Buttons and Spices and Beers, Oh My

I took a trip to the Garment District to go button shopping yesterday.  It can be a dangerous mission when you have a little money in your wallet.  I concentrated on the 2 block area on 38th and 39th Streets between 7th and 8th Avenues---you can't walk 10 feet without running into a trimming, fabric or notions shop.  The windows are all so colorful and appealing...they literally look like a candy shop, and I, the proverbial kid.

I don't sew, but the fabric store windows are so lovely:

I was restrained, and only bought a few types of small buttons that will be considered for my completed Baby Surprise Jacket (if I ever finish it).  

The stores I enjoyed the most were Daytona Trimmings at 251 W. 39th Street (buttons, ribbons, zippers, and a very pleasant woman at the cash register), Pacific Trimmings at 218 W. 38th Street (buttons everywhere, and lots of purse handles--note to self for future projects) and Top Trimmings at 228 W. 39th Street (lots of ribbons, beads and jewelry making stuff--I bought some beading wire to fix a vintage necklace I picked up at a flea market a couple weeks ago).

I then moved on to meet some friends for a drink to kick off Memorial Day weekend:

But wait, one more thing.  On my way to the bar, I stopped at International Foods on 9th Avenue to pick up a few spices.  This place is equally as colorful as the button and fabric stores, but gets extra points because it smells good too!

All in all a great afternoon.  Reminds me of why I love living in NYC!