i heart new york

I have been back from NYC for a week now, and it was such a great trip that I have thought about it every day since my return. I love that city so much, I know if I were at a different time in my life I would love to live there. Since I have only been there during a vacation, I see it differently perhaps than I would if I lived there doing the day to day, but I still have the feeling that it is my kind of place.
Kacy and I arrived very late on Wednesday night/Thursday morning and she was off to visit a friend who lives in the city, so I was on my own for most of the day. The minute my feet hit the sidewalk outside our hotel on Central Park South I felt so happy its hard to describe. The energy and feel of that city just grabs me---I love the crazy mix of people everywhere, the noise, and sounds, shops and characters everywhere.
5th Avenue was hopping with a Veteran's Day Parade and people starting to get a bit of holiday shopping going. As luck would have it, both Bergdorfs and Saks were having a sale. You had to dig like a treasure hunter at Bergdorf and I only managed to come up with one grey Joie top that would be great for every day, Saks was a total score though..I found a fabulous black skirt edged in black feathers, a beautiful snake Rebecca Minkoff handbag, a great pair of Seven jeans, and I was able to tackle my questions from my previous blog. As in, are leather shorts for the 20-30's set? Nope. Scored a beautiful pleated Elizabeth and James pair that hit just above the knee, and are a gorgeous update to a skirt. Paired with tights and high boots, they are fabulous. And they were 40% off. Second question from last blog: Do over the knee socks look like you are trying too hard? Not at all. I found a couple of pair at H&M, one with button detail at the knee and a cute argyle pair.
Zara had an awesome faux mink cap sleeve long vest that was beautiful--good thing I loved it because it proved to be a bit of trouble at the airport a few days later! Topshop was not what I hoped for--although Kate Moss' collection was lovely --especially the cropped motorcycle jacket. I ended up with a pair of knitted leg warmers (yes, you heard right!!!) that I love over my leggings or skinny jeans.
Back at Henri Bendel we found that clothing had been nixed from their store and the focus was on accessories, handbags, makeup and gifts. We found a young woman who was a rep for the New York based company, orYANY, that made these incredible double faced sequin handbags. The price point was great, the bags were chic and funcitonal and we picked up some gifts and each got a great bag for ourselves that are both unique and lovely. Check the holiday collection out online at www.oryany.com.
A few days later we girls headed for the Meatpacking District and Soho and poked in and out of all the great shops. We had a great brunch at The Standard--and then headed out to the crowded streets. Kacy picked up some great earrings from some street vendors, and at Intermix I found a pair of Michael Kors open toe lace up booties in a great taupe color. We HAD to check out the Kardashian sister's newest Dash store in Soho, and to be honest, I thought they had some pretty and reasonably priced things, but there inventory was wiped out. A trip through All Saints was not successful. Time for a glass of wine...or two. Kacy scored a couple of great dresses at a vintage store, and that was the only thing I didn't get time to do. Next trip.
Because the weather was so nice, I got to check out what the New Yorkers were wearing while not bundled up under winter coats. Everywhere I looked, women were wearing jeans tucked into boots of all kinds, and a sweater underneath a fur vest, both real and faux. Lots of rabbit fur vests, but vest, skinnier jeans and boots were everywhere. Boots are big with skirts too, fitted motorcycle jackets and shorts with tights. Ankle boots and over the knee boots ruled the streets.
I am lucky. I stayed in a lovely place with a wonderful friend and her great family--the weather was beautiful, the shops full, and I had time to just be myself for a few days. I got to see a live taping of the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Show, watch the big tree get trucked into The Rockefeller Center, had drinks at The Plaza. I laughed ALOT, shopped alot, had more than a few glasses of wine ;) and loved every minute of it. Thank you, Kacy, for all the great fun. You are the best. New York--hope to see you again soon.