{travel: i left my heart in...new york}

i returned from new york last night, refreshed, inspired, happy... the trip almost didn't happen because i'm an employee (or two) short at the store, and one of my design clients was throwing an important party that required her house to be perfect.

needless to say, it was vital for me to get back to my home away from LA- and my husband was waiting for me there. my lucky stars got me there. here's the breakdown of 4 glorious days... all of which revolved around shopping and eating.

Flair Home Collection
88 Grand Street
New York, NY 10013
212-274-1750

I first heard about Flair Home in Elle Decor. The owners are two former Coach fashion executives, Jon Maroto and George Nunno, who were both in residence when I popped by. These guys have an incredible store unlike any other you will find in NY.

Here's how they describe it, I just say, divine:

"Against a signature backdrop of black and white, FLAIR presents a unique proposition in home furnishings, decoration and gifts. Rigorously selected European and American vintage furnishings and accessories are seamlessly mixed with our own exclusive designs to create a highly individual style that transcends eras and origins."

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I found these original Dorothy Draper trompe l'oeil screens at Georgia Tapert Living at 456 broome street. they were a mere $9800 for the pair. i was tempted.... still am.

dimensions are 54" wide x 100"tall

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Kartell

39 Greene Street

New York, NY 10013

212.966.6665

I have a loveley friend, Ann, who is the buyer and manager of Calypso Home (see below), who told me over dinner, "it's all about the mix". hence, i am mixing damnit! i ended up here because i have been yearning to add some fun, different pieces to my own store. this fabulous showroom was like walking into the light.

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a cool window display using cupcake paper, at Anthropologie, on fifth avenue.

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Antique ceiling tiles used as art in the bcbg/max azria store on fifth avenue.

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Calypso Home

199 Lafayette Street

New York, NY 10013

212.925.6200

Calypso Home, part of the empire that is Christiane Celle, reminded me so much of my own store (but better because it is in soho). we carry similar lines, have a complimentary design aesthetic, and fearless drive. i have not met her, but that was my impression, true or untrue. the most important part of this story is that i met Ann, the fabulous buyer and manager of Calypso Home, at dinner at Novita with her partner, Graham Leader (the Producer of In The Bedroom). __________________________________________

Gramercy Park

between East 20th Street and East 21st Street and between Park Avenue South and Third Avenue

Gramercy Park is one of only two remaining private parks in New York City with almost no access to the public (the other being Sunnyside Gardens, Queens). The only access is for the owners of the surrounding structures, and fortunately for me, The Gramercy Park Hotel, where we were staying. It is a little slice of heaven, and worth even seeing from the iron gates that surround it.
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The Gramercy Park Hotel

2 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10010

212.920.3300

We decided to hang our hats here for this trip, and where i briefly lived when i first moved to new york. we usually stay at Soho House, Gansevoort, W Union Square- and were in the mood for something else. the pic is our suite that overlooked the park. ask for it, room 1003, the only room in the hotel that has floor to ceiling windows. It's also eye level with the trees in Gramercy Park, the view is absolutely to die for- and what people in the area surrounding the park are paying 10 million and up for.

the hotel is now completely renovated by Ian Schrager, with a fabulous rooftop terrace for drinks and nosh. Also, too hip for words Rose Bar is a great stop for chic drinks, surrounded by chic people.

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Other mentionable shops:

Ochre

462 Broome Street, NY, NY 10013/ 212.414.4332/ amazing mesh chandeliers

Cyrus Company

115 S Mercer Street, Soho NY/ 212.226.2364/ all white showroom, lg dome lighting that i loved

Aero (by Thomas O'Brien)

419 Broome Street, NY NY 10013/ 212.966.1500/ everything is great in this unique store

Jonathan Adler

47 Greene Street, NY, NY 10013/ 212.941.8950