I’m in a phase now where I spend most of my time at bridal showers, sipping mimosas and making paper plate hats covered in giftwrap and ribbons.  Since I usually hit the registry hard for engagement and wedding gifts, I like to get good friends something girly for their showers. Unfortunately, buying lacy unmentionables downtown on my lunch break has become nearly impossible. That is, unless you want mass-produced, pink leopard print Victoria’s Secret underthings, or a $300 charmeuse slip. Where to go for a discrete and delicate chemise, or a charming-but-brazen bralette and boyshort set that won’t break the…

Ever since my friend Josh began working directly above V+P’s offices, we’ve been having a little bit of a lunchtime competition. Josh thinks his favorite Vietnamese sandwich shop, tucked behind a cheesy cellphone and jewelry store in Chinatown, is better than mine, a casual affair a few blocks closer to home base. Recently, I gave in and made the trek to Josh’s culinary crush, Bánh mì Saigon Bakery, and I have to admit defeat once and for all. For those unfamiliar with Bánh mì, it’s a simple Vietnamese sandwich that has gained cult following in New York, thanks to its…

Being a list person (I’m also into flowcharts, but we’ll save that for anther blog post), I’m going to share with you my pre-flight checklist before a recent “wedding weekend getaway” in Texas: 1. Something old: my weekend bag from Gant. It sports a canvas body, leather trim, and is perfect for flying—big enough to accommodate my fear of not packing enough socks, but small enough to be considered carry-on. 2. Something new: I downloaded La Roux’s latest album for the trip. The UK duo’s genre is something of a new hybrid called “electropop,” and when I listen to it,…

Last weekend I narrowly escaped the monsoon that sacked New York City for a few sunny, spectacular days in New Orleans. While the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina is still evident, the city’s unique, irrepressible spirit is as alive and well as ever (how ’bout those Saints!), pulsing through the bars, restaurants and general merriment of this one-of-a-kind town. Here, some scenes and recommendations from the Crescent City. My traveling companion and all-around partner-in-crime, Shelby, first suggested the Terrell House as our home base for the weekend–and as usual, she was right on the money. Originally built in 1857 and…

I’ve been on a business travel tear lately. While I may bemoan the flight delays and hectic schedule, I really do love it. From the cast of characters I meet to the unusual destinations, every trip is its own adventure. (And believe me, I have some stories to tell!) The more I travel, the more I crave stunning hospitality design. From beautiful art installations to sleek wall coverings and bathroom fixtures, exceptional design can completely transport us into another world, even if it’s just for a night or two. So when I read Travel + Leisure’s 2010 Design Awards, I…

Let me count the ways this chocolatier (conveniently located just a few blocks from the V+P office) amazes, amuses, and inspires. 1.Couture chocolate creations make for the best gifts ever. Exotic truffles, caramel marshmallows and bacon chocolate chip pancake mix will send corporate clients, puppy sitters, family-members-who-have-everything and adventurous valentines into paroxysms of pleasure. Thoughtful, luxurious packaging makes even the smallest nibble impressive. 2. Though its e-commerce site is extensive, a visit to the tiny, tucked-away boutique is the ultimate pick-me-up. Forget martinis: my incognito friend and I recently capped off a crazy week with an ancho-and-chipotle-chili, cinnamon-and-vanilla-bean drinking chocolate…

This seemingly interminable winter weather has me (and, I imagine, virtually the entire Eastern seaboard) dreaming of steamy, sunny climes…and fantasizing about a long-weekend escape. My favorite easy-to-reach, tropical destination? Playa del Carmen, Mexico. A bit over an hour’s drive south of Cancun, Playa boasts all of Cancun’s gorgeous beaches and festive flavor, minus the urban sprawl and Spring Break insanity…or the lion’s share of it, anyway. A popular hangout for stylish European sun-seekers (translation: it’s not yet completely overrun by Americans), it’s the perfect place to soak up rays during the day and slurp margaritas on Playa’s Avenida Quinta,…

Fashion Week, the first sign of spring in New York (no crocuses or ground hogs for us), has finally arrived. Though the weather remains horrible, the tents have bloomed in Bryant Park, and models and fashionistas clamor about in springy chiffon and stilettos. For the fashion-obsessed, like me, who are not lucky enough to get front row seats, there are some great ways to track next season’s trends online. New York Magazine is the ultimate resource for runway photos and behind-the-scenes info. Slide shows, organized by date, popularity, or alphabetically by designer, provide views of every look that comes down…

So everyone knows Sin City is a hot bed for glitzy, shiny, over-the-top hotels, casinos and nightclubs. But when I hit Vegas for the International Builders Show last week, I got a chance to check out the newly completed City Center — a conglomerate of modern design and architectural displays unlike anything Vegas ever has seen. And for all the hype, it really is spectacular. Set back from the Strip, the grand entrance to Aria, the newest mega-hotel that opened last month, is breathtaking. Waterfalls greet visitors to this 4,000+- room hotel that also features 16 restaurants, including two by…

Lately, I’ve been trying to incorporate Middle Eastern and Indian dishes into my repertoire at home, and the recipes often call for hard-to-find ingredients. Amchoor powder? Tamarind concentrate? I’ve never gone home disappointed from the world’s greatest spice shop/exotic grocery/deli, Kalustyan’s. Located in New York’s “Curry Hill,” Kalustyan’s stocks an astounding array of spices and sauces, coffees and cheeses, olives, dried fruits and nuts and prepared dishes and desserts. The experience begins on the street, with an incredible, spicy aroma that wafts from the entrance and draws you inside à la Pepé Le Pew. If you can make it past…