Monday, April 29, 2013

Opening Friday: Broadway French Market

So excited about this: a farmer's market is coming to Herald Square!

The Bensidoun-run Chelsea Triangle French Market last summer.

We've partnered with Bensidoun USA to bring the Broadway French Market to 34th Street. Think fresh local produce, cut flowers, organic goods, and handmade crafts. No more out-of-the-way trips to get decent fruits and veggies, because the Broadway French Market is right by your work, Midtowners. I know, #JOY. 

Stop by the plaza on Broadway between 35th and 36th Streets every Tuesday and Friday, 11:30am-6:30pm, May 3rd through November 26th, and get your local honey, wine, and artisan goods. Below is a little preview of what you'll see at the market's debut this Friday:

Robibero Family Vineyards
Harry and Carole Robibero's goal is to produce premium artisan wines that are distinctive to their terroir. Robibero wines are handcrafted, limited in number, and sold namely in their tasting room and online, so be sure to take the opportunity to taste them at our Broadway market.



JuLi Ra Design
Holding a degree in finance, the designer of JuLi Ra, originally from Hawaii, moved to New York City a couple years ago and pursued first a career in cooking, then one in jewelry-making. Her unusual path to jewelry design influenced her aesthetic, and inspires her pieces of art made out of colorful pearls, chains and ribbons.



The Original Delancey Street Peanut Company
This Newark company has been in business for over 100 years, and offers a unique selection of dried fruit, nuts (including brittles), and various raw bar products. Best, you'll be able to mix together whatever your heart desires at the Broadway French Market!



Canele by Celine
Celine Legros, the mind behind this pastry business, describes herself as French by birth and New Yorker by heart. The ex-business lawyer used to make caneles for her family and friends as little treats and presents. She decided to make a business out of her passion when chef Jean-Georoges Vongerichten tasted her pastry and asked if it was for sale. Celine makes caneles in different flavors such as chocolate, orange, lime, rose water, caramel, and pink praline.



The Orchards of Concklin
Operating in Rockland County since 1712, The Orchards of Concklin produce traditional pies and cookies from century old recipes, as well as their famous Apple Cider Donuts. The Orchards will also sell cider, local honey, cheeses, teas, and coffees.




Come by opening day this Friday and discover food and crafts from the above vendors, as well as vendors like Mead Orchards, Meredith's Bread, Olive Oil of the World, Tierra Farm, Yonas Gourmet Delights, Anthi's Greek Food, Vesco Food, and Lavender.



Broadway French Market
Broadway Plaza between 35th and 36th Streets
Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:30am - 6:30pm
May 3rd - November 26th

Friday, April 26, 2013

34th Street Weekend Sale Picks: Macy's Friends & Family

Macy's Herald Square
Get an extra 25% off regular, sale, and clearance items at Macy's this weekend! Click here for more details, and be sure to print up the coupon for in-store purchases.  151 West 34th Street between Broadway & Seventh Avenue



Desigual
It's the Mid-Season Sale at this colorful Spanish retailer, so brighten up your spring and summer wardrobe and save! Get $20 off $100, $50 off $200, and $75 off $300 now through Sunday. Click here and see store for more details.  Herald Square at 35th & Broadway, and 358 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Cutest Summer Totes at Fossil

I bow down to the perfection of Fossil's spring and summer bags. The chic Austin Shopper tote in blue and pink ($248, below) is aptly named as I want to first shop for it and then go shopping with it. 



Need a smaller bag? Get the convertible clutch version for $128:



In need of something more casual? Fossil has the perfect striped totes for women in jute and men in cotton twill (top and bottom, respectively).


Zoey Tote, $118


Estate Utility Bag, $148



Find them all in Fossil's boutique on 34th Street!



Fossil
38 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Phyto For Your Scalp

I must give a huge shout out to Julia at Fashion Pulse Daily for introducing me to Phyto, who sent me this AMAZING product that is currently healing my weather-challenged scalp:



Long story short: a flaky scalp is embarrassing. Flakes are even more embarrassing when you're getting your hair done at a fashion event and your flakes are everywhere! Luckily, I bemoaned my horrid scalp issue with Julia when she stopped by my hair chair to say Hi, and the Phyto love began. Julia's family has similar skin issues, so she knew just what brand works. And Phyto, people, WORKS.

I will post later about their shampoos and other products, but today I must wax poetic about Phyto's botanical scalp treatment. When the seasons change, my scalp gets very flaky, and with this spring's mercurial weather I've been suffering a seriously dry scalp. But the Phytopolléine, above, has remedied my scalp issues: no more flaking and no more itching. Also, and this is very important to me in all my skin and haircare products, Phyto formulas have a big percentage of botanicals and no parabens, formaldehyde, petrochemicals, etc.

A big bonus to using Phyto's scalp treatment? According to the product reviews on Sephora's site, many women experienced less hair breakage and stimulated growth (Phyto recommends using this in tandem with their Phytolium 4 for severe hair thinning).

I was gifted this product by Phyto, but this scalp treatment's efficacy and purity will keep it permanently on my bathroom shelf. Find it at Sephora on 34th Street, and say adieu to flakes and itchy scalp!



Sephora
130 West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Breaking News: Swatch to take Billabong Space

According to a story in Crains New York today, Swatch is taking over the Billabong space at 112 West 34th Street. 
The Crain's story also claims 34th Street now joins "... Fifth Avenue, Times Square, Madison Avenue, and most recently, SoHo, in the $1,000-a-square-foot-and-up club." We are honored, indeed. Also, this is the second story in a week I've read about the "retail renaissance" of Herald Square. We're practically trending.

Back to Swatch: rumor has it we'll be shopping 112 W. 34th not just for Swatch's iconic plastic watches, but also for the company's other brands like Tissot and Longines. I could definitely see that happening on the second level of the 1,800 square foot store.

As an early adopter of the classic black Swatch watch, I'd like to say Welcome, Swatch, to 34th Street! 



Swatch
Coming soon to 112 West 34th Street, just west of Broadway

Monday, April 22, 2013

Tour the New Lane Bryant on 34th Street

I recently stopped by the new Lane Bryant on 34th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues to check out the flagship's new digs, and it's truly a beautiful store. Let's take a little virtual tour. 

First, note the classy new signage:



Then walk into an open, airy floor plan with sweeping staircase and balcony:



By the staircase please enjoy browsing the Lane Collection, available in only 11 Lane Bryant stores:



Now go up the escalator and enter Cacique's Seriously Sexy zone. Adore the neon-accented lingerie!


Feeling sleepy? Pick up some lounge wear:



Then take in the view:



Take the staircase back down to the ground floor, and enjoy the new Lane Bryant logo:



We heart you , too, Lane Bryant. Congrats on the beautiful new flagship on 34th Street NYC!



Lane Bryant
225 West 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues

Saturday, April 20, 2013

34th Street Weekend Sale Picks: Ruby and Jenna, H&M, & AEO

Ruby and Jenna
This adorable boutique has moved across the street to 1293 Broadway in Herald Center, and the selection is as tempting as ever. Ruby and Jenna skews junior, but is full of great trendy looks for the rest of us, too (see floral blazer, below). Also, their accessories buy is stellar: browse the oversized clutches and colorful round-framed sunglasses.

What's the deal: This weekend the entire store is 10% off, and there's a sales rack in the back full of 30% off pieces.

$68 before sale


H&M
50% off clearance means great deals on accessories, shoes, and lingerie. I'd try on the Western-style heeled boot (below, right) and recommend scouring all the accessory departments for little gems, like the wall decals I found in the kid's section for fifty cents! Score.

Bonus deal: Parents, school uniform essentials are now buy two get one free. Stock up for fall.
34th Street and Sixth Avenue, 34th Street and Seventh Avenue





American Eagle Outfitters
Big tempting sale: buy one and get one 50% off the entire AE Collection (go here for more details).
Temporary store at 34th Street and Seventh Avenue while 40 W. 34th store is closed for renovations





Thursday, April 18, 2013

Window Spotting: Get Your Wings!

Spotted in Victoria's Secret Herald Square: Ever wonder what you would like in Angel wings? Well, there's an app for that.



Visit VictoriasSecret.com/GetYourWings, download the app, and you're on your way to picking out your very own wings. Happy flying, Angels!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Kmart's #MusicFestival Vest

This is the one that got away during last week's Route 66 crush session:



Girls, this deconstructed vest is on sale for just $17.49 at Kmart. Stock up for the last weekend of Coachella and all those concerts in the park you'll be attending this summer.

Speaking of parks and sales, our sister company just put their Bryant Park Anniversary T on sale for half-off. Get it now for $11.50!



Kmart
250 West 34th Street at Seventh Avenue

Monday, April 15, 2013

Gap's Tax Day Treat

Today only: get 20% off your purchase at Gap for a little Tax Day relief! Me, I'm using it on coffee cup-print dresses, colorful 1969's, and some new workout gear. It's that time of year: tax and bikini panic.


Two dresses I tried on at Gap Herald Square the end of March. I need the coffee cup print!



Visit Gap's website for more details, and shop our 34th Street store at Herald Square today for the sale. Can't get outside because you are finishing your taxes? Enter discount code "GapTax" online at checkout.



Gap Herald Square
60 West 34th Street at Broadway

Friday, April 12, 2013

34th Street Weekend Sales: Great Shoes, F&F, + More!

jcpenney
Get an extra 20% off your purchase through next Wednesday. Be sure to check out the Joe Fresh, Duro Olowu, Pantone Universe, Cynthia Rowley, and William Rast collections, because jcpenney has the whole family and your home covered.  Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1&2, 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue


DSW
Up to 50% off clearance! This includes your designer brands found on 34th Street like Manolo Blahnik, Bottega Veneta, Azzedine Alaia, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and a lot more.

The Manolo Blahniks.


Vince Camuto
Friends and Family Sale! Get 25% off any purchase (excluding full-priced clothing). See store for more details, and to gaze lovingly upon all their sandals. After buying Camuto boots this past winter, I'm a devoted fan: super comfortable, super cute.




Kmart
I'm obsessed with Route 66. OBSESSED. And it's all 30% right now. Visit the 34th Street store for great spring tops, denim shirts, and great jackets (although the below is by Attention, also a little obsessed with the Attention).
Attention striped jacket, with a Route 66 T.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Kmart's Route 66: Obsessed

Route 66 has the best, lightweight cargo jacket for spring on the block, and it's $29.99 (before discount). And it has neon pink piping on the zipper. Need I say more? The striped jacket below is Attention, but the T is Route 66. I'm a little obsessed with some Attention pieces, also. Kmart is killing it for spring.


Bonus: all the Route 66 is now 30% off. That's 30% off their adorable T-shirts (regularly $14.99). I cannot pass on their denim shirt, so basic, but so perfect. The cut is awesome, people and the price is great (now $13.99).


Forever I've been thinking I need a basic black mini to wear in the winter with leggings, and in the summer as a beach cover up, etc. Voila, the Route 66 pull-on black cotton mini for $9.99 (reg. price), below. Get the crochet top for a spring/summer layering item, comes in black, too.




Kmart
250 West 34th Street at Seventh Avenue

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Shop Joe Fresh at JCP

When I first saw that the Joe Fresh boutique was open in jcpenney, I immediately emailed a Florida friend who I've sent Joe Fresh sweaters to in the past (after she saw this post): "Go to your jcpenney, Joe Fresh now in house!" Shoppers across the U.S. should pretty much be jumping for joy now that Joe Fresh is available beyond the tri-state area

A few weeks ago, I had a few minutes and tried a few things on at the Manhattan Mall store. Below is a teeny-tiny representation of what Joe Fresh has to offer, as there are also several great dresses for spring and summer.
Joe Fresh boutique at Manhattan Mall jcpenney



I love the steel grey relaxed-fit pants (above, left) as soon it's going to be 90+ degrees in New York City and this easy, pull-on style isn't going to cling. Although I paired the pants with the black mesh boatneck top (this comes in white also), they're a great neutral for brighter colors, too.

Also, how cute is the panel sweater with the ankle-zip jean? Don't get hot thinking "sweater" and "jean" because both are made from very lightweight materials. Joe Fresh has numerous, sorbet-colored pant options in store, so stop by soon and get your spring color palette going.



Joe Fresh at jcp
Manhattan Mall, 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Joe Fresh and JCPenney

JCPenney's CEO Ron Johnson is out, former CEO Mike Ullman is back in, and speculation is rife on the future of the century-old department store. Ashley Lutz of Business Insider has been closely covering the end of Johnson's tenure, and is hot on the heels of what could happen next for the retailer.

There have been a lot of missteps in the past few years, but here's hoping the baby is not thrown out with the bathwater: namely the in-store boutiques. Don't forget, JCPenney had started down this road before Ron Johnson with MNG by Mango and Sephora. Adding Joe Fresh in the Johnson era seemed particularly inspired, as the very affordable brand with its cheery, bright merchandise is a great fit.

Joe Fresh boutique at JCPenney Manhattan Mall

Joe Fresh is stylish but not dauntingly chic, and its pricing is impressively low for the quality. Also, the Canadian retailer is a master of attractive and colorful merchandising, as it's almost impossible to walk past a Joe Fresh and not want to try something on. Hopefully, JCPenney shoppers feel similarly and voice their opinion with their wallets, so JCP is encouraged to continue exploring in-store boutiques and brand collaborations.

Tomorrow I'll post cute Joe Fresh merchandise, but for today would like to send out good wishes to our friends at JCPenney Manhattan Mall, and hopes for a big turnaround in the store's near future. I've greatly enjoyed the addition of JCPenney to our shopping district, and think it merits mentioning that in the almost four years of shopping the store, I've encountered exactly ZERO rude sales clerks. As a fellow Midwesterner, I'd like to say a big "thank you" for that.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy's Herald Square

So many beautiful things have been happening with the renovation of Macy's Herald Square, that one would think they could not work any more miracles. Then they open Stella 34 Trattoria, a beauty of a restaurant on the sixth floor overlooking Herald Square.

The view into Stella 34 from inside Macy's.

There is something magical about a department store restaurant, right? It evokes a different era of shopping, one that perhaps involves matching hats, gloves, and handbags. But the department store restaurant has been making a comeback, and Stella 34 has entered the lists with major style. 

The caricatures, the windows, and the view out the window of Herald Square.

Our digital team visited Stella 34 for lunch on opening day, and sampled a variety of dishes from this modern trattoria. Overall, it was an A+ dining experience. The waitstaff was knowledgeable, attentive, and guided us well with recommendations. The restaurant's ambiance is lovely. There is a lot of light (check your makeup before entering), feels very roomy, and is elegant but not stuffy. Once a diner walks into Stella 34, the shopping floor of Macy's is left far behind and a chic dining experience immediately begins.

Below are comments from my three dining partners, all of whom have had many more foodie experiences in Manhattan than I as they are all under 30 and actually go out to dine, as opposed to eating at home on a kiddie table while using ketchup to get the 3-year old to finish her dinner. Please enjoy their candid thoughts:




Bufala Mozzarella (mostarda di cremona), above bottom and top
K: "This was really good, and almost tasted like it was drizzled with honey? I have no idea what mostarda di cremona is. It’s not mustard."
A: "My favorite piatti, light but flavorful."
N: "A really refreshing starter."

Caponata (eggplant relish), above top
K: "Would have skipped this dish."
A: "Also could have passed on this one, but don’t generally like the texture of eggplant anyway."
N: "I was a fan of the caponata, great seasoning on the eggplant."

Arancini (fried risotto balls), below
A:  "Unsure about the curry flavor, but otherwise anything fried is good in my book."
N:  "Not my favorite. Too many overwhelming flavors that didn’t blend well for me."




Strozzapreti con Seppie (twisted cuttlefish ink pasta), and Tortiglioni (ridged tube pasta), below
K:  "First one [strozzapreti] was adventurous, second one more traditional. Both really good."
A:  "Loved, loved, loved the tortiglioni – not too rich, ham had touch of saltiness to balance the cream."
N:  "Both the strozzapreti and the tortiglioni were memorably delicious. Great texture, lots of flavor, cooked perfectly, great portions."





Diavola pizza, (san marzano tomato, salami piccante, mozzarella, pecorino-romano), below
K:  "I was fooled into ordering this, which turned out to be pepperoni (duh)."
A:  "Thought the dough was a bit soggy, wished it was crispier."
N:  "I actually really liked the dough and crust of the pizza. I like thin crust, I just wouldn’t get pepperoni again but would try the Barese pizza (tomato, sausage, broccoli rabe, and smoked mozzarella)."





Vivoli gelato


N:  "We had pera (pear) and stracciatella (chocolate chip), SO GOOD! Pricey, from Florence, but the stracciatella was worth every bite. Would definitely go back just for a scoop while I shop."


Takeaways: Get the handmade pastas, delve deeply into the piattis (small plates), stop by for gelato daily, and "salami piccante" is pepperoni. Also, Stella 34 has an extensive wine list and takeout and gelato counters for Midtown diners' convenience. Hello, home of all future 34th Street lunch meetings.




Stella 34 Trattoria
Sixth floor of Macy's Herald Square