There are days when stepping into Bloomingdale’s feels less like shopping and more like entering a festive sanctuary. Yesterday was one of those days.
I began my visit with a stop at the Chloé boutique, where I was greeted by the woman who had helped me with my recent article on vanilla perfume. To my surprise, members of Chloé’s corporate staff were also present, and they graciously thanked me for the piece. It was a moment of connection that reminded me how words can ripple outward, touching both readers and brands.
From there, I wandered through the store, drawn to textures and details. I discovered a silk scarf from Gérard Darel—its elegance impossible to resist—and treated myself to two new caps at Maje: one in corduroy, the other in heavy cotton. Each felt like a small celebration of style, practical yet chic.
The atmosphere was infectious. Salespeople bustled about in jolly moods, and the holiday decorations glowed with warmth, inviting shoppers to linger. Bloomingdale’s was alive with cheer, and I couldn’t help but envy the staff for the joy they bring to people each day. As a funeral director, my own work is steeped in care and solemnity; afternoons like this remind me of the beauty of lightness, of making someone’s day brighter.
I also paused at the Mason Pearson display, where a saleswoman shared that she had owned her brush for more than forty years. That kind of longevity—an object becoming a companion through decades—felt like a quiet testament to quality and ritual. By the time I left, I realized this wasn’t just shopping. It was a respite, a reminder of how spaces filled with beauty, kindness, and festivity can restore the spirit. Bloomingdale’s gave me one of my favorite afternoons, a blend of glamour and joy that lingers long after the bags are unpacked
Mackenzie Childs is a brand that I’m seeing everywhere, and I love it. It’s so eye-catching and cheerful. The pieces really brighten up a kitchen.
Isn’t this Puppy Placemat the cutest thing?
Alexandra Kathryn Mosca -- Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey 
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