Last december, a team from the French Elle (photographer Gregroire Kalt and Lauren Bastide, a dear friend) came to visit me in New York and we spent three days at all my favorite spots. I tried to show them as much as possible, we sometimes had more than three lunches a day and I even had them drink frozen margaritas in the middle of the day…
The story came out during fashion week – and it feels like a nice panorama of my favorite places in New York.
So here you go! As you’re often asking me for my New York tips, I thought you would be interested. Here is the story, translated by Andrea. A big thank you to the Elle and of course, to Gregoire and Lauren…
Settled in Greenwich Village for two years now, the empress of fashion blogs has been doing business with a lot of talent and just a touch of crazy. Here, she takes us on a tour of her New York. Bring your sexiest walking shoes.
MISS LILY’S JUICE
This Jamaican concept bar-restaurant-store is a hipster haven. I go there for dinner with friends (the spicy chicken is really spicy, but I’ve gotten used to it) and I stop by in the mornings for fresh fruit juice. Get the Usain Bolt, it’s very energizing.
132 W Houston St.
McNALLY JACKSON BOOKS
Before I lived in New York, I used to spend hours here. In this independent bookshop, the idea is to grab a book and have a seat in the café while you flip through it. The personal development section is incredible.
52 Prince St.
BIGELOW APOTHECARIES
What I love about Bigelow is the “bazar” feel that is becoming rare in New York. Here you’ll find unlikely treasures, the carpet is not perfect and the old wooden countertops feel real. Their Rosebud Salve lip balm is a must-have.
414 6th Ave.
THE SATURDAYS LIFESTYLE
These little shops for city-dwelling surfers have been popping up all over the place lately. It’s a concept: there’s a café, a culture section, and clothes. The hats are goooood.
31 Crosby St.
MADEWELL CHIC
Preppy and affordable, Madewell is the little sister of J. Crew. The brand was created by my idol and friend, the iconic Jenna Lyons. Solange Knowles, who I also love, designed a capsule collection. So, you know… It’s really great.
486 Broadway
THE VIEW FROM THE WYTHE HOTEL
The Wythe Hotel is seriously turning Brooklyn into one of the hippest parts of New York. I go there on my bike with Scott. My advice: go up to the top floor at sunset, sit at the bar, ask for Robert, and order one of his cocktails. Enjoy!
80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn
THE ART ON HOWARD ST.
De Vera is like a museum. Every object is a work of art. Don’t touch! At Amaridian, you’ll find work from designers all over the world. I dream of being able to buy a vase by South American artist Martine Jackson. In the meantime, I’ll get myself a rosemary candle by Izola at Michele Varian.
THE LOBSTER ROLL AT JOHN DORY’S
John Dory’s is located in the bustling neighborhood around 28th Street. I come here sometimes just to devour a lobster sandwich at this “oyster bar” with a glass of sauvignon.
1196 Broadway
THE LIBRARY AT THE NOMAD HOTEL
After Hurricane Sandy, my neighborhood (Greenwich Village) was in total darkness for several days. I took shelter in this chic hotel that just opened so that I could work on my computer. They were so sweet!
1170 Broadway
THE MARGARITA AT RODEO BAR & GRILL
Before every Marc Jacobs show, Scott (Schuman, of The Sartorialist, and Garance’s boyfriend) and I come here for a frozen strawberry margarita. Yes, in the middle of the day. What?
375 3rd Ave.
THE STUFF AT CLIC
The owners of this bookstore and art gallery are French women. I love their selection of beautiful books and designer objects.
255 Centre St.
DEREK LAM ELEGANCE
Derek Lam is one of my favorite New York designers. He’s the one who dressed me for the CFDA ceremony. Beautiful bag, right?
10 Crosby St.
KIKI DE MONTPARNASSE LINGERIE
An incredible place I photographed for my blog. You’ll find everything you need for love, from silk pajamas to geisha balls, but the luxury version. There are addicts who order their products from all over the world. I find it fascinating.
79 Greene St.
THE SELECTION AT OPENING CEREMONY
I really like the shop on 29th Street. It’s more intimate than the other locations.
1190 Broadway
FEELING ZEN AT CAUDALIE SPA
Before each fashion week, I love getting a long, 90-minute facial in this temple of well-being, perched in the heart of the Plaza Hotel. Ask for Regine. She is frenchtastic.
1 West 58th Street
SMILE TO GO SALADS
You’ll always end up running into fashion people here. You’ll smell the chicken roasting (it’s completely organic, of course), you’ll get it to go, and it will be delicious.
22 Howard St.
THE COSMETICS AT RUDY’S BARBERSHOP
The cool thing here is the barber who trims hipsters’ beards. Rudy’s also carries classy beauty products for men.
14 W 29th St.
Translation by Andrea Perdue
