Thursday, July 29, 2010

Philly is for foodies, Part 2

Philly is for foodies, Part 2


I love Philly and have written about the city several time.  Click the above link to read about my latest excursion to the city of brotherly love on my NY Getaways Examiner column.  Hint, it's all about food!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Everything is 50% Off at Conway in Brooklyn's Fulton Mall!

Attention all Brooklyn/NYC bargain shoppers: The Conway department store in the Fulton Mall is closing and moving a few blocks closer to Court Street.  Until mid-next week everything is 50% off!


The 505 Fulton Street store is a complete mess, but if you enjoy digging for half-price treasure like I do, you will find something.  I scored five items for $12, and there is plenty of merchandise left including trendy tees for men and women; plus-size dresses; casual tops; pajama sets; and summer sandals.


Me and Conway go way back.  I've been following the store's trademark pink bags since I visited New York City on shopping trips.  Since I've lived here, my love affair with the mini-chain has continued (we took a break after a security guard at the Fulton Mall store decided he needed to search each female customer's purse).


Conway's new space was formerly occupied by ABC Discount store and is a sign of things to come.  Plans are underway to make the Fulton Mall a more upscale shopping destination. The local Macy's sure could use a makeover and some restocking, so hopefully things will improve there.  And I sure hope the rumors of an H&M in 2012 are true.


But until then, I'll happily continue bargain hunting.  To get you in the budget fashionista mood, I'm offering $5 off coupons for Conway's new store to the first five local readers.


Here's how to win:


1) Respond to this post with your first name and type, "I want my Conway coupon."


2) Subscribe to Tracy's Pop & Shop.  


The coupon is good for $5 off any purchase of $20 or more during Conway's Grand Opening at 427 Fulton Street btwn Jay Street and Pearl Street.  It's valid through September 15, 2010.  


So don't delay.  Respond to this post ("I want my Conway coupon") and subscribe to Tracy's Pop & Shop.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

A Beautiful Brooklyn Afternoon with Bilal

Today the neo-soul gods were smiling. Bilal Oliver baptized a bohemian standing-room crowd in a downtown Brooklyn park with his anointed, soul-stirring musings.  It was a scene straight out of a Howard University Homecoming gathering on the Yard.  Natural hairstyles bobbed to the gospel-delic soul, blues and jazz that came shrieking from Bilal's diminutive frame. Tyra tells top models to model from head-to-toe. Bilal sings from head-to -toe.



I've been a fan of the Philly kid since his cult classic debut, 1st Born Second, dropped in 2001.  Since then he's been a fixture on stage and in the studio with Common and Erykah Badu.  Bilal has the silver-tongued swagger of a revival tent preacher, the quirky cool of Miles, and the falsetto-blessed sex appeal of Prince. He slowly wooed the predominantly brown and beautiful female audience with new and old material.

The afternoon hit a crescendo during his live rendition of the self-deprecating and self-affirming testament "Sometimes." By the time he and his confident band grooved their way into "Soul Sista," Bilal's soul-stirring spell had been cast.  It's a wonder no one threw their panties on stage.  He was called back for an encore and still left us wanting more.


Bilal's highly-anticipated new album, Airtight's Revenge, will drop on September 14. The release will be celebrated that same date with a performance at B.B. King's in Times Square.