Lost in Jersey - The Musings of a Displaced New Yorker

Van Cleef and Arpels - What a shopping experience!

Last fall, I asked a friend who is not intimidated by anyone, if she would go with me to Van Cleef and Arpels (VCA) in NYC.  I had often passed by the impressive jeweler which is connected to Bergdorf Goodman but never had the nerve to walk in.  I had seen a picture of Reese Witherspoon and loved her necklace.  With a bit of research, I found out it was from the Alhambra collection at VCA.  SO it looked like I was going to have to steady my nerves and take the plunge if I wanted to see this necklace up close.

So on a rainy day,  Annie and I trekked into the store drenched.  As we were dripping on the plush carpet, a gorgeous woman named Carla greeted us with a friendly smile and a very polite but warm, "How may I help you?".  I stuttered my interest in the Alhambra collection and when she asked which one, I nearly bolted.  Seeing my consternation, she smiled widely and invited us to take a seat while she introduced us to VCA and all things Alhambra.  She wasn't interested in a sale (especially since I mentioned or blurted I was just browsing) but in gaining a customer. 

For the next hour or more, Carla draped pieces around my neck and wrists asking some questions about what I like to wear, how often I wore my jewelry and what my favorite pieces in my collection were (I didn't dare say, "what collection of jewelry?")  As she got me to talk about myself she started pulling more pieces from their trays and gently clasped and unclasped pieces until she could gauge my reaction.  She talked about the history of the vintage, lucky and magic alhambra pieces which start at $2,000 for a pendant to over $60,000 for a diamond 20 piece confection.  There is also sweet alhambra which is marketed to teens (please don't get me started here but I suppose there is a market).  All are exquisitely made looking far more delicate than they feel.  Some are limited editions, like the chalcedony pieces so once they are gone they are truly gone. These are not pieces meant to stay in a vault but meant to be worn and collected throughout life.  You are encouraged to mix and match or link a few together. They are often copied but the originals are breathtaking.

Carla never rushed or pressured me to buy but finally I knew I had to have one (for those curious - the above picture shows what I bought - but in the white gold mother of pearl version).  Since this original purchase, I have been gifted with a bracelet (that they flew in overnight for my husband) and continue to save for my next piece.  Carla indeed did not just get a sale, she now has a customer who cannot wait for another visit.  The New York store is located at 744 5th Avenue and the store is closed on Sundays.  For those who win big in Vegas you can also visit the store at the Palazzo shops where the staff is equally attentive. 

If you are interested in spending your hard earned money on a luxury item - I highly recommend a visit to Carla.  This is how shopping should be in NYC; you will not regret the experience, even if you are just looking.

Picture above is from the VCA catalogue.  The website is www.vancleef-arpels.com

Oh what a night...."Jersey Boys"

How could I resist a show called 'Jersey Boys'??  Afterall I am married to one and live in Jersey - right?  But, who wants to see a show about the Four Seasons.  For those of you who born after 1970 they were a hit group during the 1960's and included Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Franky Valli - any of those names jog your memory?  How about Big Girls Don't Cry, Sherry, Oh What a Night?  Trust me - go see the show and better yet if you can take your parents, do so. 

I saw the Vegas version of the show - frankly the BEST thing about the Palazzo but that is a different post.  From the opening song I found myself thrown back to childhood summers watching my parents dance.  The music and narrative of the play are interwoven seamlessly as the set evolves in front of you.  This is a show where the music shines even when the arch of the story illustrates how difficult show business can be on marriages, music, talent and friendships. Rarely is a back story shown from four different perspectives.  You find yourself rooting for your favorite, in my case I liked Bob Gaudio and Nick Massa. 

The songs change from the late 50's to the early 70's and the story of the 'song that almost never was played' is amazing.  I can't tell you which song that was because it would ruin the experience but when you hear the opening notes of the song your jaw will drop.

The performances were strong with the folks never rising to mimic status as they belt the songs.  I will say 'Franky's' voice started to show some stress towards the end of the show which is understandable.  Franky Valli's voice is unique and playing him night in and out cannot be good for the vocal cords.  In both the Broadway and Vegas shows, no actor can play the role for ALL the performances.  This should illustrate how technically difficult it is play this role and how much admiration the real, and still very active Franky Valli, deserves.

I was not a fan walking in and walked out so happy to revisit the music and learn about this story of friendship.  I highly recommend this show and forget the fake Jersey accents - the only irritating thing about the show, in addition to what seemed like fake cursing.  Yes, Jersey Boys - the millions who really live in Jersey, do use "the F-word" a lot but in the show - it didn't come off as authentic.  Focus on the music and the story and you'll be fine.

The show is still on Broadway - for more information go to:www.jerseyboysinfo.com/broadway.    It is also in Chicago, San Francisco and at the Palazzo in Las Vegas.

Lost is Found??! Well maybe she found a map...

Is it possible that is has been 18 months since I last popped in?  Lost has indeed been lost.  Recently a dearest friend - actually my best friend, reminded me that a one dimensional life is indeed that - singular.  Over the last 18 months my career has driven me and I have had moderate success but I have had little time to 'find' new things.  A core group of friends have kept me sane and gently remind me that I have become a shell  of what I was, while other friends have moved on...too tired of trying to stay in touch.  Others I have driven away, not maliciously - or at least - I hope not but because I was too terse or too self aborbed.

In the meantime, Life here in Jersey and New York have moved on. My best friend stayed and reminded me he used to start his day reading my blog - one of the four people who did.  He said he missed my voice and would I mind - just trying to write again and maybe - find more than a careerwoman again.

So, after deliberation and so many journeys and experiences not shared over the last 18 months, I decided to write again.  So stay tuned...I cannot promise consistent commentary on ONLY New York - my world has expanded a bit - weekly my work takes me to new places - but it is time to start sharing again.  So the picture?  You can decide if it is commentary on my love of shoes or how I currently view the last 18 months.  Perhaps a bit of both...see you soon!! 

Lost in Chicago

It has been a bit crazy here this week so I haven't posted much.  However, I have to commend the judge who realized the poodles were NOT the dogs of the year and awarded the Best in Show to a beautiful English Springer Spaniel named James.  What a beauty.  I also loved seeing the Empire State Building lit in purple and yellow - the colors of Westminster. 

I have had a couple of people recommend I do vertical reviews - best Dim Sum, Shoe Shopping, French Fries, Burgers, etc.  I hope to start this soon.

As for Weekend Ideas - please check out the NY times and NY Magazine this weekend.  I am off to Chicago and will not have access to my computer much.  Quelle horror!  Chicago - my kinda town...er...in February.  This trip is part business and part leisure. I hope to report all the best I discover in the Windy City.    I should be back on Tuesday with a full report on Chicago and the latest news from New York City.  Until then...enjoy your weekend.

Release the Hounds...Westminster is in da house!

It's time - pups of all breeds and sizes are descending on Manhattan to compete in the ultimate American Dog Show - The 131 st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2007 will run for the next 2 days, February 12 and 13 at Madison Square Garden. Do you have a favorite??

The dog lovers in us cannot resist taking a look at 165 breeds who start the competion with Best of Breed, meaning these are no ordinary pups.  These are THE pampered best of the best, those deemed to conform to the confirmation standards established by the individual Breed Clubs - for example, the Collie Standard is determined by the Collie Club of America.  To be honest, I had to ask a dear friend, who is a renowned Collie expert, how the competition worked. I didn't realize that there were detailed written specifications on how a dog should look and act.  Eye color, ears, height, weight, coat, color and more all considered to meet those standards.  There are strict rules for pre-qualification, each dog already a champion before it arrives.  It can take years to compete at the WKC - and only if you work hard as a breeder and trainer, even then you might not make it.

OK - so those are the dry details...for me I love watching the pups stut their stuff.  If you are lucky enough to attend the show, you can go backstage and interact with the animals.  This is called a bench show which means the breeds are lined up for viewing.  The USA networks has extensive coverage of the show from 8-11PM.  The Akita just won the working group!!

Back to the competition, the Best of Breeds will compete in the Groups - seven in all - Toy, non-Sporting, Sporting, Hound, Terrier, Working and Herding - each picking the best dog  of their group (again - think the dog who exhibits the best characteristics of its breed against a strict set of standards) to compete in the final - Best in Show (also a great movie but that is another post).  This is where you can see the Poodle compete with the Newfoundland and Boston Terrier.  My favorite past winner is Josh - a HUGE Newfie born and raised in Jersey.  Standards aside, this is when you get to see personality and it is so much fun to look at all the different breeds of dogs, especially when they do something unexpected and even dare I say, silly.  Yes, I am one of those people that just hope someone busts out.

So tonight and tomorrow, I will watch with my dogs - one a lovely non standard but pure bred Labrador Retriever, Porter and Ridley, our Random-bred dog, aka, mutt (both pictured here) and think how great it is that dog lovers are celebrating the best of the best and in one of the greatest cities in the world for the prize of top dog.  Who will you cheer for?

For more information visit the official website of the WKC:  www.westministerkennelclub.org

Weekend Ideas for NYC, Feb 9-11

Woo hoo...Friday is here.  Let's go...

Shopping:

Ok - not in NYC but for tax-free clothes shopping browse on Madison Avenue but BUY in Jersey.  Yep, on the weekend we see lots of NY license plates in New Jersey, especially at The Mall at Short Hills.  I call it an enclosed Madison Avenue - with shops that include Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Tiffany's, Chanel, Betsey Johnson, Loro Piana, Anne Fontaine, Apple and anchor stores which include Neiman Marcus (yes, you can use your Bergdorf card), Saks, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, etc you will find lots of ways to use your plastic.  No food court for this mall...they have restaurants. I just love people watching here...what a hoot.  For more information and a complete list of shops visit www.shopshorthills.com.

If you want to shop in NYC - try the lovely Aedes for unique scents, luscious body products, an honest opinion and customer service to die for. I promise a full review in the future.  9 Christopher St.  212.206.8674 www.aedes.com

Sales - courtesy of www.nymag.com

2/7–2/11 IF Boutique Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and Veronique Branquinho are on sale - it sounds fab. 94 Grand St 212.334.4964) (11–7).

Chuckies New York is slashing prices on designer shoes.  1073 Third Ave 212.593.9898, and 1169 Madison Ave.212.249.2254

Foodie's Fun

With Valentine's Day right around the corner try to score reservations at the following fantastic places...

One if by Land- Voted one of NY's most romantic restaurants, this eatery is housed in Aaron Burr's former carriage house.  Nestled in Greenwich village, the restaurant is the perfect date place.  Good service and cuisine.  Try the Beef Wellington. 17 Barrow Street, West Village, 212.255.8649  Reservations required.  Expensive - minimum of $150 for two.

Aquavit - I love this place.  Who knew Scandinavian cuisine could be so good?  While I miss the original dining room, none of the quality has been lost with their move to 55th St. The aquavit (an appertif) tastes like rye bread.  I enjoyed my caviar sampler but there were reasonable dishes, especially if you are dining off the pre-theatre menu.  Again - reservations are recommended and this is a splurge not a deal. 65 E. 55th, 212.307.7311

La Isla - NOT in NYC.  I sent you shopping in Jersey so on your way back to the city, stop in Hoboken.  Yep, Hoboken and have a wonderful Cuban meal for under $20 at La Isla on Washington Avenue.  It is a BYOB and there is a liquor store very close with a good wine selection.  I kid you not - this is good eats. Roasted pork, rice and beans (both black and red), Arroz con pollo, fried plantains...oh my.  104 Washington Ave, Hoboken, NJ 201.659.8197

Arts and other ideas:

Oh this sounds fun...Billiards (to us common folks - pool) at the newly redone Amsterdam Billiards and Bar plenty of tables for all in an upscale chic environment.  110 E 11th Street (Fourth Ave) 212.496.8180

Since it is supposed to be COLD this weekend - why don't you stop by the Angelika Film Center and see "The Lives of Others".  This German film sounds like it is a MUST see.  For sure, the Angelika is where THE locals go to see the latest and greatest.  For an in depth review of the Lives of Others, see NY Magazine at www.nymag.com 18 West Houston 212.777.film

For an interesting excursion, visit The Whitney Museum on Park. Eclectic approach to the art world. On exhibition now is "Burgeoning Geometrics: Constructed Abstractions" - Hey cut me a break - we needed something high-brow. 120 Park Ave (42nd St) 917.663.2453, www.whitney.org

Have a wonderful and warm weekend...

Nuts in NYC

Ok - need to lighten things up a bit here.  Have you ever walked by a bakery, restaurant or even a food hutch and said, "Hmmm...what smells SO good?" Nine times out of ten - you can walk in and your salivary glands are equally thrilled when you taste what drew you in to plunk down your hard earned cash.  Bread from Balthazars, a hot dog from Gray's Papaya, a cupcake from Magnolia's bakery, the caramelized nuts from the street vendors...er...wait a minute.  Those nuts are the 1 out of 10 exception to the rule - those smell divine and taste nasty - horrible.

If this is the case, can someone tell me WHY my husband and friends continue to get suckered into buying them every time we are in the city?  Here is the scene:  we are either walking down the street or driving back to NJ and that tantalizing fragrance of caramelized sugar hits our noses.  It is warm and luscious with a hint of vanilla.  As we pass one, my husband makes me stop to pick up the nuts.  The problem is they NEVER give you the warm ones swirling in the caramel - all luscious and golden.  No, you get the wrapped lukewarm ones which promise to taste fabulous but by the third nut - whether it is peanut, almond or cashew, you feel cheated.   The nuts aren't crunchy and the coating is sickly sweet.  You find your nose fighting with your mouth screaming  SUCKER! I think it is the best con in NYC.  Three bags for $5 - a regular bargain.  Humph!

I have finally learned not be fooled but not my husband.  Hence the picture above which shows our last adventure into NYC.  The only one happy with this particular habit is the dentist.  Now the street vendors have roasted chestnuts as well but I am too leery to buy them - even though they are a particular love of mine.  Hmmm...April is around the corner and the nuts at Shea Stadium are always a good choice.

It's Cold Outside - What Can You Do?

No pretty pictures today.  Rarely do I post about social issues on the blog but today is different. You see it is freezing here with wind-chill factors causing it to feel below O degrees.  I saw several women wearing their furs - and I thought how lucky they were because fur is so nice and warm.  I wrapped my equally warm coat around me with my scarf around my head and mouth then sipped hot coffee as I waited for my car to warm.  That doesn't sound so bad - right?

So who am I thinking of today?  The homeless people in NYC and the surrounding metro area who are literally freezing without a warm coat or food and the countless volunteers who are trying to offer comfort.  No soap box today about the whys - I just want to explore what we can do now.  Take a look at the following charities and see if you want to help either by volunteering or donating something.  I have no affiliation with the groups.  Thank you for reading and may it be a bit warmer today for all.

Bowery Mission - a shelter for men recovering from alcohol and drug abuse.  The mission provides beds, meals, shower and career counseling.  www.bowery.org 212.684.2800

Partnership for the Homeless - works for families throughout the Metro area.  www.partnershipforthehomeless.org 212.645.3444

Project Renewal - provides health, housing and job assistance in the NYC metro area. www.projectrenewal.org

Fashion Week - Oy vey!

I must admit defeat - I cannot find anything to love at Fashion week so far except the absurd.  During the first three days of fashion week the collections have ranged from Catholic school-girl chic to Prostitution hell.  Seriously, was Alice Roi competing for a Catholic School uniform contest I didn't know about?  I cannot imagine wearing anything that brings back the frumpiness of my early teens. 

To make the current scene more interesting, there has been so much conversation lately in trade magazines, on line and in our local news about the serious health crisis surrounding the 'thin-ness' of the models.  Following the recent trends in Madrid, the NY State Legislature is considering regulating the weight and health of our models.  I suppose regular citizens are completely SOL.  Well perhaps not - I mean those trans fats are now illegal.  Did I say oy vey?  I am not dismissing the importance of the weight issue in the fashion industry or the United States in general.  I believe there should be serious dialog about the the effect 'abnormally' thin women or the morbidly obese have on our culture but do we need to legislate?  And if we do have to legislate, why not broaden the discussion to the health and wellness of all. Oh - another post for another day - where DID that soapbox come from??  Back to the important subject at hand...

So far I haven't been impressed by the collections which to date have ranged from Baby Phat to Alice Roi.  My wallet is safe for now with the heavy hitters like Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren coming up this week.  Perhaps Lela Rose's collection showing today will provide some brightness to our day - or at least some femininity.

So for some great daily coverage, read the Fug Girls at www.NYMag.com they have had me in stitches.  Other good points of view include my friend Annie over at Blogdorf Goodman (see link on my sidebar) and www.style.com.  I am going to retract my claws and keep an open mind.  More to come later in the week sans the soap-box (oh I'll try).

Photo:  NYMagazine:  www.nymag.com

Weekend Ideas for NYC - Feb 2/4

Welcome February!  Here are some ideas for you for this weekend:

Shopping Ideas:  Here are some of my favorites - I hope to report next week on some great finds.

I always stop by and browse in Ina's.  With four locations in Manhattan including one in Soho and Noho, Ina's is a resale and vintage shop specializing in top designers. A recent find included a Lanvin day dress from the 1950's in perfect condition for $300.  Good cutting and styling never goes out of fashion. My favorite shop is at 101 Thompson St. 212-941-4757. For other locations and more information visit their website:  www.inanyc.com

Sales: Information sourced from NY Magazine; for more information logon to:  www.nymag.com

Through 2/14 Marmalade is taking up to 40 percent off vintage from the 60's through 80's; 172 Ludlow St., at Stanton St. (212-473-8070); noon–9

2/1–2/3 Rebecca & Drew’s are selling from $20. 344 W. 13th St., nr. Hudson St. (212-647-8904); 11–7

1/25–2/3 Estella’s specializes in children clothing which is currently reduced by up to 75 percent; Pom D’Api shoes are now $22. 493 Sixth Ave., nr. 12th St. (212-255-3553); Mon.–Fri. (11–7); Sat. (11–6); Sun. (noon–5).

Foodie's Fun:

If you are in Chelsea, try the Empire Diner for breakfast or lunch.  Typical NYC service but fun ambiance, good French toast, waffles, omelettes, and french fries.  They are dog friendly too.  210 10th Avenue at 22nd St.  212-243-2736.

Virgil's still remains a favorite for barbecue.  I recommend ordering your ribs dry and adding the sauce so you can try them all - they are good!  Moderately priced and kid friendly, Virgil's is not the best in the city but an old standby if you are in Time Square and looking for good food.  152 W. 44th St., New York, NY 10036 between Sixth Ave. and Broadway, 212-921-9494

The Savoy in Soho is both great for the romantics and foodies.  On a cold winter night, the fireplace and decor is inviting and warm.  The food is consistently wonderful with good service.  Reservations highly recommended.  Try the duck - it is fab. 70 Prince St. 212-219-8570.

Arts and other events:

25 Questions to ask a Jewish Mother - sounds hilarious and I was intrigued as I walked past after seeing A Chorus Line.  St. Luke's Theatre, 308 W 46th Street, Tickets $65. 212-352-3101

Company - another Broadway revival written by Sondheim.  It has received solid reviews and who won't cry during "Being Alive"?  Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W 47th St. Tickets from $36.25-$111.25; for more information visit:  www.telecharge.com or www.companyonbroadway.com

MoMa - one of my favorite museums continues to enchant me.  Check out the latest exhibitions including Rossellini on Paper - an homage to filmmaker Roberto Rossellini and"New York at Night: A Photographs for the Collection".  A little known fact - on Friday nights from 4-8PM, admission is free with an advanced ticket.  For more information, visit MoMa's website at: www.moma.org.

Enjoy your weekend...