Cracked concrete represents the wrinkles on the face of New York, they show all the city has endured over the years. The skyscrapers loom over the city, like trees in the rainforest, for this is why they call it the "concrete jungle". Central Park's zen and greenery stands out, in the hustle and bustle of the yellow flooded streets, like someone wearing a red coat in the sea of black suits that walk on their way to Wall Street. Venders stand on every street corner offering the best deals of the day on classic New York souvenirs. The streets are filled with a symphony of honking horns, screeching breaks and screaming sirens, being played on repeat. The city is notorious for it's attitude, but after visiting this vibrant place, you'll never want to leave.
The people: Beauty shows on the outside, for the New York girl. Lipstick, brazilian wax, blowouts, an amazing manicure and they're set for their 19 hour day. New York really holds true to the name of being "the city that never sleeps". The New York girl is a superwomen, somehow squeezing in a full time job, a Soul Cycle class here, a Berry's Boot Camp there, and finishing off the night sipping a glamorous, sugary cocktail at a nightclub, or on a late night date. Spending the summer weekends, and the weekends leading up to summer, in the sunny Hampton's, enjoying a break from the congested city, to relax on a serene beach.
Eat: Eat out, or take out. New York apartments aren't commonly known for their large kitchens, but thankfully the Big Apple is home to some ultimately, amazing food, so let your inner foodie rejoice. For breakfast Norma's is the place to be, it's located inside Le Parker Meridien hotel and serves breakfast and lunch until 3pm. The portions are massive, but every bite is guaranteed a mouthful of pure bliss. The crunchy french toast covered with caramel sauce, will leave you dreaming about it for months afterwards. Also, every guest is presented with a complimentary smoothie shot and an impeccable glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. For lunch, you could stop into Carnegie Deli where you'll be served the largest pastrami sandwich you'll every lay your hands on, but if thats not your style, New York is filled with amazing pizzerias sure to suit your fancy. Then there's Jack's Wife Freda, a great spot where you'll find many of fashions, finest faces dining al fresco. The food is not only delicious, but it will surely be deserving of an instagram, plus they have a great instagram account themselves, definitely follow worthy. For any meal of the day-breakfast, lunch or dinner- Balthazar in SoHo is an absolute must, if the Beckham's choose to eat there after each one of Victoria's fashion shows, you know it's good. Walking in is like entering a classic Parisian bistro, waitstaff are dressed proper in black and white and the ivory clothed tables are everything you'd dream of seeing in Paris. So save your kitchen for shoe storage, and just eat out, that's what ovens are for, right?
Style: New York is street style central at all times of the year, New Yorkers find a way to look fashionable even in the blistering, blizzards that winter willingly welcomes. Most of their wardrobes consist of black items, and honestly you can't go wrong with black, it's slimming, sophisticated, sexy, edgy, goes with everything and looks ultra sleek.
Visit: If art is your forte, then welcome to New York, the city is filled to the brim with art museums and galleries. Central park is a must for anyone who loves movies, because just about every rom-com has a scene that used this beautiful setting as a backdrop. There are also options for bus tours, that take you to all of the boroughs, it's the perfect way to get a feel for which part of the city you love most. Whatever you do, don't leave New York without seeing a musical, whether it's on Broadway, or off-off Broadway, this is a definite must you have to experience at least once. If heights aren't exactly your thing, going to the top of the Rockefeller or Empire State Building might not appeal to you, but the views are incredible, both during the day and at night, and it's the best way to "see" New York.
Shop: Two words, sample sale, yes these are magical words to the ears of any shopaholic, whether you line up 4 hours before it starts, or you stumble upon one whilst walking down the street, these sales are amazing! Soho has a great selection of well know shops and unique boutiques, while 5th Avenue is your go-to for all things high-end designer, but if you fall somewhere in the middle your friends, the 5 famous department stores, have got your back, like all good friends would. You remember, Saks, Bloomies, Barney's, Bergdorf and Macy's, ya they wish you well and happy shopping.
I'll meet you in Washington Square Park at noon...
