Shopping for Perfection

These are the ramblings of a shopper on the road. I am writing tonight from New York City. I arrived yesterday afternoon, and have set today and tomorrow aside to shop for specific projects. How many times have I heard from friends or clients (before they know better) how much fun these expeditions must be?

Immediately they envision…..well, I’m not certain what they envision, but I gather from the glimmer in their eye and the wistful tone in their voice that they are reading from a very different script than the one in front of me. Not that I would trade places or give my job away, for I love what I do far too much, but I wonder how many would care to keep up with this designer on a mission.

First the broad parameters: I am shopping for four projects on this trip. I have furniture plans with design concepts in my briefcase and lists of needed items filed in my memory. Antique furniture (the backbone of most rooms) fill these lists, along with lighting (new or old), accessories and art.

I know the size and scale of the pieces I’m hoping to find (the plans are my backup in case of a brain freeze) and I’ve got two days (14 hours as most dealers open at 10 and close at 5) to locate two or three options (I always give clients choices) for just over 40 pieces.

The numbers breakdown, today, like this: 4 shops in Tribeca (were I am staying on this trip) and then to the Upper East Side where I visit over 25 dealers. I had power bars for lunch (and a Diet Coke or two) walked and cab’d (Lexington and 43nd up to 3rd and 62nd) and ended my day with images of about 30 interesting pieces in my shoulder bag or emailed to the office.

The dealers I saw are wonderful people, many of whom I could spend hours with, but there isn’t enough time so we chat while I shop, then I dash. We know we will see each other again, soon.

Tomorrow is another day.

Write and tell me about your favorite shopping expedition or ideas for shopping trip success?