An Incomplete Guide to a Summer in NYC

July 6, 2018

When I got assigned this piece, never in a million years would I think I’d enjoy living in NYC. Yes, the City and its hustle and bustle, the never-ending stream of cars and people, the scorchingly hot sun, and the occasional breeze over the Hudson River.

At this point, if you are in New York, you have probably mastered the art of jaywalking. You have also likely figured out that it’s safe to walk on the street after midnight. But riding a Citi bike after a few drinks might still not be the best idea, even if it’s 1 AM. You might have noticed how difficult it is to find an actually bad restaurant. If you've been to Soho recently, perhaps you’ve experienced a tangible rendition of eudaemonia in a sea of beautiful summer sales dotted with ice-cream shops.

If New York is so great and everything, why did it take me so long to write this post? In all honesty, it took me a long time to reconcile the fact that this post could never be as comprehensive as I would like it to be. In fact, there would always be another shop I would want to go to and a bar I need to try out. In addition to some of everyone's tried and true favorite spots in the city, I am proposing some alternative pitstops that will make summer your NYC summer truly memorable.

Your Local Grocer

I love grocery stores because they are a gateway to the local way of living. You might wonder why anyone would cook at home when there are so many places to eat out in the City, but these neighborhood markets are more than a place to buy fruits and veggies–they also have a great deli selection, prepared foods, and daily supplies. I mean, why would you say no to having some cheese and charcuteries in the fridge? Plus the stores might be a perfect spot to do some photoshoots!

1. Sunrise Mart: a Japanese grocer with freshly made lunch & dinner options and a small selection of baked goods.

Midtown location: 12 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017

Ukrainian Village location: 4 Stuyvesant St, New York, NY 10003

2. New Foods of India: from chappati and dal, to Biryani masala and Amchur powder, this place has got you covered.

121 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

3. Kalustyan's: literally next to the New Foods, here you'll find delicious halva and baklava in addition to racks and racks of spices, grains, and dried goods.

123 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

Anecdotal evidence of how good Kalustyan and New Foods of India are: a friend of mine took a tea break from work and 30 minutes later, her boss called her to question where she went. She returned to office full-handed with food.

4. Dainobu: another small Japanese store selling from prepared dishes and fresh produce to beauty products and living supplies.

Midtown location: 129 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017

Union Square location: 498 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011

Columbus Circle location: 36 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019

5. Garden of Eden: produce, bread, pastries, cheese, and deli–you might come out of there with a full stomach and food for the next week

Flatiron location: 7 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

Bloomingdale location: 2780 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

6. Fairway Market: food snobs can hold their criticisms now, this place is a bonafide gourmet store.

Upper East location: 240 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028

Harlem, Upper West location: 2131 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Chelsea, Kips Bay location: 766 6th Ave, New York, NY 10010

The Great Outdoors

Just because you're living in one of the largest metropolises on Earth doesn't mean you can't find ample and engaging green spaces to relax in, recollect and have fun with friends. From picnics in Central Park to strolling down the HighLine or basking in the sunset orange glow of Manhattanhenge, there are a myriad of vantage points from which to enjoy the City–you just have to know where to look!

1. Hudson River Greenway: ride a bike or walk along the waterfront on a nice day for a temporary getaway from the City

2. High Line Park: an elevated rail trail that takes you from Hell's Kitchen through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, where art, food, and culture come together to redefine green spaces throughout the City.

3. Manhattanhenge: twice a year, the grid system creates a perfect spot for the sun to shine over the City and you get to take breathtaking photos. It's legit, New York Times even has an article about it.

Late Night Show Tapings

Act early and fast! The tickets are free so they go very quickly during the summer season. By early, I mean start thinking of a reason to get off your internship early on whatever days tickets are still available!

1. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Tickets | Location: Ed Sullivan Theater, 1697 Broadway

2. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Tickets | Location: CBS Broadcast Center, 530 W 57th St

3. Late Night with Seth Meyers

Tickets | Location: NBC Studios, 30 Rockefeller Plaza

4. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Tickets | Location: 733 11th Ave

5. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Tickets | Location NBC Studios, 30 Rockefeller Plaza

This list of things to do is by no means comprehensive. The City has so much going on all the time that we might be able to pull off "partying all night and showing up to work on time." It's all part of the experience, while at the same time there are some alternatives to choose from that will complement your summer in NYC. Enjoy!

Feature image via

Trend Forecasting at NYFW F/W 2018

February 12, 2018

While millennial pink and power-suits reimagined for the modern day working woman continue to dominate catwalks and all the latest collections, a handful of emerging trends are really starting to take hold as NYFW draws to a close. As we look to Paris, London and Milan Fashion Weeks to either affirm the creative messages of their American counterparts or introduce an entirely new palette of colors, patterns and silhouettes to consider for the fall/winter season, take a moment to soak in the surprisingly cohesive aesthetic vision of this season's NYFW.

Whether it emerged in the form of a silken blouse or a head-to-toe wool business suit, mustard yellow dominated this season's color palette and vision for the fall/winter 2018 season. Many designers chose to downplay the color's shock value, often presenting the hue in the form of sophisticated silhouettes fit for the office place, cocktail hour or even a more formal event.

Matching sets appeared everywhere this season, from brands as disparate in vibe and vision as Sies Marjan (laid-back, ethereal, color packed) to Victoria Beckham (sophisticated, mature, impeccably tailored). From DVF's 70s, pajama inspired looks, to knit sets perfect for the office and even a handful of skirt based looks fit for a night out, designers seemed intent on sending out complete, cohesive looks.

Our obsession with the 90s continues with the endless array of slip dresses spotted on the runway this season. From more experimental takes on the classic silhouette that grappled with deconstructed fabrics and pattern-mixing, to sleek and timeless takes, as seen at Brandon Maxwell and Jason Wu, it appears as if slip dresses have fully integrated themselves into our wardrobes for everyday wear.

A quick cheat that makes you automatically look more fashionable? Dress all in one color. Monochrome ensembles were spotted in almost every collection this season, regardless of the designer's color of choice or inspiration source–a testament to the sheer versatility (and ease) of this approach to dress.

Everyone was seeing red this season, perhaps in response to the overwhelming amount of playful pastel pinks we've been forced to look at in recent months. When you think of it, it comes as little surprise that designers would look within the same color range for something new, yet not entirely unfamiliar to base their latest collections around. Bright, boisterous reds played out as more mature, sensual and confident statements on the runway alongside their millennial pink counterparts.

Colder weather doesn't necessarily call for covering up according to some designers. From the classical elegance of Cushnie et Ochs to Alexander Wang's bossy bad asses, mini skirts seem no longer the sole domain of Hedi Slimane. Whether you pair it with sheer tights or sky-high pumps, expect to see shorter hemlines come fall.

Ever since Brock Collection won the CFDA Fashion Fund two years ago and received Anna Wintour's stamp of approval, the brand has been successfully spreading its vision of bucolic beauty–and it seems like many brands are taking note. Everyone from the experimental Gypsy Sport to mainstays like Ralph Lauren took cues from Brock Collection's affinity for all things off-the-shoulder, ruffled, ruched, breezy and maidenly.

Feature Image via Vogue Runway

Summer 2017 Guide to NYC

August 28, 2017

Finishing up an internship in the city or simply stopping by for a weekend? After a summer well-spent in the city that never sleeps, our bloggers have rounded up some of their favorite places to frequent. Keep reading for some of our go-to brunch spots, favorite museums and galleries, and the best places to get all of your vintage shopping done!

Olivia

3.-Klimt-Portrait-of-Adele-Bloch-Bauer-I-1907-1011x1024.jpg

images via here, here, here and here

1. Neue Galerie: This is probably my favorite museum in New York. The Neue Galerie houses Gustav Klimt masterpieces (such as the famous portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, featured above), beautiful art deco furniture and design pieces from the Vienna Secession period and revolving exhibitions that cover everything from Post WWII contemporary painting to famous works by German artists. The museum also houses the lovely Café Sabarsky on the ground floor, which is perfect for brunch, a decadent dinner or just desserts!

2. Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar: What's better than munching on a People's Pop as you stroll down the High Line on a hot summer day? Dunking that popsicle in a glass of Prosecco and enjoying it on the roof of the Conrad Hotel at Loopy Doopy! For sweeping views of the city, head over to Loopy Doopy at sunset and choose from Blueberry Peach, Strawberry Lemongrass or Empire Apple for a delicious end to your day.

3. Cooper Hewitt Design Museum: A trip to NYC isn't complete without making your rounds to all the best museums the city has to offer. Cooper Hewitt curates the best in architecture and design and often incorporates a lot of interactive components into their exhibits. It's located on Museum Mile and within easy walking distance of other gallery and museum must-sees like the Guggenheim, the Met and the Neue Galerie.

4. Brooklyn Charm: As if you need any other reason to spend a day exploring Williamsburg, Brooklyn Charm is the perfect pitstop for DIY jewelry. If you've been on the hunt forever for a certain style of earring, ring or charm necklace, stop by this adorable shop and design it yourself! You can pick and choose the style and sizing of your piece from an endless array of charms and trinkets, and the Brooklyn Charm team will assemble it all for you on site! For other jewelry needs, definitely check out VERAMEAT and Norbu Bijoux.

Laden

images via here, here and here

1. Artists & Fleas: Manhattan is the perfect place to experience the city that never sleeps, but I love getting away from the hustle once in a while to boost my energy! As the up-and-coming part of the city, Brooklyn is the perfect escape while offering you an equally entertaining experience. Make sure you stop by Williamsburg and feel the cozy and eclectic vibe of the neighborhood. Even though there are lots of unique, local shops around every corner, Artists&Fleas is a heaven for thrift lovers. The massive indoor market showcases hip, handmade arts & crafts items, antiques, and vintage clothing sold directly by the sellers, allowing you to connect with the artists themselves.

2. Tacombi Fonda Nolita: I can eat tacos anytime/anywhere! If you really crave true, authentic Mexican style tacos, you should definitely check out Tacombi. Even though they have multiple restaurants scattered in the city, the Nolita location has the best setting. It doesn't get any better than ordering your tasty tacos from a retro Volkswagen parked inside a garage while enjoying delicious cocktails.

3. Village East Cinema: Located in the heart of East Village, this historic theater has such a unique vibe to it. The beautifully restored landmark was once the home of Yiddish theater in its 1,200-seat auditorium. With New York City’s lack of a still-operating historic movie palace, the Village East is the closest thing around.

Feature image via