Weekend Pick: Bryant Park Holiday Shops

It's getting serious now. Colleagues are starting to panic: "I haven't gotten anything yet, I need to ship out gifts!" So this weekend's pick is a little one-stop shopping effort to cover a lot of your holiday list: Bank of America Winter Village Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.

Bryant Park is our sister company, and occasionally we like to share when she's doing fabulous things, and the Holiday Shops are always FABULOUS...

Like Bergie's Sock Shop (kiosk C1), above,where you can get Mr. T socks and subway socks (get $2 off when you buy two pairs)...

...or the park's eponymous shop (kiosk A6) where you can buy their iconic bistro chair as an ornament, or get a calendar illustrated by popular French artist Penelope Bagieu...

...or stock up on treats like Woops! Macaroons and Cookies (kiosk K9)...

...and so much more, with boutique eye frame shops, wooden games and puzzles, a great selection of food packaged and a la carte, you're sure to complete your entire holiday shopping list. Happy holiday shopping!

Bank of America Winter Village Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

40th and 42nd and Fifth and Sixth

Mon - Fri: 11am-8pm

Sat: 10am-9pm

Sun: 10am-6pm

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

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

Last Call for The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park!

Why shop The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park this weekend? Because the vendors will be packing it in this Sunday, the 6th, so the deals they will be a-happening.

One of my favorite annual stops in the Holiday Shops is Shea Moisture. I adore the Raw Shea Chamomile and Argan Oil Baby Head-To-Toe Wash and Shampoo (with frankincense & myrrh), and this year added another baby product to my repertoire: the AWESOME Baby Head-to-Toe Ointment in the same raw shea flavor. I use it for everything from chapped lips to nail cream and nighttime hand cream. What, you don't shop the baby section for skin care? You're totally missing out, and especially at Shea Moisture. This stuff is the best all-natural, paraben-free, phalate-free, sulfate-free, etc. product for the price. Get 3 of any product (or any combo) in The Holiday Shops for $25. I recommend stocking up for the year.

Bryant Park merchandise in the G&G window

Our Bryant Park Le Carrousel Ts in action

After buying baby supplies (for you), hop next door to G&G and check out the kids stuff (for kids), like the Bryant Park Le Carrousel T. Get them for $23 at G&G (they are $25 online), and pick up a more adult-appropriate item like a Bryant Park tote, T-shirt, or water bottle. Also, G&G has the biggest selection of animal hats in the park, and they are on sale this weekend.


Happy post-holiday holiday shop shopping!


*Bryant Park Corporation, the non-profit that manages Bryant Park is the sister company to the 34th Street Partnership, the company that manages Fashion Herald. We often promote each other's activities, event,s etc.


The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Last day to shop is Sunday, January 6th, 2013
Enter at 41st Street and Sixth Avenue for Shea Moisture and G&G

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

Best 34th Street Gifts, Day Six: The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

Because I also work for Bryant Park, and every year help chose vendors and write about The Holiday Shops for Bryant Park, I'm cross-posting one of our Shop the Season video posts today. You've got less than four shopping days left before Christmas, but no worries, you can knock a lot off your list in one stop at Bryant Park. And if there's a fashion addict you'd like to please, I recommend a visit to Sandra Baquero Designs. Here's why:



ADORE. Sandra has an Etsy shop you can visit through the year, but there's a great and varied selection to try on IRL in her Bryant Park holiday shop. Visit our Bryant Park blog Shop the Season posts for tons more information on the varied and fabulous vendors in The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.

Sandra Baquero Designs

Booth K06 in the Upper Terrace of the park (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park 

Open through January 2, 2011

Official hours*

Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Look for special extended hours during the holidays. Some shops may be open on Christmas Day.

It's Holiday Shops Time!

It scares me a little that I'm all gung-ho about holiday shopping weeks before Thanksgiving. Usually my holiday shopping is more like speed dating: "Hi, you're cute, my dad's going to love you, I'm taking you home." But last year I was out on maternity leave during the holiday season, so this year I'm practically the official Holiday Shops at Bryant Park cheerleader. On Twitter, on Facebook, and now on not one but two blogs, I'm all H-O-L-I-D-A-Y-S-H-O-P-S.

Yes, you can get that delicious-looking soap from Soap Creek Company in Bryant Park. I'll be covering the shops over at our sister Bryant Park blog again this year, and Intern Craig is helping. Look for our "Shop the Season" posts there every Tuesday. Thursdays you can find our staff picks. Also, there's some pretty delicious food in the Holiday Shops this year, so drop by during lunch and dine your way around the park while finding the perfect stocking stuffer/luxurious bar soap.

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park 

Official hours*
Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 9pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

*Look for special extended hours as Christmas approaches. Some shops may be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

O Happy Monday

Reasons for my post-holiday happiness today, Monday December 29th:

Because I'm back at work. Yes, really, because as much as I love The Holiday Shops in Bryant Park, the last day was yesterday and my blogging focus can return once more to the FH. And let's face it, when you have a disappointing year as a vendor because the economy has tanked, it is definitely the blogger's fault. Stupid, dumb, blogger! Let's send her hate email!

Because I finally watched Sex and the City: The Movie on Saturday night (yes, I know, I'm really behind) and I was delighted with a good middle of the film. I yawned at the annoying beginning, found the ending meh and sappy, but damn, parts of this movie were great. As I watched, I remembered my 20-ish girlfriend's review of the movie: "They looked old." The 41 year-old review? They looked chic, healthy, and over 40. Especially inspiring was the scene in which post-heartbreak Carrie stares at herself in the bathroom mirror as the camera lingers, pans, and lovingly caresses every inch of her tired, distraught, 40+ face. I was so moved. My husband, too, said "wow" and called the film's depiction of aging as "almost Bergmanesque"-! Yes, I am married to a member of the male sex. And yes, I'll send my girlfriend a copy of the movie when she turns 40.

Old ladies sitting in the sun, horrors! Photo from CasaSugar.
Because My favorite ex-Jet Chad Pennington beat my team, the NY Jets, for a spot in the playoffs after they dumped him 5 months ago for Brett Favre. Chad led a losing team (1-15 last year) to 11-5 and a division title. Does he gloat to his old Jets fans, who, in his last season in NY, cheered as he lay injured on the field? No, he merely says: "The only way fate would have it." So I'd like to say a big "Ha, ha!" for Mr. Pennington, the humble and overlooked player who is finally getting his due.

Why I fell in love with football. Where's the Laveranues hug, photogs & cameramen? I was waiting for the #87/#10 hug, and then CBS cut away, GRRRRR! Hello, they are best friends! Do I have to tell CBS everything?
And because this is supposed to be a shopping blog about 34th Street & not a sports blog: Tough as the economy is, we'll be getting some new stores on 34th Street this year. There's JCPenney opening in Manhattan Mall (Spring '09, hopefully), a new Geox store, and a possible big jeans store moving in. I don't think I'm allowed to say, so think classic American, like the kind I've worn since I was a kid. And, of course, there's the now-empty Kira Plastinina store and a few other spaces as yet unannounced. I will, as always, be conjuring up Topshop for the district all year. Maybe I should fire SwamiLeon and hire an exorcist to rid the street of bad, Plastinina vibes? Will that make Sir Philip Green happy?

No, I can't do it. He's my hero, and how could anyone fire a beturbaned man?
Back on 34th Street later today. Ahhhh, it's good to be home! I hope everyone else is running high this Monday on post-holiday bliss.

Shop The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

It's cross-promotion day! I'm going to show off some of my favorite product from The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park this month, as the holiday shops will be leaving Bryant Park by the end of the month. And I really want to support all of these great and mostly local artisans. New Yorkers, drop by, shop, and email me if you have any specific needs or questions. I can give you a pretty good idea of where you can find what.

Today's sampling:

Hand painted trays, plates and bowls from Black Beans & Rice, made by the owners, a husband/wife team based in New York;


Wallets made from recycled materials, recyclable luggage tags, magnetic desk dots, and, hello fashion bloggers, a bottle cap tripod (!!!) are just a few of the clever products to be found at Dynomighty Design:

There are several cool wallet & luggage tag designs, and that tripod screws onto standard bottle caps.



















These stunning candles from Jacks & Pearls are handmade and designed by the owner/artisan Jessica Lauber. Jessica works with mosaic tiles in her design, and even mixes her own colors for the candles. The results are striking. Get them at Bryant Park where they are priced for a great deal (these will be more expensive if you can find them in certain high-end catalogs).

The candles with her signature tiles: that cube is 6 pounds and will burn forever; tall ones all in a row; and elegant tapers.












More to come this weekend.

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

The H Word

Many apologizes for being absent from the blog world this past week. Here are my excuses: I've been working on this, the man took the home computer away to grad school, and I've also been working on The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park blog.

Pictures from the 2007 holiday shops season.










I really, REALLY didn't want to say the "H" word until after Thanksgiving, but how could I not share Terrible Dollhouse with you ASAP? And the magical lotion of Nubian Heritage? It would just be wrong. Besides, we're very excited about our new vendors mixing it up this year with our fabulous vendors from years past. The Holiday Shops open in Bryant Park tomorrow, Saturday the 22nd.

I hope you non-locals have a holiday trip planned to NYC this year and can visit Bryant Park, shop for the holidays and skate at our free skating rink (there is a fee for skate rental). If you're interested, please contact me and we'll talk about which shops you should visit. And if I can, I'll buy you some hot cocoa and we'll do a little shopping tour!

Why am I doing all this? Go here to get my spiel and read our corporate goals and motto. Ha ha, just kidding! But really, sometimes I need to remind people what Fashion Herald is all about, or you guys will think I'm some kind of weird, crazed, 34th Street-obsessed shopper. Which actually is what this job has turned me into. Beware, Black Friday 34th Street shoppers!