My Happy Place

You know that scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s when Audrey Hepburn talks about how Tiffany’s makes her feel? I can’t remember the exact words, but I know the sentiment.  For Audrey, Tiffany’s gave her that temporary escape from reality – into a world of diamonds, velvet boxes and fantasy – that allowed her to continue with her day-to-day existence comfortably.

For me, that fantasy escape destination is the Holt Renfrew store at Yonge and Bloor. I came upon the store when I was in law school, and lived steps away at Bay and Charles in a beautiful bright, sunny apartment that I shared with two of my dearest friends. We got the place for a steal, only later to realise that it was densely populated with cockroaches who chose to rear their nasty heads most frequently in the middle of the night.  That being said, I wouldn’t have traded that experience or location for the world.

When exam stress hit, or any other shade of melancholy, I would simply head down the street to Yonge and Bloor and window-shop my cares away.  Stepping into Holt’s, the smell of perfume and the sight of the beautiful, immaculate staff would carry me to another place.  I would, and still do, begin my ritual walk through the store with the main level – checking out what was new in fragrance and make-up.  I’m a reformed make-up junkie and the Stila, Bobbi Brown and Nars counters would get an extra-detailed appraisal as I checked out the season’s hottest colours and shimmers.  Oh, and I can’t forget my stroll through handbags – with special attention to Coach, Burberry and Fendi.

Next, I would head to the second floor – pure fantasy – to partake in the luxurious offerings of Gucci, Chanel, Prada, and many more. This year, my senses were most piqued by the brocade sheaths at Gucci, and the colourful 60’s style prints at Etro. 

My last stop at Holt’s is always the shoe department (recently revamped and better than ever) and the small but excellent Holt Renfrew label collection.  The store label is consistently well-sized, easy-to-wear and reasonably priced – or it was back in the day when I actually wore suits. 

Something about inhaling the highly-scented air and surrounding myself in beauty and luxury heightens my senses and lifts me out of the day-to-day worries of life.  Emerging from Holt’s is like waking up from a beautiful dream…the rest of the day’s often-menial tasks are more rose-coloured with the recent memories of beauty.

The past few years, I’ve allowed myself the annual springtime ritual of purchasing a few new cosmetics from Holt’s which I carry around carefully in my make-up bag…like an especially delectable secret.  This year, I my purchases were a blush by Nars – their top seller "Orgasm" – that perfect shade of pinky-apricot that gives almost any complexion a rosy, natural glow; a creme eye-shadow duo also by Nars entitled "Madagascar" – which I adore and wear constantly; and the final purchase was my beloved only stand-by lipstick by Bobbi Brown, "Brown" – which is not really brown at all but the perfect shade of natural pink which provides the finish of lipstick while still allowing you to look very natural.