Setting the Stage

For months, I’d been hunting far and wide in search of the perfect placemats to no avail. First World problems, I know, but I'm pretty picky about these things. I wanted something that could beautifully compliment any mix of food and dinnerware without causing distraction and appearing too chunky or bulky.

Yesterday, my sis-in-law alerted me to Clothingline’s Chilewich sample sale. I’m usually wary of sample sales - the long lines, rummaging, and scrambling can get totally uncivilized. But when Talida assured me the crowd was tame and the selection was promising, I couldn't resist. (My iPhone cover is from Chilewich, and I absolutely adore it!)

I swung by after work, and I’m so glad I did! I walked out with a stunning set of Lattice placemats in Caviar. The luxurious texture creates an almost-neutral canvas with just the right hint of sparkle, and I love how its ethereal weave allows the beauty of our glass dining table to shine through. Bonus points: Chilewich is best known for creating beautiful pieces out of woven vinyl textiles, which are extremely durable and completely low-maintenance. Score!

My new placemats were a complete steal at $5 each - Barneys retails them at $20 a pop! This sample sale is running till Thursday evening. If you live/work in the area, go check it out! It’s a great opportunity to pick up some fantastic gifts for the holidays :)

Beauty & Essex

This past Saturday, we celebrated our dear friend Judy's 30th birthday at Beauty & Essex in the Lower East Side. This massive, jaw-dropping restaurant & lounge is hidden inside what used to be the M. Katz & Sons furniture store, with its entrance disguised as an unpretentious, functioning pawn shop storefront. Wander toward the back, slip through the rear exit, and...

BAM. Suddenly you're transported into a spectacular lobby that resembles a massive boudoir. This immensely elegant, eclectic space is a complete knockout. Adorned with antique jewelry, art, crystals, peacock feathers, and flowers, each room is literally dripping with decadence. Repeat after me: Pearl chandelier and pony hair walls.

Beauty & Essex is the newborn brain child of The Stanton Social's Chris Santos and renowned design firm AvroKO. It houses four distinctive dining sections and exudes the luxurious aura of a boutique hotel. Our private dinner party was held inside The Vault, which contains multiple security cameras and an insane necklace that would probably snap my neck in half. Judy's custom menu featured courses of delicious tidbits such as tuna sashimi, lobster tacos, truffle meatballs, and baby back ribs. The meal was topped off with mini macarons and whoopie pies. Simply splendid.

Complimentary champagne is served in the ladies' room. As if we needed another excuse to randomly disappear to the restroom together! I usually cringe at the notion of food/drinks in restrooms, but sipping bubbly in that powder room, surrounded by vintage perfume bottles and plush chaises, was an irresistible exception.

Beauty & Essex was the perfect venue for the celebration of our charming, sophisticated, jet-setting friend. Boys - If you're ever looking to impress a classy lady with a lovely date, this place would be a sure bet.

Happy Birthday, Judy!

{Image credits: Katie Sokoler via Gothamist, Michael Weber via AvroKO, Thyra Heder via Vogue}