Visit NYC and NOT Look Like a Tourist

Today's post goes out to Ava, of My Skin Concierge Ava, who hit me up for some advice on dressing like a New Yorker. She is visiting NYC for the holidays (such a magical time), and wants some advice on how to NOT look like a tourist in NYC! Great question... I'm so glad you asked.

How to not look like a tourist in NYC

1. Black, Black, Black 
Black is the go to "color" of New Yorkers, it is always chic, and easy to put together. Most subscribe to the theory of the more black the better. Also it makes you look fierce, so no one questions your street smart...also important but we'll get to that later.

2. Bundle up in Layers
It gets really (really) cold in NYC. Fortunately, the holidays is when the cold is still charming winter chill rather than the wrath of Mother Nature like us locals have to endure from January - March. Start with a base thermal layer, then a hip sweater, topped off with a super structured (preferably rocked out) leather jacket. For pants switch between black skinny jeans and black leggings. Then add a statement scarf, a floppy beanie, and leather gloves (you may need more coverage than these half gloves but I couldn't resist). *Oh and the Starbucks is also crucial to your warmth as well as your New York street cred.*

3. Boots
New Yorkers pretty much wear boots all year round, don't get me started on the people that wear this exact outfit in July (yes I've witnessed this exact incident). The important thing to remember as a Tourist "New Yorker" is that you are not used to walking as much as we are everyday, and your feet will seriously hurt. But never under any circumstances are you allowed to wear sneakers unless you are coming from the actual gym in your workout clothes. Here are some adorable combat boots with only a slight wedge for style and all the right sass.

4. Backpack
You will inevitably have lots of tourist things to carry with you. Camera, maps, guide books, souvenirs, and maybe snacks. GREAT TIMING! Not only is the backpack the biggest accessory trend to hit the runways recently, it is perfect for hiding your tourist stash without leaving you unprepared! *Remember a smart phone is vitally important* it can give you directions so you don't wander in circles with a map, plus everyone wears them for good tunes to drown out the sirens.

5. Bling
Layer on the accessories and rock like no tomorrow. Multiple layered rings and bracelets are super hot right now. Grab a handful at Forever 21 and wear them all at once! *Let your confidence bling too* 90% of a New Yorker persona is in their demeanor. -When you go somewhere you don't Sunday Stroll, you power walk. -You wear an outfit likes it's the hottest thing from the runways of Lincoln Center. -And you definitely don't let people walk all over you...you are NOT rude, but you are always assertive.

NYC and Not a Tourist by fashiondiva304 featuring black wedge booties

So what do you think mes cheris? 

You ready to visit NYC for the holidays and not look like a tourist?

Don't forget you can still win some NYC swag 

even if you're aren't 
visiting NYC for the holidays!

Travel to Boston: Beantown Counter Culture

I spent the weekend gallivanting around Boston, Mass and had a wonderful time. The break from the city was perfect and the travel to Boston wasn't too bad of a commute from NYC. After a short bus ride complete with WiFi and a working desk I was dropped off in the historic Beantown rightfully nicknamed for its obsession with coffee...as you can guess, we got along perfectly.

Here are some pictures from my travel to Boston along with a coffee shop definitely worth the drive by if you ever find yourself in town. I'm telling you the Beantown counter culture is the best.

 This is a memorial garden for the lost soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

It is lined with empty dog tags and very moving. 

Pavement Coffeehouse is at the start of Newberry St (shopping central) and has a great vibe. This Beantown counter culture is local hang out which is always my hunt when I travel somewhere new. I ordered a breakfast sandwich on a spinach bagel (YUM!) and an iced cold brew honey coffee. I'm pretty sure I finished it in one gulp, this stuff is seriously addicting. When you travel to Boston be sure to stop by. It's phenom!

NYC Digs: Christmas is Chocolate!

Christmas in NYC is the most magical time of year, beautiful window shopping, ice skating, and Christmas music heard near and far. Well this past weekend was no exception, as Santas of all shapes and sizes filled the city streets full of booze aided holiday cheer for Santacon! I personally love the girl's santa costume that both these ladies are sporting for the event. It's always fun to make the holidays fashionably festive!

After much exploring the past couple weeks a friend and I ventured upon this lovely chocolate shop at Bryant Park. Lily O'Briens Chocolate Cafe lured me in with promises of Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate... and they did not disappoint! I just love here how they've decorated the store for Christmas using their chocolates as ornaments.

This chocolat chaud was of course after a dazzling whirl around the Bryant Park Ice Rink! Nothing beats ice skating in New York, its always one of my favorite things to look forward to. Bundled in a winter white pea coat and catwalk worthy trapper hat you begin to feel like you are starring in your own holiday chic flic... now where is that prince charming?

How do you hit the ice my dears?

Bloggers at Magnolia

I have loved meeting up with friends now that I live somewhere new. On Saturday I got to relax and chat with a very good Blogger friend, Janet! Writer of the wonderful blog Designing Mazorie.

We met for a coffee and delish cupcakes at the ever popular Magnolia Bakery on the Upper West Side. She is such a doll and knows her style for sure! We chatted about all facets of NYC life and work and I got a sneak peak at her latest venture! As a freelance jewelry artist she already makes a living doing fabulous work but these rings she showed me were fresh off the press and fantastic!

I got Pumpkin and Snikerdoodle...and the Pumpkin is TO DIE FOR!

Be sure to check out Janet's blog here... and tell me... her rings are amazing aren't they!?!

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Good to the Last NY Drop

Amongst the craziness that is Settling into NYC, I have squeezed in my fair share of coffee drinking. I am trying to mentally bookmark the places that ate not Starbucks for a nice change of pace. Yes I love Starbucks, but I kind've love unique locally owned cafes more. Pourquoi pas mes cheries...


While in The Village last weekend a huge cold wind flew by and instantly left me yearning for a good frothy brew. Imagine my joy when I literally look up to find this hidden gem?!

The Roasting Plant Company is a quaint little getaway, literally lined wall to wall with a selection of NYC inspired beans. You select one and they grind and brew the beans fresh to order. There is even a nifty grinder working in the window!

Be sure to head down to

11th Street and Greenwich Ave for your own cup

of Central Park Brew today!

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NYC Digs: Brunch-tastic!

My first couple weeks in NYC were a wonderful introduction into the city. Working hard and playing harder. There is always something new and exciting to check out here, whether you are a local or a tourist you will always find a plethora of options to choose from. And hopefully you have great friends and a camera to accompany you to all the fun! I want to introduce a new series for The Embellished Life that I hope will quickly become a cult favorite! NYC Digs! Spotlighting great places to work, play, relax, eat and generally be merry while in The Big Apple. When I visited New York, before I lived here, I was always searching for options outside of The Zagat guide and Tourism Books to explore, but sometimes that is hard to find unless you start talking to locals on the streets. I'm hoping I can open your eyes to a fun and exciting world for you to explore inside this Concrete Jungle.

New York City is truly a city that can sweep you away with excitement, but on Sundays the whole city seems to honor one very important tradition...Brunch! Whether you are up for its kickoff at about 10 am or you sleep in until 5 pm or later (Yes, restaurants will still be serving Brunch that late), NYC brunch is like none other and something everyone should experience at least once...if not regularly.

{guestofaguest.com}

For my girlfriends birthday we headed to SoHo for a very fabulous Brunch at The Cupping Room Cafe...and I must say....they know how to do brunch! Starting with mimosa's and ending with a cake for my friends, complete with candle, we left happily fulfilled by our Brunch outing.

{Thanks Cupping Room!}

For those with a savory palate, I recommend going for the Eggs Benedict. I snagged a taste off my friends plate and it was stellar, perfect amount of Hollandaise Sauce and the best side fixin's.

And for those of you, like me, that live life in the sweet lane...Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes! Pancakes are my all time favorite food..pumpkin, chocolate chip, banana nut, I love them all. These were excellent and I loved the whole wheat option!

The Cupping Room Cafe managed to create a homey cafe feel while calling the Big City home.

It is a place we will definitely be returning to!

How do you Brunch my darlings?

My Love Affair with NYC...One Coffee at a Time - The Guest Blogger Series

As my search continues for mi casa, here is a much more fun search for anyone out in the city in the near future. Coffee shops are one of my favorite things; atmosphere and a good brew complete either with friends or just a good book. And as much as I love Starbucks, I prefer finding those unique places that surprise you. In NY you can be literally anywhere, take a 360 degree turn, and see at least one Starbucks. So, in a city hard pressed for small boutique cafes Janet from Designing Mazorie blog has pieced together your perfect Scavenger Hunt for the Best Brews of Manhattan!

I have lived in NYC for a little over four years and while my life has changed in so many ways one thing remained the same…my love of coffee. I am rarely seen without a cup in hand between the hours of 9am to 5pm. This obsession habit might be a costly one but I really enjoy nothing more than showing up to my local coffee spot, grabbing the newest fashion magazine, ordering my usual latte, and sipping while the city rolls by.

So when Jessica asked me to write a guest post for The Embellished Life, I could think of nothing I would want to share more than my favorite coffee spots in the city.

Grounded- Located in the heart of West Village, this place won my heart over with their Sweet-and-Nutty lattes. Go here, order one to-go, and then take a walk down Bleeker Street… You’ll never be happier!

Think- With several locations in the city it is an absolute must. Never will you be caught in Starbucks again. Order the Spanish Latte, which is espresso with condensed milk and it’s deliciously rich! They also make a mean grilled cheese so come hungry.

La Colombe- If you want an amazing cup of coffee while eying NYC’s most fabulous, come here. The space is simple, open and uncluttered. Bring your best friend along and talk about the fashions walking by the large windows.

Ost Café- It’s an open, friendly location with knowledgeable staff. They use a double shot of espresso, which seems suitable for the bowl-sized latte. A great place to read a book or bring your laptop for the free Wi-Fi. This place is right around the corner from me, which makes it even better! Maybe I will see you there sometime?

MUD- Want a huge heavy mug filled with delicious drip-coffee while enjoying 90’s R&B…well at least that’s what’s always playing when I come in. Love it! They have great food here too and a nice garden-like area to sit out back.

Stumptown at the ACE Hotel- Locally roasted, conscious bean buying, and expertly operated espresso machines make this place a must. You will never want to leave. Once you have your coffee in hand walk on into the ACE hotels amazing lobby area, where you’ll find cozy couches and fabulous lighting.

Saturdays Surf- I know confusing right…but this coffee bar located in a SoHo surf shop will make you very happy. The baristas/sales associates are super nice and down-to-earth. There is also a huge outdoor seating area in back.

Madeleines Patisserie- OK this one is kinda a cheat…I don’t really come here for the coffee. I come here for the delicious, best-you-will-ever-have almond croissants. But in order to enjoy these croissants fully they serve a good cup of coffee and you can sit in the quaint seating area pretending you’re in a French Patisserie. Why not?

Tarallucci E Vino- With patio seating and glasses of good wine also an available option this place rocks. I love coming here on a sunny day with the girls, ordering coffee and yummy pastries and chatting the day away. This is also a great place to come after a dinner date for dessert and coffee.

Janet runs a wonderful blog Designing Majorie

chocked full of incredible inspiration!

Be sure to check it out HERE!

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