New York's Finest

Takashimaya New York..................the small, exquisite Japanese department store on Fifth Avenue has to be my favorite place to browse and wish I was well-heeled with a few thousand bucks to spare! Their merchandise is so beautiful, I wanted to purchase several items for gifts........and something for myself to remind me of my visit. Fabulous clothing from creative designers in far off lands such as Norway. Household items so beautifully crafted. Quality luggage and travel accessories. Toiletries and cosmetics from the best manufacturers around the world. Baby clothes that make one wish for a little one to spoil. A floral department full of perfumed flowers and wonderful arrangements, and in the basement, the Tea Box Cafe and shop where perfumed teas are blended from elegant boxes lining the sleek wooden shelves.

No photography permitted in the store unfortunately but you can visit their website here to see some of their online offerings.

Takashimaya's signature cream boxes and bags with black silk cords and tassels.

If you enjoy wrapping gifts you will appreciate the way the sales clerks at Takashimaya put their hearts into making your purchases so elegant.........you don't ever want to unwrap them! They take your items, disappear for several minutes, then present you with simple, but beautifully shaped, folded boxes and bags containing your purchases. Inside the boxes lovely tissue papers are pleated and folded................I think that the packaging often costs more than the item inside!

My treasured bar of Cote Bastide soap from Provence, wrapped in a simple cream triangular box with bronze pleated tissue paper.

If you take a trip to New York City be sure to visit here. Takashimaya is quite different from the hustle and bustle of the usual department store..........an elegant, peaceful oasis you will really enjoy.