Accessories Yes: Afaze in Manhattan Mall

For me, accessorizing extends to an occasional hat (particularly when I've got 2-inch roots), a Wendy Brandes necklace, my engagement and wedding rings, and sometimes a scarf. I even try to eliminate the purse when possible. Yes, I don't care for bags. But whenever I wander into the small but well-culled Afaze at Manhattan Mall, I find something to buy. The other day it was this straw hat (I'm very fair-skinned so big straw hats are all I buy in the summer):

Last season it was this headband:

I get compliments on this every time I remember to wear it (it's a little too much accessorizing for me). Afaze also has another favorite thing of mine: a standing rack full of Braza girl remedies. I could browse this for an hour, I swear. I'm fascinated by clever Braza products. Whispers, tape, petals, Afaze has a great representation of this line...
















...including the "Secret Stash." For a girl who hates bags, I can only say "Where have you been my whole life?"





Afaze Manhattan Mall, level one, 32nd & 6th Avenue

Shoes, Fries, and Accessories

What an afternoon. First, Pat Field for Payless shoes on sale (see tomorrow's post), then a little Manhattan Mall wandering inspired by a Racked Twitter request, and last, a perfect, just-a-step-above fast food burger & curly fries at Bruce's Burger. All I needed for more perfection was a McDonald's shake.

I dropped by Afaze in Manhattan Mall as earlier in the day Racked twittered the need for those plastic backs for earrings. Which reminded me of my dire need for these as I seem to always lose one in every pair of earrings I own (blame cats...). Where to find? Mirthful33 was lovely enough to twitter back: Claire's or Afaze in Manhattan Mall. Really one of my most productive twittering sessions yet.

But sadly, Afaze no longer carries the plastic backs. I'm checking out the bead stores on 6th Avenue later this week. Here's what Afaze did have:

A few baubles in the line of this spring's "ethnic" trend:


You could wear that headband across your forehead ala Arden Wohl, but then I may have to send Cousin Phil over to torture you.

Bright pink and green faux-skin clutches, $22, what's not to love? Afaze is like a grown-up Claire's. One can get a little lost in there. And I'm very excited with the Manhattan Mall progress. No JCPenney yet, but everything's looking all shiny and modern.

Afaze, Manhattan Mall level 1, 33rd & 6th Ave.
Bruce's Burger, 1 Penn Plaza in Kmart corridor, 34th & 7th. Or, right around the corner from the awesome Garrett Popcorn.

Ooo La Scary

Certainly all us girls want to be for Halloween is a fairy princess, right? Um, not exactly. As anyone who’s been out on October 31st in New York City knows, Halloween is the big excuse to dress super sexy. Unfortunately, this usually means about 3 million French maids partying around the island. So please, pack away the feather duster and visit Manhattan Mall where you can pick up a very trampy costume (and I’m not talking hobos).

A New York Halloween standby, Ricky’s, has a temporary costume mega-store on the second floor. Horror masks, vampira wigs, and every kind of sexy costume your significant other can imagine are all at Ricky's. There’s the classic “sexy schoolgirl” ($54.99) or the updated “boarding schoolgirl” which is, of course, more expensive ($62.99). The “vixen pirate wench” ($67.99) should be popular this year, and don't miss "border babe" ($57.99, right), my personal favorite. Check out the binoculars, truly scary.

Afaze on the street level at Manhattan Mall also has a wall full of slinky costumes that run about $50.00. These include the sexy policewoman (left, she should hang with "border babe"), the sexy nurse (an acceptable classic), and the sexy bumblebee (right), stinger, wings and all. Odd but very cute.

What else does the Herald recommend for this costumed night? A very long coat to cover you up as you tramp your way home or hail a cab. A safe and sexy holiday to all.

Manhattan Mall, 100 W. 33rd at 6th Avenue, 212-465-0500

Just a Notion

Isn't it the little things in life that truly make you happy? You know, like belts, scarves, and sweet, shiny objects we like to call "jewelry." We'll scour the district weekly and stay on the hunt for the odd bits and notions that keep you looking less sedate and more Kate (you know, the fashion icon that launched a skull revolution).

This week Manhattan Mall is our source for perfect little nothings. Go mad for the plaid cap (right) and adopt that whole hunting look you love for fall. And do it for $9.50 at Wet Seal on the second level.

For some beautiful scarves (around $48), visit Enzo Angiolini on level 2. And although a good knockoff for the hot Balenciaga scarf for fall is tough to find, here's one from Wet Seal that incorporates similar colors. On Racquel, left, for $10.50.

Wet Seal also has big chunky necklaces on sale now for $3.99, (black one on Sarah at right) and a hot pink necktie. Wear it traditional or more "je ne sais quoi," (near left, $6.50). It'll be rocked by, well, a hot rock chick. Very '80's redux.

And there's no more ignoring the sock. It's even getting layered, so buy different colored argyles, polka dots and stripes because they're 3 for $9 at Afaze on the ground level. Another deal is the Sweet by Amanda Bynes belts at Steve and Barry's (level 2). They cost only $5.98. Buy this round-buckle version with studs.

Check in again soon for more Manhattan Mall discoveries.

Manhattan Mall, 100 W. 33rd at 6th Avenue, 212-465-0500