TRAVEL GUIDE
Every February, I visit one of my favorite places on earth- New York City! In addition to attending exciting trade shows, and hosting pop up shops at retail stores we're sold in, I also take a day to walk the city in search of inspiration for our next collection. I was enchanted by the perfectly designed restaurants and boutiques, the ballet, even a broadway play in the old Studio 54! Read on to learn more about where I stayed, what I ate, and where I found the most inspiration.
Is there anything more fun than flying over the majestic NYC skyline?
I didn't get the skyscraper photo I was hoping for, but this one shows how many millions of people live in this one, incredible, city!
My husband and I had the best night sleep in a really lovely hotel: 11 Howard, which is housed in the heart of SOHO. It’s well-designed, modern, and is staffed by the friendliest people in the city. It's beautiful and because they partner with AMEX we were able to pay for this with our hotel points. We ate breakfast in "The Library" on the second floor. Delicious and convenient!
This was my first time attending a professional ballet. Shocking for someone who secretly dreams of being a ballerina! Lincoln Center did not disappoint. I wasn't able to take photos during the event but I'll never forget the little things, the tiny water fountain in the foyer, the chatter all around me about who's who, The man seated next to me who attended solo, The magic and awe of the professional dancers cascading for two hours without pause. It was incredible! Can you believe how many people attended!? A full house!
Before heading to the city I do my research about where to eat, and who to support. This time we were proud to visit the adorable, female-owned gem, called "King." The drinks were perfect, the menu- is updated daily, and the staff was absolutely incredible. We had a blast on this little city date.
Shoppe Object Tradeshow is my favorite show we attend! The level of talent, craftsmanship, and the amazing buyers we meet and greet with are remarkable! At this show I met Oprah's team, learned about incredible brands like Bella Cucina seen below, and met an artisan from Morocco! It's here that we get to share about our mission to give back with each purchase made. It's remarkable.
Can you tell how tired we were from a long work day when eating here? I consider Balthazar the quintessential NYC boulangerie. A tourist trap? Maybe. BUT, the food is so great, the staff so professional, and the people-watching is so fun. We'll likely go back time and time again!
At last year's Shoppe Object I had the pleasure of meeting Mara in person. Not only was she beautiful, and radiant, she was kind, and genuinely interested in the HALF UNITED social-good mission. She's made a commitment to sustainability in both business and design, and I'm here for it. This trip I popped into her store and fell in love. Bravo, Mara!
After the trade show wrapped, we headed to my favorite stop on the entire trip - The Well - to host a pop up shop and meet customers and guests alike! This spa, restaurant, wellness-hang out is beautiful, serene, and proved to be the perfect way to end our time in this bustling metropolis.
Whether it's a mosaic tile, a great curtain fabric, a bustling market, or well-designed packaging, when I'm in NY I am wide-eyed looking for inspiration wherever I can find it. Here were some of my favorite inspo-evoking sights.
Spring is a season that inspires my creativity like no other! As the winter cold gives way to warmer weather and longer days, it fuels me with renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. I quite literally feel better, and there is science behind it! It is a time when nature comes back to life, and my spirits are lifted by the colors, sounds, and smells of baby blooms.
