Brooklyn Photo Diary

Coat: t.babaton for Aritzia / Fur scarf: Michael Kors (similar here and here) / Bag: Tory Burch Robinson “Shrunken Satchel’ (similar) / Boots: Michael Kors ‘Bromley’ (also here)

When I arrived in New York last spring, Brooklyn was the first place I visited. I saw attractive brownstone homes in the day and lots of loiters near the subway stations at night. I remember a hilarious taxi ride back to Manhattan with a car service that Alyssa’s sister called for us. We were picked up in a black gangsta SUV that had a screen where the controls are, like the type that displays maps and parking cameras. As soon as our driver drove off he started playing Contagion and seemed quite engrossed in the movie. I was like, “hey, keep your eyes on the road!” And he was like “Girl you funny!” in a super chill Latino intonation that came out like giiiiirl you fuuun-ny! He claimed the movie was for our enjoyment only but he made no effort to hide the fact that he was following along. He also managed to carry on a full conversation with us at the same time. Interestingly, I wasn’t worried about my safety at all, maybe because he seemed like the type of guy that really cared about his ride. He was hilarious and I wish he drove us around every day. So anyway, I was a fan of Brooklyn’s vibe in general so I planned an entire day in Brooklyn for this trip. My brother and I walked around the hip area of Williamsburg, admired the old architecture and exposed brick everywhere (maybe that was just me), tried the restaurants recommended in Goop, checked out the stunning views from the Wythe Hotel, and walked back to Manhattan on the Brooklyn Bridge before sundown. It was a great day.

Isa was the coolest looking restaurant in Gwyneth Paltrow’s list of recommendations so that’s where we went for lunch.The interior looked just like the photos online. It was so cool.

I’m pleased to say that the service and food were amazing as well. That’s my brother cutting into the breakfast pizza.

Image from Frank

Image from Frank

After lunch we walked through Williamsburg and checked out some cool shops. Danny bought a bright orange toque from an indie skate-centric clothing store, shown above. I didn’t take a photo but wanted to show you what it looked like. Danny’s hat is the third one from the left.

Glass coffee table that turns on skateboard wheels and a glimpse of Danny’s new toque. The table was like $4k. I’m seriously thinking about building a table like that.

Our next destination was the Wythe Hotel for the gorgeous 360 deg views from its rooftop bar. The hotel host in charge of the rooftop bar was so nice to let us up to check out the views. I would love to stay at Wythe sometime. The rooms are so. cool.

 View of the Manhattan skyline from inside the bar.

Ample Hills Creamery in Prospect Heights was another Goop recommendation. They make everything in house, source local ingredients, get milk from happy and fulfilled cows, etc. Love it.

 Pistachio ice cream with homemade brown sugar pistachio brittle

The Brooklyn Bridge.

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan, but most people were walking in the opposite direction. I recommend starting in Brooklyn and walking to Manhattan because that way you’re seeing the view of the Manhattan skyline.

Where do I sign up for this activity?

My brother was pretty stoked to see the Statue of Liberty because I hadn’t planned for us to see it on this trip.

Spotted: Danny in his Ferris toque.

Walking in the wrong lane…

In my plastic bag: a facial spray that I bought in a beauty store in Williamsburg (smells amazing) and two bottles of local craft whisky

Hope to see you soon Brooklyn! Love you long time!

Photos by my brother and me with an iPhone 4 and iPhone olloclip lens attachment