The Crystal Press was so excited to be invited up to The Big Apple to attend an international tradeshow called Formshow NYC. How can we say no to New York City when it involves fabulous fashion designers, one of a kind shopping, and a quick ride on Amtrak? If you are wondering why we are drinking Coronas in the dead of winter in the picture below, let’s just say we like to be reminded that warm weather still exists.

Speaking of weather, it was no surprise that it was snowing the moment we got out of Penn Station. We have had our fill of snow this winter in Richmond, and the weather man did not warn about this impending doom in NYC. That being said, the day we arrived was our designated shopping day, and we refused to let the snow wreak havoc on our big plans.

As soon as we got to the city, we checked into The Wyndham Garden Hotel in Chelsea. When we travel, we use Kayak for the best deals on quality hotels and that is exactly how we got lucky with The Wyndham. Kayak made sure we got all the accommodations we requested, including an early check in. Did we mention the Hotel was also 100% Green & Eco-Friendly?

Then it was time to hit the snowy streets! Our first stop was Free People.

Just recently, Richmond was blessed (cue Big Sean’s new song feat Drake) with a Free People store of our own. Talk about a Hallelujah. The Crystal Press loves the brand and the girls that work at our home store, and we were stoked when we saw that the FP 5th Avenue store was only blocks from our hotel. We walked out of that store ecstatic over new purchases, but not so much over our bank accounts. (this robe & bangles! this beanie!)

PS Don’t you dare think our shopaholic selves stopped there, we also scored some beautiful purchases at Zara, Nordstrom’s Rack (found these white boots!), and Steve Madden.

After our snowy shopping expedition and money very well spent, we felt obvious cause for celebration. Cheers to NYC, the new additions to our closets, and our room with a view (lol).

If you are the curious type, that teeny tiny bottle of mystery in the picture below is here.

After getting ready and pretending our fancy would last through the weather, Barrio Chino lured us back out into the snow. Let us be clear: not just any restaurant would get these two warm-weather-loving-ladies out into a snowy mess. Barrio Chino is a must see restaurant in NYC with a variety of awesome margaritas and the best guacamole in the Lower East Side. Yes, we ordered two helpings. If you get the opportunity to go to this hot spot, you must try the Habanero Grapefruit or Watermelon Margarita.

Remember how we mentioned that The Crystal Press loves warm weather and Coronas? Well, Sunday morning we hit Fonda in the East Village for some more guacamole and a bottomless brunch to meet  friends. No, this is not a coincidence and yes, both mexi-meals were premeditated. Between the bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, and frozen hibiscus rosalitas (a must try), we had yet another delicious Mexican meal at Fonda. If you are a fan of traditional huevos rancheros, try the Huevos Divorciados for a twist on your favorite brunch experience.

Being Oscar weekend, we had made steadfast plans to be in front of a TV for the red carpet hour. After prancing around, thrifting, and exploring the city, we realized that it was getting dangerously close to that time. We didn’t want to miss a minute, but as we passed through Washington Square Park, Eataly was calling our name.Thankfully it was across the street from The Wyndham and we had time for a charcuterie plate and the most extraordinary glass of rose in La Piazza. (It was the 2013 Scalabrone Tenuta Guado al Tasso. Go there. Get a glass.)

One glass clearly wasn’t enough, so we opted for a bottle of 2013 Rosato di Refosco, Bastianich from the Eataly Wine Store in honor of the Oscars. Because, the Oscars. And it certainly did not disappoint.

Why are we in bed and not attending a fancy schmancy Oscar party? Why not take advantage of the glorious king bed. But really, the truth is we had to get our beauty sleep in anticipation of Formshow NYC the next day. Stay tuned for our next post about our time at the show & all of the fabulously inspiring designers we got to meet.

xo reb & cath

The post The Crystal Press Does NYC: Part I appeared first on the crystal press fashion blog.