clarabellanyc.com

Hi all -

I hope this last weed of August has been as lovely for you as it has for me! I know this will be the last big weekend away for some, and a key shopping weekend for others;). Please note Clarabella’s weekend hours:

Friday and Saturday: 12 - 7pm

Sunday and Monday: 12 - 6pm

And though it’s a ’short’ day, please note that I am indeed open on Monday:).

See you all soon!

Erin

Well, it’s not the blazing glory I was hoping for - looks like Clarabella didn’t make the actual magazine. I ran to the newsstand to grab one last night and scoured the ‘zine, but didn’t see it anywhere. I guess maybe I’ve been open for too long… that said, I did make the website. To check out what Time Out has to say about lil’ ol’ Clarbella, click here. All press is good press, online or offline so thanks so Time Out for (and Rachel!) for coming on down to check us out!

Clarabella makes the news with the sidewalk board summons! Evidence that folks are reading the blog;) I love it!

go to Racked.com

in the Lower East Side, of course;)

I went to my very first Bikram yoga class while on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard about 2 weeks ago. Cris was the motivator there - he’s been telling me about it for ages now. I’ve always been a bit against yoga. Not because I disagree with it or because I don’t appreciate what it does for body and mind, but more because I’m horribly inflexible. I’ve done yoga classes in the past and always felt like a bit of an idiot because I could never get into the poses and could never fully relax. For me, Bikram is the answer. The room is insanely hot. Imagine yourself sweating more than you’ve ever sweat before… you’ll sweat more than that! Surprisingly, it’s a good feeling and the heat allows for a deeper stretch. I don’t feel like a chump, I can actually get into some of the poses, and the instructors are helpful and supportive. A few friends recommended the place that I’m currently attending - Bikram Yoga LES. I went once last week, last night and again tonight. I will say that I made a few huge mistakes tonight. I ate (only a banana) too close to class, had a coffee less than 2 hours before, and wasn’t nearly hydrated enough. I felt every single one of those mistakes in class tonight and am still feeling it now! I’m sucking down water as I type and am dreading the walk back up to the L train. That said, Bikram yoga still feels incredible. I’ve felt a happy exhaustion after each class, followed by renewed energy the next day (for night classes) or later in the day (for morning classes). Excellent for runners as well - great stretching and strengthening!!

Now I’m off to pick up that Time Out New York:)

sleep well - I know I will!!

NOW LISTENING: A throwback!! DIGABLE PLANETS - “Where I’m From”

So, my dad was kind enough to help me out with the translation on this one:). One of the women he works with on the Japanese LL Bean site was able to translate. Thanks so much to you Pop for helping me out and thanks to Yumi for the translation!

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Paintings are something like casual clothing you wear everyday in this ‘modern art’ town.

Chelsea area where old factory buildings and streets with pot holes symbolized in 90s changed to a trendy gallery town now is a known fact to a lot of people. And this is why many tourists flock to this area every weekend.

In Japan, we sometimes believe that ‘art’ is something ‘not cheap’ and only for people with ‘refined taste’. But here in Manhattan, it is easier things to getting to know.

There is a few ‘Domani’ generation who can stop by after 6. Smaller galleries like this one,  the price range is very affordable and there are some who specialize particular artists. Many paintings hung in a small space are also popular style now. Art is treated as if it is a part of everyday fashion items here.

Shown here is Erin-san who resigned a record company recently who is preparing her own gallery opening. She has been collecting smaller art pieces including up-and-coming young artists’ since her 20s. She enjoys this as if she is decorating her own room.

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Strangely enough, there is no mention of my last name or of the store or where to find it. But I’ll take it! It’s exposure anyway! And how many people can say that their photo is in a Japanese fashion magazine, right?

Just a heads up - I think I might have a pretty significant press hit coming out tonight. This week’s Time Out New York should hit newsstands tonight, so check it out! I’ll post it after I see it - fingers crossed for a good one!

xo

More Press!! I had an interview with the lovely Junko Takaku a while back. She came here to the shop with her photographer, asked a bunch of questions and took a slew of photos in the shop. I knew that something would be coming out toward the end of the summer and just today a copy of Domani Magazine arrived in the mail courtesy of Junko! I’m still waiting on getting the article translated, so I’ll have text for you soon, but in the meantime, check out the exposure. Little ol’ me in a Japanese fashion magazine. I do know that the basis of her story was on multipurpose type establishments. I shared the NY section with Gallery Bar here in the Lower East Side. They run a fantastic bar that also functions as a Gallery. They show some amazing up and coming artists and have hosted some killer events. Kinda like Clarabella (but without the constant access to booze.) Junko picked my shop because she liked the layout and the combination of Accessories with Art. I tend to agree;). It seems to make people smile and that makes me smile too.

Have a good night all!

Tonight’s opening for Natalie Cox Mead’s Night Gardening was a raving success! We’ve already sold 2 pieces and have interest on two more. I sold more shoes than I’ve ever sold in one day (yay 50% off sale) and am starting to be able to see from one end of my back room to the other;). Thanks so much to Natalie for an amazing show. It was a great time all around and with this type of start, I say let’s sell the whole dang show!

You can view the photos here if you’re interested: Opening Photos - 8/23

Hope you all have a great night and we’ll see you at the next event!

Take Care,

Erin

Well, I’m sure there is a written rule somewhere that says you can only put signs out on the sidewalk next to your particular establishment. That I didn’t search this rule out is clearly my fault, and is now costing me. Aren’t there warnings for things like this? Shouldn’t the city try to help independent businesses. Shouldn’t we be cultivating rather than stifling? For those that haven’t seen, I have a chalkboard out front that I share with Fieldlines Architecture. I change it weekly depending on the art exhibit, sales, etc and have noticed that I have increased traffic from the board. It’s a great marketing tool! It’s also apparently illegal and brings a fine of $100. So, dear readers, since today marks a first in the world of Clarabella, I wanted to share it with you. I have gotten very first summons. I don’t actually have to appear, as long as I pay the ticket. As much as I hate to do it… I’m paying the ticket. Fall season has me too dang busy to go contest something at 10:30am - I’ll be here reveling in the new bags I just got in;)

Here’s the ticket - proof of my law-breaking. yee-hah.

If you’ve been with me for a while, you’ve surely heard me mentioned Honey in the Rough, the fantastic dress shop down on Rivington between Clinton and Suffolk. Ashley Hanosh has an incredible sense of style and will help you pick out a more stunning frock than you’ve ever dreamed of finding elsewhere;). After stopping by the art reception here at Clarabella tonight, make sure to pop in to see Ashley. She’s taking an extra 10% off her already marked down sale items. This is your chance to snag that dress you’ve been eyeing all season;).

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PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!

Please join me Thursday for Margaritas and an EXTRA 10% off any SALE item!!!

Where: 161 Rivington St. (Cross St. Clinton)
When: Thursday August 23st from 6 PM - 10 PM

Read what the press are saying about Honey in the Rough by visiting our web site! Click here.