What I Wore – New York City

I’m currently holed up in a hotel room in Boston, recovering from five (ish) amazing days in New York. Rob and I have had the best time in the city – after dreaming about visiting for 10 years, the real life experience surpassed my expectations. Wandering around the West Village, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge  and riding the subway just felt like being home. I know I’ll be back within the next 12 months and it will be a city I’ll visit time and time again.

American Apparel Disco Pants c/o Republic, Topshop blouse, American Apparel denim shirt, Converse sneakers, Zara scarf (on bag), Emma Fox bag via TK Maxx

Our first day in New York was spent getting our bearings and discovering our surroundings, so I didn’t get chance to snap a pic. This photo is from our second day, which was wet, rainy and very humid. We hunted down the building used for exterior shots in Friends, then headed over to the American Museum of Natural History for a wander around the exhibitions.

Day Three (day)

Topshop skirt, H&M tee, Converse sneakers, Urban Outfitters hat, Forever 21 necklace, Target belt, Emma Fox bag via TK Maxx

On day three we headed to Tribeca for breakfast at Sarabeth’s, then walked down to Ground Zero to see the new World Trade construction. After a brief stop at the Hudson to see the Statue of Liberty, we headed over the Brooklyn Bridge to discover DUMBO and Grimaldi’s Pizza. We didn’t end up eating at Grimaldi’s (pizza ovens + intense humidity + packed restaurant = not good) but grabbed a sidewalk table at a café for open sandwiches and cold Cokes before heading back over the bridge. Walking towards the Manhattan skyline was an amazing experience.

Day Three (night)

ASOS dress, Katie & Kelly sandals, Urban Outfitters hat, Miss Selfridge ring, Emma Fox bag via TK Maxx

I wore this for cocktails in the East Village with two of my lovely NYC-based clients, who gave me and Rob so many great recommendations then dispatched us to an amazing ramen bar where we ate the most delicious miso ramen and gyoza. We then headed to Times Square to do the proper tourist thing… the first time I saw it I felt completely overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of everything, but we soon learnt that the beauty of New York is found elsewhere. It’s a must-see, but once is definitely enough!

Day Four (day)

American Apparel tee, vintage Levi’s 501 cut-offs, Converse sneakers, Urban Outfitters hat, Forever 21 necklace, Emma Fox via TK Maxx bag

Our last full day in the city was packed – we walked from our hotel which was right by Union Square on 14th Street (first photo) up town to Central Park which was just beautiful. It’s a real haven from the busy city and once you’re in the park, the noise of the traffic seems to melt away to nothing. The only clue you’re in New York is the skyline, and perhaps the baseball games taking place on the pitches!

We also took a trip to floor 70 of the Rockefeller Centre, aka ‘Top of The Rock’ to see breathtaking views of the city, and when we were back on solid ground we headed to Brooklyn again to visit Beacon’s Closet thrift shop – more on that in another post.

Day Four (night)

Topshop dress and ring, Katie & Kelly sandals, Emma Fox bag via TK Maxx, ASOS necklace

For our last night in New York, we decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner at Butter. It. Was. Amazing. We started with Butter Martinis at the bar then had the most delicious steaks with a stack of fries, a mouthwatering garlic butter and plenty of red wine, finished off with a banana parfait. I think it might be the best meal I’ve ever eaten, and walking home through the East Village was pretty fun too.

Day Five

Vintage shirt dress from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn, Katie & Kelly sandals, Urban Outfitters hat, Forever 21 necklace, Target belt, Emma Fox bag via TK Maxx

We flew out of New York at 4.30pm so I wanted something loose and comfortable for the flight. I picked up this vintage shirt dress at Beacon’s Closet for $15 and it worked perfectly! Our final morning was spent eating breakfast in Union Square park, followed by a frantic subway ride to Times Square where I tried (and failed) to buy an ‘I Heart NY’ t-shirt… I could not visit this city without buying one, no matter how cheesy they are! Luckily I found one at JFK airport. And yes, I know they’re sold in Primark…

We’ve left New York but our USA adventure isn’t quite over yet… after two hectic city stays we’re now on our way to Maine to slow things down and enjoy a more relaxed few days with family.

See you soon!