New York State Of Mind.

First photo: Harbor Hotels Lake Chautauqua

FARM RIO DRESS || ERIC JAVITS FEDORA || LARROUDÉ BOOTS ||

Second photo: Boldt Castle, 1000 Islands St Lawrence River

DARONG LOUNGE SET || LINEA PAOLO WEDGE SNEAKERS SIMILAR HERE || MM LAFLEUR TRENCH COAT SIMILAR HERE||

I have been on an extra long hiatus from posting here and one of a multitude of reasons was this girls only road trip I took through New York State early last month. Our trip started at Chautauqua Lake just outside of Jamestown in upstate New York. We stayed at the Harbor Hotels a charming lodge located right on the lake. With adirondacks and fire pits surrounding the property they were the perfect spot to watch some of the most spectacular sunsets Ive ever seen. If you are in search of fall foliage and all things autumnal like apple picking or wine tasting this is where you want to be.

Sunset over Chautauqua Lake

If you find yourself in the area you must check out The Chautauqua Institution – something we didn’t hear about until our last night so we did not get a chance to visit. The Institute is essentially an arts community that was established in the late 1800s – it receives over 100,000 visitors every year including politicians and celebrities. The way it was described to us by the locals, with so much love and pride, I will have to come back someday to experience it firsthand.

KAREN MILLEN KNIT DRESS || AUREUM BELT ||

Stop two was 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel on the St Lawrence River. There was something so magical and surreal to me about being here. Perhaps its because it was part of my parents immigration path to Canada but this river is truly majestic. The highlight of the entire trip was our 3.5 boat ride through the islands crossing over into Canadian waters learning all about the history of the area how the islands were divided between the US & Canada (they have equal square mileage)

VERONICA BEARD GINGHAM VEST || ZARA PANTS ||

Sunset Over 1000 Islands St Lawrence River

KAREN MILLEN MAXI DRESS || DOLCE VITA BOOTS || AUREUM BELT ||

Fall foliage at Panama Rocks

DARONG TOP & PANTS || LEE JEANS DENIM SHIRT (SIMILAR HERE)||

KAREN MILLEN TOP AND SKIRT || VINTAGE BELT (SIMILAR HERE) || MILLY BLAZER

I would have to count seeing MJ the Musical at the Neil Simon Theatre as my second favorite experience of the trip. I was never a major Michael Jackson fan but seeing this show has really changed my perception of his genius. Highly recommend if you get a chance see it!

KAREN MILLEN TOP AND SKORTS || DOLCE VITA SUEDE BOOTS ||

You may recall me mentioning Boucherie from my last trip to New York – its truly one of my favorite spots to dine I love the the West Village location in particular because of the people watching and you truly feel like you are in a cafe in Paris. They absolutely nailed the vibe.

On a more fashionable note; the biggest street style trend I noticed when in NYC was cowboy boots and shorts or miniskirts so I packed appropriately when I brought along these super comfy suede minimalist western boots that Ive had for years. I know I can walk miles in them and they work with so many looks!

ALC MAXI DRESS || LARROUDÉ KNEE HIGH BOOTS ||

I absolutely love staying at the Westgate Grand Central in midtown – I did this post when I stayed there a few years ago, I said it before and I’ll say it again its so perfectly located near Grand Central Station so getting around is super easy and these giant terraces they have are spectacular (only a few rooms have them)

This trip was one for the books: it was my first time in upstate and my first time traveling with my close friend but I know Ill be doing both again!

xoxo Zia