clarabellanyc.com

I’m very excited. No, not just because I get tomorrow off with the promise of homemade pecan pie and a visit with my adorable little niece. Because I’ve got some very exciting news. What I’m getting at here is that you should be excited that I’m excited. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe I’ve mentioned Charmingwall in the past? Charmingwall is a fantastic little gallery in the West Village that has somehow managed to tap into my art taste and only showcase things that I think are amazing. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone here. They’ve got a great eye and have found some spectacular artists. Two of those artists also happen to be Clarabella darlings - Andrea Peterson and Bailey Saliwanchik. If you’ve been following the art at Clarabella, you’ve see them both before. (if you haven’t, feel free to click on the Gallery link to do some exploring.)

Anyway, why all this raving? Well, I’ve been in conversation with Charmingwall, and am happy to announce that Clarabella will be host to 14 matted prints from Charmingwall for December and January. We thought it might be nice to give you an idea of what they’ve got to offer. They’re not *just* a gallery. They also offer high quality prints from many of the artists they’ve represented in the past. You can buy the print solo ($20), matted ($40), or matted and framed ($80). It’s a great way to grab some unique and independent artwork without breaking the bank.
All that said, let’s get back to the beginning. I’m excited. I’m excited because I just looove these artists and am so excited to have such a wide range of their works on the wall. I’m pasting a few sample images below, but I would recommend going to check out Charmingwall for more. If you’re itching to buy now, make sure to use this code: “CBH8″. You’ll not only get the marvelously packaged print that you ordered, you’ll get a free surprise print as well. Charmingwall tells me that it’s a great one! The artists who will be displayed here are:

Andy Kehoe
Andrea L. Peterson
Bailey Saliwanchik
Dan May
Danica Novgorodoff
Devon Kelley-Yurdin
Erik Otto
Evan B. Harris
Matthew Doubek
Treasure Frey
Wendy Crabb
And… Clarabella (hearts) Charmingwall!!

[all following images courtesy of the artists and Charmingwall]

“When It Rains, It Pours” Erik Otto

“Fauna in the Forest” Matthew Doubek”

“Barnacles and Butterflies” Evan Harris

“Thrill Ride” Wendy Crabb

So… what are you waiting for??? Go check it all out:). Prints will be on display at the end of next week. I’ll give you all an exact date soon!

We’re closing in on the finish. It’s hard to believe we’ve come this far. You might now be thinking… ‘Why can’t Movember be every month?’ I hear you, I do. The level of amusement, the fact that these men selflessly offer themselves up for public humiliation… all in the name of charity. You just can’t beat it. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. (haha… fuzzy) Just in time for Thanksgiving, Clarabella is giving thanks for another round of glorious photos. Not just Binx and Fuzzy. We’ve got a new addition and some seriously entertaining photos from last Friday’s Movember Gala.

To start of the magic, let me reintroduce my favorite writer of all times… Ms…. ANNIE CHOI!!!!

—————————————————————–
I truly hope November never ends, that way I don’t have to deal with Christmas gifts or 2009 and I can keep doing these moustache bloggings. These days the men are looking so unbelievably MANLY. You can actually smell the testosterone on them. It smells a lot like guns, cars, bacon, and, interestingly enough, roses. Obviously emanating from their “sensitive” sides.

So here we go! Here’s our friend Binx.

Binx actually has not taken off his Blu-Blockers in over a week. I’m told he sleeps in them because it makes his mo’ grow faster. Chin-ups also make mo’s grow faster. Proven fact. I read it on the Internet and the Internet never lies. The furry hat is a nice addition to the ensemble too. It really sets off his stache. He kind of looks like an Alaskan lumberjack. Are there even lumberjacks in Alaska? No idea. But that’s what he looks like. He also still looks a little bit like Hulk Hogan.
—————————————————————–

Now, here’s Fuzzy.

He’s not afraid to wear yellow. I can appreciate that. Being Asian and wearing yellow is quite the challenge. Because you’re basically wearing camouflage. Camouflaging yourself on yourself. Difficult trick. Believe me I know. But he looks great! Sure, the meaning of “great” is open to interpretation, but you can’t deny that the ole’ mo’ has grown in nicely, albeit much slower than other mo’s. He gets an A for effort. Dude, you get an A! Asians really like getting A’s. It’s important to note that the five or six whiskers underneath his lower lip are impressive.  Last week I think there were only like two or three.
—————————————————————–
This is Tomed. Say hi to Tomed.

Tomed is a latecomer to the ‘mo scene. But his stache is bushy and his chest hair is, dare I say it, luxurious. If you squint real hard, he looks like Magnum P.I. Tom Selleck happens to be a personal hero of mine. Dude, Magnum P.I.! He was the only guy who could pull off little white shorts. What a man! Tomed is quite the man too. I’m not sure if he’s manly enough to pull off little white shorts though.
—————————————————————–

Do you love Mo’s? Show them your love! And if you love Tomed’s Mo, show your love by donating to Binx and Fuzzy as he’s not officially registered. He still cares though. He cares so much;).
Support Binx’s Mo.

Support Fuzzy’s Mo.

All the info… just in case links aren’t your friends today.

Movember: http://us.movember.com/

Cris’s registration #: 1391481

Yuma’s registration #: 1428161

If you’re not so keen on the online donation deal, you can send checks - Just make sure to include the name of the Mo and their registration #. Make the check payable to ‘Prostate Cancer Foundation’, referencing the Registration Number and mailing it to:

Prostate Cancer Foundation
Attn: Movember
1250 Fourth St
Santa Monica, CA, 90401

—————————————————————–

And now… for your viewing pleasure, some high points from the Movember Gala. Where we gathered to  raise money for Prostate Cancer Research while laughing at all the Mos;).

Fuzzy and Binx at dinner before the bash.

Sporty Mo’s

Ron Burgundy and Interviewee

Reckitt Moooooooostachios

Dapper Mo’s

George Michael Mo?             RENO 911 Mo!

Last but not least… the Mo Sistas!!

Hello lovelies;)

Just a heads up for this week and for the coming holiday season. I’ll make a more official posting soon, and if you’re ever unsure of whether I will be open or not, you can always check the “Info” page or just give us a call. My ‘Thanks’ in honor of ‘Thanksgiving’ is coming soon!

HOLIDAY HOURS

Thanksgiving:

Closing at 5pm on Wednesday, November 26

CLOSED on Thursday November 27

OPEN ALL WEEKEND - 25% off EVERYTHING!

Christmas:

12 - 8pm on Sunday, December 21

OPEN from 12 - 10pm on Monday, December 22

12 - 10pm on Tuesay, December 23

CLOSED December 24 - January 1

REOPEN for the New Year on January 2:)

[That’s right people… this little shopgirl is taking a real holiday vacation!! Everyone need one every now and then:)]

In between hitting all the shops for tonight’s Lower East Side Shop Night, might I suggest another activity? Maybe a quick stop over before heading this way. Clarabella’s good friend Andrea Peterson has a big opening tonight over at Cupping Room Cafe. Many of you have expressed an interest in her pieces, so you won’t want to miss this! She has 18 pieces up on the walls, many of them brand new. Tonight’s opening will feature refreshments and a musical performance at 9pm. Check it out!!

Modus R!O Trunk Show
Saturday, November 22 from 12-6pm
at Clarabella - 279 E. Houston St. (btwn Clinton and Suffolk)

I’m really excited about this one:). I’ve been working with Modus Rio/Basically Brazil designer, Sara Taublib, since before Clarabella even opened. I first met her at my very first Accessories Show and was drawn not only to her stunning line of handbags, but also to her. She is an absolute sweetheart! Sara is originally from Brazil and though she’s lived here in New York for a while now, she still does all of her production down in Rio. Brazilian leather - Sooooo nice. Come on by to check out the full line. Sara will have a slew of bags and belts for you to check out, all offered at a discounted price just for you special Clarabella shoppers. Buy for yourself, buy for a friend - no matter;). And yes… we’ll have treats. Don’t we always have treats?

I donated;)

Attention… Attention!! I have a very special announcement to make. You remember Wunderbloc? My favorite “dedicate our lives to supporting and cultivating independent retail” website? Home to my very own little online shop? Well… Wunderbloc is now taking it offline. Making a neighborhood statement. They have teamed up with the Lower East Side BID (with some TONY support as well) to put together a very special Lower East Side Shop Night.

Now… if you’re a regular here at Clarabella, you’ll remember our first LES Shop Night back in Sept ‘07, and maybe even the lovely East of Essex event in Dec. ‘07. This event promises to be all of that and much more! There are over 30 participating locations, all of whom are staying open late and plan to offer something special just for you. That’s right you. Cause we think you’re special. And we’re pretty damn fond of this neighborhood of ours as well. We want you to like it as much as we do:)

So… with all that said, you might be curious to know what Clarabella will offer. It’s not *just* a shop night. It’s a trunk show, boot sale, cocktail party! See below for info and check out the images from the event postcard. And for pete’s sake, come see me on Thursday! I promise you a good deal. The holidays are quickly approaching. Come scores some serious points by snagging something extra special this year.

LES Shop Night @ Clarabella

TRUNK SHOW
Nicole Gagne (jewelry), Nancy Kraskin (jewelry), and Tracey Tanner (Handbags and Leather Accessories)

Thursday, November 20 from 6 - 10pm

Refreshments will be served

AND - boots are still 20% off (just in case you might need a little somethin’ somethin’ for yourself!)

[click on the images to view larger]

Ahem… (tap tap) Is this thing on? Can you hear me? Yeah, hi. Welcome to Movember. If you’re just joining us, please see Movember #1 and Movember #2 for some enjoyable imagery and laugh out loud antics. And now… back by popular demand…

Ms…….    Annie……. Chooooooooooooi!!!!

——————————————————————–
Hey, how are you? I’m good, thanks. Kind of cold, huh? Wait, you know what? Let’s just skip the idle chit chat and get to the point. Another week has passed, which means more MANLY moustaches. How much more MANLY can a MAN get in just a week? Let us find out!

Here’s our friend Binx.

Remember him? You may not recognize him, but it’s Binx. Look closely, you can see him under there. Hello.

Looks like Binx did a little manscaping. Immediately, two words come to mind. The first is “mysterious.” As in “Those Blu-Blockers make Binx look mysterious” or “The growth on Binx’s face is mysterious, I recommend seeing a health professional.” The second word that comes to mind is “Hulk Hogan.” I guess that’s technically two words. Sue me. If Binx were tanner and blonder and had a bushier, longer moustache and maybe, just maybe, hit the gym a little more, he would look exactly like Hulk Hogan. Exactly. Keep it up, Binx! Make us proud to pretend to not know you!

——————————————————————–
Now we have Fuzzy.

I had a lot of hope for Fuzzy last week. Since he is of the Asian persuasion, I know that growing a moustache is extra challenging. Genetics are just not on his side. However, last week it appeared that he was busting through the Asian genome and growing in a fine, fine stache. But this week, I learned about Fuzzy’s limitations. There has been no significant growth, and, let’s face it, he looks a little bit like a off duty male stripper. There, I said it. Listen, I’m sorry Yuma. I think everyone liked it better when you were naked. Fuzzy’s stache needs an injection of MAN. Go do some push-ups or something.

Week three is when the magic will happen. It is also when the men will go home for the holidays and show off how MANTASTIC they are to their families. MEN, YOU BETTER STEP UP YOUR GAME FOR WEEK THREE. GO BIG OR GO HOME. That is what my mom always told me.

Some advice: Eat more bacon.

————————————————————-

There you have it Ladies and Gentlemen. The unbeatable, unstoppable, utterly famous and hilarious ANNIE CHOI. Go visit her over at Annietown. You won’t regret it. You’ll laugh. Maybe even twice or 10 times.

And seriously… did you do something great today? No? Well pony up and donate a little for Prostate Cancer Research. Guys - this is the kind of thing that could save your life someday… or the life of a friend. Ladies… you love guys, right? Show them! What better way to show your support than to donate a little (even just $1!!) and get a few laughs in return:). Do it - Do it now.

Support Binx’s Mo.

Support Fuzzy’s Mo.

All the info… just in case links aren’t your friends today.

Movember: http://us.movember.com/

Cris’s registration #: 1391481

Yuma’s registration #: 1428161

If you’re not so keen on the online donation deal, you can send checks - Just make sure to include the name of the Mo and their registration #. Make the check payable to ‘Prostate Cancer Foundation’, referencing the Registration Number and mailing it to:

Prostate Cancer Foundation
Attn: Movember
1250 Fourth St
Santa Monica, CA, 90401

A little extra info in case you still aren’t sure about making a donation:

** All donations  are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

** The money raised by Movember is donated directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation which will use the funds for high-impact research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.

Did you know:

**Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the US with one in six American men developing the disease and more than 28,000 men dying of the disease every year.

** African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease and should have regular annual testing starting at 45. All other men should commence testing at 50.

** Prostate cancer is 90% curable if detected and treated early.

Okay readers… get ready to have your minds blown! How, you might ask, do I intend to do that? Well… by stepping aside, of course. Stepping aside for a very special guest blogger. The one… the ONLY…

Annie Choi

(cue roaring applause and if you’re going to throw something, for pete’s sake, throw puppies. Who doesn’t love puppies)

You may know Annie as the author of Happy Birthday or Whatever, an insanely hilarious book that hit stores worldwide back in April of 2007. Or maybe you know her as the woman who brings life to the blog world down at Annietown. Or you may just know her from wandering around the streets of Soho, finding a kindred spirit in heckling the locals and the tree that smells like goat dung. Annie is a friend and one of the few people in this world who can make me laugh until I’m actually concerned I might pee my pants. So, without further pause, I present this week’s Movember update, courtesy of Annie Choi of Annietown. [need to catch up? Check out last week’s post to meet the Mo’s]

—————————————————————

Hello, friends, this is Annie Choi here. Yes, THAT Annie Choi, not that fake one you see on TV. This is the real deal, not some imposter. I am doing my part for Movember by donating cash monies and by raising awareness by commenting on these Mo bros.

First up, we have Binx.

I have to say, Binx is the man’s man. In a week or so, he has managed to grow quite the lawn. Clearly he has fertile soil on that there face. I’m not sure what he is growing though. It’s obviously not a moustache. It’s not shaped in any distinct fashion either. There are actually two ways of looking at this situation. The first is that the growth is creating a blank canvas. Binx can make a goatee, a moustache, some mutton chops, a fu Manchu, or, heaven forbid, a soul patch. Not even Samuel L. Jackson can pull off a soul patch. But, Binx could be preparing for something unbelievably mind blowing to shave into his face. The second interpretation is that he’s lazy. Listen, I’m not going to judge yet. Binx, I’m watching you. Step up your game. BE A WINNER.

Now here’s Fuzzy.

First of all, he’s naked. The man does not care. He says, look, I’m naked, I have a moustache, you can all just go F yourself because this is me. Raw and beautiful. This gives him major points, but I’m not sure what the points are for. It could be like one of those games where getting points is bad. Hard to say, really. But the moustache is impressive. It’s grown in quite nicely, has a nice shape, nice color. But what really blows my mind is that Fuzzy is ASIAN. He has somehow overcome genetics to grow facial hair. It took Confucius about fifteen years to grow his beard. No joke, he didn’t shut up about it either. So what I’m saying here is that Yuma gets mad, mad props. The entire continent of Asia is pulling for him. I would give him a cookie or some kind of treat but I will wait for him to get his clothes on first.

OK, men, good job. I look forward to what’s to come. Hopefully by then you’ll either look like a porn star or a cop. Or both. You can be both.

—————————————————————

Thank you Ms. Annie Choi. Your words are inspiring and just made me giggle like a 6 year old. Really. Stay tuned for more updates everyone. Picture #3 will come at in you in less than a week. Then, we’ll all get to contemplate how much fun it will be for both of our infamous Mos to travel home to spend cozy Thanksgivings with their families - showing off their Mos. Good times.

And seriously… did you do something great today? No? Well pony up and donate a little for Prostate Cancer Research. Guys - this is the kind of thing that could save your life someday… or the life of a friend. Ladies… you love guys, right? Show them! What better way to show your support than to donate a little (even just $1!!) and get a few laughs in return:). Do it - Do it now.

Support Binx’s Mo.

Support Fuzzy’s Mo.

All the info… just in case links aren’t your friends today.

Movember: http://us.movember.com/

Binx’s registration #: 1391481

Fuzzy’s registration #: 1428161

If you’re not so keen on the online donation deal, you can send checks - Just make sure to include the name of the Mo and their registration #. Make the check payable to ‘Prostate Cancer Foundation’, referencing the Registration Number and mailing it to:

Prostate Cancer Foundation
Attn: Movember
1250 Fourth St
Santa Monica, CA, 90401

A little extra info in case you still aren’t sure about making a donation:

** All donations  are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

** The money raised by Movember is donated directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation which will use the funds for high-impact research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.

Did you know:

**Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the US with one in six American men developing the disease and more than 28,000 men dying of the disease every year.

** African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease and should have regular annual testing starting at 45. All other men should commence testing at 50.

** Prostate cancer is 90% curable if detected and treated early.

Well… on the train, anyway. My lovely cousin Tara has a charitable event planned for tomorrow evening down in Rumson, NJ. Clarabella has been asked to sell at the event - spreading news about this little shop, making new friends and contributing 15% of proceeds to Parents of Autistic Children (P.O.A.C). I’ll be packing up an assortment of jewelry, shoes and handbags into my traveling bag tonight, and will hop on the train in the morning. With that said, please note that Clarabella will be CLOSED tomorrow, November 13. She will reopen on Friday, November 14. I’ll be taking some photos and will keep you posted on the evening’s events. And have no fear, there are plenty of upcoming in shop events to keep us city-folk occupied and highly satisfied;).

See you soon!!