5 Cool New Things I Discovered in New York City

I love New York! My son Nick lives there, my friend Laura lives there, and my fashionista friend Berit and I love visiting the city during the excitement of Fashion Week. I usually go to the city a couple times a year, but before this weekend, it had been a year and a half. I felt like I saw it with fresh eyes, and the gorgeous weather made the city extra sparkly. Here are a few cool new things I discovered on this trip.

Berit turned me on to this beautiful new Parisian department store, Printemps, which recently launched their first US store on Wall Street in FiDi (Financial District). We took a $60 Uber ride from our Midtown hotel to see it and, despite the sting of the rate, it was worth every penny. Printemps is stunningly gorgeous and flamboyantly fun. In addition to curated designer wear and trendy brands I’d never heard of, the design of the place oozed style and created an electric atmosphere. There’s a bar in every corner and the staff is super welcoming. I felt like I was in a snazzy, interactive, art gallery/cocktail bar. I didn’t buy a thing, but it was an inspiring experience just to walk through this original, beautiful, uplifting store.

Speaking of style, the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria hotel is not to be missed. The huge lobby (it spans a whole city block from front to back) is a WOW! The intricate floor tile, the restored historical clock, the sumptuous seating areas, and detailed metalwork all combine for a luxurious space that is a must see. Apparently the renovation cost billions. Nick and I walked through the lobby on our way to lunch at the Lex Yard, a snazzy contemporary bistro which is part of the hotel. And the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming, even of us lookie-loos.

Continuing the opulence theme, after lunch at the Waldorf Astoria, we headed to see a matinee performance of The Great Gatsby on Broadway. The musical was another delicious visual treat to savor. The sets depicting Jay Gatsby’s art deco mansion, combined with flamboyant costumes and sizzling choreography were just over the top. I found the show highly entertaining and thought our balcony seats were the perfect way to take in all the razzle-dazzle. My favorite lyrics: “Where’s the party and can you take me there? And when the party’s over, can you find another party somewhere?”

Other fun Discoveries:

Williamsburg. Laura took me on a little tour of this charming Brooklyn neighborhood with lots of cool boutiques and cute eateries.

The 10-foot tall animal sculptures by Jeffrey Gibson titled “The Animal That Therefore I Am” outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The great thing about New York is that it’s constantly changing and there’s always something new and fabulous to notice or do. Let me know if you have any suggestions, because I’ll be going back soon!