We decided to celebrate the first day of the Lunar New Year the best way we know how: by stuffing ourselves with delicious food in Chinatown!  We settled in at our go-to spot, Big Wong King on Mott St, and ordered all our lucky favorites: sam bo fan (three treasure rice), choy sum, and wonton noodle soup.  This week we’ll keep ourselves festive with the colors red and gold while keeping in mind that the 2012 dragon is meant to symbolize empowerment.  Many Chinese people believe that this is the luckiest week of the year.  Gung hay fat choy!

From Goto Horoscopes: The year 2012 of the Black Water Dragon promises to be a very interesting time that will provide plenty of opportunities for all members of the zodiacal circle. This period has many enigmatic, mysterious, unexpected and memorable moments that one can use for one’s own benefit. The new year 2012 by the eastern calendar does not begin on 1st of January, but on 23rd of January. Its stormy start will not cause the slightest doubt among any of the representative of the zodiacal circle – it’s time for change and one should be ready for that.

visit astrology.com to learn about your sign in the Year of the Black Water Dragon.

(thanks Derek Nguyen for Goto Horoscopes)

We’re very pleased to announce that every Thursday, Albertine General is now offering a range of fresh flower bouquets by Jessica Stage of Stage Floral Styling!  We’re absolutely besotted with Jessica who is as darling and magical as her floral creations.

After studying fashion design at Parsons, Jessica decided to follow her passion for floral styling and enrolled at the New York Botanical Garden.  Her Catskills upbringing is evident in her whimsical, wild bouquets.

One of a kind bouquets will be available at Albertine General every Thursday ranging from $25-$45. It’s not easy to find unique floral arrangements in NYC that are also budget friendly. We’re super excited to be able to offer such beautiful flowers at an affordable rate to our Albertine clients.

Jessica is also available for consultation and custom work for special events and weddings.  Please call Albertine General to make an appointment at 646 398 9872.

Native New Yorker Albertina Rizzo is a comedy writer for TV and print.  An author of two books and currently living in Chicago, we took her recent visit to NY as an opportunity to dress her in easy going Fall looks that work on both coasts. Unfortunately not Albertina’s car, we thought the owner wouldn’t mind if we pretended for a little bit.

Having spent time living in Italy and Argentina, we thought this look would be lovely for grabbing an aperitivo with friends in those last few minutes of daylight as the sun comes down.

top: Wren Isabel dress (with pockets) accented with reversible leather gold Pre-Columbian belt.

The product of art world parents, Albertina relishes thrift stores and her collections of amateur art, tiny plates, and squirrel related items. We think that’s super.

left: Rachel Comey Dahlia Olive Pocket Dress with vintage oxfords.

right: Butter Odessa Gown (with pockets) with Enochian suede Obi belt.

All photos by Eddie McShane.  For more info visit eddiemcshane.com

As it gets lighter earlier and the morning’s briskness hurries us out the front door, one of our favorite rituals is to meet at Abraço on 7th St. in the East Village. The darling café, owned by Elizabeth Quijada and Jamie McCormick, easily makes one of the best cappuccinos in the city. Standing in the cozy space with a warm cup clasped in our hands makes us feel like we’re somewhere far off like Milan before dashing off to start our day.

Our friend Kelly Colasanti is a true girl’s girl – a full-time mom, part-time student, consummate host and all-around cool – we can’t think of anyone with more style and grit.  Her home is one of Albertine’s favorite hangouts, warm and inviting and always fun – all this despite losing her husband Chris, her high school sweetheart and father of her daughters, in the tragedy of 9/11.

above: Kelly poses in her vintage sequin top with Kai Aackman skirt in front of a mural closet painted by Albertine alum Virginia Mourneaut.

left: Always seeking the perfect arrangement, here she dons a butterfly print dress by Gary Graham (one of her fav’s at Albertine).
right: Antique faith, hope & charity necklace by Cave Canem and glass heart locket.

left: Fairlight, Albertine’s favorite ridgeback looks on as mommy puts on the finishing touches to her outfit.
right: She shows off a recent purchase, knowing that one of here daughters will covet it in the near future.

Kelly, here with her daughters Cara (left) and Lauren (right), asked us to help select an outfit for the 9/11 memorial where Lauren is reading. We chose this gray graphic Anagram dress that is demure but still edgy, which we think reflects her personality.

Hip hop choreographer, Ms. Vee, took time out of her day to give tips to the dance-floor challenged. In this video she teaches Nancy, who has stepped out from behind the Albertine camera, variations on a simple two-step and shows us some of her ill moves.  Ms. Vee can be seen in the film Step Up 3D and you can take class with her at Broadway Dance Center. Check out her website: www.msvee.com.

Aidan Pilgrim despite being a branding and consultant writer from Georgia is a little bit of a gypsy, drifting from coast to coast (LA, NY, SF).  A collector of vintage ‘ya-yas’ she’s currently working on a writing project with her two Southern grandmothers–musings on history, love and etiquette.  She’s Albertine’s Summer to Fall girl.

left: Aidan looking textbook cute in a tank dress by Anagram paired with a Rachel Comey skirt ($375).

right: Sitting pretty and ready for cooler weather in a Tucker Regal Theater Box blouse and a Miranda Bennett tie skirt ($265).

Aidan rocking her bohemian vibe in an Ulla Johnson Marrakech dress ($335) cinched with a vintage Horn Morrocan belt ($245).

left: Nettie Kent’s leather wrap bracelet ($98) and Wave Bangle ($88).

So long Summer! But before we go, Snowcones for all! Aidan looks super sweet in Mara Hoffman’s Feather Dress ($605). A rainbow cone to stay please!