Natalie Decleve

If you have a sweet tooth or have ever been to Paris, then you know that Laduree is the Parisian equivalent to New York’s Magnolia Bakery. That’s not to say that the cozy downtown bakery known for its cupcakes is much like Laduree’s elegant, historical house of tea and sweets (renowned for their mouthwatering macaroons), but both are ubiquitously worshiped for their specific, sugary specialties. In fact - much like a Manolo Blahnik sample sale, lines of chic locals mingled with curious tourists often wrap around the block at both Magnolia and Laduree.

So when New York finally got its own Laduree on the Upper East Side a couple of years ago, we clicked our heels and got in line. This year, the storied maison de macarons opened a second output in the former Borolo space in SoHo. At long last! Now downtowners can also delight in a delicate, 3-tiered pastry after brunch, or snatch up a box full of rainbow macarons to bring to a dinner party. But there’s more to the luxury bakery than confectionary treats. Two ornately appointed dining rooms (and soon a lush garden) offer everything from high tea, to breakfast, to lunch and dinner!

As a Francophile and macaron-o-phile, I knew that I had to experience Laduree’s latest location immediately - if not sooner. And what better occasion than Easter to indulge in pastel pastries?! Luckily, my friend and dessert aficionado, Elizabeth Minett, had the same MO, and was the perfect accomplice for an afternoon of decadence. Click through to see what we wore to this sweet, springtime feast!

Our Fashion Correspondent, Natalie Decleve is always out and about at the best events in NYC. Follow her posts here to see where she went and what she wore, and learn helpful tips to dressing for a fashionable life.