OUTFIT DETAILS: Tortoise & Blonde glasses // Sezane top (similar) // Cornelia Webb earrings (similar) 

There's something particularly charming about the intersection of West 10th and West 4th — Bar Sardine on one corner with its big windows that swing open in the summer, Empellon tacos with its dark and intriguing doorway, and of course Fairfax, bursting at the seams with gorgeous plants from end to end. Now that I'm newly 21 (finally!), I've been meaning to grab a glass of wine from Bar Sardine, but I always seem to find myself needing coffee and a bite to eat in the middle of the day (I'm a super boring 21 year old; I usually head home and make dinner at night!).

This is where Fairfax comes in. The former Perla — still in the same family — has arguably mellowed out a bit, and is now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The space feels more open and casual, perfect for hunkering down for a morning of working on your laptop and sipping on too many almond lattes, like Krystal and I did. But it also doubles as a cozy date night spot, offering a great glass of wine + entree deal until 6:30pm and a huge drink list.

Krystal and I were so happy when we finally made it to Fairfax, taking up a little corner of bar space for our work station, grabbing delicious smoked salmon toasts and yogurt and, of course, the lattes. The staff was kind and accommodating, and we had a little too much fun with the gorgeous light that streams in through the windows. The only gripe we had with the place was the tiniest thing possible: if the staff at Fairfax is reading this, double check the spelling of Neil Diamond on your receipts! 😉

Everything about the space, the food, the ambiance of Fairfax was perfect — if you're in the West Village and in need of a casual, adorable spot, head here immediately. You might even spot us hanging here on Friday mornings, so say hi!

Photos and words by Nora Varcho

If you ever find yourself in the Flatiron district after having done what one does in the Flatiron district — look at the Flatiron building — and are craving something a little bit more, but you're not sure exactly what, I have a little advice for you: go to the Ace Hotel.

Coffee? They've got it — a little Stumptown is attached to the hotel, with lovely natural light and a great latte. Cool space? Check — the lobby is huge and filled with tables for getting work done and couches for lounging. Food? Yes, in spades: The Breslin at the Ace is the perfect place for a cozy comfort meal — proudly "meat-centric," the menu is artisanal and seasonal, comfortable and welcoming. When Krystal and I visited, we indulged in the Scotch egg, a lovely salad, and some delicious grilled cheeses. It was the perfect place for a midday pause, and it would also be great for pre-dinner drinks.

So, next time you're in the neighborhood and either don't want to wait in line at Shake Shack or don't want to wait in line at Eataly, just head a couple blocks north and hunker down at The Breslin for a warm welcome, strong drinks, and delicious grub.

Photos and words by Nora Varcho

Let's face it: Fashion Week is crazy. As fun and glamorous as it always is, it's also physically exhausting and mentally draining, running from show to show and keeping on a tight schedule, late night events giving way to early morning meetings. It's also super hard to fit in important things like proper sleep, hydration, and, of course, food. Sometimes it's hard to even find the time to eat a granola bar, let alone sit down for a big lunch.

So, with fashion week coming to a close, it's time to put you first again, and that starts here, at Citizens of Chelsea. Tucked away on 25th St and 9th Ave, the light and airy space is perfect for a midmorning brunch session with your closest friends. The food is healthy and delicious — they are famous for their Smashing Avocado toast (of course the spot is Aussie-run), which, pictured here, is absolutely divine. Don't forget to add a poached egg and snap a pic when you do. Their bircher muesli is the perfect sweet compliment to the savory toast, and definitely get a latte in one of their pretty blue cups. The space is huge, so it's not too hard to find a seat, but be careful — on weekend afternoons, the wait can get crazy!

Go enjoy some leisure time over a beautiful brunch and let me know how you liked it!

xx

Nora

Happy September!

It's getting to be that time…

Nights are getting a little bit cooler, days aren't overwhelmed by humidity, and you can comfortably sit outside without sticking to chairs/benches. Fashion week is around the corner, pumpkins will be popping up everywhere, and hot drinks will become the norm again. Knock on wood, but I think fall is on its way to NYC.

I'm just going to come out and say it — I'm not a summer person. I love the freedom feeling that comes with summer, and I love the relief it brings after horrible winters and unpredictable summers. But, as a girl with thick, frizz-prone hair, I absolutely despise swampy midsummers in New York, where there's no relief to be found except by sitting directly in front of an air conditioner. I also hate the feeling of sweat dripping down my neck while I wait for the train at West 4th Street (can anyone relate?!). Maybe it's partially because my birthday is in September, but I much prefer the temperate climate of autumn, the colorful changing of leaves, abundance of sweaters and coats and booties…pumpkin spice everything (yes! it's good! let's move on…), apple cider at farmer's markets and apple picking upstate. Fall dreaming is real right now.

So, with Labor Day just this weekend, I figured it'd be the perfect time to start the buy now, wear later search for all your fall necessities. Check out my picks below to see what you'll be wearing when we're all clinging to al fresco dining come October.

In other news, the photos above are from Loosie's Kitchen in Williamsburg — part of a new ongoing series here on TTT featuring some of our favorite spots around the city. Louse's Kitchen/Cafe is the most adorable, hidden-garden restaurant tucked behind Loosie Rouge on a quiet Brooklyn street. The food is incredible, but you come for the atmosphere — open air dining, gorgeous greenery everywhere, fun pops of color, Instagrammable corners abound. My favorite dishes are definitely the baked eggs (those pork meatballs are to die for!), the hot Nashville chicken sandwich, and the chia bowl (pictured here). Come here on a late Saturday afternoon and you will not be disappointed.

So go, enjoy the last brunches on the patio of the season, and then stock up on these amazing autumn finds.