Where to go for the obscure designer handbags, cigarette pants, and Jackie O glasses, but you’re seriously short on cash and living on box pasta to prove it? Don’t fret, New Yorkers have been flocking to Tokyo 7, an East Village staple for years. This hip, popular vintage clothing store resells some of the hottest designers around – including Gucci, Miu Miu, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Heatherette, and others for a fraction of their original price. Regulars know the store is a hit or miss – some days I’ve scored a Cynthia Rowley cashmere sweater for $30, along with Dolce jeweled slides for a mere $80, but you’ve got to dig and be patient amongst the swarm of downtown hipsters rapidly sifting through the racks.

New goodies arrive daily, and unlike the other sleek, upscale consignment shops that dot the west village and uptown, replete with fashion editors cast-offs and model hand-me-downs, Tokyo 7 caters to the more street smart, avant-garde scenester. Think Chloe Sevingy, think Imitation of Christ. Think undeniably hip. Think deconstructed blazers, leather pants and studded handbags – BEFORE studs were all the runway rage.

And who can possibly resist Paul & Joe pants for $40!!

Tokyo 7
64 E 7th St (btwn 1st/2nd)
Manhattan, NY 10003
(212) 353-8443
Subway: 6 to Astor Place

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I admit it, I’m an unabashed downtown snob. I get nosebleeds traveling above 23rd Street; I’m of the belief that if I want haughty East Side stroller moms and college kids barhopping, I can frequent some of the uber-trendy areas of Brooklyn or Battery Park. However, with the lure of a dear friend moving to the Upper West Side and the promise of a fabulous burger, how could I resist?

It was a soaking day outside and our party of three fled inside the cozy, chic eatery, SQC, brought to you by renowned chef, Scott Campbell (Windows on the World, Union Square Cafe, Le Cirque with Daniel Boulud, QV with Joachim Splichal, Montrachet, and his nearby Avenue). Bringing French technique with his American sensibility and passion for hospitality, the menu is a celebration of New American cooking that includes elements of Californian cuisine, classical French accents and influences from Asia and the Mediterranean-a tribute to the melting pot that has become this country’s collective cuisine. But on a rainy day, all a girl wants is a cheeseburger with fries. And good converation.

With outstanding presentation, organic produce and beef, we settled for three hours in the most coveted booth – a place to see and be seen. And the food was delish. And there were no pesky waiters obsessing over table turns. And my tea was brought to me in a cute cast iron pot. Clearly, SQC is a winner for this snob who now might venture uptown a little more often.

SQC
270 Columbus Avenue
between 72nd & 73rd Sts.
Nearby Subways: C,B: 72nd St./Central Park West; 1,2,3,9: 72nd St./Broadway

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Scottadito, the sumptuous Tuscan organic eatery, is quite easy to miss while you’re breezing by after your long shopping trip at the coveted Park Slope Food Coop. However, a chalkboard announcing salads made from the produce of local organic farmers and free-range/organic chicken specials, attracted me to this cozy osteria toscana. And did we mention the two magic words: Pre-Fix? Fabulous for anyone on a budget.

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Let it be known that I’m not privy to unnecessary, pricy pampering. My home is my day spa with my do-it-yourself facials (oatmeal and mint) and back massages replete with wooden spoons and lavender oil. However, after a week of the city’s torrential rain and a hectic schedule that simply hasn’t let up, I broke down and slipped into one of my favorite girl spots in the city: Rescue Beauty Lounge. And besides, it was a Friday and what better way to hail in the weekend with a lux manicure pedicure session. Evian bottle war, organic Dr. Hauschka products, et all.

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Sometimes it’s necessary that a girl kicks her heels off after a long day of drudgery to indulge in a glass of fine wine in a sweet spot that evokes lazy late afternoons in Bordeaux. So it was downright imperative that a bunch of us stressed-out gals meet for some crisp whites and some spicy reds at winebar, a new hotspot in the East Village. The built in walls are lined with pristine bottles, and the cavernous atmosphere, replete with candles and comfortable seating, renders this a must-visit spot.

Consider White Zinfandels and merlots a thing of the past, and sample the vast selection of premium vintages and affordable wines ($8-$14 range, although many are priced around $8) along with tasty finger foods. Whites and red hail from the, yawn, usual suspects: Italy, France, Spain, but how surprising to find Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, obscure regions in western, as well as eastern Europe. I tried a crisp Sav Blanc from Greece and a Vina Sastre from Spain and found the white smooth with a hint of apple flavor and the red pretty spicy.

winebar’s staff is exceptionally attuned to the latest trends in wine, and they’re quite eager to offer information on vintages, a particular grape’s season, and they’ll recommend up a new flavor if you’ve grown tired of the same old Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Fab for wine snobs but not intimidating for those that don’t have discriminating palates, winebar is a sleek, chic stop before you board the subway home.

winebar
65 2nd Ave,
New York City
Btwn 3rd & 4th St
212-777-1608
Subway: F/V to Second Avenue

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