Another Manhattan thread

[mousegray]

I agree with roshke, there are so many different types here that yes, you will probably look like a tourist, but no one will care (and that is what you are after all!)

The most important thing by far is comfortable walking shoes. Those Clarks would probably be fine for all occasions if they're comfortable. (Meaning can you walk in them all day long?)

Layers are good for this time of year. I would opt for jacket type outerwear, rather than a longer coat, because you may end up carrying it around a lot. These days I am wearing a sweater under a fall weight wool jacket (blazer), which is just about right.

One thing about NYC is that people (and establishments) are pretty forgiving about what you have on. Even in the most formal or ritzy occasions, you will see people dressed very casually. Very few restaurants (except for the older, established expensive ones) require a dinner jacket for men, for example.

[SodiumFree]

And the ones that do require a jacket and/or tie will usually lend you one. (They will not, however, lend you pants! This came up recently when my son and I attended a dinner at a private club -- my husband was receiving an award -- and DS had on jeans. His shirt was nice, but jeans were not allowed. Luckily there was a Gap store right around the corner, and he bought a nice pair of black slacks on sale for $13.00. With the jacket and tie that the club lent to him for the evening, he was fine!)

[SodiumFree]

As for (relatively) inexpensive food, if you happen to be in Greenwich Village you can have some great meals centered on sandwiches.

[MagnoliaMom]

Just a suggestion based on a trip to NYC this summer... I would bring at least a couple of pairs of comfortable shoes that would allow you to rotate shoes. I found that helped keep my feet feeling ok even with much more walking than I'm used to. I would wear one pair during the day then switch out before dinner or something - made a big difference and felt energized.

We've been to NYC in January and I'd suggest the layers also as others have. It was cold outside but sweltering inside from the heater most places.

Above all, be comfortable and wear something that you feel good in. I stressed so much over what to wear and what to bring on our trips...I mean, after all, it IS the big city and home of Mood and designers galore, right? After I got there, I looked around and was like...what was I worried about? We saw a little bit of everything and absolutely nobody is going to worry about what you have on. So if you're comfortable and warm enough (but not too warm) then just enjoy!

[binx]

Thanks for the tips and advice. You are right - I will look like a tourist but then, I am! We will be attending S's recital, meeting his teacher and friends and colleagues, and I don't want to look like everyone's stereotype of someone from Georgia. I will feel a bit more confident if I at least feel good about how I look. I want them to say, "Hmm, who knew Georgia had such style?"

I do want to take a second pair of shoes. I made the mistake of going to Rome with just one pair. They gave me a blister the first day or two, and I was in misery the rest of the time. So I need to have a back-up pair. Problem is, I don't.

At home I live in sneakers (if I'm wearing shoes at all) - the boxy, sports kind. I'm wondering if I can last 4 days without them. I actually tried to buy a black pair, but couldn't find any that fit right. I ended up with a sparkling white pair - okay for the gym, but probably not the streets of NYC.

I do have a comfortable brown pair, but they look mannish. Not trendy at all. But they are probably better than sneakers. They would be fine with my jeans or cords (haven't decided yet which I'm taking). They aren't these, but similar (and brown): Born Delgado at Zappos.com

We got our "tickets" today. We're flying with Buddy Passes, so although we had to chose a flight, we won't be guaranteed anything. However, so far, all flights have room, so we should be okay. Atlanta / NYC is busy enough that there are flights every hour, so if one gets full, the next should be okay.

I've created a nice handbook of tips from this thread. Haven't printed it yet, so feel free to add more. We'll be back up there in May for graduation, and I actually think we'll get more opportunity then to do things. I think I'm going to try to get Statue of Liberty tickets for May (which I learned about from someone's link here.)

Think I'll drag hubby out tonight to look at the two jackets and see what he thinks. Wish I could afford them both.

[BunsenBurner]

Binx, what do you think of these? Cole Haan Air Bria Stitch Slipon at Zappos.com or these: Cole Haan Air Brianna LL at Zappos.com

Cole Haan shoes are made with Nike Air soles, and they are comfy.

[POTO Mom]

I didnt see it mentioned here and I'm assuming it's still there - but taking a walk thru the 9/11 site was truly moving to me. The exhibits in the church were phenomenal. I did see Canal Street mentioned. I like to go there to look at the food stalls as well as the cheap shopping. You should try to land in the Cash Cab and then you will have some spending cash! I find one of the best ways to layer is to have a scarf. If my neck is warm, I can deal with the chill.

[thumper1]

And if you don't own a scarf...you'll find PLENTY of them for sale on the streets in NYC!!

[nysmile]

I bought one of those scarves last week---$5.00 for a pink plaid cashmere scarf from Scotland. hahahaha It was my souvenir for the day. A friend and I were there to see "Rock of Ages". The show was a blast.

[woody]

One of my favorite -and free- places is Sutton Place Park. Go in the evening when the lights of the 59thSt Bridge are glowing. I think it's the most romantic spots in the city. Oh lord, does it bring me back to my youth!
PS nysmile - would the 18-20 year-old set get "Rock of Ages"?

[binx]

I'll definitely look for a scarf! What's a cash cab? We've done the 9-11 tour on a previous trip, but I agree that it was worth doing.

As for the shoes, I love the Brianna LL ones (in black). I wonder if they are sold retail around here (and for less than $107.) -- Googled - looks like nothing close, and too late to order right now. But thanks for the tip - I'll definitely keep a look out for them.

Took hubby to Marshalls - he chose the longer coat for me (Jones New York - If it says New York, it has to be right, right?) He thought the other one was too casual looking, and the longer one would go more places. And he found a coat for himself, too.

Of course, it was down to mid-50s here while we were shopping, and I was out without any coat at all, and perfectly comfortable. He reminded me, as some of you did, that NYC has some vicious wind tunnels.

Sutton Place Park looks pretty far away - in Queens? Or is Google misleading me?

[Consolation]

Sutton Place is in Manhattan. Jones New York tends to have very wearable stuff.

[mousegray]

binx, your "mannish" brown shoes will probably fit in just fine here. Much better than bright white sneakers which will land you in the 'don't' pages. But really, you should go with comfort.

And here's a NY tip--- Starbucks is the go-to place for bathrooms. You don't have to buy, just head for the back. Also, department stores, Old Navy, and Barnes and Noble which are not as ubiquitous as Starbucks. Be careful about drinking too much coffee and heading out where you will not have bathroom access. And never get on the subway before emptying your bladder first.

[nysmile]

woody--I think the 18-20 year old set would like it. It was a very casual show and the characters try to include the audience. I recommended it to my 19 year old college son. The guys in the audience seemed to enjoy it and many of them were singing along to the songs.

Previous to this show, my friend's favorite show was Mama Mia. She said that Mama Mia is now #2 on her list and Rock of Ages is #1.

PS--I wore nice dark jeans (not the faded kind), dark turtleneck, and casual shoes and fit in just fine.

[crescent22]

Sutton Place Park? That little sliver of land on 54th where Sutton Place South ends? Quaint but too noisy with the FDR flying by.