Hello darlings,
As you know, I returned from New York after attending my first ever fashion week. Phew! It was a lot. I definitely learned some things and have a couple of things I would do differently. I’m going to share all of it from where to stay, a few spots to eat, great spots for a cocktail and more.
Where to stay:
My friend Taylor and I stayed at Duane Street Hotel in Tribeca. Not only is the location the absolute best with close proximity to many of NYFW’s events, but it’s a fabulous location for anyone visiting New York for any reason other than fashion week. It’s an 8 minute walk to Soho, 5 minute walk to ground zero in the financial district, 10 minute walk to the village, 15 minute walk to Chelsea Market and, hello! Duane Street Hotel is in the heart of Tribeca which means fabulous things to do right outside your door. Plus it’s easy access to the NRW line, the ACE line, the 23 line, the 456 line and the JZ line which means you can get anywhere via subway. The staff at the hotel is nothing short of amazing, as well. Warm smiles, a helpful hand and friendly conversation. We left feeling like family. It’s the kind of hotel that I’d have a hard time staying anywhere else because I know how wonderful it is. They have a happy hour in the lobby every day from 5-7pm with a variety of meats, cheeses, veggies, dips, crackers, tapenades etc. Essentially an incredible charcuterie board with champagne, red wine and white wine to top it all off. I can’t wait to stay here again! You can check out room rates HERE.
Where to eat/drink:
New York is not short of restaurants. It’s actually hard to have a bad meal in NYC because the rent is so high restaurants couldn’t remain open if they were bad. #truth But, I do have a few places you should try in different areas of NYC. Let’s start in Tribeca since you’ll obviously stay at Duane St. 😉
- Tribeca restaurant: 1803 NYC. It’s a New Orlean’s inspired restaurant with Creole, Spanish and French influence. All of the dishes are bursting with flavor and just the right amount of kick. So good! Pro tip: Skip the cocktails. Order wine or beer.
- Meatpacking restaurant: Catch NYC. While there are locations on both coasts, the one in NYC provides a beautiful rooftop view of lower manhattan. Fresh seafood and sushi dishes that will not disappoint. Pro tip: make a reservation for the outdoor rooftop.
- Midtown restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen: Aria Wine Bar. A little Italian wine bar with an incredible food menu, wine selection and an ambiance that won’t soon be forgotten. Rustic, exposed brick, candles, wine everywhere. The coziest spot right in Hell’s Kitchen. There is a location downtown as well but I haven’t been to it. I’m sure I would feel the same about it! Pro tip: Go hungry. Reservations aren’t totally necessary but it doesn’t hurt.
- Upper West Side restaurant: Cafe Lalo. For a little French flair and killer dessert selection, you must go to Cafe Lalo. Expertly crafted cappuccinos, over 100 cakes to choose from, classical jazz music and an environment that draws the most artistic of New Yorkers. Definitely a spot Owen Wilson would go to in Midnight in Paris. They also only carry top-shelf liquors and after dinner apertifs. So, you know it’s a classy spot.
- Village spot for great cocktails: Analogue. Come here for the coziest ambiance, amazing cheese and charcuterie boards and expertly crafted cocktails. True mixologists here! Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday for their Tiki-Tuesdays. The best Mai Tais!
- Village spot for food and drinks: Rosemary’s. An Italian spot in the West Village that is equally as good for brunch as it is a late-night dinner. Open air, fabulous ambiance and a great wine selection.
What to do:
It’s New York. The list of to-do’s is endless. A few things I always have to do when I visit New York…
- Visit the Chelsea Markets.
- Get lost in Soho and do some shopping.
- Eat pizza. Little Italy Pizza is a great spot and they have locations all over.
- Stroll through Central Park.
- Always get a (or multiple) foot rub at All Seasons Body Work located at: 57 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011. Get at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, an hour is never a mistake. I always go here at least once during a trip. Pro tip: Take cash as it’s cash only. They do have an atm but if you want to avoid the atm fee, bring some of your own. $20 for 30 minutes and be sure to tip.
Fashion Week Tips:
- Bring small flats that roll up small and can fit in your purse. Just trust me on this. Unless you want to wear flats to events/shows. Flats and sneakers can definitely be stylish and chic but I am a heels girl through and through. We got blisters day one from wearing heels on cobblestone streets. Small, packable flats are a must. Try THESE.
- Fill your event calendar first. Once your events are lined up, then pick your outfits. I think both Taylor and I feel like we were shooting non-stop (6 looks per day) and didn’t have a minute to breathe. Have a different look for each event that you go to and photograph it before the event. Then shoot with a photographer one day if you have a few things that you really want to capture the details on, or, if it’s for a brand. I always shoot with a professional photographer rather than an iphone so for me, a professional shoot is a must.
- Come up with a shoot schedule and prioritize collaboration content first.
- Just because you’re at fashion week, doesn’t mean work stops. Check your email consistently.
- Stay in a great hotel that’s close to everything. Like Duane Street Hotel.
- The subway is your friend and will save you loads of money on taxis plus it has wifi so you can work while en route.
- A few helpful things to pack: Dry shampoo, blister blocker wax, safety pins, fashion tape, nude bra and underwear.
- Fashion week is when every fashion lover has total permission to shine a little extra! Be daring. Be bold. Try different patterns and colors together. Add the brooch. Add sparkle tights. I’m not saying you have to wear a bird on your head a la Carrie Bradshaw. But this is the time to try things so don’t be afraid of it!
There you have it! All my tips, tricks and advice. If you have any other questions that I didn’t answer, or any other tips you have learned, leave them in the comments below!
Xox
Tessa
