Things To Do When You're Trapped In NYC

Hey people! So, this is my first ever blog post - I hope everyone's extremely excited. I certainly am...

For the katekingsley.com blog debut, I've decided to go back to April, when I was trapped in New York by that Icelandic volcano whose name no one can pronounce. Now, obviously it's not that often that anyone gets trapped in Manhattan for an extra week - and  I have to say, if you're trapped anywhere, this is the place to be. But, dear readers, once you've visited all the museums, picnicked in all the parks and hit up all the downtown hotspots, just what else is there to do? Below is my little list of emergency recommendations, designed to save any stranded YL&F-ers from that worst of all things: boredom.

 

Dylan's Candy Bar  1011 Third Ave

This is the ultimate candy experience. And I should know, because sweets are one of my favourite things. I practically jump up and down whenever I pass this place - which is often, because my family has an apartment nearby. Owned by Ralph Lauren's enterprising daughter, Dylan, the shop's three floors (yes, that's three floors!!) stock every kind of sweet thing you can imagine, from killer ice cream sundaes to gigantic lollipops to old-fashioned penny sweets. They've even just started selling Willy Wonka Oompa Loompa bars: a classic case of life imitating art? Better go see for yourselves. Just don't get carried away by that sugar high...

 

Barney's  660 Madison Ave

This is going to make me sound like a total snobby Upper East Sider, but Barney's is definitely my favourite store in New York. I admit, I can only afford to shop in the Co-Op section (the young trendy bit on the 7th and 8th floors), but that's YL&F enough for me. The Barney's buyers have a talent for seeking out great young designers and showcasing their work. In other words, if you read about the hottest young fashion talent in Vogue, chances are you'll find their designs here. Also, there's Fred's - a cool people-watching restaurant on the very top floor. Last time I was there, Sharon Stone was at the next table. I was so star-struck I could hardly enjoy my delicious steak salad.

Abercrombie & Fitch   720 Fifth Ave

Stop drooling, girls.

Ok, admission: I've never worn anything by Abercrombie, nor have I ever bought any of their stuff. The reason I'm recommending this store is... Well, isn't it obvious?? When I visited in April, this charming young guy was standing just inside the front doors with a bunch of friends, helping point shoppers in the right direction, and agreeing to pose for photos with whatever over-excited girlies asked for them. He very kindly let me take this picture for my blog. Perhaps I should go back and thank him personally when I'm next in NY...

 

 

 

Belgian Shoes   110 East 55th St

These shoes are totally bizarre, right? But I think they're also kind of amazing. And: they're a New York preppie institution. I mean, just look at the pastel colours and the cute little bows. I like to think these would be Dylan Taylor's favourite footwear if she still lived in NYC. Try wearing them with some cool skinny jeans or a super-short skirt - you can totally pull them off! And you definitely won't know anyone else who has them...

[image error]PJ Clarke's   915 Third Ave

PJ's is one of my favourite restaurants in Manhattan. First of all, it does great burgers and fries. Second of all, it does great martinis. And third of all, it's sublimely atmospheric. Founded as a saloon in 1884, the place is ancient by NY standards. If you're into Mad Men, you might recognise it from season 1 - the whole office comes here for after-work drinks and dancing. I love the way all the office buildings on Third Ave tower above it, while PJ's remains, unperturbed, at the centre of it all.

 

Opening Ceremony   35 Howard Street

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As you might be able to tell from the pics, Opening Ceremony is a very cool store. It's right down in Chinatown, just off Canal Street (the go-to place for buying ripoff Chanel and Gucci bags). These guys specialise in cutting-edge designers - ie, the kind of clothes that you probably won't find many other people wearing. I always like to look out for their guest collaborators. In December, I picked up an adorable red plaid jumpsuit by Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony. Too bad it's wool - even a dedicated fashionista like me can't rock that in summer...

And finally...

Excellent Dumpling House   111 Lafayette St 

If you happen to work up an appetite in Opening Ceremony (or fighting off the crowds on Canal Street), I suggest heading to Excellent Dumpling House for a pie-fest. They do hands down the best (not to mention cheapest) dumplings I've tasted in NYC. Plus, the place is a welcome rest-spot for footsore shoppers. Don't come here too often, though - the food may be completely delicious, but I have a strong suspicion that's because the chefs are rather fond of grease. I always try not to eat too many of their dumplings in case I turn into one myself. It doesn't work though - they're just too good.