For a yummy change of pace, try Baby Cakes Sweet Bites (babycakessweetbites.com)—decadent confections that come in irresistibly fun flavors—like the Maple and Brown Sugah’ Baby (a butter cake bite with spiced pumpkin-and-butter cream frosting topped with gingersnap cookies). Le Cordon Bleu culinary school graduate Natalie Maxwell and partner Annie Herrmann launched the West Orange-based business as a way to celebrate the big and small joys of life with chocolate—one of their favorite things. The miniature cakes are offered in 9-, 18-, and 25-bite portions in more than a half-dozen seasonal flavors, nine classic varieties, and two sampler options. Order online or by phone for priority shipping to any location in the United States—you can also include a personalized message. The cakes come in retro-themed boxes sure to win praise as hostess gifts, party favors, or as an anytime indulgence.
Trouvaille: Here, everything for home is offered in one convenient spot, as businesses with complementary services and goods share a storefront. A. Home owner Ashley Moos carries luxuries for bed and bath that can be monogrammed for an extra special touch. Donna Donaldson Interiors offers design services and showcases custom upholstery, with an array of fabrics to choose from. Bonny Neiman Stylish Antiques has an upscale compilation of vintage wares, antiques, and architectural finds.
A selection of Dash & Albert rugs is also on display. (12 Beechwood Road, Summit, 908-273-1400)
Ricki.L: Artistic, statement-making rings, bracelets, and necklaces fashioned by Erica “Ricki” Levine feature bold semi-precious stones set in crocheted gold, bronze, silver, or copper wire. (209 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, 973-744-4959)
Bungalow: Fashion industry vet Eve Golden’s treasure trove of fashion-forward apparel from well-knowns such as Tracey Reese and Rachel Pally, and cherry-picked items from up-and-coming designers. You’ll find an intoxicating denim bar (Paige Premium Denim, Earnest Sewn, and Black Orchid) and select home accessories. (63A Main Street, Millburn, 973-218-6040)
Trend: Peruse women’s clothing, accessories, gift items, and the latest from casual couture guru Michael Stars, while sipping a latte at Trend’s in-house coffee bar. (636 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, 973-571-0888)
Aritzia: You’ll find exclusive styles from Central Park West, Naked & Famous, and Mackage, as well as Marc by Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Dolce Vita, Rachel Comey, 7 For All Mankind, Rock & Republic, and Paige Premium Denim. First opened in Vancouver in the mid-80s, this boutique now has locations in the U.S. and Canada. This is its first store in New Jersey. (The Mall at Short Hills, suite D207, 973-376-0998)
Posche: Stylist and owner Kimberlee DePaola gives customers the personal attention they need, not to just find the perfect dress, but to put together all the accoutrements—bag, necklace, scarf—for the perfect outfit. (1220 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, 973-406-7675)
Classic Keepsakes
These glamorous limited-edition compacts from Estée Lauder are filled with solid perfumes or translucent pressed powder. Each case, fashioned exclusively for Neiman Marcus by Jay Strongwater, highlights the designer’s signature enamel work and boasts intricate detailing that is accented by “crystallized” Swarovski elements. Prices range from $49 to $350 at Neiman Marcus in Short Hills.
