37 Secret Sources

In our relentless search for the good stuff—cocktail dresses, competent shoe repair, sliced-to-order smoked salmon, and bargains, bargains, bargains—we frequently find ourselves on Metro North. After all, if you want the best and not just “the best of what’s here,” you have to trek to the city, right? Wrong! Here at The WAG, we’re fortunate to have columnists on fashion, food, and shopping who know what “best” truly means and where to find it right here at home. These are their secret sources.

Jené Luciani, Fashion & Beauty Editor
I’m constantly on the hunt for the newest and best finds out there, to report back to all of you, our loyal readers. Whether it’s the top trends right off the runways of New York, Paris, and Milan, or the hottest new wrinkle creams, in the realm of fashion and beauty, no stone goes unturned. But I also call Westchester County home, so I have selfish reasons for finding the best that’s available to county residents. From brows to bras, here are some of my favorite stops!

Oasis Westchester
50 Livingstone Ave., Dobbs Ferry, 409-1900.
It’s safe to say, I’m more particular about my brows than most. For many years, I plucked myself into oblivion, until I was left with two ridiculous looking thin lines. A friend convinced me to let them grow out and start waxing, which I did, until suddenly I realized they were being waxed away into those same thin lines. Now, I keep them natural looking with just an occasional “shaping” when needed. Jinju Choi at Oasis Westchester makes a sometimes painful beauty chore a pleasant experience. First, she artfully shapes unruly brows with a combination of waxing and plucking and then soothes the area with a cool, wet compress, so you don’t leave looking like a lobster. She finishes the treatment with a mini neck and shoulder massage.

Dorothy Stein
707 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale, 723-6111.
Your faithful fashion and beauty editor is also the author of a book about bras that’s being released later this year! The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra (BenBella Books, December 2009, available now for pre-order on Amazon.com), is an all-encompassing guide to the accessory and necessity women fear yet need the most—the bra! Throughout my research, I’ve learned that most women are wearing the wrong bra size and are too afraid to do something about it. The first step is getting a professional fitting, and trying on many different styles to see what fits you best! While our area’s department stores and chain stores like Victoria’s Secret offer a great selection with professional fittings, I also happen to really like the service and selection at Dorothy Stein of Scarsdale. Owner Linda Ruby has been in business for more than 20 years and certainly knows her stuff. Best of all, they boast more than 100 bra styles from sizes 32AA to 46H (very important since many of us are in those “hard-to-find” sizes). They also offer alterations for that truly “custom” fit.

Lord & Taylor
750 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale, 723-7700.
While I love to shop in all the boutiques, I’m definitely a fan of our area’s department stores. I like Neiman Marcus for work attire (those Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dresses seem to get the most use), Bloomingdale’s for fun jeans and tops, and Saks for shoes. But it’s Lord & Taylor that really seems to have it all. From makeup selection to a specific piece of jewelry to complement an outfit to dresses for special occasions, that is always my first stop. I’ve headed to their extensive dress shop downstairs an hour before a big event, and walked away with the perfect cocktail dress for the evening, on sale no less (oh yes, did I mention their sales are amazing and those coupons are key?).

Depot Cleaners
2 Depot Place, Scarsdale, 723-1175.
As a fashion editor, you can only imagine my clothes mean a lot to me. And boy, have I been burned before! I’ve picked up my most coveted items from the dry cleaners only to discover the color has faded or a belt is missing that simply can’t be replaced. But Depot Cleaners, right next to the Scarsdale train station, cares for your clothes as if they are their own! I recently brought in a Diane Von Furstenberg dress that had been dropped in a muddy puddle. They not only cleaned it like new, but owner Robert Collarile actually brought it home so he could personally soak out the spots. Depot also offers on-site tailoring services. Seamstress Maria Duarte is an expert at altering nearly every article of clothing. As someone who’s 5-foot-9, I’m constantly taking down the hems on pants to increase the length. She’s even altered my bras for me! Manager Mike Manuele offers a delivery service for added convenience.

Spiro Catchechis, Stylist
As a stylist, I am responsible for the total look of my clients. Sometimes, my job is as simple as finding just the right dress and accessories for a red carpet appearance, but more often than not, I’m a problem solver. Whether she’s unhappy with her hips, her wrinkles, or just her shoe closet, every woman could use a little help. That’s where I come in. In addition
to sharing my secret sources, I use my aesthetic judgment to help my clients make the right choices. My philosophy is that a great stylist never lets you look overdone—that includes fashion, fillers, and face-lifts.

Occhicone Fine Leather Goods
42 N. Main St., Port Chester, 937-6327.
This is my trusted source for leather repair. Besides shoes, they redo luggage, expensive bags, and belts with amazing results. I usually find at least two dozen shoes in the worst condition hidden in the back of my clients’ closets. It’s such a horrible waste because you’d be amazed at what a good shoe repair service can do! Dress shoes with missing stones are easily fixed. A little shoe polish can buff away most nicks. I recently had a pair of nude-colored shoes dyed black for a client and she thought I purchased a new pair.

Dolores Tailoring
185 N. Main St., #A, Port Chester, 690-1455.
Dolores and her team are miracle workers. The difference between a so-so garment and a magnificent dress is the fit! But why stop with just alterations? Pleated pants can be made into flat-front versions. Take a ball gown and taper the skirt and you’ve suddenly got a new dress! Add fabric and remodel a strapless gown into a new, one-shoulder Michele Obama statement. Alter a long gown into a cocktail dress or repurpose the top of a gown as a fantastic blouse! Really, once you’ve found a good dressmaker, the possibilities are endless!

SunQuest
189 N. Main St., Port Chester, 939-1818.
If you need a little color, the most natural-looking spray tan is available here. If you’d rather do it yourself, the other option is tanning towels—disposable wipes with the self-tanner already on them—they really do work! Purchase them online through
www.HSN.com

Dermablend
Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, or online at www.dermablend.com
If you’ve got severe, dark, under-eye circles, the only solution is Dermablend Quick-Fix concealer. It really works and it stays put. It even survives an intense workout.

Rye Personal Training
275 Purchase St., Rye, 921-2626.
Directed by Michael Wholtman, a trainer I work with and recommend. Mike mixes up training with nutritional tips and you get results. I know because I did!

Strata Health Club
4 Gannett Dr., Lobby Suite, West Harrison, 694-4656.
Another Michael Wholtman entity, this is the health club equivalent of a boutique hotel. It has a sleek design, great equipment, and knowledgeable trainers.

Static
180 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, 997-2600.
This is my favorite Westchester salon. They have perfected the art of providing a great atmosphere, customized service, and fabulous results. I love their skincare, too. Although I live in Manhattan, it’s worth the trip to see Julie. She does the most amazing chemical peel with very little down time and unbelievable results.

Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester
3 Renaissance Square, White Plains, 946-5500.
I treated myself to a spa day at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester and it was a great place to relax in the middle
of a hectic city! After the spa, I stopped in to...

Diana Heimann Jewelry Salon
Diana Heimann’s jewelry salon in the lobby (467-5880).
She really has wonderful things and glamorous clientele. While I was there, I met a very chic lady who was redesigning a ring. Spa, jewels, and fashion! What a wonderful break from reality!

Geoff Kalish, M.D., WAG’s food and wine columnist
It seems that most foodies will travel just about anywhere for prized culinary delights. White truffle season brings a surge to the population of Italy’s Piedmont region in early fall; a two-hour journey to sample exceptional bouillabaisse is not uncommon in the South of France; and barbecue aficionados think nothing of crossing multiple state lines in search of that perfect rack of ribs. And while to some, cost is not an option, for most of us, a bargain is a bargain is a bargain. Happily, Westchester foodies can find a number of sensibly priced, palate-pleasing pleasures without ever leaving the area code. What follows is my top area sources for affordable food, wine, and wine-related items.

La Tulipe
455 Lexington Ave., Mt. Kisco, 242-4555.
In the category of decadent desserts, French macaroons rank up there with classic crème brûlée. Invented by Frenchman Pierre Ladurée in the early 20th century, this delicacy consists of two small rounds of meringue held together by a silky cream center. For less than $20 a dozen, this tiny shop routinely offers at least four addictive flavors (café, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry) that somehow retain their moisture for at least a few days.

Scaglio’s Market
127 Katonah Ave., Katonah, 232-9444.
As a cost-conscious alternative to pricey rack of lamb, butterflied, boneless leg of lamb rubbed with garlic and rosemary remains one of our favorite summertime barbecue items. While many shops sell the whole leg, Scaglio’s routinely offers smaller portions. Also, we have found the domestic lamb usually offered here tastes far better than the pre-frozen variety imported from New Zealand.

Dodd’s Liquor City
230 Saw Mill River Rd. (Millwood Shopping Ctr.), Millwood, 762-5511.
Dodd’s doesn’t stock the largest selection of wine in the county and the wine isn’t particularly well displayed among its somewhat cramped aisles. However, what Dodd’s has going for it are the high quality of the majority of wines offered
and the price at which they are sold. In fact, in general, if Dodd’s carries a particular bottle, it’s going to be hard to beat the price elsewhere. And for those who know what they want and can’t find it, Dodd Farber will usually be able to order it and have it delivered, generally at no extra charge.

The Wine Enthusiast
333 N. Bedford Rd., Mt. Kisco, 218-9260.
Recently relocated here from Eastview, this one-stop shop for a wide range of wine accessories carries one of the largest, best-priced selections of Riedel glasses. And for most of us, it’s not necessary to pony up $100 a glass for the difficult to clean behemoths from the Sommelier Series when the “all purpose/everyday” glass will do just fine at less than $10 a stem.

Stew Leonard’s
1 Stew Leonard Dr., Yonkers, 375-4700.
Is your morning toast suffering the effects of a down economy? Upgrade from the mass market jams and jellies with the far superior alternative, Sarabeth’s Spreadable Fruit. While it’s normally a splurge (priced elsewhere between $10 and $12.95 a jar), this super supermarket carries the very popular Peach-Apricot combination and usually a few other varieties at about half the price.

Tarry Lodge
18 Mill St., Port Chester, 939-3111.
This newly opened, very popular establishment wins the award for serving the area’s most wantonly wicked pasta, pumpkin ravioli. It was love at first bite and I’m not a big fan of pumpkin.

The Polish Deli
225 Nepperhan Ave., Yonkers, 476-1183.
In addition to its bestseller, potato pierogi, this shop sells a wide range of hard-to-find Polish sausages. Our preference is the cabanosa, a thin, long, dry variety made from pork and beef, lightly seasoned and smoked. It’s great at room temperature as a snack and spectacular on pizza.

Mt. Kisco Seafood
477 Lexington Ave., Mt. Kisco, 241-3113.
Not the shop you’d think of for exceptional beef, fowl, and game, but for the past few years this trend-setting seafood store has also offered top-flight butcher items. Two of our favorites are the meaty duck breasts (perfect for grilling) and the lean pork tenderloins.

Lulu Cake Boutique
40 Garth Rd., Scarsdale, 722-8300.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Ebinger’s blackout cake (chocolate fudge cake with layers of chocolate pudding and chocolate frosting) was a staple around my house. Unfortunately, Ebinger’s bakery closed its doors more than 30 years ago and supermarket versions of this gut-busting dessert can’t hold a candle to the original. Thank goodness for Lulu’s nostalgic recreation! Some say it outshines the original but if for some bizarre reason it fails to impress, there are at least 10 other chocolate delicacies to try.

Mt. Kisco Smokehouse
520 Lexington Ave., Mt. Kisco, 244-0702.
Owned by Colombian brothers Harold, William, and Hernan Hurtado, this is not only the top place in the county for smoked delicacies like lox, sturgeon, and whitefish, but also an excellent resource for gourmet cheese. While the selection is not overwhelming, the quality is excellent. Try the Etorki, a sheep-milk cheese from the French Basque region, or logs of Boucheron, an aged, partially dried goat-milk cheese.

Seema Boesky, Bargain Shopper, Extraordinaire and WAG Columnist
In today’s economy, even those who can afford to pay full price are looking for bargains. Not willing to compromise on quality, I search for stores where I can buy great items for less. Consignment shops are my favorite hunting grounds and I’ve been buying from them for 25-plus years. They don’t just stock used clothing and accessories.

I often find new merchandise, with tags still attached, mixed in with gently used items. My closet overflows with vintage Chanel, Hermes, Prada, Lainey Keogh (one of Jackie Kennedy’s favorite designers), and other coveted designer names, but rarely have I paid retail prices. I only buy items that are new or in perfect condition and of course, it isn’t a bargain if it doesn’t fit. Once they’re mine, keeping my treasures pristine allows me to re-sell them later, recouping some of my cost. Now, that’s smart shopping! Shopaholics, here are my recommendations for getting your fix—at great prices.

If you plan to shop, call ahead for an appointment and bring your designer items in great condition to consign. Be prepared for rejection, nearly half of what I bring is turned down. The next time you shop, you might just do it free if your things have sold. I beg the stores not to send me checks for items sold; I prefer using my profits as credit towards my next shopping spree! Here are my favorite consignment shops:

Penny Pincher
709 Bedford Rd., Bedford Hills, 241-2134.
The best of all the consignment shops ANYWHERE! Melinda, the proprietor, is beautiful and has great taste that permeates everything in the store. Join her mailing list and shop early during sales when you will find bargains galore. Both new and consignment women’s designer clothing and accessories are found here, often from the current season, plus a terrific array of home furnishings. Both real and costume jewelry are special and there are one-of-a-kind items as well as superb selection in every category.

Katonah Consignment Shop
276 Katonah Ave. (at the Katonah Shopping Center), Katonah, 232-4281.
This is a relatively new, tiny shop focusing on quality, not quantity. On my last visit, I found a selection of new, well-priced JR Morrissey clothing, Burberry, Theory, Norma Kamali, and other designers, as well as some one-of-a kind-items. I believe this shop will keep improving with time.

Consigned Couture
134 Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT, (203) 869-7795.
Owner Dolly Ledingham-Savage has great style and taste, which explains why one finds top quality here. On a recent visit I saw more Louis Vuitton bags than are displayed at Louis Vuitton! Other top designers on display included Hermes, Chanel, Loro Piana, and Ralph Lauren. There was also an abundance of furs. Prices are a bit high, so look for sales. Perhaps Greenwich folks aren’t feeling the recession like those of us on the Westchester side of the border?

Elegance II
75 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua, 238-3341.
Handbag central! Although they have consigned clothing, the real draw is the designer bags, all in excellent condition. As I write, they have four Hermes (no Birkins, but owner Babette does get them) and plenty of Chanel.

Consigned Designs
115 Mason St., Village Square, Greenwich, CT, (203) 869 2165.
Gucci, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and many more designers are available here. Reasonable home furnishings are next door at another consignment shop, making this a worthwhile trip. I’ve purchased great buys at both shops over the years.

Roundabout
48 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT, (203) 552-0787.
A mix of consignment and more new merchandise is offered here, all beautifully displayed. Their selections are luxurious and more high fashion than the other shops mentioned, with the largest selection of Chanel clothing anywhere. They have two other shops, so finding the same item in a different size or color is a possibility.

Catherine Censor,Opinionated Editor-in-Chief
As an editor, I’m not an expert on anything, but like a bear perched over a salmon run I’ve got the advantage
of position. A lot of good information swims by my desk. If something is good, I will usually find it faster than the average bear.

BMW Mt. Kisco
250 Kisco Ave., Mt. Kisco, 241-4444.
My pre-owned 325 convertible is my baby. Luckily, it’s just a car or I’d be behind bars for child abuse. When I lost the external temperature gauge by scraping the underside of the front bumper on a curb (a casualty of head-in parking), they picked up the car from my driveway, replaced the part, and returned my car, freshly washed, by dinner. I could have opted for a loaner car or, had I cared to stay and wait, I’d ensconce myself in their sleek facility offering WiFi, cappuccino, The New York Times, and CNN on a flat-screen TV.

Stuart Weitzman
125 Westchester Ave., The Westchester, White Plains, 682-1923.
You think finding the perfect pair of shoes is tough? Try finding them in a size 4! I’ve got child-sized feet but big-girl taste. Stuart Weitzman and its can-do store manager, Cary Llaurado, have been my salvation. Cary will scour other Stuart
Weitzman locations for my size and, during twice-yearly trunk shows, she’ll special order sizes 6-12 AAA, 5-12 AA, 4-12 B, and 5-12 C at no additional cost. Best of all, choices aren’t limited to basic pumps or loafers, but include all the fashion-forward styles like platform sandals and jeweled evening shoes.

Robin McCormick Jewelry & Design Studio
26 Valley Road, Katonah, 232-1288.
I broke the back off a vintage costume earring while taking it out of the box. I had owned them for all of five seconds and I was crushed, but who repairs clip-back costume earrings? Zadik Agcaian, the bench jeweler and repair master at this lovely neighborhood jewelry store, that’s who! Ten bucks and one day later, my earrings were good as old.

Best & Co.
289 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT, (203) 629-1743.
As a boy, my father got his first pair of tweed knickers at the original, venerated Best & Co. in Manhattan. Today, the resurrected brand’s Greenwich flagship tempts my Manhattan-dwelling sister with its “grandparent bait” clothing for boys and girls. Her young, Dalton-going tots look spiffy in madras shorts, cashmere knits, and precious, embroidered pique dresses. Unfortunately, my 10-year-old daughter wouldn’t be caught dead in this stuff, even when plied with crepes from nearby...

Meli-Melolo
362 Greenwich Ave., 203-629-6153.
Rather than arguing whether flip-flops count as shoes, my daughter and I argue whether the Nutella crepes count as lunch. I let her win when she offers to share.

Boo Girls
151 Katonah Ave., 232-8078.
Where teens, ‘tweens, and moms who could pass for them stock up on hot and trendy clothing like peace-sign studded hoodies by Butter.

Pamela Robbins
The antidote to suburban frumpiness! There are three different Pamela Robbins boutiques in Scarsdale representing three different price points: a high-end location (7 Harwood Court, 472-4033) selling designers such as Chloe, Lanvin, Balenciaga; Moschino, a mid-range collection right across the street (10 Chase Rd. 472-9033); and a “warehouse” (around the corner from 7 Harwood) offering discounted merchandise from the two other locations. On my last visit to the mid-level store, I fell in love with a perfect leather jacket and a pair of flat sandals adorned with feathers and ankle-wrapping straps.

Z-Life Denim Lounge
The Rye Ridge Shopping Center, 138 B South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, 937-5433.
Yes, I’m a mom but no, I won’t wear “mom jeans.” Z-Life stocks all my faves: 7 For All Mankind, AG, Earnest Sewn, and lots more. The vintage Rolexes sold here are drool-worthy but a fragrant Dayna Decker candle with signature crackling wick (it sounds like a wood-burning fire!) is a more affordable indulgence.

Captions: top to bottom: Marie Jo’s Avero in color geisha mint. Dorothy Stein, Scarsdale; Layered bangles with charms, 18K gold. Diana Heimann, White Plains; French macaroons flavors are Casis (purple), Citron (yellow), Raspberry (pink), Pistachio (green), Café (light brown), and Chocolate (dark brown). La Tulipe, Mt. Kisco, Photo by Marianne Campolongo; Sarabeth’s Spreadable Fruit Peach-Apricot. Stew Leonard's, Yonkers; Penny Pincher, Bedford Hills, Photo by Carol Piscitelli; Hermes bag with Gucci scarf. Elegance II, Chappaqua; Photo by Marianne Campolongo; Blenny shoe. Stuart Weitzman, White Plains; Best & Co., Greenwich, CT.