Upstairs at The Oak
Cocktails at Upstairs at The Oak
Reader Amy wrote to tell me about Denhaus Dog Crate Furniture, which I think are a really cool solution for pets in smaller living spaces. ”Meant for the home where cocktails and canines mix it up” (although I’m not sure I would balance a martini anywhere in Lucy’s vicinity), the dog crates appeal to your pet’s natural desire for his or her own private, cozy space while doubling as stylish end tables. There are three designs available: the BowHaus (pictured above), the ZenHaus, and the TownHaus (the least expensive and most classic option). They also have a nice selection of dog beds with washable covers.
A few weeks ago, I attended an event at which I was given a $50 gift card to Marshalls. I’ve never been, and I had nothing to do this afternoon, so after a quick Google search to locate the Marshalls nearest me (unfortunately, there’s only one in Manhattan and it’s on West 125th Street, which is a good 45-minute subway ride away), I decided to brave the drizzly weather.
First, the bad: the store is not pretty. It’s disorganized, dirty, and difficult to navigate. That said, I am much more excited by the prospect of getting a steal that I love in less-than-gorgeous surroundings than I am by spending way too much money for the privilege of hearing my heels click along Saks’ waxed floors.
Now, the good: I left Marshalls with two purchases that I predict I’ll wear constantly this winter, and that I can’t believe totaled $61 including tax (yes, I went $11 over). The first is the sweater pictured above - it’s a comfortable black knit from Anne Klein that cost only $39. I also bought a black wrap-type thing (sort of a pashmina with slits to accommodate your arms so it takes on the look of a cardigan) lined with black faux fur for $19. Gorgeous, and perfect for a fancy night out over a cocktail dress or for an afternoon stroll over jeans.
Anne Klein sweater, ABS Carrie jeans, Dooney & Bourke handbag.
At the Votre Vu stand at the Girls’ Night Out event, I taste-tasted the Snapdragon Beauty Beverage, which was described to me as an anti-aging drink filled with acai berries, collagen, aloe vera, and fiber. My interest was piqued when the representative explained that it’s delicious mixed with “21+ drinks,” and is equally useful for banishing the aftereffects of those grown-up beverages the next morning. Also, it tasted to me like mangos and strawberries, which is always a good thing.
If you’d like to make an antioxidant smoothie at home, here’s a good recipe to try from Suite101:
Blend together 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1 cup frozen raspberries, 1 cup acai berry juice (can be found at many health food stores), 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt, and 1 tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder.
On Tuesday night, Francesca and I headed over to the exceptionally elegant (so elegant that I thought it was a very fancy apartment building until the doorman, noticing our confusion, beckoned us over) Bruno Jamais Restaurant on 81st between Madison and 5th for the Girls’ Night Out event. We learned about a bunch of amazing beauty and lifestyle brands including Votre Vu, Honeycat Cosmetics, and Belli, a few of which I think would be perfect additions to my Holiday Gift Guide (look for it around mid-November).
So I’m wondering: what would you like to see included in my very first gift guide? Best friend gifts? Vintage buys? Budget-friendly picks? DIY gifts? Holiday gift-giving can be unbelievably stressful, so I’d like to make it easier for you this year. Tell me what you want to see!
Event attendance was uncompensated, but product samples were generously provided.
Trying on one of many Vera Wang bridesmaids’ dresses. Parisa ultimately went for a cocktail-length dress, which I think is the perfect choice for a daytime coastal wedding. When it comes to being a bridesmaid, I am a firm believer in no red, no plunging necklines, no stand-out jewelry (unless that’s what the bride wants, of course).
Bill’s Gay Nineties
In Bill’s Gay Nineties…what a find.