New York was everything all at once – overstimulating, iconic, cinematic. We timed it perfectly with spring sunshine and cherry blossoms in full bloom, and somehow managed to hit all the moments that felt like they belonged in a movie.
We stayed at Motto by Hilton in Chelsea, which gave us the most gorgeous view to wake up to each day – classic NYC rooftops, soft morning light, and just enough distance from the chaos to reset between adventures.
Before the Holiday Began
This was a mixed trip – part holiday, part whirlwind work tour. While in New York for work, I spent time at our Stella McCartney head office, visited our SoHo store on Green Street, and stayed at the Public Hotel – minimal, stylish, and in the perfect location for early starts and late finishes. I also made a trip up to Woodbury Common to visit our Stella outlet store, with just enough time to browse a few others while I was there (and yes, a few good finds came home with me).
From there, I flew down to Miami for a 24-hour stop. We stayed in South Beach, had dinner at The Setai, and visited the Bal Harbour store the next morning. A quick store walkthrough, lunch at Makoto, and then I was straight back to the airport.
I left my colleague in Miami and flew back to New York to meet Robert – officially switching out of work mode and into full tourist energy.
The Classics (Because You Have To)
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Bryant Park in full bloom? Magical. Just across from the New York Public Library, where I pretended I was in a Nora Ephron film.
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Central Park gave us cherry blossoms, a slow, quiet moment – and a spontaneous bike ride, which ended up being one of our favorite parts.
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We did the Circle Line boat tour to see the Statue of Liberty – touristy, yes, but worth it.
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Times Square – impossible not to visit. It was chaotic, electric, completely overwhelming… and still somehow amazing to see in person.
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Walked the Brooklyn Bridge, took full advantage of the photo hawkers, soaked in those skyline views, then wandered through DUMBO (yes, we saw Dan Humphrey’s apartment) and ended up at Time Out Market Rooftop just in time for one of the most incredible sunsets we’ve ever seen.
Fashion Girl Highlights
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5th Avenue shopping – Aritzia, the iconic Tiffany & Co. store, and Louis Vuitton, which was wrapped in a construction facade made to look like stacked vintage trunks. Only in New York.
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Grand Central Station – had my Serena van der Woodsen moment, of course. Still one of the most cinematic places in the city.
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A quick photo stop on the Met Steps – channeling our inner Serena and Blair, obviously.
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Sunset at The Summit (One Vanderbilt) was surreal – floating above the city, surrounded by mirrors, gold light, and endless skyline.
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And of course, a stop inside the biggest Sephora in the US – naturally.
Eating Our Way Through the City
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Brooklyn Bagel Co. and Ess-a-Bagel – both iconic, both lived up to the hype.
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Joe’s Pizza, Bleecker Street Pizza, and Quality Pizza in Midtown – a proper taste test. (Joe’s? Slightly overhyped. Bleecker? Worth it.)
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Los Tacos No.1 – so good we went back more than once.
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Katz’s Deli for the famous sandwich – lived up to the hype and then some.
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Junior’s for cheesecake – because you have to.
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Lulla NYC – tucked beneath our hotel and unexpectedly delicious.
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Crumbl Cookies – pure indulgence. No regrets.
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SoHo Diner – casual, cool, classic.
Coffee Stops (For Survival & Ritual)
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Blank Street – smooth, consistent, and everywhere.
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Blue Bottle – still one of our favorites from Japan, so of course we had to revisit.
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Ralph’s Coffee – for the aesthetic more than the caffeine hit.
The Moments That Hit Different
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9/11 Memorial – absolutely heartbreaking and deeply grounding. A necessary pause.
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The Netflix YOU Pop-Up gave us a peek into Mooney’s Library and that cage scene. Dark, creepy, and weirdly fun.
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Washington Square Park gave us live music, chess matches, golden hour light, and that timeless New York atmosphere.
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Madison Square Park was one of those unexpectedly perfect afternoons – live jazz, a dog playground, and a moment to slow down in the middle of it all.
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Little Island – tucked on the edge of the Hudson, architectural and calm.
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Battery Park and Oculus Station – both scenic in their own way, with soft water views and futuristic curves.
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We finished off the trip with a little Macy’s moment and a visit to the Yankees store for the most classic souvenir: a navy NY cap.
And yes, we stopped by the Friends apartment for the photo moment. Couldn’t resist.
Final Thoughts
New York is loud and fast and overwhelming in the best way. But it also gives you tiny moments that feel like they’re just for you – sunshine in a park, skyline views at dusk, and a city that somehow always feels both familiar and brand new.
Not my first time here, but easily one of the most memorable.
