A RETURN TO NEW YORK, NYFW & WHAT I’M BUYING FOR FALL
Happy Labor Day! It’s supposedly a day of rest, yet I’m here working—but hopefully you’re not.
I’m in preparation mode for New York Fashion Week, my first since leaving my job at Bazaar in February 2020, to be exact. There is a real back-to-school feeling about this week. You see friends you probably haven’t seen all summer because they were living on a yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean (and you weren’t!), and you feel compelled to buy a whole new wardrobe to impress strangers. I almost feel like the new kid at school because this will be my first time attending as Chrissy Rutherford, writer and brand consultant, and not an editor at Harper’s Bazaar. So, that feels like a pretty big milestone!
If you follow me on the ‘gram, you also know I’ve been spending more time in the city lately. I’m really starting to miss my city life—having my own space, meeting up with friends spontaneously for our favorite pasta dinner, checking out new boutiques, and wandering around the streets listening to my favorite playlists. I lived in the city for almost 10 years before coming back to my Westchester roots, and while this time with my parents has truly been everything that I need and more—I can’t deny that NYC is calling my name. So now I’m just hoping that my manifestation powers are as good as I think they are and will lead me to the apartment of my dreams.
In the meantime, I’m sharing some of my favorite spots in New York City, from restaurants (dining out tends to be 80% of my social life) to shopping and a few activities in between. And in the spirit of Fashion Week, some fall fashion I have my eye on.
FOOD
NYC has an unlimited amount of amazing food. It’s hard to narrow it down, but if someone asks me where I want to eat, these are some of the places that come to mind first.
Hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC—or restaurant period. Birthdays, anniversaries, dates, you name it—Supper is the spot. It’s rustic and intimate inside. I’ve been going here for over a decade, and the food has never disappointed once. My go-to is the spaghetti limone.
You’ll always find a fashionable crowd here, but it’s not just about the great vibes—the food is legit. They’re known for their freshly-baked bread and pastries (stop by for a croissant in the mornings), but for dinner, the roasted chicken is a must. I also love their pastas.
I don’t find myself on the west side often but when I do I love Altro Paradiso. The fennel salad made me like fennel, and I always order the cacio e pepe. Always a great crowd there.
The owners of Raf’s have built out the most gorgeous restaurant inside the new The Twenty Two hotel/member’s club (originally from London!)—but you can expect a different but equally delicious menu. It’s seafood-heavy and Middle Eastern-inspired.
When I was an editor and a publicist offered to take me out for breakfast, this was the first place I would suggest. I’m not a vegetarian, but I do love Jean Georges anything. I promise the almond butter pancakes are so good you’d never guess they were gluten-free.
Even for a spicy food lover like myself, my taste buds were really put to the test at this place with their Papaya salad and Wok noodles. I also highly recommend the fried chicken.
The owners of Kiki’s (and their sister resto Forgtmenot) are like family to me. Back in the day, they owned a little Greek restaurant below my first apartment in the Lower East Side. Now they’ve made Division Street a destination with their simple and authentic Greek food. Added bonus: the crowd is always attractive.
I’m pretty sure Ruby’s set the stage for the Australian takeover happening in the NYC food scene over the last few years. I still remember when this restaurant was just a tiny little unassuming shop with a few tables, now they have multiple locations. The Bronte burger is unlike any burger you’ve ever tasted.
Bowery Hotel’s restaurant has been my old faithful in a pre-and-current pandemic world. It’s typically pretty easy to get a same-day reservation, there’s plenty of outdoor seating, also great for people watching. Go for the pizza and stay for the possible celeb sightings entering or exiting the hotel.
Nothing feels more New York than Ralph Lauren’s swanky restaurant in midtown. Everything inside screams luxury. The last time I was there in early 2020, I spotted JLO and Arod dining in a tucked-away corner. The food is absolutely as fantastic as the vibe.
The Lafayette location is known for the best people-watching in NYC if you’re able to snag a table outside. But you’re also bound to see someone famous or at least some fashion industry titans dining inside. The food lives up to the hype, though—and always get the tiramisu.
This unassuming French restaurant has been my favorite West Village spot since I was a little intern at Harper’s Bazaar. It’s got that, we’ve been here for almost 30 years, kind of charm. I dream about their spicy chicken. Also, it’s BYOB, which somehow adds to its appeal.
Don’t ask me how to get a reservation here because I’ve only ever been for a work event, but it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Carmine’s
If you’re in midtown because you’re going to a Broadway show or you have a work thing— Carmine’s is a New York institution. I used to go with my family every holiday season before we saw Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular show. The portions are family style so it’s great to go with a group. I think they have the best Caesar salad in NYC.
Of course, I had to include my favorite dessert spot! I’m a diehard fan of their homemade ice cream, so this has been my go-to for years, most specifically for the green tea and lavender flavors. They also make beautiful cakes for any occasion.
SHOPPING
Does anyone actually shop in person anymore? It’s rare for me, but when I do, here’s where I stop.
Frankie Shop: for all your minimal and normcore needs with a Parisian twist.
Coming Soon: Whether you’re looking for a unique house gift or to splurge on a Milo Baughman, this interiors store is filled with eye candy.
Two Minds: this new meatpacking boutique has a very tight edit of all the best pieces from luxury brands like The Row, Jacquemus, Givenchy and Thom Browne.
Desert Vintage: one of the best vintage shops downtown, the space is beautiful and I always find something I like —although it is very pricey.
Assembly New York: Sadly when I lived around the corner from this store I could barely afford anything in it. But I loved browsing what they curated from cool contemporary brands like PH5, Collina Strada, Sandy Liang. They also have their own in-house line.
Housing Works Thrift Shop: I don't do a lot of vintage shopping in NYC because I find the prices to be a bit crazy, but I can always find something affordable here.
Procell: Highly-curated edit of designer vintage and more obscure finds. Bella Hadid and Rihanna have been known to shop here.
Angela’s Vintage Boutique: I once saw an iconic Chloe dress from their Spring 2004 ads here (sadly it wasn’t my size). If you’re in the mood to dig, you can find some great designers and retro pieces.
Dover Street Market: New York doesn’t have many curated luxury boutiques left but this is one of the best, straight from London.
THINGS TO DO
Blue Note Jazz Club: I never knew how much fun the experience of going to a jazz club could be until my first time here. Artists like Masego, Phony ppl, and Robert Glasper have done residencies here in recent years. If you’re down for a late night, go to a nice dinner with friends and then hit the midnight show (where you can continue drinking and eating into the wee hours).
Comedy Cellar: a New York institution for drawing big-time comedians like Chris Rock, who sometimes drops by for an impromptu set.
Sage + Sound: if you’re uptown, pop in for a 30-minute sound meditation or get a massage. They also have a wonderful curation of wellness products.
HigherDOSE: get a detox session in with their infrared sauna. You can even play your own music during your session.
Hester Street Fair: After losing their lease on Hester Street this year, my favorite street fair is finally back as of this past weekend at South Street Seaport. Go for the vintage vendors and stay for all the yummy food.
CHRISSY’S CLOSET
I’m beyond ready to pack my summer clothes away for the rest of the year, but with the forecast reaching the 80s this week, we will be in full summer mode at NYFW. So until then, here are some fall staples + new pieces I have my eye on.
These pink Bottega Veneta slingbacks have that fun yet ladylike vibe I’m looking for these days.
I know plaid for fall isn’t groundbreaking but the oversized print on this Toteme coat, feels fresh for the season.
I’ve already secured this Victor Glemaud’s graphic dress—I knew I had to have it the moment he dropped his look book earlier this year.
Knit dresses are a staple for me, and I love the vintage feel of this one by Dodo Bar Or.
Paris Texas makes some of the best (and most comfortable!) boots around—I’m ready to give all my black boots a break for brown now.
I have never met a white t-shirt I liked more than the ones from Redone x Hanes. They’re so soft and the cut is just right.
Looking for the perfect high-rise straight leg jeans? Look no further than Agolde’s 90’s pinchwaist jeans. I want them in every wash.
I’m always on the hunt for interesting or unique knitwear that just doesn’t feel like your average crewneck— this Ganni cardigan fits the bill.
I can’t live without a pair of black trousers, and I’m hooked on ones from Aritzia. Beware, they always sell out!
I love to see my friends collaborating with brands and expressing themselves in new ways. Cara Santana’s latest collection for Kohl’s just dropped (all under $100) and this shirt dress feels like it was made for me.
It’s been awhile since I invested in a new handbag. Everything JW Anderson makes feels like an instant classic like this chain handle bag.
Before You Go…
Happy New Moon in Virgo! Read all about it and affirmations for this new season via Chani Nicholas.
Lindsay Peoples Wagner considers whether there is room for fashion criticism in a racist industry via The Cut.
The most coveted “next step” for an editor is taking a position at a tech company via Business of Fashion.