Big Apple Shopping

Everyone knows Manhattan is the shopping mecca of the world. From Haute Couture, Runway designers, Department stores, Chain stores, to Boutique shops and street vendors, New York City features the most variety of products and services available for shoppers out of any other city in the globe. So what’s a girl to do when in New York? Shop of course!

I woke up at 11AM, took the pug to do her business and stopped at a local bodega for a traditional New York City breakfast: coffee, sausage, egg, and cheese on a roll, and the New York Post. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day, and having just purged some clothes, I decided to treat myself to a little shopping. I checked the balances on my credit cards, all less than $100, “Fantastic!” I thought. I dressed up the pug in her “I love NY” t-shirt and hit the streets.

As this is my old stomping ground, I chose to revisit some of my favorites boutique stores in Hell’s Kitchen. First I went to Coup De Couer having spotted a 75% off sign on their window. Sweet! I purchased a denim skirt, a pair of white jeans, one black and one white pair of leggings, a black camisole, a yellow and red top, and a really cute rose knee length dress. Of course nothing in the sale rack either fit me or I were items I didn’t like. Grand total $238.00. Not bad given I spent $250.00 in a pair of skinny jeans from Miss Sixty on Lincoln Road a week ago.

Next stop, one of my favorites store called Lyd. I was looking for the new collection of Seychelles shoes, more particularly the “Wait For No One” design. But they weren’t carrying it anymore. I had met the owner once and got her lifestory struggle to open her own store, so I felt compelled to at least go through the racks. Thankfully so because I found the most girly and sexy cherry red dress that will be perfect for Salsa dancing. And I got a red clutch bag. Grand total $253.85. A little steep but the items I got are one of a kind, and I’m aiding in the success of a woman business owner.

Done shopping for myself (see, that wasn’t that bad), I now needed to get my grandmother a birthday gift. I remembered this cute yet strange little shop called Delphinium Cards & Gifts where they sell all kinds of greeting cards, note cards, strange books, vintage toys, and gag-like types of gifts (baby crying head?!). A bit off topic, now that I have accepted an employment offer, I was looking for some inspiration to get me through the hump of starting what will be a very tough job. While at the store, I came across a very inspiring stone frame inscribed with The ABC’s of Life:

“Accept Differences; Be Kind; Count your Blessings; Dream; Express Thanks; Forgive; Give Freely; Harm no One; Imagine More; Jettison Anger; Keep Confidences; Love Truly; Master Something; Nurture Hope; Open your Mind; Pack Lightly; Quell Rumors; Reciprocate; Seek Wisdom; Touch Hearts; Understand; Value Truth; Win Graciously; Xeriscape; Yearn for Peace; Zealously Support a Worthy Cause”

I loved it. I got a really cool Mother’s day card with a picture in the front of a mom and two small children in bed under the covers and all you could see were their legs, inside it says “Raising us was no small feet!”, too cute. As far as grandma, she loves jewelry and has gotten plenty as gifts throughout the years. And I’ve seen her house, full of nik-naks all over the place so she doesn’t need more “stuff”. She loves to keep in touch and send cards, so I got a box of note cards with various types of flowers. Nothing too fancy, just something I know she will use and enjoy. Finally I got something for my sister, who I’ll see tomorrow. A hanging clay sign adorned with little flowers and the words, “Always Sisters, Forever Friends”. Grand total $62.15.

Lastly I had to stop across the street at Wear Me Out, a men’s shop that sells groovy t-shirts, fitted shirts, cool sweaters, designer jeans, flashy kicks, Fedora hats and stylist accessories. I used to bring my ex here to shop for one of a kind clothes. Total spend $80. Again, not bad at all.

And of course I can’t forget the pug. We stopped at her favorite store Metro Pets on 9th Avenue. Beasty got some chicken and liver Kong Stuffin’ cookies, a squeaky tennis ball, and doggie bath wipes.

One last stop. Starbucks for an Iced Tall Chai Latte. All in all, a great day.