Shopping for jeans, and other things.

Whenever I'm in New York I feel compelled to shop for jeans. Probably something to do with America being the home of traditional workwear and all that. Fortunately, this feeling lasts for approximately half an hour (sometimes I even get to try a pair on) before vanishing like the lights on the Empire State Building at midnight. Give me coffee, lunch or a museum trip any day. Much more edifying than being ignored by young whippersnappers in trendy boutiques - hark at me, it's like the 1960s all over again - sales assistants in Rag & Bone on East Houston, I'm talking to you. Fashion Warning: 'cigarette' is just another term for skinny. And I do not want skinny jeans. Does anyone today? Well, obviously they do because the shops are full of the damn things. And denim leggings. Manufacturers it's not 2005. What's wrong with a classic straight/slim-leg style?

So, when in need of a swift pick-me-up, a trip to John Derian's fabulous store always works wonders. Time for some therapeutic drooling over the NY decoupage expert's lovely nick-nackery and gorgeous ephemera.

But this visit was even more exciting than usual because the thoroughly charming Mr John Derian was there, in person. Here he is playing with his doodahs.

Went in hankering after a paperweight, took one look at JD's globes, and I was captivated. Another pair to add to the collection. The one on the left is a 1960s lunar orb and the one on the right, a pencil sharpener:

No jeans, then. But as my new friend John Derian pointed out, there's always Earnest Sewn in the Meatpacking District. Which means another walk on the fabulous High Line tomorrow.

I'm going to miss this wonderful elevated park when we're back in London.