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NYC Guide: 48 Hours in Lower Manhattan

May 21, 2017 By Chandra Bonine 1 Comment

Just before Thanksgiving, my sister traveled to NYC for a few days on a work trip, and I decided to join her for a little girl time. Our sister trips to the Big Apple usually consist of staying Uptown and schlepping all over to our favorite spots. What we’ve realized, though, is that many of our fave haunts are in Lower Manhattan, far away from much of the hustle and bustle, so we switched it up this time. At the risk of sounding like SNL’s Stefan, I’ve put together a guide of our go-to places to eat, stay, shop, and play in lower Manhattan. I have no clue about “New York’s hottest nightclub,” but I’m well-versed in shopping and eating!

View of the Statue of Liberty from Ritz-Carlton Battery Park

WHERE TO STAY

Of course there is no shortage of awesome hotels in NYC, but sometimes narrowing them down can be overwhelming. We’ve done the work for you! These are a few of our faves in Lower Manhattan.

Ritz-Carlton Battery Park
2 West Street | 212-344-0800
My sister’s meetings were in the Financial District, so we booked the Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park. Due to an annoying flight delay, we didn’t arrive at the hotel until after midnight, but our travel woes disappeared when we realized we had been upgraded to a fabulous corner suite with views of the Hudson, the Statue of Liberty, and downtown Manhattan! Our room was even equipped with a telescope to check out Lady Liberty and beyond. The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park truly provides an uptown dose of pampering in a laidback downtown locale.

The Beekman
123 Nassau Street | 212-233-2300
For more of a “scene,” The Beekman manages to mesh its painstakingly restored 130-year old architecture with a hip artsy vibe and spacious (relatively speaking) rooms that are actually comfortable. No easy feat! The library-inspired Bar Room serves inspired craft cocktails in a cozy lounge illuminated by the Insta-famous pyramidal skylight at the top of the open atrium, and both on-site restaurants are impressive enough to justify never leaving the premises. Part of the Thompson Hotel portfolio, The Beekman just gets it right!

NoMo SoHo
9 Crosby Street | 646-218-6400
Located in the heart of SoHo, NoMo is a gem of a hotel within walking distance to all of the curiosities this quirky neighborhood has to offer. The picturesque entrance and courtyard restaurant feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical fairy garden with twinkle lights and ivy-covered everything, and the lively ambiance and spot-on service make NoMo a destination in itself!

Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Avenue | 212-920-3300
Perhaps it is not technically considered Lower Manhattan, but Gramercy Park Hotel is close enough for me! We adore everything about this hotel, from the imaginative decor and impressive art collection to the chic Rose Bar and exclusive guest access to the private Gramercy Park.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Basically, we go to New York for all the French food!!

Le Coucou
138 Lafayette Street | 212-271-4252
Located in the 11 Howard Hotel on Lafayette in SoHo, Le Coucou feels at once vintage and contemporary, and I can’t help but think this recently crowned James Beard winner for “Best New Restaurant” will become a classic staple for upscale French dining.

Augustine
5 Beekman Street | 212-375-0010
While the vibe at Augustine (one of two eateries in The Beekman) is decidedly Parisian, the food definitely has an all-American flair — the whisky burger, to my surprise and delight, was served with a shot of bourbon! Along with the requisite frites and aioli, it was easily my favorite meal of the trip.

Balthazar
80 Spring Street | 212-965-1414
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Balthazar (yes, another brasserie…NYC just does them so well!) offers comforting faves like French onion soup and reliably delicious steak frites in a cozy neighborhood setting. You may have to get over the fact that the strangers at the adjacent table are so close they could feasibly split your meal, but that’s part of the fun at Balthazar. Besides, it could be a super cool celeb, like Isla Fisher, who was at the bar next to us!

Tortilla Flats
767 Washington Street | 212-243-1053
For a carefree, dancing-on-the-table kind of night, head to Tortilla Flats. This kitschy cantina boasts weekly bingo and hula hoop contests, and the Mexican fare is surprisingly very solid…especially for New York!

Bobo
181 W. 10th Street | 212-488-2626
Although we didn’t make it this trip, Bobo is always a favorite. With its gorgeous decor and elegant French menu (are you noticing a trend?), this West Village spot is a design lover’s dream!

Other notables include Jack’s Wife Freda (224 Lafayette Street | 212-510-8550) an understated American-Mediterranean bistro, The Bao (13 St. Marks Place) known for their delicate Shanghai-style soup dumplings, Raoul’s (180 Prince Street | 212-966-3518) a timeless NYC bistro that will having you feeling like a character in a Woody Allen film, Carbone (181 Thompson Street | 212-254-3000), a glam red-sauce Italian joint, and Waverly Inn (16 Bank Street | 917-828-1154), infamous for serving the “worst food in New York” according to Donald Trump! Waverly Inn may be considered passé to some, but to me, it’s timeless. I love feeling as if I’m eating my delicious meal in a good friend’s home. And the people watching is next to none….I sat across from Uma Thurman during my last visit! Last but not least, no trip is complete without a stop at Ladurée (398 West Broadway | 646-392-7868) for a box of beautiful macarons!

Shot of bourbon served with the whisky burger at Augustine

WHERE TO SHOP

While my sister attended her meetings, I took full advantage of the glorious fall weather by walking around and poking my head into all of the adorable shops SoHo has to offer! I adore the Old World vibe of this neighborhood, from the cobblestone streets to the unique merchants and galleries. Without an agenda, I tried to just explore without the aid of my phone. I did go in a few circles, but it’s not a trip to New York without losing your way once or twice! Here are a few of my favorite discoveries:

M. Crow
16 Howard Street | 212-625-1797
This fabulously quirky boutique is filled with bespoke wares created in M. Crow owner Tyler Hays’s Philadelphia workshop. The meticulously hand-painted wooden jigsaw puzzles are true works of art and kept me browsing this gallery-like shop for close to an hour!

Purl SoHo
459 Broome Street | 212-420-8796
If you know me, you know my creative skills are…let’s just say underwhelming. Knitting is not on my resume, but after perusing the lovely, colorful display of yarn at Purl SoHo, I just may need to schedule some lessons. The rainbow of raw materials on display is inspirational, and the helpful, friendly staff makes this a place to which you want to return.

Rudy’s Music Shop
461 Broome Street | 212-625-2557
My son has recently taken up guitar playing, and Rudy’s Music Shop is such a fun place to poke around for him. Full of Fenders and Gibsons, both vintage and new, this is a great stop for any music lover.

Michele Varian
27 Howard Street | 212-343-0033
For the design lovers, Michele Varian is a fabulously eclectic home and lifestyle boutique, featuring stunning wallpaper and lighting designed by Varian herself. Great stop for a unique gift or conversation-starting accent.

MoMA Design Store
81 Spring Street | 646-613-1367
Though the Museum of Modern Art is located in Midtown, the MoMA Design Store has an outpost in SoHo, conveniently located directly across the street from Balthazar. The MoMA Store has so many cool and unique items that make great gifts or souvenirs. I had several friends celebrating big milestone birthdays immediately following my trip, and I chose to gift them each with a set of Kaleido modular trays by Swedish designer Clara von Zweigbergk. So fun!

For the fashionistas, SoHo is heaven on earth! Walk to favorites Isabel Marant (469 Broome Street |212-219-2284) for effortless, upscale Parisian-designed items with a Bohemian flare, The Reformation (23 Howard Street | 212-510-8455) for California-cool “killer clothes that don’t kill the environment,” Zimmermann (55 Mercer Street | 212-226-6440) for sophisticated and feminine frocks designed by an Australian sister duo, Marissa Webb (104 Grand Street | 212-334-1853) for accessible yet edgy pieces, and of course Intermix (98 Prince Street | 212-966-5303) for all of it!

Clara von Zweigbergk’s Kaleido tray, available at the MoMA Design Store

WHAT TO SEE

Eden Fine Art Gallery
470 Broome Street | 212-888-0177
Galleries abound all over the city, but Eden Fine Art Gallery has an identity all its own. Featuring colorful pop-art pieces from a handful of Israeli artists, this outpost is the ninth location by this husband-wife duo — locations include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, San Francisco, and St. Barth. What I love about this place is that you simply cannot leave here in a bad mood. The art itself is lively and uplifting, and the cheery curators and directors will make you feel right at home.

9/11 Memorial and Museum
180 Greenwich Street | 212-227-7931
I am usually not one for the big tourist attractions in New York. I’ve not been to the Empire State Building, I’ve only seen Lady Liberty from afar, and I steer clear of Times Square at all costs, but I have wanted to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for years. Because it was within walking distance from where we were staying in Battery Park, my sister and I headed there on our way to dinner. It was sobering and emotional, but it felt like an important thing to do. It is tastefully done, and although I did not personally know any of the victims honored here, I felt like I was paying my respects in a way. I hope to go back next trip and spend more time in the museum.

Hamilton
Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th Street | 212-221-1211
I totally realize Broadway is nowhere near the geographical limitations of this Lower Manhattan favorites guide, but I’m throwing this in here because Uber! It took us about 30 minutes to get to the Richard Rodgers Theatre from our dinner at Augustine, and it was worth every minute of the drive. Hamilton is the real deal, and although I sometimes have trouble staying focused during musicals, I was captivated by this show and its brilliant use of hip-hop numbers to tell the story of Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton.

Jacket: Allsaints | Waxed jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Sneakers: Adidas | Bag: Nordstrom | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Independence Day Picks

June 27, 2016 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

The Fourth of July is a mere week away! Are you red, white, and blue-ready? If not, no worries…we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together an inspiration board filled with all of our favorite patriotic pieces, including cool sundresses, chic baubles, and accessories perfect for the Fourth. Check out last year’s Independence Day post for a little playlist inspiration to keep your party all American! Happy birthday to the great U.S. of A!!!

Father’s Day Gifting

June 14, 2016 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it. — Proverbs 22:6.

Happy Father’s Day to all of those wonderful guys “training up” our littles! To show our appreciation, we have put together a fun gift guide to provide some ideas for tokens of your love to your fave dads!

//ONE// Across the Ravaged Land is the third and final volume in Nick Brandt’s trilogy of books documenting the disappearing animals of eastern Africa. This hauntingly beautiful photographic odyssey makes a perfect gift for all lovers of nature and art, and the handsome hardcover and jacket make this a coffee table book to impress!

//TWO// In my opinion, there is nothing foxier than a guy in aviators, and this pair of Randolph Engineering “Concorde” Polarized Aviators epitomizes classic and rugged chic.

//THREE// For the tech officiandos with sleek taste, this DOCK White Marble for Apple Watch provides not only a practical solution for keeping Apple watches on charge, but also a statement-making item of decor for their desks. It’s a win win!

//FOUR// Meateaters rejoice!! B&B Butchers, just wrapping up its inaugural year, has proven itself as one of the premier dining experiences in H-town and is offering a special Father’s Day To Go menu from their bespoke butcher counter. The “Get Piggy with Dad” package offers four 10-oz center cut filets, 1 lb. thick cut bacon, Hill Country sausage, and barbecue salt for a very reasonable $120. For a special Sunday culinary treat, B&B’s brunch menu can’t be beat…their crown jewel carpetbaggers featuring tiny filets topped with a fried oyster and blue cheese crumbles are served atop English muffins for the morning meal, and the coconut-crusted stuffed French toast will satisfy any sweet tooth! After brunch, treat your favorite dad to a fun-filled afternoon by taking him to iFly Houston, the unique indoor skydiving experience he won’t quickly forget, or Topgolf, which is always a ton of fun for the whole family. If musicals are his thing, tickets to the upcoming Wicked performances just might make his day!

//FIVE// For some of the coolest gift ideas for your guy, look no farther than local outpost Manready Mercantile. This place has something for everyone, especially the man who has it all. From unique trinkets to laid back clothes and accessories, this man boutique is a no brainer for American-made items like this local Houston sweatshirt.

//SIX// Summer heat usually mandates a clean shave, and what better way to facilitate this tedious grooming ritual than a stylish razor like the luxurious Thom Browne by Harry’s 24K gold razor and slightly more practical Harry’s chrome razor.

//SEVEN// No offense to the guys, but most of them could use an upgrade in the jeans department; there are a lot of bad ones! When in doubt, it’s always wise to go with a classic straight leg like this favorite J.Crew 1040 jean. I’m not saying they need to be double rolled like the model! But the fit is universally flattering, and the simple back pockets, minimal stitching, and laid back wash make this jean an instant classic!

//EIGHT// If ever there was a need for stocking stuffers for Father’s Day, the fine fellas at Manready Mercantile would absolutely have your back. Who doesn’t love jerky? And what’s more fun than whiskey? So there’s really no way you can go wrong with this whiskey soaked campfire jerky!

//NINE// And speaking once again of that fave man store of mine, the apothecary at Manready Mercantile is full of fabulous toiletries to keep the dads in your life groomed and smelling like a rose! My favorite scent is definitely this Bluegrass cologne by EastWest Bottlers. This refreshing fragrance evokes freshly cut grass and is layered with a bit of deeper, woodsy amber. Not all guys like wearing cologne, but for those who do, this scent is perfect for the hot summer months!

//TEN// All men are boys at heart, and what better way to live like the youth than yard games! This Bocce Ball set will provide hours of summer evening entertainment!

//ELEVEN// I don’t know about you, but I have the hardest time finding cute men’s shoes that aren’t too bulky, too flashy, or too casual. The Rag & Bone “Elliot” oxford provides just the right amount of cool guy vibe without being over the top, and who doesn’t love a great casual shoe like this pair of Vince slip-on sneakers?!

//TWELVE// If music is more his love language, try this new(ish) release by Tedeschi Trucks, “Let Me Get By”. This husband/wife duo, comprised of guitar prodigy turned legend Derek Trucks and vocal powerhouse Susan Tedeschi, Tedeschi Trucks is the blues band of our generation, and their newest CD is not to be missed. A few other current favorites are singer/songwriter Griffin House’s new “So On and So Forth” album and The Avett Brothers’ upcoming release, “True Sadness”, currently available on preorder.

//THIRTEEN// For the collector of vinyl, nothing beats a great record player, and this Crosley Radio turntable is both stylish and functional!

//FOURTEEN// For a traditional gift, any father would be happy to open up this Shinola leather strap watch. This timepiece is classic with a contemporary feel to it that will appeal to any guy looking to be on time!

//FIFTEEN// Briefcases have always been a staple gift idea, but often they are boxy and stuffy and too precious for our generation. This L.L. Bean waxed canvas briefcase fits the bill perfectly. The size is just right, and the casual, unstructured silhouette works well for any guy, no matter his trade!

//SIXTEEN// Boasting terrific sound quality and chic, contemporary design, the Stelle Audio pillar wireless speaker is perfect for any music lover. Available in an array of colors, this “pill” speaker will look great with any decor and will end up being the life of all his parties!

//SEVENTEEN// Another great “stocking stuffer,” the Carry On Cocktail Kit is a personal favorite. Available in Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, Gin & Tonic, Bloody Mary, and Champagne Cocktail flavors, this precious little tin of goodies is TSA approved and a no brainer for any flight. You need only purchase the liquor from your flight attendant and any mixer specified in the instructions. The “flavor” is provided by way of flavored simple syrups, and the kit comes with both a reusable jigger and stirrer, as well as a cute tiny cocktail napkin. It just makes traveling much more civilized, and any gentleman would appreciate receiving this fun gift!

Organic Elegance

December 18, 2015 By In the Loop Style 1 Comment

Michelle Patrick built her brand, Michelle Patrick Designs, on the concept of organic elegance. One look at her hand-crafted designs and you know that each piece was inspired by the inherent wonders found all around us. Simply put, her jewelry is refreshing. Chastiti met Michelle 18 years ago as a brand new (very green) lawyer and knew even back then that Michelle was not only the most stylish legal assistant in Houston, but also the most artistic. Like her designs, she is one of a kind. Michelle is stunningly beautiful, and her soul is poured into her work. Her designs exude Michelle’s hard work ethic, her tenacity, and her spirit.

Looking to the earth for elements and inspiration, Michelle uses a neutral pallet of such unique stones and materials, that rarely does she has enough left over to create a second piece. As a result, her jewelry is truly one of a kind. What we find most interesting about her line is that she uses not only vintage elements, but reuses what nature leaves behind. On some of her lariats you will find naturally shed antlers, driftwood, and sea glass. You will find an oxidized gunmetal jasper arrowhead on chocolate moonstone beads with pavé accents alongside an antler focal piece with dark grey leather fringe and small silver freshwater pearls. Right now we are so in love with her lariats accented with antler pieces and her unique horn necklace. These pieces make the most simple of outfits shine. These strands of pure delight lend a very sophisticated, yet subtle elegance to your wardrobe.

Drawing from the wonders of Mother Nature, MP Designs has a line of cuffs that will make you swoon. For her leather cuffs, Michelle had the vision to reuse and recycle to minimize her carbon footprint. By using leather scraps from shoe and handbag manufacturers and designers, she ensures that she is doing her part to protect the environment from where she draws inspiration. Michelle brings the unwanted scraps back to life, and by adding geode slices or antlers, she creates a visually intoxicating cuff. Our favorites happen to be made of the very eco-friendly mermaid leather. Everyone loves mermaids, but note, none are harmed in the making of these amazing cuffs. 🙂 Mermaid leather is, again, Michelle’s way of shielding nature to the ravages of mankind. Mermaid leather is simply the cured and vegetable tanned skins of fish. Fish skins are a by-product of the fish industry and are usually dumped back into the sea. Michelle turns what some believe to be trash into a treasure. Mermaid leather has the strength (and smell) comparable to commonly used leathers. But, the true appeal is the softness and durability (not to mention environmentally friendly nature) of the discarded fish skins. Each skin is unique and each species has a different scale pattern (like our fingerprints!), so you will never have to worry about showing up to a party wearing an identical cuff to another party goer.

This up and coming jewelry designer is taking the custom jewelry world by storm. Even so, Michelle is still making everything by hand and painstakingly creating pieces that are, without a doubt, exquisite. She has continued to stay true to her early visions and her passion. We seriously cannot get enough of her creations. If one could OD on the love of a fashion jewelry line, we would already be in rehab. We also love that despite her success she is still the same down-to-earth, sports-loving girl. She is a friend, an artist, a mother, and yes, an inspiration for all women to follow their dreams. Michelle took a leap and she landed on the moon and is doing what she truly loves. Her hard work and dedication to her craft paid off, and the results are undeniably spectacular. We hope to find several pieces from her collection in our stockings this year (please, Santa, please!). Michelle Patrick Designs is now a featured product in several on-trend boutiques in numerous states. Locally, you can see Michelle’s handiwork at Abejas Boutique, which carries many of her pieces in store. Abejas is also hosting a Michelle Patrick Designs trunk show this Friday and Saturday (December 18 and 19), so pop in and shop for those last minute gifts or treat yourself to her designs.

Chandra
Top: Isabel Marant Etoile (similar here) | Jeans: Madewell | Belt: J. Crew | Boots: Dolce Vita, sold out (similar pair by Dolce Vita)

Chastiti
Ecru Sweater: Autumn Cashmere | Leggings: Spanx | Booties: similar by Sam Edelman and Aerosoles | Gray Sweater: Tory Burch

Shopbop Friends & Family Sale

October 13, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

It’s that time — the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale is live, and we have our fall picks ready! The sale is sitewide, with 25% off everything (a few exclusions apply), and it only lasts until 11:59 p.m. on October 15.

As you can see, we’re feeling lots of warm, textured neutrals, mixed with pops of berry. Tribal prints are having a moment, and the capes and ponchos from last season are holding on strong. Our curation is just the tip of the iceberg that Shopbop has to offer by way of fall fashion, so hurry and get in while the getting’s good!