The ultimate special occasion dress is here! You’re guaranteed to knock’em dead in this heat-to-toe sparkle number from the Jason Wu x Eloquii Collection.
This was the second look I was able to try from the collection and it’s easily my favorite because 1.) all of the sequins and 2.) the old Hollywood glamour vibes that ooze from this silhouette.
My persona immediately changed when I put this dress on. I felt like I should have been walking around with a dirty martini in one hand and a string of pearls in the other.
Disclaimer: This blog post is word and visual heavy. So grab a snack or a glass of vino and enjoy. You’ve been warned, darlings.
So I’m back from the Big Apple and I have to admit that of all the times I’ve traveled to NYC this past trip was my favorite and I think it really showed through the moments I shared on social media.
So much so that I had so many requests to create a New York City Travel Guide of the trip!
To be honest, I was a little hesitant to share one because I’m not a pro travel blogger.
I don’t have the latest and greatest suitcases and I definitely don’t get sponsored to look beautiful as I fly all over the world first class, although I wouldn’t be opposed to any of those things. 😉
I’m just like you but I have learned a couple of things over the years of what I like to call #FailingWhileFlying. 🛫 🙅🏾♀️
I typically have the worst experiences when I come to this city in particular and was pleasantly surprised that everything worked out in my favor this time around.
Unlike the other times visiting the City I didn’t have any influencer events or meetings to attend so my time didn’t feel rushed and the added stress that I would place on myself of not wanting to disappoint anyone was completely removed from the equation.
I was just there with my friend Carla and the goal was simply to have a good time.
This was easily done at coffee shops, sample testing at Glossier, walks in Central Park or selfcare face masks/deep convo sessions back at the hotel. I have come to realize that my busy filled days were what contributed to me not liking NYC.
My bad, New York.
Turns out I actually do like you after all.
It’s all about intention, how you want to spend your time and who you travel with. Those things are so key.
If your goal and focus is to show the world or those that follow you on social media that you are the most ballerest of all the ballers and are having the best time expect to be disappointed with your trip. Travel is about gaining rich experiences not likes on Instagram.
If you haven’t checked it out I created a NYC Story Highlight from the entire trip if you want a visual recap.
So without further ado here is my travel guide to the city that never sleeps…
AIRPORTS
We flew into JFK which is located in Queens and about a 40 minute ride to our hotel. Other major airports are La Gaurdia and Newark (New Jersey).
TRANSPORTATION
Straight off the plane we took a Lyft to get into the city. I find that Lyft is significantly cheaper than Uber when I’m in NYC.
Because we were staying in Manhattan we just used Lyft throughout our entire 4 day trip.
I always plan and budget transportation for when I’m in NYC especially when I’m traveling by myself and want to avoid getting lost. We did use the subway a few times which will be your cheapest way to get around the city. You can use your Google Maps to help you navigate. It was super easy.
You can’t avoid walking while in NYC so make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes. I stuck with cute booties that worked with jeans, skirt and dresses.
BOOTIES
I also thought to bring inserts because I have plantar fasciitis and knew my feet would ache after long days walking around. It definitely helped this time around and I’m so glad I thought to bring them. Your feet will thank you.
ACCOMODATIONS
We booked our accommodations pretty close to our departure date. I used Hotel Tonight to book our hotel.
We scored an amazing deal with The Evelyn Hotel — just a 5 minute walk from the Flatiron Building.
The room was a little small but it was super chic and the bathroom was large so we were happy. We had the option to upgrade to a larger room for an extra $50 a night but we decided to stay in our original room and use those funds for something else like amazing Italiano at Eataly…
If you want to save even more on a hotel room here’s $25 off your next booking with Hotel Tonight. Just use my code THGUERRIER at checkout!
COFFEE SHOPS + RESTAURANTS
Our major game plan was to eat and drink our way through the city and I think we managed to hit up all the spots we wanted to but the amazing part about NYC you will always discover new places that will keep you coming back every year.
COFFEE SHOPS
Stumptown Coffee$$
Blank Slate Tea$$
Blank Slate Coffee $$
Ludlow Coffee$$
Remi Flower + Coffee (This one was my favorite!) $$
Blue Stone Lane$$$
Happy Bones $$
Grace Street Cafe$$
Lavender Tea and Lemon Blueberry Scone at Blank Slate Tea
Rose Latte at Remi Flower + Coffee
RESTAURANTS
Eataly The cutest Italian marketplace with little shops and amazing pasta.
CharlieBird Reservations have a two week waitlist. We didn’t get a chance to go but hear everything is amazing. $$$
Egg Shop The Egg Shop Sandwich minus the jalapeño and tomato jam with the truffle hash browns are the business.
Shake Shack le obviously. $$
Los Taco No. 1 inside Chelsea Market I highly recommend getting their around 11:30am for lunch, the lines get long really quickly. We manage to hit every place just before it became saturated with hungry people. The Abodaba is the best, it’s the most delicious marinated pork taco ever!!! $$
Prince Street Pizza The line for this place was way too long for us to wait in the cold for. We heard amazing things but we also had amazing pizza down the street at Lombardi’s. $$
Lady Bird It’s a vegetable bar. Don’t let that scare you though. It’s super cute inside and the has photo worthy entrance door and plates. $$$
While We Were Young An insta-worthy beautiful space to enjoy a pretty drink. $$$
Old Rose inside The Jane Hotel $$
Walking off all the breakfast at the Egg Shop
Brunch at While We Were Young
Blending in at Old Rose
THINGS TO DO
This wasn’t my first time in NYC so I didn’t do the obvious touristy things like the Empire State, Times Square, or the Statue of Libby but those are definitely go-to’s for first timers.
Pace yourself.
Take your time and enjoy the sites. I don’t always get to everything that I want but that’s just another reason to come back.
Here are some other places that you can’t miss when you’re in NYC.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise
Watch a play or musical on Broadway
Grand Central Station
The Oculus
9/11 Memorial
The High Line
Chelsea Market
Central Park (Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Alice and Wonderland Statue)
Boat Ride in Central Park
The Met
Coney Island
Prospect Park
Make Custom Scents at Olfactory NYC Tell JJ I said “Hello!”
A trip with two blogger friends wouldn’t be complete without hitting up a few places for the perfect picture. Carla and I were fortunate enough to have my friend Brandon hang out with us and snap photos for us. It doesn’t hurt that Brandon’s a bomb professional full time photographer. Thanks OD for all these amazing photos!
Pietro Nolita All the pink goodness 💗
The Flatiron Building
Color Factory Wall (walls are always changing in NYC so this might change.)
The Mall in Central Park (famous tree lined path that’s been in dozens of movies)
The Met Stairs — XOXO, Gossip Girl 💁🏾♀️
The Cactus Store — For the plant lady. 🍃
Brooklyn Bridge
Dumbo
Jane’s Carousel
Manhattan Bridge at Water and Spring Street
Corner of Stuyvesant Street at Stuyvesant and E 10th Street
Rainbow Wall Under the Brooklyn Expressway
Washington Mews
Soho Cobblestone Streets
MacDougal Street
Souvlaki Greece Restaurant
White Wall of Sosta
Gilf Wall at 30 Prince Street
Little Italy Sign
Sel Rose
A few snaps at Pietro Nolita
Flatiron
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise
The sights and sounds of Central Park are Magical
Corner of Stuyvesant St & E 10th Street
MacDougal Street in the Spring
SHOPPING
Sézane
Mansur Gavriel
Everlane
Glossier
Chelsea Market
Sephora
Macy’s
Shopping at Sezane
So much sauce at Glossier. It’s made for Instagram so make sure to enjoy the experience.
Okay darlings! So there it is!
I’m sure I left some things out that are obvious options but I honestly try not to do new and the unexpected when I come to the city.
Nevertheless, I do hope this travel guide helps you as you plan for your own adventures in NYC. Bon voyage and happy travels!
Drumroll please! The Jason Wu x Eloquii Collection is here!
So let me tell you a little something about my love affair with Jason Wu. It all started back in 2009 when he exploded onto the world scene when he designed the Inaugural Gown for First Lady Michelle Obama.
So do you remember it? The flowy white chiffon number with the thousands of organza flowers that were hand-sewn by himself and 4 members of his staff. Just incredible right?!
He had know idea that Michelle would pick his design to wear on that special night but to his shock and amaze he was stunned to see the new First Lady of the United States of America sashaying in front of the entire world in his dress!
In the months and years to come Jason would become a fashion darling and design for some of my favorite Hollywood leading ladies like Kerry Washington, Blake Lively and (sister-in-my-head) the Duchess of Sussex aka Megan Markle — who wore a few of his designs during her recent Royal Tour.
Okay, so fast forward to how I find myself being one of the first people to wear dresses from the new Jason Wu x Eloquii Collection.
I was approached by Eloquii about 2 weeks ago where they tell me, get this, that I was hand selected by Jason Wu himself to be one of two women to wear and model his designs before anyone else!
I was shooketh to the core.
I was so blown away that somewhere out there, Jason Wu looked at me and said, “Yes, her.”
Let’s get to the deets about this dress. It’s a twirl-around-and-dance-like-no-one-is-watching-approved dress. I’m wearing a size 22 for reference.
Made up of layers and layers of point d’espirit — that’s French talk for pretty polka dotted printed tulle. Also fully line with an invisible zipper and hook and eye closure and a dangerously plunging neckline that may or may not cause a riot if you’re busty like me.
You’ve been warned.
Alexa, play “I Want To Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston, because “she ready.”
Cozy Knit Hoodie and High-waisted Leggings with River Island
Real talk: this is what I’m probably wearing 99% of the time. I’m either glammed up or dressed down. There is no in between.
Thanks to my latest finds from River Island, leggings and a comfy hoodie get a little upgrade with this adult chic version of my favorite homebody outfit.
Comfort is key and my cozy knitted hoodie is that an more. It’s such a nice quality material. It washes well and doesn’t lose it’s shape or size.
I love an oversized hoodies especially when I’m traveling. Airports get super cold and winter coats are too bulky to lug around so wearing a cozy knit is the best of both worlds. I get the practicality and warmth but don’t skimp on the fashion darling.
Highwaisted anything is my friend and finding high quality leggings can be a chore but I really like these ones from River Island as well. They’re thick so you don’t see anything you’re not supposed to see and they are so comfortable.
As much as I love the change of season, colorful leaves and any excuse to order a hot chocolate, I hate the need of having to buy an entire new wardrobe.
You shouldn’t feel the need to either. Don’t be ashamed of wearing what you have.
Clothes are meant to be worn and if you select the right pieces they can be worn season after season.
I wanted to show you how I give my clothes some longevity by incorporating my favorite Fall season items.
Keep those light summer skirts and off the shoulder dresses; they can give lots of looks well into Fall.
This week’s Friday Favorites features lots of casual pieces and accessories that help elevate a look. I’m loving a graphic tee with flared jeans paired with heeled mules for a 70s inspired look. Continue reading “Friday Favorites”
I immediately was attracted to the dark floral print and the sweet layered ruffles. It’s such a darling style and will be perfect for Fall.
I totally get Downton Abbey vibes with the cut and style of the dress, don’t you? I kept the old world inspired feels going by adding diamond dot tights and vintage inspired block heels.
Speaking of Downton Abbey, have you heard that they are bringing the story to the big screen?! I’m so excited about this. Long live Lady Violet!
The look still remains very modern and even edgy with the addition of a vampy lippie and a classic leather moto. This one is faux leather but it looks and feels so supple and soft just like the real deal.
So it’s officially the first day of Fall! Well, I can’t quite get over the fact that I live in a state where it’s basically summer all year long. The weather won’t let me forget either. Continue reading “Retro Gingham Print Dress”
NYFW is over but the trends we saw on the runways live on in us — was that too dramatic. Oh well, I live for fashion drama! And there was plenty of it this season.Continue reading “Post NYFW Trends with eBay”
Can you believe we have just a couple of weeks left of summer?! I still can’t believe I’m going to have to start considering what to include in my Fall season wardrobe. I don’t want to break the bank so having a couple staple pieces can give some longevigty to my summer wardrobe. Continue reading “River Island Double Breasted Blazer”
As a nurse I know very well what my day to day would consist of. Medical charts, patient care, delegating tasks, assisting my colleagues in procedures and lots of continuous education. It was pretty routine and for years, living it without exploring my creative side. Continue reading “Explore More With Banana Republic”
