All Over Albany

"On the Trail of Big Cats: Tigers, Cougars and Snow Leopards" at Proctors

A talk / presentation called National Geographic Live On the Trail of Big Cats: Tigers, Cougars and Snow Leopards will be at Proctors next Wednesday, November 14. Blurbage:

Join award-winning National Geographic photographer Steve Winter for a thrilling journey into the world of big cats. From trekking high in India's Himalaya in search of rare snow leopards and stalking the elusive jaguar through Latin American jungles to chronicling the nocturnal activities of the "American lion" or cougar, this determined explorer ventures far and wide to come face-to-face with his subjects. This is no easy task. Since many big cat species are in danger of extinction, they have good reason to avoid humans.

While these felines may be endangered, they're still wild, unpredictable creatures?and caution is required in their presence. Negotiating their habitats can be more dangerous still. Winter has been attacked by rhinos and gotten stuck in quicksand while working in the field. There have been lighter moments as well: mishaps with remote-control cameras, and waiting on a southern California hillside to catch a shot of a cougar under the famous "Hollywood" sign. Throughout it all, Winter's mission is to share the beauty of big cats while reinvigorating efforts to save them.

That's Winter's photo of a snow leopard above.

The show's at 7:30 pm on the Proctors main stage. Tickets are $30.

By the way: If you've never seen the Planet Earth episode with the snow leopard, it's worth checking out.

Local places to buy head scarves?

Christine emails:

I'm looking for suggestions for a place to buy head scarves for a friend going through chemo. I know they have tons online but she'd love to be able to try them in first. Thanks so much!

Sometimes half the fun of buying some new clothes -- especially when you're with friends -- is the chance to try a bunch of different things on.

Got a suggestion for Christine and her friend? Please share!

At the new Zebra Bras in Troy, the measuring tape is a 3D scan

If you are a bra-wearer, you already know the struggle to find the right size bra.

Standard sizing does a poor job of accommodating non-standardized bodies, and misinformation is rampant. Many women don't know what a properly-fitting bra is even supposed to feel like, and uninformed employees at mall stores often measure incorrectly.

But maybe all of that will soon be a thing of the past.

Sure, custom bras have been around for a while, if you're willing to spend enough cash. But recent innovations in 3D scanning and printing have the potential to eliminate issues with fit.

Zebra Bras is a new business in downtown Troy that uses 3D printing and scanning to create bras that are customized to your body. I talked with owner Hannah Johnson about how it works...

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Where to get measured for a suit?

Sean emails:

A friend is having some tuxedo's made for his wedding by a shop in China. He's asked that all of the groomsmen get measured so he can pass those measurements along to the tailor. Do any of your readers know of a good place to go to get measured?

We had a somewhat similar question many years ago. Then, as now, we wonder how a local shop will react to taking measurements so a tux or suit can be made somewhere else. But maybe they'll be OK just charging for the time.

Got a suggestion for Sean? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a place can be helpful.

Blood and lipstick: Jenn Dugan's Makeup Curio

Jenn Dugan didn't wear makeup until after she graduated from college.

Well, that's not entirely true. There was a goth period in high school in East Greenbush, but she doesn't really count that.

She studied fashion design at Marist College where she started costuming plays and became a self-proclaimed "theater nerd." After school, she worked in New York and Seattle, and traveled the country as a costume designer and dresser.

In regional theater, costume designers often design makeup as well. So, out of necessity, her next career was born. She studied books about theater and film makeup, attended trade shows and experimented with characters and special effects. And she enjoyed it. When she returned to the Capital Region to be near her family, she quickly gained a reputation as a makeup artist.

Earlier this month Dugan opened The Makeup Curio, a makeup and esthetics salon in Schenectady where clients sometimes leave looking stranger than they did when they entered.

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A stylist for long, curly hair?

Jordan emails:

Hello. I moved to the area two years ago. I have beautiful long curly hair. I'm really picky about who I let cut it and am really protective of it. For two years I've actually flown back to my previous place to meet up with some friends, and while there, got my hair cut at my old stylist. She had 13 years of experience with a focus on curly hair and had a studio with one chair. She cut my hair perfectly, layered everything just right, everything. Comforting, knowledgeable, the whole nine. But I can't go back this year, and I need a cut. The whole thing tended to cost around $70, and I typically tip 100%, because changing a part of my body that take years and years to grow is a big deal for me.

I'm looking for a person in the area similar to her. She was affable, easy to talk too, covered in tattoos, and the 1.5 hour cut was never awkward or silent. Who in town is like this? Price isn't an issue, just skill, lots of experience, and a good positive environment.

We had a similar question in the past, but it was many years ago. And things change, shops close, stylists move.

So, got a suggestion for Jordan? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a specific stylist can be helpful.

photo: Flickr user quinn.anya (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Nigeria to Albany to the fashion world

A few of the looks from the Head of State website. There are a bunch of others at the link.

This is great: Taofeek Abijako -- an Albany High grad -- was featured this past weekend in the New York Times style magazine for his menswear line, Head of State. A clip:

Abijako was still a senior at Albany High School when he released the look book for his first collection on his Twitter feed. A few weeks later, when an email from a buyer for the Japanese luxury retailer United Arrows arrived, he assumed it was a prank perpetrated by friends. The buyer asked to visit his studio; since Abijako was working out of his childhood bedroom, he demurred, and instead they met in Manhattan. "I came to New York City with my clothes in a little bag and they looked at me like, 'This little kid?!' But once I showed my work, they decided to carry the entire collection," he says with a hint of pride. His luxe streetwear line, Head of State+, features wide-necked sweatshirts, cropped half-zips, fitted jeans and loungey basics, often in warm, rich tones. But the line also moves beyond the requisite sweatpants to offer social and political commentary.

There are a bunch of interesting bits in the profile about how he raised the money for the collection and experience with the YouthFX program.

Abijako was the subject of a short YouthFX documentary directed by by Aden Suchak, in which he talks about the experience of immigrating to the United States from Nigeria.

See also this profile of Abijako from last year by Jess Winans.

What's in the Albany Institute's closets

Here's something fun while you're trying to decide if it's finally time to switch your closet over from winter to summer -- a look into the closets at the Albany Institute.

Among its collection of paintings, patents, mummies, and Albany historical artifacts, there are rows of closets filled with clothing made in, or worn in, the Capital Region over the centuries.

The collection ranges from 18th century Paris couture gowns, to 1920s flapper dresses, to 1960s and 70s mod. And there are shoes and accessories, too.

We persuaded curator Diane Shewchuk to let us poke around in the institute's closets this week. Here's some of the fun stuff we found.

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A good hair stylist in the Albany area?

Jen asks via Twitter (and a series of tweets):

I swear I ask once a year at least, but I can't seem to get my ish together finding a hair stylist I like. Suggestions? Cc: @alloveralbany

Not too concerned about $ bc I only get my hair cut 3-4x/yr. Just want somewhere convenient (location + hrs), high quality, & not sales-y.

My last stylist was great but her hrs are limited & no longer work w my schedule. Went to John Paul last & it was fine but very sterile.

Albany area, I would say within a 10-20 min drive from Center Square. Guilderland, Loudonville, Colonie, Delmar, EG.

Similar questions have been popped up in the past, but we checked the archive today and it's been (at least) a few years. And things changed, shops close, stylists move.

So, got a suggestion for Jen? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a person or shop can be a big help.

photo: Flickr user Quinn Dombrowski, cropped (CC BY-SA 2.0)

About those fancy hats...

The Saratoga Race Course draws people in all sorts of headwear.

"Let me ask you a question."

Two beers were sweating through their glass bottles last summer on a cold, metal, patio table when a man I barely knew put me on the spot. The style of his delivery fell somewhere between Dennis Miller and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, so I knew it was trouble. All I could think was, "Here we go."

Instead, what I said was: "Go ahead!"

*beat*

"It's... about the hats..."

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Red, white & blue

Check out this handsome, seasonally-appropriate t-shirt created by local designer Andrew Gregory: It's called "Red, White & Blue." (You know, because the ampersand is red, white, and blue...)

The shirt is currently available from Cotton Bureau, in men's and women's sizes, through this Friday. It's $28.

Andrew Gregory? You might know his work under the name Lunchboxbrain.

Queen Size Swap 2016 spring

The Queen Size Swap will be back at The Hangar in Troy this Sunday, April 10.

What's the Queen Size Swap? As its founder describes the event: it's the "Capital Region's locally founded, body positive, 100% accessible plus size clothing swap." Blurbage:

This is the perfect time to start your Spring cleaning! Clean out your closest and get rid of those clothes you no longer wear!

Sizes 12/14 and up. Clothing to swap should be clean with no rips or stains. All seasons welcome! Accessories also accepted and shoes of any size! ...

We will have several businesses set up at tabling at the swap! Past businesses included Stella & Dot, Thirty-One Gifts, Expressions An Adult Boutique, Her UnderThings and more! ...

The remaining clothing and shoes will be donated to the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless clothing pantry

The swap is Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm. It's $10 at the door (to cover event expenses) -- you can reserve a ticket online.

photo via Queen Size Swap FB page

A place to recycle old textiles?

Erin emails:

I know plenty of places where I can donate clothes that are still wearable, but what can I do with the ripped, stained, ratty stuff? I know its possible to recycle textiles, but I don't know where or by whom. Any ideas? Please and thank you!

This is one of those questions that never occurred to us before, but we have heard of stuff being made from, say, old jeans. So we're curious to see if there's a place that does this.

Got a suggestion for Erin? Please share!

Where to find vintage architectural pieces?

Stacey sent along this pic to go with her question.

Stacey emails:

We are getting our dining room painted (finally saying goodbye to terrible green) and would love to find a large vintage mirror to go over the mantle. The ceilings are about 14 feet high so the mirror should ideally be six feet or more. I've seen some reproductions online that have potential but I would prefer a mirror with a past. I keep looking on craigslist but with no luck. I would be out scouting salvage yard, antique shops etc. but for the fact that we work and have two little kids. I am hoping someone has a great mirror who needs a new owner? Or at least knows where to look? We only have about $500 to spend.

There are a handful of places (or more) around the region that collect and sell these sorts of vintage or reclaimed furniture/decor/architectural pieces. The first two that spring to mind are Silver Fox Salvage and the Historic Albany Parts Warehouse, both in Albany.

We're guessing you have more suggestions -- if not for a specific place to look, then maybe some advice about how to go about finding a piece like this, or even a DIY solution.

So, got something in mind? Please share! As always, a sentence or two about why you're recommending a place can be a big help.

A good stylist for Asian hair?

V. emails:

I desperately need a new hair cut, and I was hoping your reader can help. The problem was it is hard to find a good hair stylist for an Asian hair. Would you mind asking your readers to see if they have a suggestion?

We've had a few questions before about finding a good hair stylist (linked below), but this is a new twist on the question.

Got a suggestion for V.? Please share!

Earlier on AOA:
+
+ A good stylist for a pixie cut?
+ A good hair colorist
+ A good haircut for the curly headed?
+ Stylist for long hair?

photo: Flickr user Harsh Patel (CC BY 2.0)

Electric City Couture 2014

The Electric City Couture Fashion Show is back April 26. And this time it will be at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. Event blurbage:

The evening will showcase signature collections of six regional designers and will include roughly 55 male and female models on the runway. Targeted proceeds from this year's show will go to the ongoing restoration work of Historic Universal Preservation Hall, a year-round arts and community events venue located at 25 Washington St. in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. ...

A new edition to this year's show format will be the ability to "buy it off the runway" in a retail sales area that will be available both after the show on Saturday for show attendees and on Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the general public. This year's show will be a partnership between Proctors Theater of Schenectady, N.Y., Universal Preservation Hall and Electric City Couture. It is designed to highlight the strengths of the regional creative economy.

The show is at 8 pm on Saturday, April 26. Tickets are $15 and available online.

photo: 2014 Electric City Couture Designer Showcase Shoot - Shrine of Fashion. On location at Historic Preservation Hall in Saratoga. Photographer: James Pickett

The "Glamour" of that house

The video embedded above is for the song "Glamour" by locals The Lucky Jukebox Brigade. It's a good song, and the video has a twist at the end. Have a look.

You'll notice a bunch of local spots in the video. And also, there's that house. The seafoam green! The wallpaper! The kitchen! It's like waking up in the late 1950s.

Curious about the house, we emailed the band for the scoop. From The Lucky Jukebox Brigade's Deanna DeLuke:

The house is local! We are keeping the specific location private because it is a residential home, but I can tell you that the kitchen cabinets and counters are original from when the house was built in the early 1950s, and the hallway wallpaper (in the shot where they are walking down the stairs) is from the 1960s. The bedroom was updated maybe 10 years ago. It has been in the family since the 1950s, passed from one generation to the next, and they have taken excellent care of it to keep all the vintage pieces in such pristine condition!

"Glamour" is currently available as a single. The band is working an album, Familiar Fevers, for this summer.

The Lucky Jukebox Brigade is playing at The Low Beat this Friday, March 28. Local funk Oobleck is also on the bill. It should be a good time. Show's at 9 pm, it's $5.

Where to get a dress altered?

Julie emails:

I was wondering if you know where to get a dress altered for a good price in the area. Thanks.

It's been a long time since we've had a question about a seamstress or tailor. We're curious if there's someone who's especially good for dress alterations.

Got a suggestion for Julie? Please share!

Pin Up's Blow Bar

Pin Up's Blow Bar in Saratoga Springs.

First: an explanation, for those who have never heard of a blow bar.

A blow bar is not a bar in the traditional sense. They don't serve drinks. Also, contrary to the suggestive name, there's nothing untoward going on. A blow bar is a salon that blow drys and styles your hair. No cuts, no color, just, "Wash, Blow, Style & Go."

Why? Well, for most women, myself included, it's difficult to achieve a professional looking blowout at home -- not to mention the arm fatigue you get from holding your hands above your head for so long.

Also, it's a little bit fancy. And as a lover of fancy things and experiences, I was completely willing to check it out.

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Planning a Capital Region wedding: the dress

All three were candidates...

Lauren and George are planning a wedding in the Capital Region, and they're chronicling the planning process here on AOA. Last time we heard from them they were checking out catering. Next up: a wedding dress.

I never imagined that wedding dress shopping would be such a long and difficult process. All those wedding shows make it seem magical -- with infinite budgets, tears of joy, and champagne.

My dress process, on the other hand, is a lesson in frustration.

In the beginning I was so excited. I had scanned Pinterest incessantly and decided I was looking for a light, romantic dress with some sort of strap, and without a train. My budget was $700. I could do this.

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The Albany Bearded Gentleman's Club

Let it be known: The first meeting of The Albany Bearded Gentleman's Club is at Patsy's Barber Shop in downtown Albany this Wednesday (January 22) at 6 pm.

From the event description: "Come down and meet the other members of the Club, get some great facial hair advice on care and shaping from some of the finest barbers in Albany and enjoy some comradery and light refreshment."

We asked club founder Will Vondoome for the quick background on the club (link added):

I've been in contact with Beard Team USA, which organizes the annual National Beard and Mustache Championships and represents the United States at international beard and mustache competitions. This is the first step toward creating a local chapter of Beard Team USA that could support participants who want to grow facial hair for serious competitions, as well as have at least one local fundraising competition event per year. Men and women who have or appreciate facial hair are welcome.

photo via Albany Bearded Gentleman's Club

What sort of winter coat(s) should I buy? And where?

The world have never seen a dorkier coat than that parka. But it did the job.

A question from AOA Greg. Let us now self-blockquote:

It is time to bid farewell to my winter coats. My beloved 3/4 length corduroy coat is frayed and falling apart (fail wale). And my LL Bean parka -- which has protected me against many a winter, much lake effect snow, and frequent blustery dog walks -- has finally succumbed to catastrophic zipper failure and other indignities of old age. Also: it makes me look like (even more of) an enormous dork.

So I'm looking for a new coat. Or coats. I'd like to get away with just buying one. But I suspect I should probably replace both types. I need a coat for work around town, but also long walks with the dog and other winter outside activities (I don't ski).

If you have suggestions of where I should shop for a coat, great. But I'm also looking for suggestions of what type or brand of coats. Do you have a favorite winter coat type? What about brand? Should I re-submit myself to the warm, reliable dorkiness of another LL Bean model? Or is there something better? (Please say there is.)

So, got a suggestion? Please share. Greg will think warm thoughts about you this winter.

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Suggestions for a 1920s-themed local wedding?

Allison emails with a fun question:

I'm recently engaged and am overwhelmed with all the potential wedding venues in our area. To help narrow the choices down, I've decided on a 1920's era themed wedding (secretly hoping Hemingway crashes my party, drunk).

Can you guys help a girl out with some vintage-y and spacious venues? And if you have any other dope ideas for center pieces, signature drinks, etc. please do not hold back.

This area has no shortage of wedding venues -- and some of them even date back to the 1920s (or thereabout).

So, got a suggestion for Allison? Please share!

photo: State Library of Queensland Flickr

Donating hair for charity?

Chrisck emails:

My question is about donating hair for charity (for wigs for cancer patients). My hair has gotten quite long and I want to cut it, but would donate it if I knew where to go to donate it. Also, I'd like to talk to someone about exactly how long they need the hair to be because I might be willing to wait a while longer for the cut if my hair needs to be longer to be useful. Anybody know anything about donating hair?

As we understand it, there a few charities that collect hair for this purpose (and some criticism of at least one).

So, anyone have the scoop for chrisck? Suggestions about a local place to go to have the hair cut properly for this purpose? Please share.

photo: Flickr user quinn.anya (cc)

A good stylist for a pixie cut?

Sarah asks via the Facebook:

Hey, can anyone recommend a good stylist for a pixie cut? It can be so hard to find someone really good with short cuts for women...Thanks!

Our first thought when seeing Sarah's question was Christine over at Unspeakable Visions and her super cute pixie cut -- she chronicled her switch to the pixie in a fun series for the "pixie curious." That's Christine on the right.

But going short can feel like a jump. So... have a good stylist to suggest for Sarah? Please share!

Earlier on AOA: Ask AOA: A salon for very (insert color) hair?