new york Archives - This Time Tomorrow

August 22, 2022 — 11 Comments

you’ve got mail

3 minute read

POV: You're a humble bookstore owner in New York. As much as you love summer, there's something about the crispness of fall in the city that just makes you want to buy school supplies. A backpack! A new bike perhaps? A bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils even! You always take the same route to your store, but today's a bit different. You swing by the bodega to pick up the end of the season's fresh sunflowers — they have your card on file so you keep cruising past. Down the avenue you go, to a looming intersection where a large store sign is being installed. "Who calls a bookstore 'Fox' anyway?" you wonder to yourself, peering into their covered windows where there's undoubtedly a chain coffee shop counter being mounted, alongside mass manufactured bookshelves in a very predictable (and boring) oak finish.

You sigh, just as a cab honking nearby startles you out of your thoughts. Now remembering the shipment of L.M. Montgomery books you've been expecting for weeks, you hop back on your bike to beeline to the shop around the corner. Breezing in through the front door, now looking for a vase for your sunflowers, your mind wanders again..."I wonder how L.M. Montgomery would write an email to a man she hardly knows...?"

St. Roche vest and pants (gifted) // Chanel slingbacks // Parisa Wang backpack (gifted) // Monica Rich Kosann locket necklace (gifted)

Photography by Allie Provost

August 10, 2022 — 3 Comments

play it again: volume 36

2 minute read

Normalcy is terribly overrated. Give me your quirky, your weird, your delightfully inquisitive, your left of center, your odd, your bizarre, your playful grin and your mischievous wink. Anyone can blend in — into a crowd or a social media feed — but tell me, where’s the fun in that?

As for this week's playlist? Let's have some fun, shall we? I'm sure I'm not alone here when I admit I've only really been listening to Beyoncé's Renaissance album on repeat lately. And I'll throw in Maggie Roger's new album for good measure — with some Olivia Newton-John to top it all off. Hope you enjoy!

Carolina Herrera gown (borrowed) // Roger Vivier heels (gifted) // Vintage Christian Lacroix earrings // Kenneth Cole sunglasses (gifted, old, similar style here)

Photography by Marcus Richardson

January 24, 2022 — 3 Comments

postcards from the maker hotel

2 minute read

My unsolicited advice? Retreat when you need to. Turn away from the world for just a moment — I promise you, it will be there when you return — and revisit what makes you feel alive. Read stories that delight you. Draw something that's tugging at you. Sleep, not out necessity, but simply to dream. Sing, even if you can't. Dance, even if you don't know the steps. We share and document so much with the world these days, that I think we've lost sight of the pleasure of creating something that's never witnessed by another living soul. By no means do I think I'm good (or even adequate) at this, but I'm certainly trying. Each and every day.

And in the spirit of celebrating quiet moments, here are a few of mine from my recent stay at The Maker Hotel, up in Hudson, New York. If you're a fellow New Yorker (or find yourself in upstate New York anytime soon), I highly recommend looking into their Winter Escape packages — ideal for these long, cozy days of hibernation.

Looking to spruce up your home space? Be sure to check out The Maker's Home Collection.

Photography by yours truly

November 5, 2021 — 2 Comments

a night at the opera

3 minute read

To all my theater and Broadway lovers, I have delightful news for you. The original mask of 1988, the longest running production in Broadway history and 7-time Tony award winning musical — The Phantom of the Opera — has returned and I can attest, he's ready to make up for lost time!

Just the other week, I joined the opening night festivities at the historic Majestic Theatre and I couldn't help but get swept up in the emotional response from everyone in the audience. If ever there was a time we were reminded of the transportive magic of live performances, it was certainly the year when stages went dark, and to have everyone now safely back in their seats, ready for the lights to dim, the first strike of the conductor's baton and the curtain call, well, it was nothing short of electric.

If you're visiting New York anytime soon or perhaps you're a New Yorker looking to make some fall evening plans, I urge you to consider supporting the Broadway community, especially a production as iconic and as intrinsic to Broadway as The Phantom of the Opera most certainly is. You won't regret it. I promise.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Box Number 5. They say it has the best view in the house...

Carolina Herrera dress (borrowed, from a few seasons ago but similar neckline here) // Manolo Blahnik heels (gifted) // Vintage pearls from my mother // Photographed on location at the Majestic Theatre

Photography by Marcus Richardson

July 6, 2021 — 7 Comments

a day at old westbury gardens

3 minute read

Have you ever wanted to walk through a Gilded Age dream? I know I have, the moment I first "met" Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan out in Fitzgerald's glittering East and West Egg — fictional towns on the very real and very prestigious North Shore of Long Island. Once nicknamed the Gold Coast, the area was a haven for captains of industry (primarily steel and transportation) and their lavish mansions and lifestyles. Over 500 estates in total peppered the coastline by the early 20th century, among them were the homes of Vanderbilts, Astors, Whitneys — names that perhaps Fitzgerald pictured Gatsby entertaining until the early hours of the morning, searching for Daisy's eyes around the room every chance he got.Over the years, many of these Gold Coast Mansions were sold off, demolished or burnt down, but a small handful still remain — Old Westbury Gardens chief among them — and as we walked around the estate the other day, I couldn't shake the feeling of a party long ago ringing through the air still. Music waltzing along on a summer evening breeze. The clinking of champagne glasses and mid-Atlantic accents intertwined in conversation. The breathless excitement of lovers running just out of sight from the dance floor to steal a forbidden kiss.

While I may have stood there on a quiet, summer afternoon, seemingly exploring what is now a public garden and museum, my imagination joined an evening I'd only read about — where Daisy's perfume still lingered and the green light at the end of the dock still flashed. A party that even time couldn't disband — an immortal Gilded Age dream.

If you find yourself in the New York area this summer itching for a day trip, I can't recommend visiting Old Westbury Gardens enough. It's a true step back in time.

Prabal Gurung dress (borrowed) // Loewe belt // Jacquemus hat (might need to eventually snag this one) // Sarah Flint sandals // Vintage Chanel earrings // Photographed on location at Old Westbury Gardens

Photography
Allie Provost

June 8, 2021 — 1 Comment

where to watch the sunrise in nyc

3 minute read

The scene: Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) sneak away out of sight from other passengers as their cruise ship prepares to dock in Manhattan. After a whirlwind secret romance, they are now facing the reality their trip must come to an end and they must face their respective realities apart from each other. Terry has prepared a letter for Nickie. Nickie begins to read from it.

Nickie: You have a date my beloved — July the first at 5 o'clock. But you don't say where?

Terry: Well, you name the place and I'll obey.

Nickie: I don't know, I can't think. How about the top of the Empire State Building?

Terry: Oh yes, that's perfect! It's the nearest thing to heaven we have in New York.

Nickie: 102nd floor and don't forget to take the elevator.

Terry: Oh, no, I won't. Darling, if things don't work out —

Nickie: Don't talk like that. I'm not listening.

Terry: Just in case one of us —

Nickie: We'll both be there! Hold the thought.

Terry: Hold the thought.

I've always loved that scene from An Affair to Remember (1957) but couldn't help but wonder why they never clarified the time precisely. I mean, of course 5 in the afternoon makes far more practical sense, but 5 in the morning — well that's just breathtaking! Thankfully for you and I, the Empire State Building does offer a Summer Sunrise ticket, where just like Nickie and Terry, you can rendezvous with a former lover (or just enjoy the view with a friend).

In case you're looking for other spots to catch the sunrise here in the city, keep reading below for some of my favorite vantage points.

Where to catch the best sunrise in NYC

Empire State Building Observatory Deck (head up to the 102nd floor!)
Middle of the Brooklyn Bridge (be careful of bikes!)
The High Line (used to open earlier, so I'm hoping they'll update the hours soon)
Roosevelt Island Tram
Valentino Pier
Astoria Park
Times Square (I know, I know, sounds strange, but it's actually quite peaceful before the crowds appear)
Two Bridges (a small neighborhood in Lower Manhattan between Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, there are a few playgrounds that face the water and a running trail along FDR drive that would make for great vantage points)
Staten Island Ferry

Are there any spots I left out?

Rasario dress via Nova Octo (borrowed) // Manolo Blahnik heels (gifted) // Vintage Chanel earrings (similar style here) // Erdem hat // Vintage opera binoculars // Photographed on location at the Empire State Observatory decks at sunrise

Photography
Allie Provost

June 7, 2021 — 1 Comment

where to stay and what to do in nyc this summer

4 minute read

When you take as many photos of beautiful doors around NYC as I do, you strike up a lot of conversations with the doormen and women usually nearby. Most are quick to ask if you’re lost or if they can help with something so when I tell them I just had to stop and admire the architecture, they seem to sigh along with me — admitting that they too, find the building to be pretty spectacular. I've also come to find if you're wearing a Yankees cap, they'll usually let you take as many photos as you like (within reason, of course). Unless they happen to be a Mets fan, in which case, ask them how deGrom's pitching is going this season. But I digress — I suppose this is a rambling appreciation post dedicated to all the doormen and women of New York City, but especially Tony at The Plaza Hotel, who always has a smile and a joke ready and doesn't shy away from a good photo opp moment. In fact, Tony and I go all the way back to 2018 — anyone remember these photos? Needless to say, it was so nice to see him again a few weeks ago at their grand reopening and perhaps with enough coaxing next time, I can encourage him to finally create that Instagram profile so I can tag him properly!

And on that note — given how often this question has popped up in my Stories lately — I wanted to share a handful of my recommendations if you happen to be heading to NYC this summer. An assortment of where to stay, where to dine and where to soak up all that NYC energy that is so tangible right now, in all the best ways possible. Hope you enjoy and, of course, welcome to New York!

Where to Stay:

The Plaza, Upper East Side; I will happily admit I'm definitely biased here, as The Plaza is one of my favorite hotels and all around landmarks in the city — and I fully recognize it may not be in everyone's budget to stay here for their entire trip. However, I'd recommend booking a night or two midweek if you can, for a taste of the experience. It's quintessential NYC at it's finest — and you won't regret the proximity to the park. Other iconic hotels to consider? The Carlyle and The Pierre are two other beautiful contenders.
Beekman Hotel, Financial District
NoMad Hotel, NoMad (North of Madison Square Park)
High Line Hotel, Chelsea
Greenwich Hotel, TriBeca
Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg BK
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO
Equinox Hotel, Hudson Yards

Where to Dine:

A quick housekeeping note: Most of these are in the West Village, new and old spots alike, because we frequent them the most.

Lena, Casual French
Sevilla, Traditional old New York Spanish
American Bar, American bistro
Lavaux, Swiss wine and fondue bar
Hudson Bar & Books, Whisky and cigar bar
St. Tropez, Provençal wine bar
Anton's, Nostalgic New York
I Sodi, Tuscan style (reservations are tricky though!)
Fiaschetteria "Pistoia", another Tuscan favorite and easier to snag a table at
L'Artusi, Upscale Italian (my tip: go on the later side and ask for seats at the bar)
Grab coffee at these spots: Oslo, Rosecrans and Merriweather

What to Do:

Shakespeare in the Park (Tickets are free, but you need to enter the online digital lottery — you can find more info here.)
Little Island, the newest park in the city that literally floats above the Hudson River
Picnic in Central Park
Rent Revel scooters and cruise around the city
See a movie at the Paris Theater
Catch a Yankees game
Catch a Brooklyn Nets Playoffs game
TriBeCa Film Festival
Sunrise at the Empire State Building
Glamping on Governor's Island
Dance at the Jazz Age Lawn Party
Summer concerts outdoors at Lincoln Center
US Open in August/September
Lola Star's Dreamland Roller Disco
Broadway at the drive-in
Rooftop Cinema Club
Have a jazz night in the Village at Smalls

Brandon Maxwell dress // Sarah Flint heels (gifted) // Vintage YSL glasses (gifted, similar style here) // Steamline luggage Editor collection (gifted) // Vintage Chanel earrings (similar style here) // Vintage Hermes scarf // Boden belt (in love with this version!) // Photographed on property at the now reopened Plaza Hotel

Photography
Allie Provost

June 1, 2021 — No Comments

my new therapy: garden escapes

2 minute read

Perhaps this is a product of the past year or more of staying local, but I've picked up a new hobby so to speak. And that is, garden hunting. Well, more specifically, historic homes, mansions, castles and yes, gardens, that are open to the public to appreciate, tour and generally drool over. Fortunately, New York has no shortage of any of the above — largely thanks to a few Vanderbilts, Roosevelts and other early 20th century industry tycoons, and I'm terribly fascinated by the stories behind them all. Just last week, Allie and I visited Untermyer Gardens just north of the city in Yonkers, a 43-acre public park that is the remaining portion of the former home and estate of New York City lawyer, Samuel J. Untermyer. Construction started in 1916, and it's a marvel to visit, inspired largely by Indo-Persian gardens, complete with a reflection pool, walled gardens and a Grecian-style open-air amphitheater.

Over the weekend, Ty and I visited a few more beautiful historic properties just outside the city and many of you have requested a full roundup of these spots sometime soon. I'm here to report, I'll happily deliver on that request.

I'm curious, now that the world is opening back up, slowly but surely, have you found yourself still desiring to stay local? I've always loved road trips, but I think this past year has made me realize just how much I do enjoy them and how easy they are to fit in.