Old School

Many years ago I remember watching a show about New York City and interesting spots to tour. This was long before I had ever been to New York, so was fascinated. I remember specifically two places mentioned. The first was a spot called The Tenement Museum. The Tenement is a New York City Museum that tells the stories of immigrants who lived in 97 Orchard Street, a tenement built in 1863 on Manhattan's Lower East Side.I visited this spot on my second trip ever to NYC in the late 1990's. At the time, it was less promoted and was run mostly by curators who served double duty as tour guides. It was one of the most fascinating tours I've ever taken. The curators were so passionate about their work and the information they provided gave us a complete history of New York City with stories about the dwelling's inhabitants. It was truly amazing and I highly recommend this museum as a NYC must see. It's down in the Lower East Side near the Bowery, an area that has been booming with eclectic little shops and eateries in the last five years or so. Nearby the museum on Houston is Katz's Deli, home of the world's largest and BEST pastrami on rye. I'm just sayin'.....

The other, more bridal blog worthy segment of the show was about M&S Schmalberg, an amazing manufacturer of custom fabric flowers. I was reminded of the show after perusing Martha Stewart Weddings Idea of the Day "Colorful Gowns." She featured a MOYNA clutch, gorgeous Louboutins and a flower by M&S Schmalberg.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

According to the show and their website, "through a delicate hand made process, using your fabric or ours, along with hundreds of antique tools and dyes, we can create anything from a petal to a cascading garland of flowers and leaves. Custom shading and hand painting is available for that special design." Check out some their amazing pieces!