A weekend in New York with a fashion publicist and writer

Your guide to the Big Apple.

Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and bars people will always want to go back to. We also want to sniff out the best spots people find overseas.

This week we’re exploring New York with Sydney-based fashion publicist and writer Angela Khoudair. “The second I leave New York, I want to go back,” Ange tells me. “The buzz of human energy, the grit, the opportunity – there’s no other city in the world quite like it.” Having been six times already, she’s planning to make the move and call the city home very soon.

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Though there’s plenty to do, Ange’s favourite part about NYC is being able to spend the day wandering. “Taking the day as it comes can lead you down a path you didn’t think possible, both in a physical and metaphorical sense,” she says. Find some of her favourite spots that she’s found along the way.

Shop

Procell

If you walk past a vintage store and have time to check it out, check it out. You never know what you will find in a New York thrift shop. My all-time favourite is Procell on Delancey St – I’ve found some great pieces there.

@procell

Casa Magazines NYC

Casa Magazines is a cult favourite (if you know, you know). Located in Manhattan, it has over 2,500 publications, from fashion glossies to the most niche titles.

@casamagazinesnyc

Eat and drink

Cafe Gitane

Cafe Gitane in Downtown Manhattan is perfect for fresh breakfasts and share plates. If you can nab a table outside, it’s great to sit there in the sun and enjoy a meal al fresco while people-watching. The vibes are always great and it’s perfect for a catchup with friends or a casual date.

@cafegitaneny

The Odeon

There are hundreds of amazing bars across the city, but one I always come back to is The Odeon on West Broadway. It’s one of my top picks for a drink and you can grab dinner at the bar (I opt for a soda and lap up the vibe).

@theodeonnyc

Springbone Kitchen

If you’re after a quick and very wholesome meal, chicken broth from Springbone Kitchen in Greenwich Village is next-level good. You can take your pick and then go enjoy it in Washington Square Park. And even if you don’t like broth, their soups and bowls are equally good (and nourishing).

@springbone

Joe’s Pizza

What better place to celebrate that you’re in New York City? First established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, Joe’s Pizza is an institution. You can get pizza by the slice for a few dollars and you might even catch a celeb or two there.

@joespizzanyc

Tacombi

If you’re an avocado girlie like me, guac con totopos from Tacombi are my favourite snack. There’s a heap of them around, from the Flatiron district to Williamsburg, the Upper East Side and Bleeker. No matter where you are, just pop it in your maps and follow the trail.

@tacombi

Date

Bryant Park

For something low-key, I love making my way over to Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. Bring a picnic rug or something to sit on, snacks and make some DIY margaritas beforehand that you can bring along. In the winter, you can enjoy the Winter Village and go ice skating.

@bryantparknyc

The perfect day

I love Sporty and Rich in Soho for a smoothie, sunbathing by the Hudson River, getting matcha from Alchemists Kitchen on Crosby Street or the Tahini ice cream from Seed and Mill at Chelsea Market.

But my favourite days are the ones where I pack my bag with snacks and wander from one side of the city to the other with no plans. On these days, I’ll finish it off with a late-night matcha (Butcher’s Daughter in the West Village is another good one) and a mosey to the closest basketball court to people-watch.

@thebutchersdaughter_official

Keep up with Angela here.