ABH Design
Address: 401 East 76th Street
Phone: 212-249-2276
ABH, short for Aude Bronson-Howard, was first and foremost a costume designer. This quirky little shop is now primarily committed to whimsical interior décor. They still have a few interesting things to wear, but their emphasis is on the unique object for the body or home.
Sure, there's one in SoHo. And yes, they have countless outlets in malls across America (that's like hands across America but with indoor atriums). Still and all, this, my friends, is the original. And judging from the constant throngs of well-dressed bargain-hunters, it's still the shopping destination of choice to thousands of New Yorkers and tourists daily.
For those who prefer to be more hands-on in their event planning, Triserve is there to help. Whatever you need, they will find and deliver it to your venue, on time. From chairs, tables and silverware to stoves, tents, pianos or even party floats, they will make sure you get what you're looking for.
Diesel Superstore
Address: 770 Lexington Avenue (at East 60th Street)
Phone: 212-308-0055
Website: www.diesel.com
The debate rages on as to whether Diesel has become so absorbed into mainstream culture that it's no longer hip. The younger crowd can't seem to get here fast enough for the latest take on denim everything. With an attitude that is decisively fun and bold, Diesel remains a must have for many a blue-jeaned urbanite.
Dylan's Candy Bar
Address: 1011 Third Avenue (at East 60th Street)
Phone: 646-735-0078
Website: www.dylanscandybar.com
Ahhhh. Located beside Bloomingdales, this store is a sugary blast for young and old alike who are itching for a sucrose-laden hit. Two full floors of assorted candies, including some you thought they stopped making. There are also designer M&Ms, jelly beans in more flavors than there are American states and a working soda fountain on the first floor that whips up a mean ice cream sundae.
Fellan
Address: 1040 Third Avenue (between East 61st & 62nd Street)
Phone: 212-421-3567
Website: www.fellan.com/
Since 1927, this family-owned florist has been creating exquisite, fresh arrangements for small to large scale events. Relocating to the Trump Plaza in 1994, they remain committed to furnishing your intimate to gala function with custom floral designs to meet any desired look or theme.
This store specializes in modified ballet slippers that are as delicate as they are rugged and street-worthy. Those who wear them swear they are the most comfortable shoes on the market. If you think pointy spiky heels are for masochistic freaks, this might be the place for you.
Gourmet Advisory Services
Address: 315 East 68th Street
Phone: 212-535-0005
Website: gourmetadvisory.com
Supervised by Harriette Rose Katz, a noted food and wine connoisseur, Gourmet Advisory is a top-to-bottom service that covers every detail of your party planning needs. From locating and hiring the right cater, to finding an appropriate setting, picking the florist, hiring a D.J. or live jazz ensemble, sending out invitations and more, their firm comes highly recommended for those who have the need, but not the time, to organize anything from an intimate party to a gala event.
Jodi Zimmerman Designs
Address: 1466 First Avenue, 2nd Floor (between East 76th & 77th Street)
Phone: 212-734-7194
Website: www.jodizimmerman.com/
An interior decorator by trade, Jodi Zimmerman has a design-centric focus to floral arrangement. Not only are the flowers carefully chosen to create a specific mood and integrate harmoniously within context (from wedding to photo shoot to elegant dinner party), but she places just as much emphasis on vases and other details as she does on the flowers themselves.
Le Décor Français
Address: 1006 Lexington Avenue (between East 72nd & 73rd Street)
Phone: 212-734-0032
Website: www.ledecorfrancais.com/
This small shop is overflowing with wonderful European artifacts for those who wish to add a European accent to their home design. Silks and fabrics blend happily with candle holders and custom furnishings. Traditionalist to country rustic in aesthetic, this place packs in an elegant, devoted crowd.
Lowell/Edwards
Address: 979 Third Avenue (between East 58th & 59th Street)
Phone: 212-980-2862
Website: www.lowelledwards.com
Located on the fifth floor of the Decoration & Design building, Lowell/Edwards has managed to rise above the rest through their artful integration of interior home furnishings with state-of-the-art electronics. Built on the understanding that technology must be integrated into design, they go out of their way to find brilliant, classic solutions for making a theater room a thing of beauty as well as function.
Marimekko
Address: 1262 Third Avenue (between East 72nd & 73rd Street)
Phone: 212-628-8400
Website: www.kiitosmarimekko.com/
Renowned for their classic Finnish fabric, Marimekko made its mark back in the 1960s with their signature bold and colorful looks. With some of their original designs now canonized as classics, their newer looks are developing a cult-like following as well. In addition to fabrics, they also have a limited selection of fashion and home décor for sale at their showroom.
Mecox Gardens
Address: 962 Lexington Avenue (between East 70th & 71st Street)
Phone: 212-249-5301
Website: www.mecoxgardens.com
Their original shop is located out in Southampton, which explains the emphasis on garden statuary and outdoor teak furnishings. With items and influences that range from Chinese pottery to Swedish modern, everything you will find here is hand-crafted.
The stuff that childhood dreams are made of. For years, moms have been rewarding their kids with a frozen hot chocolate after a long day of shopping is through. If great big ol' burgers and fries are what you're craving or you're in the market for a sundae the size of your head, this is the place to go. Fun, kitchy décor make this place an east side tradition.
The Terance Conran Store
Address: 407 East 59th Street
Phone: 212-755-9079
The only North American outpost for this temple to all things modern. Although it's mostly furniture, they also stock select kitchen goods, vases and gift items. Whether or not you're a big fan of modern design, this place is definitely worth a look.
More a traditional florist than an event planner, they still do their fair share of large parties. The flowers are fresh, and the staff is quite adept at fashioning just the right look for your special event.