My friends and I travel the world together, but this fall, something amazing happened. They all came to visit me! Well, kind of lol. My friend Amanda, who lives in Brussels, decided to celebrate her Birthday in New York City. Being the planners that we are (see my Porto Cervo post), and by we I mean my friends Amanda and Shauna, we pack an itinerary full of all of the best places to eat, drink, and party in New York City. I had been living in New York for a little over a year by this time and had not explored much of city. This trip not only was a great opportunity to connect with my girls, but I was able to become a tourist in my own city!
Thursday
My best friend Ebony was the first to arrive. We have been friends for over 17 years after meeting in middle school in our hometown of Oakland, CA. Ebony is an Editorial Stylist for Nordstrom and eagerly volunteered to kick-off her trip by speaking to my students about her career and the importance of education.
Afterward, while we waited for everyone else to arrive, we headed out to Corner Social for a quick happy hour before our dinner at Red Rooster.
This outfit has such amazing details. Ebony is an Editorial Stylist so she is consistently inspiring me to take risks.
Home Team
After a long day of traveling, a pre-dinner bite to eat with sangria was necessary lol
Happy Hour: Corner Social
Next, we had a late dinner (for the European girls), at Red Roosters and it was great. The food was delicious and the ambiance was hard to beat. By pure luck, there was a live Jazz band serenading us the entire time.
Shauna (far right) is my best friend from High school. She met Whitney (left) and Brittany (middle) while working in London.
Brittany and Whitney started off as my best friend Shauna’s friends from London, but since moving to New York, they have become some of my closest friends and travel buddies.
Dinner: Red Rooster
Friday
For our first full day in the city, we headed to Reformation to shop for Bridesmaids’ dresses. My best friend Shauna is marrying her fiance Barry in Ireland in June, so we used this opportunity to try on and select our Bridesmaids’ dresses (which are stunning, full post on the wedding definitely coming in June). Afterward, we enjoyed strolling around SOHO and taking in the New York scenery.
First stop before a full day of shopping and sightseeing, coffee!
We love a good background for the perfect photo op!
Amanda is a buyer for a European clothing line and always puts me on to the best brands.
Amanda also takes THE BEST photos and has a great eye for the perfect backdrop.
This outfit came together beautifully. This is a great shot of the details (lace bra, mesh top, satin dress).
Always ahead of the trends, Ebony was head to toe in metallics for our first full day.
Bridesmaid Dress Shopping: Reformation
Soon it was lunchtime. We sat down to eat at ABCv, a delicious vegetarian restaurant that did not disappoint. The flavors of the food were impeccable. I have been back twice since this trip.
Whole roasted cauliflower with turmeric-tahini and pistachios
Avocado lettuce cups, toasted cumin, serrano and lime, pepitas
Lunch: ABCv
After eating at ABCv, we walked to an adorable cocktail bar called “While We Were Young”. There we enjoyed some beautiful decor and tasty craft cocktails.
This Lavender Cocktail was delicious and photo ready!
I would love to have this pink velvet couch in my life.
Brittany outside of While We Were Young
The fall decor inside While We Were Young was lovely, and pink (one of my favorite colors).
Craft Cocktails: While We Were Young
We finished off the day with (you guessed it), more drinking, this time with gorgeous city views!
This was the gorgeous view from the bar at The Top of the Standard
Saturday
The next day we were full on tourists and headed to Central Park. We strolled around the park, stopping for drinks at Leb Boathouse.
LA girls taking the Subway!
Blending in on the train
Made it to central park!
Park: Central Park
Drinks: Leob Boathouse
That night, we celebrated my friend Amanda’s birthday with a dinner at ABC Kitchen, followed by a night of dancing at VINLY.
The ambiance at ABC Kitchen is hard to beat. The walls, ceilings, tables, and even floor are decorated to perfection with a rustic vintage feel.
We didn’t have a planned dress code or theme for the night, but sheer and lace were definitely a popular choice among the ladies. It’s not uncommon for us to show up in similar pieces.
Dinner: ABC Kitchen
Club: Vinyl
Sunday
As much as my friends and I LOVE documenting our trips, the last few days there is always a reduction in the number of pictures taken because even we are sometimes over it (lol). For my friends’ final day in NYC we stayed in Harlem (YAY!) and had a delicious brunch at Lido’s, craft cocktails at The Grange, and made it to a fun fundraiser thrown by my friend Whitney.
Heading out to brunch at Lido’s in Harlem
Sometimes the rain tries to stop you from being great. Clearly it did not stop Ebony. We called her “Rihanna” all day!
The craft cocktails (and appetizers) at The Grange are a must if you ever visit Harlem.
As you can see, we tried a few different ones, the staff make excellent recommendations.
Enjoying our last bit of time together while partying for a great cause. This picture was taken right after I told her I ordered food for us.
Brunch: Lido’s
Cocktails: The Grange