The leasing team of Faith Hope Consolo, vice chairman, and Joseph A. Aquino, managing director of Garrick-Aug Worldwide, Ltd., exclusively represented the landlord in leasing 91 Greene St. to an obscure, yet ultra hip urban retailer A Bathing Ape. The Soho location will serve as the U.S. flagship for the street wear retailer, also known as BAPE (pronounced baypee), and will include a cafe.

The 10-year lease is for 3,036 s/f, including two levels and mezzanine space. Apparel retailer Tehen previously occupied the site.

According to Ms. Consolo, “BAPE’s retail concept is perfectly suited for this hyper-trendy Soho neighborhood. The company, whose name is a clever riff that pokes fun at complacency among Japanese youths, was launched 11 years ago by designer, producer, musician and disc jockey Nigo, a self-professed ‘Planet of the Apes’ fanatic. His designs incorporate simian imagery, hip-hop culture and camouflage motifs and are deliberately sold in limited quantities to preserve exclusivity. BAPE clothing and accessories have reached feverish popularity among the young and hip. Customers in Japan have even been known to wait in line just to get into the store to shop! This New York flagship will allow the retailer, which already has stores in Japan, Hong Kong and London, to expand its brand within the U.S.”

The lifestyle retail boutique, which will feature an array of apparel and accessories, is slated to open this summer.
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Wearing birthstone jewelry is very popular today. Not only is it fashionable; somehow, it also makes the item feel more personal and part of the wearers personality. Almost all gems are believed to be imbued with some special sort of power and this is one of the reasons why it is considered lucky to wear birthstone jewelry. Lets look at some of the mystical properties and beliefs about these special gems and some famous people who would wear them.

Januarys birthstone, the garnet, is believed to have blood purification properties and to protect against poisoning. Actress Faye Dunaway and supermodel Kate Moss are two celebrities who were born in January.

The amethyst, the gem of the month for February, is a symbol of serenity and peace. In addition, its reputed to protect the wearer from intoxication. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, singer Roberta Flack and actress Drew Barrymore have amethysts in their birthstone jewelry.

Marchs birthstone is the clear blue aquamarine. Perhaps because of its color, it is sacred among sailors, who believe that it will protect them from the perils of the sea. NBA player Shaquille ONeal, heartthrob Freddie Prinze Jr. and singing legend Liza Minnelli are among the celebrities who are under the protection of the aquamarine.

The eternally stylish and elegant diamond is Aprils birthstone. Believed to symbolize true love, it is the most popular gem used in wedding rings. Among the notables having diamond birthstone jewelry are Englands Queen Elizabeth II, actress Jessica Alba and tennis player Andre Agassi.

Mays birthstone is the enigmatic emerald. Some people believe that emeralds are magic and had the ability to make the wearer psychic. Famous people having the emerald as their birthstone include British Prime Minister Tony Blair, socialite Bianca Jagger and singer Janet Jackson.
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Corsets have been worn by women for thousands of years. In fact the oldest corset dates back to ancient Minoans from around 2000 BC. When most people think of corsets they think of the heavy bulky garments from the middle ages of Europe. Traditional corsets were not only heavy, restrictive and very uncomfortable to wear. As fabric technology has improved corsets are now not only more comfortable but are being worn as outwear.

Most women dont own or have never worn a corset. However if youre looking for a fashion garment that accentuates your curves and bust line, a corset can be your best friend, so lets take a closer look at what a corset is. A corset is garment that covers your lower torso from bust line to waist. The sides have curved shaped ribbing that gives your body the classic hourglass shape. These ribs are usually made a thin lightweight metal or hard plastic. While these ribs do push your body into certain shapes, they arent trainer corsets which pose health hazards to your internal organs. To wear a corset first loosen the strings which are located on the back of the garment. There is usually a zipper in the front of the corset, unzip it and wrap the garment around your torso. Align it so the strings are in the back and close the zipper. Now grab the strings and gently but firmly pull to tighten. Pull the strings until the corset is snug and firm. Do not pull the strings so tight that you cant move or breathe comfortably. The first thing that youll notice is your bust line is now enhanced and you will probably be showing more cleavage than you are used to. While this is normal it does take some getting used to. Many women with a large bust find a corset is more comfortable to wear, as it gives them more support than a standard bra.
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What is it with sexy shoes? Why are they so popular today and why have they been popular for so long? Sexy shoes have a special place in the heart and soul of many people across the globe, but why?

To start with, a pair of high heels can instantly elongate the lines of the legs that can make the legs appear slimmer and create more elegant curves from the hip to the toe. Ive also read that wearing high heel shoes can make the foot appear smaller than it actually is.

Additionally, high heel shoes alter the stance of the woman and this forces her breasts up and makes her derriere protrude farther out than normal. The correct pair of shoes can even help create an air of confidence due to the fact that they make the woman taller than normal and tend to attract more attention to her.
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