Escape to New York…
*This trip was a press trip with Bobbi Brown.
Last month I jetted off to my favourite city with one of my most-loved brands. It was, as you would expect, a bit of a magical experience! I shared a lot of photos over on Instagram but I thought I’d round up the trip on here too. I didn’t plan to, but I started editing these and really loved them – a slice of New York you don’t always see.
I love going on work trips to New York (and well, anywhere) because having an itinerary curated by someone who knows the city so well always means you get to experience it like a local. I found so many new gems this time around, so as well as a bit of a photo diary I included a few new recommendations too!
The trip itself…
We were in New York as a bit of a brand immersion, the whole visit had been tailored by the team to allow us to get to know the brand a little more and see the city in a new light.
From a morning spa experience at the Aire Ancient Baths to a vitamin-enriched lunch with one of the brand ambassadors, Elizabeth Olsen, the entire itinerary was everything you’d expect from a brand that is built around looking and feeling your best!
The trip was also geared at celebrating women, with the brands and collaborators involved all being female-fronted. There’s the brand ambassadors (Lizzy Olsen, Ni Ni and Yara Shahidi), the caterers for the lunch, (Poppy’s in Brooklyn, and the sweet shop event in Mansur Gavriel, a brand founded by two incredible ladies.
The first event was on the evening we arrived; the Soho Sweet Shop! I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw it was being held at the Mansur Gavriel store – not only is the store itself a blush pink haven, Mansur Gavriel are one of my favourite designers. When I found a tan Bucket Bag waiting in my room for me, I almost cried with joy.
The lunch with Elizabeth Olsen was another highlight, set in a penthouse above the streets of Soho. Lizzy herself was beautiful and radiant and spoke so highly of Bobbi Brown as a brand. She told me how much she loved Scotland, and shared that her boyfriend is always stealing her tub of Vitamin Enriched Face Base.
The penthouse for the lunch was styled by the wonderful Athena from EyeSwoon, who I’ve followed for years! Never in my life have I seen such a beautiful setup – on the surfaces she had placed fruit and Himalayan salt to create beautiful displays, and the lunch setting was a feast for the eyes. Grapefruit, more pink salt and beautiful linens were perfectly positioned to create such a dreamy table.
A few new recommendations…
Sadelle’s
After watching numerous episodes of The OC, I’ve become obsessed with bagels and cream cheese – so where better to hunt one down than New York itself?! I found Sadelle’s in Soho and it was everything I needed, AND you can watch the bagels being made.
While I’m sure you could definitely find something a little more authentic, the location, beautiful interiors and delicious brunch menu made this a favourite of mine.
Harriet’s Rooftop
One of my favourite rooftops in New York is located at the 1 Brooklyn Bridge hotel over in Dumbo, I went here for the first time last summer and completely fell in love. I really like the 1Hotel chain (I’ve stayed at their location near Central Park) so it’s worth looking in to if you’re ever looking for accommodation.
Harriet’s Rooftop is the perfect place to settle down for cocktails and snacks on the balmy New York evenings.
One Girl Cookies
Right around the corner sits this adorable little coffee shop, also known as the place where I had the best ever pumpkin whoopie pie of my life. Seriously, you need to try the baked goods here. DIVINE.
The Mercer Kitchen
We stayed at the Mercer hotel this trip (another reason why I love a work trip so much, you always stay at hotels you wouldn’t usually book!), which was very luxe. I even spied paparazzi waiting outside.
The location is brilliant – I loved being in the heart of Soho, it’s such a bustling area to stay in. If you’re looking for a cute little place to eat, definitely check out the restaurant. Mercer Kitchen has a great little menu and the food was seriously delish.
Aire Ancient Baths
Another place I was very lucky to visit thanks to the Bobbi Brown team organising such a wonderful trip was the Aire Ancient Baths, a series of baths of various temperatures situated under the hectic streets of New York.
Now, I’ve been to spas before of course but this was something else entirely! It was SO serene, and I loved the added extras as you moved around the pools – the warm mint tea, the eucalyptus-scented steam room and the salt shower. I’ll definitely be heading back there next month when Jordie and I head back.
Oh, New York I love you so….
On to my outfits, I gave my latest Sezane purchase it’s first outing and I got many compliments on it – and also on how well I matched the table setting!
Of course, I had to wear my new Mansur Gavriel bag some wear-time, I’ve wanted this tan colourway for the longest time and I’m pleased to say it goes with everything!
This was definitely a pinch-me kind of visit, and it has me feeling so excited to head back next month for our wedding anniversary!
Have you got New York on your travel bucket list?
