A Helluva Town

I took a trip to New York City this past weekend to attend my good friend’s wedding. I hadn’t been to NY since–well, I don’t remember exactly, but it’s been at least 2 years. I love the city, but haven’t had the time or funds to make my regular pilgrimage, though I have been faithfully praying to the shopping gods on a regular basis.

After being “welcomed” by the rudest cab driver ever, I checked in with my friends and we got down to wedding business. I’ll spare you the details for the sake of privacy and interest, but my friend is a stylist and was surely the most all-out glamorous bride to hit NYC since Carrie Bradshaw at her non-wedding to Mr. Big. She was so beautiful I teared up a bit even though I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I won’t show the whole look (though believe me, it was fabulous), but here are the Patricia Von Musulin lucite bracelets she wore. They looked like miniature ice sculptures–very heavy, very editorial, and all-out amazing!

It was chilly that morning, so I was glad I packed appropriately. I wound up wearing an H&M dress I purchased a few years ago (I actually wore it as a dress this time) with brown tights, boots, and my vintage Ewok vest. The forests of Endor* get cold, you know.

*Props if you’re enough of a sci-fi geek to understand that reference.

I also had waaaayyy too much fun eating at the reception brunch that followed the ceremony. Pain au chocolate and flaky french croissants? Count me in! Lovely pastel-colored cakes and cupcakes in different flavors, including pear almond, caramel opera cream, and red velvet? I’ll try ’em all!

Man, I need to hit the gym-bo.

Yes, but did you go shopping?
Um, have we met? Is this your first time here? The answer, of course, is of course! I didn’t have much time, but my mission was clear: Hit Century 21, H&M, and Topshop.

Century 21 was a madhouse–there was an actual line to get to the women’s shoe department– and I know I threw my share of elbows once I got down to the Designer area. I found the most gorgeous pair of purple patent leather Miu Miu booties that just happened to be one size too small. I tried so hard to squeeeeze my feet into those bad boys, but it just didn’t work. I was extremely disappointed. I mean really, do you know what I could do with purple patent leather booties?

A lot, I tell you. A lot.

I intended to stop in at least one of the H&Ms in Soho, but got sidetracked by Zara, Mango, D&G, et. al. By that time, I was in one-track mind radar mode and determined to make it to Topshop, if for no other reason than to see if the NY outpost lived up to the extreme hype generated by its opening and the glorious piece of heaven that is the Oxford Street store in London.
The verdict? Meh. There was plenty to love, but the atmosphere of cameraderie and discovery that exists at the flagship location was lacking at the Broadway store.

Still, being the resourceful gal that I am, I made my way to the top-level shoe section, where I had plenty of fun reacquainting myself with much-missed brands like Office and Faith. I also managed to pick up a pair of red shoeties I had my eye on:

I consider red a neutral, so I’ll get plenty of wear out of them. Did you buy anything last weekend?

Thanks so much everyone who took the time to express sympathy about my cat. It sounds corny, but your comments really make a difference.

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