my DRESS | SHOES | BAG | SWEATER | SUNNIES
photos by Ban Avenue Photography
Day three started bright and early with a photo shoot in Soho before heading to the Dan Liu runway show. I was really looking forward to the show because I lucked out and got to sit front row last year and had the best experience. This year didn't disappoint either- one of my friends best described the collection as "wearable" and I love that about Dan Liu's designs. You truly feel like, unlike a lot of designers, you could pull the pieces right off the runway models and wear them around town. We enjoyed the show and from there, I headed with my friend Alice to a special brunch at Vogue. We ended up being a little late to the event because on our walk over, we got distracted by a mass paparazzi takeover outside of a Soho restaurant and just had to wait and see who all the commotion was about. We waited 20-30 minutes before giving up and heading to the event, but we later found out Victoria and David Beckham and Anna Wintour showed up to have lunch at the restaurant where the papparazzi were posted up. Sad we missed seeing them! The Vogue brunch was just as fabulous as you'd imagine- endless afternoon cocktails (not that I was indulging), tasty food, amazing gift bags, and mingling with other bloggers that I love and admire made for a great afternoon.
From brunch, I headed back to our hotel to meet Shelbi and check out because we split our time between two hotels, Courtyard New York Manhattan/Herald Square and SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue. Both hotels were amazing and in truly the perfect location for anyone wanting to sightsee around the city. We stayed at the Courtyard first and knowing we had four girls with a LOT of luggage (hello, Fashion Week) weren't sure how well the room situation would work. We were pleasantly surprised with the size of the room and were most blown away by how kind and accommodating the staff was. I can honestly say I've never witnessed friendlier, more helpful staff at any hotel I've stayed at in the past. I hadn't arrived yet on Thursday when two of the girls checked in, but they had an event to get to and wanted to take the subway. Being native Texans, they weren't sure where to go or what to do and one of the bellhops walked them all the way to the subway station, went inside, and helped them get all set up. Other bystanders asked him questions too, and he answered anyone that needed help. Just so unbelievably selfless and helpful! The rooftop bar at Courtyard where these pictures were taken, Monarch, was also absolutely stunning. It felt like you could reach out and touch the Empire State Building. We didn't order food but it all looked so delicious- I saw a group order some nachos that I'm still drooling over.
Sadly two girls from our group headed back to Houston on Sunday so Shelbi and I moved over to the SprillHill Suites by ourselves. We were equally pleased with our stay at this hotel and since it was only two streets over (less than 5 minute walk) from the Courtyard, it was also in a prime location. We could walk and see pretty much anything we wanted to see- Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and SHAKE SHACK. Shelbi and I are self-proclaimed Shake Shack fanatics- we have to get it every time we're in New York. The SpringHill beds were so soft; I don't usually sleep well outside of my own bed but I slept like a rock both nights we were there. The hotel also had a gorgeous rooftop that I'll share pictures of soon!
After checking in to our new spot, we were supposed to head to both the Leanne Marshall and Lisa Hoang runway shows, but that didn't happen. We were pretty exhausted and once we sat down on those comfy hotel beds, there was no getting up for a little bit. We finally rallied and headed to Rockefeller Center to take pictures at the Top of the Rock (which I'll also be sharing on here soon). I had never been up there and the view was truly breathtaking; it cost about $37 to go up which seemed a little steep to us but I recommend going up at least once if you never have. From there, we hurried back to the hotel to change and head to the Free People and Vogue Rooftop Party. This party, y'all...was really something. The venue was something out of a movie and I kept having to pinch myself just to ensure the whole scene was actually real life. It was September 10th and once night fell, two strips of light shown brightly from Ground Zero in remembrance of those lives lost 16 years ago. In the midst of such a happy and celebratory event, it was an important reminder to remember to stop and cherish every moment.
From Free People and Vogue, a group of our Houston girls were starving and decided to head to Shake Shack (to my pregnant delight). Without knowing, we ended up at the very first SS location in Madison Square Park and ate outside in the perfect 60 degree weather under strands of lights hanging from trees around the park. It was truly one of those "perfect New York moments" like they talk about in Serendipity and it's one I'll never forget. No matter how busy NYFW gets between endless shows and meetings, what I always enjoy most is the time I get to spend with my girlfriends. I looked around the table that night- there were about 10 of us- and just felt so unbelievably happy and lucky to have such an amazing group of girlfriends. If any of you are reading this, I love you all!
I was supposed to attend the Angel Brinks and Jarel Zhang runway shows that night but as a post burger-induced coma would have it, Shelbi and I were ready to get back to those comfy hotel beds. I missed a total of four shows that day and I hate doing that but again, food and friends come first. Day three may just have been my favorite day in the city.
I'll be back with two more recaps soon! Happy Hump Day, friends!
xo, Britt