An American Girl in Paris (in New York): Part Une

One of the things I love about New York City is its ability to instantly transport you to another place or time. Case in point, Tartinery (209 Mulberry Street) and B. Cafe (566 Amsterdam and 240 E. 75th Street).

Tartinery is a modern version of a classic French bistro, ironically located in the heart of Nolita (North of Little Italy for those non-New Yorkers). For those experienced with French cuisine, you'll recognize that the restaurant's name comes from the gourmet open-faced sandwiches so commonly served in France called tartines. Upon entering Tartinery, diners can choose from the more casual bar upstairs (you can get full dinner service here) or the more expansive, chic dining space downstairs. Wooden tables, benches and a live tree mimic a rustic yet industrial feeling outdoor dining experience. From personal experience, I can highly recommend the Croque Madam, Ricotta and the Saint Marcellin tartines. And a delicious glass of French wine never hurt anybody either.

87+ blocks uptown, Upper West Siders are lucky to call B. Cafe a neighborhood gem. Although Belgian, not French, B. Cafe serves many dishes reminiscent of a traditional french brasserie. For a true Belgian experience, sample B. Cafe's famous "steak frites" with red wine sauce that is just as good on the "frites" as the steak. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the extensive Belgian beer list, so ask your waiter for recommendations. I was thrilled to have decided on the Leffe Blond, listed on the menu as "elegant, soft, and sweet" - it perfectly complimented my delicious meal. Those who can pass up dessert options such as the Callebaut Molten Chocolate Cake or the Gauffre De Bruxelles B. Cafe (belgian waffle with chocolate sauce, vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream) are stronger than me...Bon appetit!

NYC Blows

Sometimes it's just easier for someone else to do it... that's exactly my mentality when it comes to the long and drawn out process that is prepping/blow drying/straightening/curling/etc. my hair. And doesn't it always end up looking the same anyway? Yes. Allow me to introduce you to three hair havens in the city who exist for the sole purpose of making your life easier and making others say, "I love your hair!" Drybar (4 West 16th Street and in Le Parker Meridien Hotel in Midown), Blow (342 W. 14th Street) and the John Barrett Braid Bar (574 Fifth Avenue) are here to save the day.

Drybar's tagline is "No cuts, no color, just blowouts." For $40 across the board (no matter your hair-type), Drybar's expert stylists will wash and blow dry your locks into perfection. They also do up-dos and home appointments if you're really in a time crunch. The best perk at Drybar is that if you make an appointment between 10AM-2PM on Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy complimentary croissants and bagels during your service.

Blow offers everything Drybar does and also cut, color, manicures, makeup and waxing services. Their blowouts start at $40 and go up to $60 depending on your hair...if you ask me, you should just stick to Drybar where you know you're paying $40 no matter what. Also, Blow charges extra for straightening and any other "add ons."

My dreams came true when hair legend John Barrett opened up the John Barrett Braid Bar inside his existing midtown salon. Braids continue to be a trend and I, for one, am tired of standing in front of my mirror hopelessly attempting to copy the latest Jessica Alba braid that I love oh so much. The salon has a "menu" of braids to choose from - undone braided pigtails, whimsical milkmaid braids, fishtail-braided side ponytails, small french-braided updos and more are available. All braids are $45, and a shampoo + braids are $65. Not cheap, but a small price to pay for that perfect cocktail party braid you've been eyeing in InStyle magazine.

Doughnut Miss Out

New York City - the land of bagels. Lenny's, Pick-a-Bagel, H&H, Murray's....our thriving metropolis is filled to the brim with bagel shops. Ready for something new, but want to stick to the same circular shape? Introducing Doughnut Plant (379 Grand Street and 220 W. 23rd Street) - a Willy Wonkaesque bakery established in New York City in 2010 with one big idea - unique and flavorful doughnuts. Daily flavors at Doughnut Plant vary, but may include Creme Brulee, Lavendar, Blueberry, Raspberry Lemonade, White Peach or Peanut Butter Glaze/Blackberry Jelly. Of course your more standard flavors are available as well. Even better, the doughnuts are made without trans fat, preservatives, artificial flavoring or eggs.

Never one to shy away from an opportunity for a new doughnut flavor, frymaster Mark Israel celebrates most holidays or special occasions with new flavors such as the Chestnut Cake doughnut (holiday season), a blue and white pinstriped doughnut (during the Yankees' baseball season), Tres Leche doughnuts (Cinco de Mayo) and Rose Petal doughnuts (Valentine's Day).

Those too far uptown to visit Chelsea or the Lower East Side on a regular basis can get Doughnut Plant's treats at 40 other locations throughout the city including Zabar's, Citarella and Dean & Deluca.

Sample Sale in the City

Come one, come all - two great sample sales that should be on your radar right now.

Click here for Tibi Online Sample Sale

Also, if you're NYC based, who can ignore the DVF Spring/Summer '11 sample sale right in the city? The sale runs from Tuesday, June 7th through Friday, June 10th from 9AM-6:30PM and is located at 250 Fifth Avenue. Perhaps it's time to buy your inagural wrap dress?

In other news, I just received a postcard in the mail inviting me to the opening of DVF's second NYC store location! It will be on Wooster Street in Soho, just a stone's throw away from it's flagship Meatpacking location. Details to come...

Rainbow Brite

While prints, florals and stripes are obvious staples each spring, this year, bold, bright colors are a must-have for any girl's wardrobe. Yes, even for New Yorkers - so set aside those drab transition pieces that you call your spring wardrobe, and invest in the following fun items:

1. J Brand 11" Ankle Skinny Jean, $176 -- Kim Kardashian has been spotted in these on both coasts - available in a variety of colors, these are a great way to spice up a neutral top.

2. ASOS Belted Kimono Top, $44 -- At an extremely reasonable price, this gorgeous green piece works best with white denim or shorts, and honestly compliments any body shape with it's cinched waist.

3. Thayer Flow Tank, $171 -- Perfect for a weekend on the town with white flared jeans or easy to make casual for daytime by layering over a bikini at the beach.

4. Melie Blanco Top Handle Bag, $65 -- For those tentative to fully embrace bright colors, this moderately sized bag is the perfect accessory to brighten up an otherwise neutral outfit. It comes in orange, lime, yellow and white.

5. OPI Brights Collection, $33.50 -- Going on a spring getaway? Work in a non-corporate job that encourages creative expression? You're in luck. OPI has designed a collection of bright polishes that will keep you smiling all day long.

For the Fellas

Every now and then I come across another blog that's as insightful and entertaining as my own (queue patting myself on the back). Recently I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes away from "A Gentleman's Guide to Business and Life", penned by three Michigan MBA students who are equal parts witty and and eloquent. Described as "a treatise on matters of significance", the blog provides short snipets of wisdom promoting cardigan wearing, shunning the sin of male straw usage, and citing the bieberian rules of haircare (to name a select few).

Occasionally elitist, but always hilariously entertaining, the blog is a must-read for all gentleman out there with significant questions about business or life.

In the (Neighbor)Hood

I'm a firm believer that a home is never officially "complete." I for one, am always on the lookout for home items that I simply can't live without. Rather that purchasing random items from huge chain stores, I'd much rather stumble across an unexpected gem which will add some personality and character to my apartment. Case in point - the fabulous antique floor mirror that I found at the Hells Kitchen Flea Market last summer (See "Flea-ing to the Market" from July 2010). It's not that I was looking for a floor mirror on that day per se, but I loved what I saw and the price was right. I highly recommend always being "on" - that one perfect item you spot in a store window when you're not even looking may add some much needed pizzaz to your home. My most recent fantastic find comes by way of the Upper East Side-based home/art store Uptown Artworks. I was introduced to the store via the members only online home discount site, One Kings Lane. The store's website stocks chic and stylish pillows that correspond to different neighborhoods across the country. In New York, you can snatch up Brooklyn, Central Park West, West Village, etc. while those who live elsewhere can choose from Beverly Hills, Washington DC, Philadelphia, New Orleans, etc. You can even have a custom pillow created based on the landmark places or streets in your city or neighborhood - such a fun idea! My pillow arrived this past weekend and I couldn't be happier - it adds some much needed pizzaz to the chaise in front of my window.