Parking space on Thompson Street taken over by DEGW consultancy

My walk to work this morning was unmemorable, save for the fact that people who did not actually appear to be homeless were squatting in the parking space outside my apartment building. My first thought was that it would be really nice to join them, rather than spend the day indoors, staring at a computer screen until my eyes start to bleed. My second thought was that my interest in the spectacle marked me as a sucker for some gimmicky advertising campaign. My third thought was ... scratch that, it was way too early for a third thought. Luckily, the nice man with the laptop (above) saw me looking on in bewilderment and spoke up: "It's New York City Parking Day," he exclaimed. Apparently, 50 spaces throughout the five boroughs have been taken over today by individuals and groups aiming to showcase how wonderful our streets could be if they were filled with inventive decor and outdoor lounge space instead of environmentally unfriendly, unsightly automobiles. Parking Day is in fact an international initiative in which 50 cities participate worldwide. So, enjoy the citywide displays--if not because you're an eco-head bent on making a difference, then because it's a distraction from the fact that our economy is in staggering decline, your company is downsizing and you are totally replaceable. 

For more ways to spend your ever-thinning paycheck, check out our Weekly Go List.

Yes, the pint of vodka in your desk drawer is calling your name, pleading for some well-deserved attention. But instead of dipping into your stash at the day's end, head to Blue Owl in the East village tonight at 5pm to celebrate hump day. There's no cover to join the Wonderful Wednesdays fun at this cocktail den. Simply RSVP to thehumpnyc@gmail.com and start sipping specialty and well drinks for $6 a pop, and don't stop until 3am. The guest DJ tonight is Blu Jemz, joining resident DJ's Myles and Lindsey. For more details, just click on the invite to the left. And for similarly awesome opportunities around town, check our list of bar and restaurant deals.

Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2009

Last week, following two painful hours watching the new "90210," I vowed only to sacrifice brain cells on Tuesday evenings for worthwhile ends. Hence my decision to attend the Spring/ Summer 2009 Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti presentation last night at Eyebeam. What, you might ask, constitutes a fashion "presentation" versus a "show"? From what I could tell, the difference is that guests were ushered into an area with standing room only, as opposed to being seated in rows. The setup was beneficial insofar as it allowed me to poach glass after glass of white margaritas, and tasty hors d'oeuvres from the wait staff, but it made it difficult to see the full-length silhouettes of the models. But being appropriately buzzed by the time the nubile nymphettes began their parade, I didn't really care. Between sips, what I did see were a lot of flowy garments in a pretty palatte of purple, olive green and muted earth tones. I was also able to identify a few of the other attendees, including Alberta and Massimo Ferretti, Teen Vogue's Amy Astley, and Zelda Williams, aspiring actress and daughter of Robin. For more fashion related news, check out our shopping guide.

Several weeks ago we alerted you to the Target Bullseye Bodegas, four pop-up shops that will be up from Sep. 12-15. I went to a preview event this morning and generally liked what I saw. There are 22 designers currently collaborating with Target, and visitors to the bodegas will get a crack at the merchandise before it heads out to stores across the country. The John Derian homewares (below) were by far the most impressive items for sale, followed by the $50 Anya Hindmarch bags. From our previous post:

The Bullseye Bodegas will be open from 10am-10pm from September 11-14, and are located in midtown (101 57th Street at 6th Ave), Union Square (813 Broadway between 11th and 12th Streets), Soho (489 Broome Street between Wooster and West Broadway) and the East Village (325 Bowery at 2nd Street).

More pics after the jump ...

It's that time of year again--time for you to help us choose New York's best restaurants in more than 20 different categories like outdoor dining, people-watching, comfort food and brunch. By now you know the drill, but just in case, here's the deal: We chose the nominees, and you can vote once per day in each category for your favorites. Voting will continue through Thursday, September 11, and the winners will be announced the following Friday, September 19, with two winners in each category (one selected by you, one selected by us). So, better get cracking--and be sure to check out past winners in all our other Best of Citysearch polls. 

You have goals! Ideas! Ambitions! And a growing list of "Things To Do While Living in NYC," which you started with the best intentions but have since neglected in favor of a longer, more important list of Ways to Get Drunk in the City. Lucky for you, there's a fun, easy way to scratch "walk across the Brooklyn Bridge" off that dusty old list. Head over to the bridge at 6pm tonight for Fashion Indie's No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn fashion show. There you'll find a crowd of spectators eyeing the procession of models and previewing looks from labels like Love Brigade, Brooklyn Royalty, Mandate of Heaven, New York Couture, all of which will be featured during the next 8 days of Fashion Indie Week Brooklyn.

For more fashion-related news, check out our coverage of New York shops.

The only thing you really know about Labor Day is that, after it passes, a certain sect of fashionistas will prey on you for wearing white. You fear these people like you feared trans fats before the ban, because they could be lurking anywhere. But forget the snooty, overly fashion-conscious set--the people probably least likely deserving of celebration in the name of a holiday associated with labor. You, on the other hand, working man or woman, are entitled to some rest and relaxation this weekend. So use our Labor Day Planner to find outings, restaurant deals and shopping specials in New York. And, for at least a few more days, be fearless about wearing white.

Last fall we told you about DRV-IN, the place that touted itself as the only drive-in cinema in New York City, despite the fact that it was really a convertible in inside a room designed to look like it was outdoors. Now, it seems the same company, Grand Opening, is bringing the drive-in theater back to New York City--this time, by way of a traveling series that will hit all 5 boroughs, beginning with a parking lot on the Lower East Side (that's right--it's actually outside this time). On September 5th, 6th and 7th, at 8pm, you can catch "American Graffiti," "Jaws" or "Dazed and Confused," respectively, at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center. Call 646-478-7689 to book one of 20 convertibles (provided by an undisclosed local dealership (we're guessing it's not BMW or Mercedes, but who are we to speculate) and enjoy some food and a film with your friends.

For more ideas on what's hot this week, check out our Weekly Go List.

Photo borrowed from blog.

It's hard to justify having the blues on a Friday. But listening to the blues is another story listening--especially when it's free of charge. Tonight, August 22nd, Danny Kalb, renowned guitarist and former member of the 1960s band, The Blues Project, performs with Bob Jones on bass and Mark Ambrosino on drums. The trio will do two sets, starting at 9:30pm at Two Boots Brooklyn. There's no drink minimum or cover charge, but reservations at the restaurant are recommended, and since the entertainment's complimentary, you might as well drop some dough to eat, drink and be blue.

For more stuff to do this weekend, check out our Weekly Go List (*formerly the Weekly Hot List).

Photo from the SFOTE organization.

You may be close to saving up for the vacation you deserve, but it's time to use some of your dough toward a cause even more worthy than achieving the perfect sun-kissed glow. For $30 you can purchase a ticket to the Laventille Bus benefit concert organized by the SFOTE organization, taking place tonight, August 18th, at 9pm at Santos' Party House in Soho. You'll see performances by Dragons of Zynth, Kaneng Lolang, the Brooklyn Jumbies performance troupe and more. Following the concert, you're welcome to stick around for the late night dance party beginning around 12am.

Go--if not so you can feel good about yourself for staving off skin cancer at least a while longer--because 100% of the door proceeds will be donated to SFOTE's 2008 Educational Initiative, providing free transportation to and from school for children in Laventille, Trinidad. In Laventille, where there's a free public school system, the lack of free public transportation forces kids whose families can't afford the daily round trip to drop out of school. Why not join the effort to educate children and enjoy some live music on a Monday along the way?

Lookin' for more places to booze? Check out Now in New York: New Nightlife.