My New York City you know I love you. You have seen me grown from baby to girl to teenager to adult under many sunsets, sunrises, and moons. So I could not ignore one of my favorite NYC stores celebrating its 150th birthday and anniversary this year in 2022.
I had to be about 10 years old when I officially discovered Macy’s one of the brands connected to Bloomingdales the Herald Square flagship store on 34th street and Bloomingdales department stores. Two household New York City staples that have stood the test of time for a century and a half. They evolve and update with the current year and times. I never thought I would be able to be a part of both stores. I walked in with my mom one day I vividly remember this was fall 1997 and she’s telling me “Go get what you need” and look around the store. I came across a Tommy Hilfiger red, white, and blue comforter in the Macy’s bedding department. I remember this moment because it was a lesson in life on value, worth, and knowing what you’re worth. At first, I remember telling my mom, “It’s too expensive I will get something else”. I felt horrible, badly because it was a named brand item. I told her “No this is too much maybe we should go somewhere else.” My mom took it and we walked out of the store.
She bought it for me anyway and I proudly put it on my twin size mattress at home in my new room. I can’t remember what happened to the bedspread it’s been over two decades but I always remember the lesson. Sometimes in life we deserve to treat ourselves, especially our children, never short-change yourself or your children. Your children are worth every single moment of time, every gift you can afford to give them, and they’re your most valuable assets. Also know that you’re 100 percent worth every cent of that item if you can afford it. She taught me early while going down the streets of Fifth Avenue you see Versace, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci. “Chloe, do not be afraid to ever go into these department stores.” I think she wanted to teach me early do not feel inferior or intimidated. You walk in there proudly and you show them you can afford the item and that you bought it. I think it was a lesson I still carry with me it’s not about materialism it's about your child developing a sense of pride, confidence, and integrity. You will not feel inferior about anything whether you can afford it you can go and browse. Do not feel scared to go into high end stores even if you cannot buy the item that day. Maybe you’re learning a sense of style, class, fashion, or you want to see something beautiful too. It taught me it does not matter if its high end you can still obtain it one day.
So when I passed by a Bloomingdales store one day I was a teenager at this point and went inside with my mom it felt like this amazing a whole different world the moment I arrived. I remember such positive experiences because she took me to check out the MAC Cosmetics lipsticks. Back then MAC had been around close to over a decade and they were crushing sales and booming. I remember seeing Bloomingdales a few times thinking I want to work there. I fell in love with fashion, clothing, reading Vogue, In Style, Elle magazines wanting to emulate everyone’s evening wear and personal style. I knew I am going to work there one day. Well life had a few fun curveballs in the work department for me so I couldn’t be a part of the Bloomingdales family until I earned my stripes it took a long time to get there.
Fall 2014 I signed with Macy’s one day after my 28th birthday and started at their Flushing Queens downtown store in Chinatown. Then fast forward after more administrative jobs and opportunities Fall 2018 I walked in Bloomingdales and asked for a job finally earning a sales associate job in their Christmas Trim section with the other holiday sales team. I loved it and it was a true blessing.
Bloomingdale’s is magical their visual department the creativity is out of this world. They are mind blowing with every year a new display, another theme, another new way to wear fashion trends. All their stores captivate you, transform you, and you escape your reality. I have seen contortionist doing ballet and acrobatics at their stores, Gorgeous displays for the Chinese New Year, a life-sized gingerbread house, a life-size snow globe where I can take pictures. I have photos too and it’s amazing true unbelievable experiences.
I am so glad I had 8 years with Macy’s, 2 years working for Bloomingdales, and I am still apart of the Macy’s/Bloomingdales family I felt and still feel honored for that experience.
Every evening gown, bathing suit, studded, feather shoe, glitzy shoe I was staring at, every time I stopped at 40 Carrots the yogurt store within their travel luxury luggage department, or bought a little piece home with me I felt proud. Dreams come true even if you just wanted to be a part of New York City history. It's a blessing, the right time, place, and people can open doors for you. The talented fashion designers, artists, entertainers, models, and everyone who have graced a cover wearing a purchase from Bloomingdales. The countless entertainers, artists, designers who have appeared at the store. They have all witnessed a piece of history.
Congratulations! to Bloomingdales on 150 years of phenomenal, fabulous fashion!
Follow Bloomingdales on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, and come out in September on the 9th watch at home if you can't be here in person or come see us for the 150th Anniversary congratulations to every store around the country.
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| This particular location was made and built in 1930 by 59th and Lexington Avenue just wanted to put a little more history in about the building. I know a few secrets but can't tell you everything lol. |
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| Me in front of the store and my job (still a part of the Bloomingdales & Macy's family) more pictures coming soon. Congratulations Bloomingdales! See you all at the party & celebration ! |
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