There was a period of time when you thought if you saw one more bank open in Mount Kisco, your head might explode. (Even for the re-fi addicted, comparison shopping for mortgage rates was something you did online, not by strolling past windows.) Then came last September, and of course, there were no more banks opening -- and one conspicuously closed. And you began thinking that empty real estate was even worse than a streetful of financial institutions.
 
But hallelujah -- in one fell swoop, in flies the answer to all your prayers: Churchill's, the new men's & women's boutique that has come to nest in the former Wa-Mu space in Mount Kisco. And it's one well-feathered -- or more exactly, well-paneled-nest. Working with architect Leonard Brandes and multiple local craftsmen (including Bright Electric, Allstar Woodworking and Glass Solutions), Danielle  Churchill, has transformed the 3,200 square foot space into an elegant, upscale retreat that combines modern sensibilities (bamboo veneer paneling, for instance) with clever Old-World touches (like wrought iron and crystal drop chandeliers).
 
Hanging from their well-designed racks are equally captivating clothes: Amongst the hand-selected European, Israeli, Brazilian and American designers, you'll spot names such as Brioni, Kiton, John Varvatos, Luciano Barbera and Hugo Boss Selection amongst the men's wear, and labels including The Row, Dsquared, Vivienne Westwood (only place to find her in Westchester, ladies), Elizabeth and James, and Nicole Farhi for women. In short, you'll be hard pressed to find something you don't love on sight.
 
The brain child of Churchill and Lori Land -- both boasting long-term involvement in the fashion industry -- Churchill's opens its doors today. You'll find the store stocked with "pre-fall" merch (eg, what to wear during that perplexing period in between beachwear and tweeds) -- suiting, separates, shoes, jewelry and more. Tailoring is included (natch); their sevices also include wardrobe consulting; private appointments and private shopping nights.
 
Churchill's of Mount Kisco
41 South Moger Avenue
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914)666-4800

Posted by plumberry at 02:50 PM | Permalink

Despite years - even decades - of telling your mother that she "just didn't understand!" time is proving her right and you, well, not so right. She was the one who made you put on sunscreen as a kid -- saving you thousands in Botox and, oh, also from skin cancer. In college, she persuaded you to ditch the cool multi-pierced, chain-smoking rebel and date the not-as-cool, but still kind-of-cute bookworm - now your husband of ten years and counting. She had the forethought to steer you away from Nambe bowls, fancy china, and the pasta maker for your wedding registry, and steer you in the direction of simple white everyday dishes and good knives, despite your protests at Bloomingdale's.
Topping the list of things that Mom was right about (it just galls you to say that, doesn't it?): Clothes. Sure, those Fair Isle sweaters and Mary Janes were itchy and squeaky, but look how great you look in your old photos. And she did try to talk you out of those Guess? overalls, but you just wouldn't listen.

You can make good on your former fashion rebellions by going to the spring/summer vintage trunk show at lot84 in Mount Kisco. You'll find select clothing and accessories from your mother's - and grandmother's -- era ('40s - '70s) including, Chanel, YSL, Geoffrey Beene, Bill Blass, Armani and Gucci and summer jewelry from Hattie Carnegie and Miriam Haskell.

Just smile at each "I told you so."

Lot84
84 Lexington Avenue, Mount Kisco
914-244-8535
www.lot84.com

Posted by plumberry at 01:49 AM | Permalink

Biggest Loser fans know the pain that contestants endure, especially when Jillian cranks that treadmill up to twelve miles an hour, screaming at the top of her lungs for them not to touch the handrails. It's always a feel-good moment for everyone (even those who are watching it with chips in hand, despite the "trainer tip" to chew Extra mint gum to curb cravings) when a blue or black member makes it through the sprint without breaking a limb. It might even inspire you to get into a vertical position and take a run yourself. Well, on second thought, maybe next week.

If you need more motivation, try Stride class at The Gym in Armonk, a cardio class that is conducted entirely on a bank of treadmills. In two-minute intervals, you'll walk, hike, run and, yes, sprint for a total of forty-five minutes, side-by-side with fellow runners. (And honestly, it's a lot more interesting to pretend you're in a race when running along side others than when trotting by yourself.) Before you go running for the hills at the thought of matching Ms. Road Runner's seven-minute-mile pace, be assured that everyone participates at their own speed, and your fitness level and any injuries are taken into account.

Just don't touch the handrails.
 
Stride
The Gym - Armonk
99 Business Park Drive
Armonk
914-219-1601
www.gettothegym.com

Posted by plumberry at 01:42 PM | Permalink

Is it spring yet?

You really wish it would stop snowing and get warm already. Of course, wishing for something never got you very far. (Won the lottery yet? Butt smaller? Boobs bigger?) You know there are times when you just have to make the best of a situation. After all, there's very little that you can do about Mother Nature, besides moving south. Since you are going to have to endure frigid temperatures for several more weeks, you might as well do what you can to look your winter best: That is, get a really good moisturizer to quench that flakey complexion and a cute cap to cover up your flat, fly-away hair.

If you are steering clear of Barneys and Bliss until the NASDAQ moves north, you can't go wrong with a jar of Oil of Olay for $8.57. To top things off, keep your keppie warm (and your budget balanced) with some help from Grove Street Knits in Pleasantville, which offers an adorable array of colorful knit hats and scarves for girls, boys and grown-ups at recession-friendly prices ($35 for the hats and $65 for scarves). Each item is hand knit by owner and local resident Denise Doran, who spent years making clothing and accessories for her family, before sharing her talent with those outside her knitting circle. Doran's items are made from 90% merino wool and 10% cashmere yarn. Her most popular designs are the flower motifs and "Avery" and "Grady" stripes. You can choose from Doran's own designs and colors or create your own. 

When was the last time you were allowed to do that at Barneys?    

Grove Street Knits, Inc.
www.grovestreetknits.com
914.769.0330
Denise@GroveStreetKnits.com

Posted by plumberry2 at 04:22 AM | Permalink

There are many good things about January. You do not have to decorate anything.  As the studios pack the theaters with Oscar contenders, it's the best "grown-up" movie season of the year. And, in the spirit of the two-faced god for which the month is named, you get to celebrate your frugality by stocking up at the ubiquitous sales.
 
One not to miss is the Studio Sale at Beehive Co-Op. From January 17th to the 24th, the local designers and independent artisans who make up the co-op are clearing the way for next season's offerings, and in the process, offering 50% savings on current merchandise. You'll find jewelry from KN Designs of Chappaqua; handmade quilts, pillows and table runners from Lynn Milstein Designs, limited edition handbags and silk scarves from Te Plus Te designs of Pleasantville, modern ceramics from Cara Gilbert Designs, contemporary kids' playclothes from Jalibu, and hair accessories from RELICboutique. All hip, all cool, all half price.
 
Like Ben Franklin once said, "A penny saved is a penny earned."

Beehive Co-Op
337 Main Street, Mt. Kisco
914-218-8700
www.beehiveco-op.com

Posted by plumberry at 02:08 PM | Permalink

In between spending a small fortune on shorts and swimsuits and packing the camp duffel bag, you've spent the past two-and-a-half months cooing at your children that you wish you were going to camp, too. HA! That was, of course, just a ruse to disguise the fact that you are looking forward to the peace and serenity your dearly beloved children's absence will create. You can play tennis for as long as you'd like, eat Oreos without the threat of "ky-have-one?", get dibs on the Wii and go out to dinner with friends without the added babysitter expense. (See how much money that $10,000 camp tuition saves you?) Not to mention, of course, rediscovering the joys of walking around the house naked.

As pleasurable as being truly dishabille can be, most restaurants do require attire of some sort. So come the date of your dinner rez, buy a little something to wear at Parker East in Katonah. This charming boutique offers wearable lines like Michael Stars, Velvet, Pure Color, Lila P and Nougat London, plus preppy-chic silk scarf belts from Cristella and classic-trendy handbags from all over. The owner, Katra Showah, began her love affair with fashion as a child playing "store" at the home of her grandmother, for whom she named her shop. (That grande dame certainly knew what to wear out: Her white organza dress from the social season of the early 1900s hangs framed inside.) "Our lives are so complicated. I just want people to walk in my store and pick up a fun little dress to wear without spending a fortune," says Showah. In fact, she reports that many customers have been known to just cut the tags and head directly out to dinner.

Just be sure to wear undergarments when you go in.

Parker East
85 Katonah Avenue, Katonah
914-301-5843

Posted by plumberry2 at 02:11 AM | Permalink

The quintessential Father's Day presents are, of course, ties and shirts. But he really doesn't like wearing ties, nor the shirts that go with them. And his offspring view them with equal displeasure, because they know when he puts them on, it is a day they will not be spending with him.
 
What he really loves are pajamas, and both he and the kids adore those days when you decree that yes, the whole lot of them may spend their waking hours attired in sleepwear. However, you realize you don't really want to see him in the light of dawn, noon or 4pm in the ones he's got.
 
Truck on up to Fanwear in Bedford Hills for some loungewear that will prove to both of you that Life Is Good. With multiple styles from this famously happy brand, he can spend the day in comfort without you having to look at that ratty college tee-shirt. And you can all kick back and enjoy this holiday Dad's way: lounging on the sofa or hammock, doing nothing. Which every once in while, has its merits.

Posted by plumberry at 12:20 PM | Permalink

As you prepare to hit the farmers' markets and produce stands this summer, one little question haunts your mind: what will you bring your fruits and veggies home in? Using yet another plastic bag, even if supplied by the farmer herself, somehow undermines the eco-self-satisfaction you feel picking out organic, locally grown produce.

Surveying your options, you find:

• The Coach Bleeker Bag he gave you for Mother's Day
• The (now crud-lined) giveaway tote you garnered after your last PBS/NYCB/NPR pledge (aka, your child's pool bag)
• The paper shopping bag you have diligently used for the past year to lug gifts, clothes, and other sundries to and fro because it was so great and is now splitting at the seams.

Posted by plumberry at 01:07 PM | Permalink

All those “you know you’re old when...” emails certain of your acquaintances like to send around really get to you. After all, 40 is the new 30, which makes 35 the new 25 (if only you could convince your thighs of that!); you were not even born when the Beatles released the White album, much less when the Lone Ranger premiered on television. So, like, everyone should stop aging you before your time.

 

Of course, then you encounter some knowing youngster who has discovered a great “old” band, and declares U2/Blondie/The Clash to be her favorite “classic” rock group. Next thing you know, she’s sporting black Converse low-tops and begging you for an oversized tee emblazoned with neon text. Relax, you can do it – even though you turned that Frankie Goes to Hollywood shirt into a dust rag about ten years ago. Just head over to Yogi’s Paw (the type of boutique guaranteed to please any 10- to 16-year-old), where you’ll find a slew of Popular Sports shirts emblazoned with current “girl power” phrases – “I love my crazy friends” “You can be my other BFF” and “Show me some love” – in retro ‘80s style. Before you intone “That looks like what I used to wear at Limelight,” take a moment to appreciate that she's moved on from the retro '70s tees of last year.

For those whose revival aesthetic is more GNR than Top 40, there are leggings screen-printed with faux-tattoo patterns, rock-themed wife beaters, and even guitar-pick earrings. And when she’s ready to get dolled up, there’s slew of blowsy halter-top dresses to choose among, ranging from sweet white eyelet numbers to bold Pucci-esque prints.

 

Just don't count on them to carry anything with oversized shoulderpads. Those, thank goodness, are staying right wear they belong -- in history's closet.

 

Yogi’s Paw

 

141 Main Street

 

Mount Kisco

864-0386

 

Posted by plumberry at 07:43 PM | Permalink

Among the most painful events in a woman's life are child birth and shopping for bathing suits, with the latter being, perhaps, the more demoralizing. In fact, as you prep for you mid-winter getaway and examine your butt coming out of the bottom of a bikini bottom (which you were positive was going to be too big) under requisite unflattering florescent lighting, bearing all to a roomful of hospital staff seems like an almost fond memory.  

Make purchasing swimwear a little less agonizing by going to Out of the Blue in Mt. Kisco. "Bathing suits and blue jeans are two of the toughest classifications of clothes to fit properly," says the store's swimsuit buyer Barbara Jacobs.  "But I can look at a woman's body and know which style is going to look the best. Who has time to try on fifty bathing suits? It's too overwhelming and frustrating." To help narrow down the choices, Barbara asks her customers a couple of questions and does a quick body check. Think of it as going to the bathing suit doctor. "Some women feel self conscious, like I am judging them. Believe me, I am the last person to do that. But I do know that if I can get them to show me what they look like, I am going to be able to find the perfect suit for their shape."

Over 80% of the store's swimsuits are separates which means, for example, you can choose a bikini in a smaller size for the bottom and a larger size for the top (from this email to God's ears, right?). Designers include: Robin Piccone, Karla Colletto, Sophia, Vitamin A, Lucky, Juicy, and Rampage. There's also a cute selection of cover-ups and casual dresses including the Ella Moss crochet cap-sleeved shift, sported by Kate Hudson (circa Owen Wilson in Malibu).

So, if you can't fit into Kate's bikini from Fool's Gold, at least you can have her cover-up.

Out of the Blue
280 S Bedford Rd
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 244-1792

 

Posted by plumberry at 03:26 PM | Permalink

After months of searching, you finally found the perfect low-rise pair at last week's jeans party. Good color blue and snug, but not so snug that your tummy hangs over the waist like a muffin top. You proudly debut them with a Splendid long-sleeve tee at your child's Mommy & Me gym class. Comparing styles with fellow shoppers, you feel quite satisfied with your purchase when, like the coach turning back into the pumpkin, it all begins to slip away - or down. Standing and sitting for circle time has caused the lycra in your dream jeans to stretch. No amount of hiking up or rolling over can keep you away from plumber-butt territory now. And you're not even wearing a cute g-string!

Since you can't return your now not-so-perfect jeans, you make the best of a difficult situation by wearing a belt. For the moment, your fashion emergency has been solved, but after pulling that fitted top over said belt, another emerges - buckle bulge. Now what? Nothing. You decide going through the day looking a little pregnant or like you have a large outtie beats risking cheek exposure to friends and neighbors.

If neither option sounds appealing, choose door number three: the brand new Invisibelt. This ingenious accessory is a smooth, undetectable belt with a flat clasp so you can conceal it even under your tightest tanks and tees.  

So go ahead and wear those skinny stretch jeans with abandon. Do a Russian kazatsky dance should the mood strike.

Just lay off the muffin tops.

Invisibelt, $19.95
http://www.invisibelt.com/

Posted by plumberry at 04:30 PM | Permalink

When was the last time you leisurely strolled through Soho getting a facial at Bliss, picking up fancy paper at Kate's, sipping a latte from Dean & Deluca and hopping from boutique to boutique? When you could also stay out all night sipping martinis at Mercer Kitchen, right? My, how things have changed. But certainly not your taste in clothes.

Good news: MARCH, a Soho-style store, lives in our midst -- just a little further north of Houston. Owner Lynn Puro has outfitted her shop in her favorite designers like Calypso, Tracy Reece, Trina Turk and Rag & Bone. "I really wanted to bring my favorite designers from the shops in Soho up to Westchester so that women here could look stylish too," says Puro.

All this chicness will make you forget that you are on Pleasantville Road in Briarcliff rather than on the corner of Prince and Broadway. That is until you wedge your purchases between two car seats covered in goldfish crumbs in the back of your SUV.

MARCH
1250 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor
914-923-2100
www.marchboutique.com

 

 

Posted by plumberry at 05:56 PM | Permalink

While you may have misspent your youth slacking at the video arcade, record store or mall food court, with "community service" being what your sort-of-friend got for shoplifting a lipstick, today's teens are expected to complete community service endeavors for school credit, bar/t mitzvahs and confirmation classes.

Oh, but wait - yours is slacking, although you're forced to give her credit (at least for originality) for claiming that by texting her BFF instead of passing paper notes in class, she's doing an environmental service. 

Get your young person motivated to do a little bit more by attending the "One Is Greater than None" Junior Activewear Trunk Show event tomorrow afternoon at Penny Auntie. There, you'll meet the eight girls - all under 15 -- who created this non-profit organization, which sponsors rescue missions to save trafficked children in the fishing villages of Ghana. The girls, who'll be appearing on Oprah shortly, began by making friendship bracelets, and selling enough to raise $4,300 - enough to save one child. From there, they created a junior activewear line designed to raise awareness and funds for their cause. The line consists of trendy hoodies, tees, shorts and pants made of soft cottons and organic bamboo. (And if you spend more than $25, you get a free tote bag.)

Younger kids are welcome too, and moms of grade-schoolers might appreciate finding them high-school role models besides Troy and Gabriella.

One is Greater than None Junior Activewear Trunk Show
Saturday, Nov. 3, 1 to 3pm
Penny Auntie 5&10
11 King Street
Chappaqua, NY
914-238-3242

Posted by plumberry at 01:19 PM | Permalink

You got to hand it to those Brits; they do know how to turn a phrase. The one that's caught your attention most recently is "Yummy Mummy." No, it's not a chocolate-cast model of an embalmed pharaoh; a Yummy Mummy is a mother who still has her groove on. (And if Tori Amos had just used that phrase instead of the equivalent, but more crass, American-ism she employs in her song "Big Wheel," you could play that track with the kids in the car.)

Posted by plumberry at 10:17 AM | Permalink

There are people out there who really and truly love cold weather, god bless 'em. They just can't get enough of that artic air and actually prefer the dead of winter to a balmy dog day of summer. You, on the other hand, wonder if global warming doesn't have some hidden benefit.

Since you chose to live closer to the tundra than the equator, however, you might as well make the best of it. Start by rounding out your winter wardrobe (read: mom uniform) with a trendy cashmere sweater (or two) from 3 Boys. The collection includes cozy hoodies, baby doll and long cardigans, sexy v-necks with bell sleeves, classic crewnecks and chunky turtlenecks -- perfect to pair with your skinny J Brands and knee-high Aquatalias.

And hey, it does beat bathing suit shopping.  

3 Boys 2007 sweater collection
$148 to $298

By appointment only:
917-952-3162
alirosenberg@optonline.net

Posted by plumberry at 01:15 PM | Permalink

Posted by plumberry at 07:26 PM | Permalink

  You've always moved to the beat of your own drum, taken the road less traveled, run with the pack, but a few paces ahead. Take your clothes, for instance. In a sea of Splendid long-sleeved jerseys, you set your sails for something equally hip, but far less ubiquitous.

The offerings from Piper + Olive, then, are sure to fit you to a tee. Over 15 edgy graphics on luxe cotton offer that mix of comfort and sophistication you demand, but are cool enough for your teen to steal out of your closet.

Mini-fashionistas can make a statement of their own in a companion line of original styles. And while you've never been one to favor that mother-daughter "set" look, its worth noting that some designs, such as "Peace Flower" and "Gato" come in both kid and adult sizes.  Maybe just don't wear them on the same day.

Kid shirts available at:
Iris Boutique
10 Park Place, Bronxville, NY
914.337.1823

Both size ranges available online: www.piperandolive.com

Posted by plumberry at 12:46 AM | Permalink

 Your man's come a long way. Remember him circa 1990, dressed in acid-washed jeans and sporting hockey hair? It's what inside that counts, you told yourself -- and that the outside could be fixed by the right wardrobe coach (you). Now, thankfully, the only acid wash in your house is the one you use on your face every morning (and it's made from fruit, not denim, of course).

Keep the wardrobe-makeover momentum going this Father's Day with apparel from Family Britches in Chappaqua. This family-owned store caters to everyone with old-fashioned service (including toys for the kids to play with while you shop). There's the Zegna unconstructed blazer for the Metrosexual dad; a Peter Millar striped sweater for the Clambake-in-the-Hamptons dad or stretch-waistband pants from Hilti for The-Race-is-Over dad. And of course, there are plenty of tried-and-true ties to choose from for the Traditional dad too (go for the ones from Vineyard Vines). And hey, alterations are even free.

Not only will you have a gift, but headway on the grand project you began ten years ago: Dressing your man in clothes you want to look at him in.

 

Family Britches
70 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
914 238-8017
www.familybritches.com

Posted by plumberry at 06:40 AM | Permalink

There are those days -- more than you'd like to admit -- that call for something between a full blow-out and a pony tail. And with spring in the air, your calendar is filling up with outdoor events that require your hair to be firmly, but stylishly, out of your face. Whether it's a dock-side dinner or backyard graduation party, nothing beats the classic look of a silk scarf nonchalantly wrapped about your hair. (Think Palm Springs socialite.) However, experience has taught you that there's nothing nonchalant about actually wrapping it. Whether Hermes, Chanel or Canal-Street-knock-off, the things slip, slide and take an hour to tie just right.

Solution: The silk headband by Rachel Weissman. Stylish, chic and effortless. In prints that run from preppy to Pucci, these bands say grown-up, not school girl. Best of all, you can be out the door in five minutes (or use the other 55 to apply your makeup to achieve that "effortless" natural beauty look).

Rachel Weissman Headbands
$48
Plaza Too
53A South Moger Ave.
Mount Kisco, NY
241-1854
www.plazatoo.com

Posted by plumberry at 09:26 AM | Permalink