Valentine's Day Ideas: Flotsam & Jetsam at Catbird

I'm going to do a very traditional Valentine's Day post later this week, and show lingerie in red and pink from Victoria's Secret Herald Square. But first it's a non-34th Street VDay gift idea, because it's a super cool gift and delivery package. And also because I'm a big fan of Rebekah at Flotsam & Jetsam, and own a couple of her pieces, so I can vouch for their handiwork. Her Spanish Galleon is the baddest thing east of the Atlantic Ocean.

Catbird and Flotsam and Jetsam are offering a special Valentine's Day promotion: when you buy one of Fotsam and Jetsam's Love Stamp Pendants for him, or Love Note Lockets for her, you can add a special delivery option: Cupid ala Catbird's bike messenger extraordinaire, Dave, will hand deliver the necklace with your secret message inside, free of charge. However, I'd highly encourage you lucky recipients to tip Dave, as riding around the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens delivering love notes dressed as Cupid is not for the weak of heart, or weak-spirited, or weak-limbed. That kind of strength deserves at least a fiver.

The hearts open up, & your love note rests inside.

Go here to order online, or visit  

Catbird, 219 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

M. Hardy, Online and Still Tempting

Oui, Pierre Hardy. I will take the brown suede lace-up.

I love these more than the black. $195.

And yes, Gap, I'd love some of these.

I love these more than the lace-up booties. $195.

Spotted these on the Gap website this morning. I saw versions of the combo booties before (above, these are not Pierre Hardy Design Editions, but mainline Design Editions, which is all very confusing), but I hadn't seen the brown suede peep-toe wedge. More stalking of Herald Square Gap in my future, hoping for a discounted Pierre Hardy Design Editions miracle.

Gap Herald Square, 34th Street & Broadway

Eric Daman for Charlotte Russe: Party Dresses

Perfect for prom.

My pick.

I went to Charlotte Russe yesterday to try on the Eric Daman line of dresses, not exactly looking forward to it as junior-sized party dresses aren't my thing. But I left lusting for the red rose dress. I call it "adorable" and would buy it if I had any need for such dresses. Actually, though, this would be a fantastic layer piece, I'd do a long black cardigan on top, or a long black jacket and Chuck Taylors. Feeling a little mid-80's yet? Kati saw this picture and said "Put a flannel on top and it's so 90210 circa 90's." We've got both our decades covered.

The detail and quality of the collection is most impressive. I won't even say "It's good quality for dresses under $45," because it's all around just good quality. Daman did a really nice job with the fabric and details. These four dresses are the only styles in Charlotte Russe Manhattan Mall right now. I'd also like to thank Mr. Daman as I tried on a large in the pink thinking I'd need it, and it was a little big! The red large, however, fits really snug.

There are little hearts in the sheer netting! Valentine's Day dress alert.

And Charlotte Russe is helping us get technical with QR codes. Scan the code on the sign in the store (or like their facebook page) and print the coupon for free jewelry. Click for more details, and to check out their cute QR code.

Charlotte Russe Manhattan Mall, level one, 33rd Street & Broadway

The Late January State of Winter Boots

I wouldn't exactly call it feast or famine for snow boots at Macy's H.S. As the picture shows, it's a little of both.

The following scenario must drive retailers and shoppers alike completely nutso:

It's a snowy, slushy cold day in late January, with many more to come. The shoe department is packed full of customers, all clamoring for snow boots. What does one hear throughout the floor? "That's the last pair/size/snow boot left in the northern hemisphere"

Sperry Topsiders for 50% off (about $112).

Khombus on sale for $89.99.

If I got another rain boot, it would be as solid as this one. On sale for $40.

I was curious about the state of snow boots today on 34th Street: Does Macy's still had them in stock, and if so, are they on sale? Yes, and yes. Macy's had several styles on the floor, mostly by Khombu, Sperry, and Bear Paws. There's a table of rain boots, also, and a good selection of warm Chooka liners for $19.99. Bad news is, sizes are limited. Well, this would normally be considered the tail end of the season for merchants, and they are assuming everyone's got their boots covered. But it's been a particularly snowy winter. And the boot section in Macy's was packed today, all with women clamoring for sizes. A girl may have thought she'd get by with a less sturdy boot, only to realize she needs something more solid. And tall, and furry, and waterproof. In New York City, we need the former and latter. For the prices and selection, I say it's worth a visit Macy's Herald Square to see if there's anything left in your size.



Macy's Herald Square, 34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

Where I Get Coffee While Shopping On 34th Street

Brrr! Those Herald Square bellringers could use some coffee.

I could do a post on Where I Eat While Shopping On 34th Street but we're all fashion people so we're not allowed to eat. Or, at the very least, we certainly don't post about it. Instead today is inspired by this tweet from a few weeks ago, and my craving for a really big mocha right now.

misschelseamae: HOW IS THERE NOT A SBUX IN HERALD SQUARE? #mochaordeath

I'm really old so it took me a few minutes to translate SBUX. But Miss Chelsea Mae asks a very loud and good question. At first glance there are no SBUX to be found at Herald Square, but really there are four. Where? Inside Macy's Herald Square! You'll find Starbucks on floors 1.5, 3, 5, and 6. The Starbucks on the fifth and sixth floor do not have seating, though. The one on 1.5 is always packed, but sometimes it's worth scrounging for a seat because it overlooks the first floor, which makes for good people watching. My Macy's SBUX of choice is on the 3rd floor, as it's not as crowded and there's usually no line to order.

Herald Square 'wichcraft kiosk, find it on the northern tip along 35th Street. Follow 'wichcraft on Twitter.

Greeley Square has a 'wichcraft kiosk, too, down south along 32nd.

However, I get most of my java in Herald Square at 'wichcraft. I'm totally addicted to their coffee. It's so good that I rarely order lattes or mochas, but those, too, are delicious. And they have a happy hour every day from 3-6pm, when us coffee lovers get half-off. Also, 'wichcraft has new sandwiches. I'm so excited! My old standby is the peanut butter cookie sandwich, and I'm so not joking.

Updated to add: Jen's comment reminded me that I forgot to add a link to our many Starbuck's located throughout the 34th Street district.Click here for listing. 


'wichcraft kiosk, Greeley Square, 32nd @ Bdway
'wichcraft kiosk, Herald Square, 35th @ Bdway 

Starbucks in Macy's Herald Square, floors 1.5, 3, 5, and 6
34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

MNG by Mango, My Groundhog Day

I guess it's natural that we're drawn to the same section of a store over and over, especially when you always find something to buy when you visit. This is my explanation for another MNG by Mango post, in addition to the fact that everything on the floor is 50% off, and the sales rack at JCPenney Manhattan Mall is something like 70%-80% off.

I dropped by JCPenney last Friday as I had to return the bird top because it just wasn't me. As my husband said, "it's an Erica top." Yes, I made the mistake of buying a top that would be perfect for my friend. Erica, go get this shirt! Actually, now that I think of it, her birthday is coming up. Now I've got to go back to MNG. Ugh, it's like Groundhog Day, but set in Manhattan Mall and not in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Last Friday I was in the mood for plaid. The winter coat is 50% off, and is beautiful in person. Yes, after a few seasons of plaid, I still love it because I've always worn plaid, even before Marc Jacobs discovered grunge. I did grow up in Iowa. The below were both on the mega-clearance rack and I couldn't resist. The green ($17-ish) is very cute as a dress with bare legs, and the red on the left ($15-ish) fulfills all my butch, winter-weather plaid needs, but with a better cut and fabric than my dad's plaid shirts I stole in high school.

MNG by Mango boutique, JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower level 

33rd Street & Broadway

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Dear Xmastime: I'm wearing #10 jersey, guess what name is?

Girls, the Sanchez jerseys are in the back.

We've got lots of sporting goods stores in the 34th Street district that can fulfill all your Jets needs for Sunday's upcoming game: Cosby Sporting Goods (which carries some vintage/collectible jerseys, also), Foot Locker, and Modell's (pictured above). So go get your green on in 34th Street, and wear it proud. Jets, baby!

Oh, and Modell's, I must protest:

"In the event?" How about "After we kick some Steeltown butt," please. Hello, this is a New York City store! I'll be seeing all you stylish, fellow Jets fans there early Monday morning. Go Gang Green!

Modell's Herald Center, on Broadway between 33rd Street & 34th Street

Gerry Cosby & Co. Sporting Goods, on 31st Street just east of 7th Avenue

Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

Pearls & Shoes

And the winner of the JCPenney pearl set giveaway is....

Daniel/Vinci! Here's her favorite wedding moment:

Daniel said...

Vinci said: My most precious wedding moment in time(as mother of the bride)was watching my entire family come down the aisle at my oldest daughter's wedding. daoleawood@gmail.com

January 13, 2011 8:46 AM

I love her moment! I also loved what everyone shared as their favorite wedding moment, including bird poop on the groom's dress white Navy uniform, the groom playing basketball after the wedding, the 3 foot tall officiator, and the veil getting stuck on the carpet! So for all you brides to be, don't stress the wedding perfection too much, because you're going to look back fondly at every moment, the romantic and not so romantic alike!

Thanks to everyone for participating, and thanks to JCPenney for offering that beautiful set of pearls for this giveaway. All of you thinking about brides, and weddings, and the necessary jewelry, should check out their two exclusive bridal jewelry collections, "I Said Yes" and "True Love."

And all you brides to be who may know or be in love with a sneakerhead, tell them about this:

 A new Jordan release! There will be a DJ, raffle and prizes starting at 10pm tomorrow night, so drop by Footaction and check it all out.


Footaction, 7th Avenue at 34th Street

Spring at Swarovski Penn Plaza

The first offerings of Swarovski's spring collection.

Have faith, spring will come! And if you doubt it for a second, drop by Swarovski Penn Plaza, that gorgeous boutique at 34th Street and 7th Avenue, for a peak at their first new, shiny offerings for spring. It's all beautiful butterflies and color, and what is more spring than that?

The Swarovski boutique, when it opened last June on 34th Street.

Swarovski Penn Plaza, 200 W. 34th Street at 7th Avenue

Desigual & Lacroix

Desigual is really in the air over here at Fashion Herald these days. But I just noticed this on their Twitter and had to share:

Image courtesy of Desigual blog. I'm not sure how I feel about more mouse ears (so 2010) but I do like the Desigual/Lacroix interpretation.

According to Desigual's blog, the company is now working with Christian Lacroix. Yesterday Desigual showed a 30-piece collection from the Fall/Winter 2011 collaboration, and they promise more for Summer 2012. From the looks shown on the blog, I emphatically say yes, more please. I need those printed tights. And although it seems so obvious now, I would never have put two and two together to make a Desigual/Lacroix connection. What a love match. Stay tuned as I try and get more information on prices and availability.

Desigual Herald Square, Avenue of the Americas at 35th Street

Desigual Fifth Avenue, 34th Street at Fifth Avenue

Sorel Boots, Please

Orva Shoes isn't what I would call a sexy shoe store.

These must be MINE!

Side view.

But Orva still inspires intense, needy shoe longings, like those I feel for the tall, Sorel duck boots above.

Ignore all but the green.

Those green Sperry's are pretty lust-worthy, too, but I'm more of the rugged, Sorel type. I choose the Sperry's for The Preppy Princess.

I guess all this winter weather is making me a little outdoor-boot crazy. If you're feeling the same, the new Orva Shoes store on 34th Street can fulfill all your needy boot desires.


Orva Shoes, 34 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

WHO.A.U In the Windows

If you're built like a teen (because WHO.A.U is cut SMALL), you're missing out if you're not checking out the store on 34th Street. You'll be surprised at the selection on the floor. Yes, it's for the teens, but it's a big trend step above the "A" triumvirate of teen clothing: Abercrombie, Aeropostale, and AEO.

Now, some of us are beyond the knee highs with dress look, but I can still appreciate how cute it is with the floral print, shearling vest, and boots. Also it's sale time, so all you delicate, petite frame types should visit soon (yes, I'm jealous!).

WHO.A.U 34th Street, 22 W. 34th between 5th & 6th Avenues

Wrap up in Desigual

Sick as a dog at home yesterday and today, and all I can think about is warm clothing, so here's some winter Desigual from the 34th Street store at Fifth Avenue. A lot of this was on sale right before Christmas, and Desigual is currently having a sale, up to 50% off some items, so drop by one of two stores in the 34th Street district.

Desigual, 358 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street

Desigual Herald Square, 35th Street at 6th Avenue

NYC Mobile Style Alerts: Sign Up!

This is a post I've been avoiding for a long time, for so very many reasons (see disclaimers below). But today, the day before another NYC Snowpocalypse, I'm taking the plunge and promoting a Fashion Herald feature that is hidden away up there in tiny font. See the "Mobile Style Alerts" button on the top left of the banner? That is my frenemy widget, so to speak. Sign up and you'll get a text every day helping you decide what to wear based on New York City weather.

May I recommend a little Desigual for winter chills?

Now, some explanation: I only have 109 characters to work with, so these aren't too involved. I focus on the things I always forget when I leave the house because I am so not an organized person by nature: the umbrella, the hat, the gloves (like today), the raincoat, the boots. Rarely I'll include a shopping tip for 34th Street, although more often when the weather is the same day after day.

Why am I torturing myself with this frenemy widget? Because I'm one of those people who need someone to tell me how to dress for the weather! I'm the girl that always wears inappropriate clothing in the rain, sleet and snow. Ridiculous, yes, that someone like me is managing this, but when we're rolling in the dough here at the 34th Street Partnership I'll hire my own weather girl. She's going to bring me lattes, too, and will remind me to leave work by 6pm everyday.

Big #1 disclaimer: I cannot promise that I will not forget, sometime in the future, to update my weather alerts. I vow to do my best, but I am, like all of us, a person with lots of things to do in a day. I've been practicing for months, and a few times, yes, I've said "throw that umbrella in your bag!" when it's sunny and clear skies all day.Whoops!

Disclaimer #2: I go by weather.com. But I'm no meteorologist. I'm going to need some slack, thanks.
 

Desigual, 358 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street

It's a Fabulous, JCPenney Bridal-Themed Contest

I always swore I'd spend thousands on a couture gown, but look, I ended up wearing my mom's dress and he's in Dolce and Gabbana and Prada! Funny how sometimes things work out OK when they don't go as planned.

 
JCPenney has launched two exclusive bridal jewelry collections, "I Said Yes" and "True Love." These are not your typical bridal gems. Each diamond ring in the I Said collection bears a hidden sapphire(symbol of truth and sincerity).  And True Love's precise cut features a wreath of hearts and a circle of arrows within the diamond, a sort of classic with a twist.

That's my kind of classic, and isn't a bad description of my own wedding. Fond memories include: the grand entrance of a gaggle of model girlfriends decked out in Galliano and such (I asked them to look the part); yanking on my dad's arm because he was practically dragging me down the aisle (he really, really likes my husband); and squeezing my husband-to-be's hand at the altar, wondering "What am I doing in a church with my agnostic fiance?" The last is my particular favorite as I'll never forget that moment, holding his hand and thinking He didn't even protest once.

This is when I was really squashing his hand. I remember it like yesterday.

Leave one of your favorite wedding memories in comments, or tell me what your ideal wedding location is, or your fantasy wedding dress, and you're entered to win the pearl set pictured below (one entry per person in comments). Yes, to celebrate the launch of True Love and I Said Yes, JCPenney is giving away this pearl set, a perfect complement to a girl's trousseau.



Trousseau, it's so old-fashioned! But I hear they come in handy. So do pearls.

After leaving a comment, each time you tweet a link to this contest (please @fashionherald in the tweet), you get an extra entry. Limit one tweet per day, please. Contest is up until the end of the day on Wednesday, January 19th. The winner will be announced on the 20th, and has till the end of day on Monday the 24th to email me (see contact on right). If no one claims the set on Monday, it goes to the runner-up, and so on, and so on...hey, don't make me get too specific!

Good luck, wedding reminiscers and dreamers!

JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1 & 2, 33rd Street & Broadway



MNG by Mango Sale at JCPenney Manhattan Mall

Hey, MNG by Mango at JCPenney Manhattan Mall has some killer stuff on sale...

50-60% off.  Next week I'm going to actually edit a MNG by Mango video, you know, add titles, maybe a little shopping mood music, improve quality so you enlarge without fuzziness...But for now it's Saturday, I'm trying to hit the gym, and the hordes are descending, so go get yourself some MNG on sale pronto.

JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower levels1&2, 33rd & Broadway

New Year's Resolutions Always Come Calling

In the gym every morning at 6am? Walking and running around your park daily? Broken your fitness resolution yet? Then go see Whitney Port and SELF Magazine tomorrow on 34th Street at the Lady Foot Locker launch of BodyTrain, Puma's new toning collection.Whitney and SELF trainer Meaghan Murphy, who will be there to provide tips and help you get the right BodyTrain shoe for all your fitness needs, will do a Q&A and presentation around 11:30am. So don't miss it, ladies, especially if you're a Whitney fan as she'll be meeting and schmoozing up her peeps.

Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

Holiday Miscellany Haul

It's miscellany post day, mainly because it's 4:29pm and I've failed in making it six blocks south to 34th Street. Sigh. But since "hauls" are the future of everything these days, I'll show you a few things the family got over the holidays:

Please ignore the chipped nails and focus on the gorgeous, long, feather earrings from Karma Krafting at The Holiday Shops in Bryant Park. Thanks to Suzanne, who kindly gave me these earrings while we were shooting this video. On the same post I also endlessly shake the world's cutest kitty bank from Karma Kiss. Although both Karma's are now closed for the season, select holiday shops are open for a few more weeks in Bryant Park. Go here for a list.

PF Fliers for the husband found at Daffy's, $29.99. He's been begging me for more PF Fliers since I got him a pair at Daffy's ages ago. When I spotted black and purple PF's with a lime green lining during a video shoot with Midtown Girl, I knew I had to get them.

Surrounded by new toys (trust me, to her left are a cajillion gifts from her aunts), Baby Herald plays with what? The remote control. Sometimes the old haul is as good as the new. Please note the glittery pink boots by Stride Rite, bought at Macy's Herald Square on Black Friday morning. Desperate for some winter shoes for the baby, I asked the clerk "Are these winter boots?" and she said "No, honey, these are fashion boots." Sold!

Daffy's Herald Square, 34th & Broadway

Macy's Herald Square, 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, between 42nd & 40th and 5th & 6th