Hello lovelies! Cherie here.
Before we start today's fun post on the Plaza ...
congratulations to the following Glamorous Girlfriend:
Ruby at Ruby's Musings!
You are the winner of last week's
Margarita Bloom giveaway,
All eligible girlfriends were given a number
in the order of their comment
and the winning number was chosen
by a random number generator.
Ooh La Frou Frou will be in contact with you.
Thanks very much to everyone that participated ...
there will be many more fun opportunities in the future
made available exclusively
to the Glamorous Girlfriends ...
stay tuned!
Now to today's post ...
Lately I've been in a ... Plaza kind of mood.
You know the kind, don't you?
The kind of mood when you crave
a little pampering.
A little luxury.
A little fantasy.
Perhaps a little mint on your pillow at night.
So, for this Ooh La Frou Frou post, I thought ...
why not a fantasy afternoon
with our glamorous girlfriends?
Even sophisticated girls like us
could have fun being grown-up versions of Eloise for a day,
with nothing more pressing to do
than "slomping" around the Plaza alllllllll afternoon, no?
And if you can't pretend to be Eloise with
Ooh La Frou Frou ...
who can you pretend to be Eloise with, that's what I ask!
So, I thought I'd meet you today just outside
the Plaza Hotel here in the city ...
and we could all virtually head into the hotel
and hang out luxuriously, being each other's
"Mostly Companions"
for this little glamorous spring escapism.
for this little glamorous spring escapism.
It was once said that
"nothing unimportant ever happens at the Plaza ..."
so, aren't you glad you came?
I do have one named Luxe,
and as luck would have it,
small dogs are welcomed at the Plaza,
so let's go inside!
But before we skibble in ...
the Plaza underwent
an approximate $400 million
top-to-bottom restoration
from 2002 to 2007,
taking it from hotel only to
hotel and luxury pied-a-terres
on the upper floors ...
and it's fabulous, girls ...
I so loved it before and I so love it now!
One of the things I loved about the Plaza
before the restoration
was how grand the main lobby was ...
that original entrance and lobby off 59th Street
is now PRIVATE, available only to
the oh-so-lucky PIED-A-TERRE owners.
Do you not LOVE the original elevators?
The NEW main lobby for the HOTEL portion of the Plaza
is now off Fifth Avenue ... c'mon, let's go in!
Are you feeling more pampered already,
just being in this beautiful space?
I am!
If you look up from where we're standing in the lobby,
you can see Assouline Books ...
And if we head up the marble stairs ...
we'll find ourselves at
The Rose Club
where we could order something
from The Rose Club Menu if we were feeling
tired tired tired
and found ourselves lying on the lobby floor
with our feet propped on the registration desk, moaning
"Oh my lord I am so busy busy busy,
I don't know how I can possibly get everything done!"
Just sayin' ... but, of course, that's not what we're doing!
Let's head back down to the lobby,
and stop by the Plaza Champagne Bar looking out over
Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain,
where we can build up our strength for the rest of our tour
by ordering a cup of fine coffee and fresh-baked pastries ...
or ...
a glass of the finest champagne
alongside mother-of-pearl spoons holding caviar.
Oh .... and charge it please. Thank you very much.
This is what I like:
To stop by fancy powder rooms
for a little spritz spritz spritz of perfume.
This is what I also like:
The famed Eloise portrait
hanging in the Plaza.
The new rooms, suites and pied-a-terres are
very elegant, indeed, at the Plaza ...
they all have 24-karat accessories in the bathrooms
for just a start ...
Some suites and pied-a-terres look over the
interior courtyard ... some even have Juliet balconies.
Eloise would get into a lot of trouble here.
Did you know that if you rent a suite you get a butler?
Yes, it's true.
He'll open your curtains in the morning and bring you coffee.
If you're rawther tired
and would like him to run a bawth for you,
he will.
It's probably good because we run our feet off for lords sake.
The Plaza has made it easy to imagine
living in one of the Plaza pied-a-terres ...
notice the 59th Street lobby with the elevators now ...
Okay, time's up!
Let's skip down to the
gorgeous Palm Court for high tea ...
then we'll do a little shopping in The Plaza Shops.
We'll order one of everything!
Let's buy some of these and these for sure without fail ...
and take one quick peep into the Eloise At The Plaza Boutique ...
There's also an Eloise Suite so little darlings can stay at the Plaza
in true Eloise style .. designed by Betsey Johnson.
Whew!
Well, we've truly spent a fun imaginary afternoon at The Plaza, darlings.
And there's so much more than we could talk about in one post!
We haven't even practiced our dance moves in the
Grand Ballroom!
Thanks for joining us for another week of
Ooh La Frou Frou ... where life is always glamorously fun ...
remember, when you have imagination ...
To read a January 1957 McCalls article
on Kay Thompson and Hillary Knight
and how Eloise came to be, go here.
Image and artwork credits and (via) starting at the top of the post:
Plaza video at top of post brought to us by The Plaza via
1. and 2. Illustrations: "Meet Me at the Plaza" key ring
and Cherie in the picture frame
by Sandra Markwalder, artist and creator of
Ooh La Frou Frou.
(c)Ooh La Frou Frou - all rights reserved.
3. Eloise and Weenie in sunglasses from the book Eloise
Author: Kay Thompson, Illustrator: Hillary Knight
4. Plaza Hotel photograph from Central Park via
5. Plaza Hotel Doorman via
6. Illustration of Cherie and Little Luxe pug outside The Plaza,
by Sandra Markwalder (c) Ooh La Frou Frou ~ all rights reserved.
Background photo edited from files, origin unknown
7. The Plaza 59th Street Lobby Elevators via
8. - 12. Photos 8-12 of new Plaza Hotel lobby,
bookstore and Rose Club via
13. The Plaza Champagne Bar via
14. Illustration of Cherie pointing at Eloise portrait:
Illustration by Sandra Markwalder
(c) Ooh La Frou Frou ~ all rights reserved.
Background photo edited from files, origin unknown
15. The Plaza sink photo via
16. - 17. Photos from The Plaza suites via
18. The Plaza courtyard photo via
19. Plaza Private Residences Video via
20. The Plaza Palm Court photograph via
21. The Palm Court tea photograph via
22. Gifts from The Plaza Boutique photographs via
and edited by Ooh La Frou Frou
23. The Plaza Eloise Boutique photograph via
24. The Plaza Eloise Suite photograph via
25. The Plaza Grand Ballroom photograph via
26. Fountain at The Plaza photograph via
37 comments:
Ooooh, I'm so thrilled that Stephanie at Ruby's Musing won...she so deserves a special treat! What a post!! What a gorgeous glamorous place to go to!! Those golden elevators are amazing...it'd be a treat just to use them let alone stay at the Plaza...giggle...and the height of luxury..a champagne bar...ooh, la, la! LOVE the Eloise suites...so much FUN!!!!! Superb post Cherie! xoxo
Wow! if only it was so easy for me to pop down to the Plaza; what a dream that would be.
Fabulous facts about the refurbishment and loved the images especially the Eloise portrait.
I suddenly feel it's to plan a transatlantic trip!
Why yes, I'd love to meet ya!
What a beautiful place.
Hope your week is FAB!
xo,D
love the plaza. and absolutely love eloise, too!!
thanks for a great post... definitely made my monday a little bit happier!!
Fun moment of escape! Have to love their monogram there too!
xo Cathy
Margarita Bloom: Thank you, darling! We had just as much fun as you on our girly romp through the Plaza! And yes, I'm happy for Ruby that her number was selected ... I let my husband put the number in the number generator and let me now which one was selected! When he said her number, I knew she'd be so excited! I'll place the order and have it sent directly to her as soon as I receive her address today (will place the order sometime this evening as I will be out for most of the day). Have a lovely week, sweet! xoxo
Vanessa@Luxuria: Thanks, lovely! Wouldn't it be fabulous if we could have spent a real-life weekend with our glamorous girlfriends, relaxing, laughing and just having fun? Ahhhh, dreams. But at least we could have a little taste of it today! I was ready to have the gift shipped off to Spain if your number had come up, darling Vanessa. Perhaps next time!! Have a wonderful week! xoxo
Daphne at Flip Flops Pearls: Thanks for meeting us at the Plaza, Daphne!! Sorry your number didn't come up this time, dollie! I was rooting for you all!! When are you leaving for your fun beachy trip??? I hope it's so much fun and relaxing and exciting and ... well, simply the BEST! xoxo
Little Miss Can't Be Wrong: Hi honey! I know, we at Ooh La Frou Frou feel exactly the same ... the Plaza and Eloise hold a special place in our big-girl hearts. What a princess dream to live in the Plaza! At least we got a moment of the fantasy!!! ;) It makes the girls and I smile whenever someone says that Ooh La Frou Frou made their day a happier, as that is EXACTLY what we hope to do with the card line and its blog. Happy feelings all around. Here's wishing that the happiness continues for the rest of the week! Thanks for leaving a comment, sweetie! xoxo
What a wonderful Monday,already my favorite day of the week for so many reasons, one of which is your weekly post. I simply adore Eloise books/movies and this was like taking a virtual vacation of which I so very much needed. But to find out that I also won,well that is just the cherry on the sundae!! Will tweet you will addy.Thank you both !
Just gorgeous... I'm sooo there! What time should we meet?!! xo
I love the Plaza! It's always been my favorite hotel in NYC. And how I would love my own private butler to run the bawth for me at the end of a hard day!
Love your post as always!
xoxo Mary Jo
Oh I'm always up for a little pampering (but usually all my pampering gets done in my mini daydreams). That hotel is absolutely gorgeous! So GRAND and regal! The elevators are amazing, and remind me LV's latest show. And that room by Betsey Johnson reflects her personality so well!
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What a lovely little tour. So glad you enjoyed your cup. I was drinking coffee in spirit with you from my own this morning ~ xox Alexandra
Oh absolutely, let's meet up there, sweetie! This is the most fabulous peak inside the Plaza that I've ever seen. Honestly I haven't been since the renovation unbelievably. I used to go all the time before because I worked right across the street. A visit is definitely long overdue so I'd love to meet you there :) xoxo
Oh, how I love the Plaza! The facelift has given the Plaza new life....and the downstairs is fantastic! My son studied NYC last year in school and created a complete 3D replica of the Plaza....it is the really amazing.
Is that where you like to stay in NY?
xo Elizabeth
I will be waiting on one of the sofas in the lobby sipping a bellini - meet me there for a girlie drink date! Is there anything better than the grandeur of the Plaza??? Le sigh.
This honestly is the best peek into The Plaza! It looks like a palace or a heaven, so so beautiful. I almost regret not going in there when I was visiting NY. That ballroom or the Palm Court, sigh..
How glam! Didn't Catherine Zeta Jones get married there? Lucky woman...
The Plaza is and will always be near and dear to my heart! We got engaged there and also spent our wedding night there as well!
Ah, I'd love to meet for pampering, tea and drinks at the Plaza, so do count me in. Stayed there on a recent business trip to the city. Warmly hope you are all well. XX
Thanks to the following girls for dropping by Ooh La Frou Frou and leaving a comment ... love to read them!!
______________
Debby: I say we should meet anytime our imaginations take us there!! Why put limits on it, right? ;) Thanks for stopping by, lovely! xo
Mary Jo: Oh, yes, my favorite hotel too ... it would be difficult for another hotel to compete with the Plaza! (and I do have a butler to run my bawth darling ... what does it matter that he's in my imagination? ;) xo
Angelica Ng: You're so right on all counts ... it IS very GRAND and the elevators are so gorgeous .. like icing on the cake .. and the Eloise room IS SO Betsey Johnson, isn't it? All that pink and black!! Perfect designer to create it! xo
Coco Coterie: Thank you, sweet. Love that we were both having coffee from our special cups ... almost like sharing a cup together! ;) xo
The Alternative Wife: Lucky you to have worked right across the street and had been able to pop over all the time! I stayed at the Plaza for about a week years ago before the renovation and it was unforgettable!! I love staying at elegant hotels, and this is my favorite. It WOULD be fun to meet all the glamorous girlfriends there for REAL! xo
Pretty Pink Tulips: Hello Elizabeth! WOW ... a 3D replica of the Plaza ... fascinating!!!!!! Must have been a fun project to work on! Yes, the Plaza is my favorite hotel. I stayed there for a week a number of years ago, and it was divine! Love to drop in as often as I can!
Pink Champagne: I'll be looking for you, darling! We'll have the best of times! ;) To me, the grandeur of the Plaza is a dream come true.
Christel, Captivated by Image: Thanks so much, sweetie, for your compliment on the post. Staying at the Plaza is something out-of-this-world, to be sure. Yes ... definitely make it a point to drop in next time you're there! They do tours twice a week! xo
Cafe Bellini: Hi darling! YES, she did! In November of 2000. The wedding took place in the Terrace Room and the reception was held in the Grand Ballroom (the ballroom pictured in the post). They spent their wedding night at the Plaza in the Astor Suite. Can you imagine the ballroom dressed up for that occasion? xo
The Zhush: How very romantic ... I can't imagine anything MORE romantic than that memory for an engagement and wedding night! So wonderful! Thank you for following and becoming one of the Glamorous Girlfriends, darling! Lots of fun to come! xo
Fashion Art and Other Fancies: So glad you stopped by, lovely and thank you for your sweet comment. Lucky you, staying at the Plaza on a business trip! So divine! xo
I simply adore the Plaza. When I was new to NYC I took myself off there for lunch at the champagne bar, but it was so expensive Cherie, so I asked for a bowl of fries with my champagne, which they agreed to, and soaked up the atmosphere whilst I nibbled and sips. What time shall we meet then?
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Style On The Couch: I so adore it too. You're so right ... the prices are a bit ouchy! I was just looking at them in the "menu" section of Plaza.com ;)~ for VERY special occasions, no? But that's the fun of Ooh La Frou Frou ... we can do ANYTHING we desire here ... even order lunch, darling! ;) xo
I would totally live at the Plaza if I could. I'm sure they would not mind me sleeping in their lobby.
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Bonnie: haha ~ I'd live there in a minute too ... wonder if we could learn to sleep with our eyes open so they wouldn't suspect we were dreaming away in the lobby? ;) Thanks for commenting, darling! xo Going to head over to your blog right now!
Such amazing illustrations! and such beautiful photos! so glamorous
xoxo
Miss Neira
Miss Neira: Thank you so much, darling. So happy you could stop by and chat. It's obvious our love for the Plaza here at Ooh La Frou Frou ... it oooooooozes glamour! Have a lovely week! xo
I'm dying to go and to stay in that Eloise suite!!! I'm so excited that my dear friend Ruby won the giveaway. Congrats honey!!!! Great post as usual darlings. Kori xoxo
The Plaza looks amazing! I was living in NYC when they were doing the refurbishments and now I see that it was worth it. Wowza! It looks very European and stunning!
I love your illustrations more and more!
Kori: Hi sweetie! Thank you for your sweet words ... it WOULD be fun to stay in the Eloise suite!! We could truly get into character then! I stayed at the Plaza for a week years ago, before the renovation, and it was like a dream being surrounded by all of the beauty days on end. Imagine living there!
Milla: If you missed being able to see inside when you were in New York, I'm so glad you came along on our girl's tour of the Plaza! Thanks, darling, for your wonderful compliment on the illustrations ... means a lot.
Heart you both!
Oh the Plaza...We wandered past there after shopping at Henri Bendel and I decided that I must stay there at least once!
I love this post, it may very well be my favorite one by the girls :) How glamorous it would be to stroll through the luxurious halls of the Plaza, simply browsing and sipping champagne all afternoon! It's the perfect place for girlfriends!!
XoXo
One Fabulous post and I loved the virtual experience of navigating through The Plaza! Thank you for taking me on a great tour and levitating me to a spectacular and chic moment. xoxo
Kristin: Henri Bendel and the Plaza ... two places dear to my heart!!!! Love Love Love the glamour and the fun of them both! xoxo
Julie: Thanks, sweetie-pie! You're right, I can't think of a more fun girly getaway! Can you imagine? All girls flying to NY, dinner and a play that evening, staying at the Plaza, shopping ALL day the next day for a whirlwind girlfriend weekend! Dream come true!!! xoxo
Fashionista622: Our pleasure, darling! We love levitating our Glamorous Girlfriends to spectacular and chic moments ... just makes life so much more fun, no? Creative visualization works wonders! xoxo
What a fun and beautiful post. I'm not sure which I love more, the beauty of the Plaza or Eloise, but they are both a treat to see. Thrilled to find and follow your blog!
So glad you stopped by, lovely and thank you for your sweet comment.
good post
Thank you so much for stopping by and dropping a line, Tory and Mark (love Tory Burch shoes!) Have a wonderful week!
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