Looc's Itty-Bitty-Mini Guide to NYC

Ok, it's not exactly a guide, but while we're on the topic of 'city must-sees and to-do's', I thought I'd tell you about a few post-worthy stops during my buying trip for Fall 09. Here they are by category:

See. (or Shop)

Matthew Williamson
415 West 14th Street
New York NY 10014

Tel: +1 212 255 9881

Matthew Williamson's brand new store opened last week in the Meatpacking District. It neighbors Stella McCartney (my dream wardrobe) and Jeffrey's (where I spotted Jason Wu) and faces DVF. Anyway, this store is BEYOND beautiful. My jaw literally dropped while walking through it with every new corner, every new piece of clothing being more ridiculously cool than the last. And that is pretty much what he is - ridiculously cool. The back of the store opens up to this glassed-in jungle oasis of greenery where mannequins are almost hiding and lucky enough to be wearing his pieces of art...so lucky! Also, be sure not to miss the ladies' room (my favorite part of the store) where an emerald-green glass chandelier and gorgeous Venetian glass mirror is surrounded by wallpapered iconic fashion images. Here are a couple pics I shot quickly before I was told not to take them. Oops....I really couldn't help myself. They DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, come close to showing its untouched extraordinariness.


(sorry about the flash in that one - I was rushing)




Shop.

DON THE VERB
61 Delancey Street
New York, NY 10002

Tel: +1 212.219.7633

This Lower East Side vintage store is such a gem. The tiny space houses a TON of designer and non-designer vintage clothing, bags, jewelry, hats, etc. and I think I would have been happy taking home any one of them. I fell in love with a great Zach Carr black belted-jacket and wound up buying it. There are some rarer pieces that, of course, get a little pricey, but for the most part, a very affordable, and well-edited store. Some pics...

Eat.

Kingswood Restaurant

121 West 10th Street

New York, NY 10011

Site: www.kingswoodnyc.com

This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend so had expected something great, but after actually experiencing it, I wanted to immediately transplant it right up to a South End side street. For now, I will settle for being an irregular there. I went with my husband which lended itself to be a great date place, but it could work for a girls' night out, boys' night out, just drinks, you name it. While our waitress wasn't the friendliest, her attitude was blurred by the perfect wine, meal and atmosphere. The decor is phenom with no detail being overlooked.

This is the only pic I took, (I was too busy enjoying it!)... sorry.