Now (Almost) Open: Ovando Takes Root in Midtown

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

West Village flower shop Ovando is getting into the holiday spirit with a brand new pop-up shop opening tomorrow in Midtown. Owner Sandra de Ovando snapped up a 400-square-foot space adjacent to the W Hotel on 39th and Lexington (she does the chain's floral arrangements) for a temporary boutique showcasing her exquisite selection of plants and tasteful home decor items. It's a great place to browse for holiday gifts at both high and low price points: there are pretty little trees made out of birch bark ($30 for a small tree, $45 for a large one), birdhouses from Holland ($45), glass icicle Christmas tree ornaments ($10 apiece, or three for $25) and amaryllis ($95). The shop is refreshingly non-saccharine and understated, which is what we hope to see more of this holiday season.