I have just returned from three jam-packed days in New York City to celebrate my 30th birthday. Three of my best friends from Los Angeles and mom met me in the big apple to eat, drink, and shop. In case you are planning on a trip to NY anytime soon, here’s a little bit of what we did.
The hotel was very nice and a great location for shopping in trendy SoHo, but what really made it stand out was the service. Just check out how wonderfully they decorated our suite! They also set up champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the spa when we went for treatments because they heard it was my bday.
Another hotel I always have to stop by when I’m in the City is the St. Regis. The King Cole Bar is pretty much one of my favorite places. UNFORTUNATELY, we failed to consider the fact that it was two Saturdays before Christmas and everyone was taking a break from shopping here. So instead of drinks we just got this photo.
Where We Ate:
Balthazar. There will be a line out the door on any given weekend, but go for the eggs benedict and the appropriately named “Hangover Drinks.” The “Champagne Pick Me Up” is my personal favorite. Not crossing the pond anytime soon? There’s a Balthazar opening in Covent Garden in February 2013. Cheers!
Catch: This was my favorite spot that I had never been before. Order the “Macaroni and Lobster Cream” and the “Crunchy Rice Cakes” with tuna tartare.
Standard Grill: A great spot for lunch or brunch in a super rustic and cozy environment. We shared BLT turkey club sandwiches and the chopped vegetable salad with chickpeas and feta.
Cafeteria: Perfect for late night dining. We shared truffle mac and cheese and chicken and waffles at about 12 PM between parties.
Koi: Because it serves my absolute favorite dish on the planet, crispy rice with spicy tuna. An oldie but a goodie.
Where We Partied:
The Boom Boom Room (Top of the Standard Hotel, High Line), Meatpacking District
You simply must stop and have a glass of champs at the top of The Standard. Tip: They will charge a silly cover for the tables, but if you go early you can get in without one, and sneak a table. I met some of my sorority sisters who live in NY. It was so great to see them!
The Spa at Trump Soho: Long nights call for next-day-massages. So that’s just how we spent my 30th, sipping champs in the spa after having bespoke massages. The relaxation room has a fabulous view and is the perfect place for recovering and celebrating.
Where We Shopped:
Scoop: A must-stop-shop for everything from Alice + Olivia to Zac Posen. I found the perfect New Years dress at this fab boutique.
Sequin bodycon dress by Backstage.
John Hardy: Fellow blogger and bestie, Lynsey Michelle (of Law of Fashion) and I took a backstage tour at the John Hardy showroom. The collections were rolled out for us to play with… more to come in a future post.
All in all it was the perfect way to celebrate this banner birthday, and ease the pain of leaving my 20’s. 
What a great weekend! So fun to see you!! xx