“Everyone here has a bit” is some of the most useful information I’ve ever received about New York.
Every time I go to an event in New York I’m like “wow, everyone is so much cooler and so much more intelligent than me. Everyone has such a special sense of style. I need to do better.” This turned me off from the city last time I spent two months here. Insecure, plagued by FOMO, and unfortunately at the impressionable age of 23, I didn’t do the city justice and burned out quickly. I am bound and determined to do things a bit differently by reminding myself of the following:
It is okay not to have a jam packed agenda
People are really nice once you talk to them
If you have “nothing else to do,” go to an art gallery
The common thread within a New Yorker bit seems to be that people are doing things all the time. They seem to never be at home, always seem to be on the move, and no one appears to cook. Some might be able to brush this off securely. I, on the other hand, take this as a formal cue to freak out about not doing enough and question my very existence.
We are working on this.
Here’s what I’ve done so far in my first week in New York:
I saw the Jenny Holzer exhibit at the Guggenheim. Her work feels particularly resonant in today’s political and global climate (read: dark), though the works in the exhibition span from the 1970s to the present day. It’s interesting to note how little we’ve learned from history, and I’ll just leave it at that.
I recommend Rhodora wine bar. And Fort Greene.
I visited Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery to celebrate the FW 24 collection of Literary Sport. Designed in collaboration with Wanze Song and creative directed by Garden Grouppe, Literary Sport is poised to be a deeply tasteful and elevated running gear brand. I have my eye on the merino wool shirts and running shorts this transitional season. The collection launches Sept. 21.
Key eats so far include the shrimp heads at Cervo’s, Glonuts from Happier Grocery, Happier Grocery in general, and the catering by Dae I had at an event.
There is a new wine bar and (mostly children’s) bookstore on Carmine in the West Village called Sullaluna and it is just the loveliest thing. I read a book with a glass of wine and stayed for the cacio e pepe.
I found the cutest flats for ~$20 in China town thanks to a recommendation from my friend Ruby. Grand Tea Imports is a sweet and unassuming store for heritage teas and cultural goods. I bought two pairs of these traditional style shoes (I feel like contemporary Western designers rip off this silhouette and style and charge $$$ for them. I say this and I’ve also 100% bought them), as well as some chunky beads.
I went to Metrograph for the first time ever and foresee myself going every single week. I’m particularly looking forward to the screening of Amy Sall’s The African Gaze on Sept. 21. Perhaps I’ll even have to download Letterbox. Am I a cinephile now?
Here’s what else I’ve been loving lately:
Two incredible pairs of jeans for you (and, notably, the only two pairs of blue denim that I brought to New York):
Frame Low Slung Barrel: it’s insane how many people I’ve turned onto this jean. It’s perfectly baggy, sexy, and flattering. I ordered my usual size for a naturally oversized look, but they do stretch so I think it’s safe to go down one size on these
Madewell Low Slung Baggy: I realize there is a theme going on here. These are so, so good. I don’t think the e-com photos do them justice. I wore them as soon as I got them and received compliments from nearly everyone. They are less tapered than the Frame low slung barrel, and longer as well.
I’m infatuated with these Amy Crookes lace mules. Lingerie in kitten heel form is sexy!
If you haven’t heard of Reyem shop yet, you probably should.
I’m really in love with Rouge Dior lip balm in shade 001 (Diormidnight)? A bit of an unoriginal name, but this might be my new Black Cherry. It gives you the perfect bitten, blotted, flushed lip in a sheer, perfect dark red.
That’s all for now! Off to Paris :)