I'm not an influencer but...

I love these sneakers. Like other pandemic fatigued New Yorkers, in recent weeks I've been thinking about dressing up a bit. Saturday decided it was time to move in that direction and felt a spring sneaker refresh would be the first step. First and turns out the only stop was Bloomingdale's. Noticed a scalloped sneaker on display (and now this pair is mine. Note-- sneaker difficult to photograph!) It was interesting seeing how Chloe expanded the Lauren scalloped shoe line. A few years ago I purchased Lauren flats and Lauren pumps. They were comfortable and yes, I do like the scallop details so thought I'd try the sneakers.They feel great! No, I'm not an influencer and in fact I hardly ever pay attention to them. But a shout out to Chloe for these super sneakers and a mini review for those looking for sneakers. Sneakers aren't much of a step up from slippers. Hope is I'll get to a small heel by fall. But no promises making it back to my Jimmy Choo's Anouk pumps. With very pointy toes and a 4.7 inch stiletto heel, they were moving further and further back in my closet before the pandemic.

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!