New York City is special for millions (upon millions) of reasons, but what makes this destination more than a destination is the phenomenal way it’s so deeply loved all over the world – even by those who haven’t been there. Whenever I’m here I often feel like I’m placed in the center of the universe. You could spend your entire life in the city and never soak up enough of the energetic moments only possible under the spell of Manhattan…

On our way back to Europe, D and I made a lengthy pitstop and I was over the moon excited like a child when I saw snow on the forecast. There is nothing more romantic – in every sense of the word – than walking through this city during winter. Give me a warm cup of coffee to-go so my hands stay warm, a comfortable pair of heels and I can easily trek it from Central Park to the Financial District.

My style has made a major shift from neutral to preppy and classic over the past several months (I blame Blair Waldorf), and for me there is no wintery day complete without a jewel-toned tailored jacket. The J Crew majesty peacoat (in emerald, but I love this stunning blue as well) combined with a the oversized turtleneck (this one, but in white) and a white knit beanie I scored in the same Black Friday haul are classic splurges I’ll have a hard time putting away when spring rolls around.

Bryant Park was always one of my favorite places to relax in the city. I spent a magical summer interning in Manhattan during journalism school and would often retreat here during those warm city nights for a movie in the park nights with friends (and red wine, naturally) or to escape into my book-of-the-moment on breezy weekend afternoons. Walking through here a few years into my career and reflecting on those magical times made me cherish my lifelong affair with the City even more.