A Gift Guide For The Weary and Uncertain

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Sunday, 24 December 2017 02:48

Written by Brad Balfour

I have been wrangling for days to think of a premise for a gift guide because, as a regulation pack rat — okay,hoarder— I like to have everything. But then, I thought to myself, “Self,  where have you recorded all the things you have liked that you would want to give or share with someone else?”

So I went back to my trusty, though shitty, cell phone camera and found my many gifts to have or give. There’s a greater joy in giving that gift, maybe more than when opening the perfect gift that’s been received. 

An ideal present is unique and personal, one you hope someone never thought of but would actually enjoy. It’s great to let someone know how much you care. From theater events to underwear, here a small selection of my peculiar selection of holiday gifts for 2017.

Let’s begin.

Go see actor John Leguizamo, whose new show, “Latin History For Morons” has been getting great reviews because this multi-talented actor/writer provides a unique, prickly history of his own culture and its place in the greater sweep of mankind. Get a pair of tickets and take that particular companion who will laugh along with you at Studio 54 sometime soon.

Then pick up a new book, “My Antonioni,” edited by Carlo di Carlo which details the life and aesthetic of the late great Italian director, Michelangelo Antonioni. There’s not only the book but a detailed retrospective that’s just starting to overview his career playing at MoMA through January 7th. Definitely worth seeing his movies if only because his classic “Blow Up” — is a film you should share with an intellectually adventurous friend.

One evening I made it to Sotheby’s on East 72nd Street where they were holding this amazing auction of classic and luxury cars. I could even imagine getting one of those — or at least getting into one…  But it was this sculpture — made of European gas cans — that struck me as the ideal item for someone who has everything and needs something so weird that no one else would ever imagine having it.

Radio City Music Hall hosts the annual Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular and though I am not usually drawn to such touristic fare, I would love to have that right person besides me when I go to see this show. In all my years in NYC, I have never never seen it. If only for one time, I want to go and share it with someone as corny as me.

I think of the many fashion statements that would serve as great gifts, but not usually do I get down to the looking at the undies — except at Victoria's Secret. I care not how male undergarments look and feel (except on me) but Spartan Boxers offers something more — protection against radiation. This is a pair to get for any safety-conscious buddies. Designed in Paris, you can shield your nuts from wireless radiation. But staying safe shouldn't compromise style so this company offers cutting-edge technology merged with design that’s modern, minimalist and antibacterial.

Miley Cyrus’ new album, “Younger Now,” is out now. She’s an incredible talent who surprises with every new record — so this is the one to pass along. Forget Taylor Swift. Though Miley’s a paparazzi fodder, this former child/pop star is a brilliant cultural appropriator whose new release means a new Miley. Dreadlocks, twerking, and druggy days are in the past as she debuts her sixth studio recording; she’s abandoned a rap persona in favor of a stripped-down country-pop which means that finding out who this new Miley is something to share with someone who appreciates my fascination with this chameleon.

American artist Raymond Pettibon, born Raymond Ginn on June 16, 1957, lives and works in New York City now. But he came to prominence in the early ‘80s as part of the southern California punk rock scene — creating posters and album art for groups such as Black Flag who were on SST Records, owned and operated by brother Greg. Recently he’s enjoyed a New Museum retrospective and an exploding price tag; his one-of-a-kind works have become expensive but if you find the right gallery you can get one of his prints — a much more affordable way to collect or give art.

Take a loved one or good friend to the midtown eatery “Rice N Beans” at 744 9th Avenue near the intersection of 9th and West 50th St. This homey Brazilian restaurant is totally affordable and sumptuous in its portions. A Clinton neighborhood mainstay, it’s open from 11:30 am to 10 pm. Check out the menu at ricenbeansnyc.com

The company BIO-key has been developing and delivering advanced fingerprint biometric hardware and software solutions since 1993. Its technology has been used by the FBI, AT&T, NCR and leading hospitals across the U.S. In 2015, BIO-key introduced a line of compact fingerprint readers (SideTouch, SideSwipe & EcoID) that support Windows Hello. Now BIO-key introduces the TouchLock™ line of smart padlocks and bicycle locks empowered by fingerprint and Bluetooth technology. Maybe not the most romantic item to give as a gift but certainly one to offer security.

Actress Jenna Fischer’s book, “The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide,” not only details her Hollywood journey but it also gives helpful advice and support to novices. He career began when, at age of 22, she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined and confident, ready to work hard. She tells all about what can and did go wrong along the way and how she lived to tell the tale. For all your talented wannabes who might find this perfect guide to receive.

Another book that addresses celebrity lifestyles is veteran music interviewer Mark Bego’s fabulous cook book, “Eat Like A Rock Star.”  In it things get really tasty from this author (he’s done 62 books on celebrities from Glen Campbell to The Supremes) as he discovers what our favorites stars like to make and eat inthis “authorized” rock & roll cookbook. Its 10 chapters highlight Breakfast, Lunch, Hors d’Oeuvres, Poultry, Meat, Pasta, Fish & Seafood, Vegetables & Side Dishes, Desserts, and Cocktails. All of the recipes have been personally tested and include ones developed by the likes of Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz, Martha Reeves, Debbie Gibson, Boz Scaggs, and many more. A perfect book to use to spice up a holiday party.

Timberland - A Living Legend in Footwear

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Friday, 14 October 2016 14:30

Written by Elaine Ing

You’d be hard-pressed to name a footwear that has endured for more than 40 years, recognized around the world as an iconic symbol of the “All-American” look, and worn from laborers to slinky models on the runway.  That would be Timberland.  From humble beginnings to being the ultimate street wear, the iconic “Original Yellow Boot™” remains the chosen footwear for all walks of life.

Since the ‘90s, the humble yellow boot gained massive street cred as US hip-hop artists and singers (Jay-Z, Kanye West, Pharrell and Rihanna just to name a few) have incorporated the boot into their wardrobe to perfectly match their style and larger-than-life attitudes. No one blinks an eye when supermodel Cara Delevingne pairs them perfectly with sleek dresses or sweat pants.

Originally designed in 1973 to be all-leather weatherproof boot to cope with the harsh winters of New Hampshire, the Original Yellow Boot™ was built from 39 components constructed via 80 separate steps, driven by form, function and craftsmanship.  From its iconic wheat color to the hex-shaped brass eyelets and Taslan laces) and application of the finest materials (finest full-grain Horween nubuck leather with sealed seam to keep feet warm and dry in all conditions in all terrains, four-row stitching and injection-molded soles permanently bonded to the top of the boot made it completely waterproof), the Timberland boot was built to last.

The quality, consistency and the continued attention to detail that first made it popular continues to this day, with very few changes so it remains true to its original design. Incorporating modern technology, the current boot design now has an anti-fatigue footbed for improved comfort with geometric cone support that gives amazing shock absorption and energy return.  The Sensor Flex™comfort system is a three-layer outsole that delivers constant support, active cushioning and dynamic flex. As well, a premium waterproof leather with semi-sealed construction is used to keep feet dry. A padded collar helps cushion the ankle, and the outer material is rustproof so that the authentic Timberland look doesn’t deteriorate with wear and tear. The rubber gum sole provides traction on challenging terrain and the steel shank gives additional arch support.  For its clothing line, Timberland incorporates their proprietary two-layer DryVent™ waterproof coating.

For its new fall 2016 collection, outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland continues to showcase different, yet simple, Yellow Boot variations – like color changes, using new materials and a few with added details or embellishments to make them perfect for the modern wardrobe. The new fall collection "blends traditional artistry with cutting edge craftsmanship" with distressed materials and modern interpretations for an up-to-date take on Timberland's classic trail-worthy designs.

Their one-off collaborations, theLimited Releases, continue to be popular (eg the 2015 Pharrell Williams' new Bee Line by Billionaire Boys Club x Timberland - inspired by a honeycomb image the hip hop artist found and made with bionic canvas - 50% organic cotton and 38% recycled PET sold out quickly). 

To the delight of many fashionistas,New York-based streetwear brand Supreme has partnered up with Timberland once again for the release of a special collaboration for the fall and winter of 2016.  This collaboration involves an update & jazzed up version of the Timberland moc-stitched boat shoe with hard-as-nails sole unit, the 3-Eye Lug Shoe, and the ever-popular hiker-style Field Boot.  Both styles come in four colors with a premium snakeskin embossed leather upper, gold accents on the lace locks / eyelets, a thick black rubber outsole for durability, Supreme red lining and insoleand gold Supreme tag on the leather lacing system in lieu of Supreme’s signature red tag. The Field Boot features a waterproof snakeskin embossed leather upper with canvas side panels and padded suede collar.

On the outerwear front, Timberland’s Compatible Layering System offers the ultimate in versatility. For both coats and boots the brand uses innovative fabrics, including breathable wool, waterproof material, and classic leather with distressed finishes on some pieces. 

Finally, and most importantly, this fall Timberland is making an aggressive effort to cut down on carbon footprint by enforcing meaningful environmental standards in all its Timberland products.  By aiming to significantly increase their use of recycled, organic and renewable materials, especially materials like recycled rubber and recycled PET, Timberland hopes to attain sustainable style across its footwear, apparel and accessories line. From leather boots made with a proprietary eco-conscious waterproof membrane to jackets made with organic cotton canvas, Timberland continues its aggressive quest to reduce the environmental impact of virtually every product it makes. This means 100% of footwear will include at least one material containing recycled, organic or renewable (ROR) content, 100% of footwear and outerwear leather will be sourced from tanneries that have earned a Gold or Silver rating from the Leather Working Group for following environmental best practices, and 100% of footwear and apparel will be PVC-free.

Timberland continues to be the boot with one foot in tradition, and another marching forward.

To learn more, go to: www.timberland.com

Nordstrom Beauty's 2015 Holiday Selection

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Tuesday, 01 December 2015 10:50

Written by Elaine Ing

Nordstrom Beauty is your perennial no-brainer, one-stop shopping destination for the holidays and for every special occasion.  From lists with a budget to no-holds barred shopping sprees, Nordstrom Beauty is THE shopping mecca for everyone on your list.  For the special people in your life, Nordstom has you covered for both men and women’s prestige and Nordstrom-exclusive cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, skin care, grooming, and home decor products. The easiest part – most of the already gorgeously-wrapped sets are limited edition and includes a collection of best-sellers.

The following is just a small fraction of what Nordstrom Beauty has available:

• Diptyque Mini Candle Set (Nordstrom Exclusive), $130
• Laura Mercier Stroke of Genius Set (Limited Edition) $98 ($194 Value)
• La Mer “The Treatment Essentials” Collection (Limited Edition), $415 ($552 Value)
• Trish McEvoy The Power of Organization Purse Organizer & Petite Makeup Planner Collection(Limited Edition), $235 ($455 Value)
• La Prairie “Rare Treasures” Set (Limited Edition) $1,760 ($2.200 Value)
• Laura Mercier Into the Wild Look Book Collection: $125 ($276 value)
• Dolce & Gabbana Beauty “Passion Eyes” Set, $67 ($111 Value)
  
• Chanel Turn Up the Shine Glossimer Set $92
• Sonoma Lavender “French Cream” Neck Pillow (Limited Edition – Nordstrom Exclusive), $44
• Lipstick Queen “Galactic Gorgeous” Lip Gloss (Limited Edition), $24
• Hourglass Nude Essentials Set (Nordstrom Exclusive) $64 ($92 Value)
• Tom Ford Private Blend Collection Mini Set, $345
  
  
  
• Drybar “Sparkle & Shine” Set, $199 ($288 Value)
• Slip for Beauty Sleep “Slipsilk” Pure Silk Pillowcase, $79
  
  
• MAC “Enchanted Eve- Basic’ Travel Brush Kit (Limited Edition), $52.50 ($140 Value)
• Nest Fragrances “Hearth” Scented Classic Candle, $38
• Foreo “Luna Mini” Compact Facial Cleansing Device, $139
• Butter London “Twelve Months of Manis” Set (Limited Edition), $68 ($120 Value)
• Costello Tagliapietra for Kiehl’s Since 1851 Crème de Corps Whipped Body Butter (Limited Edition), $38
• Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Charm Set (Limited Edition), $39

If you’re still having trouble to find the ideal gift, Nordstrom Beauty Stylists (aka personal shopper) offer complimentary services such as offering suggestions and advice from a range of brands, based on your personal preferences, budget and goals.

For the full list of beauty gifts and sets, click Nordstrom Holiday Beauty Gifts.