Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas! I hope Santa brought you everything you wanted. We'll be taking a holiday here at Fashion Herald, so we wish you happy and safe holidays! See you in 2014.

From Breakfast with Santa at Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy's Herald Square. Recap post coming, but just go ahead and put this on your calendar for next year, because Santa at Stella was absolutely brilliant. My girl didn't cry once, and she's terrified of Santa.

Be Adored at L'Cheriyve in the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

This previously appeared on the Bryant Park Blog. I was so impressed with L'Cheriyve and its founder, Yvette Poole, that I had to post here, too. I highly recommend a visit to the Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village for a trenchcapade before the end of the season (the last day of the shops is Sunday, January 5th). 

Ladies: Next time you are in the Holiday Shops at Winter Village, please do yourself a favor and stop by L'Cheriyve and try on a trench coat. While there, you're going to become immersed in the world of the Trenchcapade, and most likely you'll be given a tour through it by the owner, Yvette Poole. Yvette is passionate about her company, just launched this year, and she knows a woman's body. She'll pick a coat for you, tie the belt, and lead you to the mirror. Trust me, you'll feel like you never knew what it was to wear a trench coat before!

Yvette at L'Cheriyve in the Holiday Shops

Yvette's L'Cheriyve trenchcapade philosophy is "Be Adored." Adore yourself, adore your partner, let your partner adore you, and enjoy the fabulous trench coat that is making you feel adored. It's big adoring all around, and you know what? Yvette is truly filling a need in a luxury category. These handcrafted, couture trench coats are made in L.A., and the attention to detail is beyond impressive. Besides the skilled tailoring that makes for a perfect fit, all the trenches are lined with silk charmeuse, come with a small bag that hooks inside for your going-out items (lipstick, credit card, room key...), and have a playful, matching L'Cheriyve mask. I tried on two coats (picked by Yvette, of course, with no mention of sizes), and they were dreams. The silk lining is pure luxury and the coats are cut to make you look fantastic.

Classic L'Chloe. 

Note I said "couture." That means these coats are a big splurge. But you've got options: 1. Treat yourself to the best coat you'll ever own this holiday season; 2. Bring your Santa along while you shop (hint, hint); or 3. Follow my game plan: I have mentally reserved my coat (L'Josephine), and am stocking up for the day I will do a little adoring and invest in my own Trenchcapade.

L'Seraphina, perfect for a bridal going-away look.

In the meantime, go into the oasis that is L'Cheriyve in Bryant Park and let her pick out your Trenchcapade. You will never forget the experience, or how your trench coat felt and looked on you!

Even the wardrobe bags are custom-designed!

L'Cheriyve: Booth B03 in the Southwest Corner (map)


The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 9pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
#Winter Village

34th Street Weekend Picks: Super Saturday 2013

Super Saturday, the last Saturday before Christmas, is tomorrow, and enticing sales should be drawing shoppers into stores up and down 34th Street. Below are a few examples of what was on the street today, and here is a roundup of extended holiday hours. We wish everyone safe and successful holiday shopping!

Forever 21

Sale throughout the store, including 50% off boots. 50 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

Desigual

Up to 50% off, including this fabulous coat. 358 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street, and 958 Sixth Avenue at 35th Street 

Gap Herald Square

Today Gap has 40% off everything. Who knows what it will be tomorrow?! Look for their fabulous infinity scarves, a great gift, and stock up on Gap sweaters for you. 60 West 34th Street at Broadway

H&M Herald Square
Their sale is ongoing (up to 70% off), and if you are on their email list look for the coupon for buy one get one 50% off everything. But let's talk about their Day After Christmas Sale: prices start at $5 and the first 100 people on line get a scratch-off card worth up to $300. 47 West 34th Street just east of Sixth Avenue

Levi's
50% off select items. I am a huge fan of this Levi's boutique, it's beautiful to shop and there are always amazing bargains in the back of the store. 45 West 34th Street just east of Sixth Avenue

Steve Madden

The entire store was 25% off today (exclusions apply), hopefully that sale will go through the weekend! See store for details. 41 West 34th Street just east of Sixth Avenue

Joe Fresh

Up to 60% off select items, and gifts from $19, like this wide-stripe v-neck sweater. 215 West 34th Street just west of Seventh Avenue

Old Navy

Gifts at $5, $10 (like the men's hat below), and $15, and savings of up to 60% throughout the store (in-stores only)! 150 West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue

Holiday Gifts: Check Off Your List at the Holiday Shops

So happy: I just checked off everything left on my gift list at Bryant Park's Holiday Shops at Winter Village. Boom, holiday shopping done! 

I had five people left on my list, and at the Shops I found more than I needed. I was actually kicking myself because I'd already bought for my sisters elsewhere, and I found the perfect gifts for them at the park. Perhaps I'll return after the holiday to stock up for next year's sister gift, and get them on sale...

Admittedly, when it comes to speed shopping the Holiday Shops, I have an advantage as I work for Bryant Park (in addition to 34th Street). I've had my eye on several vendors for a while: Urban Man Made, Buunni Coffee, Lucy & Leo, Artsy Modern, and Wrecords by Monkey. Here's a closer look at the holiday haul:

Urban Man Made, Kiosk F07

My husband told me not to spend any money on him as he wants some super expensive guitar pedal and nothing else. So I didn't listen and bought him a pair of baabaazuzu gloves. I found a pair for myself at Worn and adore them. Now we can match. He's going to love that.

The Urban Man Made neck warmer ($40) is perfect for your guy who hates a scarf. Which possibly is all guys, because this is a top seller at Bryant Park. 

Buunni Coffee, F09

Hostess gift for my sister. I said "Give me the strongest coffee in the shop," because too strong isn't strong enough for her. These organic, fair-trade Ethiopian beans are micro-roasted, even in the half-pound size, so your coffee is going to be super fresh. I'm making her open it up as soon as I get to her house.

Artsy Modern, H01

For my relative who always insists on picking up the check, the perfect coaster...

...and for the friend who always has chocolate on her, a fun tote. Artsy Modern has tons of gift items for those on your list who have everything.

Lucy & Leo, H06
I didn't get a good shot of the handmade Lucy & Leo headband ($18) before I sealed the envelope heading to my niece in Chicago, but trust me, they are adorable. I threw in a lip balm, good for mommy and baby, because I said they live in Chicago, right?

Here's a shot from Lucy & Leo's website, because her baby clothes are adorable, made in New York, and organic. Can you stand this photo.

Wrecords by Monkey, C03

I have a niece in college who just got an apartment but hates anything girly. So I got her what? A Brooklyn clock made out of vinyl. Perfect.

Last, I have to give a shout-out to Hot Hugs (K02), where last weekend I got my girl a bunny to commemorate her first time on ice skates. It has a lavender-scented, removable pouch that heats up in the microwave, so it's now her cozy and soothing bedtime bunny.

Clearly, this is not a bunny, but you get the idea.

Last last: If you haven't been skating yet this winter, GO. We had a magical day on Saturday skating in the snow. Bring your own skates, and a lock, and it's free at Bryant Park.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Skate, Shop, Dine
Park is located between 42nd and 40th Streets, and Fifth and Sixth Avenues

DSW Shoe(s) of the Week: It's All L.A.M.B.

I'm always drawn to the L.A.M.B. shoes and boots at DSW on 34th Street. 

Can you blame me? Perfection, just like those white highlights on the open-toed bootie above.


DSW
213 West 34th Street just west of Seventh Avenue

Happy Holiday Hours on 34th Street!

Crunch time is here. Below are holiday hours for select stores in the 34th Street district for your last-minute, holiday shopping needs.*

Aeropostale, 15 W. 34th Street
Christmas Eve: TBA
Christmas Day: closed

Aeropostale, Manhattan Mall
8am-11pm
Christmas Eve: 7am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed

Aldo Shoes, 27 W. 34th Street
10am-10pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-10pm
Christmas Day: closed

American Eagle Outfitters, One Penn Plaza at 34th and Seventh Avenue
8am-11pm
Christmas Eve: 8am-7pm
Christmas Day: closed

American Eagle Outfitters, 40 W. 34th Street
8am-11pm
Christmas Eve: 8am-11pm
Christmas Day: closed

Banana Republic, 17 W. 34th Street
Wed-Sat: 8am-10pm
Sunday and Monday: 9am-10pm
Christmas Eve: 8am-9pm
Christmas Day: closed
12/26: 8am-10pm

B&H Photo and Video
Regular hours
M-Th: 9am-7pm
F: 9am-1pm
Sat: closed
Sun: 10am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed
Open New Year's Day 10am-6pm

Bare Escentuals, 44 W. 34th Street
M-Sat: 10am - 9pm
Sun: 11am - 7pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed

Bebe, 1 W. 34th Street
Christmas Eve: open till 6pm
Christmas Day: closed

Desigual, 358 Fifth Avenue
9am-9pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-7pm
Christmas Day: closed
New Year's Eve: 10am-7pm

Desigual Herald Square, 958 Avenue of the Americas
9am-9pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-7pm
Christmas Day: closed
New Year's Eve: 10am-7pm

Dr. Jays, 33 W. 34th Street
9:30am-9:30pm
Christmas Day: open 9am-9:30pm

Forever 21, 50 W. 34th Street
Christmas Eve: close at 9pm
Christmas Day: 8am-6pm

Fossil, 38 W. 34th Street
8am-10pm
Christmas Day: closed

Game Stop, 1282 Broadway between 33rd & 34th Streets
8am-11pm
Christmas Day: closed

Gap, 1282 Broadway at 34th Street
8am-10pm
Fri: 8am-1pm
Sat: 7am-11pm
Sun: 8am-11pm
Mon: 7am-10pm
Christmas Eve: 12:00am-7pm
Christmas Day: closed

H&M, 47 W. 34th Street
8am - midnight daily
Sun: 9am-9pm
Christmas Eve: 7am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed
12/26: 7am-10pm

H&M, 435 Seventh Avenue at 34th Street
see above

Hour Passion, 112 West 34th Street
M-Sat: 9am-11pm
Sun: 9am-10pm
Christmas Day: noon-5pm
12/26: 9am-8pm

JCPenney, Manhattan Mall, 33rd & Broadway

M- Fri: 8am-midnight
Sat-Sun: 7am-midnight
Christmas eve: 7am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed

Joe Fresh, 215 W. 34th Street
9am-10pm
Sun: 10am-8pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed
New Year's Eve: 10am-6pm
New Year's Day: 10am-9pm

Kay Jewelers, 136 W. 34th Street

10am-9pm, except Sun: noon-6pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-5pm
Christmas Day: closed

Levi's, 45 W. 34th Street
9:30am-midnight
Christmas Day: closed

Lush, 1293 Broadway
Starting 12/19: 9am-11pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-7pm
Christmas Day: closed

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street
7am-midnight
Store opens at 7am on Dec. 20th and remains open until 6pm on Christmas Eve
Christmas Day: closed

Mango, 7 W. 34th Street
Regular hours
Christmas Day: closed

Modell's Sporting Goods, 1293 Broadway at 34th Street
8am-11pm
Fri-Mon: 7am-midnight
Christmas Eve: 7am-9pm
Christmas Day: closed

Old Navy, 150 W. 34th Street
Starting Dec. 18th at 8am, the store is open 24 hours a day until 8pm on Christmas Eve
Christmas Day: closed
12/26: 7am-11pm
New Year's Eve: 9am-7pm
New Year's Day: 9am-10pm

Sephora, 130 W. 34th Street
8am-10pm daily
Christmas Day: closed

Skechers, 140 W. 34th Street
9am-11pm daily
Christmas Eve: 9am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed

Steve Madden Shoes, 41 W. 34th Street
Christmas Eve: open until 7pm
Christmas Day: closed

Swarovski, 200 W. 34th Street
8am-10pm
Christmas Eve: TBA
Christmas Day: closed

Timberland, 28 W. 34th Street
9:30am-10pm
Christmas Eve: open until 6pm
Christmas Day: closed

Uniqlo, 31 W. 34th Street
M-Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 11am-8pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-8pm
Christmas Day: closed
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day: 10am-8pm

Vince Camuto, 30 W. 34th Street
Mon-Fri: 10am-9pm
Sat: 10am-8pm
Sun: 11am-7pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-6pm
Christmas Day: closed

WHO.A.U, 22 W. 34th Street
8am-midnight every day till Christmas Eve
Christmas Day: 7am-midnight

Zara, 39 W. 34th Street
Open 10am-9pm daily
Christmas Eve: 10am-7pm
Christmas Day: closed

*Please check with stores for more details; the 34th Street Partnership, our stores listed, and the Fashion Herald blog cannot be held responsible for incorrect holiday hours information. We do our best and double check, but cannot claim 100% accuracy. Store hours may be updated through Christmas Eve. 

Hour Passion on 34th Street: The Watches, The Tour

We've got the perfect gift for that impossible person on your list, and it's going to be a memorable little (or big) something from one of the best watch boutiques in town: Hour Passion.

Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaker, recently opened their first Hour Passion concept boutique in the United States at 112 W. 34th Street, and last week we got the grand tour. The store offers collections from the Swatch Group’s brands in one location, and it is one wonderful location to browse.

There is a lovely lounge on the mezzanine, and an exhibition space on the top floor, which is now showing an historic Tissot exhibition of Swiss watches and lingerie from 1873-2013.

What I love most about Hour Passion on 34th Street is its impressive selection and price-range. Need a special stocking stuffer for your child? Get them a Flik Flak watch for $50. Looking to get your husband that gorgeous timepiece he's been coveting for years? Hour Passion has the largest collection of Tissot watches in the U.S.

The boutique also carries Mido, Balmain and Certina (exclusively in the U.S.), has an impressive selection of Rado watches (popular with professional tennis players), and Calvin Klein watches and jewelry. Hour Passion's Longines collection, the store's prestige brand, has truly impressive depth in luxury steel and gold timepieces.

And don't forget the Swatch watches. I have a soft spot for a Swatch watch, as mine back in the day lasted forever. There is nothing like a Swatch for putting some fun and color on your wrist. Currently, Hour Passion is featuring the 2013 limited-edition holiday watch released by Swatch Company. Its red woven knit band perfectly complements its shiny red dial with a glossy gold-colored reindeer. This collector’s model is presented in a snowy white gift box, with a decorated hot water bottle.

Big bonus for watch lovers and collectors: Hour Passion hosts an on-site watch-maker who performs repairs on any brand represented in the store, no matter where the timepiece was purchased.

Aren't we lucky to have the world's largest watch manufacturer showing off its breadth of style and price on 34th Street, just in time for the holidays?


Hour Passion

112 W. 34th Street just west of Broadway

Holiday hours: 9am – 11pm Monday through Saturday, 9am – 10pm on Sundays 

34th Street Weekend Picks: West End Sales

DSW

Fabulous L.A.M.B. booties, looking pointy-toed, retro gorgeous. Get these for 30% off the DSW price, and find more markdowns in designer shoes on the first level on 34th Street. 213 West 34th just west of Seventh Avenue

Joe Fresh

 The pictures say it all: Up to 60% off at Joe Fresh on 34th Street. Look for $19 dresses, $9 sports bras, and more marked-down gym gear. 215 West 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues

Payless


Up to 50% off at Payless' Christmas sale! 213 West 34th Street

Cohen's Fashion Optical

Splurge on your spectacles: Get 50% off designer frames with any lens purchase. 225 West 34th Street

Lane Bryant

It's 12 Days of Surprises at Lane Bryant, don't miss today's deal! 225 West 34th Street

American Eagle Outfitters: Yule Really Love This

AEO's holiday promotion, Yule Love This, is my theme song this month. Why am I so high on AEO these days? Because I've been wearing their skinny black jeans all week. THEY ARE AMAZING, and both pairs were under $25 with their 40% off everything sale. I have a long inseam, so I ordered the x-long (only available online) and they are perfection. I'm so hooked, I'll probably never go anywhere else for affordable, great fitting, and really comfortable denim. 

Also, I tested people in the office today, and no one knew I was wearing the same two pairs of black jeans all week. That's the power of the color black, ladies.

All you can glean from these office bathroom selfies is that I love my beanies, I go very casual on snow days, and these jeans are long. See the slightly baggy room I've got on the left? JOY. I would prefer my hems to be touching dirty subway floors than to be too short.

Also, that Chambray Western Shirt on the right is AEO, and is a men's medium tall. I ordered it in men's and tall because I want to be OK with throwing it in the dryer, and I wanted it to be long so I could wear it with leggings on weekends. Love the length. I also got an Epic Flannel Shirt and its comfort is what? Yes, epic. My husband was so impressed I promptly ordered him two. 

Long story short: take advantage of the AEO 40% off sale this holiday for #AEOGIFTS! Also, click below and sign up for their emails and hit up the last two days of their 12 Legendary Prizes giveaway.

American Eagle Outfitters

40 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

One Penn Plaza, 34th Street and Seventh Avenue

Uniqlo 34th Street: Flexible, Fabulous Loungewear

Because I'm envious of the older European women in our neighborhood who walk around in those sack-like, easy day-dresses that look like they are from another era, it shouldn't be surprising that the below, spotted in Uniqlo on 34th Street, greatly appealed to all my loungewear needs.

All loungewear shown here is $19.90

I'm not saying I want to go outside in my pjs, but I do like my "not-leaving-the-apartment-today" clothing to be flexible. I might be forced to get the paper off the front stoop, or run around the corner for cat food and milk. I feel like now I can do the latter in a dress that is comfortable enough to hibernate in. Both of the above are made in Uniqlo's micro fleece. Odds are very high that I'll be wearing one of these straight through the Christmas vacation.

Also, for those of you who want to dress it up while lounging at home, there is this:

Yes, also micro fleece. Amazing. Do I need to say perfect gift?


Uniqlo
31 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

Get It at Gap Herald Square: Striped Parkas

Christmas is a good time to ask for that gratuitous little something, like the striped, sherpa-lined parka that is missing from your closet's repertoire.

Gap also made the sherpa lining removable so you can wear it as a vest. Versatile! And now you have that sherpa vest you've been dying to get!

How I love the holidays.

Gap Herald Square

60 West 34th Street at Broadway