Recessionista Chic – we’ve all heard the term by now. Brands are capitalizing on consumers “trading down” and consumers are rejoicing over some incredible economic finds. (Restaurant Week has never tasted so good.)

This summer I’ve found myself either braving the $15 round trip casino bus to the shore, en route to my family’s beach house (ACES, even with the discount Greyhound still has you beat) or enjoying some recession-chic activities in the city. For some great ideas check out Elisa’s “Summer in the City” post.

I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy the scene at the Carrera Summer Escape at the Cooper Square Hotel; and at 21 floors above the streets of Manhattan, it truly is an escape. 10am Yoga from David Barton Gym completed with Fuze smoothies kicks off the day that winds lazily through the afternoon with spa treatments, Bustelo Cool coffee, sun bathing on comfy West Elm furniture, 360 degree views, Hasbro board games, cocktails and a sunset that makes you forget that you’ll end the evening in your tiny New York apartment. It truly is a product placement playground and the city’s answer to the Malibu Beach House, so I eagerly played the role of key influencer, told all my friends and enjoyed the time well spent with each brand. I now have great beach house gift ideas (thank you, Hasbro), my parents are hooked on Bustelo Cool and I now know how to mix a great Fuze cocktail (after 12pm of course).

This weekend marks the second Summer Escape weekend of three this summer and VanityFair.com tips off to an all-star lineup of indie rockers. Who needs traffic, 15 people to a house, crazy cover charges and the crowds escaping the city? I can escape too, just 21 stories up and with some of my new favorite brands!