take a holiday shopping tour in Soho with a fun group of bloggers to boot

 The Soho Mondrian

A Shopping Day in Soho....first, lunch at Isola 

(the Soho Mondrian Hotel restaurant)

then a holiday romp

is in the heart of the neighborhood, offering a stylish respite from the busy shopping.  I wrote about the Mondrian last year owners of the hotel invited us for a complimentary weekend of fun at the hotel.

A fun day went off with a bang as I gathered with 20 other lovely designers and journalists for a holiday lunch and then a "Holiday Romp" in Soho.  Veronika Miller of Modenus brought us together sponsors who offered us delicious food, cocktail party and discounts at a variety of shops throughout Soho.  Did I mention the proceeds went to a fabulous cause?  Yes, to Hurricane Sandy victims, and the idea was also to support local shops after this devastating hurricane.  Soho is chock-filled with small, curio shops offering up local artisan made products.  We walked the cobblestone streets making our way to each one.  

We tasted food prepared by brand new chef, Victor LaPlaca, formerly from Olives restaurant at the stylish Mondrian's Isola restaurant. The hotel was designed by Benjamin Noriega, the restaurant and hotel was created and inspired by the story of the Beauty and the Beast.

Then we romped...

great shopping...I am crazy for this Missoni linens and bedding. Then, onto Michele Varian at 27 Howard Street.

Michele Varian works tirelessly to create a beautifully

edited and stylized space that changes daily. I added Michele's sea urchin salt cellar

to the top of my Holiday Shopping List post

and yesterday I picked it up for a close friend

Next,  Haus Interiors at

250 Elizabeth Street

a cozy shop that offers a lil' country in the middle of an urban area they make their own collection of scented candles - the smell permeates the shop

And, onto Matter at 405 Broom Street

 if a shop can be cool, then Matter is the coolest, hippest
guy in town.  Offering a variety of artisan made furniture and lighting pieces, each one more unique and eclectic than the next

a little catching up at

Bobby Berk's stylish shop

Did I mention that Bobby Berk himself (pictured above) is the warmest, most congenial host?  I have had the pleasure of being invited into his shop a couple of times now for cocktails, and he always makes you feel completely at ease.  He is just about to launch his own line, so stay tuned folks.  From the interesting artistic platters and trays to his hilarious sheet collection (and very risque) Bobby offers up style and quality with a witty bent. 

Thanks to Veronika Miller and generous hosts 

Liebherr, Capital and KBIS!

Happy Holidays

and Happy Nesting

XO Tamara