Bright Lights, Big City

I spent the weekend in upstate New York celebrating my younger brother's graduation (Go Benjamin!) and even though I was only away from the city for two days it felt like an eternity. There's something about the pace, the sounds, the smells, that makes you feel that while you're not here you're definitely missing out on something. So I'm relieved to be back in the thick of it, and I'm newly aware of how great my neighborhood is. The East Village still has a connection to Old New York, or at least that gritty, bohemian, New York of my dreams. Check out this great video BUST shot in the EV, featuring one of our neighborhood's characters: Ms. Chloë Sevigny.

So Hip It Hurts

Opening Ceremony is one of those New York City stores that's great to "fantasy browse" in, because it's so completely out of my price range, and most of their inventory caters to toothpicks. Sure, they have a great collection of independent designers, but my wallet's looking for items that are a little easier to swallow. That said, Opening Ceremony's cool factor is unparalleled when it comes to downtown boutiques, and a big part of that has to do with the celebrity affiliations it garners. Their design collaboration with Chloë Sevigny has proven to be quite popular, and they were one of the first U.S. stores to carry Top Shop. Now it looks like Jason Schwartzman and Kirsten Dunst have joined the fray with this short film by his cousin, Gia Coppola, which showcases clothing from the store. The film also features music by Schwartzman's band Coconut Records. Ah to be young, wealthy, and famous...