BeChicMag.com

BeChicMag.com caught up with Nikki Yeager, a young local artist who recently moved back to New York City from living abroad. Peruse her Web site and you’ll see that Nikki’s themes include everything from NYC mixed media pieces, to portraits and facial close ups. If you really want to do justice to her amazing talent, we recommend you get up close and personal by visiting her two-week display at  Bar Nine (more details below). We were so struck by her talent and her energy that we couldn’t resist asking her a couple of questions. Nikki inspired me to continue working on my dreams and to invest in an affordable and beautiful piece of art for my living room. - Carolina Baker

BeChicMag: When did you start painting?
Nikki: I started drawing when I was really young. My mom encouraged my drawing big time. I developed my style when I attended a commercial art program as a junior in high school. My mom suggested that I attend this program. Until a couple of years ago, I was odd about sharing my art. I would paint and paint and paint but refuse to let anyone see it (including my parents). By hiding my art, I never really talked about it with my family. I wouldn’t let anyone bring it up.

What inspires you to paint?
Myself. My mind works out the world around me through art. It’s my way of keeping sane and organizing my thoughts and my perceptions.

How did you end up in Cambodia and the Bahamas? Did your experiences in Cambodia and the Bahamas affect your painting?
Travel has been a spontaneous desire. I applied to and accepted the job in Cambodia because I knew it would get me closer to my chosen career. I also knew it would be an adventure. I didn’t even know what continent Cambodia was on until I booked my flight. Arriving to the Bahamas was also another fluke. I found a job opening and two weeks later I was on a little seven seater plane to Freeport. Both countries affected my painting because they affected my life. My next series will be largely focused on both countries and my experiences in each. Anything that ends up in my thoughts ends up on my canvas.

What gave you the courage to drop out of college?
Thank you for calling it courageous, most people call it naïve. I got into my dream college but once I started classes I realized I had taken a step further away from my goals rather than a step closer to them. I was doing a lot of unrelated work and I realized I could funnel that energy and that time into achieving my own dreams. For me, that seemed a more practical use of my time. In my opinion, it’s not the degree that makes a person successful – it’s the activity.

Who is your favorite artist?
Salvador Dali or Rene Magritte.

What museum in NYC do you most recommend and draw the most inspiration from?
I used to live by the Met. If I needed a little pick-me-up, I’d pay a small amount of the recommended donation and take a 10 minute stroll through the modern art section. I loved being able to pop in and visit Dali’s whenever I needed some lovin’.

BeChicMag.com readers are invited to get a glimpse of Nikki’s pieces at Bar Nine the week of November 18th. Opening night is on Nov. 21st after 8:30 p.m. Bar Nine, 807 Ninth Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets.

GIVEAWAY WITH THE ORCHID BOUTIQUE

Have you ever seen the latest fashion shows and longed for certain pieces walking down the runway? I know I have! But, I don’t have runway fashion money! Here at BeChicMag.com it is our duty to keep our fellow followers in the know. In order to prepare you for the summer (yes I said summer) we wanted to fill you in on an amazing opportunity to win a designer swimsuit from a 2010 collection provided by The Orchid Boutique. You can choose from designers such as Badgley Mischka (pictured on the left), Betsey Johnson, OndadeMar, True Religion and more! All you have to do is visit The Orchid Boutique here to enter the contest. With any of these swimsuits on the beach, you will definitely be looking chic! Contest ends on November 16th so enter now.

- Arleny

Alex McCord Hosts Opening of Second Time Around Boutique
Last night we celebrated a new boutique in the Upper East Side with the Real Housewives of New York City. Alex McCord hosted the opening party of Second Time Around- a store that sells new and resale designer clothing. STA carries an eclectic mix of labels such as a Yves St. Laurent pant suit, Juicy Couture sweat suit, Christian Lacroix skirt and much more!

Though it wasn’t confirmed, it also looked like the wives were filming for the next season of the Bravo hit show. We saw all the girls except for the former countess and Jill Zarin whose Twitter says she’s headed for L.A this week.

We got the chance to speak with McCord’s very own celebrity stylist Alegra Torel who told BeChicMag.com how much she loves working with her! “Alex is great,” said Torel. “She has a petite body and says ‘whatever you want to put me in, you’ll put me in’ whereas some other clients of mine are not so easy going.” For more behind-the-scenes of Tuesday’s party (and taping) and to learn more about Alex McCord’s style, check out our video on BeChic TV here.

Second Time Around.  1040 Lexington Avenue. 

If you like Michelle Obama’s style, then you’ll love Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy. You might already be familiar with the Web site Mrs-O.org that follows the First Lady’s every chic move. Blogger turned author Mary Tomer was contacted by a publisher shortly after launching Mrs-O.org. We met with Tomer at her office downtown where she spoke to BeChicMag.com about her blog and her first book!

You never know what you’re going to find in New York. There is always something new to discover. I recently came across C.O. Bigelow Apothecary. Established in 1838 in Greenwich Village, it is the oldest apothecary in America!

Back then C.O. Bigelow was not only a place to pick up your most indispensable hand lotion prepared by your favorite doctor. It was also a gathering place- a dispensary and a provider of unique and unusual healing remedies. Today, C.O. Bigelow is writing a new page in its history.

By taking actual formularies and therapeutic ingredients that have been documented for nearly two centuries and fusing them with the best of today’s technology, C.O. Bigelow has developed a unique range of skin care products for the face and body.  These tried and true formulas have been trusted by women through the ages and have been perfected for today’s modern consumer.

Walking into this landmark is an experience in itself, whether you purchase something or not. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable on the plethora of products they carry. If you’re lucky, you might run into Ian Ginsberg- a third generation proprietor and pharmacist. I personally love the C.O. Bigelow Village Perfumer collection in coconut! The long lasting smell just takes me to a tropical island! You also can’t leave without purchasing their famous mentha lip shines. Check out C.O. Bigelow Apothecary and let us know what you think!  Until next time, Stay Chic! 414 6th Avenue. 212.533.2700, BigelowChemists.com 

- Arleny