One of the most vexing problems that pops us every year around this time is what kind of holiday gift do we buy for our rich friends - those who already have everything, and need nothing? As head of household and personal assistant to my employer, this falls on my shoulders as well, every damned year. But if you have a couple of minutes I can share with you how we handle things around here.
First off, you can always resort to the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog, filled with exquisite expensive gifts that appeal to many. This is especially useful for our new-rich friends who are still in the process of accumulating their accoutrements, and probably don't mind if they're receiving the same kind of gifts that thousands of other new rich might also be receiving.
But for the discerning super rich (who already have everything in the NM Catalog) things are a bit more tricky. For these folk you'll need to be looking for specialty items - unique, perhaps hand-crafted, and definitely one-of-a-kind.
To this end, you might take a leisurely stroll through the secretive London Silver Vaults, as recommended by our friend Grant Harrold the Royal Butler, to find just the right thing for your picky rich friends.
You might also turn to highly-specialized websites like Von Urbanovsky - a well-famed and impassioned designer redefining luxury, who believes in the power of ancient craftsmanship - who creates and manufactures exquisite gifts, jewelry and objet d'artes by pure inspiration. (And the CEO Joseph Reisz is directly available to discuss prices.)
On the other hand, and on a lighter/cheaper note, if you know your rich friend's interest in high-tech gadgets, there's always Hammacher Schlemmer. It's not about money here - just fun, play and amusement for the latest stuff that's out there.
Or even more frivolous, how about this? An exquisite box of FIVE potato chips for $56! That's like $11 per chip! Check out St. Eriks if you think I'm kidding! (How many boxes do you think it would it take to get through a football game?)
Personally I always recommend booze for our rich friends, as an easy way out. But this can be tricky as well. Don't give wine unless you're familiar with the recipient's preference in varietals. Otherwise it will wind up in in the kitchen, in Chef's hands, to be used for cooking. Brandy is a better choice. I always recommend a nice cognac from the Grand Champagne region in France - roughly $5.000 to $25,000 per bottle. No one, no matter how rich could resist a gift like this,
I hope this post has been helpful, if not completely absurd! But buying gifts for the rich always poses huge headaches. Seriously, fortunes can climb or fall over a simple faux pas in this area.
Here's hoping your holiday shopping is going along smoothly, without any of this nonsense!
Andrew
Showing posts with label Where Rich People Shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Where Rich People Shop. Show all posts
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Best Shopping Streets in the World!
From the beginning of this blog I've had many inquiries about the shopping habits and favorite stores of the rich, and it's been terrific fun writing about Tiffany's, Saks, Bijan of Beverly Hills, Neiman Marcus, and on and on.
As you might expect, many of these luxury department stores and specialty boutiques are clustered together in areas where rich people live and travel. (You think?) My favorite is Fifth Avenue in New York of course, not just because I lived in the city but also because of the avenue's unique history in evolution and development.
Clustered near the enduring Plaza Hotel on 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, you'll find Henri Bendel's flagship store, the world-famous toy emporium FAO Schwarz, Bergdorf Goodman's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and all kinds of high-dollar boutiques tucked in between. The original and time-honored Abercrombie & Fitch for sophisticated African safari outfits and travel gear is still there as well - although as you probably know it's now become a silly and somewhat-bizarre national chain, catering to teenage libidos.
And then, if you need to pick up a few silver, gold or diamond trinkets for Christmas and birthday gifts you've got Tiffany's, Harry Winston, and Cartier all right there close together within a couple of blocks from the Plaza. Your'e in. You're out. You're done!
Of course, there's wonderful shopping places for the rich all around the globe. Perhaps not as unique and quirky as Fifth Avenue, and perhaps a little more obscure and esoteric for those in the know, but all of them wonderfully fun and dazzling. Here's a current look at what the New York Post recently called the nine best shopping streets in the world.
Special thanks to Luxe Tiffany on Twitter for bringing this to our attention. As she's a world-wide luxury hotel expert, you can bet that wherever these high-dollar stores are located, fancy 5-Star hotels won't be far away.
Happy shopping. And don't blame me when the credit card bills come in!
Andrew
As you might expect, many of these luxury department stores and specialty boutiques are clustered together in areas where rich people live and travel. (You think?) My favorite is Fifth Avenue in New York of course, not just because I lived in the city but also because of the avenue's unique history in evolution and development.
Clustered near the enduring Plaza Hotel on 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, you'll find Henri Bendel's flagship store, the world-famous toy emporium FAO Schwarz, Bergdorf Goodman's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and all kinds of high-dollar boutiques tucked in between. The original and time-honored Abercrombie & Fitch for sophisticated African safari outfits and travel gear is still there as well - although as you probably know it's now become a silly and somewhat-bizarre national chain, catering to teenage libidos.
And then, if you need to pick up a few silver, gold or diamond trinkets for Christmas and birthday gifts you've got Tiffany's, Harry Winston, and Cartier all right there close together within a couple of blocks from the Plaza. Your'e in. You're out. You're done!
Of course, there's wonderful shopping places for the rich all around the globe. Perhaps not as unique and quirky as Fifth Avenue, and perhaps a little more obscure and esoteric for those in the know, but all of them wonderfully fun and dazzling. Here's a current look at what the New York Post recently called the nine best shopping streets in the world.
Special thanks to Luxe Tiffany on Twitter for bringing this to our attention. As she's a world-wide luxury hotel expert, you can bet that wherever these high-dollar stores are located, fancy 5-Star hotels won't be far away.
Happy shopping. And don't blame me when the credit card bills come in!
Andrew
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Birkin Handbags: Gifts for the Rich!
In the November post about Ethiad Airways luxury $48,000 suite for an overnight flight, Stacy left a hysterical comment about running across a used Birkin Bag for the exact same price! Here's part of her comment:
"...I was having a conversation with my boss this week and I told her about how I'd seen a used 2013 Birkin bag for sale for $48,000. Her response is that no one with a conscience should ever pay that much for a bag. Then I remembered your post and realized it was the same price as the flight. Even though I agreed with my boss that no one NEEDS a handbag that costs as much as a luxury vehicle, the truth is, no one NEEDS a luxury vehicle either....there's simply no way to justify a $50,000 handbag except to say...it's really really really GORGEOUS...and it'll last a lot longer and get more miles than that flight :-)"
While I agree with you and your boss Stacy, and the questionable need for a purse that expensive, it's a real bargain in my opinion since Birkin's can run as high as $150,000. In fact, there's a one-of-a-kind Birkin being offered on the internet right now for $450,000!
In addition, there's a defensible place for these extravagant handbags in the world of the super rich. To explain it fully, I'm going to slide into sheer fantasy for a few moments and hope it makes sense in tying it altogether:
To begin this scenario, lets focus on an imaginary Miss Betty Bankstocks sitting in the back seat of her vintage $2 million dollar chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce on her way to the airport. Wearing a simple $85,000 couture travel dress, she glances at her diamond-encrusted $1.2 million dollar Patek Philippe wristwatch to see is she's on time.
At the airport the staff aboard Ethiad Airways escorts Miss Bankstocks to her $48,000 suite, complete with private bathroom and shower, where she hopes to get a good night's sleep before her girlfriend's three-day birthday celebration begins the next day.
Before arrival the next morning she takes a quick shower and jumps into a new $125,000 haute couture cocktail dress. Feeling well rested and refreshed, she takes a limousine from the airport and a private water taxi out to her girlfriend's $225 million dollar luxury yacht sitting in the Bay of Monaco, with the Monte Carlo skyline shimmering in the background. The staff aboard the yacht hoists up her antique $75,000 Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk and takes it to her room.
Right on time she glides into the main salon where late-morning cocktails (Bloody Mary's and Mimosas) are just getting underway. Amidst all the chatter and greetings the Maitre'd makes a hand gesture as to where she can park her $150,000 Birkin bag on a side table, in full view of all.
And that's precisely the moment when an expensive bag like that shows off it's true value. What else could Miss Bankstocks have possibly sat down there that would reflect her true status in this world? A cheap off-the-shelf $5,000 purse from Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus?
I don't think so, not in that crowd!
Anyhow, thanks for reading tonight and indulging in the fantasy. The super rich do things in their own odd way with cost being the least consideration over style, elegance and presentation. And thanks again Stacy for bringing up such a fun topic.
Before going, here's a link to what Birkin Bags are all about.
Good night,
Andrew
"...I was having a conversation with my boss this week and I told her about how I'd seen a used 2013 Birkin bag for sale for $48,000. Her response is that no one with a conscience should ever pay that much for a bag. Then I remembered your post and realized it was the same price as the flight. Even though I agreed with my boss that no one NEEDS a handbag that costs as much as a luxury vehicle, the truth is, no one NEEDS a luxury vehicle either....there's simply no way to justify a $50,000 handbag except to say...it's really really really GORGEOUS...and it'll last a lot longer and get more miles than that flight :-)"
While I agree with you and your boss Stacy, and the questionable need for a purse that expensive, it's a real bargain in my opinion since Birkin's can run as high as $150,000. In fact, there's a one-of-a-kind Birkin being offered on the internet right now for $450,000!
In addition, there's a defensible place for these extravagant handbags in the world of the super rich. To explain it fully, I'm going to slide into sheer fantasy for a few moments and hope it makes sense in tying it altogether:
To begin this scenario, lets focus on an imaginary Miss Betty Bankstocks sitting in the back seat of her vintage $2 million dollar chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce on her way to the airport. Wearing a simple $85,000 couture travel dress, she glances at her diamond-encrusted $1.2 million dollar Patek Philippe wristwatch to see is she's on time.
At the airport the staff aboard Ethiad Airways escorts Miss Bankstocks to her $48,000 suite, complete with private bathroom and shower, where she hopes to get a good night's sleep before her girlfriend's three-day birthday celebration begins the next day.
Before arrival the next morning she takes a quick shower and jumps into a new $125,000 haute couture cocktail dress. Feeling well rested and refreshed, she takes a limousine from the airport and a private water taxi out to her girlfriend's $225 million dollar luxury yacht sitting in the Bay of Monaco, with the Monte Carlo skyline shimmering in the background. The staff aboard the yacht hoists up her antique $75,000 Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk and takes it to her room.
Right on time she glides into the main salon where late-morning cocktails (Bloody Mary's and Mimosas) are just getting underway. Amidst all the chatter and greetings the Maitre'd makes a hand gesture as to where she can park her $150,000 Birkin bag on a side table, in full view of all.
And that's precisely the moment when an expensive bag like that shows off it's true value. What else could Miss Bankstocks have possibly sat down there that would reflect her true status in this world? A cheap off-the-shelf $5,000 purse from Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus?
I don't think so, not in that crowd!
Anyhow, thanks for reading tonight and indulging in the fantasy. The super rich do things in their own odd way with cost being the least consideration over style, elegance and presentation. And thanks again Stacy for bringing up such a fun topic.
Before going, here's a link to what Birkin Bags are all about.
Good night,
Andrew
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Furniture for the Rich!
Our friend Justin Dew recently sent an inquiry as to where rich people buy furniture. While I might have described the house and furnishings briefly here and there, he made me realize I've never written about this particular topic in full, and there's so much fun stuff to tell.
The thing is, a lot of busy rich people (especially the new rich) rely almost entirely upon their interior designers to do all the work and fill their homes and rooms with whatever fits their needs. This can be tricky of course, since the new rich often don't have a clue as to what they need or want, and the end result depends upon the imagination, creativity, and expertise of the designer engaged.
Depending on what kind of budget he's given, the designer might just shovel in a truck load of nice looking upper-middle-class stuff from Bloomingdale's and call it a day. Given a larger budget, however, he'll probably check out some high end furniture purveyors like Horchow or the Italian Bakokko Group, not overlooking Neiman Marcus of course. And if he's worth his salt, he'll mix in some real antiques here and there that match his overall scheme and design.
The danger is that these decorator-designed rooms, without the personal touch of the homeowner, can come across looking impersonal, stiff, and uninviting. You see it all the time, and you wouldn't want to sit down for even a minute in these picture-perfect rooms.
Now having said all that, many rich people take a huge interest in working closely with their interior decorators, both in designing and continuously adding to their home's comfort and beauty. And they do, after all, have plenty of free time to do so, right?
You'll find them browsing through antique shops throughout their travels in America and Europe, or perhaps attending an estate auction after some rich old biddy in their hometown kicks the bucket. This is always a little amusing since you can't deny these estate sales resemble a flock of scavenger birds swooping down for the pickings.
The former Missus of the house was fond of checking out the renowned furniture auctions at Christie's, where documented and historic antiques can bring in huge sums of money. Not to mention the bragging rights when someone asks, "Wherever did you find this?"
For knickknacks and ornamental fillers, she also loved to browse through distinguished shops like A La Vielle Russie on Fifth Avenue in New York, known for getting their hands on items from the Russian Imperial Court jeweler, Carl Faberge - including his world famous Faberge Eggs. And she always looked forward to visiting London and browsing through the Aspery Collection.
For the super rich, accumulating unique and interesting items for the home is a never-ending ongoing hobby. Their attics are full of furniture and ornaments they're grown tired of and their homes are constantly evolving, not unlike a museum, with new displays coming in all the time - something amazing to observe from my point of view.
Thanks for asking the question, Justin. I hope this has shed some light.
Andrew
The thing is, a lot of busy rich people (especially the new rich) rely almost entirely upon their interior designers to do all the work and fill their homes and rooms with whatever fits their needs. This can be tricky of course, since the new rich often don't have a clue as to what they need or want, and the end result depends upon the imagination, creativity, and expertise of the designer engaged.
Depending on what kind of budget he's given, the designer might just shovel in a truck load of nice looking upper-middle-class stuff from Bloomingdale's and call it a day. Given a larger budget, however, he'll probably check out some high end furniture purveyors like Horchow or the Italian Bakokko Group, not overlooking Neiman Marcus of course. And if he's worth his salt, he'll mix in some real antiques here and there that match his overall scheme and design.
The danger is that these decorator-designed rooms, without the personal touch of the homeowner, can come across looking impersonal, stiff, and uninviting. You see it all the time, and you wouldn't want to sit down for even a minute in these picture-perfect rooms.
Now having said all that, many rich people take a huge interest in working closely with their interior decorators, both in designing and continuously adding to their home's comfort and beauty. And they do, after all, have plenty of free time to do so, right?
You'll find them browsing through antique shops throughout their travels in America and Europe, or perhaps attending an estate auction after some rich old biddy in their hometown kicks the bucket. This is always a little amusing since you can't deny these estate sales resemble a flock of scavenger birds swooping down for the pickings.
The former Missus of the house was fond of checking out the renowned furniture auctions at Christie's, where documented and historic antiques can bring in huge sums of money. Not to mention the bragging rights when someone asks, "Wherever did you find this?"
For knickknacks and ornamental fillers, she also loved to browse through distinguished shops like A La Vielle Russie on Fifth Avenue in New York, known for getting their hands on items from the Russian Imperial Court jeweler, Carl Faberge - including his world famous Faberge Eggs. And she always looked forward to visiting London and browsing through the Aspery Collection.
For the super rich, accumulating unique and interesting items for the home is a never-ending ongoing hobby. Their attics are full of furniture and ornaments they're grown tired of and their homes are constantly evolving, not unlike a museum, with new displays coming in all the time - something amazing to observe from my point of view.
Thanks for asking the question, Justin. I hope this has shed some light.
Andrew
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Holiday Treats: Blood Sausage!
Throughout Europe, Asia, and Central and South America blood sausages, also known as blood pudding or black pudding, are part of the everyday staple diet. But not so here in America.
Depending on the particular culture the ingredients begin with raw blood from farm animals or wild game and fowl, and will include such fillers as onions, rice, buckwheat, rye flour, barley, oatmeal, even potatoes to absorb the liquid - plus a wide range of spices. During the holidays special ingredients such as apples, nuts, raisins, and cream can be added to make it an extra-special treat. It can be served like a pudding in neat little rounds or squares, or squeezed into a sausage casing.
My rich employers like to try exotic fare and prefer costly artisan sausages of course - their favorite recipe being venison blood, wild rice, pinion nuts and French cognac within the sausage, and a wild-mushroom sauce on top.
For some reason however, blood sausage never really made it big in the United States. I'm not sure why that is, but I suspect it has something to do with the Puritans who introduced many elements that underlie the American culture. Perhaps they had an abhorrence to pagan blood sacrifices. Who knows?
Having said that, you can find it in many ethnic neighborhoods across America. Or you can get on Google and ask "where to buy blood sausage" in your city. Some of these specialty shops, if paid well enough, will make your recipe to order. Which is precisely what I resort to since I'm not about to make it myself.
It's not really hard to prepare, but it's time consuming and will cost you a fortune. It requires a full-service butcher shop (very rare in America) that offers up every part of the animal from brains and stomachs to tongue and blood - and you might pay a hundred bucks for a gallon of fresh blood. If you're adventurous and dedicated to your job as butler you might find a local slaughter house that would let you fill up a gallon of fresh blood yourself - which I'm not about to do. I'd rather find a new job in a house full of Puritans.
But if you're looking for something unique and exotic to serve for the holidays you might give a thought to blood puddings - served in neat little rounds or squares, or squeezed inside a sausage casing - and they can be bland, spicy, or sweet, depending on your event and palate. Indeed, if some of your family members or friends have any noticeable vampire tendencies, whether overt or latent, this might be just the thing.
Best wishes during your holiday preparations,
Andrew
Depending on the particular culture the ingredients begin with raw blood from farm animals or wild game and fowl, and will include such fillers as onions, rice, buckwheat, rye flour, barley, oatmeal, even potatoes to absorb the liquid - plus a wide range of spices. During the holidays special ingredients such as apples, nuts, raisins, and cream can be added to make it an extra-special treat. It can be served like a pudding in neat little rounds or squares, or squeezed into a sausage casing.
My rich employers like to try exotic fare and prefer costly artisan sausages of course - their favorite recipe being venison blood, wild rice, pinion nuts and French cognac within the sausage, and a wild-mushroom sauce on top.
For some reason however, blood sausage never really made it big in the United States. I'm not sure why that is, but I suspect it has something to do with the Puritans who introduced many elements that underlie the American culture. Perhaps they had an abhorrence to pagan blood sacrifices. Who knows?
Having said that, you can find it in many ethnic neighborhoods across America. Or you can get on Google and ask "where to buy blood sausage" in your city. Some of these specialty shops, if paid well enough, will make your recipe to order. Which is precisely what I resort to since I'm not about to make it myself.
It's not really hard to prepare, but it's time consuming and will cost you a fortune. It requires a full-service butcher shop (very rare in America) that offers up every part of the animal from brains and stomachs to tongue and blood - and you might pay a hundred bucks for a gallon of fresh blood. If you're adventurous and dedicated to your job as butler you might find a local slaughter house that would let you fill up a gallon of fresh blood yourself - which I'm not about to do. I'd rather find a new job in a house full of Puritans.
But if you're looking for something unique and exotic to serve for the holidays you might give a thought to blood puddings - served in neat little rounds or squares, or squeezed inside a sausage casing - and they can be bland, spicy, or sweet, depending on your event and palate. Indeed, if some of your family members or friends have any noticeable vampire tendencies, whether overt or latent, this might be just the thing.
Best wishes during your holiday preparations,
Andrew
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
A Practical Strategy for Christmas Shopping!
Good gosh, October's here and the holidays are closing in fast. Already on TV we're seeing the Energizer Bunny ads for all the gadgets and toys under the Christmas tree. The Pillsbury Doughboy is popping up on every channel. And all those silly sexy perfume commercials are well under way.
But if you plan everything carefully there's really no need for stress or panic - and I thought perhaps you'd like to know how we handle all the shopping madness in a billionaire's home. The simple key is to divide your gifts into rank and groups, then proceed accordingly. Here's the categories we follow around here:
People You Hate: This would be your neighbors, your co-workers and distant relatives who've heard about your success and money. Try to get these token gifts out of the way as soon as possible so you can get into the joyous mood of holiday shopping. I recommend Harry and David where you'll find gift baskets of cheese, candy or nuts - from cheap to expensive. You'll probably want to go cheap in this category since it's the thought that counts, right?
People You Need: This category includes your top employees, your corporate CEO, your business partners, your attorney (who has saved your butt more than once from frivolous lawsuits), maybe even your massage therapist who'll run over in a moment's notice. In addition to a bonus, again I'm going to recommend Harry and David, although this time you'll want to go high-dollar with expensive wines and cheese included in the gift basket.
People You Like: Of course, this will be a short list and can be dispensed with quite easily. There's a wonderful store called Hammacher Schlemmer in New York that has the most amazing and exciting gadgets and gifts you can find anywhere, from low dollar to high. You can shop online, and they'll send the gifts for you.
People You Love: This list might include your mother, a new girlfriend, your children, perhaps even your wife. Whatever the case, get ready to spend some big bucks in this category. Neiman's, Bergdorf, Tiffany and Cartier come to mind. And you might want to make this effort on your own, instead of sending out your house staff or personal shopper.
So you see, all said and done, this need not be a stressful time of year. Just get organized - divide and conquer as it were, and get started.
Thanks for dropping by, and happy shopping!
Andrew
But if you plan everything carefully there's really no need for stress or panic - and I thought perhaps you'd like to know how we handle all the shopping madness in a billionaire's home. The simple key is to divide your gifts into rank and groups, then proceed accordingly. Here's the categories we follow around here:
People You Hate: This would be your neighbors, your co-workers and distant relatives who've heard about your success and money. Try to get these token gifts out of the way as soon as possible so you can get into the joyous mood of holiday shopping. I recommend Harry and David where you'll find gift baskets of cheese, candy or nuts - from cheap to expensive. You'll probably want to go cheap in this category since it's the thought that counts, right?
People You Need: This category includes your top employees, your corporate CEO, your business partners, your attorney (who has saved your butt more than once from frivolous lawsuits), maybe even your massage therapist who'll run over in a moment's notice. In addition to a bonus, again I'm going to recommend Harry and David, although this time you'll want to go high-dollar with expensive wines and cheese included in the gift basket.
People You Like: Of course, this will be a short list and can be dispensed with quite easily. There's a wonderful store called Hammacher Schlemmer in New York that has the most amazing and exciting gadgets and gifts you can find anywhere, from low dollar to high. You can shop online, and they'll send the gifts for you.
People You Love: This list might include your mother, a new girlfriend, your children, perhaps even your wife. Whatever the case, get ready to spend some big bucks in this category. Neiman's, Bergdorf, Tiffany and Cartier come to mind. And you might want to make this effort on your own, instead of sending out your house staff or personal shopper.
So you see, all said and done, this need not be a stressful time of year. Just get organized - divide and conquer as it were, and get started.
Thanks for dropping by, and happy shopping!
Andrew
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Oscar de la Renta: Where Rich People Shop!
With Christmas already starting to percolate in the back of our minds, it's time to resume the topics about where rich people shop, in case you're anxious to unload a bundle of cash. I'm sure you've heard of Oscar de la Renta - a brand that's been part of our collective history and culture for decades, whether we can afford to shop there or not.
De la Renta became internationally famous during the 1960's as couturier for the elegant Jacqueline Kennedy, and has continued to dress the rich and famous from film stars to royalty to this very day. I believe he has about seventy-five stores now, scattered around the world where the rich congregate. And while haute couture is still offered, his stores also have off-the-rack, ready-to-wear items as well.
But did you know De la Renta's stores are among the very most expensive places on earth to shop? Way up there with the House of Bijan. The reason this comes up tonight - remember I told you the Mister has a new girlfriend? Well, last weekend he took her on a shopping spree to De la Renta's store in New York.
On Monday the upstairs maid Ester accidentally saw the receipt from this little outing in the dressing rooms and reported it immediately to me by text. The total bill was just over thirty-seven-thousand dollars ($37,000) for only twenty-two items.
While this kind of nonchalant spending makes my head spin, it's truly nothing out of the ordinary for the super rich. In fact, if they had stopped by Cartier's or Tiffany's that afternoon, who knows what the day's drop might have been.
But if you're in need of some fancy threads yourself or just want to pick up a few Christmas gifts, here's a link to Oscar de la Renta's extraordinary world.
Thanks for dropping by, and happy shopping!
Andrew
De la Renta became internationally famous during the 1960's as couturier for the elegant Jacqueline Kennedy, and has continued to dress the rich and famous from film stars to royalty to this very day. I believe he has about seventy-five stores now, scattered around the world where the rich congregate. And while haute couture is still offered, his stores also have off-the-rack, ready-to-wear items as well.
But did you know De la Renta's stores are among the very most expensive places on earth to shop? Way up there with the House of Bijan. The reason this comes up tonight - remember I told you the Mister has a new girlfriend? Well, last weekend he took her on a shopping spree to De la Renta's store in New York.
On Monday the upstairs maid Ester accidentally saw the receipt from this little outing in the dressing rooms and reported it immediately to me by text. The total bill was just over thirty-seven-thousand dollars ($37,000) for only twenty-two items.
While this kind of nonchalant spending makes my head spin, it's truly nothing out of the ordinary for the super rich. In fact, if they had stopped by Cartier's or Tiffany's that afternoon, who knows what the day's drop might have been.
But if you're in need of some fancy threads yourself or just want to pick up a few Christmas gifts, here's a link to Oscar de la Renta's extraordinary world.
Thanks for dropping by, and happy shopping!
Andrew
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Patek Philippe: Watches for the Rich!
The first time I ever heard of Patek Philippe was quite a few years back when my friend Ray in New York told me he was going to sell his father's hand-me-down watch to help raise cash for a new business venture - a film he and his colleagues were trying to put together.
I tagged along that day, expecting to schlep around to all the high-end pawn shops in Midtown Manhattan and to the jewelry exchanges in the diamond district. But instead, we took a taxi to York Avenue on the Upper East Side where he turned the watch over to Sotheby's Auction House.
And a few months later my friend Ray received a check from Sotheby's for $33,500! Whoa! That's some kind of hand-me-down, right? Then a few years after that, while staying with friends in Switzerland, I used to walk past the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva almost every day of the week for the entire summer - and never went in! What was I thinking?
Horologists to European royalty and rich people all over the globe, Patek Philippe has been around since the early 1800's, and if I'm not mistaken they hold the record for the world's most expensive watches, at over a million dollars! But not to panic; they're not all million-dollar watches, of course. They do have a middle range - anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 - to accommodate both the billionaires and the lowly millionaires.
In addition (and here's the good news) they also have a low-end line for those just getting started in their upward climb into the world of the UHNW. With no trouble at all you can find a nice little watch in the $10,000 to $50,000 range.
The reason this all came up is because the Missus had a birthday this week. And Ester the Upstairs Maid reports there's an open, empty watch box in the boudoir with the label Patek Philippe. Of course I can't wait to see it and figure out if it's low end or high. (It's the diamonds surrounding the face of the watch that jacks the price of a lady's watch sky high.)
Anyhow, I'm really kicking myself tonight for not having gone into that museum in Geneva. How dumb can you be? I think it was Aristophanes who said, "Ignorance can be educated, but stupid is forever."
As always, thanks for stopping by.
Andrew
I tagged along that day, expecting to schlep around to all the high-end pawn shops in Midtown Manhattan and to the jewelry exchanges in the diamond district. But instead, we took a taxi to York Avenue on the Upper East Side where he turned the watch over to Sotheby's Auction House.
And a few months later my friend Ray received a check from Sotheby's for $33,500! Whoa! That's some kind of hand-me-down, right? Then a few years after that, while staying with friends in Switzerland, I used to walk past the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva almost every day of the week for the entire summer - and never went in! What was I thinking?
Horologists to European royalty and rich people all over the globe, Patek Philippe has been around since the early 1800's, and if I'm not mistaken they hold the record for the world's most expensive watches, at over a million dollars! But not to panic; they're not all million-dollar watches, of course. They do have a middle range - anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 - to accommodate both the billionaires and the lowly millionaires.
In addition (and here's the good news) they also have a low-end line for those just getting started in their upward climb into the world of the UHNW. With no trouble at all you can find a nice little watch in the $10,000 to $50,000 range.
The reason this all came up is because the Missus had a birthday this week. And Ester the Upstairs Maid reports there's an open, empty watch box in the boudoir with the label Patek Philippe. Of course I can't wait to see it and figure out if it's low end or high. (It's the diamonds surrounding the face of the watch that jacks the price of a lady's watch sky high.)
Anyhow, I'm really kicking myself tonight for not having gone into that museum in Geneva. How dumb can you be? I think it was Aristophanes who said, "Ignorance can be educated, but stupid is forever."
As always, thanks for stopping by.
Andrew
Monday, February 18, 2013
The Package from Bijan: Mystery Solved!
Last week I told you a package for the Mister had arrived from the House of Bijan and that no one was home to open it! Ester and I have waited quite impatiently for almost a week to find out what's inside, and finally our employers returned this morning, around ten-thirty.
Right next to the elevator there's a long narrow side table where things are placed that need to go upstairs, including the daily mail and packages.
In fact, it's my job to separate the mail each day into His and Her piles, further organized by their personal letters, cards and invitations on top, business mail underneath that, and overnight letters from Fed Ex and UPS underneath that. Next to these two stacks, magazines are separated into those the Mister has subscribed to, and those the Missus wants to receive. Department store magazines and other junk mail are next to that, which are usually ignored and destined for the recycle bin. And at the end of the table is where we place packages.
When they arrived this morning they left the luggage up to us, picked up their respective piles of His and Her mail and went straight upstairs to their separate offices.
Ester and I looked at each other with fallen faces. Apparently packages were the last thing on their minds at the moment. But then at one o'clock they came down for lunch. I was out running errands at the time, but Ester sent a text that said the Mister had taken the package upstairs right after lunch.
She is the Upstairs Maid after all, and as soon as appropriate she scooted upstairs to snoop around. By the time I got home she was full of news!
It seems the package was a gift from the Mister's sister - which was somewhat of a disappointment since we had hoped the old cheapskate had actually been shopping there himself. And while we had been hoping to see some exquisite accessories, it turned out to be just a shirt and tie.
Having said that, Bijan's shirts are limited editions, of course, and can cost anywhere from $350 on up! And the tie, also a limited edition, is signed and numbered. Only God knows the cost of that.
So the big mystery's over. And while we may have been disappointed, at least now we can say there are Bijan labels in the Mister's closet. And no one needs to know it's only two.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you're not as disappointed as we are.
Andrew
Right next to the elevator there's a long narrow side table where things are placed that need to go upstairs, including the daily mail and packages.
In fact, it's my job to separate the mail each day into His and Her piles, further organized by their personal letters, cards and invitations on top, business mail underneath that, and overnight letters from Fed Ex and UPS underneath that. Next to these two stacks, magazines are separated into those the Mister has subscribed to, and those the Missus wants to receive. Department store magazines and other junk mail are next to that, which are usually ignored and destined for the recycle bin. And at the end of the table is where we place packages.
When they arrived this morning they left the luggage up to us, picked up their respective piles of His and Her mail and went straight upstairs to their separate offices.
Ester and I looked at each other with fallen faces. Apparently packages were the last thing on their minds at the moment. But then at one o'clock they came down for lunch. I was out running errands at the time, but Ester sent a text that said the Mister had taken the package upstairs right after lunch.
She is the Upstairs Maid after all, and as soon as appropriate she scooted upstairs to snoop around. By the time I got home she was full of news!
It seems the package was a gift from the Mister's sister - which was somewhat of a disappointment since we had hoped the old cheapskate had actually been shopping there himself. And while we had been hoping to see some exquisite accessories, it turned out to be just a shirt and tie.
Having said that, Bijan's shirts are limited editions, of course, and can cost anywhere from $350 on up! And the tie, also a limited edition, is signed and numbered. Only God knows the cost of that.
So the big mystery's over. And while we may have been disappointed, at least now we can say there are Bijan labels in the Mister's closet. And no one needs to know it's only two.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you're not as disappointed as we are.
Andrew
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Bijan - Beverly Hills!
__________________________________________________________
Earlier today in a post entitled "Rodeo Drive" I told you about a package that had arrived with a Rodeo Drive return address.
I also told you there's no one home to open it! And that Ester and I are on pins and needles, dying to know what's inside!
What I failed to mention is the name of the shop.
You see, the package (addressed to the Mister) is from the House of Bijan - renowned haute couture for men.
This boutique is so exclusive you can't get in the door. Literally!
It's by appointment only, and I have a feeling designer Bijan Pakzad himself decided who might cross the threshold. While his client list is not well publicized (except by the paparazzi, of course), he's said to have dressed over thirty heads of state, including US presidents, European Royalty and the rich and famous from all walks of life.
In addition to couture, he's also known for his fragrances, sold in major department stores worldwide. And he has a line of exquisite jewelry and watches for both men and women.
To top it off, he also designs the exterior and interior of custom-made Rolls Royce's and Bugatti's on a per-client basis. How awesome is that?
Here's a link to Bijan's amazing world. And get ready to be enthralled!
More than once, even by the designer himself, the House of Bijan has been billed as "the most expensive store in the world!"
And then you'll understand why Ester and I are so agitated! (lol!)
Again, thanks for stopping by today.
Will let you know what's in the box the minute the Mister gets back next week.
Good night,
Andrew
PS: You may know that Bijan, as he liked to be called, died just recently in 2011. But his legacy and shop lives on, under the direction of his partner and the world-famous designers who continue to showcase their wares in the inventory.
Earlier today in a post entitled "Rodeo Drive" I told you about a package that had arrived with a Rodeo Drive return address.
I also told you there's no one home to open it! And that Ester and I are on pins and needles, dying to know what's inside!
What I failed to mention is the name of the shop.
You see, the package (addressed to the Mister) is from the House of Bijan - renowned haute couture for men.
This boutique is so exclusive you can't get in the door. Literally!
It's by appointment only, and I have a feeling designer Bijan Pakzad himself decided who might cross the threshold. While his client list is not well publicized (except by the paparazzi, of course), he's said to have dressed over thirty heads of state, including US presidents, European Royalty and the rich and famous from all walks of life.
In addition to couture, he's also known for his fragrances, sold in major department stores worldwide. And he has a line of exquisite jewelry and watches for both men and women.
To top it off, he also designs the exterior and interior of custom-made Rolls Royce's and Bugatti's on a per-client basis. How awesome is that?
Here's a link to Bijan's amazing world. And get ready to be enthralled!
More than once, even by the designer himself, the House of Bijan has been billed as "the most expensive store in the world!"
And then you'll understand why Ester and I are so agitated! (lol!)
Again, thanks for stopping by today.
Will let you know what's in the box the minute the Mister gets back next week.
Good night,
Andrew
PS: You may know that Bijan, as he liked to be called, died just recently in 2011. But his legacy and shop lives on, under the direction of his partner and the world-famous designers who continue to showcase their wares in the inventory.
Where Rich People Shop: Rodeo Drive!
A package arrived this afternoon with a Rodeo Drive return address. There's no one home to open it and it's driving me and the upstairs maid Ester crazy! We've considered ripping it open and blaming it on Fed Ex. But I'm afraid we've done that too many times to keep getting away with it.
In north American speech and in cowboy movies the word rodeo is pronounced row-dee-o. But in Beverly Hills the original Spanish pronunciation is employed and you'll hear them say row-day-o when referring to the world-famous shopping district known as Rodeo Drive.
Cowboys on Rodeo Drive are few and far between. And the only horses around would be found under the hoods of Ferrari's, Bugatti's and Lamborghini's. Remember the film Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts gets a makeover and goes shopping for a new wardrobe? That's Rodeo Drive.
It's full of high dollar shops and boutiques that attract the rich, the famous and the powerful from all over the world. From Fendi and Frette to Valentino and Van Cleef, the worlds finest designers display their wares in one small but exquisitely glamorous area of Beverly Hills
If you think this would be a good place to star gaze, you're absolutely right. But to see your favorite star up close you'll have to wade through a small army of paparazzi, valet parkers, doormen, security guards, personal assistants and sometimes body guards.
Just take a look at this link to Google Images to see what I'm talking about.
So without an x-ray machine, I guess Ester and I will just have to wait it out until our employers get back next week. Which is not an easy thing, mind you. During this boring time of year in between social seasons things can get pretty dull around here.
Thanks for stopping by. And will let you know what we find out.
Andrew
In north American speech and in cowboy movies the word rodeo is pronounced row-dee-o. But in Beverly Hills the original Spanish pronunciation is employed and you'll hear them say row-day-o when referring to the world-famous shopping district known as Rodeo Drive.
Cowboys on Rodeo Drive are few and far between. And the only horses around would be found under the hoods of Ferrari's, Bugatti's and Lamborghini's. Remember the film Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts gets a makeover and goes shopping for a new wardrobe? That's Rodeo Drive.
It's full of high dollar shops and boutiques that attract the rich, the famous and the powerful from all over the world. From Fendi and Frette to Valentino and Van Cleef, the worlds finest designers display their wares in one small but exquisitely glamorous area of Beverly Hills
If you think this would be a good place to star gaze, you're absolutely right. But to see your favorite star up close you'll have to wade through a small army of paparazzi, valet parkers, doormen, security guards, personal assistants and sometimes body guards.
Just take a look at this link to Google Images to see what I'm talking about.
So without an x-ray machine, I guess Ester and I will just have to wait it out until our employers get back next week. Which is not an easy thing, mind you. During this boring time of year in between social seasons things can get pretty dull around here.
Thanks for stopping by. And will let you know what we find out.
Andrew
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Harry and David: Gifts for All Seasons!
As you might suspect with Christmas coming up, rich people have an enormous gift list and the task of getting it all done can be quite overwhelming.
But not to worry. They have hired help in this area - all the way from shopping, to wrapping, to delivering or shipping: Secretaries, Personal Assistants, House Managers, Butlers and Personal Shoppers in their favorite department stores are all involved in this annual nightmare.
Around here, my employers usually do their own shopping for their family members and closest friends. Which, by the way, doesn't exclude the house staff from wrapping, delivering or shipping their precious treasures. But what about the vast number of acquaintances, business associates and corporate employees - some of whom they like, dislike, or maybe even loathe?
For these perfunctory types of gifts they often resort to food and booze. An expensive bottle of brandy or champagne, or gourmet foods from an upscale department store like Harrods of London, or perhaps a selection of expensive nuts or candies from a local supplier.
Meant to show respect rather than intimacy, these gifts are perfectly okay, and the recipients more or less understand the sentiment. The trick here is how big the treat package should be. After all, it's more about making a statement than about the cost.
For example, there's a company the rich often resort to called Harry and David that specializes in corporate gifts. This excellent company has been around for seventy-five years and has categories of fun and fancifully-packaged goodies from $50 to over $200 per package. No muss, no fuss. Just call them up and read down your gift list, including the price range for each recipient, and they'll do all the rest - including shipping and a gift card.
The fun thing is, if you're on the receiving end of a gift from Harry and David you can go to their website and see exactly how much the sender paid, and where you stand in their fickle esteem.
If it's small and in the fifty dollar range, you've still got lots of work to do. But if it's big and grand, two-hundred bucks or more, then you're moving right along and may someday arrive on their personal gift list. (Just be sure that's what you want. When dealing with the rich there's always a price to pay for their notice, kindness or generosity.)
If you haven't completed your Christmas shopping yet, as of today there's still almost a couple of weeks to get in touch with Harry and David or other similar stores, and still enough time to have your gifts shipped on time - and yes, there's always overnight air for last minute oversights.
Hope this has been helpful, but more importantly I hope you're nearing an end to your shopping chores. Last minute rushing around can be such a pain.
Thanks for dropping in,
Andrew
But not to worry. They have hired help in this area - all the way from shopping, to wrapping, to delivering or shipping: Secretaries, Personal Assistants, House Managers, Butlers and Personal Shoppers in their favorite department stores are all involved in this annual nightmare.
Around here, my employers usually do their own shopping for their family members and closest friends. Which, by the way, doesn't exclude the house staff from wrapping, delivering or shipping their precious treasures. But what about the vast number of acquaintances, business associates and corporate employees - some of whom they like, dislike, or maybe even loathe?
For these perfunctory types of gifts they often resort to food and booze. An expensive bottle of brandy or champagne, or gourmet foods from an upscale department store like Harrods of London, or perhaps a selection of expensive nuts or candies from a local supplier.
Meant to show respect rather than intimacy, these gifts are perfectly okay, and the recipients more or less understand the sentiment. The trick here is how big the treat package should be. After all, it's more about making a statement than about the cost.
For example, there's a company the rich often resort to called Harry and David that specializes in corporate gifts. This excellent company has been around for seventy-five years and has categories of fun and fancifully-packaged goodies from $50 to over $200 per package. No muss, no fuss. Just call them up and read down your gift list, including the price range for each recipient, and they'll do all the rest - including shipping and a gift card.
The fun thing is, if you're on the receiving end of a gift from Harry and David you can go to their website and see exactly how much the sender paid, and where you stand in their fickle esteem.
If it's small and in the fifty dollar range, you've still got lots of work to do. But if it's big and grand, two-hundred bucks or more, then you're moving right along and may someday arrive on their personal gift list. (Just be sure that's what you want. When dealing with the rich there's always a price to pay for their notice, kindness or generosity.)
If you haven't completed your Christmas shopping yet, as of today there's still almost a couple of weeks to get in touch with Harry and David or other similar stores, and still enough time to have your gifts shipped on time - and yes, there's always overnight air for last minute oversights.
Hope this has been helpful, but more importantly I hope you're nearing an end to your shopping chores. Last minute rushing around can be such a pain.
Thanks for dropping in,
Andrew
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Saks Fifth Avenue: Where Rich People Shop!
Apparently I'm writing a lot these days about where rich people shop, but it's the holidays of course, and I'm getting a lot of questions on the subject.
Before we go any further I need to mention one of the most venerable and beloved department stores of all times - Saks Fifth Avenue. Usually referred to as just Saks, it's the zenith of fashionable and gracious living and has spread form the original New York store to major cities across the country. In fact, I'm going to defer to their website and let you explore for yourself. Here's the link.
What I can tell you from personal experience is that a visit to Saks is an awesome and memorable experience, especially the flagship store in Manhattan. In addition to old-world elegance and a relatively-polite, loyal and knowledgeable staff, it sits there on Fifth Avenue right next door to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, also known as St. Patrick's Cathedral.
On the north side of Saks, on each floor, there are beautiful wood-framed arched windows that overlook St. Pat's. And on each and every higher floor you have a different and better view of the spectacular architecture of this Neo-Gothic cathedral, right up to the spires.
Whether you're going there to shop or don't have a dime in your pockets, you really need to visit this store - and they're accustomed to tourists wandering in and out, trust me on that point. No other department store I know of can offer this kind of experience.
On the top floor there's a lunch room called Cafe SFA with amazing views and a menu that won't break the bank. So if you've not been there before or you're visiting New York for the first time, make this a special outing. You'll not be disappointed.
Happy shopping, and thanks for stopping by,
Andrew
Before we go any further I need to mention one of the most venerable and beloved department stores of all times - Saks Fifth Avenue. Usually referred to as just Saks, it's the zenith of fashionable and gracious living and has spread form the original New York store to major cities across the country. In fact, I'm going to defer to their website and let you explore for yourself. Here's the link.
What I can tell you from personal experience is that a visit to Saks is an awesome and memorable experience, especially the flagship store in Manhattan. In addition to old-world elegance and a relatively-polite, loyal and knowledgeable staff, it sits there on Fifth Avenue right next door to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, also known as St. Patrick's Cathedral.
On the north side of Saks, on each floor, there are beautiful wood-framed arched windows that overlook St. Pat's. And on each and every higher floor you have a different and better view of the spectacular architecture of this Neo-Gothic cathedral, right up to the spires.
Whether you're going there to shop or don't have a dime in your pockets, you really need to visit this store - and they're accustomed to tourists wandering in and out, trust me on that point. No other department store I know of can offer this kind of experience.
On the top floor there's a lunch room called Cafe SFA with amazing views and a menu that won't break the bank. So if you've not been there before or you're visiting New York for the first time, make this a special outing. You'll not be disappointed.
Happy shopping, and thanks for stopping by,
Andrew
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Neiman Marcus: Where Rich People Shop!
For over a century Neiman Marcus has been a legendary player in the dazzling world of luxury department stores for the rich. Usually referred to as just Neiman's, to the chagrin of the Marcus family no doubt, the first store was established in Texas in 1907 by three investors - Herbert Marcus, his sister Carrie, and her husband A.L. Neiman.
Legend has it they were invited to invest their money in a new company about to open up at that time called "Coca-Cola", but they were reluctant to do so. Instead they decided to open a high-end department store for all the new oil-rich Texas millionaires in their hometown of Dallas.
Although the store was an immediate success and has spread to major cities all across the United States, Stanley Marcus, CEO of the company fifty years later, once joked that "Neiman Marcus was founded upon bad business judgment!"
The best way to understand this store is to take a look at their website. Here's a link to the amazing world of Neiman Marcus. But be prepared to spend a little time, and a good deal of money if you're so inclined.
The original spelling of the store was Neiman-Marcus, with a hyphen. And over the years the store has acquired the jestful nickname Needless-Markup, which I'm sure you've heard, of course. But if you peruse their web site for a few moments (especially 'The Christmas Book') you'll understand the intended humor of their nickname. Their prices are way out there!
At least we can dream, and do a little window shopping, right?
Thanks for dropping in,
Andrew
Legend has it they were invited to invest their money in a new company about to open up at that time called "Coca-Cola", but they were reluctant to do so. Instead they decided to open a high-end department store for all the new oil-rich Texas millionaires in their hometown of Dallas.
Although the store was an immediate success and has spread to major cities all across the United States, Stanley Marcus, CEO of the company fifty years later, once joked that "Neiman Marcus was founded upon bad business judgment!"
The best way to understand this store is to take a look at their website. Here's a link to the amazing world of Neiman Marcus. But be prepared to spend a little time, and a good deal of money if you're so inclined.
The original spelling of the store was Neiman-Marcus, with a hyphen. And over the years the store has acquired the jestful nickname Needless-Markup, which I'm sure you've heard, of course. But if you peruse their web site for a few moments (especially 'The Christmas Book') you'll understand the intended humor of their nickname. Their prices are way out there!
At least we can dream, and do a little window shopping, right?
Thanks for dropping in,
Andrew
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Bergdorf Goodman!
In my capacity here as butler and personal assistant, I just got off the phone making a luncheon reservation for the Missus and her girlfriend. They're off to Manhattan today to do a little shopping at Bergdorf's. So the first thing I did was notify her Personal Shopper there that the Missus is on the way.
Having been around in one form or another since 1901 Bergdorf Goodman is the epitome of a world-class, high fashion department store, for both women and men's apparel. In addition to clothing, there's gifts, jewelry, perfumes, china, crystal, silver, stationery, linens, a shoe salon, bridal salon, and a stunning collection of furs. On the penthouse floor (where the owners once lived) you can enjoy a full-service makeover at the celebrated John Barrett Beauty Salon.
Sitting at the very crossroads of the fashion world, Bergdorf Goodman is located at 58th Street and Fifth Avenue - right across from the world-famous Plaza Hotel. And by the way, the store occupies the very spot where one of the Vanderbilt Mansions once stood.
Plus Tiffany's, Harry Winston and Cartier's all share this not-so-shabby neighborhood.
The lunch reservation I made today is for the BG Restaurant on Bergdorf's seventh floor. Although not a large space, this lunch and tea room is the height of elegance and sophistication. You can have a salad, sandwich and a nice glass of wine for $75 or less. Here's a fun link to their current menu.
Frequented mostly by ladies who lunch (more likely than not dressed in conservative Chanel suits) you'll also find any number of tourists who've come to enjoy the spectacular views of Central Park and the dazzling buildings on upper Fifth Avenue.
If you're planning a trip to New York anytime soon, it's definitely worth your while to browse through this temple of grace and elegance and have a little nosh at BG's. But you can catch that view of Central Park on the north side of any upper floor - not just the restaurant.
Thanks for stopping by this evening,
Andrew
Having been around in one form or another since 1901 Bergdorf Goodman is the epitome of a world-class, high fashion department store, for both women and men's apparel. In addition to clothing, there's gifts, jewelry, perfumes, china, crystal, silver, stationery, linens, a shoe salon, bridal salon, and a stunning collection of furs. On the penthouse floor (where the owners once lived) you can enjoy a full-service makeover at the celebrated John Barrett Beauty Salon.
Sitting at the very crossroads of the fashion world, Bergdorf Goodman is located at 58th Street and Fifth Avenue - right across from the world-famous Plaza Hotel. And by the way, the store occupies the very spot where one of the Vanderbilt Mansions once stood.
Plus Tiffany's, Harry Winston and Cartier's all share this not-so-shabby neighborhood.
The lunch reservation I made today is for the BG Restaurant on Bergdorf's seventh floor. Although not a large space, this lunch and tea room is the height of elegance and sophistication. You can have a salad, sandwich and a nice glass of wine for $75 or less. Here's a fun link to their current menu.
Frequented mostly by ladies who lunch (more likely than not dressed in conservative Chanel suits) you'll also find any number of tourists who've come to enjoy the spectacular views of Central Park and the dazzling buildings on upper Fifth Avenue.
If you're planning a trip to New York anytime soon, it's definitely worth your while to browse through this temple of grace and elegance and have a little nosh at BG's. But you can catch that view of Central Park on the north side of any upper floor - not just the restaurant.
Thanks for stopping by this evening,
Andrew
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Fortnum & Mason!
Honestly I think this house where I serve as butler would completely collapse were it not for Fortnum and Mason. We depend upon this British store for so many things I can't even think straight: teas, coffees, honey (they have their own bees) wines, chocolates, perfumes, and wonderful gifts for my employers to give to others.
This company has been around forever, dating back to Queen Anne in the 1700's. For all I know, they might have carried the original line of Queen Anne furniture styles - which survives to this day in furniture stores and households everywhere.
Both of the original founders, William Fortnum and his partner Hugh Mason, vehemently denied it was their tea that was tossed overboard in Boston Harbor during the beginnings of the America Revolution. (Wasn't it Shakespeare who said 'Me think thou doth protest too much' - from Hamlet as I recall?)
In any case, this store is truly remarkable. They've had many royal warrants over the decades and we all know that Regina herself, Queen of England, shops there. Although if I'm not mistaken they close the store to other shoppers when the royals come in. (If anyone else knows more about this, please let me know.)
Whatever your household needs, you can't go wrong with this company. Here's the link to the fabulous world of Fortnum & Mason - usually referred to as just Fortnum's. But beware, you can get lost in their webpage for hours and even shop online. So get out your credit cards and have fun, but don't blame me when the bills come in!
Thanks for stopping by tonight,
Andrew
This company has been around forever, dating back to Queen Anne in the 1700's. For all I know, they might have carried the original line of Queen Anne furniture styles - which survives to this day in furniture stores and households everywhere.
Both of the original founders, William Fortnum and his partner Hugh Mason, vehemently denied it was their tea that was tossed overboard in Boston Harbor during the beginnings of the America Revolution. (Wasn't it Shakespeare who said 'Me think thou doth protest too much' - from Hamlet as I recall?)
In any case, this store is truly remarkable. They've had many royal warrants over the decades and we all know that Regina herself, Queen of England, shops there. Although if I'm not mistaken they close the store to other shoppers when the royals come in. (If anyone else knows more about this, please let me know.)
Whatever your household needs, you can't go wrong with this company. Here's the link to the fabulous world of Fortnum & Mason - usually referred to as just Fortnum's. But beware, you can get lost in their webpage for hours and even shop online. So get out your credit cards and have fun, but don't blame me when the bills come in!
Thanks for stopping by tonight,
Andrew
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