Shabazz Palaces - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 Sale, April 18

On Saturday, April 18, Buffalo Exchange will host its annual Earth Day $1 Sale. Yes, it's the best sale of the year and we wouldn't miss it!  Although the sale hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the early bird will get the designer goods.

A large selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories will be offered for one dollar at most Buffalo Exchange locations. All proceeds from the purchase of $1 items will be donated to The Fund for Animals, an affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. 

The Earth Day Dollar Sale is cash or check only for $1 items.

Off The Eaten Path: Little Pakistan (Brooklyn, NY)

Check out this cool video from journalist, chef, and cookbook author S.H. (aka Skiz) Fernando.  He takes viewers "Off The Eaten Path" to explore the under the radar food scene in Little Pakistan in the Midwood section of Brooklyn.  Directed by John Carluccio.

BUST Craftacular's PRIMPED NYC Beauty Event, April 19, 2015

If you're in New York City on Sunday, April 19, check out a fun afternoon of free beauty treatments, DIY workshops, indie fashion and shopping for handmade beauty products at BUST's Craftacular's second annual Primped event. The first 300 attendees will score a free goodie bag filled with indie beauty products, accessories and treats.

Entry into Primped is just $5 and attendees will get to shop from 65 indie beauty, fashion, and vintage vendors from across the country (local sellers, too) including TheQuixoticEye, Wild Seed Apothecary, Una Biologicals, Objects with Purpose, Herban Lifestyle and Elixery Cosmetic House. 

The event is also full of freebie tutorials and salon services. Visitors can put themselves on the cover of BUST magazine at the car2go Photo Booth, learn to do nail art with Floss Gloss non-toxic nail polish, make jewelry with Brooklyn Charm and unwind with a hand massage featuring Dr. Bronner’s organic lotions. 

In addition to shopping and pampering, fair-goers can sip cocktails and munch on snacks from local food vendors like Kimchi Smoke, Skinny Buddha, Samosa Shack, Tipsy Scoop, Goody’s Granola, An Artistic Taste and Jessy’s Pastries.

BUST Craftacular's Primped will take place Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 11a.m.-6 p.m. at Brooklyn Bazaar (165 Banker Street) in Greenpoint.

Princess & Superhero Party at Crocs 34th Street Store - Thursday 11/6

DATE: Thursday, November 6

TIME: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

LOCATION: Crocs 34^th Street Store
152 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
(BETWEEN 7^th AND BROADWAY)

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:
Princess Mani
Princess Hairstyle
Superhero and Princess Face Painting

RSVP: keri@domainmsa.com

Crocs will welcome customers along with their little princesses and super heroes including children, nieces and nephews and cousins to celebrate the launch of the latest character shoes on Thursday, November 6 at Crocs 34th Street in NYC. 

In addition to showcasing Crocs' newest character shoes, the event will offer complimentary princess manicures and hairstyles, superhero face painting, and gifting for all families!

Afropunk 2014 Music Festival Descends on Brooklyn this Weekend

Music was a crucial, life-saving part of my adolescence and angst-filled teen years.  That's what led me early in my career to become a music and entertainment journalist.  I wrote a music column (my Dad still asks me about syndicating that '90s era column, "What's the 411?") for the Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper -- my first full-time gig.  Then I ventured to the Big Apple on Amtrak with a suitcase and a dream to publish or perish as one of my journalism professors liked to say. And I covered music for a lot of top magazines and media outlets. Although I have since moved on to different types of writing and reporting, I miss writing about music.

So I'm excited about this weekend's tenth annual Afropunk festival in Brooklyn where the avant garde spirit and creativity is contagious.

Described by The New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US" and inspired by the provocative 2003 documentary Afro-Punk, in past years the eclectic lineup has included hip-hop legend Chuck D, New Orleans bounce phenom, Big Freedia, black rock pioneers Living Colour, and neo-soul high priestess Erykah Badu. And even though previously promoted headliner D'Angelo cancelled, this year's event still won't disappoint with its diverse lineup including Meshell N'degeocello, Bad Brains, and hometown success story, teen hard rock trio Unlocking the Truth.  

The event is free (donations are encouraged), but the turn-out promises to be huge. So you gotta RSVP.

Here are a couple under-the-radar (or at least under my radar) highlights:

Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler of Shabazz Palaces.

Saturday, August 23

5:15 p.m. (Red Stage)

Don't expect any pop-leaning hip-hop tracks like the classic "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) from Shabazz Palaces, the experimental Seattle-based hip-hop duo led by former Digable Planets front man Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler.  Instead, prepare to head nod along with the stream of consciousness vibe. The group is signed to the famed alt label Sub Pop that help launch the careers of fellow Seattle bands Nirvana and Soundgarden, and I've been a fan of Butler's since way back. I interviewed (and crushed hard on) him when he was with DP. Now we're both a little older (okay, a lot older), but still fly.

The Tontons lead singer, Asli Omar./Photo credit Megan Tipsslide

Sunday, August 24

2:45 p.m. (Green Stage)

It was love at first listen when I was introduced to the Houston-based band, The Tontons, via the Afropunk music sampler that landed in my in-box.  I'm a sucker for a sultry, kickass front woman (in this case Asli Omar) and '80s reminiscent melodies.  It let's me live out my new wave fantasy. Standouts from their new album, Make Out King and Other Stories of Love are the hauntingly melodic "Pony" and "Wild Kind" Think Santi Gold meets The Motels.

Buffalo Exchange $1 Earth Day Sale: Saturday, April 19th

Are you ready for the best sale of the year?  We plan to hit up multiple BE locations in New York City!

Buffalo Exchange is partnering with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to help raise awareness of pollination conservation. Visit our one-day Dollar Sale at your neighborhood Buffalo Exchange on April 19 in honor of Earth Day. All proceeds from the purchase of $1 items will be donated to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and help its current programs, including the Pollination Hotspots Program.

Buffalo Outlet locations (San Antonio & Nogales) are not participating in the $1 Sale.

Vintage Shaun + Dee Lioness Pop Up Shop March 1 - 7, 2014

Shop for choice vintage finds with Vintage Shaun and Dee Lioness from 12-7 p.m. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn March 1-7, 2014.

For more info check out VintageShaun.com and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest @VintageShaun

Halloween Candy, Sugarpova from Maria Sharapova

Tennis ace Maria Sharapova wisely abandoned her plans to officially change her name to Sugarpova in honor of her new candy line, but the name sure is catchy.  And wouldn't you love to get Sugarpova's Spooky Gummy Spiders as your Halloween treat?

The candy retails for $5.99 at Sugarpova.com, and is also available at some of fashion’s biggest retailers, including Henri Bendel, Colette, Selfridges and more. 

Phillip Lim for Target Still Available in Brooklyn!

As of last week, we still saw some of the coveted items from the Phillip Lim for Target collection at the Target store at Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal Mall.  This store is also a good place to stalk for when all the hoarders who scooped up multiple items return them after they don't sell on eBay.

But if you ordered online and weren't able to get your order due to lack of inventory, Target has generously awarded customers $100 gift cards for unfulfilled orders. This happened to my lucky friend Liliam. She ordered two Phillip Lim for Target handbags--she received one, which she paid about $45 for, and then the other bag went out of stock.  So it's like Target paid her for the bag she purchased and gave her an extra $50!

How's that for customer service?

Phillip Lim for Target items still available at Atlantic Center in Brooklyn.

Photos courtesy of Tracy's Pop & Shop

Save Up to 25%: National Thrift Store Day is Today!

If you live in New York City and love thrifting like I do, today is a banner day for bargain shopping.  In observance of National Thrift Store Day (August 17th),  ReuseNYC has launched the first inaugural ReuseNYC Thrift Store Day. In support of this event, many ReuseNYC members with retail locations are offering up to 25% off in storewide sales.

Participating Organizations
- Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop
- The Bridal Garden
- Build It Green!NYC
- Cauz for Pawz
- Film Biz Recycling
- Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey
- Hour Children
- Lower East Side Ecology Center
- Recycle-A-Bicycle
- The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Thrift Shop
- St. Luke's Thrift Shop
- The Salvation Army

Scoop NYC Warehouse Sale Starts Thursday, August 15th!

The Scoop NYC Warehouse sale starts on Thursday, August 15th and will last through Labor Day Weekend. The sale is located at the Scoop NYC store in the Meatpacking District (430 W 14 Street, 212-633-6535). The hours are Mon - Sat: 11 am – 8p m and Sun: 11 am – 7 pm.

Designer women's styles include Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang, IRO, Alice and Olivia, Phillip Lim, Roberto Cavalli, Current Elliot, Alexander Wang, Ved, SEA, Pierre Balmain and more. Designer men's styles include Gant by Michael Bastian, Paul Smith, Rag and Bone, Dsquared, John Varvatos, Martin Margiela and Etro.

To avoid the lines, shop the sale online.  Items are up to 85% off and include sweaters, outerwear, dresses, denim, shoes and handbags for women and men. 

Wren Julia Floral Mini Dress; Original price $335, now $100

Current/Elliott Boyfriend Twill Shorts, Original price $158, now $55

H&M Opens in Downtown Brooklyn Fulton Mall July 3rd!

New H&M in Brooklyn's Fulton Mall.

My how the retail landscape in downtown Brooklyn is changing.  The Fulton Mall has already received a merchandising makeover with the addition of Brooklyn Industries, Aeropostale, Express and Armani Exchange.

And adding to the mall's reputation as a one-stop shopping destination...drumroll, please...H&M is opening at Fulton and Bridge Streets on Wednesday, July 3rd.

Doors open at noon and H&M t-shirts and Access to Fashion Passes valued from $10 to $300 will be given to the first 250 shoppers in line.  Plus, there's a grand opening block party from 12-5 with games, prizes, music and munchies. Be there, or be Albee Square!

Regular store hours will be Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Old Navy's $1 Flip Flop Sale- Saturday, June 29th, at Old Navy stores nationwide

It's that time again!  On Saturday, June 29^th, all Old Navy stores across the country will be hosting the annual $1 Flip Flop promotion. Sale guidelines are below, but check your local store listing for hours and details.

Buffalo Exchange One Dollar Earth Day Sale Today!

Are you ready for Buffalo's annual $1 Earth Day sale?  We sure are!!! Check out a location near you.

Alice + Olivia Pop Up Shop Opens in Soho!

Alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet has officially opened the doors of its pop up shop in SoHo. The shop will operate through the summer, featuring a new handbag collection as well as the most fashionable styles for spring and summer.  The store will highlight alice + olivia's signature bold colors and fun designs. The shop's notable neighbors include Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney.

Who: alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet

Where: 72 Greene Street, NYC

Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am – 7pm and Sunday 12pm – 6pm

Kooba 20% Off Valentine's Day Sale!

This Valentine’s Day, Kooba is offering the perfect gift to give….yourself. Enjoy the following festive styles at 20% off for today only.

Bilal in Concert at Highline Ballroom in New York City

Treat yourself and that special someone to a pre-Valentine's Day concert with Philly neo-soul star, Bilal Oliver.  In celebration of his new CD release, "A Love Surreal" -- a record of creative love song covers including Bob Marley's "Is This Love" -- Bilal will perform at Highline Ballroom on Feb. 12.

We love Bilal, and we'll be there.  How about you?

Highline Ballroom

431 W.16 Street, NYC

(212) 414-5994 

http://highlineballroom.com

Showtime @ 9:00 PM

Doors open @ 7:00 PM

Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show

Event Link: http://highlineballroom.com/show/2013/02/12/bilal/

Black Friday Deals for Only $5 at H&M!

We love H&M and the fast fashion retailer is at the top of our Black Friday shopping list.  Here's what's in store (literally).

H&M, Hennes and Mauritz, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers known for offering fashion-forward apparel and quality basics, is thrilled to announce fantastic Black Friday fashion deals for the entire family. Women can find chic fall sweaters and holiday dresses starting at $5.00, while men can purchase brand new pants from just $10. In addition, parents can catch amazing kids deals for boys and girls such as jackets starting at just $10!

This Black Friday, the international retailer has all the bases covered and will be offering the following deals and exciting offers:

• Fashion Finds for the entire family from $5
• Scratch-offs for the first 100 people in line at stores, valued up to $300
• Extended Hours: City stores will open at midnight on November 23^rd

Rosetti's 30 Day Spin and Win Handbag Giveaway!

You have to play to win in the new Rosetti Spin and Win Facebook giveaway promotion. For 30 days, contestants spin the wheel for the chance to win one of three Rosetti handbags featured each day and then will be entered to win the grand prize sweepstakes prize worth $500!

To enter, contestants must spin the wheel and land on the winning bag. Three handbag winners each day totaling 90 winners will be selected over the 30 day game period ending December 6^th. One grand prize winner will be selected at the end of the promotion with the chance to win a total of $500 worth of gift certificates to Bed Bath and Beyond, SpaFinder, Barnes and Noble, Bath and Body Works and Ikea.

For more details, check out the Rosetti Facebook page here to enter and share with your readers: http://www.facebook.com/rosettibags.