There’s no question that food trucks are the hottest thing going right now. Scarcely a day goes by that the food blogs aren’t reporting a new truck selling haute grilled cheese sandwiches or artisanal ice cream or truck-cured bacon (okay, we made that last one up, but still). For the food truck novice, however, the world of mobile eats can be intimidating and, until someone invents an iPhone app that tells you when you’re near a food truck (that’s a free idea, tech-savvy entrepreneurs), it’s hard to know where to go to sample New York’s vehicular victuals.

Enter the stretch of Fifth Avenue between 14th and 23rd. This nine block stretch regularly houses at least five food trucks and (bonus!) the lines are never as long as they are in Midtown. On a recent stroll down the street, we spotted the Bistro Truck (home of some of the best merguez sausage baguettes this side of the Seine) Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream (don’t miss a scoop of the Earl Gray!), and the Treats Truck, which serves up killer brownies. Wafels and Dinges (where a BACON WAFFLE may be obtained) and the always fun Big Gay Ice Cream Truck are also regular presences. Think of it as your own personal mobile food court. Pretty sweet, even if you stick to the savory options. 

 - Leila Cohan-Miccio
 

Savvy & Co. President and CEO Ann Taylor knows sample sales; as she should. The 13 year fashion industry veteran remembers the start of sample sales in the early eighties. Sample sales, a Manhattan brainchild of an idea, started as a way for the “have nots” to sample designer goods hoping to wet their appetite to purchase items largely out of their budgetary reach.

How was the L.A.M.B. / Harajuku Girls sale in L.A. last week?

It went over really well. Gwen Stefani has a strong following on the West Coast, so it was a no brainer.

How does L.A. compare to New York in terms of sample sales?

L.A. is probably fifteen years behind New York in regards to sample sale scope, size and frequency. New York was the original sample sale city. Sample sales started here around 1982…1983. And for the most part, sample sales have remained unique to New York.

Why?

Because garments were manufactured in New York, designers lived in New York, it held the market. Even consumers who couldn’t afford retail prices where familiar with the designers. The demand was there. Especially in the late eighties and early nineties, there was a such a surplus that designers needed a way to unload a previous season’s product.

When did you start Savvy & Co.?

In 1997. I’ve been in the industry for twenty years and had this company for thirteen.

How have sample sales changed since then?

With the emergence of online private sample sales like those you find at Gilt.com, and the popularity of sample sales in general, there is more competition for product. In the past few years, especially in the recession, designers are making less product, but more consumers wanted to purchase from sample sales. So the demand continues to exceed the product.

Will other cities start to see an increase in sample sales?

L.A. yes. More designers are living and and working in L.A. and the fashion community there has become familiar with the concept of the sample sale. Other cities, possibly, but a successful sample sale requires working closely with the designer and having the market for it. New York will always be the sample sale leader.
Savvy & Co. continues to be the New York City leader in brick and mortar sample sales, carefully selecting the most premier designers. For more information on designers they are working with and upcoming sales, visit www.thesavvy.com.

Written and edited by Emma Dinzebach

Day trips to outer borough must first and foremost start with brunch. Where to go and where to take your madre this Sunday (um, it’s mother’s day!)? Courtyards, mimosas, and cuteness are on the menu.

My pick numero uno is Le Petite Cafe in Carroll Gardens. The ambiance in the courtyard (yes, it’s the place with the tree and water fountain) is beautiful, especially for mom. Their brunch menu isn’t anything particularly wonderful, so if mom is a food snob, you might want to choose something a bit more upscale. La Petit Cafe has great french toast and wonderful omelet selection. The service can be a bit slow, but you hardly notice as you’re focused on the atmosphere. Adorable.

Buttermilk Channel lends itself to food snobs. Also in Carroll Gardens, Buttermilk is known for warm sour cream donuts that taste similar to funnel cake, out of this work bloody marys - think rosemary-infused vodka - and short rib hash that makes my mouth water just thinking of it. The service is divine if you don’t mind feeling a teeny bit rushed out.  Buttermilk has a separate vegetarian menu if that’s your fancy and Court Street makes for a wonderful Sunday walk with mom.

For lingering atmosphere or upscale brunch, you can’t really go wrong with either Carroll Gardens spot. And both are reasonably priced so as not to break the bank on Mother’s Day.

Emma Dinzebach

You wouldn’t think twice about spending $200 on a pair of jeans, especially if they make your butt look amazing. Most of us even spend up to $100 on work out pants. Pants we sweat in. But when it comes to our haircuts, we are forever looking for the best cut for the cheapest price.

But why really? It’s our hair. We wear it every single day. Not to be melodramatic, but it pretty much makes or breaks our intended look. Our hair says something to the world. “I am soft and sweet.” “I am fearless.” “I am funkified, so watch out!” Hair rocks. Hair rolls. Hair is there to stay. So let go of your death grip, and start treating your hair like you treat your derriere.

The average American woman has her locks trimmed every eight to ten weeks, that’s 5-6 times per year. At $100 a pop, that’s $600 per year. You might spend that much on one bag or one pair of shoes that you wear three times. It is better invested on your head, the topper of your outfit. To list the great salons in the city would be laboriously long, so I have a few short guidelines.

1) Going to the celebrity stylist isn’t necessary. You don’t need highlights that will photograph beautifully on the red carpet, and there are great stylists that don’t charge $600 for them. You should be able to find a hundred dollar haircut that you love.

2) Ask. Ask. Ask. If you see a woman’s hair you love, just ask. Remember, you wear it everyday. You may as well get it right. Plus, you will make her day. Hair karma is good karma.

3) Never be lured by those guys on the streets who ask where you get your haircut. If there salon was really reputable, they wouldn’t have to solicit tourists - or you - off the street.

4) Utilize their services. If they offer to trim your bangs three or four weeks out, go get your bangs trimmed. Your style will last longer, and you will feel immensely better about the price. You paid for it!

Still can’t decide where to go? We like Laicale in Soho, Sam Brocato on Wooster, and Soon Beauty Lab with locations in both the East Village and Chelsea.

Emma Dinzebach