Candy Plum Press
OK! Magazine |
||||||||||
Romantic DateJersey Shore: Reality show stars Ronnie Magro and Sammi Giancola go on a special date in New York City and talk romance with OK!. Click Here to Read Full Article By Gregory Goode 1/12/2010 |
|
|||||||||
Greenpoint Star |
||||||||||
Band of BusinessesIn the face of one of the most uncertain economic periods in history, businesses in Astoria are proving that ‘survival of the fittest’ is a philosophy that isn’t going to fly in this town. Instead of trying to undercut each other, popular area boutiques Candy Plum and KrisTEES have been co-sponsoring special shopping events such as designer’s markets in which designers that are stocked in each boutique showcase their products at one venue. “We figured we’re both small businesses in Astoria, so rather than working against each other, working together would benefit our businesses,” said Cynthia Radalj, owner of Candy Plum, a store with nearly 70 percent handmade items from local designers, including some clothing and a larger selection of accessories. KrisTees is a bit different, a boutique featuring mostly contemporary women’s apparel that is casual yet suitable for the office and after-work gatherings. However, owner Kristie Foster, a self-described 13-year veteran of the fashion industry, shares Radalj’s desire to promote local designers. “Coming from the design world, I think it’s important to have someone believe in your product,” said Foster, who is a former fashion designer herself. “I’m flattered they approached me to have their stuff displayed in my store.” Radalj added that Queens’ boutique scene is a breeding ground for designers with raw talent, where trends are set instead of followed like in Manhattan’s boutiques. “It’s about fresh ideas, and we get them first. The neighborhood is changing and more and more people are moving in,” said Radalj. “Astoria’s like the new Brooklyn.” But it’s not only boutique owners who are banding together at this time. Kristen Connolly, owner of Brick Café, often lends her restaurant to be used for designer events even though there is little correlation between fashion and cuisine. She admitted that they even share a market, as customers often must decide whether to spend their money on new clothing and accessories or eating a meal out. “We have a combined client base but it’s nice for the customers. They get to enjoy a nice night out and hang out with friends,” said Connolly. “It’s always good energy here whether or not you buy something.” Nearly all the tables in one of Brick Café’s dining areas were removed at the last designer’s market event so KrisTEES and Candy Plum designers could set up display tables for their creations of handbags, hats and jewelry. Visitors who RSVP’d to the event even received a complimentary glass of wine. Connolly said she tries to support local businesses, especially female-owned businesses, whenever she can. Visitors have a blast, businesses gain new customers and Astorians are happy. “We’re trying to keep businesses in the area with the economy being the way it is,” said Connolly. “We want to keep people in Astoria because it’s a great neighborhood.” Click Here to Read Full Article By Holly Tsang 12/22/2009 |
|
|||||||||
Queens Gazette |
||||||||||
Second Annual Astoria Fashion ShowThe second annual Astoria Fashion Show was held at Central Lounge on Steinway Street in Astoria on October 15 and was produced by local boutiques KrisTEES and Candy Plum. The program, which was sponsored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Con Edison, and local businesses in Astoria, featured clothing by both national and local designers. The doors opened at 6 p.m. where guests were treated to a complimentary drink along with a gift bag. As the crowd of over 300 mingled in the Central Lounge, the runway lights went on at 9 p.m. and the show began featuring a dozen beautiful models showing off many new and exciting styles to the rhythmic beat of urban and new age music. Alexandra Ausman, Danielle Sheither, Hitomi Nozawa, are professional dancers from Astoria, except for Shoh Eshiguro who visited from Japan. Astoria designers Peter Valcarcel, Arianna Ward, and Jodi Lyn Kee Chow, all from Astoria were featured in the show. Kristie Foster of KrisTEES and Cynthia Radalj of Candy Plum boutique have been working together for the past two years organizing neighborhood events such as the fashion show in Astoria. Foster and Radalj also help to promote the arts and dialogue between local businesses to improve the community. Foster, who opened her store KrisTEES in Astoria three years ago at 24-01 23rd Ave. at 24th Street, is a veteran of New York City’s fashion industry for some 13 years with a background in fashion design. She has also worked in retail and as a stylist. Her store features hand-picked selections from contemporary designers who operate locally and around the world. Candy Plum opened four years ago and carries clothing and accessories by local designers from Queens as well as Los Angeles, Columbia, and Brazil. The store is located at 30-98 36th St. in Astoria and can be visited by going to candyplum.com. Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. made an appearance showing his support for the emerging fashion industry in Astoria. “Forget Paris and Manhattan, Astoria is the place for fashion”, declared Vallone. Click Here to Read Full Article By Jason Antos 10/21/2009 |
|
|||||||||
amNY |
||||||||||
Astoria: A Gem In QueensGirly girls will rejoice in this unabashedly feminine shop, which features more than 25 designers, most of whom are local women. It's a gift destination with statement bags and baubles, handmade accessories, vintage-inspired dresses for going out and some guy gear. Here tough girls can buy Heroine Clothing, a New Jersey label favored by punk-band members. Click Here to Read Full Article By Lana Bortolot 10/15/2009 |
|
|||||||||
Your Nabe |
||||||||||
Designed to PleaseFashionistas are a hardy bunch. Not easily deterred by a little thing like a recession, local style mavens turned out in droves last week to snag some unique designer goods at Summer Daze, a designers’ market, held at Astoria’s Brick Café from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Although many attendees copped to being a bit more restrained in their spending these days, many embraced a spirit of cautious optimism when it came to parting with their hard-earned dough. The event, which featured 13 up-and-coming designers, 11 of whom are Queens-based, was organized by Astoria merchants Kristie Foster of KrisTees and Cynthia Puhalovic of Candy Plum, and co-sponsored by Brick Café and The Q-Note, a Queens-focused e-newsletter. Astorian Katherine Pavic, 32, head of operations for an engineering firm, learned about the June 23 event through her sister, a jewelry designer who sells her merch at Candy Plum. She was on the prowl for jewelry at the stylish soiree, where local merchants sold everything from original paintings and jewelry to fabric handbags and screen printed T-shirts proclaiming their love for the ’hood with sayings such as “I Heart Astoria,” and “I Love Ditmars.” Pavic said that she has not been affected by the economy. “I make good money, and I get whatever I want,” she said. Astoria newcomer Angie Sheckler, 39, who works in retail sales and moved to the neighborhood in December, said that her spending habits have been affected by the ongoing recession, but, “not to the degree that I won’t buy anything,” she said. “You only live once.” For Astoria resident and registered nurse Jennifer Hussain, 26, the main appeal of the event was seeing the local vendors join forces to showcase their one-of-a-kind works. Hussain, who was mainly interested in buying jewelry, said that she now thinks twice before buying something. “Before, if it was cute, I would just buy it,” she said. “Now I have to curb.” In the current economic landscape, event co-organizer Foster said that clients are moving away from basics and have redefined the word “value” when making a purchase. ADVERTISEMENT By participating in Summer Daze, Flushing handbag designer Lesia Griffin hoped to gain more exposure and expand her customer base. The designer, who participated in a similar event organized by Foster and Puhalovic held at Brick Café in March, has slowed production to keep pace with a chillier retail climate, producing only the most popular and best-selling items in her line. “I think, with everyone, it’s slower,” she said. “There’s not a lot of splurge shopping. People really think before buying.” Astoria painter and free-lance graphic designer Mieko Anekawa’s paintings adorned the exposed brick walls of the appropriately named Brick Café, and will continue to be on display following the event.In addition to being the featured artist of Summer Daze, Anekawa’s designs were used in the event’s promotional materials and screen printed on the free tote bags given to advance registrants. Anekawa is a local artist whose star is on the rise, thanks to shows at now-defunct coffee shop Freeze Peach and Fatty’s Café, both in Astoria. She was featured in TimesLedger Newspapers in January. Her works, which range in price from $100 for an 8-by-8-inch painting to $1,000 for a 30-by-40-inch canvas, still are sought after, despite a softer economy, according to her manager Ken Vitale. “People in Astoria are very into art and culture, and we haven’t seen a drop-off,” he said. Click Here to Read Full Article By Erin Walsh 7/2/2009 |
|
|||||||||
The Queens Gazette |
||||||||||
Vallone Salutes Local DesignersSeveral local clothing and jewelry designers filled Brick Café at 31st Avenue and 33rd Street in Astoria with their spring clothing, jewelry and accessory collections for a private shopping event sponsored by Brick Café, Candy Plum and Kristees on March 26. City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. dropped by and posed with local vendors. The councilmember, whose 22nd Council District encompasses Astoria, said he was particularly fond of a tee shirt with block letters that read, "I heart Queens". "I couldn't agree more," Vallone said. "We have so much talent here in Astoria. It's important for us to support our local entrepreneurs." Click Here to Read Full Article 4/8/2009 |
|
|||||||||
Queens Ledger |
||||||||||
Astoria Artisans Shine BrightAstoria just might be the next fashion center of New York City, and local merchants made their case for that designation last Tuesday night. “Starry Night, Astoria Bright” brought together dozens of the neighborhood’s finest clothing and jewelry makers for a night of shopping and socializing at the famous Cup Diner. “People don’t think we have good shopping in Astoria,” said Cynthia Radalj, proprietor of Candy Plum boutique and co-creator of the shopping night. “There’s so many new stores, between restaurants and boutiques, we wanted to bring new customers into the area.” Retailers from all over Astoria set up booths and tables inside the Cup Diner, creating a makeshift gallery of hand-crafted baubles, one-of-a-kind accessories, and locally-made outfits from the trendiest shops in northwestern Queens. Shirts, dresses, bags, wallets, and necklaces were among the easiest items to find, and items would suit a gift recipient of any taste. “Fashion is moving into a very hand-made, almost organic direction,” said Radalj. The participating stores are part of a growing movement of handmade items, as individual artists and craft makers wanting to make a go at the fashion business are finding Astoria as an inexpensive, artist-friendly place to open for business. “Just as a lot of larger businesses have been moving into the area’s traditional shopping districts like Steinway and Broadway, the shopping scene is moving to Ditmars, 30th and 31st avenues,” said Radalj, who explained that larger chain stores were also moving in to the neighborhood. “These smaller stores are offering something different and special.” Working with Kristie Foster, owner of Kris Tees, Radalj has been organizing special events that highlight the best of local businesses. They put together a successful fashion show last June that showed off the summer styles of area designers. The show was such a hit, that they began considering another event. In September, they struck upon the idea of holding an event to encourage holiday shopping, which ultimately became Starry Night, Astoria Bright. More than 50 stores rented out individual tables inside the Cup Diner, and hundreds of people came to shop and spend. The merchants and shoppers were ably assisted by a squad of silver-spandexed roller girls, who glided across the restaurant’s floor and made sure that everything ran smoothly. “I’ve gotten very good feedback from designers,” said Radalj. “We had people from all over Manhattan and Queens coming out to shop. It was a very solid amount of people, and everyone I spoke to about selling or buying was very happy.” The event was successful not just because of the large number of sales made, but also because it brought so many diverse Astoria businesses together under the same roof. The event was chance for neighboring - and even competing - stores to meet and familiarize themselves with each other, giving designers a chance to bond and help create a stronger shopping scene for both the owners and shoppers. Click Here to Read Full Article by Jeffrey Harmatz 12/11/2008 |
|
|||||||||
Time Out Holiday Shopping |
||||||||||
Holidays In NYCOne-stop shopping: Astoria For aunt (suburban mom, social butterfly, always loses keys) There’s a great selection of adorably girly jewelry, designer clothing and impeccable leather purses here. The Colombia-born, Soho-based designer Luccia O lines her handmade, vintage-inspired bags with gorgeous silks, making the leather clutch with a gold snakeskin design and teal lining ($100) a good-looking (and smart) accessory for a night in the suburbs or the city. Click Here to Read Full Article by Jeff Gurwin 11/20/2008 |
|
|||||||||
New York Magazine |
||||||||||
Primary ColorsAt this colorful Astoria boutique, Clinton and Obama backers can keep the flame alive with Veronica Soto’s handmade candles and glass votives ($9 each). Soto designs them herself, embellishing some versions with paint or rhinestones. In the past few weeks, Obama votives have been outselling Clinton's five times over, she says. Click Here to Read Full Article by Kauren Murrow 5/29/2008 |
|
|||||||||
Time Out NY |
||||||||||
ShoppingAunt-and-niece duo Nada Madara and Cynthia Puhalovic fill every inch of this one-room, pink-hued indie designer boutique and consignment shop with chic items. Rummage through the racks for handmade totes sewn from vintage fabric by Testa ($40–$70), private-label throw pillows ($15–$25), Liliputians’ cheery children’s clothing ($25–$40) and myriad styles of one-of-a-kind jewelry ($12–$100). |
|
|||||||||
Citysearch - Editor's Corner |
||||||||||
Astoria ShoppingEvery square inch of this small boutique is packed with color: lavender walls envelop an interior cluttered with bright fashions and jewelry-lined tables. The dresses and tops are mostly handmade, and for the most part eschew the somber black-and-gray New York aesthetic. The designs embody a fun, free-spirited quality, including a slinky, slip dress overflowing with flowery embellishments from Nicole Rae Styer, a yellow, seashell-print dress from Suzie Morris, and knotted bead scarves made out of recycled materials. Click Here to Read Full Article by Keith Wagstaff 5/22/2007 |
|
|||||||||
New York Times - Urban Eye |
||||||||||
Cute Boutique AlertIs Astoria, long mentioned as the next hot neighborhood, coming around? In shopping, at least. Right near the adorable vintage boutique Loveday 31 and the overstuffed designer emporium Candy Plum is Site Design, a new housewares store. Opening today, it will carry vintage and new furniture, art and home accessories scouted by the owner, a 28-year-old New York School of Interior Design grad and retro crafter. Eat your heart out, Williamsburg. A corner of Astoria, Queens, that already has a pair of funky clothing stores (Loveday 31 and Candy Plum) has just gained the home-design equivalent. Mackenzi Farquer, above, a 28-year-old Chicagoan who graduated from the New York School of Interior Design, took over a former garage across the street from Kaufman Astoria Studios, tore out a dropped ceiling to discover a skylight and filled the space with inexpensive furnishings like a vintage yellow table lamp ($68), top, and old dining chairs that she and her mother repainted ($140 each)7. Click Here to Read Full Article by Melena Ryzik 4/5/2007 |
|
|||||||||
Queens Chronicle |
||||||||||
qboro—The Art of GiftingAnother worthwhile stop is Candy Plum, 30 98 36th St., Astoria, (718) 721 2299. This vintage and consignment boutique features a number of local clothing and jewelry designers. On Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m., Candy Plum will hold a trunk sale featuring Bayside designer Zevelyn, who makes jewelry and small handbags ($18 $50) and Astoria jeweler Jessica Lord ($18 $98). Candy Plum will also be selling handmade jewelry by local artists for $25 each. Click Here to Read Full Article by Jennifer Manley 12/14/2007 |
|
|||||||||
New York Times |
||||||||||
Fashions of the TimesUnassuming from the outside, Candy Plum, a tiny Astoriaconsignment shop, packs every inch with women’s clothing, jewelry and bags made by independent designers. Look for handbags by Joanne Espinell, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (left, a pink and black leather number is $75; the canvas and leather bird tote is $60). A mod twist, right, on a tweed coat by Gina Michele is $210. Don’t miss the design team known as pH by Phillia, which adds fanciful twists to vintage pieces. Click here to read full article Tony Cenicola/The New York Times |
|
|||||||||
Queens Chronicle |
||||||||||
qboro—Fall Into FashionAnother Astoria spot well worth discovering is Candy Plum (30 98 36th St.), which is part designer boutique, part consignment shop owned and operated by the aunt niece team of Nada Madara and Cynthia Puhalovic. The one room plum colored shop is teaming with women’s tops and dresses by emerging designers, handmade bags, knit hats and myriad styles of jewelry. The shop started as a strictly vintage boutique last November, but has recently evolved into a showplace for local artisans and design students whose items are taken on consignment. With an ever evolving array of one of a kind pieces and a large selection of reasonably priced jewelry (including a few of those recently ubiquitous 1970s owl design) Candy Plum is a good place to find a unique affordable gift. Click Here to Read Full Article by Jennifer Manley 10/05/2007 |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
