Save the date: Hoboken Holiday Craft Fair

by Amy

Wednesday November 19, 2008, 2:24 PM

Courtesy of Iona LoyolaA model shows off a shawl by Atelier Iona Loyola, one of the vendors coming to this year's Hoboken Craft Fair.

Why hit the malls when you can do your holiday shopping right in Hoboken at the City of Hoboken's 14th Annual Holiday Crafts Fair on Dec. 6 and 7?

The fair includes gifts from 40 artisans selling such items as greeting cards, ornaments, pottery, stained glass, jewelry, quilts and photography.

Here are the details:

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Hoboken Holiday Craft Fair 2008

by Carly

Thursday November 13, 2008, 1:14 PM

Hoboken designer M. Avery Designs will have her custom-made bags and purses for sale at the upcoming 2008 Holiday Crafts Fair. That's a shot from inside M. Avery's boutique and studio at 266 Seventh Street.

Yes, the nation may be plagued by economic fears and dwindling consumer confidence, but the holiday shopping season is right around the corner (or already begun).

So here's an alternative to crowded shopping malls -- the 14th annual Hoboken Holiday Craft Fair. Held yearly at Hoboken City Hall, the Craft Fair offers three floors of handcrafted gifts, such as jewelry, homemade soaps, scarves and photography. This year, the Craft Fair will be one weekend only, Saturday and Sunday Dec. 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What's for sale?

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Wine and fashion tips at Toots & Tallie

by Carly

Tuesday October 28, 2008, 4:49 PM

Carly Baldwin/Hoboken NowToots & Tallie is located in the old home of Anastasia's Accessories at 1006 Washington Street.

Ladies, add this to your schedule! If you're not doing anything this Thursday night, consider stopping by Toots & Tallie boutique, where they're having a happy hour from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30th. In addition to wine, Toots & Tallie will also be dispensing fashion advice:

Want some ideas on how to update a piece from last year? Need some ideas on how to wear something that's been sitting in your closet? Bring it in! We'd be happy to offer some suggestions. This is a great opportunity to relax, have fun, and stretch your fashion dollar! Don't forget to tell your friends!

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Cheese Tasting in Hoboken this past Sunday

by Carly

Tuesday October 28, 2008, 2:04 PM

Carly Baldwin/Hoboken NowPark demonstrates a technique used to enhance the cheese rind.

When this half of Hoboken Now isn't trudging through freezing cold rainwater and annoying parks department crews while they work, I actually do some fun stuff. Such as this past Sunday evening, when I went to a cheese tasting at Hoboken's The Cheese Store.

Cheese Store owner Chung Park holds these cheese tastings every month or so at his store in the Monroe Center. Usually between 10-15 people show up each time. It's kind of sophisticated; there's music playing, people bring wine, you get to try lots of yummy cheeses and feel very ... cultured. (Get it?)

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Party at Solid Threads tonight

by Carly

Thursday October 16, 2008, 9:11 AM

Solid Threads at 365 First Street (at Grand Street).

Are you a fan of Solid Threads? Then stop by their store tonight for discounted shirts, free cocktails and a live band. Tonight, Solid Threads will hold their two-year anniversary party.

From 6:30 to 10 p.m., Solid Threads will hold their first-ever fashion show, featuring a live band, exclusive discounts, plus free drinks & snacks.

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The great Hoboken clothing swap

by Carly

Saturday October 11, 2008, 3:17 PM

Carly Baldwin/Hoboken NowWomen rummage through clothing in a studio at the Monroe Center today.

One woman's trash was another woman's treasure this afternoon at the Hoboken clothing swap.

Organized yearly by Hoboken's Cultural Affairs Director Geri Fallo, Hoboken women met today at the Monroe Center. The rule? Empty out your closets of old, unwanted clothes and bring 'em to the swap. Then pick through everybody else's stuff. (Hoboken Now made out like a bandit.)

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Ruben Ramos wants Hoboken to be an Urban Enterprise Zone

by Carly

Thursday October 09, 2008, 5:23 PM

Hoboken's man in Trenton, 33rd District Assemblyman Ruben Ramos would like to see part of Hoboken designated an Urban Enterprise Zone.

Amy Clark/Hoboken Now"We need to keep small businesses here in Hoboken," said Ramos.

An Urban Enterprise Zone, or UEZ, is a commercial district where the sales tax is reduced and money is funneled back into the city. It was created to stimulate economic growth in urban areas.

Here's how it would work:

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Anniversary party and fashion show at Solid Threads

by Carly

Thursday October 09, 2008, 10:35 AM

Solid Threads at 365 First Street (at Grand Street).

Do you love Hoboken-based t-shirt company Solid Threads?

Then mark your calendars for next Thursday, Oct. 16. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. Solid Threads is having a two-year store anniversary party, featuring their first-ever fashion show, a live band, exclusive discounts, free drinks & snacks, and most importantly, good times all around.

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Hoboken Farmers' Market today

by Carly

Tuesday October 07, 2008, 2:40 PM

Carly Baldwin/Hoboken Now

Like it does every Tuesday, the Hoboken Farmers' Market will be open from 3-7:30 p.m. today outside the Barnes & Noble downtown. And it's one of your last chances to stock up on summer veggies, like tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash and corn.

"We dodged a bullet by not getting that frost last night," said Jeff, of Union Hill Farms in Denville. In anticipation of a freeze, Union Hill Farms picked lots of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants yesterday, which you can buy this afternoon in Hoboken.

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Spa Week in Hoboken

by Carly

Wednesday September 10, 2008, 11:00 AM

Spa Week is back in New Jersey!

Carly/Hoboken NowStep in the door and relax. Spa H, at 112 Sinatra Drive, is participating in Spa Week.

And at which spas in Hoboken can you take advantage of the deals?

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"Sales and Cocktails" tonight in Hoboken

by Carly

Thursday August 14, 2008, 9:30 AM

Here's a reminder to spend "Happy Hour" tonight with Bella Ro, Down to Earth and Jessie James, where they're organizing a shopping "Sales and Cocktails" event.

From 6-10 p.m. this evening, you're invited to stop by each of the three boutiques. At each store, there'll be discounted items (including clearance racks reduced to $10), free gifts with all purchases, a raffle to win a fall dress and best of all, refreshing summer cocktails!

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"Sales and Cocktails"

by Carly

Wednesday August 06, 2008, 10:29 AM

Bar crawls in Hoboken are nothing new. But how about a boutique crawl?

Three fantastic boutiques in Hoboken -- Bella Ro, Down to Earth and Jessie James -- are organizing a shopping "Sales and Cocktails" event next week.

On Thursday, August 14th, from 6-10 p.m., you're invited to stop by each of the three shops. At each store, there'll be discounted items, free gifts with all purchases and best of all, refreshing summer cocktails!

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Hoboken Farmers' Market

by Carly

Tuesday July 22, 2008, 3:16 PM

Carly Baldwin/Hoboken Now

Don't forget to stop by on your way home from work today and pick up some Jersey-fresh July produce!

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Miss out on getting a new iPhone? More coming to Hoboken tonight

by Amy

Monday July 14, 2008, 5:24 PM

Amy Sara Clark / Hoboken NowThe sign outside Hoboken's AT&T store on Washington Street said iPhones were sold out, but an employee says they expect more tonight.

For those of you who waited to get the new iPhone 3G only to leave empty-handed after the Hoboken store ran out over the weekend, there is good news: more phones are expected at the Washington Street store tonight, a store employee said.

Hopefully this time, the line won't be so long ...

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'Gourmet' store opens in Jersey City

by The Jersey Journal

Thursday July 10, 2008, 9:43 PM

Emily Anne EpsteinJersey City mom Caren Begun plays with 6-month-old Sarah in the new Morton Williams

Emily Anne EspteinA wide-eyed Marie Christine, left, and friend Alexandra Dettling check out the selection at the new Morton Williams

A new supermarket opened tonight in Jersey City with much fanfare, as Mayor Jerramiah Healy participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Morton Williams Fresh Marketplace at 105 River Drive in the Newport section of Jersey City is now open. The company promises the "finest quality gourmet and specialty foods," according to a press release.

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Shuttered stores on Washington Street

by Carly

Thursday July 03, 2008, 11:24 AM

Uh, not quite breaking news, but....

Carly/Hoboken Now

Hoboken isn't exactly the kind of town where you see shuttered stores. But there are two in row right on Washington Street -- Wee Beasties children's' toy store and Emack & Bolio's (soon to be a Pinkberry?), both of which closed about a month ago. And a few yards away, Lhea, skin food "restaurant" is also closed and the storefront's for rent. What gives?

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Starbucks is having trouble? Not in Hoboken

by Carly

Thursday July 03, 2008, 10:32 AM

Carly/Hoboken NowHoboken's newest Starbucks in what used to be a Fabco shoe store.

Earlier this week, Starbucks announced it would be closing 600 U.S. stores and eliminating thousands of jobs nationwide. A pricey caramel macchiato, apparently, offers little relief during a struggling economy.

But of course, you can't tell the coffee giant is having problems by looking at Hoboken. The sign's already up and workers are busy at what will be the fourth Starbucks in Hoboken, at Third and Washington streets. (And who knows if that one at Metrostop is coming -- that would make five in town.)

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Hoboken Farmers' Market today!

by Carly

Tuesday July 01, 2008, 3:38 PM

Carly/Hoboken Now

Just a little reminder that -- like they will be every Tuesday this summer -- the Hoboken Farmers' Market will be open from 3-7:30 today at the corner of Newark and Washington streets.

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Toots & Tallie's opening party tonight

by Carly

Thursday June 26, 2008, 12:58 PM

Carly/Hoboken NowThe awning might still say Anastasia's but it's now Toots & Tallie.

Come in tonight and enjoy Toots & Tallie's grand opening celebration in their new home at 10th and Washington.

Please be our guest at our grand opening celebration! We'll be offering 20% off all clothing and accessories, and will have drawings for Toots & Tallie gift certificates. Wine and other light refreshments will be served.

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Make-your-own laptop bag at M. Avery Designs

by Carly

Tuesday June 24, 2008, 12:03 PM

M. Avery Designs workshop and studio at 266 7th Street in Hoboken.

Looking for something off the beaten path to do tonight in Hoboken? And need a new laptop bag? Hoboken design studio M. Avery Designs is offering a make-your-own laptop bag (actually, a laptop sleeve) class, tonight from 7-9 p.m.; $50.

And tomorrow night, Wednesday, June 25th, M. Avery is offering a make-your-own "Sandra" handbag class (in the shape of their popular "Sandra" design), 7-9 p.m.; $50.

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Tribalhome -- still open, still awesome

by Carly

Saturday June 21, 2008, 9:30 AM

Carly/Hoboken NowTribalhome, at 722 Washington Street, is clearing out Oriental rugs and furniture to make room for new inventory.

When I swung past Tribalhome earlier this week, I noticed this big "liquidation" sign and was at first upset -- is one of my favorite stores in Hoboken going out of business?

But don't fear. The Turkish rug, houseware and lamp shop in uptown Hoboken is not going anywhere (at least for the time being). Tribalhome is getting rid of old inventory to make room for new -- take advantage of their dramatically reduced Oriental rugs.

Never shopped at Tribalhome before? Here's what the unique store has to offer.

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Hoboken's Mail Boxes Etc. closed

by Lysa

Sunday June 15, 2008, 11:37 AM

Lysa Chen/Hoboken Now

According to letters posted on the MBE windows, you can still pick up your mail through June 27 at the Hoboken Post Office at 89 River St., and if you show up before the deadline, you can arrange for mail forwarding. The letters also direct people to Jersey City's two UPS Store locations, near the Pavonia/Newport and Journal Square Path stations.

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Shop Hoboken! For Father's Day

by Carly

Saturday June 14, 2008, 4:07 PM

Carly/Hoboken Now191 printed men's shirt ($85).

You have one more day to get that Father's Day gift! And we can think of no better place to do some last-minute Father's Day shopping than Beau Brummel, the men's clothing boutique in Hoboken. And the best part? They'll be open today and tomorrow, 11-7pm.

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Shop Hoboken! For Father's Day

by Carly

Friday June 13, 2008, 11:00 AM

Carly/Hoboken NowFrom left to right: A bottle of Cakebread Cellars cabernet ($77.99), Silver Oak ($104.99) and a 2480 cabernet ($89.99).

This Father's Day, get Dad what he really wants after a long, hard work week - a drink!

You may (or may not) be surprised to know that Hoboken's Sparrow Wine & Liquor on Washington Street does a sizeable business in Father's Day gifts - from premium liquors to hundred dollar bottles of wine to wine glasses.

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Shop Hoboken! For Father's Day

by Carly

Thursday June 12, 2008, 9:46 AM

Carly/Hoboken NowStep in the door and relax. Inside Spa H at 112 Sinatra Drive.

Hoboken Now asked one of our good buddies in the Hoboken Fire Department what he'd like for a Father's Day gift - and without skipping a beat, he replied a day at the Club H spa.

So if you're looking something a little off the beaten path this Father's Day, consider one of Spa H's relaxing treatments.

Carly/Hoboken NowNeed to clean up your man? The Man Can contains soap, shaving gel, a body mitt and hand butter ($50).

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Shop Hoboken! For Father's Day

by Carly

Wednesday June 11, 2008, 9:39 AM

Carly/Hoboken NowAnastasia's Accessories at 88 Garden Street, between 1st and Newark.

For the third installment of our Father's Day shopping guide, Hoboken Now stopped by Anastasia's Accessories, now in their new home at 88 Garden Street (they used to be located uptown, in what is now Toots & Tallie.)

Think Anastasia's is just for women? Think again!

Carly/Hoboken NowFor the Dad who likes to grill: "Patio Daddy-O" is a collection of grilling and drink recipes ($14.95). "Obsessed with Baseball" is an electronic quiz book with 2,500 trivia questions all about Dad's favorite pastime ($24.95).

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Shop Hoboken! For Father's Day

by Carly

Tuesday June 10, 2008, 11:00 AM

Carly/Hoboken Now

Five days 'till Father's Day! And Hoboken Now is back with more Mile Square-gift ideas. Can Dad appreciate a fine Cohiba or Arturo Fuente? Then look no further than Hoboken Cigars, maker and seller of fine cigars at 77 River Street.

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Shop Hoboken! For Father's Day

by Craig

Monday June 09, 2008, 10:06 AM

Carly/Hoboken NowThe Clickgear Cart is one of their most popular sellers - and makes a great gift!

There's plenty of gift ideas to be found for a golfing dad at Hoboken Golf, at 125 Grand St. Owner Ian Rintel said it's not unusual for a wife or daughter to ask for gift suggestions for Father's Day. Ian is always happy to help.

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Toots & Tallie in its new home

by Carly

Sunday June 01, 2008, 9:00 AM

Carly/Hoboken NowAs of today, the new home of Toots & Tallie.

Uptown women's boutique Toots & Tallie opens shop at their new location today at 10th and Washington (the former Anastasia's, now at 88 Garden Street).

Toots & Tallie will open at 12 p.m. today and will carry the same items and designers as they did in their old location at 8th and Washington - plus, it's a bigger space!

Carly/Hoboken Now

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It has collector's item written all over it

by Carly

Friday May 30, 2008, 1:10 PM

Remember: The festival kicks off at 8:30 tonight with free screenings in Pier A park.

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How 'Sex' led to spending

by Craig

Tuesday May 27, 2008, 2:13 PM

AP Photo/Alastair GrantThe four leading ladies from Sex and the City - Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker - arrive in London for the World Premiere of the film on May 12.

The Star-Ledger's Vicki Hyman has a story today about how the success of Sex and the City helped many women justify splurging on themselves when it came to friends, fashion and, of course, shoes.

"Sometimes they need permission - implied permission - to go out and plurge and buy," luxury marketing expert Pam Danziger said. "Something like 'Sex and the City' sort of gave them the justification, the permission to go out and buy these designer brands."

One of the women interviewed for the article was Jennifer Pergola, a saleswoman at Sole Search in Hoboken.

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Shop Our City - tonight!

by Carly

Tuesday May 20, 2008, 3:00 PM

Hmmm, such a blah, rainy day. Looking for something to do tonight? Support Hoboken retailers at Shop Our City!

Stop by Club H from 7-9 p.m. this evening for this fantastic free shopping event - and a "Sex and the City" afterparty at The Quays.

Starting at 7 tonight, local boutiques will present a fashion show at Club H:
Fleet Feet - showing sports & yoga wear and sneakers
Bella Ro - trendy young contemporary clothing
Bridge Boutique - men's clothing
Via Mode - evening gowns & shoes
Sole Search - shoes

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"Hoboken: The greatest country in the world"

by Carly

Tuesday May 06, 2008, 11:28 AM

In honor of HobokenBar.net's impending "It's a Small World" pub crawl, 1st Street t-shirt store Solid Threads designed an accompanying tee to sport while you drink.

Hoboken: The greatest country in the world. Going on the bar crawl? Pick up your own t-shirt at Solid Threads!

"It's a Small World" Cultural Pub Tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th from 4-8 p.m. with over 25 of Hoboken's bars, pubs and restaurants participating.

This pub crawl is a bit unusual: Various bars represent different countries and "travelers" with souvenir passports and wristbands are granted access to each "country" of their choosing, where they can partake in the country's cultures, folklores, customs - plus, food and libations.

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'You don't want it. He can't have it back.'

by Craig

Monday April 28, 2008, 3:55 PM

exboyfriendjewelry.com

Vittoria over at Always a Drunk, Never a Bride tipped us off to this Web site: Ex-BoyfriendJewelry.com.

As Vittoria explains it, "it's ebay for women scorned."

Which got her thinking about her ex, and what she still has from him, and why she still thinks about him, and got her to resolving to getting over him. And a promise to finally tell the story of their relationship and break-up.

But in the meantime... now you have a place to sell those things from your ex. Or just browse other people's mementos of heartbreak. What a great way to spend a rainy Monday afternoon!

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Goodbye, Good Kleen Fun!

by Carly

Wednesday April 23, 2008, 3:00 PM

Carly/Hoboken Now

Not exactly breaking news, but one-of-a-kind Hoboken boutique Good Kleen Fun will be shutting its doors at the end of this month.

The culprit? Rising Hoboken rents.

"The rent increase was crazy," one store employee told Hoboken Now. "One day, you're going to walk up this whole end of Washington Street and it's going to be all department stores, chain stores. The little boutiques can't survive."

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Got an old bridesmaid dress lying around?

by Carly

Tuesday April 22, 2008, 12:00 PM

M. Avery Design workshop and studio at 266 7th Street.

Two fun workshops this week at M. Avery Designs:

Got any bridesmaids dresses around the house that you'd like to make use of? Tonight, Tuesday, April 22nd, it's a "Turn your old bridesmaid dress into a purse" class - 7-9pm; $40.

And tomorrow night, Wed., April 23rd, it's their signature "Make your own handbag" class - 7-9pm; $50.

Call (201) 876-1198 to reserve a spot in these or any other M. Avery Design class.

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The Great Hoboken Auction

by Carly

Saturday April 19, 2008, 3:30 PM

Carly/Hoboken Now

Here's a reminder that a week from today will be the Great Hoboken Auction!

From the Hoboken Museum: It's time once again for longtime Hoboken residents and newcomers...families, couples and singles...young and old, to gather under the big tent in Shipyard Park for the Hoboken Museum's annual Great Hoboken Auction, Saturday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

There's something to suit everyone's taste and budget in the more than 250 items up for bid this year in either the live or silent auction; plus, tasty sandwiches, treats and beverages are served all night. This year's donations offer some old favorites, like a year's worth of indoor parking at the Shipyard or a behind-the-scenes tour of Macy's Parade Studio (with grandstand seats to the big event!), and lots of new items, like a pair of round-trip tickets on Continental Airlines anywhere in the mainland U.S. or Caribbean.

What's up for bid at the Great Hoboken Auction this year?

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City Discount reopens with a new look

by Amy

Friday April 11, 2008, 9:56 PM

The sign up during the store's renovation.Carly/Hoboken Now

As planned, City Discount, owned by Theresa Castellano, of City Council fame, reopened this week with a new look.

Castellano said she bucked the legacy of her father's love of mid-nineteenth century decor by ripping out the store's paneling and drop ceiling.

"It was ok for the '70s but we had to bring it into the 2000s," she said. Her father was the store's former owner.

She painted the unearthed tin ceiling gold, added new lighting, wallpaper and carpet.

Castellano said changing her father's decor made her "nervous" but that after she found the exact wallpaper she wanted in the second book she looked at, she felt he "was with me."

She said customers have given her "rave reviews" on the new look, and the renovation has been a breath of fresh air for herself, too. "Surroundings mean a lot."

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Going once, going twice, sold!

by Carly

Friday April 11, 2008, 9:00 AM

Carly/Hoboken Now

Just a reminder about "The Great Hoboken Auction" at the end of this month, Saturday, April 26th.

The event, organized by the Hoboken Historical Museum, is a treasure trove for unique items like antiques, furniture and collectibles, but they'll also have gift certificates for restaurants, fitness centers, sports tickets scuba diving, and sailing lessons, plus paintings, sculptures, posters and prints. Here's a list of items up for bid at the live auction. Plus it's a great way to get out and mingle with your fellow Hoboken neighbors!

The auction will be held Saturday, April 26th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. under a tent at Shipyard Park. Admission is $10, kids are free.

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Toots & Tallie is moving!

by Carly

Tuesday April 01, 2008, 9:41 AM

Carly/Hoboken Now

Toots & Tallie, the 8th and Washington women's clothing boutique, is re-locating - into Anastasia's former location at 1006 Washington St. in Hoboken.

"I decided to relocate because the former Anastasia's space is larger than the space that I currently have," said owner Adrienne Kowalski. Toots & Tallie will be moving around June 1st.

By the way, Anastasia's has moved to 88 Garden St.; they're going to open at their new location on Thursday.

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Mackey Blue

by Hoboken Now

Sunday March 30, 2008, 11:23 AM

Address: 1200 Washington St.

Phone: (201) 659-7329

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City Discount gets a "facelift"

by Carly

Tuesday March 25, 2008, 3:46 PM

Carly/Hoboken Now

In case you haven't noticed, Council President Theresa Castellano's Washington Street store, City Discount, is temporarily closed for renovations and a "facelift." Construction crews exposed the original ceiling in the store, which is significantly higher than the low old ceiling, and are giving the whole interior a new coat of paint.

The work just started yesterday (Monday), the ceiling's already done and the store should re-open March 31st - all construction in Hoboken should be so fast!

Carly/Hoboken Now

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Ciao Belly now open

by Amy

Friday March 07, 2008, 11:52 AM

Ciao Belly, the maternity/infant/toddler/baby gift shop that replaced Clipp One at 730 Washington St., opened this week.

Besides clothing for mom and baby, owner Laura Woodland said the store has duds for children up to size 4T, diaper bags and a wealth of new-baby gifts.

So next time you're yearning for that Sophie Catalou or JB Vintage outfit, you'll know where to go. And if you need a blanket made from soybean fibers, this is your place.

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Jessie James: A dream come true

by Craig

Tuesday March 04, 2008, 11:44 AM

There's a story today by LifeWire's Elizabeth Bougerol
on CNN.com about how you may want to take that dream job for a test drive.

The story profiles Jessica Caulfield, a 29-year-old New Yorker who decided to quit her job in real estate and open a women's clothing boutique in Hoboken. But she had no retail experience, she said.

"I'd never even had a summer job at the Gap folding sweaters."

Caulfield shadowed a fashion buyer for a couple days, then called up her husband. "Start looking for a storefront," she said. Now she owns Jessie James, with a location in Hoboken (which opened in 2006) and another in Manhattan (which opened last year).

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(Early) St. Patty's Day party

by Carly

Friday February 29, 2008, 3:00 PM

The party starts a little early tonight at Solid Threads.....

The tees are made out of a super-soft poly cotton blend.

That's Solid Thread's latest creation above, their limited-edition St. Patty's cotton t-shirt, unique to Hoboken.

You can pick up your own St. Patty's shirt tonight at the Solid Thread's store at 365 1st St. They'll have 100 of the adult tees and 26 baby onesies for sale, plus 10% off all St. Patrick's and drinking-related apparel, free booze, food & more! The event is from 5-9 p.m.

For those who come early, they're also giving away a free Solid Threads beer cozie with the first 50 tees sold. (Limit of 4 per person.)

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'The Hoboken Collection'

by Craig

Sunday February 17, 2008, 10:34 AM

The Hoboken Collection has vintage gloves from the 1880s to the 1950s - including this 1932 Ken-Wel Pro 560 favored by Brooklyn Dodger Dazzy Vance.

Want to play some of that olde-tyme baseball on the lawn next to Maxwell Place - possibly the site of the famed Elysian Fields, where historians believe the first modern organized baseball game was played?

If so, you'll need some equipment. But short of breaking into Cooperstown, how can you get your hands on an old-fashioned baseball glove? A New Jersey baseball equipment manufacturer has introduced "The Hoboken Collection" - recreations of baseball gloves and balls from the 1880s to the 1950s. They also have reproductions of vintage leather football helmets.

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Shop Hoboken - for Valentine's Day!

by Carly

Thursday February 14, 2008, 11:00 AM

This weekend and next ZenTouch is offering a Valentine's Day "Bodywork for Couples" Class, plus a wine & cheese tasting afterwards.

The bodywork class features the Ohashiatsu method of working with the body of a loved one - be they a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, sibling or friend. Ohashiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that emphasizes mutual support and enhanced sensitivity for both the giver and receiver. This bodywork workshop will teach partners how to ease tension and stress with techniques on the back, neck, hands and feet.

To up the romance factor a little more, a wine and cheese tasting will be held after the event.

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Shop Hoboken - for Valentine's Day!

by Carly

Wednesday February 13, 2008, 9:45 AM

There's lots of great florists in Hoboken. Of them, Flowers by Diane is warm, bustling - and just the place for your Valentine's Day flowers, whether you ordered something in advance or need a last-minute gift.

Roses? Take your pick.

As you might have guessed, a dozen roses is their most popular order this time of year, so owner Diane Alonso stocks up on roses delivered from Ecuador - classic red, pink, yellow, white and a shade of orange sherbert. Diane carries Red Intuition (streaked red and pink) and Black Magic (a dark burgundy, almost black velvet variety) roses, that are larger and last longer than the regular flowers.

Rose bouquets range anywhere from $50 to $99; says Diane, "We try to accomodate anyone's budget; we don't want anyone walking out of here empty-handed."

Read on for more about Flowers by Diane!

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Shop Hoboken - for Valentine's Day!

by Carly

Tuesday February 12, 2008, 11:46 AM

Give an Aveda Himalyan Glow soy wax candle infused with scents of organic clove, cinnamon and vanilla ($34).

Looking for something extra special to give this Valentine's Day?

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Shop Hoboken - for Valentine's Day!

by Carly

Monday February 11, 2008, 10:00 AM

What better place to do your Valentine's Day shopping than a boutique called Heart beat?