Discovering Les Toiles du Soleil or Sunshine on a Cloudy (Rainy) Day in New York City

My daughters and I were early for the Saturday afternoon performance of Benjamin Millepied's L.A. Dance Project at the Joyce Theater in Chelsea, so we meandered through the increasing raindrops in search of adventure.

The Joyce by day.

First we met a handsome detective outside the 10th Precinct and had an impromptu chat; my middle child is interested in detective work, but it may be a phase as she's fourteen.

Then we wandered up another side street and discovered the perfect antidote to country French fabrics à la the once-thriving Pierre Deux: stripes in the loveliest hues from Les Toiles du Soleil.

There were walls of upholstery-weight fabric; bags in every shape and size that had been stitched up in the back of the shop; espadrilles, table linens, bolsters, book covers; and the happiest, sunniest atmosphere that brightened the gray skies above us.

Example of a cosmetics bag.

I returned twice--buying three bags in all (two cosmetics bags in different sizes as well as the St. Germain shoulder bag).

A yoga bag for the tired dancers?

And the dance performance? It was exquisitely executed a jewel box–size company. Works included a series of duets by Martha Graham, a fierce piece by the wunderkind choreographer Justin Peck, and an extended company number by Millepied, which featured a gorgeous solo by a lookalike Natalie Portman, Millepied's wife.

The Joyce by night.

In the spirit of the afternoon, I just may conflate my memories of this day as those of Milletoiles.