June 4th, 2012

I love to sale shop. My mom always taught me that if it’s on sale, it doesn’t count as a real purchase.

What: Privé Designer Sample Sale

Where: It’s a revolving sample sale (meaning: no set location) but have at least one a month at Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave, Chelsea).

More info:  Privé works with a number of cotemporary brands and at each sale, they showcase several designers at super discounted prices. Some of their clients include: Theory, Elie Tahari, Free People and Alice + Olivia. At their most recent sale, I snagged a Torn by Ronny Kobo dress for $59 (retail ~$300) and a Alternative Apparel dress for $18 (retail ~$60). Boom.

Other things to note:

  • It’s under the radar (for now). Typically, sample sales are MAYHEM. However, this one is pretty civilized (read: You don’t feel like you have to give up your first born in order to get the marked down Jimmy Choos).
  • There is a communal changing room. If you are nervous about stripping down in front of strangers, this may not be for you. But, in my opinion: A Great deal>Public nudity.

Sign up for their newsletter to get alerts about upcoming sales here.

Happy shopping!

Photo credit: Amanda Zalka

June 4th, 2012

Good morning #NYC. Why don’t we pretend it’s nice out?

Photo credit: Amanda Zalka

June 1st, 2012

A 20-somethings weekend guide to RIPPING IT in the Hamptons

If sipping champagne and spotting good looking people are the goals of your trip to the land of wayfarers and seersucker, then this is the guide is for you.

Breakfast: Brent’s General Store (8 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett,NY)

Egg sammies, bagels and pancakes, oh my! This easy and low key breakfast place is perfect for grabbing some food and heading back to your share house/ family friend’s “cottage”/hotel to enjoy by the pool.  Side note: they also serve fried chicken for those very dark mornings.

Morning Activities: Indian wells beach (98 Indian Wells Hwy, Amagansett, NY )

The best public beach in the Hamptons. If you are over the pool and want to mingle with some wasps while you get some sun, make sure to stop here.

Lunch: CittaNuova  (29 Newtown Lane, East Hampton NY)

A perfect spot for a civil lunch outside during the summer. CittaNuova serves modern Italian food (thin crust pizzas, paninis and fresh pastas) and matching modern décor (see: exposed brick and leather seating inside). The delicious (and reasonably priced) menu also has a solid Italian wine list.  

Afternoon Activites: Cyrils (2167 Montauk Hwy, AmagansettNY)

Great spot for day drinking/post beach activities. You simply must get their “signature,” a BBC with a floater (and a sinker, for veterans). Epic dance parties around 6pm are the rule rather than the exception at Cyrils.

Dinner: Surf Lodge (183 Edgemere Street, Montauk, NY)

Enjoy fine dining on the large outdoor patio overlooking a lake.  The menu and scenery is very “Hamptons”. The cuisine is upscale seafood and the patrons/wait staff looks like they walked out of a Brooks Brothers catalogue. Side note: Hit up the bar before as it’s a perfect spot to pick up people during happy hour.

Evening Activities: The Stephen Talkhouse (161 Main Street, Amagansett,NY)

I call it “Adult Disneyworld” because it’s the happiest place on earth. The Talkhouse is a large bar on Main Street with awesome cover bands, three bars and an outdoor area that charges a $30 cover. Tip: Get stamped at 10:00 then come back at 11:30 or else you’ll find yourself in at least a 40 minute line.

June 1st, 2012

TGIF.

Coffee at La Colombe (270 Lafayette, Soho)

Photo taken by: Amanda Zalka (“P2”)

May 31st, 2012

There is no catch to Catch…it’s just AWESOME

For my day of birth, I celebrated at my new favorite spot in New York City…Catch. This hot restaurant and lounge opened in October 2011 and has been packed ever since. For the record, I strongly dislike the Meatpacking district, but I would move there (preferably above DVF) to be closer to Catch. 

Where: Catch (21 9th Avenue, Meatpacking).

About the Restaurant: The outstanding menu is “seafood-fusion,” and everything I ate was fresh and perfectly prepared. With Top Chef Season 3 winner, Hung Huynh, as the executive chef, Catch can do no wrong.  Instead of doing dessert, finish your night off at Catch’s lounge upstairs.

About the Lounge: Owned by the EMM group, the nightlife company that turns everything they touch into gold (Tenjune, Abe & Arthurs and SL among others) opened ANOTHER winner. Crowded, but not too crowed, this intimate space is perfect for a late night dance party.

What to order?

  • Catch Roll ($16). With crab, salmon and miso honey, this is phenomenal.com.
  • The Scallops ($32).Coupled with cauliflower, pistachio and Tamarind brown-butter, this is the dish Hung won Top Chef with.
  • Macaroni & Lobster Cream ($18). Enough said.
  • Crunchy rice cakes ($15) – Tuna Tartare &Wasabi Tobiko. They certainly rival Koi’s signature app.

Why it rules:

  • Trendy with substance. I hate “trendy” spots along with the rest you who have souls, but this place backs up the hype.
  • Beautiful people everywhere. Even the wait staff. Imserious.com.
  • Solid service. My water glass was always filled. Not to mention, our waiter wasn’t bad to look at. See bullet above.
  • The pretzel bread. Not just ordinary bread and butter to start, but pretzels with mustard. It sounds weird (it is) but it’s amazing.
  • Great every day of the week.My birthday was on a Monday and if this was good on a Monday, I can’t even fathom a Friday.
  • Good for celebrity sightings. We saw Afrojack (Yes, the DJ) and at least two other familiar faces while dining. On a Monday.
  • Fantastic Food. I would go back just for the scallops even if Catch didn’t have any other positive qualities. See “What to order”.
  • The chef is a celebrity. Don’t judge me.
  • The doorman for the lounge is hot. Hello Miguel.
  • Cool space. This semi-industrial loft space (used to be a factory) is sleek, cozy and with favorable lighting. I felt better about myself just being there.

Catch was a great overall experience and it was the perfect spot to celebrate getting a year older. However, I would go back any other day of the week for any occasion and plan to. Cheers!

May 31st, 2012

Wise words in the West Village.

Jeffreys  (142 Waverly Place, WV) is summoning…

May 30th, 2012
The newest thing in online dating: IvyDate (the Ivy League of Dating)
Many of my friends (including me) are skeptical about online dating because of A. all the riff raff out there and B. privacy; however, IvyDate fixes both of those issues. First off, IvyDate is a member’s only club that prescreens all applicants so you are connected to eligible singles ONLY. Second, it’s not a browse able database, so people can’t see that you are looking for dates online (the horror!).  
IvyDate was born after the co-founders, Philipp Triebel and Beri Meric, conducted a field study while in their second year at Harvard Business School and found that there is a need for a premium dating service like IvyDate. Launched to the public in summer 2011, IvyDate has been an instant success, growing to 30,000 members to date. IvyDate’s goal is to “Connect Smart and Inspiring Singles” online and offline.  I interviewed one of the co-founders, Philipp, to get the inside scoop. Read below to find out more.
How does it work?
First off, anyone can sign up, and it’s not limited to Ivy League students. 
To begin, log on to the site and complete your profile. Your application is then screened by the membership committee. Although educational background is factored in, the committee looks at the entire package. 
If approved, weekly matches are sent to you. Your matches are based on an algorithm that takes into account certain criteria (e.g. location, age, ethnicity and religion). Unlike many mainstream dating sites, IvyDate is not a browse able database.  We found that if you are able to browse the website, you only focus on the pictures. We encourage our members to go beyond the photo and engage with other members. In addition, this feature protects the privacy of our members.
How much is it?
In order to communicate with one of your matches, you must subscribe (yes, your matches are just a tease!). They offer a 1, 3 and 6 month subscriptions for $50, $120 and $180, respectively. With the service, you receive unlimited access to the website and events. 
What type of events do they have?
When you are single, you want to do things, and there is always a lot going on.  Our goal is to draw the right group of people.
Since launching in summer 2011, we have done four events in New York City.  Most recently, we had a Great Gatsby themed Valentine’s Day party at the Gansevoort Park Avenue and over 1,000 quality singles showed up.
How is IvyDate different?
The biggest differentiation is the quality of people. IvyDate’s community draws a certain type of person to the site and our goal is to align like-minded people who are “doing things” with their lives. Our members range the entire spectrum from artists to architects to traditional finance types.  We also have a number of public figures who like everyone else have trouble finding someone. One of the draws to them (and all members) is the privacy of the site.
What cities are you in?
New York City has the biggest concentration of members. In addition, IvyDate is in DC, Boston, Philly, San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, people from all over the place sign up. 
Where do you see IvyDate the next 5 years, 10 years? Long term? 
We plan to make IvyDate a global platform that connects the most creative and inspirational people around the world. Fundamentally, people need to connect: personally, professionally and romantically.  IvyDate focuses on the romantic connections. 
Online dating has some stigma attached, what are the benefits of trying it out?
It’s a lot more efficient.  Many of our members are focused on their careers and work long hours.  They don’t always have time to go out and meet people in a more “traditional” way. After one has exhausted their circle of friends, it’s hard to meet people with a similar background and values. IvyDate makes attractive singles accessible to you. 
Why should people join IvyDate? 
You should join because IvyDate only accepts the highest quality people and focus on finding the people you would want to meet. Our motto is about quality not quantity. 
What makes dating in NYC different? 
NYC is a special place as there are more singles here than anywhere in the world. People tend to settle less and later in New York City, and it is culturally acceptable to do so.  I lived in London for 10 years and the biggest difference is the number of people you date. In New York, it’s “normal” to go on dates with 3 to 4 people at the same time, while in London it’s the norm to meet one person and give them a chance. The culture is more one of dating and then committing.
Interview paraphrased.

The newest thing in online dating: IvyDate (the Ivy League of Dating)

Many of my friends (including me) are skeptical about online dating because of A. all the riff raff out there and B. privacy; however, IvyDate fixes both of those issues. First off, IvyDate is a member’s only club that prescreens all applicants so you are connected to eligible singles ONLY. Second, it’s not a browse able database, so people can’t see that you are looking for dates online (the horror!).  

IvyDate was born after the co-founders, Philipp Triebel and Beri Meric, conducted a field study while in their second year at Harvard Business School and found that there is a need for a premium dating service like IvyDate. Launched to the public in summer 2011, IvyDate has been an instant success, growing to 30,000 members to date. IvyDate’s goal is to “Connect Smart and Inspiring Singles” online and offline.  I interviewed one of the co-founders, Philipp, to get the inside scoop. Read below to find out more.

How does it work?

First off, anyone can sign up, and it’s not limited to Ivy League students.

To begin, log on to the site and complete your profile. Your application is then screened by the membership committee. Although educational background is factored in, the committee looks at the entire package.

If approved, weekly matches are sent to you. Your matches are based on an algorithm that takes into account certain criteria (e.g. location, age, ethnicity and religion). Unlike many mainstream dating sites, IvyDate is not a browse able database.  We found that if you are able to browse the website, you only focus on the pictures. We encourage our members to go beyond the photo and engage with other members. In addition, this feature protects the privacy of our members.

How much is it?

In order to communicate with one of your matches, you must subscribe (yes, your matches are just a tease!). They offer a 1, 3 and 6 month subscriptions for $50, $120 and $180, respectively. With the service, you receive unlimited access to the website and events.

What type of events do they have?

When you are single, you want to do things, and there is always a lot going on.  Our goal is to draw the right group of people.

Since launching in summer 2011, we have done four events in New York City.  Most recently, we had a Great Gatsby themed Valentine’s Day party at the Gansevoort Park Avenue and over 1,000 quality singles showed up.

How is IvyDate different?

The biggest differentiation is the quality of people. IvyDate’s community draws a certain type of person to the site and our goal is to align like-minded people who are “doing things” with their lives. Our members range the entire spectrum from artists to architects to traditional finance types.  We also have a number of public figures who like everyone else have trouble finding someone. One of the draws to them (and all members) is the privacy of the site.

What cities are you in?

New York City has the biggest concentration of members. In addition, IvyDate is in DC, Boston, Philly, San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, people from all over the place sign up.

Where do you see IvyDate the next 5 years, 10 years? Long term?

We plan to make IvyDate a global platform that connects the most creative and inspirational people around the world. Fundamentally, people need to connect: personally, professionally and romantically.  IvyDate focuses on the romantic connections.

Online dating has some stigma attached, what are the benefits of trying it out?

It’s a lot more efficient.  Many of our members are focused on their careers and work long hours.  They don’t always have time to go out and meet people in a more “traditional” way. After one has exhausted their circle of friends, it’s hard to meet people with a similar background and values. IvyDate makes attractive singles accessible to you.

Why should people join IvyDate?

You should join because IvyDate only accepts the highest quality people and focus on finding the people you would want to meet. Our motto is about quality not quantity.

What makes dating in NYC different?

NYC is a special place as there are more singles here than anywhere in the world. People tend to settle less and later in New York City, and it is culturally acceptable to do so.  I lived in London for 10 years and the biggest difference is the number of people you date. In New York, it’s “normal” to go on dates with 3 to 4 people at the same time, while in London it’s the norm to meet one person and give them a chance. The culture is more one of dating and then committing.

Interview paraphrased.

May 29th, 2012

Just a standard Monday. View of the city from the roof of NYAC

May 24th, 2012

CT—> NYC: Commute home on the Metro-North.

Photo taken by: Holly Wentzel

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@CrushNewYork

Crush New York is a guide to help navigate through the island of Manhattan. It includes anything/everything from dating, career and life advice to bars and restaurant selections.