What color is the Empire State Building tonight?

Every night I get excited to find out which color the Empire State will be "wearing". Researching for this post, I have found out its calendar. You can check it out here. The colors of the Empire State Building usually will reflect events/celebrations/holidays  happening in the States and around the world, but not to political or religious related events.The only exceptions are Easter, Eid al-Fitr, Hanukah and Christmas.

 For me, the Empire State it is one of the most special buildings in Manhattan and if not one of the most iconic ones alongside the Chrysler Building. Every year, millions of tourists go up to its observatoty on the 86th and 102nd to get a glimpse of the amazing views. The name Empire State was inspired in New York's nickname.

When it was open in 1931, it became ans was the tallest building in the world for 40 years, when the Twin Towers appeared in New York's skyline. After the tragic events on 9/11, it became again the tallest building in Manhattan. Not for long though, as the new One World Trade Center aka Freedom Tower is supposed to be ready in 2013. The Empire State Building is currently the third tallest sky scrapper in the States (after the Willis Tower and Trump International Hotel and Tower, both in Chicago), and the 15th tallest in the world.

I love the Art Deco style and how imposing it looks. Mainly, when you are outside Manhattan. I have been taking these photos over the last couple of months to share with you here. The idea was to have them taken from the same spot, but I had had some wine in a few of these occasions, therefore it is not looking that perfect lol Can't get tired of looking at it!!!! Isn't it beautiful??? I have written the meaning of the colors below the photos :)

Hope you enjoy xxxxxxxxxxxx

Love

In honor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Partners in Preservation

In honor of the United States Olympic Committee and 100 Days to the 2012 Olympic Games in London

In honor of Autism Speaks and World Autism Awareness Day

In honor of Earth Hour 2012
*Lights off between 8:30p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

In honor of Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and FURTHUR

In honor of the Sakura Centennial

In honor of St. Patrick's Day

In celebration of Easter

Working in New York - so exciting!!!!!

My first week working in New York was so happy and surreal at the same time. I am lucky enough to be able to walk to work and to work one block away from the Chrysler building. 

I am still amazed and in shock!!!!! It seems I am in a movie with all that craziness and yellow taxis around :) 

The Chrysler building is my favorite building in the whole New York. Can't get bored of looking at it. It was the tallest building in the world for 11 months, when it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. Now, it is New York's 4th tallest sky scrapper alongside the new New York Times Building (By Renzo Piano), on the 8th Avenue (between 40th and 41st).

I love the Chrysler's building Art Deco style and its elegant lines. Every time I go for my lunch break I keep looking up!!!!! Just to stare at it :) Awesome!!!!

Feeling very, very grateful and happy!!!!! 

Life in New York has truly began and I like it!!!!!!!

Greenwood Cemetery @ Brooklyn

If you were looking for a fashionable place to be buried in the nineteenth century, Greenwood Cemetery would be the place to go. Founded in 1838, the cemetery has once been one of the greatest tourist attractions in the United States rivalling the Niagara Falls. Can you believe it? Neither could I. That is why I went there to see it myself. The mausoleums, statues and views with the Manhattan skyline in the background are impressive. The Battle of Brooklyn aka Battle of Long Island against the British in 1776, took place in these grounds. The Unites States had declared independence 2 months before. The British won and the American Independence was almost lost before it had begun. The site has become a designated National History landmark in 2006.

Among its famous residents are the entire Steinway clan of piano fame, the artist Jean Michel Basquiat, Louis Comfort Tiffany (the son of the founder of Tiffany & Co) and some of the Roosevelt clan.

A great place to go if you are looking for something different to do and enjoy history :) We walked all the way from there to Park Slope, one of New York most desirable neighbourhoods with beautiful brownstone townhouses, great restaurants and shops.

Hope you enjoy :) xxxxxxxxx

Greenwood Cemetery: 500 25th Street - Brooklyn

Beekman Tower or New York by Gehry...

I wonder if one can get enough of the iconic Manhattan skyline...It is just so impressive and mesmerizing!!!! And it is always evolving, just like the city that never sleeps :)
The New York by Gehry, formerly called Beekman Tower is one of the newest additions to New York's skyscrapers collection. It was designed by the acclaimed architect Frank Gehry and opened in February 2011.  
Gehry used the same stainless steel curves he used at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which makes the shape change when you look at it as you move around.
It is the tallest residential building in the Western hemisphere, 11th in the world and the 8th tallest building in NYC. There are nearly 900 flats distributed in 76 storeys.
I particularly love it! What do you think? :) xxxxx

Photos: Disclosure

New York Public Library - Carrie's wedding venue!

The New York Public Library is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been to. No wonder Carrie wanted to tie the knot with Mr Big there!!!! :) The striking Beaux-Arts building in white marble is the headquarter of the largest public-library system in the world. I have become a member and can't wait to go to some of the free activities they offer. I will have to make a post about them next...

You can explore the building by yourself or you can take one of the free tours (Monday to Saturday 11am and 2pm, Sunday 2pm). The tours last one hour and give you an all round explanation about the building.

After the tour you can have a coffee at Bryant Park, which is behind the library or you can walk up on Fifth Avenue towards Central Park (the library is located between 40th and 42nd Street with Fifth Avenue).

Hope you enjoy! Love xxx

P.S. My apologies for the crap photos - had to use my nearly dead phone!

The Chelsea Hotel - a piece of living history

When I go grocery shopping at my beloved Trader Joe's, I usually walk by the legendary Hotel Chelsea. Once home of many musicians, writers, artists and actors. Among them: Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin.
It was there that Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick and Candy Darling made the underground film Chelsea Girls, based on the lives of young women who lived in the hotel.
The hotel is a designated New York landmark and it has been closed for guests since last year, when it was sold to a New York developer. The nearly 100 residents were allowed to stay while it is undergoing massive renovations.
Would love to go inside and have a look at it!

Hotel Chelsea: 222 West 23rd Street

Department stores in NYC - shopping till you drop!

New York and shopping are two words that go together. And shopping at department stores is great if you feel like shopping for a wide range of goods and do not have a lot of time to spare while visiting the city.  Under one roof you can find pretty much anything.
In New York, just like London, you are going to find a department store for every budget and style. Besides, many of these stores offer in-house discount cards for foreign visitors. Ask at the information desk and make sure you bring your passport along. For sure, I know Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Macy's give you 10% discount at least.

Barneys: 660 Madison Avenue - It has been considered the trendiest New York department store for a while and they have a very well edited selection of clothing, shoes and beauty. It someone asked me what would be the equivalent in London, I definitely would say Harvey Nichols. Sleek, luxurious and edgy. 

Barneys

               
Bergdorf Goodman: 754 5th Ave - In my opinion it is the most beautiful, opulent and old school department store in New York. Apparently, the favourite destination of the wealthiest New Yorkers. The shoe room is absolutely magnificent! I think it is the local Harrods :) On the top floor there is the famous BG restaurant with an incredible view of Central Park. The store was built where the Vanderbilt Family mansion was on 5th Avenue. 

Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's: 1000 3rd Avenue - Bloomingdale's suits all different pockets. The atmosphere reminded me a lot of Selfridges in London. Apparently it is seen as a bit frumpy has been by the locals. On the other hand, still attracts loads of attention from out-of-towners. There is a Magnolia Bakery on the ground floor if you feel like having one of the famous cupcakes :)

Bloomingdale's

Century 21: 22 Cortland St - There is also an unit on the Upper West Side (1972 Broadway). If bargains are your thing, you should give it a go. You will find everything from men's and women's apparel to housewares up to 65% off retail everyday. It is very busy and you need loads of patience to scout good deals.

Century 21

Henri Bendel: 712 Fifth Ave - It is a younger store full of quirky accessories and amazing make up. If feels more like a boutique. Definitely a girly girl's paradise. The building is stunning was well. It used to be the Coty perfume building.

Henri Bendel

Lord & Taylor: 424 5th Ave - Had never heard about Lord & Taylor before we moved here. But was glad to find out about it as it is quite peaceful comparing to other department stores. It is America's oldest store and the building on 5th Avenue is beautiful. They seem to have great deals most of the time as well. Its selection suits a classic crowd.

Lord & Taylor

Macy's: 151 West 34th Street - To be honest, If I can avoid shopping in Macy's I do...It is just so big and so full most of the time. Macy's is the biggest department store in the world occupying a whole block. The houseware selection is very good. The store's logo with the red star was inspired on the owner's tattoo, a former sailor.

Macy's

Saks Fifth Avenue:  611 Fifth Avenue - One of the most famous department stores in New York. It was opened in 1924 and had moved with times, always carrying its reputation and quality. It is very renowned by the cosmetic lines it stocks. The selection for clothes is beautiful, the shoe department is amazing and some people say it has its own zip code. One of my favourites :)

Saks Fifth Avenue

Hope you enjoy :) xxxxxxxx

Photos: Disclosure

The Flatiron Building

The Flatiron building is one of the most famous and loved buildings in NY. When it was built in 1903, it was one of the tallest buildings in the city with 22 storeys. There is a lot of debate about it being the tallest building in New York during that period. The Flatiron is located at the intersection of 5th Avenue, Broadway at 23rd Street, opposite Madison Square Park and Eataly, the Italian food complex, opened in 2010.

I love walking from the Flatiron building up to Union Square (14th Street) via Broadway. There are loads of beautiful house ware/furniture shops on this route.

The Flatiron Building

The Flatiron has become a dwarf now comparing to the other buildings in New York

Tiffany and Co has refurbished and renamed this clock in 2011. It was called the Fifth Avenue clock before and was installed in 1909.

 If you feel like a burger, you can find a Shake Shack inside Madison Square Park.

Eataly has become a must go place when you are in New York :)

The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian @ Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

I have discovered the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, last week, when I was wandering in the Financial District with my parents in law. It was very windy and we were trying to kill some time to meet my hubby for lunch. Then we saw this beautiful building very close to Bowling Green where there was the National Museum of the American Indian. And the best of all FREE entrance :):):)

What a beautiful place!!!!!!! A definitely must go if you are in New York. The building itself is one of the best examples of Beaux-Art architecture you can find in New York. It was built in 1902-1907 and is home of the National Museum of American Indian, Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York and from 2012 the home of the National Archives.
It was designed by the same architect who designed the famous Woolworth Building as well, Cass Gilbert.
The custom house was there until 1970, when it was moved to 6 World Trade Center, destroyed with the attacks on 9/11 :(
The National Museum of American Indian features year-round exhibitions and has amazing objects and ornaments representing almost every Native American tribe as well as tribes from South and Central America. They even have ornaments of tribes in Brazil and Patagonia :):)
1 Bowling Green  New York, NY

Whitney Biennial 2012 @ Whitney Museum of American Art

I had a lovely day yesterday at the Whitney Biennial 2012. I had never been the Whitney and loved this new experience. The Whitney Museum is one of the most important art museums in America and was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in 1914. It showcases mainly the work of living artists and gives emphasis to the work of younger and lesser known artists.

Gertrude was a sculptor and champion of American art and wanted to create a space where American artists could show their pieces. In 1929 she offered her collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and they declined her offer. On top of that, the Museum of Modern Art (Mo MA) was giving preference to the work of European artists. Therefore, Gertrude decided to open her own museum first in Greenwich Village in the late 30's . Moving to the current spot on Madison Avenue in 1966.

The current building was built by the architect Marcel Breuer, one of the leading practitioners of the Brutalism architecture, very popular after the World War II.

Without any doubts, the Biennial is the most important exhibition and usually takes place between March and June in every numbered years. I am very happy I was able to see it :) I loved the drawings and paintings by Nicole Eisenman and would hang them all on my wall.

The Whitney is opening another building in the Meatpacking District, facing the High Line designed by Renzo Piano, one of the most famous architects of our generation. He is responsible for the Centre George Pompidou in Paris, The Shard in London and the new New York Times Building on 8th Avenue. I stare at it everyday from my window :) So lucky! The new Whitney is due to open to the public in 2015. Can't wait!!!!!
If you are in New York during the Biennial, do not miss it!!!! :D

Whitney Museum of American Art: 945 Madison Avenue  New York, NY 10021

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge

The same day we went to visit the Brooklyn Brewery, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. We thought it would be nice to walk all the way from the brewery to the bridge...And we did regret it as there is nothing to see on the way. I would recommend jumping on a taxi to the beginning of the bridge and start your walk fresh from there. What a view!!!!!!! It was amazing walking across the bridge towards Manhattan just before sunset :)
It was a bit busy but without any doubts, one of the best things I have done in New York so far. And the best thing is: it is FREE!!!! :)

Can't wait to go back and I am sure I will be doing this tour whenever I have friends visiting :)