A New Kind of Art

Alicia Piller has designed many things—bags, paintings, and even candy boxes. But her most prized possession has been the birth of her own business, Designs by Alicia P.

It all started four years ago when Alicia was laid off from an unfulfilling design job. Realizing that she could make more money doing what she loved, she decided to launch a line of paintings, suede & beaded jewelry, and hand-painted clothing; all made by Alicia P. herself.

But she didn’t stop there.

Each garment has intricately arranged letters, shapes and lines…on washable fabric paint. And her jewelry intertwines crystals and semi-precious beads creating lightweight suede works of art. “My works appeals to literally everyone—the young and the old,” says Alicia.

When asked which is her favorite to design, Alicia excitedly screams: “Couture! I love to make weird and crazy elaborate things. I really enjoy painting free-hand designs too—I can let my mind go wherever it wants.”

Currently, Alicia is busy designing innerwear and dresses for a solo fashion show later in the year.

For more information visit http://www.designsbyaliciap.com.

Shopping with Green Envy, Cured

Have a thing for drop-dead delicious eco-friendly clothing, yoga and light snacks? On Thursday, March 19^th, designer Stewart + Brown is teaming up with YogaWorks to host a “Yoga and Shopping” event benefiting New Yorkers for a Green New York.

Sit back and unwind as Howard Brown of Stewart + Brown discusses how to be more eco-conscious from day to day, then learn about the importance of going green from Annie Churchill, founder of New Yorkers for a Green New York. Also included in the mix of festivities is a 15-minute Chair Yoga Class developed to demonstrate how easy it is to incorporate yoga into everyday life…smart, smart, smart.

While you’re at it, be sure to check out Stewart + Brown clothing as well as the YogaWorks Signature Collection. Make a purchase at the event, and 10% of it goes straight to the charity. Another good thing.

What: Yoga + Shopping for Charity Event

Where: YogaWorks SoHo, 78 Grand Street, Ground Floor

When: Thursday, March 19th, 7 to 9pm

RSVP: sarahp@tractenberg.com

Shop & Mingle Takes Over Harlem

Every year Shop & Mingle takes over Harlem and displays fashionable styles from emerging designers. But this year the annual Shop & Mingle is taking over a 64,000 square foot theater arts complex, meaning extra room for savvy shopping.

Featured designers showcasing their hottest threads and accessories include: Harriet’s Alter Ego, My Funky Twisted Soul, Rebel Chic, Tahajo Memory Lane by Toya and much more.

The weekend-long event not only includes shopping, but complimentary beauty makeovers by Imena, DJ’s spinning on the one’s and two’s and an open bar for the 21 and over crew.

Where: National Black Theater (2031-33 Fifth Avenue b/t 125th and 126th)
When: Saturday, December 6 3pm - 9pm; Sunday, December 7, 1pm - 7pm.
Cost: FREE!!!

Sponsors for the event include Zipcar, Fusicology, Uptown Magazine, Harlem Brewing Company, The L Magazine, Larabar, Robert's American Gourmet, Experience Harlem, FEED, Miss Jessie's, Dr. Miracles, Imena Inc, The New York Sports Club, www.going.com and Frank 151.

And to top it off, you get a free gift bag with any purchase (of course only while supplies last)

More Space. More Shopping. More Fun.

RSVP Here

As Seen On Screen

While waiting for the 1 train on my way to work this morning, I happed to stumble across this UK-based internet retailer dedicated to celeb finds for cheap (well, kind of). It’s called www.asos.com and seriously the stuff is pretty cute.

My first find? A Button Back Shirt in the style of Jessica Alba for £25.00.