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Floral Scents from Prada and Nina Ricci

Officially summer doesn't end for another few weeks, but the unofficial finish line is in sight-dreaded Labor Day, when, alas, we start to think of back-to-school, back-t

BLOG Entry 8/30/10 >>
Check Out More On: Beauty: Fragrance

SAMPLE SALES

Sferra, S'Fine

We love Sferra linens -- all that luscious Italian bedding, so handsomely designed, so soft to the touch, so elegant on the bed. It is th
BLOG Entry 6/11/08 >>
Check Out More On: Sales/Sample Sales | Linens

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Summer Camp for Furs: Alexandros

By this time, your furs should have gone to summer camp -- if they haven't, now is definitely the time. Don't think that keeping them sequestered in the back of a closet in an air-conditioned apart
BLOG Entry 11/27/07 >>
Check Out More On: Furs | Fur Maintenance & Repair | Fix It | Services

GETTING ORGANIZED

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Father Time

Dad has given us so much of his time over the years, so for Father’s Day, why not give some time back to him? We think that this desk clock from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the perfect way to capture time and share it with dear ol' pop. It’s adapted from a 1905 art glass window by Frank Lloyd Wright, which was created for the living room of the W.A. Glassner House in Glencoe, Illinois. The $65 clock is constructed from a mineral glass panel and a solid wood base with a light cherry stain. (Measures 6 1/4" in height, 6 1/4" in width, and 2" in depth.) Available at the Metropolitan Museum of Art bookstores (800-662-3397) or online (www.metmuseum.org/store). Watch as tempus fugit with this gift!

Posted on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 @ 10:00 AM | 0 replies Start the Discussion
Browse: Gifts | Getting Organized | Fun Stuff

S-O-S for M-O-M: Last-Minute Gifts and Cards

We have previously sung the praises of the local Papyrus stores, which keep sprouting up, everywhere in the city, it seems. We spot a new one every time we alight from the subway and stare at a street corner, figuring out which way to walk. And lauding the shops’ merchandisers once again -- just in time for Mother’s Day -- is actually in order. Yes, there are pretty picture frames, exquisite and diverse journals, bath and spa products, and even books Mom might like (on Audrey Hepburn, Chanel, and other iconic women), but once again, we have to say our favorite Papyrus things are the paper goods -- the stationery collections, the bags, the wrappings, the cards, the trinkets. Never have so few done so much with, and for, paper.

We spotted several stationery collections that would make lovely gifts, packaged in re-usable silky boxes, just oozing trimmings of one form or another -- embroidery, beads, opulent embellishments. And inside each is a set of handsome note cards, and maybe even a pen. Look for the celadon-green collection with tons of beads in forms that resemble a Chinese-inspired floral fantasy garden (around $40) or the silky, pale-lavender box, heavily embroidered with seasonal blossoms, containing six elegantly embroidered (yes, embroidered on handmade paper) note cards in the palest of pinks (around $30). The shops’ assortment of cards is all-encompassing -- for the hip mom, the grandmom, the steadfast mom, the friend who acts like a mom -- whether you want to make a funny statement or hit a heartfelt, Hallmark-y kinda’ note.

You will not go wrong with anything from the Papyrus shops. Surely, all the Papyrus people have mothers they want to please and they stocked the store with all the things that they’d buy for them!

Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 @ 04:03 PM | 255 replies View/Post Feedback

Browse: Getting Organized | Fun Stuff | Gifts | Mother's Day

Mother's Day Madness: A Pencil for Your Thoughts

Twelve more shopping days 'til Mom’s special day. Have you made a list, checked it twice? Oh, dear, that’s the wrong holiday. But actually, it’s not, as we are eager to get you to write something...and to use that instrument as a jumping-off point for a gift for mom. Russell + Hazel has just come out with (they’re so new, you’ll be able to get them ONLY at the Web site, www.russellandhazel.com, but soon, they’ll be in stores) the world’s most magnificent pencils. Sleek matte black, they’re crowned with a brilliant, luminous Swarovksi crystal. Oh, O.K., we know: “Hasn’t’ the world seen enough Swarovski crystals?” you’re sneering. But no, it's never enough…and you’ve not seen them like this, anyhow. Besides, we really love sparkly things (we wouldn’t turn down a tiara, you know) and we’re sure your mom will just adore these sparkly things, too. Big deal -- so you can’t get her the Kohinoor Diamond, or the Hope, but get her a basket of these beauties. And, by the way, they’re not that cheap, either; she won’t think you chintzed on her gift. Three pencils are a mighty $20, but they are ever so worth it. They come in three different colorways -- the orange-y/red group is nice, we think, but the celery/light blue group is even nicer, and then there’s the orchid/pink group that is just splendid. Oh, they also come in gold!

Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2007 @ 01:56 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Fun Stuff | Getting Organized | Gifts

Hippity Hoppity Easter

We love the “stuff” at Papyrus. All the beautiful gift bags, the clever cards, the gift-wrap accessories that we absolutely don’t need and yet fall for each and every time we see them. Every trip to one of the 17 Papyrus stores is always an exploration into soul-pleasing fun, albeit financially ruinous soul-pleasing fun. It’s not that the merch is pricey (it’s very well priced, in fact), but it’s just that we want it all. The stores are an outgrowth of the Marcel Schurman Company, known for years for its fine papers and party products. Today, Papyrus stores are merchandised so cleverly and festively, it’s hard not to want to bring everything home -- for whatever celebration we’re painting the town fuchsia.

So get there now for all your Easter needs. The little chickie baskets are darling, as are the bunny baskets ($19.95). We loved all the shopping bags trimmed in marabou and we were salivating to light up the half-dozen “eggs” in the crate -- —they are actually sorbet-colored candles in “eggshells” ($14.95). If there is no store near you, check out the site: www.papyrusonline.com.

Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 @ 04:33 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Fun Stuff | Getting Organized | Gifts

The Ices of March...Bring Spring Flowers

Despite last week’s hail storm (beware the Ice of March!), the nip in the air today, and the slush puddles at every curb, it’s Spring. At least that’s what the calendar proclaims. We know it’s a paltry offering, but we hope you can take some cold comfort in reading about springy stuff for the next day or so, as we share fleurs and printemps.

When we think of Pierre Deux, we think of those signature textiles, evocative of the French countryside. They have a distinctive feel, colors, and motifs and are instantly identifiable. They bear names like Avignonet, Indianaire, and Maianenco. No sooner do we conjure up those fabrics, we next think of those wonderful tote and market bags, satchels, and generous duffels, all made with those fabrics, and for which Pierre Deux is well known.

Newest to the Deux famille of fabric and bags are the Pauline bucket bags, bedecked with an oversize, uncharacteristically large floral print against a calming azure or pistachio background. We love the sturdy leather handles, the perfect sizes (priced at $78 and $120), the compartments. (On the left in our shot is another style in bold stripes, dubbed a "beach bag.") Grab them while they are in stock, as they were manufactured in limited editions and could be gone by the time you start to book your first jaunt on the Jitney. 625 Madison Ave., 212-521-8012; www.pierredeux.com

Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 @ 02:53 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Women's Clothing | Handbags & Totes | Getting Organized | Accessories

Holy Zagats! A New Shopping Guide

The 2007 Zagat New York City Shopping guide ($14.95) is out as of yesterday, and although we wanted to be the first on the block to bring it to you -- after what in the publishing biz is called an embargo was lifted -- we were just too jet-lagged to do it, so we’re a day late. (More about the jet lag later this week.)

On to the important stuff, the shopping: Even if you’re an inveterate shopper -- an intrepid New Yorker who has plenty of his or her own little haunts and secrets shops -- this guide is a very useful Baedeker, a resource you’ll consult often, if only to check an address, phone number, or the cross streets (something that they wisely added this year). Like all the Zagat guides, it’s a handy, pocket-sized volume; you’ll find many new features and updated graphics and icons. Moreover, our good friend and professional colleague Randi Gollin edited it...so we just have to tell you how wonderful it is! There are close to 2,500 shops listed, with 167 new entries. There is also a pull-out map (also new, and a smart addition) with all the most popular chains and independents dotting the geographical landscape. Click here to get your copy.

Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 @ 12:43 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Getting Organized | Useful Info

Sample Sale Alert: Baccarat and Asprey

O.K., get out the plastic again -- you will not want to miss this sale. Both Baccarat and Asprey are cutting prices and now is your chance to stock up on lavish gifts, find luxe clothing, or dress the house in the finery of crowned heads of state.

Asprey, with all its fancy royal warrants and over-the-top merchandise (if memory serves us, we once saw a sterling Champagne chiller there -- for multiple bottles -- for thousands and thousands and thousands) is a pretty $$$ shop, but at the “sample” sale, there are tons of things that are affordable…expect to find Asprey’s signature leather goods, jewelry, silver, and clothing -- up to 75% off.

Baccarat is known for its superb lead crystal, giftware, and decorative items and at this sale, they say, there will be rare museum pieces, whatever that means. But one thing we do know that it means, is d-i-s-c-o-u-n-t -- probably 60-75% off original prices. Do what we do to try to finesse an even better deal: Go the first day or two and scope out what you want, and then wait until the last day, when the prices are generally cut even more. (Yeah, we know -- you do, indeed, risk losing your item; it’s a hedge, what can we say? -- we still do it!) Remember, plastic only, no cash, no checks.

The sales are at Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33 St., just west of Eighth Ave. It starts tomorrow, Mar. 3, and goes through Tuesday, the 6th. Daily, 9am to 6:30pm., and Tuesday, until 5pm only. Again -- read the entry below for Dennis Basso -- no kids under 12, no strollers, etc. Be prepared to check big bags, and also to go home a happy camper with really gorgeous stuff!

Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 @ 02:37 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

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