Maiden Voyage to Tory Burch at the Shops at Riverside

Behold the signature orange doors. My heart started beating faster.

On January 1, the exciting annual email appeared from Tory Burch with this header: Happy Birthday, Alice--Our Gift to You. A virtual $50 gift card to use online or in stores by January 31, the last day of my birthday month. 

I usually schlep to the Short Hills Mall for a Tory store, because NYC [with locations on Madison Avenue and in the Meatpacking District] charges clothing sales tax and NJ doesn't. But now I found the style mecca in Hackensack, about 15 minutes away, at the Shops at Riverside. Scooted over with my iPhone [to show the email] and the generous $50 fresh orange gift card Moey and Ted gave me for my birthday. I got a pair of elegant, ladylike mid-heel sandals that I know I will wear and wear and wear, plus a pretty blue [the color is called Evening Sky] cashmere cardigan at 50 percent off. And so: $100 off my purchase. I was walking on sunshine. 

For future reference, the mall also has Wolford, Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Coach, Lilly Pulitzer!!! and Bloomingdale's stores. You know, for the shopper born with a silver spoon in her mouth--or at least the promise of a fashionable bib over her onesie.

While at Tory, I heard the sales associate tell two women to give their email addresses so they can get the birthday gift--she said it might change next year to an item rather than a gift card. The staff also offered beverages. I chose water but think there was beer? or soda, too. Nice touch. And luxe dressing rooms with plush velvet curtains.

To top it off with a juicy-bright orange ribbon, right before I left, Punch's teacher called to tell me she was having a great day.

Good night. Thanks, Tory and Moey.

TCOY

1. Boot camp in the dome.
2. 15-minute nap.