TIFFANY & CO. NEW YORK

Return to Tiffany heart tag ring in sterling silver ring, £345, Tiffany & Co
Lets be honest, what would a trip to New York be without a visit to Tiffany & Co? Of course I had to go. The New York flagship store is just incredible, nestled in the heart of fifth avenue (as if you didn't know), not only is the art deco design building incredibly beautiful, inside there is floor after floor of beautifully designed jewellery.
My friends who had also visited the store told of the engagement ring section, "stick to the peasant floors"... I couldn't help myself, of course I went for a sneak peak. Having dreamt of a heart shaped Tiffany diamond for at least the past 10 years- future husband take note- I couldn't resist seeing it... you know, just to be sure...
No word of a lie, they are so sparkly you cannot even see the shape of the rings, and I would definitely not have found it if there hadn't have been an "other shapes" sign! I knew I had already taken it too far just by asking for the engagement ring floor in the elevator, and when asked if I would like to try anything on I knew it was time to leave!
Back to reality. I did however purchase some beautiful silver return to tiffany earrings, and this stunning rose gold heart tag ring. I mean which girl can resist rose gold...
Just wondering... does anybody know where I can purchase Tiffany silver cleaner in the UK?...

NEW YORK: DAY 5

I have to admit, our last full day in New York was a bit of a flop, there was ridiculously heavy rain all day long... but as it was our last proper day we had to venture out. We had planned to go back to spend most of the day in Central Park and the rest at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

We ventured out and did some shop hopping on the way up to Central Park, calling off at the NBA store, Barneys and Tiffany and Co, but when we actually got to The Central Park Zoo, there was literally only 4 other people there! However having the Zoo to yourself isn't a bad thing, and despite the rain, the animals were really active! The penguins in particular and the grizzly bears were absolutely amazing to see. However, I booked tickets thinking it would be like Madagascar, but sorry to burst your bubble people, but the zoo is actually tiny!...and apart from the penguins, you will not find lions, zebras or hippos...

We then had a walk along to the Columbus Circle Holiday market, which I had been looking forward to the whole holiday, however I must admit, there isn't actually that many stalls who are selling Christmassy things! We then headed back to Times Square for a Shake Shack lunch and visited Sephora and the Disney Store before heading back to the hotel to dry off and eat pizza. Safe to say, we didn't venture out again that night!

 

NEW YORK: DAY 3

Day 3 was such a lovely chilled day, we had a lovely walk through Central Park, visiting the ice rink and eating the best New York prezzels. We then hit up Shake Shack for lunch, if you're heading there any time soon, please try their salted caramel milkshake, absolutely amazing! I would also say definitely try their crinkle cheese fries...somebody please tell me Shake Shack are coming to the UK... please?

I also managed to find Grand Central station... for any fellow Gossip Girl lovers, you know why...

We were also incredibly lucky to get tickets for an NBA basketball game in Brooklyn, for a Brooklyn Nets game on the Sunday night. Literally if you get the opportunity, you need to go to an American Basketball game, the atmosphere is just amazing!

NEW YORK: DAY 2

Day 2 in New York was literally the best day of my life so far! We kicked off the day with a visit to Top Of The Rock, which I must agree that when people say it offers better views of New York than The Empire State Building, it is definitely true! We then headed down to the ice rink, which has literally been my dream for so long! (since seeing it featured in Elf and Home Alone 2). We had to join quite a long queue, but really we only had to wait for half an hour, you're then given an hour and a half skating slot! However, as you can imagine, going skating with a guy is never going to go well, Kyle came off the ice after one go around! Meaning I had to skate alone, excellent!

We then headed off to Saks Fifth Avenue which had the best Christmas decorations I had ever seen, they really do put on a show! Next stop, Tiffany & Co... literally could not deal. It is huge. I can't even remember how many floors there were but I went and bought a ring and some earrings, and sneakily went and checked out the engagement ring floor. Oh my days. Ladies if you ever get the opportunity, GO. You can't even see the shape of the rings they are that sparkly, I've always dreamt of receiving the heart shaped diamond Tiffany ring, so I had to have a peek. When asked if I wanted to try anything I had to say no, it had already gone too far!!

We then headed up to Central Park, cue obligatory tourist picture outside the Plaza Hotel. Kevin McCallister eat your heart out.

Final stop was Top Of The Rock, as we had the 'sun and stars ticket' which I highly recommend, seeing the views both day and night is just magical....

NEW YORK: DAY 1

As you may or may not have remembered, I booked a trip to New York waaaaaay back in January. After nearly a year of waiting, I flew to New York 24th November for a week! Sorry guys, but here comes the New York spam....

Ok so we had pretty nice flights, we left Newcastle at 9am and landed in New York 4pm (there time), but as you can imagine we were absolutely knackered after being awake almost 24 hours. As it was thanksgiving in New York we decided we should at least go for a meal, so went to Hard Rock Café in Times Square, which is an absolute must!!

So actual day 1... it was Black Friday and I couldn't resist going shopping to see how crazy it would be. Macy's was our first stop which was insane, with Apple watches for $200 and offers like "buy one Michael Kors watch, get one 75% off", their Christmas department is also incredible! But just a heads up you will 100% get lost in there. I am however disappointed at how many amazing makeup offers I missed out on because of how busy the counters were! We also found the best trainer shop, and I queued in Victoria Secret for 1 HOUR... that's dedication right there. We also had our very first experience of 'Chick-fil-a'....highly recommended, it's basically a fancier McDonald's.

We also came across the best Christmas market in Bryant Park, which I would definitely recommend over the Columbus Circle Holiday market in Central Park. On the evening we visited the Empire State Building, I could literally stay up there all day, it had the most incredible views of New York. We paid for both viewing decks, but I would say if you are planning on going up, just get the standard ticket, as you can see the views much better from the first platform!

No first proper day in New York would be complete without visiting Applebee's... I know people would usually say 'stay away from the chain restaurants', but I would say give them a go, we had the most amazing four mac and cheese there..

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

CEDAR STREET SMALL HAYDN, £268, KATE SPADE

I feel as though Kate Spade is a bit less well known in the UK than it is in the US, which is a huge shame, as Kate Spade is such a wonderful, unique brand. I received my beautiful Haydn bag for my 21st Birthday, I should really have included more pictures as not only does the bag have a lovely unique shape, but it also has a beautiful golden spotty silk interior, and is the perfect size for a "day time handbag", the picture simply does not do it justice.

Of course £268 is a lot to pay, but I can honestly vouch that this bag feels like incredibly high quality, and has the most beautiful detailing! My obsession doesn't stop there, my boss bought me a beautiful Kate Spade stationary set when I finished my one year placement at Barbour, designer stationary is a must!

I also realised this week that Kate Spade watches actually exist, and they are super girly. With scallop detailing, rose gold and crystals they are simply beautiful, so be sure to check them out! I would also  suggest you have a peek at the unique jewellery and accessories collections... http://www.katespade.co.uk/ .