The thing I love most about New York is that every neighbourhood has such a distinct feel. Unlike the manicured feel of the Upper East Side, or the slightly gritty, arsty vibe of Brooklyn, the streets that make up Soho and meander over to the West Village are relaxed, hip and effortless.
The other week I had a free day in New York, so was perfectly content to spend an entire day just taking things slow and soaking up New York. I put on some red lipstick and too many jewels to counteract the overcast skies, and happily spent hours and hours wandering the area and getting lost in the cobbled backstreets around Soho. I people-watched in Washington Square Park, gorged on books at Shakespeare & Co on Broadway (the New York outpost of the Parisian bookstore – my favourite in the whole world), ate pasta with Mario Batali (the nicest fellow and the king of Italian food in New York), stopped for gourmand supplies at Dean and Deluca (who were boasting the biggest pumpkins I had ever seen in my entire life), and merrily did my part for the US economy at Marc Jacobs (polka dots!), J. Crew (lipstick pink cashmere and glitter!) and Opening Ceremony (Rodarte!) along the way.
Wearing: Carven skirt; Topshop blazer; Sass & Bide top; Chanel 2.55 bag; Chanel, Louis Vuitton and vintage brooches; Louis Vuitton leopard scarf; vintage sunglasses, Ash booties
Afterwards, I hopped in a cab over to Bleeker Street – where all the cool kids/designers loiter, don’t you know? – and walked around the West Village dreaming of living in a brownstone walkup on a tree and cafe-lined street. Ahh!
In the evening, I walked over to the Chelsea Market to meet my dear blog friend Anne for a delicious supper, chats about life as an expat, and a walk along the length of the Highline (do go!) just as the sun went down upon the rooftops of Manhattan. It was one of those perfect New York moments.
I’d love to hear how you spend time just soaking up a favourite city and all it’s charms?
Love, Miss B xx
libertylondongirl says
Ha! You know I used to live just off Bleecker, on Perry between Bleecker & West 4th – just past the Marc store & Magnolia! LLGxx
agirlastyle says
You did?! Perry St is pretty much my ideal New York street. You just ramped up my New York longings (and your Carrie Bradshaw comparisons) 100% 😉
B xx
bonkasaurus says
This is the cutest outfit! I love that jacket with the scarf, it is edgy yet soft. And those pretzels look delicious.
-Bianca at http://theinbetweengirls.wordpress.com/
Hannah says
Your leopard scarf looks so think and cosy! Love your image of the building and the exterior steps either side!
Sophie Osborne says
Just seen this in Vogue and thought of you…A collaboration at Harrods by Laduree & Swarovski jewels!
http://www.brand.swarovski.com/Content.Node/presscentre/news/news-specialprojects/harrods.en.html#/en/presscentre/news/news-specialprojects/harrods
Beautiful Things says
Lovely evocative post. I want to go to New York right now!!
Hannah Chan says
I have been doing much the same, enjoyed Soho (Zadig&Voltaire), Chelsea Market and The High Line, Central Park, Hell’s Kitchen Flea and generally spent way too much money but had the most fabulous time doing so 🙂
stephanie says
I’m in love with your collection of brooches on your blazer! I wear one or two at the most, but love the look of all of them gathered together! Also, your LV leopard print scarf, classic. I’m loving your NYC posts. Take me with you next time!! S.x x
Maya says
Girl, you look great here. But I mean, you make New York look cooler great! :-)))
xx
M
KSalty says
That literally sounds like my perfect day, with maybe a little Union Square Greenmarket and Shake Shack thrown in for good measure. God I want to go back to New York! Also: scarf envy.
agirlastyle says
Mmm, Shake Shack!! And I literally could not function in winter without this scarf 😉
B xx
emmy says
Great post!!! I just want to steal that blazer from you!
agirlastyle says
Ooh Emmy it’s so easy to DIY – just take any old black blazer (mine was just from Topshop) and pile without as many vintage brooches as you can cram on 😉
B xx
Hope in High Heels says
The Soho – West Village wander is my favourite thing to do in New York… starting with a late brunch at Jeffrey’s Grocery, window shopping on my way through Soho, visiting an interesting exhibition at the New Museum, stopping for a divine cupcake on the way back at Molly’s and then heading out for an evening of fabulous food and creative cocktails!
agirlastyle says
Oh, I love all of these things! Thanks for sharing!
B xx
Betsy says
Your pin collection? Gasp! Totally made my day. So fun, so silly, so awesome!
agirlastyle says
Why thank you! I do love to wear a few too many jewels at once 😉
B xx
Ellie says
Hello, just stumbled upon your blog from LLG. Really enjoying it, and just wanted to say ‘keep doing what you’re doing’.
EQ
agirlastyle says
Thank you so much! And lovely to have you around
B xx
Mandy says
ADORE this look! You look amazing.
agirlastyle says
Oh, thank you so much!
B xx
Ritournelle says
It was so nice to finally meet you in person! You sound like you had the perfect stay in New York. Do come back again!
Jessica G. says
Just catching up on my reading after a holiday in London (our planes might have crossed each other in transit haha). Have walked the very streets you’re describing many times & am so happy you had a lovely NYC visit!