Window shopping afforded a glimpse of cuddly blush mittens at Max Mara.
On Saturday night, Dan and I drove into NYC to see a short drone show over the treetops near Bethesda Fountain in Central Park--magical waves of birdlike flickers in pretty color patterns. (I hope the real migrating birds were not too disturbed. Birders were worried.) Free, totally free, but for the cost of a Lincoln Tunnel toll and a couple dollars to park by meter on Madison Avenue.
The park was packed--parents, children (“Hold onto Daddy’s hand, Tyler”), dogs, lovers, college kids, people with foreign accents, girl groups, a man with his motorcycle. It was fun, though I felt claustrophobic.
We then tried to get into Bemelmans Bar, a legendary spot in The Carlyle Hotel on Madison at 75th Street. What were we thinking? Drinks and bites at the bar. But we found a ticketed jazz show, and beautiful young women lined up to get in. A doorman in a hat. Upper East Side socialites. Without looking, I detected wafts of signature, expensive perfume in the air and heard youthful voices. Looking, I saw high heels; born-with, dewy skin; designer clothing. Dan in blue jeans, me wearing sneakers with my skirt? Um, no. Absolutely no. Sometimes we fit in, sometimes we don’t. Oh well. We are hopeful and daring. Anyway, we can dress up and make a dinner reservation one day.
We ended up getting drinks at The Mark nearby. And then we walked back to our car on 65th and Madison. I loved the window shopping under the moonlight. The stores were closed, it was near 10 p.m.
Vera Wang. Max Mara. Christian Louboutin. (I couldn't get Dan to even stop and appreciate a peek at the shoes.) Valentino. Precious children’s clothing shops, with tiny smocked dresses. Grandmothers with deep purses must buy those to ship to L.A. Colors through the looking glasses, colors for adults: blush, embellished navy for evening wear and at V, classic black with white in an alluring take on the little black dress.
Valentino short Crepe Couture Black Dress with white shoulder bows. Made in Italy from virgin wool and silk, with concealed back zipper. In my dreams, if I were size 0 to 10, at least 30 years younger and had $5,500 in fashion lettuce and the life to match. (Size 0 already out of stock.) Let's see, that lettuce covers our mortgage, heating oil, electric, groceries, phones and cable, IRS payment plan, doctor and RX co-pays, health insurance, gasoline, car repairs, some money we owe Sis and.....
The style and shopping energy of Madison Avenue sets a very high bar, and I like that.
Good night.
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Love reading about your dates!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Thanks, Liz. Have a good day.
DeleteYes, there is something about New York that can’t be reproduced! And Bemelmens! The Mark! You’re still in your Glitterrati Litererati phase!
ReplyDeleteNan
Hi Nan. I didn't know that Bemelmans was the artist behind Madeline; I love those illustrations so much. Another reason to go back. And at The Mark, we sat at a sidewalk table, gift of the post-pandemic seating plan. When we went inside to use the restrooms after, I kid you not, the security guards with earphones were communicating with each other. "He's waiting for his lady," I heard the fellow say about Dan. Wow, one fancy hotel. Definitely underdressed. But yes, fall in New York, followed by Christmastime, I think are the best. Energized, not slogging in the heat, can sport a pretty sweater and scarf, not just a tank top if you are always hot like me. And pumping up your wardrobe a little bit for the holiday visits and crisp weather. Accessorizing. And of course, finding Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. Love Alice
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