For macarons, all this and that

What makes someone- anyone, really- go to a macaron shop on Madison Avenue in the middle of a storm without pretending to just go in to avoid getting wet is anyone's guess, but as for myself, I actually went there to buy a small present for Other Half.

Yes, I realize that it is the fabled Laduree from Paris that hordes of folk (mostly, womenfolk it seems) have descended upon since its opening a few weeks ago, but so what?  Perhaps it is the same lot who were enamored of the inane show that gave rise to the cupcake craze and have now moved on.

Some side notes.  When I was in Paris two weeks ago, I went into the Laduree main shop but the line was unbearable (also, it was insanely hot inside for some reason) so did not get anything.  The mini-store inside Versailes was easy pickings, but it seemed no fun to have them there.  Other places around Paris, the same story.  Upon returning to New York City, I tried to get something at the new shop on Sunday evening- fortunately, being driven that evening- and there was a line of at least twenty-five people.  Now, what makes someone wait for this I have no idea, as I am not one for waiting.

So, with those failures in mind, and on this glorious and very rainy day, I decided to make my way there and luckily there was no line but still about ten people inside- all giddy for this delicacy of sorts.

Leaving as soon as I could to escape the atmosphere of those more idle than myself, I made my way down Madison Avenue- Laduree macrons nicely boxed up, and happily searching (with just a little luck) for my next pairs of blackish red or reddish black wingtips (otherwise known as brogues), which if I set my mind to it, will be from John Lobb.