We get a lot of fashion shoots outside our building (Frank Gehry's "ship" on West Side Highway), but this morning we stumbled on a scene that caused us to create our own little photo shoot. You know New York (and the west side) has changed when a burnt-out car feels like an art installation. Makes a nice juxtaposition with the new building, don't ya think?

Back in the glow-stick-loving 90s, the Tunnel had its red-hot minute as one of the city's best spots to go clubbing. I (vaguely) remember one long night there involving drag queens dressed like clown nurses and doctors, mock-resuscitating a compatriot who'd chipped a nail. But then the neighborhood changed: Double-wide strollers replaced double-gender party people and raunchy gay bar the Spike became an art gallery. Now the Tunnel has had its own art-money makeover as well, the famous long space opened up with little nooks off the sides for galleries. Though it doesn't look to have quite hit its stride yet--there's more empty space than artwork or people--Tom Colicchio doesn't seem to mind, because he's opened another branch of his upscale sandwich shop 'Wichcraft toward the 12th Avenue side. And as much as I'd like to slag the place as a soulless, corporate black hole, doing so would mean lying about the deep pleasure I got out of a grilled cheddar, pear and ham sandwich I had there the other day. If the embarrassment of scarfing down a $9 sandwich in a place where you used to watch people make a meal out of a lollipop is too great to bear, you can always flee with your lunch to the well-coiffed comfort of nearby Chelsea Waterside Park.

Name: Agaton Strom
Lives: Williamsburg
Job: Photographer
Spotted: Chelsea

Cool outfit. Where did you get it? The shoes are Clarks and the pants are Levi's. The shirt is from Filippa K and the sweater is from Diesel.

I love Filippa K. How long have you been in New York? I've lived here for 2 years; I'm originally from Sweden.

What are you doing in Chelsea? I'm just walking around, checking out the galleries. I just came back from the Leica Gallery, where Magnum Photos is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

What kind of music are you listening to nowadays? Strictly roots reggage. Lately I've been listening to The Congos, I love their harmonies.

Name: Olivia
Lives: Chelsea
Spotted: Central Park

Where are you off to? I'm going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Poiret exhibition.

Big fan of fashion, eh? Yeah, I've worked in fashion marketing for a while and I love the French culture. I lived in Paris this past winter before moving here to pursue my career.

Sweet. Where do you like to shop? Everywhere, BCBG, Bloomingdales, vintage shops. This is a Marc Jacobs bag and these are Kookai jeans I got in Paris.

Whats on your playlist? I just got the new Air CD and M. Ward, a solo artist touring with Norah Jones.

Looking forward to the summer time? Yeah, I can't wait to finish up our backyard patio so my boyfriend and I can lounge around with our dog.

Ever wonder where the crown-prince of fashion hangs out in New York? Tim Gunn told Citysearch four of his favorite spots, the biggest surprise being ... wait for it ... Banana Republic. Yes, Tim Gunn lives in New York and shops at Banana Republic. Granted, it is the Banana Republic where all the hot guys hang out, but they are still all wearing off-the-rack fashions. Where is the needling, demanding couture fashion icon when you want him? Oh, and it looks like he can't help but carry his Parson's school pin around in his pocket.

Spotted Uniqlo ad in Chelsea.

Derek Lam Sale
May 11, 10am-6pm
601 W 26th St, Ste 1750

Everybody loves Derek Lam. The 2005 CFDA Perry Ellis Swarovski Award winner's clean, elegant designs have gained him plenty of fashionista love. Now you only have to be rich instead of super-rich to afford his clothing, thanks to this sale, where pieces start at $300 instead of $890. Complete details here, and more sales from Citysearch here.

Though Shophound beat us to it, we wanted to say a few words about the closing of the last Bang Bang in Manhattan. Whether they'll admit it or not, anyone who went out clubbing in the early '90s made at least one purchase at this cheap club-wear store, where clothing seemed to be designed as accessories to glow sticks. Those looking to stock up for the impending rave revival need not despair, however: The original store in Flushing is still open.

(Photo from http://umsis.miami.edu/~ethacker/)

Chelsea Market may be the ultimate eat 'n' shop destination. It offers an entire block of quick food options--everything from the neighborhood's cheapest salad bar to lobster rolls. But what it could use more of (especially since it's the nearest lunch option to our new office building) are more places to sit. One of a couple restaurants in the market, 202 offers not only a whole lot of chairs, but also a full menu and a bar. It also sells Nicole Farhi clothes. All in all, a lovely spot for a glass of wine to go with your garment-ogling.

If you're brave enough to face this last gasp of arctic hell for the sake of looking fashionable, you're gonna want some hearty fuel to keep the credit card flying. Before you head into Balenciaga, stop by the eccentric grocery cum takeout spot Kitchen Market for a burrito. Though the near-$8 price tag seems a bit hefty, the highly addictive, foil-wrapped burritos actually come pretty close to living up to the "San Francisco-style" description. While there, you can also stock up on everything from hot sauce to mousepads with Frida Kahlo on them.