Holiday Shopping In New Rochelle

 

The Curtain Shop

With exactly 7 days before Christmas, the desperation gift shopping is about commence. Don't get caught scrounging the Malls for nicely decorated junk. Why not do your shopping in the Tony Community of New Rochelle?  Here are my picks for best places to shop for quality holiday goods in New Rochelle:

The Curtain Shop-
Located on 541 Main Street, this shop du jour has the perfect gifts for the home at great prices. Stop in and trust me the service and selection are unbeatable. Make sure to go upstairs and investigate what I call a homeowners haven.

Just Funki-
For the woman/man who is into adorning their body in precious stones, Just Funki is the place to be. Each handmade piece is a work of art. If you are looking for something unique look no further. As a bonus, the girts are wrapped free of charge in the most decorative box with a satin ribbon.

Just Funki 37 Division Street 

Alvin Clayton Artiste - 
As the owner of Alvin & Friends, Alvin Clayton holds court in his richly decorated restaurant on Lawton avenue. The food is spectacular and the art adorning the walls is featured in several galleries and you can take a piece home with our after you dine- for a fee of course.

Alvin Clayton 

Sweet Preserves-
Why pay 5th Avenue prices if you don't have to? Sweet Preserves everything you need for that high end hunger. Furs, handbags, jewelery and designer goods. All of the items are in the best condition and the prices can't be beat!

Valentino Cuff - Sweet Preserves 

No Faux Pas Here- Etiquette the easy way

Author Inga Watkins & Just Funki Owner Rhonda 

Have you checked your manners lately? Well, if you haven't, maybe its time you picked up Faux Pas to Fabulous!  The book is the brainchild of the Emily Post of New Rochelle, Inga Joseph Watkins. This New Rochelle model, mother & merchandizing degree holder is the CEO and founder of Modelquette.  She has worked with Calvin Klein, Whitney Houston and Brandi just to name a few! Her trademarked company is a brand worth investing in- and many guests at her book signing @ Just Funki agreed.

She has perfected the art of balancing multiple roles effortlessly or shall I say etiquettely.  I picked up a copy of her go-to guide for manners and enjoyed the witty tips and antidotes. The book has a target audience from 8-80 and beyond. Being Faux Pas is never in style, so learn the art of class by getting her book while supplies last.

Me with Author & CEO Inga Watkins 

Bench Press - Take a Seat..Anywhere

Bench Press Seating

Part of my Gallery ROC tour included this super invention to portably park your posterior -Bench Press. Don't be fooled by the name, this nifty creation has nothing to do with pumping iron. It is all about having a seat whilst waiting on a bus. Along the Q39 & B57 bus routes; there are tons of stops however, no place to sit - unless you count an aggressive looking fire hydrant or two. I chatted up the guys from BROLAB and marveled at the craftsmanship of their posthaste chaise. Check out video Bench Press -BRO LAB

                           

Gallery ROC- If These Walls Could Talk

Gallery ROC

The ArtsFest kickoff Thursday night brought out the art aficionados in Westchester. Gallery ROC, at 2 Division street was a labyrinth of liquid latex. Purveyors meandered from studio to studio ogling canvass and sculptures. If you did not come out for the preview, you should definitely check out the gallery soon, the piece I was coveting vanished right before my eyes (sigh). The downtown area is quickly becoming -The "Williamsburg of Westchester" with all of the gallery and shops opening up, you may have to make a reservation to be part of the sensation.

Ladies Night - Get Funki and Fancy

37 Division Street New Rochelle, NY 914.738.3822

Celebrate You...

  Introduce Art to your Wardrobe ! 

Saturday August 4th from 5-8

 Join Rhonda Hamilton, Jewelry Designer and Owner of Just Funki for Wine and Appetizers, as she shares how to update your wardrobe with a few pieces of Beautiful Unique Jewelry.  

You will also have a chance to: Win a Pair of Handcrafted Earrings!!

 

2 Division Street- Artist Studio Cohesive

David Humphrey 

 Something vivid comes to 2 Division street. After a full renovation, this incredibly desirable location is now home to The New Rochelle Gallery Artist Studios. With two floors of wonderfully laid out personal artist studios, you can now live out your dream to become the next Vincent VanGogh without having to sell your ear to pay the rent.  The spacious studios range from $700-$1000 per month and this includes heat and electricity. All spaces have keyless entry and video intercom systems. A few rooms also have enviable natural light that filters in though a sloped skylight. Painter David Humphrey and fine artist Maryana Oliynyk selected room 207 as their chromatic workshop. If you are interested in one of the spaces, contact  Ralph DiBart @ralphdibart@rcn.com. Do not delay, the spaces are going even before the paint dries.

                                

                                            Maryana Oliynyk

Flowers by Sutton -A Kiss from a Rose

                                         www.flowersbysutton.com

 On the southern most corner of Huguenot and Division street sits Sutton Florist. This family owned business provides green thumb service for their customers and treats each order with the utmost urgency. Husband and wife team Bobby and Meredith are in horticultural harmony as the family cat maneuvers amongst the orchids and azalea's.

The orchid I purchased in February was in great need of some TLC so I brought it back to Bobby. He took one look at it and said that I had over-watered the plant and should let it dry out a bit. He was correct. No less than six weeks later did my orchid blossom again and this time with an extra flower.  Sutton Florist, a flower shop where you do not have to be a genius to find the right genus.

Just Funki - Being Funky Never Smelled So Sweet

                                                     ON FIRE
In the era of non-conformist and individualism, Just Funki arrived right on time. Today marks the grand opening and I expect every patron exiting the store will be adorned in baubles and finery's with a unique flair. Each handmade piece is a one of a kind original.  As a Parsons School of Design graduate, Rhonda Hamilton has worked painstakingly for years perfecting the art of jewelry making. Her earrings, necklaces and bracelets are earthy yet modern enough for everyday wear. One look at her exotic collection and you may be inspired to take a safari or a trip to the Alps.

                                                       ROYALTY
Located at the Division Street entrance of the Avalon building, Just Funki will get the attention it deserves from passers by. She carrys a line of organic jewelry and even a tastefully done men's collection. Just Funki is the third shop to open on Division street in the past month. The scent of optimism is in the air for New Rochelle and being "FUNKI" suits me just fine.

                                                       SO BE IT                                             
                                                www.justfunki.com

Kaffeine - Bean There Done That

Kaffeine, the espresso bar on Division street, reopened last Saturday with new owners. Closed since December, they opened just in time for warm weather ice coffees and sweet treats.  The name is the same but, the change is obvious. The new menu is more than just cupcakes. It includes croissants, scones and bagels with hearty portions of bacon and eggs. There is not much improvement from the previous decor of simple tables and chairs. I anticipate that they will be adding a few personal touches in the forthcoming weeks.

The owners, New Rochelle fixtures who own El Greco Pizza & Gyro -strategically located around the corner on Memorial Highway; believe in the idea of small business and community building. They recently sold Brickyard Bistro, which reopened as a sports bar last month. Feeling the void that their beloved coffee shop left when it closed, they felt compelled to reopen it and service the fatigued and sleep deprived market with a jolt of java. Hopefully this time it kicks in.

                          Find them on Facebook @ Kaffeine New Rochelle

AOC Wines- Grapes of Wrath

One third of the AOC wine franchise located in  Greenwich and Columbus Circle; this AOC  location could use a drink.  Despite being located on the busy corner of Huguenot and Division, this shop is typically empty most evenings. The tinted glass could give one the impression that they are not open to the public.  Or maybe it's the simplistic warehouse design that deters browsing or impulse purchases.  Whist the stock is adequate, an oenophile may find the selection meager. There are several organic wines that are a good value and worth a try. The store manager was helpful but, did not make any suggestions outside of the vintage I requested.
AOC offers wine paring suggestions and free classes once a month. While I think the location is perfect, they need to work on making the experience one that is fine like wine.

Must: There are many $20 palate pleasing wines
Bust:  The shop is unwelcoming and has a warehouse feel

Posto 22 - Italy comes to Division Street

Strategically placed in the center of Division street is Posto 22. On this unseasonably warm April evening the doors were open to create the illusion of a sidewalk eatery while exposing  smells from within. Hungry commuters jockeyed for position at the bar to watch the Knicks game and feast on complimentary rolls. The room is sparsely decorated and has an airy quality. There is an outdoor patio in the rear of the restaurant as well as a dinging room that could be used for private events. 

The scene is family friendly and  portions are ample.Tuesdays are 1/2 off bottles and glasses of wine and the selection consists of Italian favorites.If you go, try the margherita pizza and the cheese ravioli. carbs are not your enemy at Posto.

Must: Tuesday 1/2 off bottles
Bust: The room gets crowded and loud.

                                                          

                                                                    www.posto22.com