Bright, Black & White: Shopping Inspiration From NYC

While I love California’s bounty and the accessibility I have to so many wondrous destinations including Wine Country, Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay, I miss my hometown of New York City and the charge I feel when I am there. Working in San Francisco and nights out in Oakland, coupled with frequent visits to Los Angeles, certainly help feed my energy fix, but there is nothing that feeds my soul like the Motherland.

Last week I was lucky enough to return home and shop my days away in NYC, and as a native turned stylist, I couldn't wait to revisit old favorites, discover new ones, and explore all that NYC's retail experience has to offer. Here's a peek at my week in pictures...

“YOU WOULD BE NORTH” says Valentino and whatever Pierpaolo Piccioli says, goes, so here I find myself Midtown at Bergdorf Goodman (754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019) — “YOU WOULD BE NORTH” says Valentino and whatever Pierpaolo Piccioli says, goes, so here I find myself Midtown at Bergdorf Goodman (754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019)

Taking a black and white break amidst the blazing color in the Dries Van Noten Shop at Bergdorf Goodman

My first stop was Acne Studios (33 Greene Street, NYC 10013) —this jacket helped me channel my inner Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction — My first stop was Acne Studios (33 Greene Street, NYC 10013) —this jacket helped me channel my inner Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction

These two pieces from Acne Studios’ SS18 Collection made me think of an orange tree in bloom. Made a dark, rainy NYC day just a little brighter.

Poking my way through Balenciaga plaid. (Balenciaga New York Soho Women, 148 Mercer Street, NYC 10012) — Poking my way through Balenciaga plaid. (Balenciaga New York Soho Women, 148 Mercer Street, NYC 10012)

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There are literally shoes in every nook of the Bergdorf Goodman designer shoe department.

A mother-daughter selfie with my best apprentice.

It takes a trip to the shopping mecca to lure me above 23rd Street—the Barneys New York flagship on Madison Avenue.

Camoflauge and animal print are like pop colors. They create interest in and give life to the most neutral outfits.

Finally found my hubby a stylish, yet functional backpack at Kith. (Visvim Suede-Trimmed Cordura Nylon Backpack, available at Kith, 337 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 and online here)

Since they don’t allow any photography inside Off-White™'s EM PTY GALLERY in New York City (51 Mercer Street), I had to bring the fire back home. (Off-White Men’s Fire Print Hoodie $660)

Riding the cowboy craze in these candy cane red R13 boots at Barneys on Madison Avenue.

When your hidden gem becomes a retail darling. Congratulations on your expanded success, No. 6, but admittedly, I’m nostalgic for the days when we whispered our secret, coveted shoe brands on the fashion underground streets of Soho. (Alexis Cut… — When your hidden gem becomes a retail darling. Congratulations on your expanded success, No. 6, but admittedly, I’m nostalgic for the days when we whispered our secret, coveted shoe brands on the fashion underground streets of Soho. (Alexis Cut Out Slide Clog on Platform in White Patent $325)

Getting a major dose of greens at Loring Place (21 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011). Feeling virtuous after lunch, but not for long as we headed off to Rosemary’s (18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011) for post-lunch vino.

These Beha boots I got at Rag & Bone (119 Mercer Street New York, NY 10012) are like the best bubble gum—only the kind that gets stuck on the outside of your shoe, not the bottom. — These Beha boots I got at Rag & Bone (119 Mercer Street New York, NY 10012) are like the best bubble gum—only the kind that gets stuck on the outside of your shoe, not the bottom.

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Rick Owens continues to blow me away with his masterful way with fabrics. Just look at the detail of this hand-braided bag strap. Up close, it reminds me of macrame bracelets from my childhood. From a distance, it looks more like a bone or fossil. These opposing dimensions demonstrate Rick’s true artistry. (Rick Owens New York, 30 Howard Street, NYC 10013)

Not to be outdone, Michele Lamy, Rick Owen’s wife and creative muse, is genius. I have coveted her jewelry for years and can’t believe I haven’t yet taken the plunge. (Hunrod ring $7000)

All gold everything. (Rick Owens SS18 Dirt Sock Wedges In Metallic Dust $1564)

The Webster (29 Greene Street, NYC 10013)may have been the most unique shopping experience of my trip. This multi-floor, converted loft space boasts some of the most coveted and creative designers from across the globe whose pieces are merchandised by look rather than by collection. The space alone is worth the stop, as it provides a warm and welcoming respite from the bustle of Soho. I left feeling inspired by the carefully curated fashion and revived by the salon-like atmosphere.

Of course, there is other eye candy to enjoy in New York. No trip is complete without a walk on the Highline and a visit to The Whitney with mom.

Yes, I know these pants need to be shortened and no, I don’t need another black blazer. But…(Rick Owens Lilies SS18 Dirt Pants in Black Lame $793, Silver Lame Top $1194) — Yes, I know these pants need to be shortened and no, I don’t need another black blazer. But…(Rick Owens Lilies SS18 Dirt Pants in Black Lame $793, Silver Lame Top $1194)

My dashing shopping companion in inky black Rick Owens shorts and tee. — My dashing shopping companion in inky black Rick Owens shorts and tee.

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Special shout out to my fabulous daughter who stealthily and steadily stayed on my trail, creatively capturing many of these moments with my iPhone 10 and without anyone around us ever noticing!

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