For someone that has been to New York six times over the last two years, I have never actually been there on ‘vacation’. Well when I say for work, it is usually for fashion week which I cannot complain at all about, it is a pinch me moment every time. However, there is something about getting an entire week to do all of my favourite things (and some touristy activities naturally, who knew Top of the Rock was such an experience..). The luxury of taking a leisurely stroll up Madison, pausing to stop into anything that catches my eye, is something that really gets me going. Don’t even mention topping it all of with a Butterfield Cinnamon Iced Latte and Grilled Chicken Greek Salad…
Now, something else that really gets me going is the fashion in New York. Particularly uptown. There seems to be some sort of unspoken uniform between the chicest women up there. So, without further ado this is everything all the cool girls are doing/wearing in New York right now:
Shirts!
If you think the photo above is creepy, just imagine how I felt taking it. However, after seeing endless chic shirt outfits all week, I needed photo proof. The women of the UES are wearing shirts in any colour, pattern or fabric and they are typically oversized. Whilst I saw a lot of white on white and cream on cream, I adored the stripe of this woman’s shirt, along with mid wash denim and these jelly flats (I went home and bought the exact same that day).
Favourite shirts include this, this, this and this (love).
Now, this is quite literally my first stop when get into the city. I love it so much I went twice. The first in this skirt and shirt combo that was fabulous - but wayyy too hot. The second visit was in these cream jeans, velvet flats and a white tank/top combo (not pictured, this incredible top).
My motto is that it’s always worth having a look in any vintage store, sometimes you’ll score and others you won’t but tell me is there anything better than that score? Nothing hurts more than the vintage that got away…
When I tell you I was in shock at the vast amount of Doen I saw during my time in NYC. Apparently when it’s warm, there is only one brand to wear according to the chicest ladies in the city. I saw various iterations of this top in particular and this dress! It’s perfect for staying cool yet elevated in the summertime, it makes me feel pretty which is suddenly all I want when the sun comes out. Whilst it’s definitely a departure from my usual style, I add my signature pieces (this, these and a leather bag) to make it feel more ‘me’ and less living on a prairie.
As soon as I arrive into America, something just comes over me so strongly - a hunger. We don’t have anywhere near as exciting food here in the UK..
Apologies to my gluten free people but the breakfast I always dream of is Bubby’s in Tribeca. I always do the sourdough pancakes with mixed berries, banana and filter coffee. Even if you’re not eating you should grab a coffee and head down to the best Photo Booth in the world. There is something about the lighting in this one that just understands the mission. I wonder if I can get a passport photo here….
The brand all the fashion girls are talking about/wearing right now, get in quick I have a feeling it’s going to be that brand this year. This top (worn above) is just me in tech taffeta form, classic yet interest added. This velvet situ is also sensational.
If you thought Happier Grocery was the epitome of luxury, you thought wrong. Head to Butterfield Market around 1pm on a weekday and you’ll understand. The food and produce here just feels so fresh, it’s hard to describe but being in there is just an experience.
I can’t believe it took me this long to visit Juju in her office/showroom. No brand has ever resonated with me so much, every piece makes a statement whilst fitting in completely naturally with the rest of that persons outfit/personality. I wear this collar every single day, in the city or on a country walk - it just works. I could have spoken to Juju for hours, the most charming, intelligent and interesting woman whose designs are a reflection of such. I left with these earrings, which I wore immediately (they are heavyish but not painful at all), I tried the Nani earrings but decided to pause and create a special pair for my wedding. I had been eyeing the sun lighter pendant and bought it as I was leaving NYC (classic). Oh and I would like to own that piece of art aka cigarette holder, just to gaze at.
If there is one thing I want to buy vast amounts of right now, it’s woven baskets. In every room, on every arm and Salter House have an amazing selection. We stopped by as I noticed the most perfect lamp from its adjoining store ‘Picture Room NYC’. Upon entry we realised just what a gem we had stumbled across, a gem with a cult following too apparently. The country girl in me wanted everything.
If the chic women of New York aren’t wearing Doen or a great shirt, they are wearing a floaty floral dress. If like me you’re wondering, where from? I can tell you one thing or should I say one brand - Ulla Johnson!
To think I almost didn’t visit the Aflalo showroom..I am shook. There is a reason I have seen this brand/showroom plastered all over my socials by the coolest girls I know. Every inch is an aesthetic dream, and that’s just the interior. I would describe their clothing as exactly what I want to wear right now. From the perfect vintage esque ripped jeans - size up! I went for a 27 and I usually take a 25 (that I wore for the entire next day after), the best leopard coat I’ve ever seen and lace embellished silky trousers. Not to mention the jewellery, designed by Leandra Medine Cohen - I would like one of everything, this necklace in particular.
One of my favourite brands right now and apparently everyone else’s. For those looking to add some edge to your summer wardrobe, this is the brand for you. I bought this belt, but am tempted by the trench and summer hat.
This brand has been my favourite discovery of 2026 so far, all of the cool girls are wearing basket bags right now. As much as I love Dragon Diffusion, it just feels so everywhere. The Row has great woven bags but they’re expensive and not as ‘basketty’ as one would like. Enter Underwater Weaving who just gets it. The ‘Perfect bag’ is pictured above and it does what it says on the tip, it’s just perfect. These are next on my list for inside my home, on a particular bench.
What other category is there that it’s considered normal to keep trying and buying until you find the perfect piece? Probably none other than denim. Fear not if you’re still trying and buying with limited success. For I have found the answer, its name is The Consistency Project and the woman working here (I forget her name) is a GENIUS. She took my measurements and then gave me three pairs of denim, they all fit well but when I tell you the far left pair were PERFECT. Even my fiancé was lured into buying his perfect pair. Life will never be the same.
Am I the only one who finds this store incredibly intimidating? I always feel like a criminal for trying things on, but I still go as they have the BEST stuff. The shoe wall is my dream, along with their brand selection. I tried an incredible Lauren Manoogian cardigan, High Sports pants (LOVED these) and a Colleen Allen dress of dreams.
If you’re wondering what cool girls are wearing on their feet in NYC, in the heat. From my people watching it is either simple flip flops. ballet flats or barely there sandals - particularly from brands such as Ancient Greek or A.Emery. These would be my choice (she says after purchasing last night lol).
It was this time last week when I found out Violet Grey was in NYC, I know I know am I okay? Anyway needless to say upon discovering this I spent about an hour in there. This perfume was incredible but I actually ordered this last night after thinking about it since spraying in VG. According to their incredibly helpful staff, the intel is that all the cool UES ladies are using Eighth Day skincare, this perfume, this Mutha body butter and this deodorant.
The Row
Are you proud of me, I went to The Row only once this trip! Although apparently that doesn’t count when you’ve already got half the latest collection according to my fiancé. I disagree, I think borders are everything. I tried on the Gavina shirt, adored it but thought I could find similar for less like this or this. I did notice a lot of The Row footwear and accessories in NYC like this, this and this.
Alert Alert! There is a new cool girl on the block. By that I mean Posse has come to Bleecker St and it does not disappoint. Expect to see Underwater Weaving baskets dotted around the beautifully curated store. Favourite pieces included a black tie dress/top situation and the perfect white linen pants.
Amongst all the chic shirts and pretty Doen pieces there is a secret underground club, full of cool people that are obsessing over one brand in particular. That brand is Colleen Allen and if you try, you’ll understand. Internally I was so grateful for a drop in temperature later on in the week, as it meant I could pull out this fabulous velvet cloak situation.
Now, as much as I love clothes - sometimes I like to get my fix from homeware. Porta has been on my radar for a loooong time, except I’ve never had time to cross to the other side (literally and metaphorically). Let’s just say we carved out the time and it did not disappoint one bit. I bought this bud vase, serving spoons, and pearl teaspoon but wish I had bought so much more a bigger suitcase. I have since sent an email begging them to send me items to the UK, just in case you were under the illusion I was at all relaxed.
Once you’ve explored down Atlantic Avenue, pop into Sea & Soil for the best sandwiches, pretzels and coffee with a great neighbourhood vibe. The Elliott sandwich hit all the right spots.
A Tribeca spot with a CULT following. You’ll find the best sandwiches, coffee, salad bits and fashion here.
Perusing the aisles of Happier Grocery and buying crazily niche things I absolutely do not need is my form of relaxation, not that my fiancé would agree. The wellness/beauty section is my favourite to explore new brands, I always grab Sofie Pavitt cleansing pads and Baina goods. Oh and the chicken salad sandwich and Berry Renewal smoothie is top tier.
In the famous words of Leona Lewis, ‘I don’t care what they say, I’m in love with you’. Meadow Lane is that incredibly hot ex you want to dislike, but just can’t stay away from. Their coffee’s are delectable and there is something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for the perfect salad, Heirloom Tomato spray or $20 jam from Amagansett (unreal BTW). I left with this Flamingo Estate candle, Buddy Buddy Almond Butter, an amalgamation of health food and these fruit strips.
Our first dinner venture of the trip and it didn’t disappoint. I first came here with my friends in February and fell in love. It feels like a classic slice of New York history, the crowd is completely mixed. From groups of Upper East Side ladies, to casual regulars and business folks. I had the best Dirty Martini of my life here. The atmosphere is incredible, just book in advance!
There is reason this place is such a hotspot, eating here feels like you’re on the cusp of someone incredibly famous walking in for a casual bite. We sat outside and people watched, but the inside is just so beautiful.
The best coffee, I am still craving it now. Try the Cin-ful latte and thank me later.
Whilst we didn’t get chance to eat here, almost every person I asked on Instagram had this Italian spot in their recommendations. So, do with that information what you will!
This is always a favourite of mine whenever I am in the city. What I love about NYC is that there are so many places to eat, where it feels like time doesn’t exist. You can picture what it would have been like in the 70s etc, along with an excellent burger (everyone always tells me to get the burger) and the best dirty martini’s (US does the best in the world IMO - sorry!).
What are your favourite spots in NYC?
OW X
Buy of the Week: The Row but make it Zara…aka this Jacket and Trousers.
This feels shameless from Zara but did we expect anything less? This jacket and trouser looks like an extra from The Row’s latest collection. If you love The Row but not the price, this is for you. I shall be buying the trousers in the name of research…
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Mar 10
24 hours ago I found myself in sunny Paris, waking up to room service breakfast, running in-between appointments to stores and wearing my favourite clothes (not having to worry about puppy hairs or maintenance).
Everything the Cool Girls are doing/wearing in Florence right now.
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Apr 28
Something you might not know about me is I am engaged to a man, but not just any man, an airline pilot. There must be something about the Cotswolds because it appears all Pilots tend to congregate here. Anyway, dating said pilot comes with its perks! Sometimes it’…
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