City Secrets   Istanbul  

Istanbul Zip Code Guide

December 01, 2010

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

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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

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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

Istanbul Zip Code Guide Galata

December 01, 2010

Where to shop in Istanbul..

GALATA
Atelier 55
55 Seraskerci ?ikinazi, Galata
An exceptional concept store in Istanbul stocking young Turkish designers and international labels. We especially loved Atelier 55's eclectic jewelry collections, and their espresso bar in case you get too tired from shopping.

Laundromat
Glata Towers (nr), Kuledibi, Galip Dede Cad. 93/B
Chic contemporary boutique right across from the Galata Tower. Find Istanbul's up and coming designer collections in this LES inspired store.

Simay Bulbul
Galata Area; Sahkulu Bostan Sokak, No. 22A
Simay Bulbul's signature boutique in the chic Galatay area. In addition to her Rick Own-esque clothing, what is notable in this store is the interesting collection ofwell-priced jewelry ? especially her rings!


Where to shop in Istanbul..

GALATA
Atelier 55
55 Seraskerci ?ikinazi, Galata
An exceptional concept store in Istanbul stocking young Turkish designers and international labels. We especially loved Atelier 55's eclectic jewelry collections, and their espresso bar in case you get too tired from shopping.

Laundromat
Glata Towers (nr), Kuledibi, Galip Dede Cad. 93/B
Chic contemporary boutique right across from the Galata Tower. Find Istanbul's up and coming designer collections in this LES inspired store.

Simay Bulbul
Galata Area; Sahkulu Bostan Sokak, No. 22A
Simay Bulbul's signature boutique in the chic Galatay area. In addition to her Rick Own-esque clothing, what is notable in this store is the interesting collection ofwell-priced jewelry ? especially her rings!

Istanbul Zip Code Guide Nisantasi

December 01, 2010

Where to shop in Istanbul..

N??ANTA?I
Gasia
Gazi sinanpasa sok.
18/5Nuruosmaniye
Right above the Alexander Mcqueen store in Nisantasi, this fine jewelry store has gems to die for. Patricia Field found a beautiful crescent/star necklace there for SJP in Sex and the City 2. Check out L-atitude's Istanbul section for some of Gasia's more affordable creations!

Midnight Express
Kad?rgalar Cad. A??k Hava Apt. No:8/3
Midnight Express would fit in perfectly in Nolita. One of our favorite stores in Istanbul with a carefully curated collection of Turkish and international emerging designers. We left with bags in tow!

Yatsik
?akay?k Sokak, Olcay Apt. No:13/1 Te?vikiye, ?i?li
Rifat Ozbek's home d?cor store - Heaven for the true Ikat lover!

V2K designers Ni?anta??
Abdi ?pek?i Cad. No: 31
Hot Hot! Our friend Demet Muftuoglu is the Creative Director of V2K. This is where Istanbul's fashion-set goes to stock up with the latest contemporary designer collections.

 Where to shop in Istanbul..

N??ANTA?I
Gasia
Gazi sinanpasa sok.
18/5Nuruosmaniye
Right above the Alexander Mcqueen store in Nisantasi, this fine jewelry store has gems to die for. Patricia Field found a beautiful crescent/star necklace there for SJP in Sex and the City 2. Check out L-atitude's Istanbul section for some of Gasia's more affordable creations!

Midnight Express
Kad?rgalar Cad. A??k Hava Apt. No:8/3
Midnight Express would fit in perfectly in Nolita. One of our favorite stores in Istanbul with a carefully curated collection of Turkish and international emerging designers. We left with bags in tow!

Yatsik
?akay?k Sokak, Olcay Apt. No:13/1 Te?vikiye, ?i?li
Rifat Ozbek's home d?cor store - Heaven for the true Ikat lover!

V2K designers Ni?anta??
Abdi ?pek?i Cad. No: 31
Hot Hot! Our friend Demet Muftuoglu is the Creative Director of V2K. This is where Istanbul's fashion-set goes to stock up with the latest contemporary designer collections.

From Istanbul, With Love..

November 30, 2010

After weeks of being stuck in the office preparing for our launch it was finally time to go back to what I love best, roaming the world in search of treasures. Istanbul truly didn?t disappoint as L-atitude?s latest destination.

After weeks of being stuck in the office preparing for our launch it was finally time to go back to what I love best, roaming the world in search of treasures.

 

Istanbul truly didn?t disappoint as L-atitude?s latest destination. The mosques, minarets, palaces, and of course, the grand bazaar, made me feel like I had stumbled backwards into the ottoman empire. Luckily, photographer Garance Dor? was by our side constantly shooting Istanbul?s modern day ?It? girls and drawing me back into all that is new and happening in the city.

 

Ashley, Garance and I managed to scavenge the city and brought back with us the best of the old world mixed with the many secret new resources we were introduced to by Istanbul?s inner circle.

 

We are sure you will enjoy the exquisite old world artistry we found in the Grand Bazaar - from hand-woven ikat fabrics, to hamam (?Turkish bath?) towels transformed into scarves or sarongs, to old school baubles.  In Galata and Bebek we met young Turkish designers who incorporated their cultural roots into modern fashion trends.  As you?ll see, we are officially obsessed with evil eye inspired jewelry and everything that screams ikat!

 

I could go on and on and on, but I won?t keep you.  Stay tuned for our Istanbul launch tomorrow!  I hope you?ll enjoy Garance?s snapshots of our trip, browsing through the spoils we brought back and meeting all the cool people that make the city a budding capital of chic fashion and design.

 

Enjoy a taste of Istanbul on L-atitude ? until your next vacation. 

Te?ekk?rler!

 

 

Istanbul | Top Ten List

November 30, 2010

L-ATITUDE's very own Ashley Wick scoured Istanbul to bring you the best suggestions for dining, shopping, relaxing and sleeping.   L-ATITUDE's very own Ashley Wick scoured Istanbul to bring you the best suggestions for dining, shopping, relaxing and sleeping.  1. Grub: We recommend the Doner or Iskender Kabab (shaved meat over butter-soaked pita bread, topped with stewed tomatoes and yogurt), followed by the Tavukgogsu (chicken pudding, a surprisingly sweet and...

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New York: Shopping Spot- How to Make Boots from Your Garage

November 19, 2010

If exclusivity is one of the most important things to you when it comes to your style, and you get a high off of knowing you?re wearing something one-of-a-kind, then new Bushwick spot, How to Make Boots from Your Garage, promises to thrill your style senses.

If exclusivity is one of the most important things to you when it comes to your style, and you get a high off of knowing you?re wearing something one-of-a-kind, then new Bushwick spot, How to Make Boots from Your Garage, promises to thrill your style senses.

 

How to Make Boots from Your Garage is built on these principles ? those and the solution to all those times you?ve dreamed up the perfect boot in your head only to realize it doesn?t actually exist. This craft school/shop is the creation of designer Olivier Rabbath, who was tired of not being able to find the shoes he envisioned for his unisex line, Illusion. He studied the art of shoemaking, and now wants to share with shoe lovers in New York.

 

At How to Make Boots from Your Garage, $375 will enroll you in a fifteen-hour class that can span over the course of a week or a month. During this class, you?ll learn how to make a pair of shoes from start to finish, and then you will, of course, get to keep the pair you make. This is DIY at its finest. You?ll learn from a master. You?ll reach that fashion nirvana state of knowing that you are, without a doubt, the only person wearing those boots.

 

If you?re not feeling so hands-on, you can also shop Rabbath?s creations at the Bushwick location. A buzzed-about favorite is a pair of boots with gold-plated heels. As fashion continues to get more and more hands-on and community-based, making your own boots could be the future of shopping.

 

How to Make Boots from Your Garage is at 180 Hoyt Street in Bushwick.

New York: Hotspot Restaurants

November 19, 2010

There are three hot spots you simply must run to check out: The Dutch, The Lamb?s Club and The James. They are the latest and greatest NYC has to offer.

The Dutch

Foodies flock to chef Andrew Carmellini?s (Caf? Boulud, Locanda Verde) latest venture in Soho?s old Cub Room space to try an updated American menu with international influences.

 

131 Sullivan Street

 

 

The Lamb?s Club

The prestigious restaurant has become the quintessential pre and post-theatre dining spot thanks to chef Geoffrey Zakarian and homage is paid to the space?s former occupants: the Lambs theatre group.

 

http://thelambsclub.com/index.php

 

 

The James

It?s all about the view at The James hotel and rooftop bar, so take them in from this stilted architectural wonder as you ride the external glass elevator up to the posh pool and bar.

 

http://www.jameshotels.com/Page.aspx?name=The-James-New-York

New York: City Secrets- Accessorize Your Social Media Presence

November 19, 2010

Social media isn?t just for the tech world anymore; in fact if there?s one industry that has embraced the vast world of Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook ? fashion wins.

Social media isn?t just for the tech world anymore; in fact if there?s one industry that has embraced the vast world of Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook ? fashion wins. Womens Wear Daily keeps its Twitter followers up to date on the event details of the evening, while rouge accounts like @NoBtotheS calls out certain eccentricities and personalities in the style crew that everyone wants to evoke, but can?t.

 

Now the world has a chance to reap additional shopping benefits from their social media habits and Foursquare check- ins. Certain locations reward their mayors with certain discounts or freebies, but let?s be honest: becoming the mayor of a store in a big city like New York, Paris, LA, or London is nearly impossible.

 

So forgo the serious stalkage involved with earning the virtual crown and focus on the ever-growing list of badges that Foursquare?s creating. For the sartorial inspired individuals, direct the aim towards earning a select few of the fashion approved circles of social media goodness. Though Marc Jacobs? Fashion Victim badge has already hit retirement, the brains behind Foursquare are regularly updating their offerings. Snag Lucky Magazine?s Elite shopper by checking into five of their favorite boutiques, Bravo?s Fashionista and Real Housewife with a few visits to the well-heeled socialites must-visit spots, or People?s Hot Spot with check-ins at celebrity shopping haunts.

 

Sure, they?re virtual badges, but who doesn?t love a nice little accessory to decorate their social media presence?

Globe-Trotter: Sabine Heller

November 17, 2010

Sabine Heller, President of ASMALLWORLD?the jet-set social network for travelers?defines well traveled. She not only speaks four languages, but is one of the most well traveled women we know.

Sabine Heller, President of ASMALLWORLD?the jet-set social network for travelers?defines well traveled.  She not only speaks four languages, but is one of the most well traveled women we know.  Sabine, half-Indian and half French-Austrain, grew up between New York, Bombay and New Delhi. She?s also lived in Paris and Costa Rica.  Sabine gives us a glimpse into her favorite destinations in some of her favorite countries:

 

Given you grew up in two cities, what are some of your favorite shopping destinations in Bombay and New York?

 

India is in a gold rush, which translates into a fabulously bling-tastic aesthetic that I sometimes find difficult to escape.  For a younger and cooler taste, I love the bohemian chic-inspired lifestyle store Bungalow Eight and Bombay Electric, which offers a modern take on tradition.  Also not to be missed, Bandit Queen, for lovely crisp white linens, pillows and pajamas.  Fabindia and Anokhi are great shops for Indian basics, and so is Chor Bazaar, the Marches aux Puces of Bombay, where you?ll find everything from gramophones to chandeliers.

 

Alternatively, New York has thousands of incredible options.  I can?t live without Zero + Maria Cornejo?s simple but borderline genius geometric designs; Roberta Freymann?s Indian-inspired resort wear; Resurrection?s vintage; Fenton Fallon?s ?80s glam jewelry; and Opening Ceremony?s mix of cutting edge designers like Suno and Joseph Altuzarra.

 

What are some of your eating destinations in Bombay and New York City?

 

Historically India has not been an eating out culture. By far, the best meals I have ever had have taken place in people?s homes.  That said, 10 years ago Rahul Akerkar hippified the restaurant experience when he opened Indigo, and it remains a wonderful place.  I also adore Trishna (try the mouth-watering butter pepper garlic king crab) and Soam, for its unusual Gujarati fare.

 

In New York my favorite restaurant is Omen, which serves rustic Kyoto-style food.  For sushi I love Blue Ribbon Sushi, Soto and Sushi Yasuda.  I also frequent Bobo (incredible d?cor), Bar Pitti (delicious simple fare), Blue Ribbon Bakery (for the bone marrow and fried chicken), Tamarind (solid Indian food) and Joe?s Pizza on Bleecker (best slice of pizza in town)

 

While residing in NYC, are you an uptown or downtown girl, and what do you find special about where you live?

 

I grew up uptown, but I?m more of a downtown girl.  I live in Union Square, which is super convenient.

 

What do you never leave home without?

 

My blackberry, Rosebud lip balm and Nars multi-purpose stick.

 

What advice would you give to our readers who are planning a trip to India?

 

Curturally speaking there is no ?one? India.  It?s comprised of many languages, dialects, religions and cuisines.  It?s also a country of extremes, binary oppositions and contradictions.  You cannot attempt to impose order on it, or make sense of it.  You have to submit to its rhythms and learn its subtleties.

 

What should we avoid?

 

1) A short trip.  The jet lag is difficult and you?ll likely experience major culture shock when you arrive.  It takes time to adjust as well as a few weeks to get a real feel for the place.

2) Don?t rush.  You?ll only frustrate yourself and dream of Japan where silent trains run on schedule.  Nothing in India goes fast and nothing is efficient.

3) Avoid focusing just on major tourist destinations.  There is more to India than the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit.

 

What should we partake in?

 

Ahilya Fort, a palace that quietly and perfectly captures the soul of India.  It?s the ancestral home of my godfather, Richard Holkar, the maharajah of Indore.  It?s open to guests.  It?s my favorite place on earth!  You should also experience a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala, the erotic temples of Khajuraho, trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas and some time in a rural village.

 

Do you have a travel regime?

 

The words travel and regime don?t fit together for me.  As much as possible I like to see where my travels take me.

 

Does it include certain must-have items?

 

Yes, my Canon G11 camera, a journal, a caftan from Fabindia or Anokhi and a scarf from Women Weave (my godmother?s non-profit weaving cooperative).

 

What?s your favorite destination you have traveled to and why?

 

Annapurna base camp because it?s breathtaking to be so close to the top of the world, and because I worked so damn hard to get there!

 

What are your favorite L-atitude items?

Fallon, Veruca XL Bib Necklace, $230

Kimberly Ovitz, Icarus Sweater Jacket, $435

Kotur, Fane Pleated Snakeskin Clutch, $589

Amba, Window Scarf, $125

 

City Secrets: Le Bain

November 16, 2010

Breathtaking views, an impossibly cool guest list of celebrities and tastemakers, a destination with a scandalous history and the piece de resistance: a pool. When Le Bain opened in June at the Meatpacking District?s The Standard Hotel, it was instantly clear that this nightclub would be THE place to party.

Breathtaking views, an impossibly cool guest list of celebrities and tastemakers, a destination with a scandalous history and the piece de resistance: a pool. When Le Bain opened in June at the Meatpacking District?s The Standard Hotel, it was instantly clear that this nightclub would be THE place to party.

 

Since its opening, The Standard Hotel has been stealing the show downtown with antics that people couldn?t resist paying attention to--especially with floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel rooms that set the stage for a ?show? to passer-byers. People have embraced this downtown hot spot, making it the perfect place for a rooftop nightclub that celebrates decadence.

 

The Standard has two nightclubs that equally take center stage. Le Bain sits just next to New York?s other sexy spot, the Boom Boom Room. Head to Boom Boom to mingle with the more traditionally fashionable and socially powerful crowd, or choose Le Bain for the cool kids and bright young things ? like James Franco, Terrence Koh, Justin Theroux, Olivia Palermo and Christian Siriano. You can mingle around the pool and even go for a swim ? take advantage of the pricey but convenient swimsuit vending machine if you?re ill-prepared. Thirsty? The pool?s bar is close by with cocktails and bar snacks ? like the aptly named Paris Spritz: Aperol, St. Germain, soda and champagne. 

 

There?s no bad night to hit Le Bain ? there?s always a chic crowd of familiar faces and it?s always a party. Between the rooftop views and the pool, the club is arguably the sexiest destination right now in New York.

 

Le Bain is located at the Standard Hotel, at 848 Washington Street.

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