The Success of Stands.2

After almost two years of recession there are still signs of financial stress within New York City. However, in the lower East Village, many residents have become familiar with Artichoke Pizza, located on 14th street between 1st and 2nd avenue. Known for its pizza and for its late operating hours, there is likely to be a line trailing out of the small shop, even at two in the morning. On January 14th, owners Francis Garcia and Sal Basille opened a dessert stand, Led Zeppole, located only two doors down from their successful pizza shop.

While Garcia discussed that he had prior ideas for a dessert themed restaurant, Led Zeppole was a still a bit unexpected. When the space suddenly became available about a year ago, Garcia explained that originally he had no interest in investing. It was only until other food businesses began to look at the empty space that he became serious in expanding, as he would only lose money by allowing in possible competition.

In the face of the nation’s economic crisis, business has remained unaffected.

“Pizza’s recession proof,” Garcia said. “No matter how bad things are people still have five dollars for a slice and a soda.”

Garcia explained that the business received during the late nights and early mornings have also helped them stay afloat.

“The late night crowd is great. It’s an alternative to a diner.” Garcia says. “ There are only a handful of places that have good food for cheap prices that are open late.”

In a report released by the RNCOS, a leading market research and information analysis company, the restaurant industry remains a keystone of the nations economy, employing an estimated 13 million people, or 9 percent of the total US workforce. The food industry, while suffering from some amount of economic repercussions, it is still considered a “safe haven” in the larger sense, everyone still has to eat.

Despite the food industry’s stability during the nations economic crisis, it is difficult to disregard the negative impact the economy has had on others. According to a news release published by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 27 states reported unemployment rate increases. The report indicated that the 14.9 million unemployed within the US went fundamentally unchanged from January.

Even in New York, the state’s unemployment rate has increased from 8.8 percent to 8.9 percent. Peter A. Neenan, director of the department’s research division, is quoted as saying: “Our newly revised jobs data indicate that the impact of the national recession on New York state’s economy was deeper than first estimated.”

However, there remains optimism amongst many economists, as there is suggestion that the country has overcome the recession and is now dealing with recovery. In an interview with David Gregory, host of the MSNBC show “Meet the Press,” Christina Romer, a chair on President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors had said:

“You know, there’s the official definition, and that talks about just when do you turn the corner, when do you go from plummeting to, to finally starting to go back up? And I think we have, at least in terms of GDP, reached that point. But I think the president’s always said, and what I firmly believe, you’re not recovered until all those people that want to work are back to work.”

Whatever the case may be, for Garcia and Basille things have never been better, especially as business is expected to increase due to the summer season. With there recent opening of Led Zeppole, a new meat sandwich shop This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef, and the development of a second Artichoke Pizza – one that would offer seating and a side slice shop – it is hard to imagine we are still suffering from an economic crisis.

“We’ve been blessed,” Garcia says. “We really haven’t had any down time. After the first two weeks [Artichoke] business just exploded.”

fashion's new hotel

Going to be spending some time in Florida? Well, the rococo Versace Mansion – previously owned by the late fashion designer Gianni Versace – located in South Beach, Miami, is being converted into a 10-room hotel. Miami restaurateur, Barton G. Weiss hopes that The Villa by Barton G still has the charm it once had prior to Versace’s death; Versace was shot and killed in July of 1997 when returning from a morning walk near his home on Ocean Drive. For $2,100 a night you can stay at the luxurious hotel, and even rent out Gianni Versace’s former bedroom.

According to Vogue The Villa features marble floors, mosaics, gardens, a dazzling swimming pool paneled with 24-carat gold, and enormous suites that include a nine-foot-wide bed. Those who cannot afford the steep price, myself included, are still able to visit the extraordinary villa by booking a table in the dining area. While I personally have only been to Miami a few times, it seems that the new hotel will create an atmosphere new and tasteful.

for more pictures of the absolutely breathtaking hotel click here

on to the next one

In a recent article by MTV, Lady Gaga reveals that her next video will be Alejandro, the third single from her Fame Monster LP. Although she won’t reveal anything about the upcoming music video, as an enormous Lady Gaga fan, I can only expect something outrageous and fabulous. WWD Media reported that there are rumors that Steven Klein, well-known fashion photographer, will be directing the video, although no official statement has been made to confirm. Klein has appeared in French and Italian Vogue and W Magazine. He is also worked with numerous celebrities particularly Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Her announcement regarding her next video came soon after she discovered she had broken a record for music sales as well as one for video views. Mashable, an online social media guide, reported that she is the first “franchise” to reach one billion views: “Poker Face” (374,606,128), “Just Dance” (272,941,674) and “Bad Romance” (360,020,327). Her newest video “Telephone” featuring Beyoncé had over ten million views in less than 48 hours. Currently Lady Gaga is in Australia on her Monster Ball Tour, which plans to return to North America for Summer 2010. With sold out shows, record breaking albums and music videos, it would appear that there is something very special about Miss Gaga. Whatever she is doing, it seems that she is doing it right.

the birds.2

One of the top 10 fashion trends this spring is feathers. Designers such as Fendi and Jason Wu have dared to incorporate feathers within their spring 2010 collection. The feather trend, unlike other trends we will be seeing throughout this time, is perhaps one of the most difficult to integrate into one’s closet. However, I personally am in love with it.

Maybe it’s because we have seen feathers appear in fashion since the days of Marie Antoinette but for whatever reason, feathers have always had an enchanting appeal to them. Not only are they a trend for this spring but they

were also featured by a number of designers – Chanel and Louis Vuitton – last spring. They are just so beautiful it is difficult to stray away from them for too long. However, I do believe that it is far more difficult to keep up with the feather trend as opposed to metallics or beiges (other noticeable trends for the season), as the only way to wear them correctly is to spend quite a bit of money, which many of us, especially college students, do not have.

In my opinion, if not worn correctly or worn too frequently, you may end up looking like a giant bird. However, it appears that most designers are aware of the possible consequences that come with being adventurous and using feathers. Fendi for example, used feathers for only a few pieces of their collection. Their final piece in particular was a sheer, neutral colored feather gown. It would seem that the designer houses themselves recognize that it is very possible to abuse the amount of feathers you have within a single line.

Personally I have no grievances with the spring feather trend. While it may not be for every person, there is a certain elegance about it that encourages it to stick around. Feathers are simply fabulous and timeless. They remind me of the 18^th century, when fashion was a crucial part of high society; when every detail of a dress was taken into consideration. They remind me of that feeling I had when I was a little girl playing dress up; when I would see my mother leaving for a party, how glamorous she looked. When wearing feathers, to me, I feel glamorous when wearing feathers. I feel bold; I am fearless. It is important, however, to be smart about how you go about wearing them.

Keep in mind it is a bold statement. Wear short dresses and mini-skirts. Complement the skirt with a simple neutral toned shirt. In general, stick with neutral colors (which wont be too difficult as most designers feather outfits are only such). When it comes to feathers less is always more.

This coming spring many trends are being recreated in the most creative and chic ways. The spring not only promises deliciously warm New York City weather but also remarkable style, that along with feathers includes tie dye seen in the collections of Proenza Schouler, Bluemarines, and Rodarte, the fold over neckline appearing in dresses by Alexander Wang or tweed seen in Tory Burch’s spring line. Also this spring we will see tailored vests, loose mini dresses, khaki suits, brightly colored lightweight coats, head-to-toe gray, multi-prints, military coats, polka dots, and multi-strap dresses. Bring on the spring!