A trip to the BG Restaurant

Searching for a chic place to catch up with friends and enjoy some delicious cuisine? Take a trip the BG restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman.

When I was in Manhattan last month, I headed to the Seventh Floor of this American institution for fun and fine food on a Friday night. Designed by renowned interior designer Kelly Wearstler, the four  room space has glorious views over Central Park, and is the perfect place to spy on what's happening at the Plaza!

To eat, I had the amazing Oven Roasted Scottish Salmon and the deliciously naughty BG- a flourless hazelnut cake with white and dark chocolate mousse, raspberries and a caramel drizzle. Well worth flying over 3000 miles for!

There were plenty of people still enjoying afternoon tea when we arrived, and the restaurant took on a cozy feel as the crowds left. In fact, we were the last to leave (and I know that we didn't want to really!)

The service was exceptional, the staff friendly and I couldn't have asked for a more memorable and special evening with dear friends.

For further details on BG click here. Reservations are recommended. 

Tips for short haul trip packing

I regularly travel on long haul journeys so this week's short haul trip to Edinburgh feels like luxury!

Having just returned from a long journey, packing a suitcase is the last thing that I want to do. For long haul journeys I've got the suitcase and the routine down to a fine art, so packing for less than five days is feeling like a bit of a challenge! I'm not a girl who travels lightly, so the thought of taking the bare minimum is causing quite a panic.

Here's what my short trip haul is looking like so far:

Bag

My large L.L. Bean tote (complete with monogram!) is a serious contender for all my essentials. It's strong, durable and incredibly roomy.

Shoes

I usually travel with five pairs of shoes.... so this trip I am aiming for three. My New Balance x Bergdorf Goodman sneakers will be on my feet when I travel and for exploring the city. They are the most comfortable sneakers EVER! I'll pack my pair of Chanel ballet flats for the daytime events when I need to be a bit dressy, and my J.Crew leopard wedges for nighttime fun!

Clothes

Here's where the dilemma begins... what's the weather going to be like? I've been advised to take a coat with me, so I'll be taking my trusty Barbour jacket which has literally travelled the world with me.

A pair of black jeans and x2 black pants will be perfect to mix and match for travelling and for each day, and I'll throw in a super light asymmetrical linen black jacket for hopping between lunches, meetings and sightseeing.

My stash of trusty striped Breton tees in every color scheme imaginable will also be making an appearance, as will some cute lace tops in black and white for the evenings. Simple is best!

I'll also throw in a few favourite pieces of knitwear that I can mix and match, and two neutral scarves depending on what top I'll be wearing.

Accessories

I'll take my most personal of jewels as well as this fun necklace from Knotty Gal for nighttime fun! I'll also be using my Chanel bag in the evenings and for when I don't need to carry my large Longchamp tote.

Beauty

This is one area that I excel at. I've amassed quite a collection of travel sized toiletries for my various trips, and my washbag has to be one of the most organised I've ever seen! I have travel sized versions of my favourite make-up items, and just pack my regular brushes to make sure something stays the same!

Other Essentials

Work won't stop for me- I'll be taking my MacBook, various chargers as well as my Nikon for those essential sightseeing snaps.

How do you pack for a short-haul trip? Does the dreaded baggage allowance stress you out? Share your tips with me in the comments! 

Bergdorf Goodman x New Balance

As much as I love a good pair of heels, sneakers are my go to shoe. I've been eyeing a pair of New Balance sneakers for a few months, and when Bergdorf Goodman released their premium NB collection I knew I had to have them!

The NB Grey collection features five designs exclusive to Bergdorf's, and the sneakers have been recreated using sophisticated materials. I opted for the 696 metallic detailed leather sneaker in black and white- it literally goes with everything in my wardrobe! The other designs are also pretty great, and come in grey, pink/purple/blue, ivory and blue/grey.

Stay tuned for photos on how I style the sneakers!

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New York: My Trip in Photos

Earlier this week I was in NYC for meetings and a bit of fun! I was in DC for a week beforehand- you can check out my trip in photos here!

So, what did I get up to in the Big Apple?

I travelled from DC using the Acela Express. This is hands down the best train I have ever used. Fast journey, excellent service and so close to my hotel. The least stressful thing about my journey ever!

A standard photo of the ice rink at Rockefeller Center- it has to be done!

In the afternoon, I caught up with BBC America journalist Laura Trevelyan. Lots of fun!

A small trip to Brooklyn Heights reaped a big reward in the form of these stunning views of Lower Manhattan and then back towards Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building in the distance.

In the evening I finally meet PR genius Matt Dillon!

After lots of sleep I headed to the Lareymondie showroom to meet creator Maylis and see the gorgeous collection for myself! (More on this special visit in an upcoming post!)

If you are looking for a quirky lunch spot then give the Crosby Street Hotel a try!

In the evening I had great fun catching up with friends Filomena and Cheryl at the amazing seventh floor restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman. Stunning views, delicious food and lots of laughs!

Also have to say big kudos to the lovely ladies at the Bobbi Brown counter at Bergdorfs- my make-up was out of this world and I wish I could do eyeliner as professionally as this!

On Saturday I had fun exploring around Midtown and the UES with lots of shopping thrown in for good measure!

In the evening I met with Annie and Rachel from Small Girls PR at The Standard! Lots of fun and a venue you must visit if you haven't already!

Sunday was a little calmer- I stopped by Ralph's for coffee and did some shopping at Kate Spade and Tory Burch before meeting my friend, Jennefer for brunch.

I love strolling around the UES- spring flowers were in full bloom, and I visited my favorite apartment building, 1040 Fifth Avenue. All in all, a pretty spectacular trip!

For more photos check out my Instagram feed!

Holiday Sale Round-Up

Take advantage of the season's great sales! This post will be updated regularly, so be sure to bookmark it!

Anthropologie: Up to 50% off! 

Bergdorf Goodman: Up to 60% off!



Net A Porter: Up to 70% off!



TOMS: Up to 40% off!

Tory Burch: Up to 50% off!

French Sole: 50% off sale



House of Fraser: Up to 50% off!



Vince Camuto: Up to 50% off!



Vestiaire Collective: Up to 30% off sale!

Current Reads and Wishlist

With the nights drawing in, there's nothing better to sit with a cup of something warm and a great book.

Here's what I'm currently reading:

Personal History by Katharine Graham: Winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Biography, this fascinating memoir gives us a glimpse into Graham's life and work. I'm currently on the section on Watergate and I'm hooked!

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: The Goldfinch seems to have been read or is being read by everyone at the moment. It's worth the hype!

And these are the books I can't wait to read! Hopefully I'll get them for Christmas!

How To Be Parisian: Wherever You Are: This book deconstructs the French woman's view on culture, fashion and attitude. Every girl needs some French style in their life!

I'll Drink to That: Get up close with Betty Halbreich, the famous personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman. The Bergdorf documentary is the perfect accompaniment!

The Women I Wanted To Be: DvF shares with us her journey of being one of fashion's most accomplished businesswoman, and of course, the story of the famous wrap dress!

What are you currently reading? Share with me your suggestions in the comments! 

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

A fabulous trip inside Betty Halbreich's Park Avenue apartment!

Best Buy's new collection of tech accessories from Nanette Lepore, Anna Sui and Isaac Mizrahi are standout!

It's one of my favourite shows, and The New York Times is asking: 'Why are we so obsessed with Gilmore Girls?'

Tory Burch curates a fine art sale for Paddle8

And who couldn't resist this: 13 life lessons I learned from Emily Gilmore!