24 Hours in NYC
Hi friend! I hope you are having a great week! If you’ve been following my Fit at 50 journey, you might have seen that my days are typically pretty routine. Most days it’s walk, workout, eat, work, take care of kids, more walking, sleep, repeat. When I got the invite to go to New York for a day for a work event, I jumped at it!
I knew that a quick getaway would be a nice shake up from my ordinary routine. Going out of town always helps get my creative juices flowing and since my kids would already be with their Dad on this day, I didn’t have to worry about childcare. Luke went to his BFFs house (Rhonda!). So thankful to her for watching him while I was gone!
What to Wear
The invite was to attend an evening with LTK and Zara since Zara is now part of the LTK network. LTK is one of the affiliate networks I work with to generate affiliate links.
If you’re not familiar with Zara (Elliott had never heard of Zara), they are a clothing brand known for trendy, high-quality, and affordable clothing. Zara is popular for its minimalistic, chic aesthetic and appeals to fashion-forward women looking for stylish, yet affordable pieces.
Zara also sells accessories, shoes, and home décor. They even have super cute and affordable things for kids.
Of course, I felt like I should wear something Zara to the event and ordered several things to try on.
Size Reference : I’m petite, about 5’1, weighing around 105 lbs
Top • Bralette • Pants • Heels • Bracelets • Necklace • Bag
I’m crazy for this chic top and the peplum style that is so figure flattering. It’s sleeveless and has an invisible back zipper. The v-neck is quite low, so unless you want to show some skin, you may feel more comfortable with a cami or top underneath.
I’m wearing my favorite Bralette that I got on Amazon. It’s the bralette that I wear when I don’t feel like wearing a regular bra – many days! It feels amazing on! Plenty of stretch, light lift and I have it in several colors. I wear size Small.
These pants are so good and such a steal! They’re from Old Navy and I’ve had them a long time, but thankfully, they still have them in stock and in several colors. They are the high waist pixie straight pants and fit like a dream.
They always look polished, so I reach for them whenever I want to look put together, but still be comfortable. Also great for teachers because they’re easy to move in with stretch.
Top Fit : TTS, I’m wearing size XS
Pants Fit : TTS, I’m wearing size 0P (they also come in regular and tall)
Top • Bralette • Pants • Heels • Bracelets • Necklace • Bag
This top looks dressy with pants, but you could also pair it with jeans for a smart casual look.
Blazer • Top • Bralette • Pants • Heels • Bracelets • Necklace • Bag
I also ordered a blazer because I was thinking of pairing it with a short skirt or skort. When this blazer arrived, it was better than I expected!
I really like the open front style and how it has roll tab sleeves with gold button tabs. It has front flap pockets and hits me about mid thigh. It’s fully lined and so comfortable.
It’s a great value at $69, since there’s so many different ways you can style it. It also comes in several colors – I like the ‘sand’ for Spring and they even have a crisp white.
Blazer Fit : It’s a relaxed fit, and I’m wearing size Small
Blazer • Top • Bralette • Pants • Heels • Bracelets • Necklace • Bag
Blazer • Top • Bralette • Pants • Heels • Bracelets • Necklace • Bag
Top • Bralette • Skort • Heels • Bag • Bracelets • Necklace
I thought that the blazer could look great over something like this, but worn with tights and knee high boots since the weather in NYC would be cold while I was there.
The skirt is actually a skort, so skirt like in the front and looks like shorts from behind. It zips up the back and the material felt substantial. I know this mini length isn’t for everyone, but I’m comfortable with it.
The top is va va voom with a lace mesh that requires at least a bra or cami underneath.
Top Fit : TTS, I’m wearing size XS
Skort Fit : TTS, I’m wearing size XS
Top • Bralette • Skort • Heels • Bag • Bracelets • Necklace
Top • Skort • Belt • Bag • Booties
Same skort here paired with an asymmetric long sleeve top. The cabernet color is really pretty in person and the one shoulder with gathering is a sexy look.
I paired it with booties for the winter and added a statement belt for visual interest.
Top Fit : OMG this runs small. I’m wearing an XS and definitely prefer a size up
Skort Fit : TTS, I’m wearing size XS
Top • Skort • Heels • Bag • Bracelets • Necklace
This pleated crepe top is so chic! I really liked the wider shoulders and ruching. It also has little side v-cuts, giving you a longer leg line.
The pleated skirt has built-in shorts underneath. The skirt runs big, so I had to clip it in the back to keep it from falling, therefore, the top isn’t laying as flat as it should.
Top : Fits TTS, I’m wearing size XS
Skort Fit : Runs large, I’m wearing size XS and would prefer a size down because it was too big in the waist
Top • Skort • Heels • Bag • Bracelets • Necklace
These rhinestones earrings are stunning in person! They make such a statement with the dangly pearl drops and blingy rhinestone studs.
Let’s Go!
With my outfit chosen – see later in the post – it was time to pack up and go! Y’all, I was able to get up early, walk 30 minutes on my treadmill, then get to the gym for a workout, come home, shower, eat, get ready and go! Soooo happy I fit in that workout before I left. Definitely required extra planning, but got it done!
Top • Jeans • Belt • Sneakers • Calpak • Carry On Luggage
I wanted to fit everything in just a carry on + personal item, so I wore my sneakers to the airport. And, I knew I’d want to exercise Friday morning, so I needed sneaks for that.
And, in the airport, I wanted to have some healthy snacks on hand, so I packed a grilled chicken sandwich, fruit, a granola bar, protein bar, and rice cakes.
Hotel Roxy
I stayed at the Roxy Hotel a trendy, retro-chic hotel located in Tribeca. It’s known for its vintage-inspired design, vibrant nightlife, and live music scene. The hotel features a jazz club, a stylish cinema, and a cocktail lounge. It’s even pet friendly!
Here’s a peek into the lounge.
The Roxy has 201 rooms and suites, each designed with a retro-modern aesthetic featuring warm tones, vintage-style furniture, and some with turntables and vinyl records.
The rooms range from cozy studios to spacious loft suites, catering to both leisure and business travelers. I was pleasantly surprised with the size of my room and it was pretty affordable, especially for NY.
Cool wallpaper in the bathroom with plenty of room to get ready.
After checking into my room, I headed downstairs to the bar/restaurant to get a bite to eat before dinner.
Trying to keep it healthy, I ordered the tuna tartare and it was delish!
LTK x Zara Event
Top • Blazer • Belt • Skort • Tights • Similar Boots • Bag
Here’s what I ended up wearing to the event. I went with the blazer, a mesh top, and skort and belted it with that statement belt. I wore dotted tights from Amazon and knee high boots.
The night was hosted at La Mercerie in Soho and the place looked gorgeous.
Turns out, it wasn’t a sit down dinner, rather, passed hors d’oeuvers, wine and champagne, and a dessert bar that looked delicious! I don’t know how I got that wrong about a dinner being served!
There were beautiful floral arrangements . . .
and a gorgeous DJ and the scene was very lively!
They handed out paper wrapped bouquets on the way out.
Of course, the best part for me was getting to connect with people I’ve followed for years and chat with older friends.
I’ve been a fan of Kate’s since her hair went viral on Pinterest forever ago! She couldn’t have been nicer!
And really the only other gals I knew were Katey and Betsy of Two Peas in a Blog. They are so genuine and sweet. I loved getting to catch up with them.
Top • Blazer • Belt • Skort • Tights • Similar Boots • Bag
The event was just a few hours long and I’m glad I got to chat with such friendly people.
I get shy at these kind of events, usually preferring the company of a few close friends, so I had to step out of my comfort zone to introduce myself to people I didn’t know.
When the event was starting to wind down, I headed back to my hotel to have a sit down meal.
The restaurant was open and they had a live jazz band playing. So, I got to eat my caesar salad with grilled salmon while I listed to the music. It was lovely!
Back in the room, it felt so good to take a shower and step into comfy jammies. I think I was in bed by 11 p.m., but that’s only 10 a.m. Houston time.
Strolling the City
I had a couple hours in the morning before I had to head to the airport, so I checked out the gym first thing in the morning.
The gym was really cute with brick walls, free weights and a few machines, but I opted to go for a walk instead and see the city.
Hoodie • Joggers • Similar Jacket • Sneakers • Bag
I was close to Think Coffee, a cafe and coffee shop that I wanted to check out and have their oatmeal for breakfast. But, I’m directionally challenged and ended up walking the wrong way!
World Trade Center
It was okay because I was able to pass by the World Trade Center, which really took my breath away.
We will never forget.
Eataly
And then I happened upon Eataly, which is always a treat to walk through. They have a large variety of gourmet food and drinks, plus super cute places to eat or grab a drink.
And fresh flowers!
My mouth was watering at the pasta bar, mind you I hadn’t had breakfast or coffee yet!
And oh my word, all the desserts!
My biggest weakness, but I resisted.
Seriously, how good does that look?!
Realizing I went the wrong direction, I headed back towards Think Coffee, but got too hungry to go all the way.
Rigor Hill
I saw this cafe that looked interesting, so I popped inside to check it out and order coffee and breakfast.
Rigor Hill Market offers freshly prepared foods, baked goods, and produce sourced from their own Rigor Hill Farm in Ghent, NY, as well as from other Hudson Valley farms.
The market’s menu features a variety of items, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and an assortment of baked goods such as croissants, muffins, and cookies. They also offer a selection of breads, including sourdough, 7-grain, focaccia, and gluten-free seeded loaves.
And they have a wide coffee selection. 🙂
I got a cappuccino, so good!
And their breakfast sandwich – a splurge while I’m on my Fit at 50 fitness challenge. But, I figured it would be good to try something different and treat myself.
This breakfast sandwich was an herb and cheese frittata with cheddar and tomato jam on pain de mie.
Paper Source
Next door to Rigor Hill was a Paper Source, which is such a fun place to browse if you’re a stationery lover like me.
So many cute things inside! I picked up a cute cherry tea towel for Rhonda as a little thank you for watching Luke. 🙂
And this store is unique because it’s attached to a quaint cafe!
Back to the Hotel
Then I made my way back to the hotel, so I could get packed up and head to the airport.
I was thankful for the time that I did have in NYC, but it was definitely short.
The Roxy has a cute coffee bar too, but I was still finishing my cappuccino so I didn’t try any.
Airport Life
Pullover • Leggings • Sneakers
I had a few hours in the airport, my plane ended up being delayed a bit. But, I prefer being early as opposed to being rushed and stressed! Which way are you??
Terminal A was where my Spirit flight was and there weren’t many options for food and drink. One little Italian cafe, a Dunkin Donuts, and a convenience store.
I ordered an iced latte, but ended up only drinking half. I relied on the rest of my snacks for food, but was definitely ready to eat when I got home!
I devoured my salmon bowl and those brussels sprouts at Cedar Creek in Houston! Way too full after, but it was good!
Then, we picked up Luke and headed home. Always so good to be home, even after being gone for only one night!
Zara Style
Found more stylish things from Zara! Do you shop there?
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13
Shop Zara Style
I’m so thankful that I get to blog for a living. I know Instagram and TikTok are where most people in my profession earn their income, but my old fashioned blog has always been my #1 and continues today.
It’s only because YOU visit here, so I’m very thankful for your support over all these 15 years!!
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Love you so big!
Have a fantastic day friend!
LOVING ALL YOUR OUTFIT BUT THE FIRST WITH BLAZER IS MY FAVORITE!!!
Thank you so much Giulia!
Love your outfit that you chose for NY! Such a fun blog to read. Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed Alli! Thanks for being here!
Did I miss a post about your hair? It looks incredible!!!
Hi Darcy! Yes, I got hair extensions and am actually surprised how much I like them. I did a reel here with the process: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFtpiabP_lM/?igsh=eWY3MTJsZzBjNmN6
What a fun trip! And you look amazing – such cute outfits! I love Eataly – the one in Dallas is a fave.
I didn’t know Dallas has an Eataly! Love that place!
It looks like you had a wonderful time! Thanks for all of your content. I enjoy reading your blog every day!
I love hearing that Renee, thank you for telling me!
Wha a fun and exciting trip! I find a lot of cute clothes for my 11 year old daughter at Zara! We are heading to NYC in March. We will need to check out some of the spots you shared.
You look like Mariah Carey in the photo that says “Zara” above it. Been following you since James was a toddler (remember “schlumpadinkaville”? 😄) Your beauty and your wisdom in the world of health & fashion are timeless.
OMG!!!! Yes! That was soooo long ago. It’s funny, I’ve heard Mariah Carey before! Thank you for being here for such a long time Maggie! I appreciate that so much! James will be 15 next month!