Holiday Guide: Greenwich Village

Philip Crangi Flagship

9 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014

www.philipcrangi.com

He’s been in the jewelry business for eight years, but nine seems to be Philip Crangi’s lucky number. Working closely with his sis and CEO Courtney Crangi, the CFDA winner finally opened his flagship store at 9 Ninth Avenue next to lush luncher Pastis. Evoking the old-world elegance of his Giles & Brother line and his quirky mustachioed character, pressed tin ceilings and moss-colored walls surround fancy knick-knacks and Crangi’s collection of rare books. The 200 square-foot shop is actually an extension of Crangi’s living and work studio, so after your Pastis repast, take a peek into the master’s den.

The Bathroom

94 Charles Street, New York, NY 10014

212.929.1449, www.inthebathroom.com

Having vanity is no longer a bad thing. Greenwich Village is home to the bathroom counter’s best friend filled with all the luxuries every medicine cabinet needs. Fashioned after the charming English apothecaries found in owner Colin Heywood’s native London, the Bathroom houses an astonishing assortment of the most recognized labels in bath accoutrements, as well as some of the most hard-to-find labels in skin care. With a gracious staff (who have been known to correctly suggest skin remedies before dermatologists) and a fine selection of products from allover the world, when you look into the mirror on the wall, you just may be the fairest of them all.

Three Lives Bookshop

154 W. 10th Street, New York, NY 10014

212.741.2069, www.threelives.com

The little bookshop that could, Three Lives, has been cited as a “pocket of civility,” surviving the dawn of the Internet, mass booksellers and electronic readers. The tiny shop, tucked into a charming street corner, prides itself on being the quintessential neighborhood hangout. With a loyal staff (a true cast of characters in itself) and a selection of books you won’t find at Barnes & Noble, it’s a place where a New York-minute blissfully transforms into an hour.

A Season For Giving

Simply put, there is not a more exquisite venue in Manhattan than The Four Seasons, and the breathtaking Pool Room Terrace was the setting for hosts Phillip Bloch, Jennifer Creel, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Albert Maysles, Christophe de Menil, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Renée Rockefeller, Susan Shin, Mary Alice Stephenson and Lucy Sykes Rellie to showcase a special screening of Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur’s “A Passion For Giving.” The 50 minute documentary feature film by Robin Baker Leacock illustrated the importance of giving, whether on a grand scale or in a simple act of kindness, through poignant vignettes and visuals featuring personalities such as Dan Ackroyd, Richard Branson, Donna Karan, Russell Simmons, and Bill Gates.

Robin Baker Leacock, Barry Kieselstein-Cord, Karen Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Guests such as Lisa Anastos, Marisa Arredondo,Maggie Betts, Geoffrey Bradfield, Henry Buhl, Christine Cachot, Kipton Cronkite, Katherine Cohen, Lauren Ezersky, Elizabeth Fekkai, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Kalliope Karella, Barry and Karen Kieselstein-Cord, Lady Sharon Sondes, Tracy Stern, Sonja Tremont Morgan, Edward Tricomi and Joel Warren all gathered to celebrate.  Favorite couple Lucy Sykes Rellie and Euan Rellie were delighted when I brought over my guest, Natasha Allsopp – “I brought a Brit!” – and the three chatted like old friends.  I spotted Emanuel Ungaro’s Asim Abdullah with sensational designer Thuy Diep –  PinkMemo’s next guest of honor at December’s Fashion Dish cocktail – and the always talented Catherine Malandrino catching up with Phillip Bloch.

Catherine Malandrino, Pialy Aditya, Thuy Diep

Fay Ann Lee, Phillip Bloch

Euan Rellie, Lucy Sykes Rellie

Patrick McMullan snaps Tracy Stern and Emma Snowdon-Jones

The air was heady with the scent of Solerno candles and all guests hushed as the lights dimmed….