New York Magazine has put together a video where "everyday New Yorkers" talk about how they are stretching their dollars during the recession. Magazine correspondent Tim Murphy corners the customers of high-end UES boutiques, and all have similarly hilarious responses to how they're pinching pennies this year. One man: "I'm eliminating silliness. Necessities more than superfluous nonsense." His last purchase? A Tiffany money clip. Asked if she'll turn to Century 21 for her shopping, a polished, tucked older woman replies: "I don't know what Century 21 is." Sounds like there will be a few less bejeweled Judith Leiber clutches under the tree this year. Oh cruel world!
· (Rich) Man on the Street [NYM]
When Yigal Azrouel's Spring 2009 shoes go up for sale, the release will be restricted to only his two boutiques."Yigal's shoes include, or are actually limited to, a caramel colored ankle bootie and a black and white thick-strapped sandal, both with wooden stiletto heels." Selling the two styles in only two stores will then keep them away from the fate of a percentage of his clothing, which we always see in the racks at Century 21. [Fashionista]
Today's Street Scenes subject is Neil, shot on the corner of Smith and Warren Streets in Boerum Hill. Feel free to vote on whether you like or dislike his outfit below. Your choices are 'Perfection!,' 'I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'Who did this to you?'
Today's Street Scenes subject is Monee, shot on Lafayette Street between White and Walker Streets near City Hall. Feel free to vote on whether you like or dislike her outfit—your choices are 'Perfection!,' I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'Who Did This To You.'
Monee is wearing a vintage coat she found in her mom's closet, a Gap sweater, sunglasses from a vendor on 14th Street and Marshalls boots. Her favorite store is Century 21.
The original New York Times building on West 43rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues is in for a a lot of changes. According to the Sun, the 18-story structure's new owners "are planning to transform garages that many years ago housed printing presses into cafés and clothing stores, and to revive the façade with signs, a new five-story clock, and a series of mirrors to reflect the lights of Times Square."
Getting past what sounds like a garish new face for the building (a clock, signs and mirrors? guess it could be cool...), just what kind of cafes and clothing stores will be taking up residence in the place's 200,000 square feet of retail space? Let's turn it over to Joshua Strauss of RFK!: 'The 43rd Street side is a good space for very exclusive restaurants and specialty retail. On the 44th Street side, we are thinking of a big-box tenant or something with an entertainment side.' He goes on to state that RFK's sent marketing materials to T.J. Maxx, Target, and Century 21. Sounds like the Manhattan Mall's about to get a baby brother.
· Turning the Page on a Newspaper's Former Heaquarters [NY Sun]
Men's daily Thrillist points us toward an interesting new store today. It's called Denim & Knits, and it's positioning itself as a perma-sample-sale emporium. The space, on the second floor of 2 Cortlandt Street, is right next to discount mega-store Century 21. They're stocking men's and women's clothing from denim brands like 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, Frankie B, Paige Denim, J Brand, Hudson, Joe's Jeans, William Rast and Citizens for Humanity and tops and dresses from labels like Splendid and Ella Moss. On their website, you can give your name to receive another 10% off purchases.
Now we're all for bargains, but the concept of a permanent sample sale isn't that appealing. Sample sales are exciting because they're temporary—you only have a few days, or a few hours, to snag deeply discounted items from designers whose work you've always loved but have never been able to afford. Obviously, this is not a real sample sale. But we don't want to prematurely knock what could be a great source for budget-priced denim. Can anyone vouch for whether or not it's worth the trek? We're particularly curious as to how competitive they are, price-wise, with their neighbor.
· Denim & Knits [Official Site]
· The List [Thrillist]
Today's Street Scenes subject is Garrett, shot the corner of Broome and Crosby in Soho. Feel free to vote on whether you like or dislike his outfit below—your choices are 'Perfection!,' I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'Who Did This To You.'
Today's Street Scenes subject is Tas, shot in Century 21 in the Financial District. Feel free to vote on whether you like or dislike his outfit below—your choices are 'Perfection!,' I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'Who Did This To You.'
Today's Street Scenes subject is Tricia, shot on 31st Street and Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria. Feel free to vote on whether you like or dislike her outfit below—your choices are 'Perfection!,' I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'Who Did This To You.'
Tricia is wearing pants from Century 21, a poncho bought on Canal Street, an H&M scarf, sunglasses from Filene's Basement and boots and a bag from Daffy's.
[The Salty Paw, voted the city's best pet spa by amNY]
If you didn't pick one up outside the subway this morning, you can check out free daily rag amNY's entry into the "Best of NY" fray online. The piece is a compilation of the paper's favorite shops, services and rec spots; taking honors is Fidi boutique/doggie salon The Salty Paw (dubbed best pet spa), the Chelsea Flea Market (best t-shirt selection), Century 21 (best discount clothing), Harlem Lanes (best bowling), and so on. The choices are all pretty predictable, but it's still an entertaining read. We do take issue with Dolphin Fitness as best value gym, though. Although Dolphin is cheap, being forced to waiting in line to work out because more than half of the machines in the place are broken doesn't exactly scream value to us.
· Best of New York: Shopping, Recreation and Services [amNY]
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The original New York Times building on West 43rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues is in for a a lot of changes. According to the Sun, the 18-story structure's 
Men's daily Thrillist 
