty minutes not enough? Go for the hour body massage with the 10 minute dry brushing! Treat yourself or someone else you love with this Ayurvedic experience that cares for your body inside and out!

 Or

 $75 Abhayanga Massage and Dry Brushing

100 minutes (52% off – regularly $158.00)

The Ultimate Abhayanga massage and dry brushing! Face it, sometimes an hour is not enough.. 90 minutes of massage and 10 minutes exfoliation..This is the one where you really let it all go.

Review of $59 Photo Facial at Serena Spa

Published on February 12, 2010 in Money Saving Tips. 1 Comment

So how good could a facial that usually costs upwards of $150 or more be at $59?  In a word…Good.

First let’s explain a little bit about a Photo Facial or IPL for the uninitiated.  It is a laser treatment that can remove sunspots, sun damage, age spots, redness.  It can even out skin tone and is said to improve wrinkles.  IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light.

I went for sunspots(because I hate to call them age spots) and to even out my skin tone.  Normally it takes about 5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart to see results.  It can cost from $150 -$300 per treatment.  It is done in doctor’s offices also, however it is legal for an aesthetician to perform the procedure.

I’ve been looking at the website for this particular spa for a while.  Now that I live in NYC it was very convenient for me to try them out.  I looked online for reviews and found 2, one very negative & the other positive.  I thought I would see for myself.

Location: Centrally located at 127o Bdwy at 32nd St, in the heart of Herald Square and at the tip of Koreatown.  As such this is an Asian spa.  It is on the 5th floor of a large office bldg.

Layout and ambience:  At $59 you know this is a no frills type of place, however it was freshly painted, nicely decorated and very clean.  It’s small, with a reception area and treatment room with 2 tables separated by a curtain.  There was no other clients there when I was there.  It there were it might have been a bit tight.  There was no “receptionist” per se; the woman who checked me in also performed the facial.  I’ve found this sort of arrangement at many a small spa, some that charge double or triple the price.  It doesn’t bother me at all.  The woman who worked on me was very sweet, polite and accomodating.

Treatment:  Many places that do an IPL do not do a complete facial treatment with it.  They just use the laser and then you are done.  Not so here.  You get a complete facial with deep cleansing, extractions and mask after the laser plus a little massage on hands and arms.  It was a decent facial with a medium amount of time spent doing the IPL treatment.  I have had other IPLs, some a bit longer some about the same.  Whether this was a sufficient amount of time with become evident after my 5th treatment when I will see whether the spots are gone or not.  The only thing I did not like about the treatment is that after the IPL, they did not remove the heavy gel substance with damp towel.  It was only wiped off with a dry cotton pad.  As that gel, necessary for the laser to work, is very thick, I did not like the feeling of only wiping it off.  Right after that a peeling mask was applied.  It was a cooling mask which was refreshing after the laser, but I still would have preferred some water being used to clean my face before it.  I told the aesthetician that and she said she would do that for me next time. The whole procedure took and hour.

Does IPL hurt?:  A little bit.  It’s kind of like a rubber band snapping on your skin.

Results:  I will not know for sure if the sunspots will be gone until about 3 1/2 months from now, however I do know that IPL is very effective in treating this, so I am confident they will be.  As for how my skin looked immediately afterwards…Reports are good.  I asked a couple of people who had seen me the day before if my skin looked different.  Both said yes, it looked better and more refreshed and wanted to know what I did.  I thought it looked better too.

Would I recommend this spa?  Yes.   I will definately go back there for more IPL.  Would I go there for just a regular facial.  Probobly not.  I like a little more of a calming ambience for that.  I would also go there for the microdermabrasion and laser hair removal, as they are both also $59.  Plus, if you buy a package of 5 treatments at once the price is $50 each.  You CANNOT beat that with a stick!

Serena Spa
127o Bdway, bet 32nd & 33rd Sts
NYC

History was made today

Published on February 11, 2010 in Fashion News & Trends. 1 Comment

The 1st ever live streaming on the internet NYC Fashion Week show just ended.  Ports 1961 showed their Fall 2010 collection at the tents in Bryant Park and online to the world.  It started about a half hour late(not too bad in Fashion  Week time) and lasted about 10 minutes.  It went off technogically without a hitch. 

Tia Cibani did not stray from her basic color schemes.  There were lots of deep chocolate browns, magentas and purples mixed with some brocades.  Alot of shiny fabrics, many cowls back and front and only a smatter of  form fitting designs.  Flowing soft fabrics mixed with long gloves, knee high boots and a couple of cloche hats ruled the runway at this show.

Enough of high fashion for today.  Now it’s back to the business of being a tightwad, albeit an elegant one.  I’m off to try a $59 Photo Facial.  How good could this be you ask?  I’m offering up la mia faccia to see.  I’ll let you know tomorrow.  In the meantime remember to SHOP RESPONSIBLY!

Oh here’s a list of those other dates for NYC Fashion Week shows streaming live on the internet:

Saturday, February 13 at 5pm EST
Alexander Wang
live.showstudio.com

Sunday, February 14 at 2pm EST
Calvin Klein Men’s Collection
facebook.com/calvinklein

Monday, February 15 at 8pm EST
Marc Jacobs
marcjacobs.com

Tuesday, February 16 at 12pm EST
Rodarte
live.showstudio.com

Thursday, February 18 at 3pm EST
Calvin Klein Womenswear Collection
facebook.com/calvinklein