Summer Packing Guide for NYC
📍5th Avenue, Upper East Side

Sweater || Jeans || Flats || Handbag || Sunglasses || Earrings

I will always love summer in the city. The warm weather creates such a unique buzz that is nothing short of infectious. On the most recent trip to Manhattan, I packed up my chicest outfits and was ready to take on the city I love so much. From a lazy afternoon in Central Park to exploring my old neighborhood on the Upper East Side, I relished every minute of it. If you’re planning your own summer trip to New York City, here are some of my favorite outfit ideas to pack.

Baseball Hat || Exercise Dress || Sneakers || Handbag || Sunscreen || Sunglasses
Turkish Towel || Portable Speakers

Picnic in Central Park

Even on the warmest New York day, Central Park is always full of locals and tourists alike. The Great Lawn between East 79th and East 84th Streets is a personal favorite spot for a picnic in the park. Especially on a sunny day, you want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately to help beat the heat. It always starts with a layer of sunscreen, like the SPF 40 from Supergoop. Afterward, protect your face even further with a baseball cap, the Yankees are always appropriate in Manhattan, and your favorite pair of sunglasses. Whenever I travel, I always like to pack a Turkish towel. It makes for the perfect compact blanket on a cold airplane or, in this case, to use as a picnic blanket. Stop by Butterfield Market on 85th Ave and Madison for a to-go sandwich and their bottled watermelon juice. When you get to the park, pop out this portable speaker and play your favorite NYC-inspired playlist.

Headband || Sundress || Handbag || Ballet Flats
($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE)

Museum Hopping in the UES

No trip to New York is complete without visiting at least one of the many museums. The Upper East Side is home to several, most along 5th Avenue’s famed Museum Mile. Always a lover of Gossip Girl, I can’t help but get a bit dressy ala my favorite characters from the fictitious Constance Billard School. This white sundress from J. Crew and my favorite Mansur Gavriel handbag are on their own reminiscent of Blair Waldorf’s style. This knotted headband, also from J. Crew, really seals the deal. Depending on what museum you plan on visiting, you may be surprised to put in a lot of miles. That’s why I always recommend wearing comfy shoes while making your way through Manhattan. I swear by my Natalie Flats from Sarah Flint, and this black leather helps give this outfit a prim and proper look. A coffee cup from Sant Ambroeus is optional but highly recommended. 

Sunglasses || Tee || Jeans || Flats || Handbag

Shopping on Madison Ave

I want to think that Jackie Kennedy would have approved of this outfit! The longtime Upper East Side resident had many iconic style moments, but this simple style may have been her favorite. As you shop along Madison Avenue’s many boutiques and shops, feel free to channel one of my favorite First Ladies. This black-tee from J. Crew has a monogram option so you can add your own personal flair. Pair with a crisp pair of white jeans and my go-to espadrille flats to be ready for a day of shopping. To keep yourself hands-free, I prefer to have a crossbody bag, like this tan pick from Mansur Gavriel. Vintage-inspired tortoiseshell sunglasses, also from J. Crew, will round off the day and make you look like an incognito socialite.

Earrings || Dress || Lipstick || Silk Scarf || Handbag || Heels
($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE)

Dinner and Broadway

There’s so special about a dinner and Broadway show date night! While most theaters have a relaxed dress code, be sure to double-check, I vote to dress up for the occasion. Pick a restaurant close to the theater district, such as Bar Centrale or La Masseria, so you don’t have to rush after dinner. When I first spotted this stunning black midi dress from J. Crew, I knew it would be perfect for a romantic night with David. To navigate the sometimes uneven streets of Manhattan, I recommend wearing a block heel for extra stability. This particular vintage-inspired pair from Sarah Flint has arch support and is incredibly comfortable. A Mansur Gavriel handbag is roomy enough to fit your Playbill, lipstick, silk scarf, and even else you may need for a memorable night on the town.

And, just like that, you have four easy and effortless outfits to pack during your summer stay in New York. The beauty of these pieces is that they can be mixed and matched with whatever favorites you already have in your closet. You too can dress like your favorite Upper East Side or downtown it-girl without breaking the bank. Happy packing!

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

My 31st Birthday Weekend in NYC
📍 Manhattan, NYC

Satin Dress (Similar) || Flats || Similar Handbag || Sunglasses || Earrings

During the last weekend of June, I celebrated my 31st birthday, June 25th to be exact! While it’s not a milestone year, there was only one thing I wanted. David and I don’t typically exchange physical gifts. Instead, we prefer to treat each other with weekend trips and incredible meals. So, we packed our bags for the concrete jungle for three days in NYC. Although it was a quick trip, I found it relaxing, which is not a word typically used to describe anything in Manhattan. Here’s a recap of my 31st birthday weekend in NYC.

Tank Top || Jeans || Flats || Similar Handbag || Earrings

Friday

Check Into the Ace Hotel

After a bright and early flight to JFK, we took the train to Penn Station and had a quick walk to our home for the weekend. The Ace in NoMad has become our go-to hotel while staying in the city. I think it’s well priced, and the staff is always incredibly nice. Better you still, you can’t ask for a better location. It’s a short walk from several subway lines and has many great dining options just a few blocks away. When they discovered it was my birthday, they delivered this sweet card and a round of cocktails at the lobby bar. It was such a lovely gesture and yet another reason why I’ll always choose Ace when I have the chance.

Morning Coffee at Maman

Since I was still a little sleepy from our 4 am wake-up call, we headed out in search of coffee. Near our hotel is Devocion, one of my favorite coffee shops in the city. On this trip, I wanted to visit somewhere I hadn’t been to recently and was delighted to find a Maman nearby. With several locations in NYC, it has become a trendy staple with its blue and white decor and matching to-go cups. With oat-milk cappuccino in hand, we found a shady spot to sit in Madison Square Park and relished in the city’s buzz. I also had the treat of having lunch with my co-workers at a lunch spot called Little Beet Table. No pictures were taken, but the food and company were incredible!

Dinner at Saint Theo’s

After some downtime at our hotel and a fun happy hour at the Broken Shaker, we made our way to the West Village for dinner. I absolutely love this neighborhood but didn’t visit it enough when we lived in New York. Beautiful brownstones are followed by an endless selection of some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and bars. Our dining spot for the evening was Saint Theo’s, one of the newest Italian restaurants on the scene and one that has obtained instant popularity. Everything aspect of this meal, from cocktails to entrees to dessert, was incredible. The menu does have a note of ‘no pictures,’ and because I’m a rule follower, this is the only picture I was brave enough to take. If you can snag a reservation, do not let it pass you by. 

Cocktails at Dante West Village

With so much daylight left after dinner, David and I continued our evening by walking through the West Village. The neighborhood was buzzing with other couples on date night, friends celebrating the weekend, and the city was getting ready for Pride festivities. We were lucky to grab a seat at the Dante on Hudson Street and had a few post-dinner cocktails. I ordered the Brooks Nader Paloma. During the month of June, $5 from the sale of each drink was donated to Everytown, a nonprofit organization that I deeply believe in and stand behind.

Saturday

Explore SoHo

SoHo, I love you! This neighborhood is always a delight to visit! On Saturday morning, officially a 31-year-old, we made our way downtown to wander through the cast-iron buildings and for some window shopping. Because of the endless array of boutiques, the streets can get very crowded quickly. In the early morning, I felt like I had SoHo all to myself. We stopped at Felix Roasting Co., another favorite coffee shop, to hold us over until breakfast. The space is absolutely beautiful and where I would love to spend the morning with a good book.

Breakfast at Sadelle’s

Having a bagel should be a top priority when you visit New York! While there are many opinions on who’s the best, I’m personally loyal to Tal Bagels on the Upper East Side, and Leo’s in FiDi, but I wanted to try Sadelle’s. First opening in 2016, it has become an instant favorite with its reimagined New York City classics. The most popular thing to order is their House Salmon. It’s presented with three tiers of plates, with a freshly baked bagel and other accoutrement. We had breakfast reservations right when they opened, and the place filled up within minutes. It’s easy to say this is a must-visit while in SoHo. 

Take in Pride Weekend Festivities

Pride Weekend falls on my birthday nearly every year, and it’s such an honor! This may be New York at one of its finest moments. Even though the parade wasn’t until Sunday, everywhere you looked, there was a celebration of love and freedom. It truly is such a joyous and wonderful occasion in NYC. For obvious reasons, this Pride seemed to have a sense of urgency attached to it. The Roe v. Wade decision that had come out just days earlier was a devastating reminder of how swiftly rights and liberties can be taken away. Although the weekend began in a more somber tone, being in New York during this time was an almost cathartic experience. Although there are many stereotypes to the contrary, New Yorkers care!

Dinner with Friends in Seaport

The icing on the cake for the weekend was dinner with our dear friends, Sydney and Andrew. Even though we live 1,000 miles apart, we get together as often as possible. The night’s events include seeing their beautiful Seaport apartment, dinner at Daniel Boulud’s newest restaurant, Le Gratin, and walking around the lively Pier 17. I feel so lucky to have such incredible friends to reconnect with on each trip to New York. It helps me feel like I’ve found my place in a city of 8 million and will always be a reason for me to come back.

Sunday

Coffee at Ralph’s in the Upper East Side

Our final day in the city started at sunrise with a few pictures at the New York Public Library, which I’ll share very soon, and a trip to the Upper East Side. As soon as we walk up the stairs at 86th Street and Lexington, I feel like I’m home. This was our neighborhood for two years and is a required stop on every trip to New York. After saying hello to the doormen at our old building, we wandered down Madison Avenue to one of my favorite UES spots. After being off the menu for a few years, the scone at Ralph’s Coffee is back and ready for action. It’s served with a healthy portion of French butter and maybe my favorite pastry. 

People Watching in Central Park

With provisions in hand, we walked the block over to Central Park and just… relaxed. Morning coffee and a pastry were our standing Sunday morning tradition, and it felt so right to do it again. Our favorite spot is at the Conservatory Water, usually known for its model boat sailing. It serves as an official dog park in the morning, with four-legged friends allowed to be off-leash until 9:00 am. David and I sat, watching the poshest puppies in Manhattan run around and play, with their equally chic owners following right behind. We sat here and watched the world pass for a long spell, and then it was off to continue on a blissful final day. 

Shopping Along Madison Avenue

The Upper East Side is my favorite place to “shop,” even if I don’t spend a dime. Some of the most luxurious designers can be found along nearly twenty blocks of Madison Avenue. Start around the mid-70s and make your way down. When I was a card-carrying New Yorker, I was a pretty regular fixture at J. Crew Collection. I popped in to see the latest and greatest from my favorite brand. Let me tell you, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic is alive and well in Manhattan. Other favorite stores to peruse are The Real Real, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne, although that’s a very abbreviated list.

Liquid Lunch at Bemelmans

This particular trip to the Carlyle was somewhat unexpected but very much appreciated. With its intimate setting and incredible cocktail list, Bemelmans Bar is one of my favorite places in the entire city. After walking in the sun, we wandered in for a post-shopping refreshment. Sitting at the bar, we chatted with the bartender (Jon, from Barbados). As we talked with the other patrons who made their way in, what was supposed to be one round turned into several. The afternoon passed in an instant, and it was time to return to the hotel to pick up our luggage.

Snack To-Go at The Mark Hotel

There was time for just one more stop before heading home. Just a block away from the Carlyle is the Mark Hotel. The Mark is equally as luxurious and exclusive, but with one tiny surprise. During the summer months, be sure to stop by the Jean-George hotdog stand. The hotdog stand is a fixture on countless blocks in NYC, but the Mark has given it a twist. For $6, a steal when compared to their hotel rooms’ prices, order an organic chicken or grass-fed beef hotdog. The signature is their Kimchi relish, but they also have all the standard fixings. This was the first thing I had eaten since my scone at Ralph’s, so clearly, I was a little bit hungry. 

Off to JFK Airport

And just like that, our first trip to NYC in 2022 was over. We took the subway back to our hotel, which was winding down from a very successful Pride Parade, and hopped on the train to JFK. With so many canceled flights that day, the airport was a little bit of a nightmare, but we were fortunate to get on our plane with minimal delays. All in all, a very wonderful trip to New York. I’m already counting down the days until our next jaunt in August. After that, who knows?

Over 1,700 words later, and I’m still gushing from my 31st birthday weekend. A trip to New York is always a good idea, but if you ever have a chance to celebrate a special occasion, I highly recommend it! The city just has this larger than life quality, and it helps bolden any event from birthdays, anniversaries, and beyond.

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Our Most Recent Trip to NYC
📍 Madison Square Park, NYC

Sweater (Similar) || Jeans || Booties ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Coat (Similar) || Beanie (Similar)

A quick disclaimer: These pictures are from my December trip to NYC. I know that the city is much snowier, but I realized that I hadn’t shared any of the details yet! The leaves are long gone, but this neutral outfit is here to stay! It was perfect for strolling through Manhattan and enjoying a jam-packed couple of days. With each mile we walked, my Sarah Flint Perfect Zip Boots were incredibly comfortable and reminded me why there my favorite pick for winter. Here’s a look at our most recent Winter trip to NYC.

Check-In at the Ace Hotel

We’ve stayed in a few different hotels during this past year of NYC trips. Each time has been in the NoMad because of its central location and number of options. We picked the Ace Hotel on this particular visit, and I think we’ve finally found a favorite! It perfectly suited our style, and the room had plenty of space to do some remote work. I give double points for the incredible lobby bar and connection to a Black Seed Bagel plus Stumptown Coffee. It’s safe to say that we’ve found our home away from home. 

Coffee from Devoción Coffee

After a surprisingly early check-in, we took a stroll through the neighborhood and Madison Square Park. Just a few weeks blocks away is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city, Devoción. It was often a starting point for running errands in Union Square when we lived in the city. The reason for the frequent visits? They serve some of the best nitro coffee and a delicious parmesan-leek croissant. We took our goodies to go and continued the walk through NoMad.

Ramen Lunch at Momosan

A true highlight of the trip was getting together with co-workers for lunch. Since we all work remotely, and everyone lives in New York, I rarely get to see them. Mamosan was a favorite when there was a company office, and I’ve heard only, but wonderful things! It’s from Iron Chef Morimoto, so you know it’s going to be good. Besides, where in the US will you find better ramen than in NYC? 

Cocktails at Grand Central Oyster Bar

After a very filling lunch, we miraculously had room for one more cocktail. Since Grand Central Station was just a quick walk away, we opted for drinks at the famed Oyster Bar. It’s such an iconic location, and I only regret not having gone sooner. A word to the wise, I found these drinks to be quite strong, so you may want to pace yourself!

Live Music at the Roxy

After an incredible diner at Dante on MacDougal, we wandered our way into Tribeca for such a night of live music. Go into the Roxy Hotel, a marvel unto itself, and make your way to the basement level for The Django. This jazz club is modeled after the boîtes in Paris and certainly feels like you’re being transported into the days of Hemingway. In fact, order a Hemingway Daiquiri at the bar and listen to the lineup, seeing where the evening takes you. 

Window Shopping in SOHO

Is it really a trip to New York without some heavy window shopping? Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t exactly in our favor on this day. So, we bundled up and shopped through the streets of SOHO. Even though the crowds were intense, the buzz of the city was just absolutely infectious. A quick drink at Balthazar is an absolute must while in the neighborhood. 

Romantic Dinner at Vin Sur Vingt

Our hotel is just a few blocks from the original Shake Shack. Unfortunately, it was closed for the season, and we needed to find a last-minute spot for dinner. We are so happy to have stumbled upon Vin Sur Vingt. This French Wine Bar caught my eye several times, and it’s even better in person. We were here for hours chatting with the other patrons and servers. I know this would easily become our ‘regular’ spot if we still lived in the city. It’s absolutely worth the trip from the Upper East Side. 

Karaoke Night at RPM Underground

It only took me 30 years, but I finally participated in karaoke. We got together with some of David’s former co-workers and belted our hearts out until very early in the morning. RPM Underground is just around the corner from the Ed Sullivan and Times Square. It’s a favorite with our dear friends. After lots of singing, we walked the thirty blocks back to the hotel. I had absolutely no voice, but having Times Square all to ourselves is a memory I’ll always cherish. 

Every time we revisit NYC, it’s a busy few days, but I’m reminded of how much I love the energy. Although we don’t have any new trips scheduled for 2022, I know we’ll be back several times. What can I say? I just can’t stay away!

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.