Back in Portland and slowly recovering from a bug I managed to pick up in the city, but other than that it was a great trip!
Did
I originally went to New York for work, but couldn’t help add on a few days to bop around the city, catch up with old friends and play in the city with Chris after his work trip. It was very cold so we spent a lot of time coffee shop and wine bar hopping (more on that below) and popping into shops we don’t have in Portland.
I did a lot of time window shopping. I like to hit all of my favorites when I’m in town - Toteme, Khaite, and Nili Lotan, Cos if it’s not too crazy. I also stopped into Maguire after getting many “crappy weather shoe” recommendations for them, and Still Here to try on their denim (my favorites are the Walker and Tate). Since I was spending more time on the Upper East Side I got to pop into The Row, Loro Piana and Attersee (appointment only). By chance, I stopped into Kirna Zabête and was blown away by the assortment (I’m still dreaming about this leather coat) - so many good brands! Didn’t get to any vintage shopping this trip, or Brooklyn. I feel like Brooklyn needs a trip of its own!
On Friday we went to The Met when the weather was particularly wet and cold to see the Women Dressing Women exhibit. Highly recommend it if you are visiting before March 3rd or live in the city. It explores the creativity and artistic legacy of women fashion designers from the Met’s permanent collection while simultaneously highlighting the rise of women fashion designers as well as the nuances and challenges that come with being a woman in a male dominated profession (ironic, I know).
Wore
Like I mentioned - it was cold. And I knew I would be spending a bit of time outside walking so I had to plan accordingly.
Naturally I overpacked, but I always like to have options. Despite bringing 4 pairs of sunglasses, yes, 4, I only wore these. I also brought bag options, but carried my Jackie and Khaite clutch (brown suede version second-hand) most days.
For jewelry - when I wanted something gold I wore my Kinn hoops and necklace, and when I wanted silver I opted for my Agmes earrings.
I also brought dinner outfits, but we typically ended up going straight from whatever pre-dinner activity we were doing to dinner so I just wore what I already had on.
Wednesday was very cold, high of 25 with a windchill of 9 - fun. Paired my Toteme jeans with a simple black cashmere turtleneck, Anderson’s belt, LVIR shearling, a super old pair of black leather gloves lined with rabbit fur (these black, cashmere-lined, these ones are under $60), and Neil J. Rodgers boots. I wasn’t outside for too long at a time, but I do wish I layered heat tech under my sweater and tights under my jeans.
Thursday was slightly warmer, mid-30’s but still chilly with the wind. It was also dry so I opted for white wide leg jeans over my Neil J. Rodgers boots, same black belt as the day before, and my Jenni Kayne cashmere fisherman sweater (SRP15 for 15% off). The outfit maker was the coat - my grandma’s fur coat that finally got its time to shine! I know people have mixed feelings on fur, but it is truly the warmest coat I own.
Friday was a bit of a snow day. I opted for all black - the same base as Wednesday (black jeans, with black turtleneck layered over a thin heat tech long sleeve). I paired it with my chunkier Aeyde Chelsea boots, Talje belt, Le Scarf scarf, Toteme wool coat, and Khaite clutch. I love the juxtaposition of the scarf and the boots in this outfit!
Quick side note on the Aeyde boots. I love them! I didn’t wear them as much because they definitely needed some break-in time. Most notably in the heel. A few more wears and they should be good to go.
Saturday was our last full day in the city. It was dry, but very cold, back in the 20’s. I did a full heat-tech base layer under my Amo jeans and Lisa Yang knit (similar option here) that I broke up with my black belt. I opted for my Aquazzura boots (super similar, and cheaper, option here) since they had a higher heel and would prevent my jeans from dragging too much. Topped it off with grandmas fur coat and my Khaite clutch.
On both travel days I wore this Frankie Shop sweater - once paired with leggings and my Aeyde boots and once with my Amo jeans and Neil. J Rodgers boots.
Ate
I am one of those people that is always thinking 2-3 meals ahead. I despise a crap food experience so always like to have something in mind. Ironically, I did a terrible job planning dinners ahead of time, but we still had some delicious meals! A quick run down of where we went:
Breakfast + Caffeine
We did a lot of UberEats Juice Press to the hotel for smoothies and bowls while we were getting ready for the day. Chris and I both like some down time when we travel so it was nice to have slower mornings. Plus, not eating eggs and dairy (as well as gluten for me) makes eating breakfast out a bit anti-climactic.
For morning coffee/matcha we pit stop at Cafe Integral or Café Lyria. The former is definitely my favorite solely due to their house-made non-dairy milks. Café Lyria tends to be packed most of the time, but it’s a nice vibe. We love a good coffee shop hang.
Lunch
We spent most of our time in lower Manhattan, Soho specifically and lunch was often on the go or in-between shop hopping.
Spring Cafe Aspen - one of my favorites for a big salad, bowl or wrap. Truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We also got lunch to go for our flight back to Portland. Fair warning their portions are huge!
Butchers Daughter - stopped here for lunch, but tbh didn’t love it. We’ve been many times. If you eat gluten, or eggs, I’d say it’s better. I do love their Caesar though. Those crispy onions get me.
Dr. Smood - they have a location right smack in the middle of Soho that is perfect for a quick bite or matcha. I love their performance bread which isn’t technically gluten-free, but I seldom have issues with it.
Dinner + Drinks
Despite not planning ahead, we faired pretty well with dinners!
abcv - perhaps my favorite plant-based restaurant in the city (also love abc Kitchen and abc Cocina which are both next door). I’d love to try their brunch one trip!
Carlyle - for drinks! Felt like a quintessential New York experience tucked away in booth with a piano player.
Farra - here’s the thing about me, I love a good wine bar that has an incredible food program. Farra definitely checks those boxes. First time trying it and loved! Highly recommend the oysters and the crudo if they’re on the menu when you go.
Double Zero - whenever we’re in Venice or New York we often eat here at least one night. Still the best vegan, gluten-free pizza I’ve had to date. We usually go for the truffle one and one other. Also love the chopped salad.
Joseph Leonard - one of my favorite restaurants in the city. It’s very quaint and the food is delicious (very easy to accommodate dietary restrictions too). Also very intrigued by the rest of Joseph Leonard’s sister restaurants - Jolene, Sailor, Fairfax, Jeffrey’s Grocery.
More NYC Recommendations
I got a ton of recommendations from instagram so saving them here for future trips and in case anyone else needs them!
Tobago (apparently it’s worth the trek up-town)
Rafs
Torissi
Sartianos
Casino (for dinner)
Suprema
Principe
Legacy Records
Dirty French (apparently the best chicken in the city)
The bar at Foguets
One White Street
Il Cantinori
Au Cheval
Ariana’s
Chat soon! xx, Sarah
I just mailed those boots back- I couldn't get my foot all the way in one and I had to do two zoom calls on video with a boot hanging off one foot! Sigh!
literarlly jotting down these nyc recos as we speak. didn't know half of these even though i live here 😂