When I was making arrangements to meet Patricia van Essche while I was in New York I told her, “You pick the place. When I’m in New York it’s like I’m on the moon. I have no idea where I am or what relation my current or future location has to anything else.” This trip, I vowed to get a better sense of the city. Being at the mercy of the kindness of strangers is not my strong point.
As my big city friend was going to be out of the city for the first two days of my trip I made a little pact with myself. Walk at least three miles a day. Eat what ever I wanted. Google Maps was the thing that made it all possible. See, I can’t bring myself to be that person standing on the street corner looking left and right, up at the street sign, back at the map. Instead, I walk purposefully, but sometimes in the wrong direction. With my handy maps it was impossible to get lost as they gave me the directions in words, which is something I process better than grids. Also, it designated the distance of the journey. Genius.
When I had gone by to see Elizabeth Wilson, who carries some of Ted Muehling’s jewelry, she advised me to see his shop. When wise women tell you things, you listen. So I googled. From the West Village, my home base, to Muehling’s was just over three miles.
It was incredibly cold in New York and unsurprising but remarkable that the wind always seemed to be in my face. But walking in the city is like being on safari. Discoveries around every corner and a wild beast here and there.
Ted Muehling’s shop was extraordinary. It was peaceful, but it had a kind of a low current of energy. Not zen. Not relaxing. Stimulating. But no mania. He does not allow pictures so I must encourage you to seek out his pieces where you can. Including the earrings I’ve been coveting for a good, long time and finally made my own. And, yes, I’ve worn them nearly every day.
While Muehling’s designs are modern and essential, the objects and jewelry at De Vera are intricate and complex but no less beautiful. I simply cannot imagine being the lucky soul who gets to hunt and gather these pieces.
When my big city friend returned (I do think he was a little worried to leave me as he has usually been my GPS) he asked if I were ok. Completely over the moon.
A few of you have asked, which is so dear, about the earrings I purchased at Ted Muehling. I managed to take them off long enough to snap this shot.
Image, top, Muehling’s shop, the next De Vera. All items pictured from De Vera.
Did you get the Queen Anne’s Lace earrings? I’ve been wanting those forever. You have to post a picture so I can swoon over them again.
Sounds like you’re having a great time. Isn’t New York wonderful!
Those are really great city photos!
The pendants are oh…so wonderful.
Would love to see your earrings too!
I can get lost going next door. It’s so bad that my son gave me a GPS for Christmas. I always like to appear that I know where I’m going~ ha!
mamacita – no, they are black onyx – I’ll post a picture later today. The Queen Anne’s lace sound amazing. It’s reassuring to know other people who have jewelry crushes.
Meg – I’m home now, but it was completely wonderful.
Debra – a little handheld GPS would be perfect! Then I’d just look like everyone else who is walking and texting.
Mrs. B– Here’s a photo; pretty great, aren’t they? This pair has tiny pearls in each earring.
Oh, mama, those are gorgeous. I had not seen the seed pearls before. A Ted Muehling earring collection might be a good idea.
LOVE your blog!
Born & bred as a pedestrian in NY. Piece of cake. Moved to Locust Valley & cried many a tear while driving the wilds of suburbia. Then, the heavens opened and cars became equipped with GPS. Would happily monogram those life changing initials on my dashboard.
OX
De Vera is one of my favorite shops in the city. Too bad no one told you about N on Crosby Street. You could have warmed up with a glass of wine and some tapas.
Wise investment those onyx craters from the moon.
Why is it that the wind always seem to be in one’s face when it’s cold?
I’m glad you had a good time!! Yea for Google maps!!
Patricia, the onyx Muehling earrings are you! I can see why you want to wear them all the time. Still envious of your visit to NY with Ms PVE!
The best things in the world are bought in NYC. I love that city!!
You have got to stop by the jewelry floor at Bergdorf Goodman…really cool selection. I personally am partial to Stephen Dweck’s stuff…
Oh how I am longing to visit NYC again! Gonna wait for outdoor cafe weather! Love the earrings you bought!
North of 25A – Kansas City offers a few of those suburbs, too. Completely maddening.
Heather – That’s so funny – Elizabeth did mention it – now that it has a double endorsement I’ll make it a must stop next time.
Patricia – only rivaled by your gold pair.
Oh, sakes, such good advice all. Looks like I’ll have to go back.
Hey but I’m waiting to see your personal picks from the big show. Anxious to see your favorites 🙂
Oh my, those earrings are lovely!
Courtney – Monday and Tuesday of next week – stay tuned!
Linda – thanks – they feel great, too.
LOVE the earrings… was there a matching necklace?
Wow, I would have liked to come along.
Gina from Germany
http://www.blog.ginaspics.net
you went BACK to NYC, God, I’m jealous and I’m going to spend some money on jewelry and dog pillows. Thank you!