WHAT: Aloha Rag New Year Sale

WHY: Merchandise from Alexander Wang, Elizabeth & James, Jil Sander, and more is 50 to 70 percent off in-store and online at Aloha Rag’s New Year’s sale.

WHEN: Through 2/15, M–S (11–7), Su (noon–6).

WHERE: 505 Greenwich St., at Spring St.

I was hoping I wouldn’t have to re-report the success of Restaurant Week in light of our lovely recession (although retail sales have been up for the past two months), but here we are. Same shit, different day.

So it’s restaurant week, and I’m trying my best to impersonate someone who is actually enthused about this. In fact, I reached to the bowels of food reviewer hell to look up the website and pick a restaurant just trek to in the rain and fake feeling happy about eating…for less.  A daunting task, but some poor sap’s gotta do it. Here’s what I’ve come up with. Excuse the moaning and griping; I’ve been hanging out with a lot of French people.

My picks for the week are 10 Downing and Bond Street. I saw DBGB on the list, but A) Been there. Done that, although yet to report. and B) You can afford it without restaurant week. Yeah, newsflash to places like Club Room (puke), Restaurant Week’s original purpose, which has since been madly muddled, is to bring normal ‘ol folk exquisite cuisine that, under normal circumstances, would break the bank.

Why? 10 Downing because you can enjoy art while you eat, the pleasant atmosphere keeps for an even keeled, but never boring, crowd, and  the striped bass makes me want to float on a heavenly cloud to that dream diner in the sky. Maybe you can afford it without restaurant week, but their menu rocks. Do it.

And Bond Street because I’ve had their Restaurant Week menu several times as well as eaten there more times than I can count, and think it’s in the running for the best sushi in New York City. If it weren’t so cliche, I’d call it my favorite restaurant in New York. The carpaccio makes me teary and every piece of fish melts in my pretty pink mouth. Do it too.

Oh, riiiiiiiight… I seem to have overlooked you newbies. For those of you who haven’t eaten at all of the classic Restaurant Week spots yet, I’ve pulled them from the ghastly Restaurant Week list. You can thank me any time.

In no particular order: Megu, Tao, Le Cirque, The River Cafe, Morimoto, Nobu - if and only if you are absolutely broke and cannot go sans Restaurant Week, i Trulli, China Grill, and Delmonico’s.

These classics have graced the Restaurant Week list for years, so book in advance because the tourists are going to be swarming. Newbies take note, write these down and visit some this week - or month- and the rest the next time Restaurant Week comes around, which, in this economy, will be here before you can say “2009 was the most boring summer ever.” Then breathe easy knowing you can forget about Restaurant Week like the rest of New Yorkers.

NYC Restaurant Week  July 12-31  Average dinners $35 & lunch $25

Bon Appetite!

[Daily Mail UK By Elsa Mcalonan] 

Do you know what you’re putting on your hair? A recent global survey revealed that 55per cent of women are confused about which products they should be using. And the report, commissioned by Dove, revealed that 57per cent of women are disappointed with the products they buy. We asked award-winning hair stylist PHIL SMITH to share some of the best kept salon secrets.
Do you need to wash your hair twice or is it just a ploy to get us to buy more shampoo?

This depends how often you wash your hair. If you wash it every other day, it won’t be necessary to shampoo twice. However, if you haven’t washed your hair for a week, two washes would be advisable.

Should you have your hair trimmed every six weeks?

Having a trim this often will maintain the shape of your style, especially for people with shorter hair. Eight to ten weeks is usually sufficient for those with longer hair.

Can you get salon results at home with a DIY colourant?

No, it’s always best to seek professional advice from a colourist, as they are the experts. They will also be able to advise on the best colour for your skin tone. Some of the at-home products are better than others, though. I’d recommend a brand like L’Oreal.

Do you need conditioner or, again, is it just to make us buy more products?

All hair needs conditioner to keep it looking its best. But choosing the right product for your hair type is vital. Don’t apply too much conditioner and try a few products until you find one that suits your hair.

When should you use styling products such as serum, wax and gloss sprays?

Styling products are best used after your blow dry, once your hair is completely dry and in a style and shape you are happy with. Serums will help alleviate fluffiness and a putty-type product will add texture and separation to shorter styles.
Is it worth buying expensive product ranges that are exclusive to salons?

There are some fantastic products available, so it’s worth trying them. But which are perfect if you don’t want to break the bank.

Is it worth forking out for expensive organic and chemical-free products?

This is down to personal preference. These products are often popular with people who have sensitive skin. Nowadays many of the ingredients used in regular products are less harsh than in the past.

Do heat protection products protect hair that much against heat styling?

Yes,they do make a difference. Everybody who uses electrical products, especially straightening irons, heated rollers and curling tongs, should protect their hair from heat damage.

How can you be sure what your hair type is so you can choose the right products?

If you’re unsure what your hair type is, speak to your stylist.

Do products that are specifically for curly or straight hair really make a difference? Or is it more about how we treat and style our hair?

Yes, they do. But it’s important to use the products correctly. Follow the instructions or ask your hairdresser for advice on how much to use and whether to apply it just to the roots or ends or throughout the hair. Often, people use too much or too little product. If you’re not happy with the result first time, persevere until you get used to working with the product. Sometimes it’s trial and error.

 
[Daily Mail UK By Elsa Mcalonan]

[Daily Mail Reporter ]

“Shopping guru Mary Portas is back on our screens - and she’s turning her attention to the world of charity shopping. Here are her top tips for charity chic.