LP EDITION: July 29, 2008

This is the first year that we planned a day of shopping in our Lake Placid itinerary. On the recommendation of Liz Smith, New York columnist and shopper extradonaire, we pulled into the Woodbury Commons Outlets (exit 16 off of I-87) at 10:30 a.m. These are a bit different than the typical outlet stores that offer a plethora of last season’s offerings—these are New York City designer shops that offer a smattering of last season’s offerings. Initially we thought we would spend the day wandering into Gucci, Chanel, Longchamp, Ugg, Tory Burch, and 200 other stores. We revised out travel plan when, at 1:30, we had made a few good purchases (Joe’s Jeans $99.00, Longchamp bag $65.00, Dipping Dots $3.50) and bypassed a few others (Chanel suit $4,200.00 from $8,700.00) and found ourselves again heading northbound on the New York Thruway.

My daughter and friend Liza Branella wanted to be let out at the ice rink on the way into town, which shows their passion for watching all things ice dance including Tuesday practices, and their creatively as we had to carry all the bags into the room.

Liza did give us a great quote for the week—one that she reworked from a Tom Hanks baseball movie—and it will serve as our motto for the week: “There is no crying in ice dance.”

And we hope this is true at least through Saturday.

We ventured over to the rink around 7:00 p.m. and caught a bit of the senior and junior practice sessions. Everyone looked relaxed and focused and offered proof of what they have been doing this summer.

My attention was immediately captured by the Hubbells—who looked amazing—but more so by Maddie’s haircut. OK, so I know this is the 8th deadly sin--to covet thy neighbor’s hair--but I couldn’t help it. Well, I wasn’t coveting her haircut for me, but the concept that she had found a stylist that had given her a look that captured her essence. I, in the past, have taken photos from magazines and asked for that look, while the stylist taps her foot and then points to a sign that says “I am not a magician.” I have also gone to stylists and said I want something easy yet chic—something that shouts—“this is me—I am woman, hear me roar.”

I leave with a bowl cut.

Also sporting Level 4 hair was Piper Gilles. Her hair was perfectly crimped and obviously took more time than I allow for hair control for an entire week.

Anyway, we are all here and taking our places.

OK, so let’s practice our mantra, “there is no crying in ice-dance.

Mombo