What To Know Before You Buy The iPhone X

With each year we have at least one occasion to camp out in front of Apple stores, or at least it feels that way with a new IPhone seeing release each year since 2007 saw the original IPhone come out. As with all things ten years old, we’re beginning to see some startling changes. Apple is looking to make the IPhone X set the tone not just for the next few releases but the whole next generation of IPhones. Which has me a little bit worried. Sure apple products have always asked you to adjust to them a bit, but the new IPhone asks what could be for some a little too much. Yes Apple is asking you to adjust to spending a significantly larger amount of money for their products. So is it actually worth it to buy the IPhone X?

Personally I would say no, common sense seems to say save $200 dollars and get the IPhone 8, which is still a brand new IPhone. The IPhone X and 8 have the same iOS 11 operating system, and under the hood both phones have identical software so there won’t be any difference in performance either. They have the same A11 chips, and even the front facing cameras are functionally identical. Plus the IPhone X has different dimensions to your current model which means you also would need to get a new case, and getting a new case is highly recommended as the IPhone X has been dubbed by some gadget warranty companies as “the most breakable iPhone we’ve ever tested.” Combine that with the astronomical costs of repairing the screen ($279) or glass back ($549) to make the thought of not having a case for any period of time stressful. I mean dropping your phone is always unpleasant but this is ridiculous.

Everything isn’t bad though, what really differentiates the new IPhone from the old IPhone is what new tricks Apple can make the X do. Most noticeable of these is the Face ID feature. Which is the new system for unlocking your phone, it’s really what the whole phone is designed around since they got rid of the home button. The Face ID system is housed in a notch at the top of the screen, something we’ll come back to later because there is a lot to say about it, and now just by holding your phone up to your face you can be in. Whenever the phone is activated an IR light turns on in the notch and if the IR camera in the notch detects a face a dot projector flashes a few thousand dots onto your face to create a depth map of it. Setting up the Face ID system is also very user friendly, the phone displays a circular border around your face, and you move around until that circle turns green. Over time the depth map of your face will become more detailed and the system should become better at recognizing you as well. Best of all gradual changes will be kept track of so growing a beard won’t result in you needing to set up the whole system again. You also use Face ID for Apple Pay just double click the side button, authenticate, and then hold the phone to the reader.

The final use for the Face ID system is the new Animoji feature. Which is sure to please young and old alike, as finally when someone sends you a smiley emoji you can know that they really had to smile to send it. Essentially what it does is make a short video clip of your face, recreating facial and eye movements in the form of cute emoji characters. I’m partial to the panda, but there are all kinds of animals and even the poop emoji, because of course they would include the poop emoji.

The iPhone X also switches from an LCD screen to an OLED screen. Which is great, OLED’s have a much nicer range of blacks seeing as how OLED’s can actually turn off individual pixels, something LCD’s simply can’t do. However as with all OLED screens the iPhone X has some color shift when tilted, not a big deal, but definitely noticeable if you look for it. If I had to take a guess as to why the iPhone X is so much more expensive than the 8 this would be it, but the effect of this wonderful new screen is spoiled a little bit by the previously mentioned notch at the top of the screen. It really messes with apps and videos on the X. This will probably improve with time, as apps are updated to take the change in screen shape into account, but currently things can get a little buggy. When watching videos you’ll either get black bars on the sides of the video or you’ll have to deal with a part of your video being played underneath the notch as the expands as if it wasn’t there.

So the question you need to ask yourself when you consider buying the iPhone X is “is Face ID and dimmer blacks worth $200?” They say OLED screens will become cheaper in the future, and I would think it smarter to wait till then to get an iPhone featuring one, as the average person probably won’t care too much about the difference in display. However if you’re a diehard Apple fan and you aren’t afraid of spending a little cash to stay on the cutting edge, then you should absolutely get the X.

By Connor Sherman

Our favorite listing this week is 508 West 24th Street, Unit 5th Floor, home to NBA Player Carmelo Anthony. The ten-time NBA All-Star, has listed his New York City condo. The home is the largest unit in the Cary Tamarkin designed building at 508 W 24th that overlooks the High Line and is walking distance from world-class shopping and prominent art galleries.

251 East 51st Street, Unit 2M, listed on the market as a Compass "Coming Soon," is a recently renovated, perfect pied-a-terre (and ideal one bedroom for all the rest of us). What truly sets this pad apart from the rest is the dreamy outdoor terrace with endless possibilities and city views. Accessed by the living room and overlooked by the bedroom, this 24x12 outdoor space is an oasis in the center of the Midtown hustle and bustle.

Our last #openhouse roundup will you be checking out this #parkslope home? #nycrealestate #brooklynrealestate #milliondollarlistings #luxuryhomes #OffTheMRKT

DNA Development announced that closings have commenced at 350 West 71st Street, the successful Upper West Side luxury conversion that seamlessly combines two historic pre-war buildings into one stunning contemporary condominium with a classic façade. As construction nears completion, the seven-story building’s 38 elegant residences and bespoke amenities are coming to life, as DNA welcomes its first residents.

Our favorite listing this week is located at One West End, the sculptural glass residential tower designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli within Riverside Center. At $19.5 million, 29B offers 5,302 square feet of interiors space, with four bedrooms, five and a half baths, a media room, lofted library, and a double height great room leading out to a 3,000 square foot terrace with impeccable views.

Social Concierege Will Help You Find A Date For New Years

We've all done the dating apps, you find some people to talk to, but how often do you actually meet in person? Or even better have a second date with them?

While dating apps are great to see who is out there, you still need to do some work and actually leave your place (well, most of the time), what's the solution, actually going out! This can now be done with Social Concierge, a group that hosts private dating parties, originally from London.

Rather than swiping left or right, Social Concierge is a private dating club for 20/30-year-olds who have been vetted by their team so everyone you meet will be top tier.

To kick off the holiday season Social Concierge will be holding a festive party Baby It's Cold Outside, with 150 + single professionals waiting to drink, network and flirt. The event will be hosted by musician Michelle Rose of Frances Rose fame.

In case you can't make it to this event, don't worry! Members (at a low $25 per month cost) have access to 2 invite parties a month at such locations like The Jane Hotel and the Mailroom.

Apply today to join the network in time for the festive celebrations and receive a complimentary guest ticket by using the code, SCLOVE as your proposer:

www.socialconcierge.co.uk/new-york

Fall Fashion Essentials for Men

By Peter Minkoff

As summer is coming to an end, it’s about time you started thinking about your fall wardrobe staples and ways to combine them in order to come up with some flawless clothing combos. However, if you still aren’t sure about what the fall fashion essentials are, just be sure to stay with us and keep on reading. Here are five of them you simply have to have this season! Stridewise is where I nurture a maniacal obsession with footwear and share my findings.

Quality wool trousers

As soon as fall arrives, you should definitely turn to a bit thicker fabrics like wool and corduroy. These are the best ones for crisp weather and lower temperatures typical for this season. Cotton can also be a great choice, even though it isn’t as comfortable and warm as wool. When picking appropriate trousers, one of the most important things is their cut. Slim cut is always a good idea, just make sure that your trousers aren’t too tight. As for the color, black, navy and grey are an amazing idea, as well as all shades of brown. Burgundy and deep green will work, too!

Shawl collar cardigan

This timeless item is pretty much everything a fashion-forward man needs to own, so make sure to get a shawl collar cardigan for an upcoming season. As its name suggests, the high shawl collar is what characterizes this piece and makes it what it is – a staple for cold weather. Such cardigan will definitely help you feel warm and cozy. Apart from that, it’s trendy, stylish and just a little bit nerdy, and you know what? Girls really dig that, so don’t skip it this fall!

A rain jacket

The season we’re about to enter is well-known for its unpredictable weather, so don’t let it fool you and be prepared no matter what. Getting a rain jacket is an absolute must, so be sure to pick one that perfectly combines function with a fine design. Such piece will help you stay dry on a rainy day without looking like a tourist lost in space, which is exactly why you should look for brands that provide both protection from the rain and stylish designs. Make sure that the jacket you’re about to get is 100 percent waterproof, and you won’t make a mistake with it!

Fashionable accessories

No outfit is complete without proper accessories, and that’s the case with fall clothing combos, too. A trendy umbrella is always a good idea, especially when matched with the rest of your outfit. However, we can all agree that it maybe isn’t even necessary if you decide to get a rain jacket. Ties made from wool blends are a fantastic choice if formal attire is your everyday choice, as well as patterned pocket squares. Apart from these, you can never go wrong with a statement wrist watch. These simply scream class, so get some quality watches online ASAP!

Smart boots

If there’s something that can keep you safe from the rain, apart from a rain jacket (obviously), it’s a pair of smart boots. Quality footwear will keep you warm and protected from rain and snow later on, so be sure to get the best boots you can find. Apart from providing more coverage than an average pair of shoes, these are also highly versatile – you can wear them both in casual and in formal occasions, and even in combination with suits! Matte leather is one of the most convenient choices when it comes to fall, whereas black, gray and chocolate brown are fantastic in terms of color selection.

As you can see, each of these four pieces, alongside with appropriate accessories, is absolutely essential when it comes to this season. These will allow you to stay warm and cozy while being really fashionable at the same time, so get them as soon as possible and rock your fall outfits like a pro!

At Your Table: A Personal Chef Experience While Planning an Event Abroad

By Peter Minkoff

Newyorker in London? Planning an event? In need of a catering service? We got it covered!

At Your Table is an established artisan personal chef catering service with the style and creativity only world renowned culinary experts are able to bring to life. Being around for almost a decade, the brand has already made a name for itself in the bespoke dining industry, attaining stellar reviews from numerous satisfied companies and individual clients in the UK and Australia.

The company currently services the UK regions of London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds as well as every major city in Australia. You can organize private dinner parties, intimate settings or even large-scale events requiring substantial catering for numerous attendees.

An adventure of style and taste

The renowned service of the At Your Table staff is characterized by the need to serve your unique wishes and cater to your specific needs, allowing you to tailor your menu in preparation for the event. The chefs do not only cook your meals in a divine display of artisanship and experience, but the accompanying team of waiters will ensure your private setting is transformed into an intimate and relaxed ambiance.

The private sommelier provided to your by the At Your Table staff will make sure to present the best wine options to complement your meal, either by securing exquisite tastes for the party or even serving the best options from your private collection.

The fine culinary art

As for the food itself, the At Your Table chefs certainly are the masters of their trade. Ranging from a wide variety of fusion dishes all the way to modern European and Italian cuisine, there is no shortage of innovative and dazzling flavours to satisfy every palate.

A chef of your choice will be able to offer you their signature recipes, crafted with years of culinary experience under the tutelage of renowned culinary institutes around the world. The interesting detail that makes for a unique experience is the fact that the chefs tailor their menus according to the season, making sure the ingredients are fresh and of top quality at all times.

This is where the bespoke experience of At Your Table truly shines, as you will be encouraged to get in touch and fine tune every detail in order to create a unique menu that complements your specific tastes and the unique palates of your guests. You can choose from a variety of options, ranging from ten-course tastings to exquisite three-course meals.

These culinary experts consider their trade to be a true art form, and although open to various suggestions, they will remain steadfast in maintaining the integrity of their signature creations. You can inquire about vegetarian and vegan cuisine and tailor the menu to your liking, as they say, within reason.

Remember, it is best to leave details to the professionals, and let them tailor an unforgettable dining experience, imbued with taste and aroma, accompanied by stellar service and professional conduct.

In conclusion

At Your Table is the best possible solution for escaping the hectic nature of the modern world and creating an intimate, bespoke and unforgettable experience abroad, tailored to complement your every need. Whether you are organizing a formal gathering or planning a rekindling of an old flame for two, the culinary artisans behind At Your Table will allow you to create cherished lifelong memories, imbued with vibrant tastes and passionate aromas.

How To Be a Fashion Minimalist this Fall

The fall fashion forecast was definitely inspired as well as versatile, and with the abundance of floral prints, bold silhouettes and deconstructed classics one might be inclined to believe that minimalism has given way ‘maximalism’. This, of course, couldn’t be further from the truth. Minimalism is still holding the reins, especially now that it’s autumn. This season is every minimalist’s dream as they get to experiment, play with layers and prove that minimalism is everything but boring.

For all of those who are feeling increasingly drawn towards the realm of simplicity and timeless, effortless elegance only minimalism can provide, worry not. Putting together a minimalist look is easier than it seems, and all you need is a bit of guidance so you can choose just the right garments that will then blend together as if they were made with the intention of ending up with each other.

First and foremost

Before you can dive into the world in which getting dressed in the morning takes five minutes with the result of an impeccable outfit every single time, you have to first learn some of the basic rules. The first rule is one regarding the color palette.

In order to avoid clashing garments stick to a neutral palette consisting of various shades of grey and beige, then the inevitable black, as well as white, navy and at times maroon, burnt orange and shaded spruce – after all, the last three are Pantone’s colors of the season and given their neutral warmth they are sure to fit right in. With the exception of a subtle plaid print and evergreen stripes, leave other prints behind as they can stir trouble in the matching department.

The second rule concerns the cut. Always pick timeless non-trendy cuts that will always be in style and never purchase anything you haven’t tried on because one of the key elements of minimalism is the perfect fit. No matter how gorgeous a piece looks, if it doesn’t fit like a glove, leave it behind. Finally, allow only high-quality garments made from sustainable (therefore durable) materials to enter your wardrobe. You’re building a long-lasting wardrobe arsenal and so quality is crucial if you want your clothes to stand the test of time.

Starting over

Once you’ve picked up on these simple rules, it’s time to start building your wardrobe. For girls, this journey starts with dresses as they are the simplest yet most powerful tool one can pull out of a closet. A gorgeous black dress with a touch of drama in the form of subtle lace details that follows your shape is an impeccable choice.

For men, the journey starts with no other than a great tailored suit. Black would be the obvious choice, but truly any color from the ‘prescribed’ color palette will do as long as the cut is classic and timeless. Speaking of suits, both men and women should own at least one but preferably more than one blazer. In order for you to remain fashionable, one of them can be tailored and the other oversized. The second will be a perfect autumn outerwear for those casual low-key days, and it can even feature the plaid print.

Now, we move on to tops. Both men and women should own a classic white shirt. Your closet will be grateful as this is one of those chameleonic garments that go wonderfully with both casual and dressy outfits. You can pair it with the blazer or a gorgeous sweater. A snug light beige wool sweater goes amazingly well with a white shirt, especially if you throw in a pleated midi skirt in black or even maroon. For guys, both black and grey will do the trick, and if a pop of color is what you’re looking for, then shaded spruce is definitely your pick.

As autumn is all about chic layering skills, don’t forget to stock up on basics. By that, we mean simple T-shirts in all the mentioned shades. Never underestimate the power of a simple tee as it’s the perfect foundation for any casual chic look. Black and white striped cashmere sweaters are a definite must for both.

 As for jeans, the same rule applies to both ladies and gentleman. Your first priority is the perfect fit so make sure you scout the perfect jeans for your body type. Steer clear of embroidery, patches and ripped jeans – the goal is a lasting not fading novelty. Always go for dark instead of washed jeans – it’s very difficult to look polished in washed jeans. Now, this next garment is for boys only – simple grey sweats as there are very few things sexier than a man sporting this casual piece.

Bring on the fall

Fall would not be complete without a few fine outerwear garments to complete the look. While both boys and gals can take the same classic route with the utmost sophisticated camel trench coat, if for guys this is a tad too dressy, a classic leather jacket makes for a super-fine alternative. Every girl should own a black biker jacket – the ultimate fashion chameleon, because even minimalist gals deserve a bit of edginess.

Carefully curated footwear

One of the fall’s staples for every girl are black and camel ankle boots. Simple black patent leather loafers should also be on your list, along with nude pumps and simple white sneakers (something along the lines of Adidas Superstar. Boys should stick to classic suede shoes, white sneakers as well, and for a bit of edge, black army boots or the best Adidas Yeezy Boost deals.

Minimal all the way

Nothing more than a great timepiece and eyewear is necessary or desired when it comes to men’s accessories. For girls, this universe is a tad larger, but make sure to keep your jewelry subtle (silver and gold only). Finally, a woman’s best friend – the bag. Don’t experiment with these, keep them solid, well-made and with no excessive details.

By Sophia Smith