Heathrow at 5am is not a pleasant sight however going to New York is very pleasant indeed. Me and my friend Shannon got chatting to the check-in desk man AKA dj b, an oceana favourite apparantly. He did unfortunately point out that our cases looked rather small which in fact proved to be true.
To get me in the American mood I started off by browsing the International Herald Tribune and American Way (both freebies off the plane). American Airways then provided us fashion folk with a lunch consisting of pizza and shortbread. How content I was sitting there munching away watching the new Wall Street movie.
Gliding into NYC I listened to the beautiful voice of Thom Yorke on my ipod – Radiohead, fake plastic trees.
We all hopped on the bus and headed to Manhattan…
We arrived at Eastgate Hotel around 1pm and me and my roomies were all shocked about how huuuuge the suites were. I think we were all expecting the bog standard Premier Inn type. Itwas perfectly located in the heart of New York City on 222 East 39th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. My new home in Midtown Manhatten for 5 lavley days was situated in New York City’s Murray Hill neighborhood and located near the United Nations Headquarters, Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building and corporate offices.
Anyway, here are some pics of my New York suite, sounds better than standard room don’t you think?
I then decided to unpack…
Our day 1 attack on NYC:
- Grand Central Station
- Ground Zero
- Century 21 – for designer discounts
- Staten Island Ferry BOOM!
So first, Grand Central Station… breathtakingly beautiful. Pristine white marble everywhere. That pretty much sums up my interpretation – it was quite overwhelming.
We then took a stroll to Ground Zero whic was quite a bizarre experience, it felt so empty. Unfortunately the museum was closed which was a big dissappointment as 9/11 was such a prolific disaster in my generation. We saw St Pauls Chapel which I felt was a juxtaposition in architecture as I was surrounded by skycrapers. I suppose the remaining chapel fills New Yorkers with hope I was really interested to find out specific information about the attacks, I guess I’ll just have to rely on google for now. I did learn from January’s GQ that the new memorial building is set to erect in Septemeber 2011.
Across the street was Century 21, a discounted designer department store which was advised to visit by our lecturers. I must say I was dissappointed by this hyped up building of bargains. It was uninviting, it was cluttered, it was basically a total demotivating shopping experience. I would go as far to say that TKmaxx is better retail therapy and that is a strong statement. It wasn’t all bad as I managed to spot a nice floral Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse and a lovely pair of Vera Wang black boots. I felt sorry that respectful designer clothing was showcased in such a messy manner, it was like a jumble sale.
Quick Starbucks to recharge the batteries
And off to Staten Island ferry to catch the sunset and to see the Statue of Liberty and Manhatten’s spectacular skyline from a distance.
We then hit Times Square which was incredible. It was like Disney Land for adults! Forever 21 in Times square was better than the store I have visited in Birmingham back home however it still is a sort of glamorized H&M and the quality of the clothing is no different to say, New Look. Lots of neon lights and NY/ american visual merchandising with the use of taxi cabs etc. It was very fun and youthful.
Forever 21 kicked Century 21’s New York ass!
And here is my Forever 21 purchase. Twenty Bucks.
Finally, we had a sit down for a burger and diet coke at Ruby Tuesdays.
Then, to walk off the horrendous amount of calories consumed we took a lavley stroll back to the hotel, passng the NYC library, Byrant Park, Chrystlar and the Empire State Building all lit it beautifully.
Tourist Junkie.
Quick view shot before bed
Day 2.
Breakfast at this Deli Place. I got a bagel with philli cheese and a hazelnut coffee for 3 dollars. I found it quite bizarre that you could buy mash potato or a slice of cheesecake at 9am.
We then quickly stopped of at Duane Reed (you can usually find these on every other street just like good old Starbucks!)
I discovered these random smelling perfumes at a counter in Duane Reed. There was New York Christmas, dirt and marijuana to name a few.
To see what all the fuss was about in the US about the wonders of beauty products, Covergirl, I bought a plum coloured lipstick. Not quite YSL but it’ll do for me.
After browsing around the wonderfully tacky clothes shop, Strawberry, we walked to Madison Square Garden on Fifth where we stumbled upon the Flat Iron building. Incredibly clever architecture indeed.
We also met lots of squirrels and pidgeons in the adjacent park. The park was beautiful and frosty, very picturesque. I wasn’t pleased in the slightest however that my friend Alice was attracting these disease carrying creatures… I have a phobia of birds…Oh the flapping wings!
En route to the FIT, we went for hot tea over the road at a traditional US diner, albeit greek american. Sitting on a stool at the counter in very diner like style, I was completely distracted by the enormity of food being made before me. Do portions really need to be that huge?
FIT
Rather interesting however quite sombre within the Museum walls – very dark
Next to the Rockefeller Centre to do some touristy things. I went to to the Top of the Rock for $21 and experienced the ever so exciting lift.
It felt as though you were in The Tower of Terror at Universal Studios, an illuminous glass box if you will.
It was interesting to learn about the building and admire the beautiful swarkovski crystal chandelier. Interesting fact … It would take 1 man 33,000 years to build!
We timed the trip perfectly as we caught the sunset scenery at the top.
We then explored around Fifth to get the true US retail experience. Popped into J Crew, Anthropologie, Saks and Urban Outfitters. The luxurious aesthetics of Saks was incredible homing big designer names such as McQueen and Valentino.
A girl can dream but realisticly Anthropologie and Urban Outfiters were more up my street. I have explained more about my retail journey on the Shops page.
En route back to the Hotel, we stopped of at a cute pizza place… How very New York of us.
Then to finish off a very New York jam packed day, us girls gathered on the sofas to watch Sex and the City. How cosmopolitan!
Day 3.
Started off the day back at our favourite deli place. I had a very refreshing bowl of fruit and yoghurt (although I wish I had opted for the Lucky Charms – sugary goodness and surprisingly cheaper than the healthy option).
Like the hipster New Yorkers we thought we were, we took the subway to Greenwich Village to see a quainter and quirkier version on NYC.
Our first stop was at Casa Magazines store which was a hub of every magazine genre possible. I swear we were in their for a good hour browsing and admiring the vast selection of print. I purchased W mag, Interview (first created by Andy Warhol) and Paper which I had already took an interest in before the trip.
Strolling into the heart of Greenwich, we went into Marc Jacobs and Bookmarc which were surprisingly well priced. I adored the quirky and arty books.
Over the road was the iconic Magnolia Bakery, a very sweet old americana 50s’ vibed shop with delicious looking cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes and brownies all of which were so cute and well presented. I bought an oatmeal and raisin cookie although maybe I should have been more adventurous and gone for something more elaborately decorated. hmmmmm.
Not far down on a side street, we visited Carrie Bradshaw’s house, which I’m not going to lie made my day.
I was in crazy fan mode – I actually used the dreaded abbreviation OMG! In all fairness I was in TV series obsessed heaven!
We were pretty much ploughing through the snow all day so we truly deserved a coffee break. We stopped off at the uber cool Snice Cafe which was very organic inside.
I got an ethical, bohemian vibe in their hence I got a green tea to fit the naturalesque mood.
Carrying on the upper east side experience, we ventured on to the Meat Packing District where we came across some more designer stores. It’s a very hipster cool place with lots of metal, brickwork and urban aesthetics.
It felt very exclusive, almost as if you were only welcome into the shops if you looked expensive. However we did have a peek into DVF and Zadig and Voltaire, very depressing on my purse strings.
Other designer stores seen were Alexander McQueen, Hugo Boss, Moschino (a favourite of mine), Stella McCartney, Helmut Lang and Matthew Williamson (ultimate print and pattern king!)
For a late lunch, we went to a very americano style diner where I had some very yummy blueberry pancakes. Not quite the recommended sugar intake for lunch time but heyho when in New York… probably eat a salad actually.
After a lavley calorie fuelled lunch, we headed to Rags A Gogo, a very colourful vintage store where I got chatting to the crazy shop owner – picture a Patti Smith type. She absolutely loved British style and told us that most of her inspiration comes from us.
After discovering outer NYC, we headed back to Times Square where I very proudly flagged down a cab to take me and a couple of the girls to Macy’s.
Shortly followed by visits to American Eagle Outfitters, Daffy’s, Victoria Secret and Zara. I found American Eagle Outfitters quite outdated and out of touch with fashion and sort of a glamorised collection of lounge wear; very preppy and very americano.
On the way back, we came across the street where Carrie was going to marry Big… how exciting! I cannot waiit to watch the movie again to say ‘Oh I’ve been there!’
So, after yet another fashion fuelled day I headed upto my room and straight to bedfordshire, not forgetting to steal a New York Times again from the Lobby. Cheeky little Brit.
Day 4.
We started the day at a new breakfast place, Townhouse Diner, a true american restaurant where coiffee, muffins and pancakes are not in short supply. It was a cute family run business with any yankee breaky item you can dream of. I opted for a ham omelette with tomatoes and apple juice, hopefully the less saturated option… doubtful.
Then took the Subway to MoMa for some arty malarky.
I really enjoyed the Photography floor and the Painting & Sculpture floor but without a doubt my favourite section was the Andy Warhol – Motion in Pictures exhibition. So simple cinematography yet encapturing. I can’t deny that I am a Edie Sedgewick lover and Nico too.
After, we went on a mission to Bowery Street to find Patricia Field’s infamous boutique. It was full of bling, brassieres and bright lights. Absolutely fabulous (explained further in Shops page). I purchased some fitted black flares and a red turban which is lush!
We then progressed onto John Varvatos (formely HeebeeGeebees) and Billy Reid which is an upmarket heritage brand. I loved the tune in that shop ‘Only ten more miles to Louisiana’… must research this song.
Stumbled into China Town without knowing, a hint was the huge McDonalds sign with a chinese symbol underneath. Then had a look round all the fake shops and I may have accidently purchased a ‘Longchamp’ bag.
Then onto Soho where we browsed American Apparel… exactly the same as expected. I was so tempted to buy a grey speckled hoodie and tie-dye scarf but I told myself, I can get this back home.
I did however manage to get a bargain in Topshop (slightly ashamed to say). A sheepskin collared and lined denim jacket for a cheeky 30 bucks. V happy indeed.
To get a sense of more low market shops in New York, we nipped into Necessary Clothing which was poor quality clothing at dirt cheap prices. A pair of ankle boots for $4… even shocking to Primark standards.
Couldn’t go a day without my favourite deli place so me and my friends went and grabbed a quick chinese take out. Oh and I got a sneeky slice of NY style cheesecake. My dream was fulfilled. We opted for easiness because we wanted to get back to the hotel, get ready and then get back out so we could go to Brooklyn, hopefully to catch Saint Motels, the uber cool indie band we met on the Subway on day 1.
Day 5.
Very sad as it’s the last day in New Yoiik. For breakfast I had some cinnamon toast cereal. Very sweet. Felt like a kid.
Then walked a million and one blocks to Hells Kitchen to see their famous flea market. We went via the fashion district which is home to all textile shops – fabrics and trimmings etc.
The flea market was full of vintage and antique treats – fur, designer shoes and silver jewelery. I bought a handmade bohemian style necklace.
As it was blistering cold, we warmed in Cupcake Cafe for a quick cuppa.
It was oh so sweet with rustic furniture and colourful cupcakes and cookies on display. Adored it!
Hopped on the Sub apparently to 72nd street. Ended up in Queens. Thanks Alice! Then back en route to Central Park. Nice detour.
Central Park was absolutely amazing. So picturesque. A winter wonderland but bloody freezing.
We quickly stopped for some photos where I posed in my Qcumber jumper.
Called a cab to Tiffany’s.
Felt like an unglamorous version of Holly Golightly. I want some crystal studs daaaarrrling. Devine.
Finally one last stop at China Town so my friend could purchase a McQueen fake. Even though it wasn’t real it looked expensive and so rock n roll with the black leather and studs. I think she did well.
Back to the Hotel via Duane Reed, just one last time. Bought some last little bits – Lucky Charms, Nail Lacquer and Marlboro Lights (not for me).
So, my last 20 bucks:
-
Nylon mag
-
sweet potato chips
-
minuit maid lemonade
-
NYC souvenir chocolates
Have a nice day x
nyjunkie 
