Meet W.Awake, Sustainable Womenswear for the Effortless Chic
w.awake launched this Fall, is a new vision of LA-based womenswear brand W.Cashmere, which aims to create sustainable fashion pieces that emphasize timeless design and effortless chic.
Introducing a “Stay Cozy, Stay Chic” collection for all discerning, eco-conscious women, w.awake carries a strong focus on merging mindful design, eco-friendly materials sourcing, and a sustainable supply chain. The w.awake Fall/Winter 2021 collection features textured sweaters, vests, blazers, and pants which are perfect for a cozy and chic winter.
Even with a worldwide pandemic, love wins. With the best intentions sometimes life just gets in the way, our editors are here to help make your Valentine’s Day shopping a little bit easier from smooth silky chocolates to a little something for her, we have you covered, or in some cases, slightly covered.
Returning this season, MarieBelle offering the sweetest gift for that special chocolate lover in your life with their Izak Zenou Valentine’s Day Ganache Box, Truffle Box, and Chocolate Bars. The one-of-a-kind truly delicious, decadent, fluffy light collections are adorned with the artwork of renowned fashion illustrator Izak Zenou. Our CEO commented, ” decadent, delicious, and superb a must-have, a very special gift”
Acclaimed jewelry designer, Kristin Hanson’s artistic inspiration has no limit. Her impressive portfolio of work has garnered international distinction, with features in Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar China, and W Magazine among others. Sold at select Neiman Marcus stores and a number of independent jewelry retailers. We fell in love with this romantic necklace and earrings.
Active Cashmere, this lovely water repellent, machine washable, and durable, cashmere reinventing the way cashmere is worn. They offer a modern point of view on cashmere which embraces minimalism, comfort, and innovation. Their uniquely treated pure cashmere yarn provides functional features to their garments while maintaining the utmost quality.
A staple seamless standard weight relaxed fit cropped hoodie with a ribbed cuff and “v” detail and straight tubular bottom hem. Made from the finest pure cashmere Scottish yarn, treated with our unique formula making this garment water repellent and machine washable, providing more durability without sacrificing softness, breathability, or lasting quality.
This core unisex ribbed beanie made from the finest pure cashmere Scottish yarn and treated with a unique formula, making this garment water repellent and machine washable; providing more durability without sacrificing softness, breathability, or lasting quality.
WILL-V was built to support a lifestyle that is naturally influenced by sport and athletics. New York City – we place value on delivering a quality, comfortable, and purposeful product that will last.
Mujjo pride itself in creating products that don’t disappoint, they think their products are perfect for a special gift. So much so they created a 15% discount on all products from our site, Mujjo.com – coupon: #14 (valid through the 14th)
Touchscreen Gloves Mujjo
With Valentine’s Day Weekend just a few weeks away, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is the perfect backdrop for romantic celebrations for two, or for some indulgent self-care either alone or with a friend, while enjoying a city staycation at one of New York’s most iconic luxury hotels. Choose from an array of offerings that celebrates both romantic love and most importantly, self-love.
Just For Two
The Hotel’s Just For Two package is a romance package, designed to make the most of Valentine’s Day weekend or anytime throughout February 2021, with the ultimate city staycation. Celebrate with a bottle of champagne on arrival, enjoy breakfast for two through In-Room Dining and relax with a late check-out of 2:00 pm to make the most of an overnight getaway.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
This special package also includes a beautiful Rose Revival SOAK Service for two. Curated by Senior Spa & Wellness Director Tara Cruz, the in-room SOAK Service is an indulgent treat for in-house guests who wish to take full advantage of the deep soaking tubs featured in every room and suite within the Hotel. The Rose Revival for Two is a couple’s experience, designed to maximize time together with one’s nearest and dearest. Pure Himalayan salts naturally lift spirits while tuberose and lemongrass ignite the feeling of positivity and love. Seasonal citrus and floral notes are elegantly paired with sparkling rosé and decadent homemade treats to satisfy the most elevated palate.
The Just For Two package is available until February 28, 2021, with rates starting at USD $895 per night.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 646 880 1985.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Rouge Flowers Pop-Up Shop
For guests wishing to elevate their experience and surprise their special someone with a beautiful bouquet, a pop-up shop by Rouge Flowers will be stationed in the hotel lobby, with a selection of stunning floral options available for purchase. The pop-up shop will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14, 2021, with bouquets available from USD $65-$85.
Individual “Ready for Real Love” Hypnosis Session with Resident Healer Nicole Hernandez
This Valentine’s Day, indulge in some self-care with an individual hypnosis session with Resident Healer Nicole Hernandez. Known as “The Traveling Hypnotist,” Nicole Hernandez guides guests through bespoke hypnotic journeys that help unpack and release anxiety, fear, and bad habits. Nicole’s clients experience a greater sense of inner wisdom, confidence, clarity and calmness, better relationships, and deeper sleep.
The “Ready for Real Love” special 60-minute session focuses on love — ranging from deepening self-worth, removing subconscious blocks to intimacy, or even indulging in a past-life regression to explore soulmates. After the session, Nicole will custom-blend a Soveral healing oilas a take-home gift.
This session is available to experience either in-person at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown or virtually if preferred. 60 minutes / USD $285
Bookings are essential. To book this special experience, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646 880 1990 or spa.nydowntown@fourseasons.com
Couple’s and Individual Astrology Session with Resident Healer Rebecca Gordon
As the most romantic weekend on the yearly social calendar, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to schedule an astrological reading with Rebecca Gordon, renowned New York City astrologer and Resident Healer at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.
Rebecca Gordon has been practicing astrology since the age of 14 when she was trained and mentored by her mother. In addition to being a celebrated astrologer, Rebecca is an author, presenter, and founder of the 15-year running Astrology School where she offers a suite of classes and workshops. She is also the resident astrologer at Harper’s Bazaar and a regular guest on the Dr. Oz Show. It is Rebecca’s mission to align people with their own unique brand of stardust so they can step into their highest potential.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Choose from two specific options during the month of February 2021 including –
Compatibility Astrology – Experience a couple’s session in compatibility astrology and discover the energetic signature between two people. Learn to better understand each other by seeing the cosmic blueprint of a loved one and the relationship dynamic. Both partners’ birth information will be required. 90 minutes / USD $500
Love & Partnering – Designed as an individual session, Rebecca will take an in-depth look at one’s natal love signature in the chart, relationship karmas, and then move into an overall love and relationship outlook for the year ahead. Rebecca will explore each guest’s unique passion signature, including a look at their love chart and the year ahead in love. 60 minutes / USD $380
Both astrological readings with Rebecca are available to experience either in-person at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown or virtually if preferred.
Bookings are essential. To book this special experience, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646 880 1990 or spa.nydowntown@fourseasons.com.
Downtowners love their Eataly, this year Valentine’s Day will be a little different. Many of us will be celebrating with our loved ones at home. This does not mean that you cannot still enjoy Eataly’s delicious, fresh authentic ingredients. Here are some options to help make your Valentine’s Day 2021 even more special.
Let Eataly’s chefs do the cooking!
Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown
The most romantic holiday of the year is here, New York!
Whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner out or share the love at home with friends, family, or neighbors, create the perfect Italian Valentine’s Day from start to finish with high-quality ingredients, prix-fixe dinners for delivery, and more.
Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown
ORDER DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT
Share a heart-shaped Neapolitan pizza or a three-course prix-fixe menu with their finest antipasti, pasta, pizza, and desserts, create a romantic Italian evening with your special someone right from the comfort of your own home. Place your order for delivery or take-out on UberEats,Caviar, DoorDash, or Grubhub.
BRING HOME A MEAL MADE IN EATALY
Take the night off and let our chefs do the cooking. Eataly has put together a selection of housemade, ready-to-heat meals that make the perfect pairs (think, tagliatelle plus ragù alla bolognese, and more homemade Italian classics). Don’t forget to grab some heart-shaped pastries from Eataly’s pastry counter for dessert!
Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown
Delicious At-home And In-person Prixe-fixe MenusDinner For Two At Le District Le District is home to the Michelin Star L’Appart and the cozy Beaubourg Brasserie. If you’re ordering in, Le District’s Valentine’s Dinner for Two To-Go provides a four-course meal ready to be enjoyed in your own home.
If you’re looking to dine in, Le District has special lunch and dinner options available for open-air reservations on the outside patio.
The L’appart Valentine’s Lunch includes a romantic 4-course tasting menu for lunch at L’Appart, and Valentine’s Dinner At Beaubourg option consists of a decadent 3-course Prix Fixe. For Le District, Valentine’s Day 2021 is starting on Friday, Feb 12th, 2021, until Sunday, Feb 14th, 2021! They will also have special cakes, macarons, and chocolates at their Coffee District (entrance from the mall). Special Items will be available only during this weekend to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home or at Le District.
Valentine’s Day Dinner Brookfield Place
This year New York has pulled out all the stops, give a once in a life time Valentine’s Day gift you that special someone. What about dining on top of the world at One World Observatory.
Sunday, February 14, ASPIRE, at One World Observatory will transform ASPIRE, the private event space into the ultimate, socially distant dining experience.
Deemed “Love on Top,” an exclusive, festive feast in celebration of Valentine’s Day, guests will indulge in a preset, multi-course menu while providing access to the stunning views of the city.
Brunch will feature delectable offerings including oxtail quiche, North African eggs with short ribs, and poached pear and sugar waffles.
Tickets are limited and reservations are currently being accepted for the 10 am seating. Additional details can be found at www.oneworldobservatory.com.
What are you waiting for? A romantic dinner while overlooking all of New York’s magnificent skyline, waterways, and landscape. Love surely is in the air!
This is a special year, you’ve spent every day with her/him during the pandemic, this Valentine’s Day, give a gift that not only captivates all of their senses but also offers a magical relaxation experience, a body reset, with a deep unforgettable healing massage.
Meet Off-Broadway, Eau de Parfum + Refillable Lipstick Gift Box, $440.00 an optimistic new fragrance that pays homage to one of New York’s greatest traditions – just in time for Valentine’s Day. Bond’s Off-Broadway opens with a sparkling, attention-getting blend of grapefruit blossom and black currant. This edgy floral unisex scent — is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift for everyone you love. Pair with Bond No. 9’s Refillable Lipstick in Broadway, a cool cherry.
Great for any coffee drinkers, this gift box contains three unique coffees, Strawberry Verbena macarons from Le Petit Paris, a local French bakery based in Long Island City, and a hand-poured coffee-inspired candle to create a soothing atmosphere and add a sense of warmth to the special day.
Inspired by Coffee Project’s SCA (Speciality Coffee Association) sensory class offered their LIC training center, this package is a self-guided coffee sensory kit to help people explore the three major coffee-growing regions of Asia, Africa, and America from their homes. The kit includes a guidebook filled with fun sensory activities such as taste-testing flavored gummies and experiencing scented sensory vials, before culminating with a coffee tasting of one coffee from each region.
PASSPORT TO COFFEE REGIONS SENSORY KIT
This holiday, The Fladgate Partnership’s three exceptional 2018 Vintage Ports from Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca, and Croft Port house officially hit shelves. Just in time for Valentine’s Day romance at-home, wine lovers can purchase Taylor Fladgate Classic Vintage 2018, Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage 2018, and Croft Quinta da Roêda Vintage 2018.
Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca
Zazubean $22.00 is the better-for-you chocolate brand delivering healthy and delicious candy bars your way this Valentine’s Day! Zazubean chocolate is sustainably made using fair-trade certified ingredients and is 100% organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and kosher! Their limited editionVALENTINE’S DAY VARIETY PACK includes six chocolate bars, Bling, Vixen, Nakid, Flirt, Hottie, and Smooch.
A unique gift for your loved one, this Valentine’s Day – Glass Hour – debuted at #3 in the Classical Billboard charts, this beautiful new contemporary album by Gregory Harrington, features a World Premiere Recording of his arrangement “The Hours Suite”. Based on the movie score “The Hours”, for violin and orchestra by Philip Glass along with the Violin Concerto No. 2 “The American Four Seasons”. Both works recorded with the Janacek Philharmonic under the nuanced direction of conductor Mark Shapiro.
Booking.com‘s “Love Letter to New York” stays at Bryant Park’s Winter Village on February 13 and February 14 for $14.21. Guests will be treated to shopping vouchers for the Winter Village Shoppes, igloo reservations, dinner and drinks at Bryant Park Grill and Café, private midnight ice skating, and more. This is the perfect staycation for celebrating Valentine’s Day safely, as the lucky consumers who book the experience will be staying solo with all the proper COVID-19 protocols and measures observed.
These exclusive stays can be booked on Booking.com starting on February 12, 2021, at 2:00 PM.
Adelante makes shoes that are on par with the highest quality footwear in the market at a fraction of the price. Made-to-order models that deliver a personalized pair direct from Guatemala within 10 days. Connecting each customer with their shoemaker throughout the production process. Give him the best!
Our FUZZY SHOPPER is so EXTRA! Made of the softest luxe faux shearling and lined with a water-resistant liner. This fab and giant shopper is the perfect size for all your needs. With subtle ROAM woven double straps, you can carry it over your shoulder or in your hands. This is the perfect weekender, baby bag, gym bag, throw it all in the bag.
This viral activewear brand is worn by all your favorite Insta girls! STAX has won the hearts of Addison Rae, Lucy Hale, Jade Marie,Conaugh Kathleen, and Leah Halton, to name a few. Made to flatter every figure, STAX.’s chic performance sets are a must for any active gal (or trips to Target gals… no judgment). A sweet new look for V-Day!
For your romantic evening smooth out every inch of your curves with this exclusive bustier set featuring sheer lace triangle cups with a scalloped trim, adjustable spaghetti straps with satin bow accents, a cage back band with a hook and eye closure, a sheer lace cross over bodice, adjustable garter straps, an open back with a tie back closure. Time to heat up this winter.
This modern sneaker from JSlides stuns with a lush shearling mid strap, a contemporary and very cool twist on our classic laceless silhouette. Adjustable hook-and-loop genuine shearling strap. A sweet comfortable gift for her!
Cleansing and Renewing Body Wash, with its rich and creamy lather, infuses your skin. Supercharged with Retinol and Vitamin B3 Complex, this nourishing body wash revitalizes and quenches thirsty skin for long-lasting hydration. Plus, it rinses off clean never leaving your skin with an oily, coated feeling.
Info: This crème is infused with cinnamon oil, which has been used by our ancestors as a natural warming mechanism for centuries. Combining warming cinnamon oil, shea butter, and hemp extract, this crème is sure to help you melt away a draining day, workout, or year.
Pamper your face each night to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Since nightly products absorb into your skin for hours while you sleep, it’s vital to use natural products with ingredients. BOTA™ De-Stressing Nightly Face Cream mixes nature’s best elements to deeply moisturize the skin, reduce redness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2021 Downtown’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is all about Pampering
Taiwan-based sustainable cashmere brand Carol Chugani just launched its new Fall/Winter collection for the first time in the United States during New York Fashion Week.
Photo by Zhaoyin Wang
“I believe that for my customers and the generations of the future we should commit to ethical and sustainable production. “ Said Designer Carol at the event. Carol Chugani only works with partners who maintain the highest quality as well as the most ethical production methods.
Photo by Zhaoyin Wang
The new collection of FW 19, designed by Carol, continues to develop her deep understanding of slow fashion: sustainable, multi-functional and timeless. Embellished with Indian embroidery design, this new collection represents a combination of casual wear and smart design.
Photo by Zhaoyin Wang
The NYFW Launch Party for Carol Chugani’s 2019 F/W Collection took place at Flying Solo, SoHo on September 12. This event attracted over 30 NYC based Influencers and more than 100 local guests. Among the VIP guests are top fashion influencers including Azia Celestino, Cici Celia, Haley Findlay, Vera Wang as well as the DJ of the night Isabella Deidamia De León.
Influencer Léanne Ansarwearing Carol Chugani, Photo by Zhaoyin Wang
Influencer Azia Celestino wearing Carol Chugani, Photo by Zhaoyin Wang
Influencer Bella Dongwearing Carol Chugani, Photo by Zhaoyin Wang
Designer Carol Chugani and Influencer Jarry Leewearing Carol Chugani, Photo by Zhaoyin Wang
About The Designer
Carol Chugani is a global citizen who resides in Taiwan, Hong Kong, New York and her husband’s home country of India. As she travels the world with her family, Carol constantly draws inspiration from different cultures and sews new ideas originating from her nomad life into the classics. When establishing her company in 2016, Carol created a handcraft workshop in India, and is now employing and empowering women with embroidery skills that she then incorporates into her classic pieces. This powerful collaboration gives Carol’s collections the perfect balance of quality, handmade detail, and timeless style.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a partridge in a pear tree.
Or in this case, we’ve chosen two or our favorite gifts by designer Minnie Rose for the first of the 12 days of Christmas. Founded in 2005, Minnie Rose delivers luxurious cashmere and knitwear designed by fashion insider Lisa Shaller-Goldberg, the driving force behind iconic 90s and 2000s brands Juicy Couture, Camp Beverly Hills, Ugg Australia, True Religion, and Hard Candy. Minnie Rose is named as a tribute to Lisa’s wild-spirited grandmothers, a perpetual source of love, comfort, and support.
Celebrity fans include the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Selma Blair, Jennifer Garner, Eva Longoria, Giuliana Rancic, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lisa Rinna, January Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Vanessa Hudgens and Christie Brinkley. Minnie Rose’s collection is available at high-profile specialty boutiques such as Planet Blue, Neiman Marcus, Elyse Walker, Stanley Korshak, Shopbop, andMinnie Rose. This luxurious collection will range from $84 – $450.
On the first day of Christmas, if you wake up to this stunning cropped cardigan with fur collar, we’re sure it will delight all your senses. There’s nothing quite like the soft touch of cashmere on your skin. It’s hard to imagine that the impossibly soft material could ever keep you warm, but this elegant cardigan does just that. Choose from vibrant colors such as Varsity Blue, Cardinal, White or more, for this dyed-to-match Fur Cardi.
Coziness On Point
There are lots of ways to achieve the perfect balance of coziness; you could wear your partner’s oversized winter socks, snuggle up in your favorite adult onesie, or relax by the fireplace in these Gucci-inspired horse bit and fur pom pom slippers by Minnie Rose. Yes, ladies… it’s time to throw away your stretched-out old slippers, and sink your feet into graceful and stylish ones instead.
The holiday season is now behind us, and 2017 is here. Of those fortunate enough to get some gifts this past holiday season, many of us wound up with gift cards and store credit. In turn, here are 11 ways to use that virtual currency:
Housed in a beautifully-decorated gift box, this limited-edition set from Tocca contains four 7 ml miniature fine fragrance sprays. The set is intended for “girliest” of Tocca fans, as made clear by its product names: Cleopatra, Stella, Florence and Giulietta. Sold exclusively at Sephora.
These Wall Flip Top Mittens were made by Emilime, a brand known for its direct support of female entrepreneurs in Peru. The mittens are cozy and warm, perfect for the early fall and through the dead of winter alike, as made of alpaca. One size fits all.
V76 is known for its American-made products for the well-groomed man — hair, shaving, body, and fragrances all covered. Its founder, Vaughn Acord, has styled for Al Pacino, Bruce Springsteen and President Bill Clinton, to name only a few notables. Blue Cedar by V76 by Vaughn is a woody fragrance for men, as launched last year. The fragrance includes coconut milk, violet, cedar and leather.
DISARONNO is known as the world’s favorite Italian liqueur. The brand recently partnered with renowned fashion house ETRO for a limited-edition bottle. In turn, DISARONNO is dressed up ETRO-style, with inspiration from the fashion house’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The collaboration also includes two different sets of three mini bottles dressed in coordinated looks.
Truly Spiked & Sparkling is a “spiked” sparkling water with only one gram of sugar and 100 calories; not bad for a drink that is 5% ABV. Truly comes in four flavors: Colima Lime, Pomegranate, Grapefruit & Pomelo, and its latest flavor Sicilian Blood Orange — all four styles are made from fermented cane sugar. As an added bonus, all Truly Spiked varieties are gluten-free.
Boden is a British clothing retailer that deems itself “New British,” combining ethical and green policies with quality and fashionability. Its Cashmere Scarf, as woven in Scotland, stands out from the pack in being 100% cashmere yet under $100. Warm, comfortable and free of itch. Boden also sells jeans, coats and tops for men, women and children alike, offering free standard shipping on all orders over $49; it also has a 365-day returns guarantee.
Imagine having wireless headphones which have both voice-controlled and touch-base options, which sync with your online (e.g. Spotify, Amazon, Soundcloud) and offline (e.g. MP3s on a USB) music collections, and offer 3D audio. All of that is possible via the Vinci 1.5 headphones — which were featured on Kickstarter — and more. Vinci can track your heart-rate, has a proximity sensor that stops music when you take the headphones off, and can make phone calls, although it does not require a connection to your mobile phone to work. The future is here.
As featured previously on the Downtown website, Cords For Music was founded in 2013 by Nicholas Coblence, based on the idea that almost everyone feels an emotional connection to music. In turn, Cords For Music designs musically-themed jewelry and some of its proceeds go towards funding music education. Check out its necklaces, stud and bracelets.
Based in California, Dobell makes suits that take you through all of life’s most important moments — from meetings and job interviews, to celebrations and weddings. But Dobell also stands out from similar websites in also offering novelty suits and all suit-related accessories that one would need (e.g. top hats, suspenders, cufflinks, dress canes, sock suspenders). I will likely be wearing a Dobell suit to my wedding in March.
10) New Barbarians: Outlaws, Gunslingers, and Guitars by Rob Chapman
Everyone knows The Rolling Stones, but most Stones fans are likely not aware of The New Barbarians. The New Barbarians was a short-lived group — lasting from 1979 to 1980 — featuring the Stones’ Ron Wood and Keith Richards, legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke, Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan, Stones sideman Bobby Keys, and The Meters’ drummer Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste. Chapman’s book not only looks at the band’s run in-depth, featuring never-before-published photography from Bruce Silberman, but also includes 10 previously-unreleased tracks from the 1979 U.S. tour on an accompanying CD.
A major staple of my childhood was trips to a video arcade. While video game consoles keep getting more advanced, letting users browse the Internet, stream television and movies, and so forth, sometimes there is a craving for the old-school, upright sort of video game. CoinOpStore builds arcade game cabinets, which can be customized to include thousands of games. So whether you are a Pacman fanatic, an Atari diehard, or more interested in the battle games of the 1990s, there will be plenty of fun ahead for you.
A new and rising e-commerce retailer, Basic Outfitters is known for creating clothing that keeps performance, comfort and space in mind. One of its trademark offerings, the New York City-based company lets customers “Create-A-Drawer,” choosing up to 19 basics for just $60. Its offerings may currently be limited to underwear, socks and loungewear, yet Basic Outfitters manages to deliver fashionable attire that ranges from professional to athletic.
Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with the founders of Basic Outfitters, the husband and wife team of Michael and Laura Dweck. As explained within the Q&A, inspiration for the brand and its subsequent business model came from the realization that New Yorkers do not have the storage space that other major cities’ residents do. In turn, quality must prevail over quantity when choosing one’s wardrobe, and Basic Outfitters is there to provide smart around-the-house attire.
To someone who hasn’t yet shopped with your company, how do you describe it?
Michael Dweck: Basic Outfitters is the most convenient new way to shop for basics. With our Create-A-Drawer service, you can refill your drawer with high quality basics in under two minutes for just $60. Customers choose their socks, underwear, tees and jogger sweatpants. It’s that simple.
What inspired you to start Basic Outfitters?
Laura Dweck: When we first got married, we moved into a cozy apartment in New York City, where we had very limited closet space. When it was time to divide up our dresser, naturally I monopolized five out of six of the drawers. Michael was left with one drawer for his socks and underwear. When the drawer wouldn’t close, I knew we had a problem. I made Michael throw out all his old basics, which turned out to be 90% of his drawer.
MD: When it came time to refill my drawers I was faced with two options: high-quality and high-priced basics, or low-quality and low-priced basics. I love to look good, but I hate to shop and the hunt for affordable and quality basics was stressing me out. I figured I wasn’t the only one having this problem and there had to be a better way. We saw the opportunity to capitalize on the white space in the market, and we created Basic Outfitters.
Have you been able to apply anything that you learned from working with Century 21?
MD: Absolutely. It was my first real job and it taught me the importance of professionalism and accountability. One of my roles was to drive the CEO to work every morning. When we were scheduled for a 6:30 AM pickup, he’d be outside waiting at 6:29 AM. That always stayed with me — no matter how important your title is, there’s no room for slacking.
MD: 100%. There was so much I learned and my experience was invaluable. The most significant takeaway was the value of customer service. Working with cancer patients on a daily basis, compassion and understanding was essential to making the experience as comfortable as possible. With Basic Outfitters, I care about each and every customer and it is my utmost priority to make the shopping experience and the customer experience as seamless and fun as it could possibly be.
Laura, I understand you studied at FIT and interned at Bloomingdale’s early on. What is it that drew you to fashion?
LD: My first fashion memory was when I was in nursery. My mom gave me one day a week that I could choose my own outfit. It was my favorite day of the week and it was when I realized I had a definitive eye and irreverence for style. I remember wearing a purple velvet trapeze top with leggings and Looney Tunes-themed Converses with ruffled socks spilling over. I felt empowered by owning my expression. That’s when I realized the power fashion has to allow people to express their individuality, and I never looked back.
To you, what does the word “basic” mean? Some people may view it as being essential, while others may view it as being simple or elementary…
MD: To us, the word “basic” means essential. Something you can’t live without. Something fundamental to your everyday life. We’ve created a brand of essentials that is the basis of every man’s wardrobe.
Do you have a favorite item from the Basic Outfitters catalog?
LD: My favorite item by far is our new fleece joggers. They’re my Netflix pants and they are the coziest things you will ever put on your body. I usually wear them with our SuperSoft socks that feel like cashmere.
MD: That’s such a tough question! I love it all but one style that I gravitate towards is our performance boxer briefs. The fit and comfort is incredible. And now you know me a little too well.
Besides you two, who are some of the other people that help make Basic Outfitters happen?
MD: What really makes Basic Outfitters run is our band of characters who work with us. Jake came to work with us as an intern when we first started and has made himself invaluable to our team. Frankie recently started working with us and his unique style makes the Basic Outfitters brand come to life. He’s become a fan favorite on our Facebook Live broadcasts. We have an all-star team of freelancers that we work with as well. One of our key hiring points is a candidate’s authentic enthusiasm for our brand and our mission.
Do you have any goals for Basic Outfitters? For example, do you hope to get your products into stores? Or to be able to design lines for existing retailers?
MD: Our goal is to become the leading basics brand. We plan on expanding into the women’s and children’s markets as well as the international market. When we first started Basic Outfitters, we came across a horrifying statistic: On average men keep their underwear for seven years. We have made it our mission to make it as easy as possible for men to change their drawers that they no longer have any excuse not to.
Beyond working together, you two are married. How are you able to make things work both at home and in the office?
MD: That’s our #1 question — so many people ask us that. Luckily, we get along really well! Our skill sets complement each other so well and we each manage different aspects of the business. We’re a power couple!
As two people that were born in the Tri-State area, what is it that keeps you based out here? This isn’t the cheapest place to start or run a business…
MD: Family is the most important thing to Laura and I. We both come from large families and value the close proximity. New York definitely isn’t the cheapest place to work, but the energy of this city is something we can’t live without. The opportunities this city affords are priceless. In the famous words of Frank Sinatra: “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!”
Michael & Laura Dweck
When not busy with Basic Outfitters, how do you like to spend your free time?
MD: All I want to do in my free time is play tennis and ski.
LD: He’s obsessed. The first day of the U.S. Open is like a religious holiday for him.
MD: I also love to cook, I even applied for Chopped.
LD: I like to travel any chance I get and I love to take dance and yoga classes to unwind. Shopping is always fun. (laughs)
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
MD: Our favorite brunch spot is Russ & Daughters. Nothing like a good lox and cream cheese bagel.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
LD: Michael is a history junkie so he made me watch Men Who Built America. One of our favorite lines is from John D. Rockefeller: “”Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
