Antoinette Alexander
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Antoinette Alexander has traded in the Space Needle for the Statue of Liberty and today is a writer in Manhattan. Despite being thousands of miles away, the Pacific Northwest remains near to her heart. Eager to share with 425 readers what’s hot, hip and cool on the bustling streets of New York City, Alexander is keeping her “eye on style” as a contributing writer for 425.
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SAM FLAX NEW YORK
What started as an art supply business from a pushcart in 1920 has over the years grown into an impressive art, gift and office supply business known today as Sam Flax. While the Flax and Sam Flax stores around the country are independently owned and operated, the two Sam Flax New York stores have common ownership. In 2004, the Sam Flax flagship store opened its doors at 900 3rd Ave. in Manhattan, just several blocks away from Bloomingdale’s.The flagship store has 9,000 square feet of showroom on two levels and features all the products that Sam Flax New York has been known for, including photo frames and albums, custom framing, classic modern office furniture, fine art and graphic art supplies, journals, decorative papers and stationery and stylish laptop totes.
425 Twist: Bellevue Art and Frame is one of the oldest art supply stores on the Eastside. It began as Bucket and Brush, a home decorating store, in 1962. Ownership has since changed hands and it has become a full-service art supply store. Details: bellevueartandframe.com
UNIQUE FURNITURE
Why not bring some color to the bedroom with the help of New York interior designer Johanna Santos from Deco by Designers Inc. Her Victorian and art deco nail head-styled headboards prove that style doesn’t start and end with your hot Louboutins. She mixes textures and materials for a chic and refined look, which, with even the simplest crisp white sheets, creates panache in any room and easily turns your bedroom into an oasis far away from a hard day at the office. Prices range from $500 to $3,000 and are customized to twin, full, queen, king, or any other size needed. Deco by Designers accepts all custom orders and ships nationally.
425 Twist: Looking for more unique items for your home, including fancy headboards? Go to JZ Rose in Bellevue Square. They have more Victorian-inspired items to make your home one-of-a-kind. Details: jz-rose.com.
2009 COLOR REPORT
New York Fashion Week was held earlier this year and designers have apparently recognized the desire for fundamental basics that speak to the current economic conditions, yet they also understand the importance of vibrant color. Given this, Pantone, an authority on color for the design industries, says the fall 2009 palette “is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past.” As fall fashions hit store shelves we are likely to see a broad spectrum of color. The top 10 fall 2009 colors, according to Pantone, are: American Beauty, a true red; Purple Heart; Honey Yellow; Iron; Crème Brulée; Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray; Burnt Sienna; Rapture Rose; Warm Olive; and Majolica Blue.
425 Twist: Mark your calendars now for The Bellevue Collection’s annual fashion week that takes place in September — and usually spans nine days! From posh parties to runway shows, it’s not to be missed. Check their Web site for more fashion-related events throughout the year. Details: bellevuesquare.com
VERO MIDTOWN
In an earlier issue of 425 magazine, Eye on Style featured Vero, a quaint wine bar nestled in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Now, Vero has expanded with the opening of a Midtown location at 1004 2nd Ave. Given its location, this newest addition is an ideal spot for an after-work drink if you happen to be in New York City on business (or even if you are just out on the town and are looking for a nice wine bar). This location also has a tasty menu featuring such dishes as braised short rib tacos and empanadas with duck confit. Plus, if you stop by on a Monday night you can enjoy a free panini with your wine.
425 Twist: You might get free paninis with your wine in New York, but at Jerzy’s Wine Bar in Redmond, you get a free belly dancing show with your wine on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Fridays at 10 p.m. Add baked brie and raspberry chutney tapas and what else could you want? Details: jerzyswinebar.com
IRISH INSPIRATION
If you find yourself in downtown Manhattan in search of an after-work hot spot, check out Ulysses’ at 95 Pearl St. This Irish pub, wrought in stone, metal and dark wood, is a great place to unwind after a long workday. As the drinks flow, rock and dance hits pump throughout and it isn’t unlikely that a few patrons may even get up and dance as the night goes on. Plus, if the weather is warm, outside on cobbled Stone Street is a great drinking and dining area that is sure to draw a large crowd.
425 Twist: Paddy Coyne’s, a local Irish pub and restaurant, recently opened in Bellevue’s Lincoln Square. The restaurant offers Irish staples such as soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and Guinness-braised Irish stew, plus many other delectable treats. Paddy Coyne’s occupies the abandoned location of Koot’s Green Tea. Details: paddycoynes.net
For the full story pick up the latest copy of 425 magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 425.646.1380 or you may order your subscription online.
