Welcome to day three in NYC! I hope you’ve been enjoying my A Glamour Girl’s Time series—but, if you need to catch up on the excitement, you can find my first or second installment here. However, if you’re up-to-date on my adventures, then you’re probably anxious for more New York content, which is exactly what I have for you.
Thought I did plenty of shopping the day before? Wait until you see what my third day in the city had in store…
I’m finally almost rid of my least favorite NYC souvenir (the flu bug of death) but cozy season is in full swing. I’m sitting in front of my (decorated) Christmas tree—Rockefeller Center is slacking!—and sipping a mug of my favorite winter tea, Pu Erh Imperial, from Palais des Thes, a company I actually discovered through my stay at the Plaza last year.
With a bit of New York in my cup and even more of the city stuck in my heart, I can’t wait to share with you my adventures on 5th Avenue and Broadway in this third installment in my travelogue. Are you ready? Let’s start with sunrise over the Big Apple…
As always, I’ll be including links to the locations that I visited/items I loved, but this post is 100% unsponsored…if I link it, I love it!
Strolling Central Park
It’s probably no secret by now that Central Park is one of my favorite places in all of New York. I could spend hours—no, days—there and never grow tired of its endless beauty and quiet sense of community. I awoke a little after seven o’clock that morning and, in less than an hour, was already strolling the sacred pathways of my favorite urban oasis.
On my list of spots to visit was Belvedere Castle, so that’s where we headed, past The Lake and over Bow Bridge and through The Ramble, until we reached the magical rocky palace which, despite its imposing facade and favorable location, serves primarily as a weather station. The view from the terrace was breathtaking, and the weather was perfect—another picturesque autumn morning in New York.
Plenty of other people thought it was picturesque, too…plenty of photo shoots were going on all about the castle, including one with my favorite influencer, Lauren Norris. We’d chatted a few times online, but what were the chances that I would randomly run into the one person I “knew” in a city of over eight million? I said a quick hello, and we grabbed a picture (and, of course, it was one out of two times on the entire trip that I was wearing sweats!) before I continued on my way.
After pausing a few more places around The Lake to admire the autumn leaves, I made my way back to the Trump International. Before breakfast, I decided to pay a visit to the fitness club…just for fun. While there, I discovered one of my favorite parts about the hotel (well, that might be a bit overdramatic): a flavored water machine. Capable of making still, sparkling, and ultra-carbonated water in a variety of flavors, it was like a drinking fountain crossed with a soda shoppe, and I was obsessed. Their coconut water was to die for, and I found a lot more reasons to visit the fitness center after making such a discovery. And then, well-exercised and well-hydrated, the only thing to do next was to become well-fed.
Back to Nougatine I went, where I discovered the world’s biggest croissant. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration—but seriously, the thing was massive, in a larger-than-life sort of way instead of the dopey, overinflated, super-instagrammable way of those you may have seen online. Honestly, it was as big as my face…the perfect size, I discovered, to seem not only giant but also reasonable enough to put away in one sitting (as I clearly did). To balance out the richness of the pastry, I also ordered a bowl of chia pudding, which I’d never tried before—I was an instant fan.
And then, finally fed (and happily so) I returned to my room to get dressed for the day. Oh, what a day it was…
The Princess of New York
New York is part of the USA, so, clearly, it doesn’t have a king or a queen. But, if it did, then I could have been New York City royalty for the day—at least, I felt like it. My first (and only) stop for the day was Fifth Avenue to continue my shopping expedition from the day before. To begin my real-life-is-better-than-fantasy experience, I strolled east along Central Park South, also known as 59th Street. I’d nearly made it to the Fifth Avenue intersection when I spotted what every princess needs—a shining white carriage pulled by a gleaming black steed.
Now, I am well aware of the controversy surrounding the Central Park carriage operation and the fact that some disreputable companies have done truly abominable deeds regarding the care of their horses. In fact, I faced quite a bit of condemnation over a travel forum post inquiring about the rides. However, I did my research and found that I did not feel particularly convicted about carriage companies in general—just those which had a documented history of cruelty toward their animals. For this reason, I chose—with a clear conscience—to go for a ride.
My horse, Peppe, clip-clopped around the park, strolling past various sites including Wollman rink—already open and filled with happily skating families—before concluding the tour across the street from Bergdorf’s. I got to feed Peppe a carrot and pat his nose in thanks before beginning my stroll down Fifth Avenue in earnest. And, of course, since Bergdorf’s was just across the way, I had to begin at my favorite department store.
Many people think of Macy’s or Tiffany’s when they consider the NYC shopping scene, and both establishments are unquestionably iconic. However, my own personal favorite is (and will always be) Bergdorf Goodman. Standing at nine stories high as a sort of pillar of fashionable elegance, Bergdorf’s has existed for nearly one hundred years on the corner of Fifth and Fifty-Eighth, and the fashions it sells are nearly as legendary as the store itself.
This visit, I had a bit too much fun in the shoe department, and I fell in love more times than I can count. Searching for a footwear-sized splurge? Don’t miss these magnificent Jimmy Choo ballerina pumps or these “chandelier” sandals from Renee Caovilla, a brand I might now love even more than Louboutin—instead of red soles, their shoes have glitter. Of course, my favorite pair was from Chanel. Instead of the solid black pictured here on their website, I tried on one that was two-tone champagne and black, and they were purely magnificent. Slightly more affordable were these suede bow-tie sandals from Alexandre Birman, and these feathered pom-pom kitten heels from Malone Souliers were a little bit ridiculous and a whole lot amazing.
By the time I finally peeled the last shoe off of my foot and bid farewell to more shoes than a years’ salary could buy, I was afraid I was feeling a little fashioned out…until I hit the sixth floor, home to the most mind-boggling array of made-to-order eveningwear a girl could dream of. Here, everything was off-limits (I’m talking feathered capes that cost more than one’s car) but the fitting room attendants didn’t seem to mind. I tried on a few frocks, found the perfect dress should I ever find myself in need of a gown for the red carpet, and tried not to think about the fact that I was wearing more money than I’d made in the last several months combined.
Shoes, glorious shoes! 
The Jimmy Choos 
The Rene Caovillas (minus the sparkly soles) 
The Chanel heels of my dreams 
Where’s my red carpet?! 
Forever obsessed with this cape (and embarrassed by the fact that I thought the price tag said $1.2k instead of $12k, haha. 
I didn’t expect to like this dress, but I actually sort of loved it. 
The SLEEVES. 
This was so ridiculous I wanted to hate it…but I couldn’t.
And then, back in my much-less-glamourous street clothes, I made my way up another flight of stairs via Bergdorf’s towering escalator until I reached my true destination—the home goods section, featuring Bergdorf’s lauded Christmas shop. Every year, the department store decorates a handful of trees with one-of-a-kind ornaments, some of which might have been the most inexpensive items in the store. I ended up returning to Bergdorf’s a different day to complete my holiday shopping, so I’ll save my deep-dive into this magical land of luxury holiday baubles for another post. But, let me tell you now—it was purely enchanting.
Had I spent over two hours within Bergdorf Goodman’s hallowed halls? Yes, I had—and I was still hesitant to leave. But the day was growing long, I had tickets for a Broadway show that night, and there was still much shopping to be done. Next stop? Cartier.
Ever since I watched the 90’s Miracle on 34th Street for the first time, I’ve been slightly enamored with the idea of Cartier—of that perfect little red box in general and also of emerald-cut diamond rings like the one Dylan McDermott’s Bryan Bedford gives Dorey Walker during his rather impromptu proposal at the end of the most magnificent Christmas in New York montage featuring music from my favorite, Mr. Kenny G himself.
I digress.
Anyway, the point is, getting something from Cartier had always been something of a dream for me—a fashion-bucket-list item I couldn’t quite write off, despite wildly prohibitive prices. However, I’d done my research, scoured the internet, and found the one thing in the entire store I might be able to afford. The 1895 wedding band (ignoring the fact that it was labeled as such and choosing to think of it as a “stacking ring”) in yellow gold. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but it was cute…and it came in that box.
After waiting an ungodly while for an available salesperson (I hate to admit it, but, if I’m honest, the aura at Cartier felt a bit more-fashionable-than-thou than was typically to my liking) I got to try on the coveted band…and I genuinely liked it. Liked it very much—minus the price tag. And then it happened…I saw something better. Something that, at over three times my “souvenir” budget, was completely out-of-the-question. But I was there, so I had to try it on. I instantly lost all thoughts of stacking rings as I tried on the bauble in question—the Étincelle de Cartier ring, which featured (you guessed it) an emerald-cut diamond.
Well.
It was clearly entirely out of my budget, and it also made even the shine of that long-coveted stacking ring seem a little pale by comparison. Perhaps, I decided, it would be better to keep shopping.
But, first, I paid a quick visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (a Catholic wonder and must-see site for anyone with a love for Jesus and/or amazing architecture) for a little breather and to clear the millions of dollar signs floating around before my mind’s eye. Afterwards, I wandered Rockefeller Center and waved hello to the tree atop Radio City Music Hall (still unlit, but there nonetheless) before stepping though the door to my second favorite shop along Fifth Avenue.
Family owned and operated since the 1970’s Louis Martin is a bit of an institution at Rockefeller Center, located conveniently across the street from Radio City and sharing a building with NBC studios. (It’s also just around the corner from Magnolia Bakery and Van Leeuwen, two of my favorite sweet shops in the city. You just can’t get any better.) Last year, my mom bought me a Christmas present there—a necklace I’ve forever since referred to as “the Crown Jewels” for its impressive array of diamonds and gilded history.
I’d barely stepped inside the store this time around when my eye was drawn to a case of rings…including the ring. The exact ring from Cartier—except, of course, it wasn’t. But it was. (This is the confusion of fine jewelry. It all starts to look the same after a while.) Upon closer inspection, I confirmed that the ring was not from Cartier, although Louis Martin does offer an impressive amount of authenticated vintage Cartier and Tiffany jewels. No, while virtually identical in every other way, this ring was missing one thing that the other emerald-cut wonder possessed…the tiny inscription Cartier.
For that reason (and the fact that the staff at Louis Martin and I know and love each other…and don’t have a problem bantering and bargaining back and forth) it actually was in my price range. Barely, but it was. And so, I got my dream Cartier ring from Louis Martin. And it’s perfect. (I only felt a little bad for the Chanel shoes, the Alice + Olivia suit, the LoveShackFancy dress…) My mom also picked up a Christmas present for me, which I saw but promised to forget. That being said, I hear Louis Martin also has an impressive array of vintage cocktail watches like this one…
And then, with more jewels to add to my crown (so to speak) I headed home…with a quick stop at the aforementioned Magnolia Bakery for a tub of their decadent, drool-worthy banana pudding. (Don’t listen to what anybody else says…yes it lives up to the hype.) Pudding in hand, a ring on my finger, and a night of delights about to begin, I didn’t care whether I was part of a democracy or a monarchy. I could officially declare myself the Princess of New York…at least, for the day.
One Enchanted Evening
I’d really struggled over whether or not to attend a Broadway show—it was a must-do, everybody said, something I would remember the rest of my life…but I was unconvinced. I appreciated theater as much as the next girl, but would I really regret not spending several hours sitting in a darkened theater when all of New York City lay beyond the door? That’s what I wondered…at least, until I saw the news.
Our Town was coming back to Broadway!
Ever since my students had read the play during my brief postgraduate career as an English teacher, I’d been enamored with the pithy, poignant play. And now it was on Broadway with Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) as the narrator and John Boy Walton (Richard Thomas) as Mr. Webb and a bunch of other actors with whom I was familiar playing other roles. My mom isn’t a theater buff at all, but I promised her she’d like this play (at least a little) and snatched up tickets before the show sold out.
It was with great anticipation and only a little trepidation (would it really be that good?) that I donned my black mini dress crowned with a giant bow and put on my fur-collared coat and matching hat in preparation for my stroll down Broadway. I had to look my best, because I had Polo Bar reservations after the show!
When darkness fell, we made quick work of the walk and settled into our seats for an hour and a half for what could only be described as pure magic. I laughed, I teared up, and I lived every moment of the drama along with the cast of characters gathered on the stage…even Mom enjoyed herself. It was as if I was truly transported, and I gave the play a standing ovation along with the rest of the theater.
And then I was off again, headed to the Polo Bar for a much-needed burger and fries. (It was around this point, pushing nine o’clock at night, that I realized I’d forgotten entirely about lunch.) I walked through Times Square and up Fifth Avenue in the glittering dark, dreaming about burgers and bar snacks and fries. By the time I arrived, I was famished.
I said a happy hello to the bouncer and gave him my name before we were ushered into the small, cramped, and eternally loud bar area, designed by Ralph Lauren himself. The restaurant was running a bit behind, resulting in a long-ish wait for my table, but I was more than happy to sit on the leather banquette and people-watch in the company of some of NYC’s best bar snacks. At the Polo Bar, whether they order a cocktail or not, patrons are given a trio of tantalizing temptations upon their seating at the bar. Colossal fried olives, chive-dusted potato chips, and hot glazed nuts all jostle for attention in their silver trophy-shaped bowls, because they (along with a restaurant reservation in general) are the true prize.
Finally, it was a different kind of showtime—a hostess led me downstairs to my table, which happened, somehow, to be the exact table at which I’d dined the year before. A happy coincidence, really, because it was one of the best seats in the house. My mom and I noshed on perfectly puffy parmesan popovers to quell our remaining hunger pangs while we eagerly awaited our burgers. And, when we got them, they were just as promised. (However, I am rather loathe to admit, they were not the best burgers in NYC. We’ll get to those another day…)
For dessert, we split a sundae of caramel popcorn and ice cream that was the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and salty…and, of course, I walked out of the establishment with one of NYC’s most-coveted totes slung around my arm…an embossed to-go bag, bearing the name of the Polo Bar for all to see. It wasn’t the most glamorous meal of my trip, nor the most delicious (that would come the following night) but it was certainly the most iconic, memorable, and…well, every meal was the most fun.
I returned “home” to the Trump with a burger in my belly, a song in my heart and soul, and a desire to experience the city all over again come morning thrumming through my veins. And so, I clambered into bed, stared out at the lights of a city that never sleeps, and drifted away on a dream…
I can’t wait to share about my next day’s adventures with you! Stay tuned for the next installment…you never know when another episode of “Taylor in New York” will drop. I just love sharing my adventures with you.
