Successful shopping with @FValentineNY

When it comes to a key case it turns out I'm fussy. The case can't be too big; yet, must be big enough to hold several cards, some cash and a few coins. And since I see and use a key case every day it should be pretty and of course have a sturdy key ring.

For such a small item, I spent loads of time searching for the one -- hours looking online and walking many miles in Manhattan. Finally, on an early Sunday morning walk down Madison Avenue the perfect key case was in the colorful window display at Frances Valentine. The store wasn't to open for hours so decided to buy it online. But, after searching the Internet was unable to find it any place.

I returned to the store the following Saturday and this great green patent leather key case was still there. Had the choice of bright pink or light blue, but the lively green won me over. Learned this item has been around for some time so that's probably why couldn't find it online. I always like to buy the newest but in this case it did not matter. This shopping trip was a success.

What made my shopping experience especially nice and memorable was the customer service. Not only was the sales associate and her colleague welcoming and friendly, the sales associate offered to take off the keys from my current key case and place the keys on my new key case. I loved that she did that for me. My nails thank her too! I look forward to visiting the store again.

Doesn't it look great resting on a jacket made by @samstailor in #HongKong. This #Samstailor and #FrancesValentine combination make me happy.

A favorite brand --@JENNIKAYNE in the Upper East SIDE - NYC

The other evening was surprised to see a prime time tv advertisement for one of my favorite brands, @JenniKayne Discovered the brand at Bloomingdale's a few years ago but haven't seen it there for quite some time. Maybe I haven't looked good enough for the line and since the pandemic made just a few visits there. For Jenni Kayne fans living in New York City, there's now a store to shop on Madison Avenue. There's one in Tribeca too!

Liking Jenni Kayne is easy to do -- emphasis on great natural fabrics (especially the cashmere sweaters) simple designs and superb quality. It all looks like new even after seasons of wear.

A few favorites include:

a snappy slit black skirt https://jennikayne.com/category/clothing/bottoms/crepe-tie-skirt-black and a pair of flats https://jennikayne.com/category/shoes/flats/d-orsay-flat-black

Home products such as blankets, candles and furniture are also offered. Haven't yet explored these yet.

Jenni Kayne is California-inspired brand. Wishing it well in NYC and will be on the lookout for the next round of tv advertisements!

Saturday Morning With @Bloomingdales

#Covid19 has changed many of our weekend patterns and habits. Before the pandemic, my priorities for Saturday and Sunday mornings included going to the gym. My gym has reopened but I've opted to keep my membership frozen. Going shopping, particularly at Bloomingdale's was also part of my weekends. (But not every weekend!)

Retailers are also adjusting in areas such as how to engage with their customers in this new #Covid19 environment. It was a pleasant surprise to receive an invitation from Bloomingdale's to get moving on the first Saturday of 2021. Bloomingdale's in a partnership with Ladder Teams, (an iOS app) I participated in a live group session with enthusiastic Coach Eric and his charge. He got me moving and enjoyed it. Thank you @Bloomingdale's too.

I'm considering joining Ladder Teams. Reason for hesitation is unsure exactly how it works. The online messaging states it "connects you with elite coaches and and an entire community who will champion your success." And also states "We pair you with a coach to help you find happiness through health and wellness." Is this 1:1 training at a specific set time? (Doubt it as the price is too low for 1:1 personal training) Or, does this work by following a video and then texting a coach with questions and comments? (Maybe.) Also find the exact name of "Ladder"confusing. Is it Ladder Teams? On Instagram it is listed as @joinladder. Branding and messaging should not be a show stopper to get comfortable with this concept. Only when I'm confident with explaining how this works to others will I join.

Next steps: Reaching out to Ladder Teams to clarify how this app works. Stay tuned.