NYC Shopping Diaries Pt. 2

You know what we love? A trip to NYC.

Even a short one. Even a technically-for-work one with barely any free time.

Give me a couple hours in the city and you bet your bottom dollar I’m hitting up a few shops IRL. Because in-person shopping always trumps online shopping.

I'm in New York a few times a year — my husband and I both have family there, plus friends (including many of you!), plus the occasional client trip. I was last there in November (Part 1 if you missed it), but this visit was much faster and in support of a client. So with only three hours to spare in SoHo and the West Village, I had to narrow in on the essentials, the favorites. Nevertheless, she persisted.

I landed around 1 pm and dropped my bags at my hotel in East Village. I was pleasantly surprised that my room was ready (never happens?), so I was able to drop my bags and situate myself a bit before getting to it.

I texted Jennifer Cook because I know she works in SoHo and was hoping I could catch her for a few. Selfishly, I also wanted to know where I could grab a good, quick sandwich because although I was very hungry, I had no time to waste! She sent me to Elk and it was perfect. Def recommend the turkey sammie and matcha!

Lucky for me, Jen was able to join me for a bit on my SoHo shopping tour. Unlucky for Jen, she wasn’t able to leave empty-handed (I believe she bought this — it looked great). Sorry for being a bad influence, Jen!

• Still Here: Unfortunately, I love Still Here denim (I have these - TTS) and I very much wanted to try on the Life jean IRL. They didn’t have my size in any color and it’s sold out online, so I tried on the size above in the Indigo (my preference would have been for the Classic Blue in these, but alas). The sales associate said that in photos, the models are styled in the size above to achieve the look of extra scrunch in the legs. For me though, I think I’d like my true size for a slightly more fitted straight leg. Will wait!

• Sézane: I have a gift card to Sézane and have been in a deep hole of indecisiveness about how to use it. So, was excited to try on a couple things in-person including the Max shirt, the Will jacket, the Virgil sweater (Janelle Taylor, tysm for your detailed notes!!), and these pants. Unfortunately, not everything was there, but I did try on the Virgil sweater (loved) and this denim jacket (also loved). I would have gotten the Virgil with my gift card, but unfortunately when I went online to order after returning home, it was OOS! So I got the Max shirt and am trying these instead. They are en route.

• Buck Mason: I just love their basics — their tees are go-to’s for me (this style & this one.) Elle Sundberg sold me on their sweatshirt, so I snagged that, plus a quarter zip. Now that I have a puppy AND two kids, I’ve had to put my sweaters into hiding. Bring on all the things that can be easily washed.

• Loeffler Randall: I just love this brand and always make a point to stop in the shop for a spark of joy. I tried on these shoes quickly and loved them. Slight platform and very cushy sole. And a Mary Jane sneaker?! I mean, come on. I only packed a carry on, but these are on my wishlist!

• Ons: I’ve been wanting to see the store where Jennifer Cook is in charge of buying! So I dropped her off back at work and did a little perusing. Guys, she really knows what she’s doing. It was beautiful and I was delighted to see Almina Concept in-person for the first time, as well as Bembien.

• Alex Mill: Elin Strong, Madeline Nachbar and I want the silver ballet flats so of course I had to run in and try them on. And yes, they’re perfect. I’m a true 8 and when I buy (because it’s only a matter of time), I’ll get the 39. Let’s also not forget that this happened (true out of body experience — Rosie, ily!):

• ME+EM: Have never been in!! But have been wanting to and was walking by, so stopped in for a quick peek. I was really drawn to their suiting!

• Uniqlo: We don’t have Uniqlos in Michigan, so I was excited to make a quick pit stop specifically to scout out a $50 sweater/sweatshirt that my friend Nikki told me about and boy did it deliver. It’s 100% cotton and feels like a sweater but looks like a sweatshirt. I got my true size and also snagged this polo in my larger size. I love both! New uniform items for sure.

• Cos: I did not make it to Cos, though I wanted to. Luckily Elizabeth Kelly did that for us. This is on its way to me, among other things.

I had 6:30 dinner reservations, so this was rapid fire. Quick stop in’s at two of my favorites.

• La Ligne: Didn’t try anything on, but did admire as always. (PS. Ariane10 gets you 10% off your order :))

  

• Leset: I shouldn’t but I WANT THEM. What a color! (Ps. Is this the color of the season? Seeing everywhere. Fashion Substack, tell us.) I tried on the pointelle cardigan again to confirm my size, as I’m waiting for the navy to come back! Found it to be TTS (the cropped version I’d size up though).

  

And that’s it! That’s all she wrote!

xx Ariane

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