A splash of Harrods in the Plaza Hotel

I read this morning that The Plaza Hotel in New York is introducing the European "food halls" into it's establishment next week. I couldn't be more excited because the food halls at Harrods are completely fabulous and it's about time we got something even half as cool in our country! Dumpling bar, sushi bar, a seafood joint, panini stands, dessert bars....I mean it's all the food you could want!

For those who have never been to a food hall, like in upscale Euro spots, picture 5 or so small restaurants on one floor that you shop and walk and stop to eat if you so desire. Super convenient to say the least! They'll even have little pre-made picnic baskets to take in the park! Good thinking Todd English!

More info/articles on this fab subject:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/dining/26plaza.html
http://www.thrillist.com/eat/plaza-food-hall-todd-english
http://www.examiner.com/x-2969-NY-Drinks-Examiner~y2010m5d27-Sneek-Peak-Plaza-Hotel-Food-Hall
http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/24/food-court-is-set-to-open-in-the-plaza-hotel/

Roma's Custom Boots

If you're in the market or even if you're not, Roma's boots will wet anyones appetite once you've seen a custom pair of these cowboys boots. You literally customize everything on these from the stitching and patterns to the sole color and shape of the toe. The store doesn't look like much but they produce excellent craftsmanship. Ask for Gonzolo, he's a gem.

Word of advice, do your research on what type of boot you want before you come in so you can get your foot measured and the boot ordered on the first visit. Usually takes between 4-6 weeks. Well worth the little wait!

Roma's Boot & Shoe Repair 
4343 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75220-3832
(214) 902-9510

The Stars are Shining on the "New" Highland Park Village

I heard the other day that Banana is out and Louboutin is in so I dug a little deeper and have found out some more exciting news for the Village. The theater will be opening back up this fall new and improved. I'm thinking updated Magnolia but with a restaurant inside run by the former Abacus & "Top Chef", Tre Wilcox. Also apparently YSL and DVF are looking at opening boutiques as well. HEAVEN!

See below articles with more deets:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-peppard29_0329gd.ART.State.Edition1.4c7df69.html

http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2010/03/01/story1.html?jst=pn_pn_lk

http://www.hpvillage.com/

Pome JUST OPENED

Ladies, a new boutique has opened in Dallas and just in time for some much needed personal shopping for the holidays! I saw the Daily Candy write up last week and it's been on my short list for over a week to stop by their new store located at Preston Center (between Cafe R&D and Taco Diner...can you tell it's around lunch time!). The owners, Jamie and Summer, are so incredibly sweet and will help you find that perfect New Years dress, and yes there's plenty of fun sequin numbers, or that incredibly soft and comfy sweater to snuggle up with by the fire this winter. I literally felt like I was in my best friends closet having them dress me. The only difference is that I had to make the purchases at the end of this fashion show. If you haven't stopped by, definitely add it to your short list. Loves!

All Aboard The Marrakech Express!

My Mom recently went to Morocco and I asked her to bring me back an authentic Moroccan lantern. She ended up finding them in a local market in Marrakech and they're are wonderful! You can spice up any room in your house or find a hanging one for inside or out...for the holidays or year-round. My only advice is to make sure they aren't super thin tin as they will feel a little cheap and probably wont last as long. They come in all sorts of bold colors or just clear glass depending on your preference. Do a quick search on google you'll find a few online retailers, eBay is always a good shot and even lighting stores and places like Hobby Lobby carry them these days, although I'm not sure they're all "Made in Morocco".

A Plethora of MENUS!

In my first NY tutorial, by my BFF informed me about the ever-so helpful MenuPages site. What's incredible about this site is that you can simply search for a specific restaurant, by neighborhood, price point, or by type of cuisine and presto your narrowed down list of yummy choices pops up! It certainly saves more time than let's say going to each restaurants site that you're interested in and trying to find a PDF of the menu of their site.

So, I got an alert this morning that MenuPages is now expanding across the pond to include both London and Paris. I mean, j'adore! This would have been so helpful when I was living abroad. Of course there's no comparison to walking around and making new restaurant discoveries, but having one resource to search and look at local restaurants menus is pretty convenient. MenuPages.com currently offers guidance in New York, San Fran, LA, Philly, Beantown, Chi-town, DC, Miami/Palm Beach and now London and Paris.

Seriously one of the best ways for a foodie to get around in a new city and certainly more accessible and easier on the eye than let's say Time Out or any travel guide. In my opinion this site comes close to the invention of the iPhone Maps App. Just a thought...MenuPages would be even more fab if they partnered with an OpenTable-type of site and you could book on the spot. Still, for the time being the MenuPages site is pretty great!

While in Nashville Stop by H.Audrey

Opened in 2007 by Holly Williams, daughter of famed country signer Hank Williams Jr., this store carries innovative lines and helps fill the missing gap of high-end retailers that Nashville is lacking. I first found this store when I was doing on research on Nashville before a weekend trip. As soon as I stepped in the door I was an instant fan. She carries fun and edgy lines and accessories. Price points are similar to Barney's Co-Op or Neiman's Contemporary Department. The store has a great feel and makes you want to comb every inch. If you're ever in Nashville, it's a must shop!

www.haudrey.com

BEAUTIFUL OREGON

I recently went to Oregon with one of my besties and discovered one of the most charming and breathtaking places to visit in the U.S. I really didn't know much about Oregon before jet setting Northwest except that their wines, especially Pinot Noirs, are excellent and on the up and up in terms of U.S. wineries. I did not expect to find all the natural beauty that laid in store for us over our long weekend.

The trip started off ironically enough with us girls laughing and telling each other that in the spirit of the weekend we both chose a new shade for our mani/pedis in honor of our wine tasting trip. She got Merlot and mine, Bordeaux. Naturally, laughter ensued. When we finally arrived in Portland we ate a wonderful meal at the bar in our hotel, as the main dining room had already closed for the evening. Apparently people eat rather early in/around Portland we soon found out. We stayed the night at the Heathman Hotel in Portland. A charming hotel in the city center with wonderful down comforters and slippers waiting alongside the beds. In my general opinion, if there's a clean white down comforter in the pictures for a given hotel...that means it's typically going to be a pleasant stay! The next morning we took off with a vengance to conquer as many wineries as humanly possible for two girls in two days. And here it goes...the list of the vineyards we visited and some of our favorite wines as well. Pretty much any of these can be purchased online through the wineries sites if anyone is interested. Oregon is mainly known for Pinot Noirs, but they also have excellent Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and their Chardonnay isn't bad since they're mainly done in stainless steel barrels instead of oak which gives off that strong oaky flavor.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS:

Rex Hill (under the umbrella of A to Z wines)
2007 Chardonnay
2006 Jacob Hart Pinot Noir
2005 Francis Tannahill Grenache

Four Graces
2007 Dundee Hills Reserve Pinot Noir
2007 Dundee Hills Pinot Gris



Domaine Serene
2006 Two Barns Pinot Noir
2006 Etoile Chardonnay
2006 Rockblock Reserve Syrah*
*This is a wine you would want to age if you can wait that long. We tasted a '99 vintage from this vineyard and it was excellent.

Patricia Green
2007 Pinot Noir Reserve
Need to make an appt at this vineyard. Closed during harvest but Press Wine Bar also sells.

Chehalem
2007 Stoller Vineyards Pinot Blanc
2007 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir

Argyle
2006 Spirithouse Pinot Noir (there's a rumor the house is haunted hence the name and PR)
2007 Brut Rose
Try the sparkling wine/champagne flight. Fun to have a few bubbles in the mix of all the tastings!


Sokol Blosser
Evolution, Lucky Edition
2007 Pinot Noir
2008 Dundee Hills Cuvée Pinot Gris

Penner-Ash
2007 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Wines By Joe
2005 Dobbes Syrah Grande Assemblage Cuvée
2007 Dobbes Pinot Noir Rouge Valley Skippers Cuvée

Erath
2007 Oregon Pinot Noir

Winderlea
2007 Pinot Noir
Amazing views of the valley. Great time to stop and have a break on the deck.

Stoller
Beautiful vineyard but didn't fall in love with any wines. The land was previously a turkey farm hence the turkey logo on their bottles.

Duck Pond
Same deal. Pretty land but wouldn't recommend the wine. Good stop if there's traffic on the road though!

Note: Shipping wine back appeared to be a challenge for us. Either have the place your staying handle it for your or we heard of a UPS store in Newberg and of course if you're at the beach we found one store there with the nicest owner, Jeff at Copies & Fax on Cannon Beach.

 WILLAMETTE VALLEY DINING:
(we didn't get to all of these, but I've put our favs on top)
Bistro Maison (best mushroom ravioli I've ever had! So delicate and mouthwatering!)
Allison Inn
Tasting Room/Press Wine Bar
Dundee Bistro
Farm to Fresh
The Painted Lady
Nick's Italian Café
Red Hills Provincial Dining
La Rambla
Kame

After days full of tastings, we were in no shape to go out after dinner either night, but we did hear about a few local bars that sounded like a good time: Golden Valley, McMenamins (3 bars: rooftop, cellar, main), The Deluxe (local dive bar).

We stayed at the most wonderful, quaint and genuinely nicest B&B I've ever seen called the Black Walnut Inn. There isn't a single other place that I saw in the Willamette Valley that looked any better. Fabulous views, breakfasts, cookies...ohh the homemade cookies! The owners are a husband and wife and they are living their dream. A definite must stay!

If you have an extra day or so I highly recommend driving an hour or so to the coastline. We had a fabulous time in the charming beach town of Cannon Beach. The Stephanie Inn on the beach with beachfront views was the perfect way to relax and wind down a whirlwind trip of wine tasting!

The LES is the "NEW" SoHo

I was recently in New York and spent a solid day shopping the Lower East Side. Whereas a few years ago I would have spent the day in SoHo finding interesting and new emerging designers shops, now I would hands down spend it on the LES. SoHo is now full of the big-name designer brands & stores that are made to look like more boutique/specialty shops (i.e. Tory Burch, Intermix, Scoop, Calypso...all of which are excellent stores, but you can find them in almost any big city). To find the real gems and one of a kind pieces the LES is my recommend. Here you'll find a strong sense of vintage merged with modern. Here's a few of my new favorite stores in this area.

Assembly New York
174 Ludlow Street
http://assemblynewyork.com/

This store is only a year old and small but has interesting local and European designer clothing. I am obsessed with their exclusive collection of Arielle De Pinto jewelry. It's all hand crocheted and ranges anywhere from $290-$2500. Absolutely beautiful and you can wear with anything!

In God We Trust
153 Ludlow (Although they have shops in SoHo and Williamsburg too)
www.InGodWeTrustNYC.com

Their clothing section is limited, but there are always a few really cute dresses around the $200-$300 range and they're designed by them, so definitely unique. The real find here is with their accessories. Love their bronze-colored rings, necklaces, bracelets. Not things you find anywhere else.

Mint Julep
173 Ludlow
http://store.shopmintjulep.com/

This store carries some of the more traditional brands like Tibi, Shoshanna, Corey Lynn Calter, etc. but it breaks up the uber-trendy shopping in this area with some very wearable styles. The owners are front Vermont and opened their first store in Boston. This store only opened within the last year. One of the owners is usually in the store and she's very helpful and friendly!

Honey In The Rough
161 Rivington
www.honeyintherough.com

Adorable shop with great dresses and tops. Love the Antipodium line that I actually found when I was in Australia last year. It's by an Australian designer and I haven't' had much luck finding it in stores in the US, but they carry it here. This line always feels fresh and modern so definitely worth looking into!

Stella Filante
156 Ludlow
www.stella-filante.com

This might be my favorite store I went into on the LES. Looks like it's going to be tiny like the rest of the shops in the area from the outside, but it's HUGE by NY standards inside. There's even a bathroom which is a crucial thing to know when out shopping...don't want to waste time trying to find a coffee shop for a toilet! They carry everything: tops, dresses, skirts, bathing suits, shoes, accessories. Just opened within the last few months. Lots of beautiful silk pieces and I don't think it's probably the best sign since they just opened but they definitely have some solid merch already on sale. I bought a silk jumper reg marked $420 for $170. Oh and just to make you feel all warm and cozy inside before you leave they package your purchases in an adorable canvas bag that is GREAT for shopping. A definite must shop!

Nikki Laura
4 Prince
www.nikkilaura.com

Adorable! Looks like it's going to be super cheesy with all the baby pink, but it's not; they definitely have some edgy stuff! Loving everything by Pency, Sauce, and Quail (i.e. sequin mini, super comfy but trendy tees and this Michael Jackson tribute wool blazer)

Pixie Market
100 Stanton
www.pixiemarket.com











Edgy styles give this place charm. One of my favorite dresses here was by a brand called Nine Zero and it was a lime green t-shirt dress with zippers going up at an angle spelling ZERO. Very clever and honestly cute although it might not sound like it (see photo in black version). Almost all styles out are a size small which is annoying to have to ask for a larger size in anything you try on if you're not a small and I know not all of us are. Very reasonable clothes; mostly around the $100 mark. Favorite brands here include: Phamous, Nine Zero, and Dunderdon. Sales person/people aren't friendly but you can find some fun LES clothes here if you can endure the staff!

If you need to grab a bite, on Clinton you can stop in wd-50 or The Clerkenwell for more of a sit-down but good meal. If you're more towards Nolita/SoHo stop in Hampton Chutney for a quick bite. Super yumms and quick so you can keep shopping!

The Diamond of My Eyes...The Webster, Miami

The Webster
1220 Collins Avenue
http://www.thewebstermiami.com/

I went to Miami recently and was introduced to my new favorite store. The Webser has a boutique feel like a Stanley Korshak or Henri Bendel's. For the least expensive merchandise in the store venture downstairs..and by least expensive I mean a Barney's Co-Op type of price point. For all the major shopping go upstairs and you will be overwhelmed by the amount of unique styles from all the high-end labels (i.e. Balenciaga, Eres, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Miu-Miu, Prada, YSL and the list goes on). The difference between this store and let's say a Neiman's is that The Webster makes a point to buy the more unique risky styles and color options that a particular line may carry. For instance, instead of buying a neutral colored jacket, they would only offer it in let's say Chartreuse. The result...it makes what you buy here feel more one-of-a-kind, and even though the label is sold all over you will not find that particular style or color at most of the other retailers.

As for shopping online. The Webster does have a nice website and lists most of their brands and products online, but they do not list prices. Instead you have to submit an order request to buy anything online. Thus, it's just better in person. A MUST in Miami and the best place to shop in South Beach hands down!

SoFo Stockholm

I went to Stockholm with some of my girlfriends a few weeks ago and discovered the SoHo of Sweden; so fittingly named SoFo. It's filled with trendy little outdoor cafes and parades of beautiful people who seem like they have not a care in the world and don't even look you in the eye because they're too beautiful and they are! It's a definite "Must See" if you're in Stockholm. Very local. We did happen upon one very cool shop called Grandpa.





Grandpa
Södermannagatan 21
116 40 Stockholm
http://www.grandpa.se/?langid=44

It's a very trendy "hipster" type of store, but so is the area that it's in. They
carry men's and women's clothing from new to vintage pieces. Also they have great jewelry by local artists that is relatively reasonable. I bought a necklace and a bracelet and one of my girlfriends bought some shoes and a jumpsuit and that was it in all of Sweden. So I'm a fan!

Sarasotta Finds

I was in Sarasota, Florida recently and found several very innovative stores. If you're ever in Sarasota or close by, be sure to check them out!

Juno and Jove
100 Central Avenue (@ Second Street)
http://www.junoandjove.com/

This store is absolutely fabulous. It's dark hardwoods, custom fixtures,
counter tops and window treatments give this store a very unique but rich vibe. They pride themselves on carefully selecting vendors with fair treatment of labor workers. Their goal in choosing vendors is to find businesses that value the relationship between people, planet and profit. In turn they carry lines that are very hard to find and few retailers carry them within the US.

They have a website but it leaves something to be desired...like the whole feel of their physical store. Merchandise ranges from some styles in the $100-$200 range (few really but I love the lightweight sweaters in this price range and go up from there). If you like their merch, sign-up for emails and receive 10% off your first purchase. I bought a short sleeve sweater from here and I LOVE it! The photo isn't great, but it is and it's now on sale. It gives you shape in the back whereas most sweaters just hang on the backside and don't give any!





Kelietza
602 S. Pineapple Avenue
http://www.kelietza.com/kelietza_home.php

Primarily European labels. Very relaxed vibe but with a strong sense of fashion. Due to the European sizing, shopping online maybe challenging. Even in store, I was not running true to size and fits were a bit off (i.e. loose arm holes, unintended low necklines). The owner, Kelly, is wonderful. She is the exclusive buyer for her store and knows her merch very well. She is working on making her site e-commerce friendly, but at the moments it's not. Sorry this one will have to be an in-store visit!