I spent my Saturday in New York City, wandering the streets and shops of one of the wealthiest parts of Manhattan.
My art history class offered a trip to the Met, so I tagged along, boarding a bus at 6 in the morning and arriving around 11. We were dropped on the steps of the museum, so I spent some time browsing the galleries. It's a massive space, filled with antiquities and masterpieces from all over the world. I happen to like the sun filled atriums of Greek and Roman marble statues. There's this sense of cleanliness and luxury in the shiny white rooms lined with greenery and busts of heroes. I also love the Islamic art, the amazing blue tiles and bubbling fountains, ornate tapestries, and glasswork.
Being in the city put me in an exploring mood, so I quickly was bored of the Met and escaped to the street. Hungry for lunch, I searched for a bakery or cafe. I finally decided upon an everything bagel with lox schmear and headed over to Central park to eat by the lagoon. Tourists, lovers, and businessmen alike passed my bench. The people watching was better than a paid show. The park is so alive.
I moved on to the boutiques of the Upper East Side, which are plentiful. All the best of the best have a plot in the neighborhood: Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Celine. I strayed towards the cosmetic and body shops. Starting at Aesop, one of my favorite skincare lines, I scooped up some samples and a bottle of makeup remover (more on that later). Next on to Diptyque, a favorite Parisian perfumer, to test out new scents. I'm in love with their Tam Dao, but wanted to see what other woodsy, spicy scents they made and was suggested the newest fragrance Oud. Then Kiehl's, where I typically get my soaps and lotions, and walked away with a bag of testers (I really like the Ultra Facial Cream I tried).
Then there are the department stores... Bergdorf's, Sak's... and the ruler of them all Barney's. I couldn't resist. The stacks of cashmere sweaters, silk ties, leather handbags... But of course, I headed to the cosmetics floor, full of bright lipsticks and hand-poured candles. Beelining to the Le Labo table, I sniffed Santal (a classic) and the not-yet-released Thé Noir 29, which I immediately fell in love with. I was loaded up with a handful of sample vials. Byredo also carries some amazing scents... my favorite is Gypsy Water. Someone pointed me in the direction of Odin as well, which has an intoxicating, smoky fragrance: 07 Tanoke (I was complimented on this scent throughout the day).
Before I left the city I had to pick up some treats. Below the Plaza Hotel (Of Eloise fame), is a food court/marketplace with caviar bars, bake shops, and tea sellers. I am a particular fan of Kusmi Tea, which has a location there. Nearby, at the legendary Dean & Deluca's market, a very high-end grocer, with beautifully designed products and amazing quality (but very pricey), I picked out a Blueprint Juice. I also tried out Butterfield Market for the first time, which proved successful. They offer hand pressed juices, fresh smoothies, salads, and pretty pastries (the meringues!).
Overall, a great day, leaving me feeling refreshed, but my feet a bit sore.
xo Jenny
My art history class offered a trip to the Met, so I tagged along, boarding a bus at 6 in the morning and arriving around 11. We were dropped on the steps of the museum, so I spent some time browsing the galleries. It's a massive space, filled with antiquities and masterpieces from all over the world. I happen to like the sun filled atriums of Greek and Roman marble statues. There's this sense of cleanliness and luxury in the shiny white rooms lined with greenery and busts of heroes. I also love the Islamic art, the amazing blue tiles and bubbling fountains, ornate tapestries, and glasswork.
Being in the city put me in an exploring mood, so I quickly was bored of the Met and escaped to the street. Hungry for lunch, I searched for a bakery or cafe. I finally decided upon an everything bagel with lox schmear and headed over to Central park to eat by the lagoon. Tourists, lovers, and businessmen alike passed my bench. The people watching was better than a paid show. The park is so alive.
I moved on to the boutiques of the Upper East Side, which are plentiful. All the best of the best have a plot in the neighborhood: Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Celine. I strayed towards the cosmetic and body shops. Starting at Aesop, one of my favorite skincare lines, I scooped up some samples and a bottle of makeup remover (more on that later). Next on to Diptyque, a favorite Parisian perfumer, to test out new scents. I'm in love with their Tam Dao, but wanted to see what other woodsy, spicy scents they made and was suggested the newest fragrance Oud. Then Kiehl's, where I typically get my soaps and lotions, and walked away with a bag of testers (I really like the Ultra Facial Cream I tried).
Then there are the department stores... Bergdorf's, Sak's... and the ruler of them all Barney's. I couldn't resist. The stacks of cashmere sweaters, silk ties, leather handbags... But of course, I headed to the cosmetics floor, full of bright lipsticks and hand-poured candles. Beelining to the Le Labo table, I sniffed Santal (a classic) and the not-yet-released Thé Noir 29, which I immediately fell in love with. I was loaded up with a handful of sample vials. Byredo also carries some amazing scents... my favorite is Gypsy Water. Someone pointed me in the direction of Odin as well, which has an intoxicating, smoky fragrance: 07 Tanoke (I was complimented on this scent throughout the day).
Before I left the city I had to pick up some treats. Below the Plaza Hotel (Of Eloise fame), is a food court/marketplace with caviar bars, bake shops, and tea sellers. I am a particular fan of Kusmi Tea, which has a location there. Nearby, at the legendary Dean & Deluca's market, a very high-end grocer, with beautifully designed products and amazing quality (but very pricey), I picked out a Blueprint Juice. I also tried out Butterfield Market for the first time, which proved successful. They offer hand pressed juices, fresh smoothies, salads, and pretty pastries (the meringues!).
Overall, a great day, leaving me feeling refreshed, but my feet a bit sore.
xo Jenny