Short and Sweet NYC

THE TOP 5: Cheap Eats in Hell’s Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

1. Pam Real Thai Food
Voted as one of the top-rated Thai Restaurants in the city, this neighborhood standby serves highly recommended noodle dishes, such as the Pad See Ew, favorite curries like Massaman curry, and a variety of popular and authentic Thai dishes.

Website: HERE

2. Lime Jungle
A recent addition to the area, this healthy-style Mexican restaurant offers fresh and affordable tacos, burritos, burgers and chicken. For just under $7 you can get a half-roasted Yucatan style chicken and a full vegetable side, as one customer happily beamed, was a lot food for him. A modest, but tasty vegetarian selection is also available too.

Website: HERE

3. Wondee Siam II
In a neighborhood nicknamed Thai Row, there are plenty of Thai restaurants to choose from. One of my favorites is Wondee Siam II for their consistency, efficient service and reasonably priced menu. Here, I know I’ll find a dish I’ll always enjoy.

Website: HERE

4. Amish Market
For a quick and easy meal on-the-go, the salad and hot food bar at the Amish Market offers a decent variety of daily selections and is a good resort, especially if you’re short on time or cash. Hot food selections include Grilled Swordfish, Baked Tilapia, Lemon Chicken or Barbecue Ribs matched with a fresh Greek salad and vegetable selection. Prices range from $6.99 per pound.

Website: HERE

5. Empanda Mama
I’m not sure if it’s a cheap eat, but they do have my favorite Sangria in the neighborhood, and the empanadas can range from $2. 35 – $3.00 each with fillings that include chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and vegetarian choices such as spinach and cheese, mushrooms, or rice and beans.

Website: HERE

Trish Nguyen

The Weekend Shortlist April 30 to May 2

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Friday April 30

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: The Gossip
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Terminal 5
Food: Pig N’ Whistle
Drink: The Irish Rogue
Miscellaneous: Island Burgers & Shakes

With dance heavy grooves and a feminist touch, The Gossip bring a lot to the table including lead woman Beth Ditto who is insanely good live. For great Irish food, one of my faves is Pig N’ Whistle in midtown. Serving traditional Irish fare like Steak and Kidney Pie as well as American. A great Irish pub in Hells Kitchen, The Irish Rogue has live music and sports playing on TVs, so you know this bar will be a party all day. If Irish food ain’t your thing, then head over to Island Burgers & Shakes as the menu is stacked two pages deep of some of the most intense burgers and chicken sandwiches on the island of Manhattan.

Friday April 30

Location: Harlem, NYC
Band: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Apollo Theater
Food Amy Ruth’s
Drink Harlem Lanes
Miscellaneous: Nectar Wine Bar

You can’t deny the old school soul music making machine that is Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Their new album I Learned the Hard Way is so groove heavy and filled with heart that it’s a must pick up period and live Sharon Jones lives up to the title of “Hardest Working Woman in Showbiz.” While you’re up in Harlem, head over to Amy Ruth’s for some of the best fried chicken around. A MUST TRY is the fried or smothered Chicken & Waffles named The Rev. Al Sharpton ($9.50). It’s out of this world! A complex housing 24 bowling lanes, mini arcade, and a gourmet café, Harlem Lanes also has a sports bar with 24 plasma screen TVs. At Nectar Wine Bar they offer a distinct selection of wine from around tthe world as well as food that pairs well from artisinal cheeses to small plates and paninis.

Saturday May 1

Location: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Band: Ben Kweller
Show time: 6 PM
Venue: Pratt Institute (Memorial Hall)
Food: ICI
Drink: Moe’s
Miscellaneous: Tillie’s

Ben Kweller, whose folky rock pairs nicely with his literate lyrics sees him make some sweet music for the masses. Joining him is opener Amy Regan, a New York based singer/songwriter with a folky/acoustic sound. Creating a seasonal menu filled with fresh and locally grown ingredients along with wines from small interesting local wineries, ICI I creates innovative dishes like Wild Striped Bass with shitake mushrooms, fennel butter, and fennel slaw ($25). An eclectic bar in Ft. Greene that has absolutely nothing to do with The Simpsons, Moe’s offers a decent beer selection, a neighborhood vibe, and big windows to people watch. For coffee and a place to just sit and relax, Tillie’s serves a great cup of joe, while consistently having performances, and serving excellent baked goods and vegan food.

Saturday May 1

Location: Union Square, NYC
Band: Echo and the Bunnymen Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
Food: Momofuku
Drink: The Village Pourhouse
Miscellaneous: Sundaes and Cones

Man, all of these 90s bands are making a comeback, and with Echo and the Bunnymen that is a good thing! This English post punk act influenced countless bands and their staple, the use of a drum machine never really went out of style. If you like ramen noodles and pork, then Momofuku is your spot for food. The Berkshire pork is the best I’ve had and it’s the only place I’ll eat pork period, which should tell you just how good Momofuku really is! The Village Pourhouse looks like a neighborhood bar to watch sports but is actually has three more rooms, where you can order food or find a quiet place to smooch! For dessert a little left of the dial, Sundaes and Cones offers eclectic flavors like wasabi and corn and many more flavors that are familiar.

Sunday May 2

Location: Meatpacking District, NYC
Event: Miss Fag Hag Pageant
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Comix
Food: Spice Market
Drink: Plunge
Miscellaneous: Jacques Torres Chocolates

Join ladies from around the five boroughs as they compete in the 2nd Annual Miss Fag Hag Pageant. Judges include Caroline Rhea, Robert Verdi, Michael Musto, and John Cameron Mitchel. Performances include Sahara Davenport of RuPaul's Drag Race fame, Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway), Margarita Pracatan (BBC, The Clive James Show), and The Spangles Dance Company. For dinner, if you can get a table, check out Spice Market. Chef and owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten converted this HUGE space into one of the sexiest Asian restaurants in NYC. Serving up exquisite dishes like the onion and chili crusted short ribs with egg noodles and pea shoots ($22), Spice Market impresses. If you choose not to stay at APT for drinks, close by is Plunge. Located at the top of the Hotel Gansevoort, this rooftop lounge offers stunning views of the city. No one makes chocolate as rich and addictive as Jacques Torres Chocolates and being in the Chelsea Market, you can get your fix from their delectable chocolates to their amazing Hot chocolate. A personal fave is the chocolate chip cookie, which they even heat up for you. Delish!

THE SEX FILES: Ruminations on Sex

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

So I went to The Artist Is Present exhibit at MOMA, you know the one getting all the hype because of the naked people? I guess it was cool, far be it from me to know what it was all about really, beyond the artist herself staring and the nudes on the 6th floor of the museum (and not all that many nudes really), plus some videos. But it all got me thinking enough to inspire another one of these ruminations.
Titillation, what we want to see vs what we think we see, the things we fantasize over, make laws against; we spend an incredible amount of time and energy in this country worrying over our nakedness or the possibility of it. We're still getting our panties in a bunch over seeing scantily clad women in videos, tittering behind our hands, hearing about celebrity sexual escapades, and flocking to a museum with the promise of seeing a few naked models (I never would have even thought to go if not for the buzz over all the flesh). Our Puritan ethic runs deep; we are still the bashful boy-of-a-country when it comes to this stuff. We will warn and legislate against sex in our media well before we do violence, as if shooting someone in a movie is any les offense (or realistic) to an audience's everyday experience then two people doing the nasty.

Was it the fact that we spied Janet Jackson's famous nipple at the infamous Super Bowl halftime that caused the uproar, or the mere fact that we saw an actual nipple? On any good day we will see plenty of breast, booty, etc. flesh plastered across VH1, our computer screens or even late-night cable. Why does a body part become that much more dangerous when we see nipple or ass-crack? We can watch any number of video vixens bounce and jiggle a great expanse of boob, but as long as their areola/nipple is covered all is well with the world. We see ever-shorter skirts on our newscasters, watch as booty is all but bared in skinny low-riding jeans, but as long as no actual dent of derrière is revealed all is ok?

Can't be skin that we fear since there is so much of it on display. Is it the actual 'parts' that hint at baby-making or bodily functions that get to us so much? I hear all manner of naughty words on T.V. now but notice how we avoid the scatological, when in fact, what links us more than anything is the fact that we all breast feed as babies (or have the ability to) and we all, God forbid I say it (or even think it) we all….poop and pee pee! Or is it simply the age-old quandary that men (and yes kids the world is still run by men, sorry to say) are so afraid to consider a woman's sexuality and a woman so reluctant to be thought of just because of it, that a nipple, ass crack, etc. hints at stuff we all fear to consider or objectify? As usual, our biology trips us up when we try to ignore it.

Ralph Greco, Jr.

The Daily Shortlist April 29

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Theater: Fences
Show time: See website for schedule
Venue: Cort Theatre
Food: Yoshinoya Beef Bowl
Drink: Rudy's Bar and Grill
Miscellaneous: Peking Duck House

Denzel Washington and Viola Davis star in August Wilson’s play Fences about a former Negro League Baseball player. Making fast food healthy, Yoshinoya serves bowls of rice, vegetables, and your choice of beef, teriyaki chicken, veggie, or a combo of meats. Super cheap, it’s a favorite spot of mine in midtown. A great dive, Rudy's Bar and Grill serves up cheap beer by the pint or by the pitcher, and as for the grilling, that includes free hot dogs and popcorn! Though slightly on the expensive side, if you’re in the mood for duck and are a couple or in a group of four or more, Peking Duck House makes some of the best duck you will ever likely have.

MUSIC REVIEWS: Michael Leonhart, FUR, Nite Nite, JEFF the Brotherhood, AM, Lucy Schwartz, Massive Attack, The Dry Spells

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7
Seahorse and The Storyteller
(Truth and Soul)

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist funkster Michael Leonhart is essentially a space invader from the year 2018. To his credit, he’s the youngest Grammy recipient ever (received it at age 17), has performed with everyone from A Tribe Called Quest and Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings to Steely Dan and Yoko Ono. His latest project Seahorse and The Storyteller is basically soul, funk and R&B on acid.

Riding the coattail of the water-based theme, there’s a sea of horns, funky basslines, and creative wordplay. Though I’m not sure what “Scoplolamine” means as he’s referring to a woman (“Is that girl scoplolamine talking?”), the track itself is retro enough to dig. To be honest, the entire album has this Parliament Funkadelic vibe…minus the desire to dance to it. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I’d just rather bob to it than rock with it. But other notable tracks are “Jaipur,” “Have You Met Martina?,” “The Story of Echo Lake,” and “Dreams of Aquarian.”

For more insight into the assorted music of Michael Leonhart, definitely check out Hotel Music (2008), The Suzy Lattimore EP (2005), Slow (2002) and Aardvark Poses (1995). Point blank: The man is a musical prodigy.

ND McCray

FUR
Witches
(Waaga)

Witches by FUR ticks away in effervescent experimental tonal imagery. Ambient inspired pulsating beats are melted against shimmery pops of keys and a whole host of instrumental artillery to create visual harmonies that in turn give birth to mood shifting and mind bending. Dreamy, ocean sea orchestra’s move between a feel of haunted elegance to lo-fi, upbeat, super chilled out tracks. “Haunted” moves with steady robotic funk, reminiscent of early Daft Punk. Choppy key plunks create a nice sunrise groove that saunters seductively into galactic soul rhythms. “Blood” creeps in with a gleeful child-like playground energy, yielding imagery of a deep forest full of wonder and amazement. The beats hit against themselves mocking running steps. There is a soft utopia, a nice ethereal feel to this album by FUR who is also known as Bryce Isbell. With the help of Alan Palomo of Neon Indian, this avante garde, stripped down happy marriage between techno and ambient is so full of liquid melodies it breathes to life its own warm and simple satisfied haven.

Chanda Jones

Nite Nite
How to Touch the Moon
(Sea Rod Records)

Nite Nite has by far created one of the most unique albums out today with How to Touch the Moon. The genre of the album is hard to pinpoint. It’s rock, glam, 60’s jam, pop, funky and so much more. Don’t try and cram this into a pre-labeled box, you’ll never succeed. Dark, chilly vocals are unmatchable to many artists grasping a microphone today. “Clear as a Bell” has well, many elements of a bell. Clanging instrumentals keep up with the quick pace of vocals being shot at lightning speed. Echoing undertones could literally put your head in the setting of bell.

Nite Nite is a homegrown American band that sounds like an eclectic international sensation. The music is fun and interesting to listen to but the album does have a few dull points. The beats can get repetitive in some songs that turn the music numbing. I would love How to Touch the Moon as the background to a party, but as something front and center in the car it can get dull.

Miranda Dillworth

JEFF the Brotherhood
Heavy Days
(Infinity Cat Recordings)

Though I still lament the demise of Be Your Own PET, some pretty good bands have risen up from their wreckage. Jemina Pearl made a solid album of pop-punk, Turbo Fruits have a pair of cool records, and then there’s JEFF the Brotherhood. That brotherhood is comprised of Jake and Jamin Orrall, both original PETs. Their music is what I would classify as big dumb rock. To give you an idea of what I mean, the album is called Heavy Days and three of the songs on it have the word “heavy” in the title. Indeed these boys know their way around a Big Muff and a classic rock riff. Other worshippers of fuzz such as The Hellacopters, Fu Manchu, and Electric Frankenstein spring to mind when listening to Heavy Days. JEFF the Brotherhood are a little more tongue-in-cheek though and at times sound closer to Eagles of Death Metal. But while they do the buzz saw annihilation thing really well, they do display an ability to change it up a little and those moments are some of the best. “The Tropics” slows down considerably and shows off more of a melodic side, although they still refuse to turn down the distortion, but you gotta love ‘em for sticking to their guns. The out-of-nowhere hip-hop ending of “Bone Jam” is another unexpected change of pace but I can’t say it isn’t cool and doesn’t make me smile every time I hear it. All in all, if you like bands that just let loose and rock out you’ll probably dig JEFF the Brotherhood and find this album worth your time. It surely won’t change the world but it might make it more fun.

Jonathan Zuckerman

AM
Future Sons & Daughters
(Filter US Recordings)

The vintage hazy day melodies of sun drenched sixties and seventies rock charm are much of what AM’s latest album, Future Sons & Daughters offers. There are plenty of soaked out electric guitars framing seedy synths, love regretful lyrics and swimming violins on “Darker Days.” Easy listening and mellowed keys bounce on the catchiness of “Grand Opinion,” without pretension or self-awareness and this formula adds to the allure of the whole album. This wicked mix of soul, rock, pop, swing and bossa nova runs righteous with AM’s middle of the road vocals. The style obviously works. Music from AM can be heard on hit television shows like “Brothers and Sisters,” “Big Love” and “The Hills.” The overall feel of the album is buoyant pop borrowing from sounds of yesteryear. The backing band to lead singer, AM is as steady as ever. The layered bashes of high hats and stiff drums, the pop-infused spirals of electric guitar all work wonderfully well as pushing forward, old dusty yet moody lounge music is smothered in seventies California, giving it some new, almost indescribable edge of the future.

Chanda Jones

Lucy Schwartz
Help Me! Help Me! EP
(Lucy Schwartz)

I first became familiar with 20-year old singer, songwriter and pianist Lucy Schwartz last year on the soundtrack to the 2008 remake of the 1939 classic The Women, which stars a host of female actresses (Meg Ryan, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Bette Midler). Regardless, Lucy’s “old soul” vocals can be heard in the opening and closing sequence of the movie (“Count on Me” and “Beautiful,” respectively).

Despite the fact that Help Me! Help Me! tips the genre line of soulful folk, it also gives insight into the young singer’s life. “Those Days” which is from her forthcoming release, Life in Letters is a catchy number about having a “case of the Mondays.” Yet “Gravity” is an acoustic cry about growing up. But it’s the cover of the classic Queen of Soul track, “Respect” that got my attention the most. I admit, I was skeptical at first. I mean who has the audacity to even try and touch Aretha?? Well, this “old soul” does. And she does it in quite the soulful and folky way.

ND McCray

Massive Attack
Heligoland
(Virgin)

Heligoland, the fifth studio album from Massive Attack, has arrived seven years after their last one, 100th Window. On this album, there are contributions from Elbow's Guy Garvey, Blur's Damon Albarn, and Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval, among others. Overall, the sound brings the listener back to their roots, with the return of original member Grant "Daddy G" Marshall, who helps the group return to some of the sounds heard on 1997's Mezzanine.

Heligoland has mellow beginnings, with the song, "Pray for Rain," building subtly. It has some cool, clear beats around three minutes and forty seconds in that really make it shine. Then I'm waiting and waiting for it to build and build some more, like on Mezzanine... but it becomes listless. Martina Topley-Bird, the female vocalist on the second track, "Babel," provides something more stylistic, but again, it's slightly deadpan. Marshall's deep bass vocals on the third track, "Splitting the Atom," are beautiful, but overall the music on this album doesn't drive me; it seems to lack a passion that was so very present before. The fourth track, "Girl I Love You," featuring Horace Andy, sounds like a nice blending of Blue Lines and Mezzanine, and thus, it would have made a better EP than Splitting the Atom did. Overall, this album has an eternally slow, peaceful, and steady quality, hinting of reminders of where Massive Attack has been, but not as massive as what they were.

Christine Thelen

The Dry Spells
Too Soon For Flowers
(Antenna Farm Records)

For a group of NPR embraced, witchy women from San Francisco, Dry Spells really have balls. How else to explain their cover of "Rhiannon," perhaps the best known song in the Fleetwood Mac canon, and the anthem of their spiritual sister, Stevie Nicks. Against the odds, the damned thing works because they re-imagine it, playing with tempo and dynamics, not treating it as sacred text.

Dry Spells lack of respect works well too, on the traditional Appalachian folk song "Black is the Color," which is given more of a driving rock rhythm. The wall-to-wall harmonies of singers Tahlia Harbour and April Hayley are rightfully given full focus on Too Soon For Flowers, Dry Spells debut album. Their delicate interplay and eccentric choices are what carries the record. The music itself, while capturing a mysterious, languorous vibe is not memorable. The girls deserve a better rhythm section. The relentless, Mick Fleetwood style tom-tom pounding really wears thin, and is often noticeably out of time. Since most of the nine songs clock in at close to six minutes, it becomes apparent some more focused songwriting would help matters. "Sruti" and "The Golden Vanity" drag on inconclusively. When hippies play reggae it's always a mistake and "Evangeline" is no exception.

The romantic mood the Spells are trying to cast, at times does come close to being hypnotic. But the trance is broken too often by sloppy execution, unfocused writing and the occasional out of tune siren's wail.

Dan Siegler

The Daily Shortlist April 28

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Band: Hole Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Terminal 5
Food: Eatery
Drink: Valhalla
Miscellaneous: Central Park

What can I really say about Courtney Love that hasn’t been said before? She’s been away from music for several years now but has been just as rowdy as ever, spending much of her time on TMZ and in court. But Hole has a new album out called Nobody’s Daughter and while the band is new the album is pretty damn good. Nearby and delicious, Eatery offers a new American menu that’s asian influenced. Try the Red Curry Chicken Breast over roti pancake, with baby carrots and red curry coconut sauce ($16.95). Valhalla’s minimalist space is chill, letting the 24 brands of beer from all over the world on tap be the main attraction at this bar. While its warm out, waste a little time walking through Central Park, relax, and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just watch your step. The working horses tend to leave surprises behind them!

THE INTERVIEW: Milliner Alicia Carr

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Tracking down milliner Alicia Carr is much like playing Where In the World Is Carmen San Diego? During the course of our interview, I corresponded with Carr from New York City, Milan, Boston, and beyond. She is all over the map due to the phenomenal success of her couture hats designed under the label Tattered Gossamer. The origin of the label’s name, as quoted by her website, derives from “gossamer forms meet… tattered silhouettes.” She is based out of New York City, but her influence is worldwide from her beginnings in Portland to movie premiers in Italy. Carr draws inspiration from the late Alexander McQueen and each distinctive piece, like haute couture, is created by hand. We caught up with Carr somewhere over the Atlantic.

Qualities you most admire in design:

Something that tells a story and creates a dreamscape that can bring you somewhere else.

Qualities you least admire in design:

All qualities of design have importance if they invoke a strong reaction. No matter if it’s negative or positive; it will push you to examine your own reactions.

Reading:

Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl.

Favorite virtue:

Eloquence

What clothing item best describes your personality?

Hats. They reflect moods more than anything else I wear.

Favorite fashion era:

The Twenties, The Thirties and the late 18th century.

What is your favorite destination?

Sardegna and Formentera, Italy.

What is your investment piece or greatest fashion extravagance?

I always have a habit of buying expensive shoes. This is what happens when you get used to wearing silk hats to the grocery store.

If you could come back as an object, what would it be?

I would come back as a book, or a piece of clothing handed down through generations in a family. You would witness so much history and its intrigues.

If you could have someone else’s house, whose would it be?

Gaudi's Casa Batllo

Who are your fantasy lunch date guest(s)?

Elizabeth I, Alexander McQueen, Tim Walker, Morgan LeFay.

What can’t you travel without?

My camera.

Whose diary would you like to read?

Tallulah Bankhead.

Favorite trend of all time?

McQueen’s thousand-layer chiffon dresses from S/S03 along with the Oyster dress. These pieces are lifelong inspiration.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be musically inclined because music is such a huge part of my life.

What is your most treasured possession?

My books, they are a map to the phases in my life. Also, a small beaded bag that belonged to my great grandmother.

Ashkan

The Daily Shortlist April 27

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Band: Think About Life Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9:30 PM
Venue: Mercury Lounge
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Miscellaneous: The Pink Pony

Hailing from Montreal, Think About Life sound like an 80s party with soul and their new album Sweet Sixteen is a collection of indie rock fun. For dinner, The Stanton Social has earned a reputation for being a beautifully designed restaurant/lounge while serving up some delicious multi-ethnic cuisine. For drinks, a favorite of mine is The Magician, this bar’s chill atmosphere just may be the cure for a well-earned night of rocking. A great way to end the night? Stop by The Pink Pony. This boho café has been serving French food and coffee since the 80s and has a relaxing vibe. It’s as punk as that neighborhood gets nowadays.

Vapour Organic Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Vapour Organic Beauty is a new group in the organic cosmetic trend. They categorize themselves as “the first truly 21st century beauty brand.” Vapour Organic is a noncomedogenic, organic line infused with hydrating botanicals. Noncomedogenic is an extravagant word the beauty industry employs to purport “it doesn’t clog your pores.” The full range skincare and makeup line moves effortlessly in application and interacts with skin to create a breathable layer. There are two components to Vapour Organic: Vapour Color for face, lips, and eyes, and the anti-aging Vapour Rituals Evolutionary skincare for face. The line was created by industry professional Eric Sakas who worked with Kevyn Aucoin Beauty and Philosophy Cosmetics.

We reviewed just about every product available from Vapour Organic Beauty with some hits and some misses. For lips, they offer Vapour Lux Lip Conditioner ($16), which is 95% organic. The ingredients include lemon balm, myrrh, antioxidant green tea, Iceland moss, and jojoba oil. This particular product was comparable to Carmex lip balm; it was even the same color. The Lip Conditioner was particularly hydrating, but lasted as long as any other lip product considering how many times per day your lips touch something. Next, I tried the Siren Lipstick in Desire – a cool, rosy mauve ($19), which is 70% organic and petroleum free. I thought this was another lip balm until I read the package more closely. There was virtually no pigment and the glossy texture felt more like a lip balm treatment. The final lip product was the Elixir Sheer Lip Gloss in Twinkle and Sultry ($20). This, too, was petroleum free and made with beeswax and castor; making it 70% organic. The lip glosses performed better, in terms of pigment, compared to their actual lipsticks. The color was faint and glossy, which I applied to set lipstick.

For the face, we moved onto Stratus Instant Skin Perfector ($44), which is 70% organic and made with botanicals, frankincense, tulsi, and lotus flower. This was Vapour’s second finest product next to their foundations. This quasi-primer works as the “no foundation foundation” which provided an instant glowing, brightened complexion. It comes in the form of a stick and it easily glides across the face to perk up tone and provide a flawless surface for makeup application. After that, I tried the Atmosphere Luminous Foundation ($38), which is 70% organic and made with frankincense, tulsi, and lotus flower. This was, by far, their best product in their line. What sets this foundation apart from other foundations is that not only does it bring luminosity to the face and evens skin tone, but it never, ever settles onto the face or into facial lines. My skin was as smooth as any magazine photo upon using this foundation. Atmosphere Luminous Foundation, and the Stratus Skin Perfector, are both exceptionally hydrating. After reviewing several products from Vapour Organic Beauty, their strongest products are the Vapour Rituals for face. Nevertheless, I wasn’t impressed with their lip or eye makeup products as they lacked visible pigment.

Vapour Organic is a promising line with a solid pledge to the eco-friendly cosmetic trend, which is proclaimed on their packaging with the following statement: “Vapour selected the purest, food-grade and certified organic ingredients to offer maximum efficacy and luxurious texture while respecting the environment and its resources. From the raw materials to the final packaging, each step in the process adheres to responsible practices, including wind power and sourcing recyclable and renewable packaging materials.”

Ashkan

Love the Earth with Chic Eco-Friendly Style

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:20:00 +0000

Every year the demand for eco-friendly, sustainable, fair-trade and socially conscious fashions grow. This year TheFind's editors have rounded up their favorite style-worthy picks in honor of Earth Month. Forget the hemp tunics and cork-soled clunky sandals. Today there is something for everyone who wants to glam it up while embracing the best eco-friendly and socially responsible fashion brands.

Green is the New Black
For one day only on April 22, 2010 Louis Vuitton will donate 10% of all sales on its U.S. Web site to Global Green USA. Your donation will help to support the Green Schools cause for children in New Orleans and Los Angeles. To raise awareness to this cause check out Louis Vuitton's twitter stream to hear what fashion editors André Leon Talley, Nina Garcia and Kim Hastreiter have to say about saving the environment. Featured above is Sofia Coppola's exclusive design for Slim Suede Clutch (middle right, $1,400 at LouisVuitton)

Eco-Luxe Leather
For those who are lulled by leather but want to avoid the harsh chemicals used to treat them, Donna Karan has created a gorgeous shoulder bag called "The Bandito" organic leather bag (bottom left, $1,295 at Net-a-Porter). This bag is a luxurious design with ruched panel detailing, a drawstring tie close. The leather comes from a chemical-free farm, which treats the leather using natural vegetable oils.

Earth Friendly Cardigan
From Bassike is slouchy black and white striped organic cotton cardigan (upper left, $190 at Net-a-Porter) that is sure to be a well loved essential part of any eco-maven's wardrobe. The draped front adds an interesting silhouette and buttons in the front, you'll also love the stitched detail at the back and the fact that it's machine washable!

The State of Organic Denim
Loomstate is known for their organic cotton jeans. We love the look of the Revelation Jean (upper right, $54 at Greenloop) for its low-rise slim leg styling. These jeans are made of 99% organic cotton. The other 1% is made of elastane, which helps to give a snug fit. Loomstate is a sustainable company, which uses socially conscious and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, and organic materials when possible.

Happy Earth Month!

From our friends at thefind.com

The Daily Shortlist April 26

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Location: Midtown East, NYC
Art: Letters by J.D. Salinger
Show time: See website for schedule; Through May 9
Venue: Morgan Library & Museum
Food: Peking Duck House
Drink: Blackstones Pub & Restaurant
Miscellaneous: New York Milkshake Company

Featuring letters written to Michael Mitchell, the artist who designed the iconic dust jacket of The Catcher in the Rye, Letters by J.D. Salinger examines the extremely private author’s life. At one of my favorite places to get duck, The Peking Duck House, the meat is succulent and the skin crunches like a potato chip. Sometimes you just want to grab a pint without paying a cover charge or playing host to a group of people after work, which is why I like Blackstones Pub & Restaurant. It looks like an old-time saloon and has two pool tables in the back and plenty of other games, while also being big enough to grab traditional American food from the menu. If you’re still hungry, check out the New York Milkshake Company for one of the best $6 shakes of your life.

DVD: Steven Seagal: Lawman Season 1

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Steven Seagal: Lawman Season 1
(A&E Home Video)

Ever watch a cops-style show and see the whole incident end with the perp asking the arresting officer for an autograph? If that’s something you’d like to see, check out the first season of Steven Seagal: Lawman on DVD.

Here’s the summary of Lawman: imagine mixing Cops and the failed 2007 CBS reality series Armed and Famous in which B and C-list celebrities became police officers. What’s troubling about that coupling is that it actually kind of works. This 2-disc DVD set gives you just under 4.5 hours of the adrenaline of Cops, all while getting some entertainment out of seeing action star Steven Seagal in a totally new light.

Besides being a box office hero, Seagal has been a Deputy Sheriff in Louisiana for the last 20 years. Lawman’s first season gets you introduced to the special unit he heads up as they cruise Jefferson Parish in New Orleans for drugs and guns, practice their shooting, and reach out to the community.

Lawman also gets you a little more into Seagal’s life. Watch Steven play guitar with his blues band, teach a martial arts seminar to new recruits, train his two very intimidating guard dogs and wax philosophic on how aikido, the form of martial arts he’s mastered, has him perfectly prepared for anything in life from spotting potential bad guys to the Zen of shooting correctly. Most fun, though, is watching Seagal lose his cool. In his comfort zones he’s all collected and chilled out. Put someone with drugs or a gun in front of him, and watch him curse enough to make a sailor blush. If you want some solid cop and celebrity reality TV, definitely grab this DVD.

Jesse Leon

THEATER REVIEW: The Aliens

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

It doesn’t get much better then the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater. Being a huge fan of Off-Broadway fare, I frequent and champion all those theaters 'downtown' and the chances they take at 224 Waverly Place; the subject matters, the actors, set designs, and writers really create some of the liveliest theater I have ever seen.

The play in question, the world premier of Annie Baker's The Aliens, a "white-dude play different then other white-dude plays" she says, is a three person, one set laconic lament on the merits of Bukowski, drugs, writing and friendship during a few weeks one summer in Shirley, Vermont. Michael Chernus as KJ, Dane Dehaan as Evan and Erin Gann's jumpy Jasper, skittle down fences, lay on tables, sing goofy hippie tunes and generally visit each other's orbits as they slowly open up to the real reasons they are here. What I especially liked about The Aliens is the ideas Baker throws around but never overly dwells on. It's a funny play mostly, at least the first act as Dehaan's perfectly nervous Evans becomes indoctrinated into the world of the two older, 'economically challenged' 'artistically aching' friends who hang-out at the back of a neighborhood coffee shop. Poignancy amps-up, especially around Chernus's performance, where he executes what might be one of the richest turns in theater I have seen in a very long time, simply by repeating one word.

Bart Fasbender's set design is to be commended on as well. Don't miss The Aliens concluding Rattesticks' 15th Anniversary Season, running now 'til 5/23. Get tickets at www.smarttix.com

Ralph Greco, Jr.

THEATRE REVIEW: Langston in Harlem

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Josh Tower as Langston Hughes. Photo by Ben Hider

The new musical Langston in Harlem, which opened on April 15th at Urban Stages, is a rousing hip shaking, foot-stomping production for one of America’s most respected poets.

Langston Hughes was not only a poet but he was a dramatist, a novelist, a columnist, a socio-political mad man as well as an esteemed writer. He was also a young, Black, closeted man living in Harlem during the 1920s. As one of the founding members of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of prolific artistic expression, Langston in Harlem is set from the Renaissance through the Civil Rights movement. It showcases a young man who was often misunderstood in his early writings, but who later turned the critics into passionate followers of his work. The show was essentially a near-two hour production based upon one of Hughes’ most popular poems, “Harlem: A Dream Deferred.”

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

The production is an explosive mash-up of not only spoken word and jazz, but gospel, rhythm and blues, and swing dancing. It transports the audience back to a time where many writers actually wrote and lived for the people of their community. It expertly tells of love and lost, blues and sexuality, race and politics, a life Hughes so passionately lived. There’s never a dull moment, even when poverty and addiction enters several scenes, you never feel as if the scene doesn’t fit. The musical score and costume designs are spot-on for the life of a black intellectual during that time: middle-class bohemian at its finest. The casting is perfect. In essence, Langston in Harlem is like going to church; it’s exciting, educational and sometimes emotional…but mostly, it just makes you feel good.

Langston in Harlem runs through May 2nd at 30th Street Theatre-Urban Stages (between 7th and 8th Aves). For ticket info: visit www.urbanstages.org

ND McCray

EAT: Zenkichi

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Zenkichi
77 N 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 388-8985
Hours:
Wed-Sat: 6pm - Midnight
Sun: 5:30pm - 11:30pm
CLOSED on Monday & Tuesday

Zenkichi touts itself as a Modern Japanese Brasserie but I’m going to lay it out as one of the most romantic restaurants I’ve ever encountered in NYC. “It feels like camping,” whispered my date Sara, who also happens to be a good friend, as we peered down the low-lit, stone-paved path that leads from one private bamboo nest to the next.

Indeed it felt like the woods at night. “Yes. We should probably make out now,” I responded.

Just then Leo, the most adorable Japanese waiter you’re ever going to find (I mean he’s young and attractive) popped his head through the light curtain to our wood-carved booth and supplied us with some mood-solidifying Dassai Nigori sake (unfiltered Junma: Ginjo).

It was one of the hundred days of rain and it pattered on the glass roof, which I assume must make for the most stunning, sunlit eve dining. Despite the rain, the warm tea lights, closed-in booths, and whispers of conversation trailing from down the stony path make one pleasantly transformative dining experience. You will completely forget the outside world and this is the most shining quality of Zenkichi.

You have the option of ordering the tasting menu, which is eight, chef-recommended, seasonal courses including dessert, or you can order a la carte, which is the path we chose.

Our menu for the evening consisted of the following plates (all small, but large enough for sharing tastes):

Maguro Carpaccio -$13.95
A medium tuna served with a out-of-this-world green yuzu pepper sauce and incidentally, the best tuna sashimi I’ve had-- ever.

Camembert & Shrimp Corn Tempura - $8.95
A mild but interesting combination of flavors, best for the less adventurous.

Winter Small Pot -$10.95
A delicious miso broth with Shrimp and Scallops (Two of each for easy sharing) and seasonal vegetables.

Grilled Saikyo Black Cod -$16.50
I had requested the best fish on the menu and Leo said this was the most popular. It was pretty good, but the sweet miso glaze masked the flavor of the fish.

Grilled Saikyo Black Cod... half eaten.

Roasted Honey-Soy Duck -$15.95
Though I typically don’t go for sweet, I’m a sucker for anything Duck and these were the most tender yet lean slices of duck you’ll ever have.

And we finished off with sake cups full of Frozen Black Sesame Mousse—at which point we were starting to feel ashamed over the night’s indulgences. Thankfully, we were headed to SoHo to work it- work it hard.

Zenkichi really is what everyone says it is, so believe the hype. They serve-up really innovative Japanese fare that’s delicious, offered in a venue that seems beyond time and space. So go get warped.

Rochelle Fainstein

The Weekend Shortlist April 23 to 25

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Friday April 23

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: Adam Green Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Bowery Ballroom
Food: Stanton Social
Drink: 151
Miscellaneous: Bereket

Seeing Adam Green live is always fun and on his new album Minor Love he shows a more emotional side, playing nearly all of the instruments. Where to go afterwards? Go straight to the bar, and that bar would be 151, where happy hour is 7 days a week from 6pm till 10pm and includes 2 for 1 drinks. For those that don’t want a liquid dinner first, check Stanton Social for comfort food including the Mac and Cheese (Macaroni covered in Three Cheese Truffled Mornay Sauce and topped w/Seasoned Bread Crumbs). For a late night eat, a favorite spot of mine is Bereket for falafels and to watch drunks succeed at spilling their food all over themselves and failing at picking up chicks. Not for the faint of heart!

Friday April 23

Location: Union Square, NYC
Bands: Basement Bhangra
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
Food: Matsuri
Drink: Hiro
Miscellaneous: Cha An Japanese Tea House

Start off the evening at Matsuri*, with Chef Tadashi Ono’s highly acclaimed Japanese food (*make a reservations). At Matsuri the fish is so fresh it’s flown in from Japan daily. I highly recommend the sushi with one of over 200 kinds of sake they stock. After dinner, head to the Japanese-themed bar Hiro for a dimly lit cocktail to lubricate your mind for the music to come. It’s hard to believe that Basement Bhangra, a party that focuses of the Indian music style of Bhangra has turned 13 years old. Created by DJ Rheka, these shows have brought some of the best Indian DJs and MCs to the stage. Expect to see DJ Rheka perform along with Nina Sky, Tabla Guy, Max Glazer, Ranbir S., Bollywood Axion, Meetu Chilana, Bhangra Dance Lesson by Reena Shah and Raeshm, Bollywood Axion. Visuals by FICTIVE. After trying to gather yourself from your musical mind expansion you might want to head down to Cha An Japanese Tea House to sip some Matcha tea and calm yourself down.

Saturday April 24

Location: Long Island City, Queens
Event: PopRally Presents Saturday Sessions
Show time: 4 - 7 PM
Venue: P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center
Food: Sripraphai
Drink: Saints and Sinners
Miscellaneous: Baruirs

Inspired by Christian Marclay's P.S.1 installation 2822 Records (PS1), 1987-2009, PopRally Presents Saturday Sessions features an afternoon of print-making with Forth Estate, an NYC-based print publishing company, using the surplus LP’s from Marclay’s exhibition. Don’t forget a performance by Psyche surg band Real Estate and you got yourself a party! Being that you’re in Queens anyways, you HAVE to take the 7 train to Sripraphai, one of New York’s top Thai restaurants. What makes it better than most is the fact that the ingredients are fresh, and instead of choosing your entree with a choice of meat, they offer a novel sized menu with pics of every dish, most under $10. Once a heavily Irish neighborhood, Saints and Sinners is one of the best looking Irish bars left. Grab a Guinness at the bar or traditional Irish food. If you can, head over to Baruirs in Sunnyside for one of the best cups of coffee in Queens.

Saturday April 24

Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Band: Dig Deeper Presents Kings Go Forth Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Southpaw
Food: Chiles & Chocolate Oaxacan Kitchen
Drink: The Gate
Miscellaneous: Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

Hosted by DJ Honky and Mr. Robinson, Dig Deeper Presents Kings Go Forth an old school soul act from the 60s with a reminiscent sound of Curtis Mayfield. Ever have Oaxacan food? Chiles & Chocolate Oaxacan Kitchen serves up some fantastic, not exactly Mexican food. Try the smoky flavored Mole Negro, one of the best mole sauces I’ve had in NYC. Before leaving, you must try one of the hot chocolates like the Chiles Y Chocolate. A hint of chipotle without too much heat is a nice kick start for the night. The Gate is a great Park Slope bar with excellent beers on tap and a outdoor courtyard to chill. If time permits, you must, and I mean MUST go to the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co., a non-profit organization that helps kids with their writing, that’s fronted by a store selling super powers.

Sunday April 25

Location: Midtown East, NYC
Art: Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters
Show time: See website for schedule; Through June 13
Venue: Japan Society
Food: Peking Duck House
Drink: Blackstones Pub & Restaurant
Miscellaneous: New York Milkshake Company

In the exhibition Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters, the work of Utagawa Kuniyoshi showing scenes of history and legend from 150 years ago are featured here along with more than 130 depictions of spiders, skeletons, women warriors, ghosts and samurai in combat. At one of my favorite places to get duck, The Peking Duck House, the meat is succulent and the skin crunches like a potato chip. Sometimes you just want to grab a pint without paying a cover charge or playing host to a group of people after work, which is why I like Blackstones Pub & Restaurant. It looks like an old-time saloon and has two pool tables in the back and plenty of other games, while also being big enough to grab traditional American food from the menu. If you’re still hungry, check out the New York Milkshake Company for one of the best $6 shakes of your life.

THE SEX FILES: Sex and Celebrity

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

I don't usually like to give my opinion unless truly asked for, but since this is my column, I was thinking it might be fun to riff a bit about some recent sexual news. Lot's been happening, in a way, but then again it seems the same stuff is just rehashed. Maybe you have an opinion as well? I’d damn well like to hear it, cause the most boring thing in the world to me is hearing myself talk! Here goes nothing.

Hey, can you believe it, Ricky Martin is gay!

Not that anybody's surprised really…the guy was just too good looking and moved his hips too well. As with most things like this I don't truly care who Mr. M. is sharing his bed with. I guess revealing something we all knew anyway is kinda newsworthy, but I say let Ricky enjoy his life, twins and whatever he's doing with his La Vita Loca.

Poor Tiger

Is golf such a boring game we have to make such a big stink over Tiger Woods' affairs? As I said at the time of David Duchovny's supposed 'sexual addiction' this is less a disease with these guys (with any guy) then it is just a man 'wantin' some strange,' stepping-out on his girl. It’s not for me to speak to the fidelity of anyone's marriage or Tiger's personal life. I believe the only thing the guy owes any of us is his best when he plays golf. Who cares what he does with his club off the 'back nine'?

Lady Call Me

Have you seen Lady GaGa's "Telephone" video? It is hot man, white hot! Less for what the girls are wearing (and they ain't wearing a lot) but for how cool the video is. If you think for a second that videos have grown to be anything but commercials for songs (as if they were ever anything else really), then go hang with Spike Jonze and Peter Gabriel. What L.G.G. did was make a mini movie, a long form commercial featuring her and Beyoncé playing on the Thelma and Louise theme while they cavort in a whole bunch of naughty poses in less than nothing to piss off every conservative parent group in the country. If it makes Fox News it's got to be good, right?

Where Have All The Bad Girls Gone?

What, no young chicks walking out to party sans panties? Where are the bad girls, or the girls who think they are? I so miss Britany being bald, Lindsay showing her muff. Just what is the world coming to these days when a well-groomed golfer (see above) is the top headline in our sex scandal news! God what happen to 2008?

The Marriage Ref

Catch this new Jerry Seinfeld produced show on NBC? Just another way for people to air their dirty personal laundry and though I was never a big fan of Jerry's 'other' show and I have seen maybe a minute of his latest, I think taking marriage advice from Madonna or Kelly Ripa or even Alex Baldwin makes the show a hoot! I just saw Jerry S. do a few minutes last week on Letterman and it made me remember how stellar the guy is at stand-up. I say more of this Jerry and less of these shows…but there's nothing necessarily wrong with that.

Well that's all I got for now kiddies. Send me your comments at shortandsweetsex@gmail.com.

Ralph Greco, Jr.

The Daily Shortlist April 22

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Jessica Jackson Hutchins, Couch For a Long Time, 2009 (detail). Couch, newspaper, ceramic, 76 × 29 × 35.5 in. (193 × 73.7 × 90.2 cm). Collection of the artist; courtesy Small A Projects, New York, and Derek Eller Gallery, New York. Photograph by Dan Kvitka

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Art: Whitney Biennial
Show time: See website for schedule; Through May 30
Venue: Whitney Museum of American Art
Food: Brother Jimmy’s Bait Shack
Drink: BB&R
Miscellaneous: Dylan's Candy Bar

The Whitney Biennial is known for featuring the best in contemporary art and this year they have chosen 55 artists who represent the state of the art world. If you’ve got a craving for barbeque, check out Brother Jimmy’s Bait Shack as the ribs, chicken, beef, and pork are all smothered in some amazing BBQ sauce. BB&R, which stands for Blonde, Brunette, and a Redhead is the brainchild of three best friends. What they’ve created is something between a neighborhood bar and a lounge with leather seats in the front and a pool table, photo booth, and video games in the back. Looking more like it came out of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Dylan's Candy Bar is a colorful place to get lollipops, licorice, and all things sugary. Don’t go crazy though, or your sweet tooth might melt here!

Underground Hip-Hop takes a hit: Guru’s passing

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:40:00 +0000

Monday April 19th 2010 underground hip-hop took a hit with the passing of Guru (a.k.a Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) of Gang Starr from cancer-related causes after conceding to a yearlong fight with the disease. His death comes only a month after undergoing surgery needed from a heart attack, which kept him in the hospital till his demise. Guru’s work with the Jazzmatazz series brought a strong and intelligent voice to Hip-Hop and he will be greatly missed. With knowledge of the coming event he wrote his farewell letter while in the hospital, according to Solar, Guru’s collaborator and partner.

"I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world, I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options."

"I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting."

"My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf [of] myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own."

Guru very pointedly distanced himself from Premier in the letter, saying he didn't want his former musical collaborator to be able to participate in any tributes or events surrounding his death.

"I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events, tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this," wrote Guru. "I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ.

"As the sole founder of Gang Starr, I am very proud of what Gang Starr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with Gang Starr or Jazzmatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now.

"The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small-mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life."

Guru was 43 year old.

Chad Ghiron

MUSIC REVIEWS: MGMT, Lou Bond, Inlets, Javelin, White White Lights, Friday Mile, Smile Smile, Las Rubias del Norte

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

MGMT
Congratulations
(Columbia)

First things first - let’s just get this out of the way. Imagine you just had the most mind-blowing, earth-shattering, quite possibly drug-enhanced, most freakishly amazing orgasm of your entire life. In fact, you’re still quaking from the grandeur. That, my friends, was Oracular Spectacular. Comparatively speaking, your expectations are pretty high the next time around. Let me be clear though – this analogy is in no way an implication that the boys of MGMT have, um, blown their load. Gross analogies aside, standing on its own, Congratulations is a solid piece of work. Seriously, how can you hate on a band that writes a song murder-mystery theater style and sings about Brian Eno coming to “smite” them? Really, you can’t. Stylistically, Congratulations is more subdued, with hints of ‘60s pop in the chorus of songs like “It’s Working,” “Someone’s Missing,” and the first single, “Flash Delirium.” There are a few instrumental sections in songs like “Lady Dada’s Nightmare,” including bits in the epic, twelve-minute long “Siberian Breaks,” with its distinct movements dripping cohesively into one another. In this album, the focus seems to strike more on the musicality, versus the lyrics, although the band has said that Congratulations was written as a kind of response to their fame via Oracular Spectacular. Expect the same psychedelic trippiness from the first album, sweetened up with more of a pop vibe. Though the songs on this album may take a little longer to grow on you -make no mistake- once they do, you’ll appreciate their subtle nuances just as much as you appreciated the insta-hits of MGMT past.

Patricia Scull

Lou Bond
Lou Bond
(Light in the Attic)

This self-titled six-track album from Memphis soul/blues singer Lou Bond was released in 1974 and is considered his one and only recording. While Lou Bond shared many similar traits of former 60s soul/folk contemporaries like Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Isaac Hayes and Bill Withers, his work was oddly and unfortunately lost under the radar.

Bond, whose real name is Ronald Edward Lewis, started out on the early Chess record label and then released this album soon after when switching to Stax Records. Lou Bond contains many tracks that are direct political and social statements, such as “To the Establishment” and “Why Must Our Eyes Always Be Turned Backwards.” Others are more comical and satirical, such as “Come on Snob” and “Lucky Me.” The artist is backed on this album by the likes of The Horns of South Memphis and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s string section, who are also both synonymous with anonymity.

Perhaps Bond was too diverse for his time. Many of the tracks sound overproduced in the manner that they sound great on headphones, but decades ago these songs may have turned off vinyl-listeners who simply wanted something catchy to listen to. His lyrics were also often a form of freestyle and were full of humor as well as conviction. For whatever reason, it should not come as a surprise for record store frequenters and vinyl collectors that their fingers, at one time or another, have probably skimmed past a Lou Bond record in one of the many packed crates of vintage music.

One of the many images available of Bond shows him looking like a gypsy-hippie, with an acoustic guitar strung around his back. At a time in America where reflection on war, protest and revolution were prevalent in music, albums like Lou Bond would and should have received more recognition, as Bond’s jazzy sound, political lyrics and unique vocals were strong enough to stand alone. However, much is still unknown about Lou Bond’s artistry, and we should consider ourselves lucky to receive this underestimated release from Stax Records. Bond currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lucy Tonic

Inlets
Inter Arbiter
(Twosyllable Records)

From the moment the album begins it becomes quite clear Inter Arbiter’s purpose is to take the listener on a rather extensive journey. A strain of introductory warm jazz piano oddly warns that familiarity will not be a part of the trip. Sometimes as astounding as watching waves roll in on a warm beach, the lo-fi, organically raw tonal quality of strings and vocals hides the depth of lyrical aptitude. With pure poetic remorse, cerebrally enchanting tones and at times hauntingly attractive instrumentation comprised mostly of acoustic strings, wind instruments and a bit of drum pushes the listener in a plush room of solitude and reflection. “Sunfed Shapes” is wistful and needy while strings roll in like breezes through a curtain decorating a window on a crisp spring day. Old World elegance and understated revelry blow by one like clothes on a laundered line of sundried clothing. At the helm of the group, Inlets, is Wisconsin native, Sebastian Krueger who is now a resident of Brooklyn. His breathy beautiful voice along with the help of several different musicians on the album, Inter Arbiter is elegant and attractive. Moody melodies, rising harmonies, low wind instruments, piano, drums and trombones create a perfectly sown alternative music album that shines as a rare gem.

Chanda Jones

Javelin
No Mas *Salt Master
(Luaka Bop)

Wondering what would happen if Radiohead married your favorite dance club album? Look no further than Javelin. Taking one part of traditional drum and bass elements with another part modern indie noise, the album creates a spatial piece of art--if you're into that sort of thing. I don't recommend picking up the album if you require lyrics in songs, heavy melody or strong feeling. No Mas *Salt Master is about the passion of sound.

The song on the album that feels most indie is "Shadow Heart," where lyrics come in the form of sing-a-long melodies. The track dances around with a medieval breakdown towards the middle. The song is actually built around the lyric of "shadow heart." "Dep" is another solid track on the album, mixing lounge and smooth influences for a sultry song. Seriously, the track might force you to the nearest hookah lounge. For the experimentalist, there's "Goal/Wide." The song mixes (literally) different parts and sounds for something that sounds like an OK Computer b-side.

Look to purchase the album if you want to hear something different in your background space or like to see something more organic in your music. Take a pass on this album if you're looking for something you don't have to think as hard about.

Tania Katherine

The White White Lights
Medium Head Boy
(Indierect Records)

The White White Lights myspace page says they’re experimental/glam/rock. I guess that’s as good a description as any. No two songs on Medium Head Boy sound that much alike so it’s hard to pin them down. “Space Invaders” is a great opener that grabs you instantly and holds you in place with some really rockin’ riffing. They take the crunchy rock even further on “Heresy.” The stomping rhythms and dark organ bring to mind Wolfmother but the female vocals give it an interesting twist. Then to shake things up they toss in “It’s Cold Here In Japan,” a nice ballad that sounds like a Japanese folk song. The last song, “Devil’s Son,” is probably the most memorable. It’s got that blend of attitude and tension that have made so many other songs before it big hits. At seven minutes it’s far too long but if they edited it down I don’t see why it couldn’t be a hit with its wailing vocals and lead guitars that recall The Strokes. The chorus says, “I can’t get you out of my head” and that is often how I feel about this song. The White White Lights do a lot on this 6 song EP. I wonder what they could do with a full length album.

Jonathan Zuckerman

Friday Mile
Good Luck Studio
(Timber Carnival Records)

There is nothing much to say except that Good Luck Studio was not long enough to satisfy my thirst for Friday Mile. I have played this album so much that my car stereo speakers are begging for something new. The heavy guitars and whining vocals are like lullabies for adults. Each song makes room for piano, vocals, guitar or whatever deserves showcasing at the time. Trust me, everything on the album that makes a sound deserves its own slice of time. Vocals dominate a lot of the songs with every right. Hannah Williams is not the lead singer but her voice glows through the record. “FYI” is a song glowing with freedom, declaring independence from a possible significant other. “Autograph” is a cheerful ditty about infidelity that makes it seem like it is all okay. Practically all of the songs are upbeat, even if the lyrics are not. The whole time I was listening I was scratching my head wondering why these songs weren’t at the end of a movie when Rachel McAdams is kissing a long lost love. Probably because of the amount of tears that would come out of it, considering the emotions “Good Luck Studio” can provoke. All I know is that as soon as there is an NYC show for Friday Mile, I’ll be there.

Miranda Dillworth

Smile Smile
Blue Roses (Re-mastered)
(Kirtland Records)

Smile Smile members Ryan Hamilton and Jencey Hirunrusme of Dallas, Texas join together to create a lovely blend of folk, pop and rock music. The re-mastered Blue Roses album is a collection of ten touching ballads centered around themes of romantic breakups and love lost in an endearingly sweet compilation of stories about the end of relationships. Soothing vocals and harmonizing melodies describe the heartbreak of relationships where listeners can get an up-close and intimate look. The album opens with “Anymore” a song about the aftermath of a breakup with lyrics such as “I’ll quit hoping that you’re coming back/Because it’s apparent/ That you’re not/Anymore...”
The songs are a blend of folk pop and indie rock and are both catchy and easy to sing along to. Although the subject matter revolves around relationship endings, the album itself carries a hopeful and wistful tone, honoring the love once shared and inevitably lost. A few standout tracks include “Sad Song” – with its lovely piano and guitar strumming and catchy lyrics. Another notable track is the upbeat and rhythmic “Hope Avenue” and the sweet and folksy “Icy and Cold.” While most of the songs are tender and delicate, “Stranger Across the Street” offers a more upbeat and rockier sound. The re-mastered Blue Roses album is a great place to start if you want to track Smile Smile’s earlier history. The Dallas duet recently released their follow-up album Truth on Tape in February this year on Kirtland Records. Fans of love songs, heartfelt lyrics and beautiful vocals can easily embrace the folksy sound and delightful duo of Smile Smile.

Trish Nguyen

Las Rubias del Norte
Ziguala
(Barbès Records)

Their third album, one might mistake this band for some sort of Latin Dub act by listening to the first track off Ziguala. But the Brooklyn spawned Las Rubias del Norte proves to be so much more over the forty-five minutes that make up this latest offering. Fronted by a pair of classically trained choir singers, the group’s tracks are influenced by disparate styles from locales across the world: be it the Caribbean, Latin/South America, Spain, Greece or India’s own Bollywood.

Channeling the Latin pop music that ruled the beginning of the 1960s before the advent of rock n roll, Las Rubias create what they envision to be the fusion of that era’s instruments; electric organ, guitar, vibraphone and bass, with the mainstays of Latin music; conga, bongo, cuatro, and marimba.

Overall Ziguala is a very mellow album, the majority of songs taking a measured tempo that brilliantly exhibit the female vocals acting in swaying harmony. This leisurely pace with heavy percussion, continues to evoke this feeling of Latin Dub throughout the album, though the vocals and truly on point musicians are threads that run throughout. One of the tracks that stood out for me was ‘el Alcavaran;’ a wonderful up-tempo piece that showcases the tight guitar work that the entire album exhibits. While the song with the quickest tempo is ‘Mana Janab Ne Pukaara Nahin,’ the Bollywood inspired romp with toe tapping percussion, joyful strings, and electric guitar that does a really grand impression of a citar.

A fun and eclectic album from a local act, Ziguala is lounging and perfect for a sunny weekend morning. Kudos to Las Rubias del Norte for holding down this classic yet entirely modern vibe.

Kenneth Joachim

The Daily Shortlist April 21

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Art: William Kentridge
Show time: See website for schedule; Through May 17
Venue: MOMA
Food: Eatery
Drink: Valhalla
Miscellaneous: Central Park

This exhibition features over 30 years of work by William Kentridge, who is most famous for his animated films based on charcoal drawings. He has also done work in print, books, collage, sculpture, and the performing arts. His work featured, deals with five themes he generally takes head on including the political, apartheid, colonialism, and totalitarianism. Nearby and delicious, Eatery offers a new American menu that’s asian influenced. Try the Red Curry Chicken Breast over roti pancake, with baby carrots and red curry coconut sauce ($16.95). Valhalla’s minimalist space is chill, letting the 24 brands of beer from all over the world on tap be the main attraction at this bar. While its warm out, waste a little time walking through Central Park, relax, and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just watch your step. The working horses tend to leave surprises behind them!

THE INTERVIEW: Singer/Songwriter Lyle Divinsky

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Quick story: About two weeks ago I’m at the 14th Street L station in Manhattan waiting for the Q train but I’m also trying to ignore this guy, who’s singing and playing his acoustic guitar a few feet away from me. I was feeling good that day, so I gave the guy a break and turned off my iPod to get a better listen. In general, I never do that. Even in a good mood I ignore most everybody in the tunnels. But then he starts whaling with all this emotion like he was pulling it from his soul, and I started thinking “Wow that sounds nice.” Long story short, I bought his CD that he was selling; a week later, caught his performance at Rockwood Music Hall. And a week after that, this interview transpired. The musician: Lyle Divinsky.

Mr. Divinsky is a Portland, Maine-native but Bushwick-based singer-songwriter who’s been making his rounds in the New York music scene for over a year now. His debut release, Traveling Man is a mix of blues, folk and soul. Think “Sam Cooke meets Crosby, Stills & Nash” or as I like to call him “a soulful Jack Johnson.” We had the chance to chat right before his performance at Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side.

Obvious question: Where the hell did all this soul come from?

I gotta tell you, I get it from my dad. My dad is the most soulful Jew you’ve ever met in your life. He’s 55 now, but he’s from Little Neck, Queens and sounds like a 300-pound black soul singer…I hope that’s doesn’t offend you...

No, of course not…

I get what you’re saying. But yeah, he’s definitely where I get it from. He’s the smoothest motherfucker I’ve ever met in my life.

Earlier you said the Portland music scene is pretty insane, what makes it so different. And why did you leave it?

To be honest, I haven’t really been living it for the last five years. I mean I went to Skidmore College, so I’ve been away. But every summer I come back home and it’s an amazing place [for music], especially in the summertime.

Really?

Unbelievable, it’s a utopia. It’s always low to mid 70s, nice sea breeze, you got beaches. I mean Portland’s a peninsula too, so you got beaches every which way. Drive five minutes in any direction and you’re in the woods. But when you’re in Portland, it’s like everything you could want from a big city [music, culture, art] but in a small town atmosphere.

You said you attended Skidmore.

Yeah, which is up in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Did you graduate? What was your major?

Yeah, Music and English. Two rules to break but I’m happy.

When I met you at the 14th street station that was so random because I rarely pay attention to the musicians playing down there, was that the first time you’d done that?

No, that’s what I do for a living. I don’t work. That’s usually the station I try for…but I’m not as diligent as I should be because I’ve done like a couple of little tours, so I’ve been off for awhile. But I try to do it usually from the 1 to 4 timeframe, so that’s a good time.

Right. Kinda during rush hour.

Slightly before rush hour. Rush hour gets stupid. It’s crazy. The trains come too often, and there’s too many people.

But you know what got me to listen to you, the acoustics. I mean it blew me away.

When it’s silent and when there’s no trains coming…

That’s what it was…

Oh my [groans] it’s beautiful! I just close my eyes as if I’m just sitting at home alone. And just vibe out.

I’m sure you get comparisons or labeled as a “white boy with soul.” How do you feel about that? I mean how will you make yourself standout?

Honestly, as cliché as it might sound, I don’t really give a shit how people label me. What comes out comes out.

How do you label yourself? How do you see yourself as a musician?

I’m just a guy trying to do what he loves. People compare people as much as they want. I grew up listening to what my dad listened to like Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, all that kind of stuff. My mom liked Crosby, Stills & Nash and James Taylor. And my dad still plays acoustic primarily, and so I just kind of grew up around it. I didn’t start playing music until I was like 17.

Word. How old are you now?

24

Get out…dude, I thought you were my age, I’m 34!

Hell, I thought you were my age. [laughter]

So how did Traveling Man come about. When did you start recording it?

Actually, the recording process was super quick. We laid it down…probably with a total studio time of like four days. The first two was just getting all the instruments together; making sure everything was in order. I had my dad’s blues band from back home. It was primarily mid-50-year old blues guys. And then my band from back home [The Model Airplane] I had the drummer and bass player, and the keys player is a 22-year old dude that we call “The Golden Child” [he plays the keys on that track]…it’s the intro to track 13, “Last Goodbye.” I told him to lay down like a minute-long intro and he put that down like in the first try. It was pretty much a collection of the songs I’ve written over the last year, year-and-a half.

That was my next question, are all the songs recent?

There are a couple that are older than that like “I Care,” which is the first real song after the intro. That and “Warmth of Her Arms” I wrote my freshman year in college. And “Where Do We Go,” the last song on the album, is one of the only songs I’ve ever written with another person. The drummer that plays on “I Care” and “Last Goodbye”…I’ve known him since I was 5-years old. It was the only one I’d ever written with anyone else and it’s one of my favorite songs. I guess all the other ones were in the year.

Well, my personal favorite is “Take This Chance,” is that a true story?

Okay, so that was basically the words that I *wanted* to say to the girl that I was chasing. Alright, I’m gonna be real [laughter]. I do a lot of my writing when it’s like two o’clock in the morning like high off my ass, you know what I mean. That’s kinda like when inhibitions go out the door. It was actually about the girl from the track “Billyanne.” Which is another crazy story; actually, a lot of the songs on the album are written about her. But um, this was basically what I wanted to say to her…but never quite had the balls to.

Yeah, you got sexy on that one…

I mean I listen to a lot of D’Angelo. So that was basically me trying to be him.

So which do you prefer: performing or recording?

There’s beauty in both. When you’re performing live, it’s all in the moment; there are no inhibitions, you’re out there. You’re there with the audience, there’s no going back so you might as well put it all out there. But then with recording its great because you can really hammer out everything, you get down to the nitty gritty. You may have a little bit of vocals, one note, and one guitar. It’s like I like what I’m hearing, but where can we take this and make it into something beautiful. A lot of the stuff on the album was recorded live. We spent like three days beforehand, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse; so we’d be super comfortable with it. And then once we got in the studio, we just went for it.

Is that kind of how your writing goes, you hear the music first and then write; or do you write and then hear the music?

A lot of the time it starts with the guitar, just coming up with a chord change. And then from there…or a lot of the time, I’ll sit with GarageBand and just press record and see what comes out. And then other songs like “Warmth of Her Arms,” “Billyanne,” “Take This Chance” as well … actually a good amount of the songs took me about 10 to 15 minutes to write.

Wow, that’s awesome. So what’s next for Lyle Divinsky? I know you’re out doing the tour and you have the album out.

Right now I’m trying to book up the summer. I just made the audition for the MUNY; it’s the Music Under New York for subway artists, so that’s cool for me.

You actually have to audition to do that?

I mean you can play on the platforms and stuff but with the MUNY stuff, you can basically book times at Times Square, Penn Station, Union Square, all the hot spots. You book three-hour increments every two weeks. You’re playing in front of a lot more people; so you’re getting a helluva lot more traffic; and you’ll probably make more money. But its not necessarily about the money, but I’m not working a job, so it’s kinda nice to have. But I’ll probably be putting out an EP of about six or seven songs midsummer. I also have some side projects going on, too. A good friend of mine Alex Bilowitz and my boy Nat Osborne [who played right before me at Rockwood, who I sang backup for]; we’re doing a little like…I don’t want to say it’s Gnarls Barkely-esque. But Alex is an incredible producer; he’s working with another great producer, Scott Jacoby, but he’s an incredible beatmaker as well. A lot of the time it’s like commercial hip hop but we want to do more out-there kind of stuff. I mean it’s for fun but we’ll still release it. I don’t know how far we’ll push it, though. Then I also have another side project that’s called Solar Express, which is a funk group…

Are you serious?

Yeah, we’re playing April 24th at Cameo Gallery over in Williamsburg. We’re opening for this group called Turkuaz; they’re like this 11-piece funk band. But they’re like my favorite band in Brooklyn or New York, I’ll just say that. They’re just non-stop energy. You should come and check them out.

I’m so there.

In the meantime, for more on Lyle Divinsky, check him out at www.lyledivinsky.com. Traveling Man is available on iTunes now!

ND McCray

The Daily Shortlist April 20

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Band: Greg Ginn
Show time: 8 PM; FREE
Venue: Zebulon
Food: SEA
Drink: Zablozki’s
Miscellaneous: Hugs

It’s not every day that you get to see former Black Flag guitarist and the founder of SST Records (home of Sonic Youth and The Minutemen) play for FREE, but Greg Ginn will be at Zebulon performing with his jamband The Taylor Texas Corrugators. Joining them is the minimalist funk band CSC Band. Just as much fun as any show, SEA is one BIG Thai restaurant. Big enough to have a pool surrounded by tables as a giant Buddha stands above it. Luckily, the food is really great. Offering traditional Pad Thai ($7) to more involved dishes like the Mummy Fish ($14). On N6th, a street full of bars and restaurants, Zablozki’s is the local bar of the bunch, with a pool table and a friendly atmosphere and 12 beers on tap. What looks like some dark basement with tables and some couches, Hugs will end up being a dance party with an awkward blend of music genres that you will grow to love quickly.

New Cosmetics From Stila

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Stila has some new best sellers that continue on a theme found in many of its products: sparkle and shine. This time Stila infuses some geology into the scene, see: diamonds and gems. Stila is also supporting consumers in a race against the clock with One Step Makeup, designed to incorporate three separate products into one. Results are promising…

Black Diamond Mascara

Much like the black diamonds found on ski trails, Stila’s Black Diamond Mascara is intense. However, although the notion that this product is allegedly comprised of real crushed diamonds, and thus seemingly more for-the-pros than for those of us used to the bunny trail, neophyte stila-ers need not hesitate. Overall, this mascara is easy to apply, prone to somewhat typical clumping, but worthwhile, as it lasts throughout the night without flaking and is available in black with silver or blue “shimmer.” That, and these are likely to be the most affordable diamonds one may adorn at $24.00 per unit!

Jewel Lip Glaze Trio

Of all the products in this feature of Stila offerings, the Jewel Lip Glaze Trio proved most disappointing. Although I am a big fan of the twist-it-up lip product packaging, there is little saving grace for these over-the-top glosses. The word, “glaze” implies a more subtle shine, but these gem-infused formulas are far from subdued. Perhaps with an appropriate occasion (think: beauty pageant), these “glazes” could be recommended, but otherwise the “gem complex” is overwhelming and are apt to cause widespread sprinkling of glitter in parts of the face where glitter should not go.

One Step Makeup

Looking for a product designed to streamline your morning routine and expedite your time spent in front of the mirror? Please join me in welcoming Stila’s One Step Makeup, a product that combines primer, foundation, conclear and powder in one 30ml cylinder. When put to the test, One Step Makeup passed with flying colors – application was easy, results make skin appear smooth and clear, and the look lasted throughout a very long day. Best yet, the product comes in a wide variety of shades, so those who mix-and-match when it comes to primer, foundation, conclear and powder in your current routines, this product will guarantee consistency in shading that should result in a flawless finish.

Jessica Stein

The Ultimate Little Black Dress – Summer Style

noreply@blogger.com (Short and Sweet NYC) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:20:00 +0000

I wish I could buy this dress for every woman I know. It really has every single must-have element on the Little Black Dress list. It's comfortable, sophisticated, easy to walk in, feminine... and given that it's a cotton poplin, it's breatheable and absolutely perfect for summer. The Nantucket dress from Shabby Apple contours with princess seams and touts a wide flouncy skirt accessorized with two scrunch pockets. The v-neck and collar add a nice crisp finish to this versatile dress which is made of cotton poplin with spandex to allow for comfort and movement.

The price is a steal for $86 considering you can wear it both day and night. Given the classic wrap silhouette and quality of this dress, it's certainly worth every penny. The perfect little black dress should be seen as an investment, and with such a feminine, classic style, you'll be able to wear this dress for many seasons to come.

Pair it with shiny patent leather peep toe pumps like these Christian Louboutin Hyper Prive Peep-Toe Pumps for day or strappy sandals like these Miu Miu Patent-leather slingback sandals for evening.

Save on your purchases at Shabby Apple from TheFind.com's coupon site.

From our friends at thefind.com