DVF + Sharpie = Obligatory "Social Media is Awesome" Post

In a series of decisions based on budgetary weakness, I trekked to the DVF Sample Sale last week in Manhattan. [Its easy to rationalize a $125 purchase when the original price is closer to $400.] And so I waited on a 40 minute line in the rain to gain entry into the packed, loud, messy porta-store to look for as many cute dresses in size 6 or 8 that I could carry to the dressing rooms.

I was super excited to find a pink boatneck sheath dress that I knew was from Diane's 2008 Wonder Woman collection. DVF is an icon for a reason and I think her story is the real reason why she has the following she does today.

Anyways, I snatched up the Renda in Raspberry (below) for $125 along with an ugly but funky/cute sample dress that probably never made it to production--a true original that got mixed reviews out in the East Village last night--for $50.


So where does social media come into this? Well, as I was getting ready to go out last night, I took another look at my recent acquisitions and what I thought was blue yarn stuck to the front of my Renda was in fact two very noticeable smudges of blue permanent marker.

The cashier who rang up my purchase put blue marker exes on the dress tags (I guess to reduce their resale value on ebay) and must have accidentally drawn on my dress as well!! I was pissed and decided to go on a mini social media tirade:

I posted my problem to the DVF Fan Page on Facebook, wrote a FB status update, and Tweeted about it to find out how the hell to get permanent marker out of wool.

And lo and behold, Sharpie was listening! I was expecting to hear back from DVF's PR girls with apologies and coupons and stain removal advice, but it was Sharpie instead that must have been tracking their RSS feed of brand mentions on Twitter.

They suggest Amodex. Just bought some on Ebay. Hopefully my new dress will be in wearing condition within the next 3-6 business days. I can't wait to wear it!!!

I still love DVF and would gladly accept coupons and free merchandise to make up for their not-so-conscientious cashier :)

Falconer Magnanimous Blogsky

GUEST POST by Anonymous:

Coolest name I’ve ever seen – first name, for a boy:

“Falconer”

THAT is IT. With a name like “Falconer” you are bound to be a strong and charismatic leader of men. Plus, I’m pretty sure that someone who trains falcons is a “falconer” - so that’s cool.

[ http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-me-venetia-phair11-2009may11,0,826837.story (Her grandfather was named “Falconer Madan”) ]

Also, the middle name could be something like “Magnanimous”, which is awesome as a first name as well, but I like them together better:

“Falconer Magnanimous” – meaning: Someone who can easily kick your butt without even trying, yet will always take the high road and graciously allow you to escape unharmed. He’s obviously superior to you in every way, so there’s no point in fighting about it.

Perhaps we’d be setting this kid up for disappointment though. Imagine if his name was Falconer Magnanimous but he was short, fat, stupid, and weak. Now, if his name was “Pudgy Choade” or something, then that might work, but not for Falconer Magnanimous.

Review: Stuart Hirsch Salon: August Highlights in May

I was lucky enough to have my hair highlighted by celebrity colorist Stuart Hirsch last Saturday and the results live up to his ideals. While he was painting on my highlights after I instructed him to do whatever he wanted, whatever he thought would look good, I had him explain his aesthetic to me. It all boils down to "natural" and "world class"-- he uses his 20+ years of training to create subtle looks that enhance a woman's natural beauty.

And really, the golden flecks he gave me create such a subtle, natural look-- it's like he gave me a summer's worth of sun-soaked hair in just an hour. My first reaction when he asked if I liked it was, "It's great! It looks like August hair in May!" And believe me, after all the rain we've been having in NYC, this change has elevated my mood.

It makes sense that my hair tells the story of a sun-soaked beachy summer because, while Stuart didn't say this about himself, it's obvious that he's inspired by beach culture--he surfs in Long Beach, LI, has a beach house in North Carolina and dresses like he's from L.A. I don't want to reveal names here, but the celebrities he's courting for endorsement of his new haircare line are synonymous with California sun, surfing, and laid back elegance.

After my color with Stuart and fabulous shampoo by the lovely Mary Clare (who was a great assistant--really nice, funny and talented-- Hope she's not pissed that I'm linking to her Myspace page, but that's what comes up as her #1 Google result), I also trusted the fabulous Whitney Olson to give me a haircut.

I didn't let her do anything drastic since I'm feeling the typical pre-wedding pressure to "grow out my hair", but while she was trimming my split ends and shaping my layers, she was such a joy to talk to! I'm not one to gossip with my stylist, but she made it so easy. I might have to go back just to test whether I can get a haircut AND therapy for a little over $100. To justify that kind of splurge in this economy, I may need to convince myself that I'm paying for mental health and not just a trim ;).

Overall the experience and the results are positive: My face is brighter and I look fresher. That's all I can really ask for! I'm too young for Botox so I'll take that type of result where I can get it.

Artist Tommy Mintz Brings "Disposable" Beauty to Vacant Restaurant

I found a great treasure while exploring the West Village recently--A guerrilla exhibit of artist Tommy Mintz's work in the windows of the former Mama Buddha Chinese restaurant on Hudson Street in the Village.

We all know I've been a little obsessed with the recession and store closures lately and therefore a total Debbie Downer, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover this exhibit: I can continue to examine how the recession is impacting New York on my blog but with a positive spin because public art is always a good thing.

Mintz's note on the window is dated August 30, 2008 and pays homage to the restaurant: "Thank you Chuck and Mama Buddha for providing countless years of hospitality! You made more than food here. Here is a final show of artwork in the windows of Mama Buddha. 'Disposable'."

Well, this exhibit has proved not to be very "disposable" since it's lasted through fall, winter, and a month of spring without new tenants tearing it down. I hope this inspires more artists to seek out these types of opportunities. It makes walking the empty streets a lot more enjoyable.

This is happening right now in London. The Guardian reported on April 23rd that artists are capitalizing on vacant retail spaces to expose their work to a wider audience. The hope is that by giving artists space on the "high street," the process of creating art will be demystified and public rather than hidden behind studio walls.

I'm excited to see how more of this in New York can bring a new vibrancy to the city's streets. Anyone know of any other impromptu galleries I should check out?

(Tommy, if you're reading this, how much for that cute photo of the old ladies?)

Sign of the Times

Sorry for the poor image quality, but you get the gist...