The Three Bs

I went home to New York City last month and couldn’t help but visit all my “B” stores: Barney’s, Bergdorf’s, and Bloomingdale's. I eyed several Dries van Noten ensembles I longed to make my own at Barney’s; one including a gold metallic skirt heavy in ornament and weight. Another special find there was a Narciso Rodriguez layered dress of circular appliqués and filmy chiffon. I went upstairs to the Chelsea Passage section of this extraordinary store, and espied the Mrs. John l. Strong Stationery. Knowing this was the writing paper of choice of the late Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy; I took special interest in this product, and admired its quality, simplicity, and elegance. For me, Barney’s can be akin to a museum trip: one of the few places in the USA that bring to the public the most luxurious and innovative fashions. At Bergdorf’s I wandered into the Badgley Mishca atelier, and drooled over the evening wear. I imagined myself at gala Hollywood openings and society balls. The design sketches on the wall were beautiful, too. Like a trip to Disney World, a trip to Bergdorf’s has a galvanic effect on creative minds; it allows one to visit worlds merely by traipsing through the departments. Alas…Bloomingdale’s on Lexington and 59th. I worked here in the early 1980s when I was a college student, so a visit here is a visit to days gone by. Evoking memories of yesteryear, I went from floor to floor, of course buying myself a six pan Bobbi Brown palette (for all my traveling needs) when I hit the cosmetics department. B-way is my personal yellow brick road.