Warding Off Evil
If you?re casting evil glances at an Indian home, business or vehicle, it will only leave you feeling bitter--and also a little hot. A culinary charm made up of one lemon and seven chilis, vertically strung together, is said to ward off evil with its potent combination of acid and spice. Sold at traffic signals and corner shops, this good luck symbol you?ll see hanging outside front doors and from rear view mirrors of vehicles. More recently, the ubiquitous lemon and chili motif has become a muse for kitschy artists, showing up in pop art pictures and on trendy bags and jewelry.If you?re casting evil glances at an Indian home, business or vehicle, it will only leave you feeling bitter--and also a little hot. A culinary charm made up of one lemon and seven chilis, vertically strung together, is said to ward off evil with its potent combination of acid and spice. Sold at traffic signals and corner shops, this good luck symbol you?ll see hanging outside front doors and from rear view mirrors of vehicles. More recently, the ubiquitous lemon and chili motif has become a muse for kitschy artists, showing up in pop art pictures and on trendy bags and jewelry.
Protection From the Evil Spirit
It is quite common to walk through the more traditional streets of Hong Kong and both see and smell the smoke of incense sticks as well as pass by dragon stone carved statues outside of shops and temples. Quite often at night, one also hears the sound of fireworks. All three things are widely and historically believed in China to ward off evil spirits.It is quite common to walk through the more traditional streets of Hong Kong and both see and smell the smoke of incense sticks as well as pass by dragon stone carved statues outside of shops and temples. Quite often at night, one also hears the sound of fireworks. All three things are widely and historically believed in China to ward off evil spirits. To further mark the significance of the superstition against evil, all major holidays, such as the Harvest Moon Festival, Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival, all market the celebration to protect from the evil spirit.
Unlike in the West, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and worthy of life. Many commerce shops and all temples have a carved dragon outside of the establishment/place of worship to bring in good luck. If you walk into any temple there are over 100 sticks burning, both as a method to ward off negative spirits and as an offering to god, as the smoke rises to the heavens.
As Chinese New Year approaches, many people believe that fireworks are meant to scare away the evil spirit and misfortunes at the start of the year, and keep the year free from evil. A parade takes place and all participants must through firecrackers at the feet of a dragon with the aim to keep them awake during the parade. The blowing up of fire-crackers is intended to scare off evil.
Global Give
I'm proud to introduce to you a new section called ?Global Give?. It pays homage to the artisans and traditional craftspeople I?ve met while curating L-atitude?s global collection. Over the past year, I've discovered a group of socially-minded designers who are using their creative eye to help artisans from developing countries improve their traditional products. Since their work helps sustain local communities and their cultural heritage, we wanted to welcome and present to you these designers collectively under our ?Global Give? umbrella.I'm proud to introduce to you a new section on our site called ?Global Give?. It pays homage to the artisans and traditional craftspeople I?ve met while curating L-atitude?s global collection. Over the past year, I've discovered a group of socially-minded designers who are using their creative eye to help artisans from developing countries improve their traditional products. Since their work helps sustain local communities and their cultural heritage, we wanted to welcome and present to you these designers collectively under our ?Global Give? umbrella.
From India ? Women Weave & Amba
The first designer I met who is applying her design skills to improve indigenous artisan product is Hema Patel, from Amba. Hema works with women handloom artisans in India to produce beautifully woven scarves that celebrate India?s centuries-old traditions. Hema is also on the board of Women Weave - an organization dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of women who weave in rural India. Its goal is to make handloom a profitable, fulfilling and sustainable income-earning activity for women.
From Laos ? Article 22
Article 22 is headquartered in New York, but its soul lives in Laos, one of Asia?s poorest countries and the most bombed nation in history. Elizabeth Suda, Founder of Article 22, works to embody what it was named for: Article 22 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which calls for economic, social and cultural rights, and the free development of personality. Articles 22?s bags, scarves, native organic cottons and silks, and jewelry (made from Vietnam War scrap metal) are a reflection of the great respect for the culture and eco-conscious practices the brand has for its artisans.
From Cambodia ? Wanderlust
Wanderlust comes from the one-time LeSportsac creative director, Elizabeth Kiester?s vision to create a line of clothing and accessories that spoke a ?global language.? She left the States for Siem Reap, Cambodia, home to ancient temples and a French colonial past. There, she launched Wanderlust. Elizabeth spends her day scouring local markets for fabrics and prints that are sure to make you happiness. The ultimate goal: creating a brighter future for the local team of seamstresses under her employ.
From Kenya/Guatemela ? NEST
From Kenya to India, and Guatemala to Morocco, Nest helps women around the world escape the cycle of poverty. The goal is to have them become self-sufficient artisans and successful businesswomen. Nest employs a unique microbarter system, equipping women with the tools and skills to launch their own endeavors. Interest-free loans are repaid with jewelry, clothing and accessories that are marketed to US consumers. After the initial launch period, Nest ensures fair wages and safe conditions for its entrepreneurs. The result: authentic goods and a feel-good collection as diverse as its many countries of origin.
From China - SHOKAY
Shokay launched in 2006 after founders Carol Chyau and Marie So tapped into a little-known resource: yak down, sourced directly from Tibetan herders. Carol and Marie trekked China, following both the yaks and herders. The Shokay yak has long been a life source for these herders; employing them allows them to earn a living, and preserve their culture and traditions for future generations. The unique yak fibers provide maximum warmth; Shokay?s design aesthetic provides modern pieces that will last you a lifetime.
Mumbai: Foreign Food, Laddoo
A rich saffron ball comprised mostly of greatness, some sugar, milk and semolina, rolled in chopped almonds and pistachios then garnished with rose water and edible silver foil. We?re salivating already.A rich saffron ball comprised mostly of greatness, some sugar, milk and semolina, rolled in chopped almonds and pistachios then garnished with rose water and edible silver foil. We?re salivating already.
This guilt-laden Indian sweet or mithai, the Motichoor laddoo, is a favorite all-year round but gets especially ubiquitous around December, an auspicious month for the great Indian wedding. Traditionally, a nuptial invite announces its arrival with four enormous laddoos in an Indian fabric-wrapped box tied with golden thread. Receiving a minimum of ten invites during the wedding season is common, so there?s nothing you can do to keep those great balls of fire from rolling in and ruining your diet. Unless you?re willing to settle for the less tasty, tampered with sugar-free ones, the real ones are absolutely the way to go.
Almost every Indian sweet shop in Mumbai stocks laddoo, but the best Motichoor laddoos are labored over by a confectioner named Nathumaharaj, and sold at Amrit Bhog, a South Mumbai mecca of mithai. Sweet lovers over in the US, UK or Canada can even order some online on mithaimate.com, or use celebrated chef Tarla Dalal?s complicated recipe.
It?s no coincidence we think, that laddoos are also preferred by the cute and rotund Lord Ganesha (the Hindu Elephant God). Not a body type you?ll want to visit during the holidays, but a sweet blessing you should willingly accept.
Amrit Bhog confectioner, 89 / B, 4, Shantinagar, Chandralok, Napean Sea Road, Mumbai, +9122 23622556, 8 USD for one kilogram.
New York: Shopping Under the Influence
Shopping with a glass of champagne in hand is hardly a new idea, but previously the luxury was saved for designer stores and individuals with unlimited credit cards. In New York City, where time is always of the essence and multi-tasking skills are always quite necessary,there?s a new trend in town. As boozy brunches lead to lazy afternoons of shopping, also known as ?dropping,? the brilliant idea to combine the two finally surfaced. Here are three of New York City?s emerging stores quick to realize the future?s possibilities.Shopping with a glass of champagne in hand is hardly a new idea, but previously the luxury was saved for designer stores and individuals with unlimited credit cards. In New York City, where time is always of the essence and multi-tasking skills are always quite necessary,there?s a new trend in town. As boozy brunches lead to lazy afternoons of shopping, also known as ?dropping,? the brilliant idea to combine the two finally surfaced. Here are three of New York City?s emerging stores quick to realize the future?s possibilities.
The Dressing Room
The best of oh-so-many-worlds converge at The Dressing Room: vintage shopping, clothing exchanging, and cocktail sipping. Fashion designer and stylist Nikki Fontanella created The Dressing Room with Alexandra Adame and Paul Frazier with the intention to showcase new designer talent as well as vintage styles in a boutique that boasts a bar, event space, and the opportunity to sell and exchange clothes.
75A Orchard St
New York, NY 10002
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
(212) 966-7330
Kingdom
With two previous lives in the bar world, this Brooklyn outpost has only sort of strayed from its beginnings, as Kingdom claims to be the very first bar/boutique in Williamsburg. The combo services the multitude of hipster residents with creations from designers from within the neighborhood as the roster of talent includes 15 Brooklyn designers.
170 North 4th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Beau Brummel
For the male fashion enthusiasts, fear not. The old world manners of cigars and martinis are far from antiquated at this brick and mortar. Though the front of the store displays suits, cufflinks, and suit jackets upon arrival, in the back it?s all about sports, scotch and stiff drinks.
347 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
(212) 219-2666
Mumbai: Inspirational City
Take advantage of Mumbai in December, and partake in cultural affairs, shopping excursions and dining at the newest restaurants and bars.To Survive Street Shopping: A big chunk of Mumbai?s baubles can be unearthed from the city?s street shops and circuitous flea markets. These, as you may have heard,are not for the faint-hearted. That is why you should shop Mumbai in winter, when the city?s benign sun makes scouring the stalls of Colaba Causeway and antique Thieves Market stores far easier, a feat that is almost unthinkable during other seasons, even for a local shopper.
To Attend an India Wedding:During the winter, you can?t swing a garland of marigolds in Mumbaiwithout hitting a couple that?s about to be married. November to January is an auspicious season for the Indian wedding ?a colourfullychaotic celebration of song, dance, rituals and super indulgent food - that can be quite entertaining to an outsider. If you?re visiting friends in Mumbai, chances are, they?re invited to at least five, so tag along. You can also locate a tour operator that includes wedding visits in itineraries or more spontaneously, just dance along with a street marriage procession of groom on a horse surrounded by inebriated friends and family, a common sighting on Mumbai?s roads this time of the year.
To Go Beyond Cliches: India isn?t all elephants and snake charmers, and the best way to discover this is to visit Mumbai inDecember. All the new uber-cool bars and restaurants open pre-Christmas, and are buzzing with beautiful people and interesting talk. This December, visit Trilogy, Veda and Chez Vous.
To Run off to Goa and Jaipur: Escape Mumbai?s commotion for a weekend in Goa, where you can lie on sunny beaches, drink long island iced teas, meet a ton of tourists from back home and basically do nothing at all. There are also a bunch of new restaurants opening in Goa this season ? see Gaia and Mezcal. For a slightly more productive getaway pick Jaipur, the Pink City that not just plays host to the prettiest shops, palaces and forts, but also the Jaipur Literature Fest that takes place very January from 21 to 25. 2011?s visiting luminaries include Orhan, Pamuk, Kiran Desai, Fatima Bhutto, Candace Bushnell and others. Something to read and write home about!
Mumbai: Latest Shopping Spots- Good Earth & Sabyasachi
Good Earth: Lotus BlossomThe Good Earth flagship re-opened after a summer of renovations, boasting a new mezzanine section, extended product range and an outpost of the hottest new bakery in town: Le 15 Patisserie. Already a must-shop destination for international tourists, the new store offers a wider range of portable products, including lotus-printed posters, diaphanous scarves, sequined totes and kitschy cushion covers. Definitely visit when you have a couple of hours free so that you can browse through all of the merchandise, and make sure you stop at the Le 15 Patisserie for a passion fruit macaroon or raspberry tart for a sweet ending.
Good Earth: Lotus Blossom
The Good Earth flagship re-opened after a summer of renovations, boasting a new mezzanine section, extended product range and an outpost of the hottest new bakery in town: Le 15 Patisserie. Already a must-shop destination for international tourists, the new store offers a wider range of portable products, including lotus-printed posters, diaphanous scarves, sequined totes and kitschy cushion covers. Definitely visit when you have a couple of hours free so that you can browse through all of the merchandise, and make sure you stop at the Le 15 Patisserie for a passion fruit macaroon or raspberry tart for a sweet ending.
Sabyasachi: Where Time Stands Still
Sprawling rooms and moss green walls, countless clocks and vintage photographs, old armoires and dusty chandeliers: even without the gorgeous merchandise, this store is worth a visit for the d?cor alone. Set up by SabyasachiMukherjee, arguably India?s most popular designer, this flagship is a perfect backdrop for the clothes and accessories it houses. Items range from heavily embroidered bridal saris and precious jewelry, to cool cotton fabrics sourced from indigenous weavers and embroidered ballet flats. The price tags (a pair of cotton shoes cost $450) might give you a pause, but these are pieces you?ll covet forever.
New York: Warm Up with Winter Drinks
It?s that time of year ? the temperature starts to drop and the buzz of the holidays begin. The sidewalks are even more jam-packed as people rush from store to store picking up gifts for giving, and preparations for holiday dinners and parties.It?s that time of year ? the temperature starts to drop and the buzz of the holidays begin. The sidewalks are even more jam-packed as people rush from store to store picking up gifts for giving, and preparations for holiday dinners and parties. Thankfully, there are more than a few ways to unwind and actually enjoy the season-- one of them being the warm and utterly delicious drink selection throughout the city, both with or without alcohol.
Hot Chocolate with Handmade Marshmallows at City Bakery
The line wraps around the spacious bakery for the city?s best cocoa the second it gets chilly ? but trust me, it?s worth the wait. The hot chocolate is the perfect balance ? rich and chocolatey but without that overwhelming sweetness that keeps some hot chocolates from being drinkable. Adding the large, dense marshmallows that are made in-house is a must.
City Bakery is at 3 West 18th Street near Fifth Avenue
The Perfect Hot Toddy and More at Fort Defiance
Cozy, welcoming bars like Fort Defiance is the type of place you want to be in the winter, curled up at a table with friends and season-celebratory drinks. Fort Defiance is known for making a must-try Hot Toddy ? a Hot Apple drink spiked with amaretto. Next, try the Kentucky Nightcap, a bourbon milk punch spun with an espresso machine wand. These drinks will warm your bones and set the tone for a perfect cold-weather evening.
Fort Defiance is at 365 Van Brunt Street near Dikeman Street in Red Hook
Hot Buttered Pisco at PDT
You can?t forget Irish coffee when you think of body-warming tipples ? and East Village bar PDT offers up a refreshing take on the tried and true classic. This drink fuses elements like hot buttered rum, Peruvian pisco, and vanilla H?agen-Dazs, among other winter favorites. It seems like the only way to unwind after a day of fighting crowds and searching for the perfect gifts.
PDT is at 113 St. Mark?s Place near First Avenue
Sexy Space- Bungalow 8
Bathed in pearly light and scented with jasmine ? table linens have never looked this good. Hence the charm of Bungalow 8, a hauntingly romantic home and fashion store that can make even the most pedestrian products seem exceedingly sexy. Sprawled over three floors in an old, decaying downtown building, Bungalow 8 is like the secret love nest of a young Ms Haversham, full of grandeur,eroticism and old world charm. There are wide, arching windows, a dusty staircase, and a decidedly sexy glass floor through which you can look down at the lower level.Bathed in pearly light and scented with jasmine ? table linens have never looked this good. Hence the charm of Bungalow 8, a hauntingly romantic home and fashion store that can make even the most pedestrian products seem exceedingly sexy. Sprawled over three floors in an old, decaying downtown building, Bungalow 8 is like the secret love nest of a young Ms Haversham, full of grandeur,eroticism and old world charm. There are wide, arching windows, a dusty staircase, and a decidedly sexy glass floor through which you can look down at the lower level.
The spaces unfurlthemselves lazily, revealing items from claw-footed bathtubs and old rocking chairs, to jewelry and art books. The merchandise is displayed with calculated carelessness, and it?s all ? discretely, of course ? priced to sell.
Not everything that Bungalow 8 carries, however, is worth your attention and the sometimes hefty price tags. But keep your eyes open and you?ll hit your retail sweet-spot, especially with the housewares and jewelry. Just last week we hit the jackpot at Bungalow 8. We bought a necklace made up of silve and gold silk threads ropes that undulates around the neck?guaranteed to elevate the most pedestrian outfit to straight up sexy.
Getting there: Bungalow 8, Grants Building, 1st, 2nd & 3rd floors, 17 Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba (Near Radio Club), Mumbai ? 400005, call 91 22 22819880/1/2 or visit www.bungaloweight.com.
Istanbul Zip Code Guide
Where to shop in Istanbul..BEBEK
Midnight Express Jewelry
Cevdet Pa?a Cd. Gemekcik Sk. Bebek Palas Apt. No:1
Midnight Express' jewelry only off-shoot! Sigh - the sparkly modern baubles blinded our eyes. An exquisite selection of modern/avant garde fine jewelry by Turkish, European and Middle-Eastern designers.
Simple Life Home
Beautiful and comfortable home collection from the lovely Sebnem Berker. High quality and modern hamam towels, robes, and fragrant soaps and bath products adorn Sebnem's store. You may not want to leave after you walk in, we felt right at home!
Istanbul Zip Code Guide
WHERE TO SHOP
??????????
GRAND BAZAAR
Abdulla
Traditional & trendy bath products to recreate life in a hammam.
Near the Bedestan area. Halicilar Cad. No. 62, Kapalicarsi || +90-212-527-36-84 || www.abdulla.com
Sivasli Yazmacisi
Truly experience the bazaar by visiting legendary Bazaar vendor - Murat. Stay for a cup of apple tea, and sweet talk him into showing you his secret collection of vintage ikats - silk & velvet (all hidden behind the counter).
Near Gate 14. Yaglikcilar, No. 57, Kapalicarsi. || +90-212-526-77-48
Mavi Kose
Amazing collection of vintage byzantine jewels, visit the owner Mr. Diran and hear his stories about this amazing family collection of byzantine treasures.
In the "Blue Corner". K.Carsi, Inciciler Sok, No. 10-12 || +90-212-519-06-86
Zaida
We fell in love with their collection of chic ikat loafers. Imagine Charlotte Olympia loafers, but with ikat fabric.
Iskender Bogazi Abdurrahman, Bekir Han No. 4, Kapalicarsi || +90-212-528-00-39
OFF THE BEATEN PATH STORES
Armaggan Art & Design Gallery
The ultimate in luxurious turkish craftsmanship - admire their jewelry, art & home collection.
Telefon Faks. Abdi ?pek?i Caddesi, Bostan Sokak, No:8 34367 Ni?anta??
Haremlique
The most luxurious home & bath products.
?air Nedim Bey Caddesi No:11 Akaretler Be?ikta? ?stanbul
Luna Park
Super hip design & souvenir store in Galata
?ahkulu Mahallesi, Laleli ?e?me Sokak, 17/B, Galata, 34420 Beyo?lu || +90-212-245-9414
Atelier 55
Off the beaten path concept store with well-known & local turkish designers
Serdar-I, Ekrem Sk. Seraskerci Cikmazi, No. 55, Galata || +90-212-245-32-55
Midnight Express Jewelry
Midnight Express' jewelry only off-shoot! Sigh - the sparkly modern baubles blinded our eyes. An exquisite selection of modern/avant garde fine jewelry by Turkish, European and Middle-Eastern designers.
Cevdet Pa?a Cd. Gemekcik Sk. Bebek Palas Apt. No:1
Simple Life Home
Beautiful and comfortable home collection from the lovely Sebnem Berker. High quality and modern hamam towels, robes, and fragrant soaps and bath products adorn Sebnem's store. You may not want to leave after you walk in, we felt right at home!
WHERE TO EAT
??????????
TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Hamdi
This restaurant serves some of the best kebabs in town. Stop here before you start your day in the Grand Bazaar.
www.hamdi.com.tr
Karakoy Lokantasi
Old School Turkish Food & a rediscovered hot-spot for locals .
www.istanbuleats.com/2009/04/karakoy-lokantasi-a-dockside-winner
Kanaat
The dec?r may be simple, but the food is an attention-stealer anyways.
Slemani Pak Cad. 25, Uskudar || 216 533 3791 || Take the ferry to Uskudar from Besiktas or Eminonu
TRENDY CUISINE
Munferit
The trendy hot-spot for the fashion crowd in Istanbul that serves amazing nouveau Turkish food in Galata.
www.munferit.com.tr
Maya
New trendy restaurant next to Karakoy Lokantasi.
www.lokantamaya.com
Chilai
Chilai is a year-old fancy spot with a beautiful view, located in Bebek.
www.chilai.com.tr
Karakol
Don?t just goggle at Topkapi, dine in this ottoman sultan?s residence just like the royals did.
Topkapi Palace, Guard Post next to Saint Irene || 514 9494 || Book in advance || www.karakolrestaurant.com
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Empress Zoe
This charmingly rustic hotel is a cozy, shabby-chic hideaway that is also quite affordable.
Akbiyik Cad. 4/1, Sultanahmet || 518 2504 || Emzoe.com
Pera Palace Hotel
The perfect mix of classic, comfort and history brings to mind nostalgia for yesteryears. Bonus: a spectacular view.
Me?rutiyet Caddesi 90-100, Pera || +90 212 377 4000 || perapalace.com
Sumahan-on-the-Water
On the Asia side of Istanbul, this old liquor distillery-turned-hotel is hardly past its prime. The old building, embellished with contemporary furnishings, may be located across the water but, not to worry, the hotel has its own ferry to transport guests to and from the Turkish side of Istanbul.
Kulel? Caddesi 51, ?engelk?y || +90 216 422 8000 || sumahan.com
WHAT TO DO
Yerebatan Sarnici
This ancient cistern is the largest of hundreds that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Make sure to check out the huge Medusa heads and prepare to be wowed.
Yerebatan Cad || Yerebatan.com
Chora Museum
The Chora Museum is actually an old Byzantine church that is home to frescos and mosaics that are unparalleled in Turkey, and some would say, the world.
Chora Church, Ey?p, Kariye Cami Sokak 26 || 0212 631 9241
Walking tours
Istanbul is known for being a city of brilliant beauty. Don?t miss out! Go on one of the many stunning walks around the city and explore it firsthand.
WalksInIstanbul.com
Sultanahmet
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