One of my favorite stores to shop for cute clothes is Kohl’s. One reason I love it so much is because it’s always been there for me. So many times I’ve needed something last minute, like a pair of slacks for a job interview or the perfect pair of shoes for an outfit, and I can find the perfect solution almost instantly at Kohl’s, while other stores didn’t have anything. On top of all that, I love that mostly everything is pretty affordable — especially when there’s a great sale (and there’s almost always some kind of sale going on). Check out these great picks from Kohl’s for under $20! View the rest of the picks under $20 by clicking here and heading to CollegeCandy!
There’s nothing quite like summer in the city — and getting around in style! I was invited to give a new kind of bike, the FlyKly, a test run from its new Pop-Up Store at Kenmare and Elizabeth Street in NoLiTa. These electric bicycles, available in the “Modern” and “vintage” styles go up to 20 miles per hour, eluding a license requirement, insurance, and giving you the option to take it anywhere you would a bike. So that means: in the bike lane, on the street, parking it at bike spots, and even negotiating a cheap cheap rate (1/10th to be exact) of the monthly rate, if you choose to keep it in a garage. For $1900 you get the bike, a one-year warranty, free monthly tune-ups, a super-efficient and environmentally friendly way to get around, and of course, the ultimate coolness factor.
[Pictured: the “Vintage” Style”]
More about FlyKly: Niko Klansek , Founder and CEO, came up with the idea after traveling in Asia, loving electric bikes, and after nine months of research and development, brought great style, and efficiency to the concept; with a full battery charge, you’ll get 40 miles to ride around on, and can easily remove the battery and charge it anywhere. A full charge will only cost five cents worth of electricity, and you can secure your bike via a Kryptonite lock, full body cover, and a GPS device that can send a message to your phone letting you know your bike is moving! This is the ideal vehicle for getting around NYC, and if you want the extra exercise, go ahead and peddle instead. If you live in another city, FlyKly will ship you your bike for free, and you can use a service provider in the area shall you need repairs (all of the parts can be easily ordered online). Check out the video for a step-by-step, how-to of the FlyKly.
I’ve gone around on Vespas and small motos in Europe before, and this felt similar, with my boyfriend and I both easily fitting on the bike and carefully navigating our way through the afternoon traffic. I have to sheepishly admit that I felt very cool riding around on the FlyKly, and definitely let me know if you want to make a donation to my “buy Julia a FlyKly fund”…
[the FlyKly pop-up at the corner of Kenmare and Elizabeth Streets, open daily from 12pm to 10pm.]
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[Geox wedges that I simply must have, spotted during the Shop Italy NYC month]
Do you know how much a ticket to Rome costs right now? At least $1300. I was there this time last year, and unfortunately paid a LOT more, while my super lucky brother is currently there studying, but more like living la dolce vita gallivanting down Via Veneto in Rome, or pausing in a cafe for an espresso break and some fabulous shopping near the Spanish Steps.
[An absolutely gorgeous Etro bag that I spotted & fell in love with; the epitome of Italian fashion and quality]
Speaking of shopping…it’s absolutely one of my favorite things to do while in Italy, and although having the advantage of living in New York City I have all of the brands at my disposal, there’s really nothing like fashion, Italian style. If you buy it in Italy, or you buy it here, you still get the heritage, the authenticity, the quality, cutting edge design, and individuality that these products tend to exemplify. Since airfare may be out of the question, you can still take advantage via Shop Italy NYC, a month-long promotion from the Ministry of Economic Development and organized by the the Italian Trade Commission which offers in-store events, restaurant experiences, and promotions bundled together by neighborhood to invite customers and visitors to be part of the Italian experience. Neighborhoods with groupings of Italian stores and restaurants included Madison (twice), Meatpacking District, and for this last week, the evenings of July 6th and 7th, SoHo. Partnering stores that offer everything from a glass of prosecco to discounts or gift with a purchase include Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace, and many more.
For an extensive list of the events, both past and present, chronological by date, click here. This week, some of the highlights in SoHo that I just can’t pass up include:
Alessi – Shop Karim Rashid at Alessi Soho. 20% discount on all Karim Rashid designed Alessi products and introduction of the new Rashid designed watch: JAK. Signed by Karim Rashid (While supplies last).
DOM Interiors/Valcucine Showroom – Sustainability At Its Best – A Look at New Products. Wine reception. 15% discount for Shop Italy customers on selected items.
Kartell – Magic Garden. Preview of the New Outdoor collection designed by Phillippe Starck, made by Kartell.
La Perla – New Shape Couture. Cocktail party and model presentation.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti – Fall 2011 Collection “Sneak-Peek”. Cocktail party.
[Shop Italy NYC Madison Avenue Video]
I stopped by the VIP hospitality tent on Madison Avenue & 63rd to get my bearings and meet some of the Italian Trade Commission staff and enthusiasts. A stop in Geox proved that shoes truly can be comfortable and stylish after all, for men, women, and children, while Tincati Milano played to the sleek, sophisticated tailored clothing desires, offering their biggest discount ever of 30% off. A handsome gentleman with a healthy pour handed me a perfect glass of prosecco in Etro, while I left nose marks on the glass after oohing and ahhing over the jewelry, handbags, and accessories. Last I took in Furla for some of the best leather bags around, and Brics for an original approach to luggage. Although I was geographically planted on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the vibe was nothing other than hospitably Italian.
If you find yourself in SoHo this Weds or Thurs from 5-8pm and would like to check out all that the Shop Italy NYC has to offer, refer to the Fashion Italian Style website, follow them on twitter @ShopItalyNYC, or stop by the SoHo VIP hospitality tent at the corner of Spring and Greene Streets to get started. And here’s a little sneak peek of what you can expect at Kartell SoHo’s Magic Garden, along with two of my favorite items sold there. Time to do lo shopping!
