Lost in Jersey - The Musings of a Displaced New Yorker

Lost is Sick

My apologies but I have been rather ill over the last week.  After a trip to the doctor and a diagnosis of bronchitis, conjunctivitis, and laryngitis you might understand why there haven't been any posts lately.  So I thought I would at least check in, while I am conscious, and muse about my first real shopping trip to NYC. 

My mom saved for months for my confirmation dress and decided to take us on the train into the city for shopping and our first Broadway play.  She had dreams of Bergdorfs, Saks and Bendels...I had dreams of Macy's.  I was so besotted as a kid with the Thanksgiving Day parade that I had Macy's on the brain.  As she tried over and over again, tony store after tony store, to coax me into buying a dress, I refused.  Only Macy's would do for me.  After nearly ripping out her hair, she finally relented.  We walked into Macy's - she walked and I skipped.  I bought 2 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes, underwear and a dress for my sister - all for the price of one dress at the uptown stores.  I was soaring, my sister happy and my mom - well - she said, 'I can't wait until you get older and understand so that I can tease you about this." 

Well I am older and now I do understand but it is still one of my favorite NYC memories.  I cannot pass Macy's without laughing and remembering (although I cannot remember the last time I shopped there).  To top the day, I will always remember with a huge smile "A Chorus Line" and my mom trying desperately to cover our ears during "Dance -10, Looks - 3"  aka that "T &A" song.  So, since this is about all I can write on such low reserves, I ask you to share with me your first NYC shopping memories...and I hope they make you smile. 

How Lucky Can One Girl Get, Part 2

After lunch our group decided to head uptown to the ritzy Bergdorf Goodman.  To be honest, I have been there a bit too often this summer so once again our group separated for a bit.  Some stayed to sample the ostentatious new JAR Boutique.  I found the fragrances like discordant notes - interesting but incredibly jarring to the soul. Please forgive the bad pun there but I just don't get these fragrance.  Everything about them is off-putting to me although Bolt of Lightening was at least interesting to one of our party.  At the extravagant price of $700 I think she passed but not sure.  The wrist message is quite hilarious and keeping a straight face when the crystal bowls are passed by your nose defies all my self-control.  Puh-lease!! 

Ha - So off  I trotted with L to Barneys where we both looked at the purses and some scarves from Etro.  I fell in love with one design that had a stunning weave of violet, olive and rust but passed because I felt the fabric was a bit scratchy.  To be honest it was a rather hot and humid day so I might have to revisit this counter soon.  Etro really does design lovely fabrics.  I also just happened to spill a bit of water on a Balenciaga bag which absolutely mortified the sales assistant - whoops!! I apologized profusely and ran down to cosmetics.  I wonder if Balenciaga's hides were housed in waterproof barns.  Hmmm...

I didn't find anything interesting to sniff since my nose was quite tuckered by this time but did stock up on a wonderful palette of Stila products.  I also managed a quick makeover which was a welcome relief for me from sniffing.  The wonderful Luis from the Frederic Malle salon came over to say hello and tell me the new Carnal Flowers, a tuberose fragrance, will be released in November.  Luis is a kind man who is generous with samples, kisses and news of the latest and greatest.

Afterwords we trotted off to Caron where I once again discovered only Tubereuse and Tabac Blond work with my flaky chemistry.  We did discover lovely face powers and the wonderful Donna was there to spoil us with samples and an honest opinion.  She remains one of my favorite SAs in NYC.

After brief visits to Dior and Chanel (where I bought an edt version of Cuir Russie to layer with my parfum for the 'ultimate' sillage) we then headed to Tak.  Danielle was quite gracious but by this time we were all burned out AND the wonderful John Henry was gone.  Rumor has it he is in Europe with San.  I hope he is happy - he was great fun and I missed him this visit.  I must admit that while I still find the Tak floor wonderfully peaceful there is something missing. 

Feet hurting we ended our day at the magnificent Algonquin Hotel where we ordered Gin and Tonics and Matildas, a wonderful bitter orange and champagne drink.  Some of our male folks joined us and we all revisited our day.  Some headed to the east village for dinner while others headed to Daniel Boulay's Bistro right next to the Algonquin.  Next post...a full review of the fabulous db Bistro Moderne.  It was a wonderful day filled with some of the best NYC has to offer for a girls weekend.  I hope I have inspired some of you to go off the beaten track and find some of your own NYC bliss.   Thanks for reading...cheers!

How Lucky Can One Girl Get? Part 1

I had the wonderful pleasure of joining some of my gal pals for an 'almost' girls only day of shopping, gabbing and eating.  We started the day early, at the airport, where my DH and I picked up our dearest friend and her husband for a quick run into NYC.  The wonderful DHs dropped us off in the village where we met 3 other compadres and had a quick cuppa coffee and a sweet before starting at L'Artisan.  As we all sampled the exclusive Fleur d'Oranger, we tried to justify the exorbitant $250 price tag for something that, while lovely, lasts only 2 mins on the skin.  As we sampled the Mood Swings set - all of us enamored of the D' Humeur-Massacrante (which I guess meant angry - I didn't ask) - we wondered why our favorite scents from this line are always in a set, for example, the lovely Saffran Troublant.  You love one out of a few.  Go figure. 

I leave a couple of my friends to test some more frags while I dash with a couple others to Anne Fontaine.  Anne Fontaine is one of the best kept secrets in NYC.  Located in Soho with another location on Madison Avenue,  the shop specializes in blouses . Black and white dominate the collection, but the Parisian designer, who has been in Soho for 10 years, has branched into color.  This season's collection included lots of brown and pink.  I am dragging my friends with me because I am enamored with a jacket-like tweed top. Much like the Chanel one featured in the fall collection but at the fraction of the cost.

Well - long story short - they didn't like the fit.  Loved the color and fabric but the fit was off.  Drat because my DH said the same thing last week but did I listen?? NO - but I sure do trust my gals.  (I had to eat some crow by the way for that one - from him not my friends).  I promise a longer review of the shop in a future post because it deserves one.  In a time where one stop shopping is the rage - it is refreshing to see someone who specializes in creating signature pieces. 

We continued to Aedes, only because one of my friends had never been to the shop and wanted to know what all the buzz was about.  Again - a detailed review of shopping at Aedes is in the works, but let me say - this is my FAVORITE shopping stop in NYC.  Not because the shop specializes in perfume, one of my addictions, but because of the customer service.  There are no kinder men in NYC than Karl, Robert and the divine Miguel.  We sampled the new Diptyque Son Do which was a lovely green tuberose and simply gorgeous, Unfortunately, for me, it is not available for sale, until October 1.  Drat!! 

OK - now we are really hungry.  Where better to eat than in Danny Meyer's Shake Shake.  Yep, for us it is cheeseburgers and shakes.  Again - a full review is coming but let me say that THIS IS THE BEST BURGER IN NYC.  Not a fan of the fries but the shakes and the shack burger rules.  We all collapse at the outdoor eatery,  wait for our burgers and gab away.  I show one of my friends a bit of Madison Square Park which is a wonderful example of conservation in NYC.  The park, located directly across from the Flatiron Building (one of my favorites), used to be filled with drug dealers but is now a haven for families, people with dogs (their dog park is lovely), a playground, a lovely landscaped fountain area and a gorgeous fenced lawn.  The bonus?? You can eat a great burger, gab with your friends, and enjoy a bit of quiet in a busy city (unless of course you were seated next to us yesterday).

I have mentioned a few wonderful places that were part of our day.  Our focus was friendship because many of us hadn't seen each other in a while.  Some were here for shopping, some for the cuisine and some for the sites.  The thing that tied us together was our mutual affection for each other and our continued fascination with NYC.    Part 2 will focus on more shopping finds, drinks at the Algonquin, and a fabulous dinner at db Bistro Moderne.  Thank you for reading this..I hope you get to enjoy a special day in your favorite city soon. 

Lost in Omaha, Part Two

Who me, Lost??  I have decided to explore what it is like to be 'exotic' and a New Yorker in Omaha.  That's right - exotic.  Now I have never used that word to describe myself, nor would I ever be inclined to, but I guess wearing heels with jeans is enough here to be considered the 'e' word. Yep, that is what they call me here. Just to give you a picture of the local flavor and what life has been like...

Now please understand, I am used to a somewhat PC work environment where politics are spoken about only in general terms.  So, during a meeting with my EVP and another manager, the EVP looks at me and out of nowhere says, "You're a Democrat, come on - admit it".  Did y'all know Nebraska is a RED state??? So, I say, "Was it my horns, tail or cloven hoof that gave me away?"  I then proudly admitted I am indeed "'blue' but am not quite used to discussing my politics on the 4th day of employment, if ever.  (I am now called an East Coast Liberal, but hey, do I care?) So, today it is payback time.  During a meeting, we are reviewing a rather confusing financial spreadsheet.  I make a mistake...to which my EVP states, over and over again, "So you admit you made a mistake??"  Immediately, I reply, "Remember, I am a Democrat.  I can make a mistake, learn from it, and move on."  He started laughing and said, "Good one, you will fit in just fine".

I have been teasing my DH with wanting to relocate here to which he replied that the locals would think he was in the FBI's Witness Protection Program. IF they think I am unusual - what would he be considered...it was just precious.  So the 'e-word' is what they call me - all because I am 'blue', have a great deal of black in my wardrobe, eat Thai food, have been out of the country (and not because I was in the Armed Service), and wear heels with my jeans.  Ya gotta love it. 

For my faithful 10 readers, I promise to post more about actual places, restaurants AND events in NYC.  For now, please indulge my occasional musing about the cultural differences between those in the heartland and this tried and true NY'er.  Thank you for your indulgence - this post made me less homesick.  PS...the pic above is of our newest pup, Ridley, who is in NJ, and therefore, on topic.  Hey A - was that enough commas for ya??

"We Will Always Remember"

"This is dedicated to those lost and those who survived to live another day, forever changed..." On The Beach At Night"

ON the beach, at night, Stands a child, with her father, Watching the east, the autumn sky. Up through the darkness, While ravening clouds, the burial clouds, in black masses spreading, Lower, sullen and fast, athwart and down the sky, Amid a transparent clear belt of ether yet left in the east, Ascends, large and calm, the lord-star Jupiter; And nigh at hand, only a very little above, Swim the delicate brothers, the Pleiades. From the beach, the child, holding the hand of her father, Those burial-clouds that lower, victorious, soon to devour all, Watching, silently weeps. Weep not, child, Weep not, my darling, With these kisses let me remove your tears; The ravening clouds shall not long be victorious, They shall not long possess the sky--shall devour the stars only in apparition: Jupiter shall emerge--be patient--watch again another night--the Pleiades shall emerge, They are immortal--all those stars, both silvery and golden, shall shine out again, The great stars and the little ones shall shine out again--they endure; The vast immortal suns, and the long-enduring pensive moons, shall again shine. Then, dearest child, mournest thou only for Jupiter? Considerest thou alone the burial of the stars? Something there is, (With my lips soothing thee, adding, I whisper, I give thee the first suggestion, the problem and indirection,) Something there is more immortal even than the stars, (Many the burials, many the days and nights, passing away,) Something that shall endure longer even than lustrous Jupiter, Longer than sun, or any revolving satellite, Or the radiant brothers, the Pleiades. Walt Whitman

Lost in Omaha

Hello and Greetings from Omaha.  I know, I know this blog is supposed to be focused on the NY metro area but my newly employed person is here in Nebraska.  My head is hanging because I am here with not much to post about NYC, or even New Jersey since all of my pics and research materials are on my personal laptop; therefore, you will all have to suffer with this pic illustrating my shame:)  I have been busy with orientation, methodologies and state of the art technology.  The first week has been somewhat tiring but hey, what else could you expect during Week 1??  I will admit I tried Italian last night - er- not a good thing to do in Nebraska when I am so used to Enzo's restaurant. The steak has been much better although the natives here tell me I have not had 'real' Nebraska corn-fed beef - apparently the steak I ate the other night doesn't count as 'good' because it came from MONTANA.  Go figure.  I will note that the maytag blue cheese stuffed olives in my very dry martini were awesome!  It is sad when your best culinary experience to date has been an olive but there is always next week, and I know there must be good eats here in Omaha!

In the meantime, the Mets have continued to break my heart falling over 4 games back in the wildcard race.  There are three more weeks in September but really, at this point it is hard to believe.  Andre Agassi is showing that 35 isn't old??? and is keeping my US Open interest alive - I just enjoy watching his determination.  I think he will make it into the finals but Hewitt and Federer are both worthy opponents.  Finally, NFL football starts soon...hey did you know that the Iowa vs Iowa State game is this weekend???  Big news here.  BTW -  this last paragraph was for Stink.

Huge props to my dear friends Annie, author of Blogdorf Goodman, who got a mention in the New York Times, as did Robin of NowSmellThis, one of my favorite blogs...way to go to both of you.  I fly home today and long for a slice of pizza...so look for a review next week of that and the Shake Shack.  All blog entries will return to normal programming next week when I pull my you know what together.  In the meantime, have a great weekend and GO ANDRE.

"The Caron Boutique"

How lovely to walk into a denizen of femininity and explore the fragrance house that is Caron.  The only dedicated, stand-alone boutique in the US, Caron is located on Madison Avenue and is easy to walk by unnoticed considering it is near Barneys and Hermes.  If you love unique fragrances, don't do this...walk in and treat yourself to a grand shopping experience. 

The window displays are filled with all things woman with lovely laydown Baccarat bottles meant to be displayed on vanities, airy powder puffs  in crystal bowls,  costume jewelry,  brushes, and a lovely negligee that is casually draped over a chair.  This theme is followed throughout the shop which pays proper homage to the history that makes Caron unique.  Started over 100 years ago Caron became famous for their cutting edge fragrances developed by Ernest Daltroff as inspired by his love of Felicie Wanpoulle.  Their relationship produced the fabulous Tabac Blonde and Nuitde Noel among countless other fragrances that are still meticulously produced today.

You may visit the front desk and try some of the more common edt versions of current fragrances or sample any parfum version they have in stock including Montaigne, Fleurs de Rocaille, Bellodgia and Nuit de Noel.  Do this but make sure you walk past the desk to the Urn fragrances - 13 wonderful scents that are ensconced in Baccarat crystal urns worth over $20,000 each.  Donna and Diane, two of the best parfum associates in NYC,  have told me that some customers have ordered the Urns to decorate their homes!!  All Urn scents are extrait (parfum) version only and are carefully decanted into clear bottles starting at 1/4 oz or a refillable laydown bottle available in yellow, green, blue, purple or clear crystal.  Prices start at $100 per 1/4 oz.   The best bargain is the laydown bottle which is $170 filled for the clear version or $190 for a colored bottle - each holds 2/3 oz and is refilled for $75.  Only a drop or two is required since these are quite heady scents.

As you shop, enjoy a seat on the beautiful couches while the fragrances dry down, or play with the gorgeous face and body powders that sit opposite of the urns, or oogle at the glass encased display of other feminine things that are for sale.  The eye-candy alone is worth the visit.

Further back is a wonderful restroom that has vintage posters from previous Caron ads as well as Lierac and Phyto products, which are also part of the the Ales group.  Shopping here is a pleasure because Donna is a very astute fan of fragrance.  She is fiercely honest, and has at times, had me wash something off my skin straight away.  The boutique prides itself on its customer service and this is the hallmark of the boutique.  It is certain worth your attention if you want to wear a fragrance that is produced with the finest ingredients and are unique.  There is a rumor that the shop is moving to Lexington Avenue so that the Phyto and Lierac products can be showcased more prominently.  The idea I suppose is to be more like Sephora.  I have been assured that the entire boutique as it stands will be moved to the new location.  The cynic in me says this won't work but I must be an optimist since this is a beloved fragrance house for me.

The Caron boutique is located at 675 Madison Avenue.  Phone number: 212-319-4888.  Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 10am - 6pm, although the store is open until 7pm on Thursdays.  For Caron fragrance reviews and  information, please visit:  http://www.boisdejasmin.com or http://www.parfumscaron.com

"Cezanne and Pissarro at MoMA"

One of the latest exhibitions at the newly re-opened Museum of Modern Art, affectionately called MoMA, is "Pioneering Modern Painting:  Cezanne and Pissarro 1865-1885".  Located on the 6th floor, this is an impressive show that pairs works from each artist over an extended period of time while they were painting in the same towns throughout France.  Using an interesting approach, the exhibition allows you to compare each of the artists stroke for stroke placing pictures of the same town or subject side by side.  BTW - can you tell who is who to the left??

I found the show quite overwhelming and illustrative of the competive nature of their relationship.  Stylistically different, I found myself drawn to Cezanne's pieces because of their bold brushstrokes.  By comparison, I found Pissarro more diffident.  Favored pieces included Cezanne's "Landscape, Auvers-sur-Oise c.1874" which used indigo to highlight the roofsof one building drawing me in to focus and marvel at his bold use of color.  I found myself appreciating Cezanne's color palate more for unique combinations that were startling yet lovely.  Again- for me Pissarro didn't quite match up except for the "Kitchen Garden, Trees in Flower" at Pontoise where I loved his use of detail on the tree in the forefront of the painting.

For true fans - this is an a dream come true considering the sheer number of pieces - over 80 plus several drawings.  Sadly, I think Pissarro look diminished next to Cezanne but that is my opinion only.  The exhibit is open until September 12, 2005.

MoMa is located at 11 West 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.  Phone:  212-708-9400.  Museum hours:  Sat-Mon, 9:30am - 5:30pm; closed Tuesday, Thurs, 9:30pm-5:30pm and Fri, 9:30am - 8:00pm.  Admission is $20.  A full overview of MoMA to come shortly.

Psst...Cezanne's "The House of the Hanged Man is on the left; Pissarro's "The Conversion" is on the right.

"The Gates"

How lucky were we to be treated to the New York Gates by New York Artists Christo and Jeanne-Clause during a very COLD February in 2005.  For 16 days, New Yorkers could meander through Central Park while it was glazed in saffron colored cloth blowing in the wind.  Over 7,500 gates were erected each 16ft high with yards of fabric hanging 7ft from the ground, close enough to touch if you were tall.  In the stark contrast of a bare winter landscape,  the warm color was jarring;  however, once the snow arrived the true beauty of the project was realized.  I found the exhibit both removed and intimate depending on where you were in the park - close enought to physically touch but not quite in tune with the environment.   I have included several photos from Wolfgang Volz for your enjoyment as well as some photos from my adventures.  I hope you enjoy.

Lovely in the snow.

The claustrophic nature revealed.

Around the pond, my favorite views are those from a distance.

And finally  - near and far... 

L'Artisan Parfumerie

A bit of Parisian elegance has hit Soho with the opening of L'Artisan Parfumerie on Thompson Street.  This tiny shop houses fragrances by renowned noses including Jean Claude Ellena, Olivia Giacobetti and Anne Flipo thus giving 'L'Artisan' its name.  The scents are displayed on a cool glass topped counter and arranged by groups starting with the fresh scents like The Pour Un Ete, working towards the fruits including Mure et Musc, then the florals including La Chasse aux Papillons, and finally at the woods, spices, and orientals - Santal, Tea for Two and Passage d'Enfer.  Each time I have been in the shop I have been assisted by the wonderful Emmanuelle, who is originally from Paris and comes to L'Artisan from Hermes.  She is a delight to work with since she is so customer focused, industry savvy, and has the panache and grace to encourage but never overwhelm you.

While there are other places to procure L'Artisan in NYC, this shop introduces you to the concept that makes this house unique.  The home sprays, candles, amber balls, and other scented confections line the walls and add a prettiness to the shop.  The atmosphere is bright but relaxing - the scents themselves the focus.  There are exclusive bottles including Jour de Fete, Orchidee Blanche and Oeillet Savage.  Other goodies include a limited edition bottle of Premier Figuier Extreme which is housed in an enchanting green bottle shaped like a fig and topped with a silver leaf,  priced at $280.  There will be a special release of Mure et Musc Extreme in a fat blackberry bottle with a gold leaf later this fall.  Also highly anticipated is Fleur d'Oranger - a fabulous soliflore that is breathtakingly beautiful.  Only 3,000 bottles were produced and there is already a waiting list for the late October release. 

On a recent visit I fell in love with Ananas Fizz, a bright pineapple scent perfect for humid summers in New York.  This was a limited edition last year that is now part of the permanent collection.  I was given a deluxe sample to try, but fell hook, line, and sinker, and bought a limited edition bottle for $110 for a whopping 6oz bottle.  Sadly, these are now sold out. 

There are several fragrance seminars each year where you can discover the art and notes that comprise perfumes.  Samples are freely handed out and the shopping is extremely client focused.  I recommend you seek out this jewel of a shop.  It is well worth the trip and the experience.  For more information and reviews of L'Artisan scents , please visit:  http://nowsmellthis.blogharbor.com or http://www.boisdejasmin.com.

The permanent collection of scents are sold in 1.7oz and 3.4oz bottles which retail for $75 and $110, respectively.  L'Artisan is located at 68 Thompson Street (off Spring).  Phone:  212-334-1500.