Wednesday, September 30, 2009

For the Men

This Levi's lumberjack look at Macy's Herald Square is what I'm dying to buy for my husband this fall ($79). I'm a sucker for the men in lumberjack plaid. But do I really want him looking so rural-rugged charming while at grad school? Hmmmm...

The lumberjacket's foil, the Sean Jean slightly-puffy jacket (a perfect size puff). Adorable, but not my man's style. It also comes in black, but after seeing the blue who wants black?

The lumberjacket is cut big. You need some broad shoulders to pull it off. And there aren't many small sizes for the Sean John, either. Also, while shopping the Levi's section, look for the Levi's peg-legged skinny cords, now on sale for around $35.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St. btwn Broadway & 7th Ave.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

RACHEL at Macy's Herald Square

I have been stalking the Rachel Roy jewelry counter at Macy's Herald Square looking for the above bracelet for Sal at Already Pretty. We figured it would be available at Macy's HS as the RACHEL Rachel Roy collection is exclusive with Macy's, and Herald Square is THE Macy's, but alas, no. We then feared it was one of those pieces that was shown but never made, until I saw it on the website today.Same bracelet? Kind of? To me it looks like a toned-down version of the first. This is getting annoying (see Christian Siriano boot disappointment). I think the times will be a-changing with how these designs are presented, promoted, and sold, with bloggers falling in love with the more bold, "inspiration" pieces, but never seeing them IRL, or a watered-down version.

Now back to Rachel Roy at Macy's Herald Square. The jewelry I can not recommend spending $$ on, as it looks cheap for the price range. But I've passed by her in-store boutiques on the second floor a couple of times now, and each time my eye is caught by a bold piece. Like these lace leggings, that do look much better and lacier in person:


And yesterday I saw a very cute, furry looking jacket for under $100. Her prices are very reasonable, and her pieces are definitely worth a try-on.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th

Monday, September 28, 2009

Hola, Monday

All dresses from the sale rack at A Pea in the Pod Maternity at Macy's Herald Square.



















Because last week I finally realized any day now I could be having a baby, I decided to prioritize pre-labor tasks.

  1. Schedule hair appointment. I need bangs. My child cannot see me with a big forehead, not to mention grey roots.
  2. Get a mani/pedi. Doctors, doula, nurses, husband, family + feet in air. Maybe this should be #1.
  3. Get waxed. See above. I just don't know if I can handle the pain right now. Trying to save up the tolerance, you know?
  4. Buy coconut water. I'm not sure why, but I'm obsessed with having coconut water in my hospital bag.
  5. Make a couch cover. Again, why? Inexplicable.
  6. Blog, what to do?
  7. Finish baby room and figure out how to keep cats out of bassinet. Yes, this should be #1, but my mom's coming to town. Let's just say she's the Master Organizer/Iron Hand of Pet Discipline.




















Let's talk #6. Blog postings will be reduced while I'm on leave, but should be published with new content about 2-3 times a week. I'm pre-posting, and am setting up some guest posts. I'll be back in the saddle around the holidays. And, because for months I've been wrapping up work projects and thus slack in visiting blogs, I'm looking forward to spending some time catching up. Of course, every time I talk to new moms about having time to do things during maternity leave, they laugh hysterically at me. Huh.

As my friend and stylist said to me a few weeks ago, if you didn't have that big ahem balancing out that belly, you'd topple over. So true.


















Macy's
Herald Square's A Pea in the Pod Maternity, 151 W. 34th St btwn Broadway & 7th

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Green Light for Midtown

Herald Square on Broadway

For those of you who live, work, and shop in the 34th Street district, you have most likely experienced those pedestrianized stretches of Broadway along Herald Square (left, in front of Macy's), or down south along Greeley Square.


Now New York City's Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) wants to hear from you about it all: the new roadway design, traffic issues, programming, and the pedestrian experience. If you've got something to say or you want to learn more about this program, drop by the 34th Street community gig, Green Light for Midtown Public Input Workshop, held on Monday, October 5, 2009, from 6pm-8pm at the New Yorker Hotel.

The Hey Ya Brothers working their magic in front of Macy's Herald Square on Broadway.










Why am I getting the word out about this? Along with NYC DOT, my company, the 34th Street Partnership, manages the spaces from 36th Street through Herald Square and down along Greeley Square. So we, too, are curious as to what you think and want the neighborhood's input.

Hoop dancers enjoying free class held by Fitnotic. Supposedly this is great for post-maternity body shaping, but I was never much of a hula-hooper.












Hope to see you there. Unless I'm in labor, and then you'll have to tell me all about it later.

34th Street's Green Light for Midtown Public Input Workshop
Monday, October 5, 2009
6pm - 8pm at the New Yorker Hotel
481 Eighth Avenue at 34th Street
Crystal Ballroom, 2nd floor

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Sign Confirms It: Esprit Coming to 34th Street


Esprit has the sign up so it's official. Looks like they are moving into Apple's intended space at 21 W. 34th Street in March of next year. I've heard the company is changing it up these days, so here's to checking it out and seeing some fun old Esprit back in the mix.

And in other 34th Street news, the Geox store next door is open and looking brand, spanking, shiny new.


I, or one of my cohorts who is not plagued with hugely swollen feet, will be visiting soon to check up on the pretty, two-level shoe store. I never thought I'd miss my bony feet, but yes, I'm looking forward to being able to try on shoes again.

Esprit, coming March 2010, 21 W. 34th Street btwn 5th & 6th
Geox,
29 W. 34th Street btwn 5th & 6th

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Don't Tease the Undergarment

Today I'm wearing something that shall remain nameless. Something that, over six months ago, I mocked, scorned, and abused (but my mom put it in with my maternity things anyway). And now I'm wearing it. Yes, velcro is involved. But I feel nicely supported (I can't believe I just said that), and it doesn't feel like my belly is being left behind every time I sit up from my chair.

Gratuitous "girls at fashion week" photo w/Lindsey, me, and Kati. Lindsey is kind of hiding the belly. This is just before I entered the "What the hell is this and how does it work?" undergarment phase of pregnancy.

Moral of the story? Don't mock undergarments, they will come back to haunt you. Which reminds me, Lane Bryant and Cacique, their in-store lingerie boutique and one of my old-time favorite lingerie shops, is having a bra-fit event this Friday:

Visit the store on 34th Street Friday through Sunday and get a free expert fitting. Me, I could totally use one right now, I have no idea what the heck my bra size is. Nor my shoe size. And forget about dress size.


Lane Bryant, 7 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

More Meridian Window Love

Thanks to my people on the street, I received this tempting window display photo today.

Check out shawl collar ("shawller," word courtesy of Xmastime), pin-striped fabric, bag on the floor in front, and the belt. Meridian always has great accessories and reasonably-priced handbags.


Now I'm going to use a fashion-speak word that kind of drives me crazy: transition. Yes, this is a great transition coat. Now I have to go wash my mouth out with soap. Continue gazing with the knowledge that this lovely transition piece is just $98.

Meridian Ladies Clothing, on 6th Ave between 35th & 36th

Monday, September 21, 2009

Origami In Greeley & Rex Fever

Drop by Greeley Square today until 1pm to check out the Origami Forest by Conservation International, and learn to fold from the pros. And at the same time, you can learn a little more about Climate Week in New York City. Plus Harrison Ford will be giving a little speech at 10:30am, and best, if you stick around after Harrison's brief speech, you can also hear Nobel Laureate and environmental heroine Wangari Maathai.

Back to fashion later, as I'll wrap up a few SS '10 Fashion Week shows, and then get back on 34th Street. But it wouldn't be a fall Monday morning at Fashion Herald without a gratuitous Jets holla, so I bring to you today my new football crush for the 2009-2010 season:

My favorite trash-talker, Rex Ryan. Sigh. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

I know, you all probably thought it would be this guy:

The Jets' rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Photo courtesy of The Scores Report.

Sure, he's tall, dark, drop-dead handsome, and has a great arm. But can he trash talk like Rex? Nah.



Greeley Square Origami Forest Event, today till 1pm between 32nd & 33rd Sts. and Broadway & 6th Ave.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Carlos Miele Spring '10 Show

The Carlos Miele show was full of sexy dresses as always, but for his spring collection, here's what really stood out: pants and jackets. Yes, I was pleasantly surprised and loving it. I am (or was) the ultimate pants girl. And his collection is full of stand-out jackets you'll love to have hanging in your wardrobe, not to mention some cool little vests:

Love all the shiny trim, click to see the belt on the pants. Note the cording on the dress straps he uses through the collection with great success. Miele calls it "dreadlock" trim.













My favorite dress, a gorgeous jacket, and the pants. Slouchy chic, beautiful cut. WANT these.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Yearning for Tuleh

It is so much more fun going to shows with a girlfriend. This is my #1 advice for Fashion Week, along with "Grab As Many LU Cookies As You Can." Sunday night I met Lindsey in the tents for Tuleh. She was running a little late, so I got her a drink at the bar as there's always a line. I actually said to the bartender "It's for my friend!" No one looked convinced.



Click to see the gorgeous lace on the back of the black top.

But the Tuleh show had me totally convinced. First, I loved the hair. Big, romantic, and loose. Almost enough to make me not cut mine next week. Almost. And then the clothes, at which I was saying to Lindsey through most of the show "you need that," "that is so you," "oh my god you need that," and "that's me." And, at the end, during the bridal portion (I LOVE a bridal finish), I found the dress that may convince me to get married again (to the same guy, of course). The dress on the right is, naturally, for Lindsey's first:


















Some shows just make you yearn. Yearn for the lifestyle where you can have sexy, crazy-housewife hair, yearn to look slightly demented and fabulous, and yearn to renew your vows in amazing puffy shoulders and dramatic veils. I want to go to a show and dream of wearing the clothes in my fantasy life. That, to me, is fashion. Here, more perfectly tailored crazy girls:

Stripes and black lace, yes. The middle is my favorite: I just tied up this amazing tunic with the curtain cord and I'm coming to get you. After my martini.
















This first model gets my vote for best slightly-demented-but-I'm fabulous look.



















Marching wonders.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Lela Rose, Skulls, and Ping Pong

By my man, for the man.

And the first one in the family to get photographed in the tents for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week? My husband. Yes, last Sunday he went to the 10am Lela Rose show with me and wore his skull tweed coat. The coat was found on the street in DC with a bag of ties, and he promptly painted them all. Update: This post of WendyB's today must be linked, as fabulous skulls should be united whenever possible. And her Juana skull necklace (bottom right) is on sale: total bargain! Perfect gift for husbands who paint skulls to give new moms! Ahem!









Anyway, we were enjoying a Rouge Tomate drink (from the drinks alone I can tell you to book at meal at this restaurant, fantastic) when a woman approached and asked if she could photograph his coat. Then, as we were walking out of the tents, several cameras went a-flashing. I, with my crack reporting skills, completely forgot to take a picture of him in it. This is the same brain that keeps forgetting to tweet from shows. I blame it all on the pregnancy.

We then played Ping Pong in Bryant Park, and the artist took unfair advantage of my inability to lunge for the ball because of enormous belly. I'll get my revenge later. I highly recommend a game of Ping Pong to all show attendees, it's a great break from the tents.

Then, while walking down 6th, we ran into the designer herself with her husband and adorable little girl. How cute is her daughter's dress? Finally, I remembered to take a picture:

All in all a great Sunday morning, because, I'm happy to report I liked this show about 80% more than her show last season. These colors were muted but saturated, all inspired by the painter Alex Katz. This is where my husband insists I have to include Mr. Katz's paintings. Fair enough:

Day Lily II, Eleuthera, Dog at Duck Trap.













Lela Rose SS '10 Collection. That's a perfect navy coat.














I don't think Ms. Rose should change her color inspiration season-to-season, because this one suits her perfectly. Her silhouette is familiar (fitted dresses, skirts, swinging coats, pretty gowns), and the style too, hasn't strayed (a kind of casual sophistication that always makes me think beach although there's ostensibly nothing beach-like about it). But this show was cohesive, well-edited, and packed an understated color punch that translated into confident clothing. Go here for shots of the Payless shoes and runway looks. There's always one style of hers I have to have every season, and next spring it will be this: