City Style: NYC with Jamie Yike

NEW YORK CITY: I always look forward to catching up with Jamie Yike every single trip I make to NYC. She’s had me convinced to pack my bags and move there on more than one occasion. In fact, she’s one of the reasons I decided to begin a new “City Style” series on my blog.  After traveling extensively across the country last year and specifically to NYC five different times, I began to think about how it’s always nice to have a trusted source in the different cities you visit.  However, you have to know that individual a.) has great taste and knows where to go b.) has similar tastes to you or c.) knows what you will like when visiting. I’ve found that Jamie gives advice based upon all of the above characteristics and it’s so amazing to have her as a resource!

I began to think, is there really a guide out there that tells you where to go to really “know” a city?  Yes, there are city guides, yes, there are articles that tell you all of the new restaurants, lounges, and clubs, but what resource can direct you to the very roots and essence of a destination?  What if you want to experience a city through the eyes and favorites of a resident the way you’d discover it living there? That quality is much rarer and hard to find.  Luckily, I have never been led wrong by Jamie.  Every visit I’ve made to New York, she has graciously provided restaurant recommendations, hotel recommendations, and even a great hidden spot to have my nails done during a manicure emergency.  She is absolutely wonderful and most certainly the inspiration behind this new City Style series! I can promise you, follow Jamie’s advice on your next trip to New York City and you will never have experienced Manhattan under such chic expertise! (*she’s also super stylish and a Parsons’ grad- what would you expect!)

Enjoy! xx

Jamie Yike

Name: Jamie Yike

Occupation: Freelance Fashion Editorial Assistant/Stylist and the rest of my time is spent in publishing.

City & how long: NYC, 8 years in July!!

Favorite Brunch Spot: Café Gitane in Nolita, I could live on their avocado toast and fresh watermelon juice.

Favorite Cocktail: During the week, I’ll meet a girlfriend for tea, one of my favorite places is the Carlyle (also because it’s around the corner from my apartment). If I’m going out I’ll head to the Boom Boom room at the top of The Standard, the views are AH-mazing.

Favorite After-Work Spot: I usually need to unwind before I do anything so I ALWAYS take my beloved dog, Herman, for a walk through Central Park and I SOMETIMES hit the gym (I’m trying!!!).

Must-visit museum: I really enjoy The Frick, it’s a small museum so it’s easy to tackle and I love the fact that it was actually lived in years ago.  I also like the Neue Gallerie again because it’s a bit smaller, but mainly because I love Gustav Klimt and they have a great collection.

by Slim Aarons, 1980.

Herman Yike

Teresa Reichlen in Rubies – photograph: Paul Kolnik

Favorite boutiques/shopping: Barneys is my go-to, I also really enjoy resale shopping at places on the Upper East Side or INA downtown (they have several locations).  I like the idea of a great find and something that has been lived in a bit.  I also like to mix high/low with things from J.Crew or Zara. 

Best Hidden Secret: There’s a place called Salon de Tokyo that gives the BEST Japanese shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, or reflexology massages.  The women walk on your back for half of it and you feel so amazing afterward.  It’s not at all fancy, but it is definitely the best.  My friend Lindsay and I try to go once a month, it’s so great for circulation and obviously removing tension.

Best books/music/art: I love coffee table books, especially Slim Aarons and Helmut Newton.  For those, I like to go to The Strand in Union Square.  So many books!!! There are many talented local artists in this city.  One of my favorites is my friend, Gordon Stevenson, visit his website www.baronvonfancy.com - you can see his work.  His phrases and paintings are amazing!  I go to the ballet whenever possible.  Growing up, I was a classically trained ballet dancer.  Jewels and La Bayadère are the ones I love the most.

Best Place for a Sunday Stroll: I love walking along Madison Avenue near my apartment or heading downtown and walking throughout Soho/Nolita.  I always start with a latte from my favorite place for coffee, Via Quadronno.

She’s The Bubbles In My Bath – by Baron Von Fancy

Helmut Newton, model: Elsa Peretti, location: New York, year: 1975

Must-Visit Dinner Spot: Yasuda for amazing sushi or Le Bilboquet for the most amazing Poulet Cajun you’ve ever tasted!

Most Romantic Restaurant: La Sirene, it’s so small and tucked away that you’ll miss it if you don’t know exactly where you’re going.  It’s also BYOB – which I love – and everything on the menu is amazing!  Didier is the chef and owner there and has become a dear friend over the years.

Most Scenic Spot: Walking the reservoir at night, the views of the city surrounding the park are beautiful and it seems so quiet and serene. If it’s on the later side, take a friend.

Best Place to Dance or Celebrate Special Occasions: My favorite places to go and blow off some steam are either The Westway or Le Baron.

Your Absolute Favorite Thing To Do: Walk everywhere! When I’m walking around the city (preferably with my iPod), I feel I rediscover so many things or city blocks I overlooked before and it makes me feel like I’m seeing things from a new perspective.

Jed and Jamie

the avocado toast at Café Gitane!

Where to Stay: I would say shack up with a friend so they can help guide you in the right direction.  If that’s not an option- Downtown: Crosby Street Hotel and Uptown: The Surrey.  They are both beautiful!

What You Love Most: It’s definitely all of the people I’ve met since moving here.  Whether it’s dear friends or acquaintances, everyone is unique and interesting.  The people are a huge ingredient of what makes this city so great.

Last Traveling Tips: Steer clear of Gypsy cabs – they’ll rip you off for sure! And, fly into LGA whenever possible!

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Thank you, Jamie!  I’m already dying to book my next trip to NYC :)