Top 10 must see and do in New York City Summer 2015

Everyone has their list of things they have to do in New York City. I imagine you'll find the Empire State Building, shopping at Barney's, strolling through Central Park and night-timing it in Times Square among the top "things to do" while in New York City. Fair enough, those are all good things to put on the list. But this summer, the summer of 2015, may I suggest a few more unique adventures that are truly moments that will not only show you a real New York, but will also make your memories that much more outstanding? Sure, some are luxurious and cost a pretty penny, but others (in fact most) are close to free. So without further ado, here are my top ten must do activities for New York City for the summer of 2015: 

1. Have lunch at Bergdorf Goodman's 

There is nowhere else in New York City where you will feel less like a tourist and more like a part of the establishment than at Bergdorf's. There's a reason the women of Manhattan say they'd like to have their ashes scattered in this heaven on earth. It's luxury at it's finest, with a killer view of Central Park. If you go and you don't order the lobster mac'n'cheese, you will be missing out on one of life's greatest dishes. 

2. Visiting The new Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District

The Whitney has moved, people. Remember this as I don't want you turning up in completely the wrong part of town. They moved from posh to meat. Well, the Meatpacking District to be exact. The move has seen the establishment reposition itself at the bottom of the High Line with spectacular views both inside and out. This is worth the trip for the art alone, but the windows overlooking New York will take your breathe away. 

3. Taking time to stop at The September 11th Memorial and Museum

Pack a kleenex box and ask your taxi driver to drop you here on your first day. No place in this city will make you understand the love, patriotism and raw emotion that runs through every New Yorker like that of the September 11th memorial. I found myself wanting to hold the hand of my neighbour as I watched water disappear into the void below me, but instead took out my camera and tried to capture the love and appreciation that was on display around me. We shall never forget. 

4. Enjoying a view of New York City like you've never seen before form the One World Trade Center Observation Deck

When you have finished taking in the ground below, take time to shoot up and rejoice in new construction and a powerful message that waits for you atop the One World Trade Center Observation Deck. I'll just say that the big reveal will make your heart swell. 

5. Reading the benches in Central Park

We're all so busy running through Central Park that most people never take the time to look at the details around them. For example - did you know that the park benches in Central Park have dedications? One morning, after a long run, I took about an hour to stop and read as many as I could. I was taken in by the love on display in each and every one - some funny, some sad, but all displaying memories and sharing stories. 

6. Challenging the best at their game in chess

While you're in Central Park, try your hand at a game of chess. You'll be hard pressed to find chess with a better view anywhere else on earth. But be warned, the men that play here are pros. Watch your king!

7. Hiking the High Line
The High Line may just be one of my favourite places in New York. The nearly 1.5 mile stretch of repurposed railway line is home to benches, gardens, restaurants and conveniently placed ice cream trollies, for those looking for a relaxing way to enjoy New York City from above. The views along your walk are spectacular! Make this happen.

8. Breakfast at Gene's Coffee Shop off Park Ave

When I asked the concierge for a good diner near the hotel, he had only one suggestion - Gene's. Now, I'm in love. For simple, great and classic American breakfasts, this place can't be beat and the prices are exactly what you need them to be  - cheap and cheerful. Order the french toast, ask for the coffee to keep coming and enjoy the New York Times while in residence. Heaven on earth. 

9. Drink coffee and eat cheese danishes at Sant Ambroeus

Don't go to Starbucks while you're in NYC. That's just what everyone else does right? And you can do that anywhere in the world. Drink coffee like a local and find an artisanal coffee shop like Saint Ambroeus. The coffee is perfection, the pastries are deadly and service comes with a smile and often with an Italian accent. 

10. The Cupcake ATM
I feel like I don't really need to say anything else right now. There's a cupcake ATM in New York now at Sprinkles. Go. That's all.

And if you're headed to NYC from London, check out The Loews Regency Signature Suites as an option to stay - that's where I was when writing this little ditty. I'm obsessed! 

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Your Daily Shop: A cowgirl's favourite skirt

What's there to say about a skirt as perfect as this little ditty? Cath Kidston, you've taken my breath away. All those years of dreaming I was a cowgirl have all come to a head... in the print of one skirt. From the multiple cacti to the lounging cowboys, this is country western fashion at its finest. While this is today's Daily Shop, it won't be the last time you see this skirt. Oh yes, it now sits in the suitcase waiting to be styled.... in California. Watch this space. Cath Kidston Cowboy Skirt (£55) is a go! 

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Topshop Binx Jeans

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FFG Travels: The Signature Suites at the Loews Regency New York

In 2014 I stayed in 49 hotels. That's nearly a new hotel visit every week. I say this because it's pretty important when it comes to this particular piece. After you've stayed in a certain number of hotels, whether for review or for project work, they all seem to run together. You start to notice patterns and you truly begin to understand why a star rating exists and how it is that some hotels will always just be chains, while others are more like unique palaces. The Loews Regency New York, my latest adventure abroad, is a palace, truly. 

There's a reason you see countless celebrities in the lobby of Loews Regency, just as there's a reason you'll never hear about them being there. This is New York's hidden gem hotel and you get the feeling you are in on an incredible national secret from the moment you check in. There's is no pomp and circumstance involved here. It's just an establishment that quietly supersedes everything else around it. It does so with innovative design (following a $100 million recent renovation) and excellent customer service that goes above and beyond what's required. 

Here's just one example. In my over three dozen stays in New York in the past five years, I have always started by mornings with a jog in Central Park. When I checked into the Loews Regency New York, I knew not much would change there, seeing as the hotel sits just blocks away from the Park itself. Every morning I'd venture out on the hunt to stay in shape and every morning I'd come back looking like a can of tomato soup - red from top to toe - and so out of breath that I was pretty sure the doorman thought he would be calling an ambulance at any moment to attend to what must be a severe asthma attack. Nope, that's just this out of shape diva trying to keep up with the Central Park runners. But, in my over three dozen stays in New York, no doorman has done what the doorman at Loews Regency New York did for me every morning. As I would leave he'd wish me luck on my journey, calling me out by name. Upon my return, he would be there waiting with a towel and bottles of water to hand me as I made my way to the lobby. Such a small gesture, but one that left a massive impression. This was only the beginning of the niceties that were discovered in my three night stay with the property. And while I could go into all of them here in detail, I'd like to leave them for you to discover and enjoy for yourself.

The one thing I won't hold back on, however, are the Loews Regency Signature Suites. Talk about an impressive setup, people. There are six suites in total, designed by the country's most prestigious interior designers, which make for some pretty incredible interiors inspo. While I had a chance to tour all six, and have included a few highlights in pictures below, I actually stayed in my favourite suite of them all - the Glamour Suite. Seems appropriate, keeping in mind my connection with the world of fashion and all that jazz. The suite was designed by Lauren Rottet and imagined as a space that Marilyn Monroe would have called her own in the late 1940s. Yes, I could definitely see Marilyn living here and calling this home on Park Avenue. The views alone were stunning, but the interiors created with the wide open windows make this space heaven on the 16th floor. 

The Glamour Suite at the Loews Regency is a room all about texture, from the shearling pink pillows to the grey and white soft carpeting. Even the marbled bathroom speaks of nothing but an elegant and refined lifestyle. For three days I lived in an apartment-like suite that so far exceeded my own dreams of a New York abode that I actually felt I was living in a parallel universe - one where I am much more elegant and have more money than I can count. 

Of course only half the fun is had in the newly designed signature suites at The Loews Regency New York. The new renovation means the return of the famous Power Breakfast in The Regency restaurant on ground level, the opening of a state of the art spa and salon, the introduction of a sweet little coffee and pastry shop that will have you wondering why you ever even considered Starbucks on your first morning there, and also the reintroduction of amazing staff ready to cater to your every request. 

Next time you are in New York, put this on the list of places to check out for a possible stay. I'll be really honest here in admitting it's hard to imagine staying anywhere else now for fashion week. Dear Loews Regency New York, I've fallen hard. Staying elsewhere in New York now would be like cheating on the love of my life! Thank you for amazing stay.

Now, onto what you came here for... the pictures!

A look at the other signature suites:

And here's a look at the food while in residence:

Fashion Foie Gras was a guest of the Loew's Regency New York.

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What I Wore on Holiday pt 1

SHOP THE POST:

As I've been posting my holiday outfits over on my Instagram daily I thought I'd pop all the links over on here so those who are interested in my holiday wardrobe can get involved. My holiday style is similar to my everyday style really, a little bit rock n roll and a little bit girly. Terribly monochromatic (even in the beating heat!) with the odd addition of a print or two. Some of the items I'm wearing are old or sold out but I have tried to link things that are similar where possible! For example my awesome tropical leaf print cullotte playsuit is sold out but you can get a similar pair of trews and a crop top!

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