If You're Going To New York City

Hi everyone! Want to take a little trip? This month, we're visiting New York City, which happens to be one of my very favorite cities to visit. A few summers ago, I interned in the city, and came to absolutely adore it! Visiting in the winter definitely requires some tricky wardrobe planning, since it's cold, and you'll want to spend a lot of time walking around outside! 

If there's rain, sleet, or snow on the forecast while you'll be there, I highly recommend packing rain boots with heavy socks to go under them, like these made-for-rain boot liners from Hunter. Snow turns to slush pretty quickly in the city, hence the need for some waterproof shoes. Hunter recently released the "Tour" version of their boots, which fold up, making packing a breeze! 

Since you'll be outside a lot, make sure you have a fun coat, since it'll be what everyone (and you!) sees. Doubling up on tights is a great idea if you're planning on wearing a dress, or slip these leggings,  that are designed especially to keep you warm, under  your pants or tights. I'm a bit of a cold sissy, since I'm originally from Arizona, and these save my life. If you're planning on Instagramming up and storm, and relying on phone maps to navigate through the city, bringing a backup phone battery is always a smart decision, and I love this leopard version that J.Crew has for the iPhone.

// FOR DAY //

J.Crew Two-Tone Knit Sweater  |  Hunter Original Tour Packable Boots in Black  |   Hunter Welly Socks  |  Coach Legacy Duffle  |  J. Brand Black Skinnies

// FOR NIGHT //

J.Crew Wool-Crepe Dress  |  J.Crew Leather Belt  |  Gap Leather Envelope Clutch (super steal!)  |  DV by Dolce Vita Ankle Boots

// FOR BOTH //

J.Crew Blazer  |  J.Crew Lady Day Coat (on sale!)  |  iPhone backup battery  |  Scarf  |  Tech-Friendly Gloves (to make Instagramming and using phone maps a breeze) 

// EXTRAS //

Band-Aid Blister Block (this stuff will save your feet and your life in NYC!)

Two pairs of Opaque Black tights (to double up under your dress!)

If you're really worried about being cold, I sometimes wear these Under Armour ColdGear leggings under my jeans and/or tights. They add a ton of warmth, but not much bulk!

Treats: NYC has some pretty phenomenal desserts available. A few of my gluten-free favorites include cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes and Sprinkles. If you're gluten free, and are vegan or have a soy allergy, Babycakes NYC is where you can find cupcakes, cookies, donuts, and plenty of other goodies! I also love macarons from Bouchon, and I can't wait to make a stop at Ladurée the next time I'm in town. 

If you're not gluten free, get cupcakes at Crumbs (they have all sorts of crazy flavors!) or pull a Sex and the City and head to Magnolia Bakery. Of course, you have to pick up a bagel from a corner coffee shop, since you're in NYC. And a final favorite: a pretzel croissant from City Bakery - it may sound strange, but it's absolutely delicious. Try it, and you'll thank me. 

Highline Park: If it's not totally freezing, head on down to the High Line Park and take a little walk. This park is a truly unique experience, since it's built on the old elevated train tracks, and offers unparalleled views of the Hudson and New Jersey's skyline. Grab a pre-dinner drink at the nearby Standard Hotel. 

The Mercer Kitchen: The Mercer Kitchen is one of my very favorite restaurants in the city. It's in SoHo, and I adore the decor and vibe of the place. They have great food, and killer cocktails, too. After dinner, I recommend grabbing a drink at nearby Balthazar. 

Shake Shack: Shake Shack is home to the best burger, fries, and milkshake I've ever eaten. If you're visiting in the summertime, there's a location in Madison Square Park, but in the winter, I'd recommend heading to their Theater District or Upper West Side location for lunch. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Some of the most precious and beautiful art in the world lives here, and it's a must-see for any visitor to the city. I also highly recommend the MoMa, if you like more modern art, and their gift shop is a must-see. 

Top of the Rock:  I know this is a super-touristy thing to do, but it's a can't-miss if you've never experienced it before. I personally prefer Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building, because you can actually SEE the ESB, and Central Park, as well. NBC did a great job producing video content to watch while you wait, too. There's something magical about seeing the entire city from this vantage point. 

Other things to do: Honestly, one of my very favorite things to do in NYC is just to walk around. If you're looking to shop, walk down 5th Avenue, and be sure to check out Bergdorf's - their windows are always insane. 

Shopping: Some of my favorite shopping is along (or just off of) Broadway down in SoHo. A few personal favorite stores include C.Wonder (just off Broadway), Uniqlo, Muji, Kate's Paperie, Shareen's Vintage (only open Wednesday-Sunday), APC, AllSaints, and Aritzia, to name just a few. 

Have you ever been to NYC? What are your favorite things to do there? Thanks for having me, Lauren!