Hi all

Unfortunately I had some dramas on my trip to NYC. My husband became ill on the day I posted the riding jacket. We initially thought it was a travellers stomach bug and he lay down to rest for the day. But in the evening things escalated. He collapsed in the shower and then fainted when I tried to help him out. I called the hotel doctor but ended up calling 911 when things got even worse. It was all incredibly stressful but the more so for being alone in a foreign country.

Anyhow, good news, he is better now. The doctor thinks he had a particularly nasty virus. He was probably susceptible because of the long flight, jet lag, change of seasons, change of environment etc.

First and foremost I am of course relieved and happy that he is ok.

But we did lose days of our holiday while he was sick in bed and I stayed at the hotel to nurse him. When he recovered he wasn’t too keen on doing anything that involved a lot of standing or staying out too long. So we took it easy. Luckily we’ve both been to NYC before so we didn’t have a checklist of “must sees”. We still enjoyed the city, especially on the last few days of the holiday when he was feeling better.

I did do some shopping. More than I planned because it was as an easy short outing while my husband was resting at the hotel. There might have been a few self pity purchases

I managed to go to Housing Works, the charity operated thrift store recommended by Shevia. Lots of interesting bric a brac. My husband loved it! He got a really cool world globe made from crystal. I got a velvet top from Theory for $22.

I also visited Peruvian Connection. Sorry Gryffin, they didn’t have the velvet jacket but I did get a dress. See pic.

I ended up taking back the Nic + Zoe riding jacket. I suddenly went off it. I think it might have been the association with the day my husband fell ill (which frankly was one of the most stressful in my life).

Here are a few pics of what I bought (wib) and what I wore. It might seem strange buying things from Zara when we have Zara in Australia. But Australian stock differs from US stock and in the circumstances I couldn’t be bothered cross checking availability.

Pics 1-2 (wib): Ann Taylor top with Zara skirt. I liked the colour of the AT top and the fact that the V of the wrap sits high (flattering for us flat chested gals). The skirt is asymmetrical and floral (tick, tick). It is poly (not ideal for me but I wont be wearing it in summer). The whole outfit cost less than $50. I will wear this with boots in spring.

Pics 3-4 (wib): 2 x Zara tops in rust and ivory. I like the fact that these are a cotton/linen/viscose mix (all linen can wrinkle too much; all cotton can feel stiff and look matte). These are nice and long for wearing with skinnies. 3/4 length sleeves that can be rolled. Slightly slubby texture that still has some sheen.

Plus Eileen Fisher sandals. I had admired these for some time on forum members. Feel like sneakers but look like sandals.

Pic 5 (wib): Sultanabad dress from Peruvian Connection.

Pic 6 (wiw): BR knit top posted previously, which I wore straight away.

Pic 7 (wiw): BR striped skirt posted previously, which I wore straight away.

Pics 8-13: around NYC, including pics from the Heavenly Bodies exhibit at the Met. It’s started me thinking about a Byzantine theme, maybe for next Fall/Winter.