Hubby and I have returned from our quick and COLD trip to the Big Apple. We had a wonderful time. I have been dying to go and see the holiday windows at all the big department stores for many years... but increasingly more as I would read blogs (like that of Debby Schuh) and see photos of how fabulous they are. So after much begging Scott finally agreed.
We took the train Tuesday morning and arrived around 11am. We headed straight to the Empire State building... after a few directional issues. With our tickets in hand we boarded the elevator for the 86th floor observation deck. OMG. What spectacular views of the city and some of it's gems... the Chrysler building (love that architecture), the Statue of Liberty (okay, she was pretty tiny out in the distance but we saw her) and Central Park. Back into the building ( a break from the chilly weather) and onto the next elevator to the 102nd floor, which thankfully is an enclosed viewing deck. The cabs of the city look like tiny, yellow ants from way up there. After coming back down to earth, our plan was to find Lord & Taylor and check out it's windows. They were revolving designs depicting holiday scenes from the past and it's contemporary counterpart. Like bringing the family Christmas tree home on a horse drawn sleigh vs. the sports car. Unfortunately, the pics I snapped of these had tons of glare. Although not all the windows have huge production value... L&T also had some cute little windows featuring gingerbread houses. 
From there we went to the first of two incredible stores I have been dreaming of for years and years. M & J Trimmings... it didn't fail to amaze. The walls of the store are lined in shelves and shelves of every type of ribbon, trim, lace and bling imaginable. Then around the corner were walls of buttons, appliques and millinery flowers. 
I think it must be what heaven is like for an art geek like me. Then a few blocks away was Tinsel Trading, a store filled with the perfect mix of vintage millinery, trims and a luscious selection of holiday goodies. Of course, some came home with me. Thank you Scott, for being so patient.
We grabbed a quick lunch and found our way to THE Macy's at Herald Square... 1 city block and 9 floors of goodies. The major windows there were based on the story... Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and were very cute and all the little children and moms gathered around them were the proof. Resulting in, no pictures. The other theme in windows were stars that were cut and folded and glittered and punched and blinged out. But all made from paper. SO cool!
Time for a little break and to check into our hotel, the lovely French Quarters. It was like staying in New Orleans but in New York. And from New Orleans we were off to Italy for dinner... well at least Italian at a little place a few blocks away. Once our stomachs were filled we were off again... to Time's Square and Broadway to take in the sites. Reminded me of Picadilly Circus in London... craziness and neon and flashing lights every way you look. I loved it!
Next on the agenda, Rockefeller Center... to see THE tree, the skating rink and Top of the Rock. First the trip to Top of the Rock. It has incredible views also especially at night... with all the city's lights glowing. The Empire State building standing proudly looked so cool with the top lit, all white, not the green and red I was hoping for but beautiful never the less. 70+ floors below is the Christmas tree. It was totally Amazing! I'll share more pics tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by. 
WOW! How lucky you are! If Keith would go to New York with me we would miss the store windows because he would want to eat at the "real" Nathan's on Coney Island and then ride the roller coaster (thankfully closed in the winter) and then go to every deli he could find. I guess I would be checking out the stores while he checked out the deli scene.
and next time, push those moms and kids out of the way! Come on -- channel your inner Claire!
Posted by: Claire | December 18, 2010 at 11:41 AM