Mrs. John L. Strong is open for business again!

Even in today's electronic age of social media, I am still a STRONG believer in the handwritten note or card sent periodically to people whom we love and care about just merely to let them know that we are thinking of them or that we would like to thank them for this or that goodness they have recently bestowed upon us.

Seven Deadly Sins Stationery by Mrs. John L. Strong

There is a serious problem in the market place these days when in search for good stationery to write these essential messages to our dear friends and family.  It is with that in mind that I almost went into shock back in the Spring of 2009 when it was announced that
Mrs. John L. Strong, a fine stationery company operating for over 80 years announced that it was going out of business due to the economic times we are all living through and the sheer ridiculousness that some people have stopped using paper to deliver any sort of message, no matter how important the message.  At the time of the closure, Tom Kalenderian, a general merchandise manager at Barneys New York, said
Mrs. John L. Strong “represents the best social writing paper of our time.”

It was with great pleasure while recently on holiday in New York that I received a beautiful envelope, enclosed with gorgeously embossed stationery and a business card,  from Mrs. Jacqueline Kotts who has now taken over the company and is ready to begin business again.  After reading the enclosed letter, I found her to be with all sincerity one who is obsessed and dedicated to the art of fine living and etiquette.  Without a passion for these traits Mrs. Kotts would not have even ventured into the business of fine stationery and bringing life back to Mrs. John L. Strong which has been the chosen source of these goods by royalty, celebrities, as well as normal persons like you and I who believe in the art of writing and presentation.  The internet will always exist and finding ways to use it to connect with people is fine, but there is one true way to touch a persons soul through written communication and that's by sending a personal note on personal stationery.

With all that in mind, when you are in need of good stationery or business cards please contact Mrs. Jacqueline Kotts.  I am sure she will take care of all your needs and address some details that you may be overlooking when creating your bespoke stationery.

Can you Shop for Charity?

YES, YOU CAN!!!

If luxury shopping is your bag and you are a New York or Tri-State resident or even a tourist then Americana Manhasset is your place of choice.  Skip Fifth Avenue, skip Soho, and get yourself to the Manhasset/Munsey Park area of Long Island, New York.  It's here you'll find among the neighborhoods filled with residents such as LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, and countless other celebrities, an oasis of shopping which is literally a mimic of any high street in the world, but it's better!  Basically, its an intensely elegant strip mall with ample parking and staff in every store that's helpful, friendly, and very well educated on the products they offer.  Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Hermes are just a few of the well named brands you'll find here along with flagship locations such as Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and even lululemon and a seriously enormous Apple Shop.

When shopping at Americana Manhasset one is privileged to be treated like a real client instead of just a tourist passing through on Fifth Avenue, New Bond Street,  or say the Champs-Elysee. Americana Manhasset  keeps attracting designer's on a daily basis.  While there make sure to check out the new Tory Burch shop.

Not only does Americana Manhasset provide an exceptional shopping experience away from the tourist insanity of Fifth Avenue, but also it provides charity events and gives back to the community in which it prospers from, the citizens of long island who are in need or state parks and wetlands.  There are several of these events throughout the year, but at Christmas they have an event called Champions for Charity.  I was privileged enough to attend this event about two years ago when in town for my cousin's wedding in early December giving me ample time to "Shop for Charity" while getting my much needed gift list moving along.  Remember folks, shopping is a feeling and when you have the opportunity to shop and give back to the community at the same time, it must be said, it's a great feeling.  They make it easy too.  

How it works from Champions for Charity 

Participating tenants of Americana Manhasset and Wheatley Plaza donate a percentage of designated pre-tax purchases to the participating organization of the customer's choice. Simply register for a CHAMPION CARD which is the quick and efficient way to participate in Champions for Charity^® and designate 25% of your purchases to the charity of your choice.   

Americana Manhasset is located at 2060 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY , you won't drive away disappointed.

Photo Credits:  Americana Manhasset

How to get shot by the satorialist!

Sorry for such a long break, but have been out living for awhile...
More detailed blogs to come shortly, but had to offer up this link as it's one of the best and coolest blurbs I've read all summer...


From refinery29.com

How to get shot by the Satorialist.

I was not shot by the Satorialist, but think I should have been.

Who inspires you?

MARC JACOBS.