NEW YORK CITY TRIP PHOTOS (PART 1/4) AND A WEDDING DRESS VOTE
It’s hard to believe just two weeks ago we were in New York City, enjoying the food, shopping, and sightseeing. I have so many photos from the trip that I decided to split it into four chronological parts. This was also the first time I have ever traveled without my DSLR. It was actually broken (the lens and the camera body), so Allan bought my a new point-and-shoot for the trip. It took pretty nice photos, but I do wish I could have had my Nikon there.
In one word, the trip was… AMAZING. It was intended to be a birthday trip, as well as a trip to go wedding dress shopping in NYC. Probably the best vacation I have ever taken, minus some travel issues at the end. But we’ll get to that in a few posts.
The trip started out just fine… we flew Continental from Seattle to Newark, and then took an airport shuttle to our hotel. We traveled with two of our good friends, Kim and Greg. Kim is one of my best friends from elementary school, and is also my maid of honour for our wedding next September.
Before we did anything else, even before we checked into our hotel… it was critical that we had a slice of New York pizza (from just around the corner of the hotel) to kick off the trip right. It was the first of many.
Our hotel, Affinia Manhattan was very conveniently located across from Penn Station. The location was fantastic.
The rooms were comfortable but not super modern. We booked a one bedroom for 4 nights (4 people total) and although it was pricey, we were able to keep costs down by sharing between the king bed and the sofa bed in the living room. The location was the biggest draw, as it was across from multiple subway lines and near Times Square/Broadway.
The next morning we bought our metro passes for the week and hopped on the subway to our first destination in the East Village. We took the subway almost everywhere, and I loved it!
We had lunch at Motorino Pizza, which I had done a lot of research about. I’m actually a member of a pizza making forum (I know — nerdy), and I have been following the story of Pizza Napoletana, a famous pizzeria which was bought and turned into Motorino Pizza… but inherited the amazing hand-built wood burning oven from Naples, Italy.
The pizza was amazing. Exactly how Neapolitan pizza should be… bubbly, light airy crust… fresh mozzarella… real oregano… and hand-crushed plum tomatoes from Italy. It was perfect.
The oven was pretty amazing too. It was awesome to see it in action after reading so much about it.
Our food journey didn’t end there, as we also sampled some buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese from Sarita’s right next door. I think my travel companions were crazier about the mac and cheese over the pizza, but I was still crazy for the pizza so I didn’t eat too much of it.
While we were in the East Village, we wandered around a bit and checked out the beautiful apartment buildings.
A quick cab ride and we were back downtown where there was a Veteran’s Day parade going on. It went on for hours!
Then Kim and I went to my first bridal appointment, at Bridal Reflections on 5th Avenue. I tried on some Ines di Santo dresses which I had been lusting after for a while, but ultimately didn’t find my wedding dress.
My friend Kim got engaged about 4 days before our trip to NYC, so it was especially fun going shopping with her since she was engaged too. I had some time left at the end of my appointment, so I suggested she try on a beautiful dress that I figured would be perfect for her. It was, and it turns out that dress was saved in her wedding file too… and she had been wanting to try it on. She fell in love with it. And it was the first dress she had ever tried on!
We escaped from the store after some high-pressure sales tactics, and met up with the boys who were getting drunk in some local pubs while we were at our appointment.
We wandered around 5th Avenue and eventually stopped at Joe Bastianich’s Eataly (also owned by Mario Batali). We had some delicious coffees and I had an amazing pear gelato.
And who did we see but Joe Bastianich himself! I got a photo with him, and mentioned that I was a big fan of Master Chef and his restaurants. We were going to Del Posto on Friday (also owned by Joe and Mario), so he was happy we were going to be dining there.
Then it was our last bridal appointment of the day… at none other than… KLEINFELD’S! Yes, after watching many “Say Yes to the Dress” episodes on TLC, Kim and I were both frothing at the mouth to go to Kleinfeld Bridal.
I had made an appointment about a month before our trip, so we were really lucky to get to go!
It was really exciting. We got to see a lot of the “famous” staff such as Joan, Keasha, Sarah, Jessica, Debbie… and we also got to say hi to Mara, the owner.
We were getting a little nervous sitting in the waiting room. Finally, our consultant came out to help us (Jacqueline). It was a great experience and they really did have a huge selection of dresses. We checked out the stock room, but after trying on several dresses, I was pretty sure it was between a Monique Lhuillier dress and a Pnina Tornai dress (exclusive to Kleinfeld’s). After much deliberation, Joan (the Director of Sales from the show) helped us, but I still couldn’t make a decision.
We had some time left over at the end of my appointment again, so I suggested she try on the same dress she tried on in the other store. She tried on a few more, but kept coming back to the first one. In the end… amazingly… she bought it from Kleinfeld’s! It was super exciting and I am so, so happy for her. It fits her beautifully and it really does suit her personality. I know Greg will love her in it.
As for myself, I still have not found a dress. It’s come down to these two dresses… and I just cannot decide. They are both so unique in their own way, and so different from each other. So help me!
WEDDING DRESS VOTE
Pnina Tornai (Kleinfeld Bridal) Ballgown — I love this dress. It fits me perfectly and is really, really flattering. Allan loves this one. It’s a little more flashy but I love the volume of the dress, and the corset is just amazing.
Monique Lhuillier’s Schiaparelli — I love this dress too! It’s a little more modern/trendy, but it’s also less full a dress, and isn’t as flattering. I would get it converted to a sweetheart strapless neckline. My mom and dad love this one.
Please help me by voting in the comments for one! It’s such a tough decision and I could really use some help 
I love them both! Thanks!
Tags: Affinia, Bridal Reflections, Eataly, Joe Bastianich, Kleinfeld Bridal, Kleinfeld's, Manhattan, Mario Batali, Motorino, New York, New York City, NYC, Sarita's, subway, wedding dress, wedding dresses
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November 23rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Pnina Tornai (Kleinfeld Bridal) Ballgown hands down!
I love the ballgown look! Its defenatly similar to what I want to be wearing at my wedding.
November 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 pm
First one! No one dresses like a princess anymore……..dresses are all so simple these days. Not that choice 2 is all that simple, but still.
November 23rd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
The first dress is just stunning. The fullness of the skirt is gorgeous, and I think the bodice will suit you. It has much more character than the second dress, even though that’s lovely too.
November 23rd, 2010 at 10:21 pm
First wedding dress for me as well. It’s simply gorgeous.
Wow can’t believe you went to NY without a DSLR!!! Sorry to hear that it’s broken, hopefully you’ll get it fixed soon… or it’s just a great excuse to get the D7000.
November 23rd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Pnina Tornai, all the way!!
November 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 pm
You’ve got to go with the Pnina! It is stunning!
November 24th, 2010 at 8:49 am
THE MONIQUE. The first one is too over the top
November 24th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Pnina Tornai for sure…it’s more classical look. Think about years down the road when you look at your wedding photos.
November 24th, 2010 at 10:14 am
Definitely the Pnina, without question!!
November 24th, 2010 at 10:25 am
I love Monique Lhuillier. You can obviously look stunning in both dresses, but I think the Pnina Tornai is like a DREAM! I can picture you in that one more.
And the NY pictures were great! So cool you got to meet Joe Bastianich. I watched Master Chef religiously too. A show, which I think YOU could enter. Me…when they had that solo egg challenge, all I thought of was an omelette. LOL. And it was ridiculous (amazing) what some of the other contestants came up with!!!
And the Kleinfeld ladies. Hilariuous! I watch that show too. Did they film you?
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November 24th, 2010 at 10:29 am
First dress for SURE!!!!
November 24th, 2010 at 11:10 am
It seems I am breaking the mold a little bit, but I adore the Monique Lhuillier dress. The first one reminds me of what all brides are wearing nowadays. They both are beautiful, but I think the second dress is stunning with its train and elegant simplicity. Whichever one you choose, I know you’ll look gorgeous!
November 24th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Hey that’s where I stayed too a few years back when I went to NYC. Loved the Hotel, great staff there
In terms of the dress, I like the second one’s bottom half with the first one’s top half.
November 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Nice blog!! Seems like all the comments are pointing towards the Pnina, and I think I agree!
November 24th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Definitely the first dress! It looks very classic and a ball gown dress is timeless.
November 24th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Pnina Tornai!
I am absolutely loving that dress and you’d look stunning in it! Even though they both have full skirts, I think the Pnina has cleaner lines and the corset/bodice is beautiful.
November 24th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
If you are buying a gown from Kleinfeld’s, I’m not sure how you can go any other way than Pnina! Plus, that is such a gorgeous gown. On your wedding day, your dress has to make you look as good as possible. If the first one flatters you more, go for it!
November 24th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
First one! You don’t want to buy a dress and then change the style. Its a pain!
November 24th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Pnina! I think it’s gorgeous and I’m sure it looks fabulous on you. I know you might feel some pressure to go with the one your parents like best but go with the one that makes you feel great! Are you going to change into another dress for the reception?
November 24th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Although the beaded corset of the Tornai is totally GLAM, i feel like it’s a trendy style that could easily go out of fashion.
Hope this helps.
I have to say that I think Lhuillier’s Schiaparelli is utter elegance, fashion, and class all wrapped in one!
But perhaps hash it out with the technical sides; the Tornai is wider than the Lhuillier and perhaps harder for closeness (aka. hugs and stuff). But the Lhuillier could be too cluttery for nice photos, or perhaps the details on the dress could get easily frazzled throughout the night.
Personally the Lhuillier is a fashion DO because of it’s uniqueness over the Tornai which is similar to other brides’ dresses these days, but no matter what, do what makes your heart happy and you will NEVER regret that! It seems your heart was set on the Tornai from the beginning so maybe it’s the better and homey decision (comfort’s a huge necessity on a girl’s big, long day)! And as long as you are happy in the dress that you wear the day of, NO PERSON can ever judge! We’ll love it cuz YOU do!
November 25th, 2010 at 3:42 am
I think I like the 1st dress the most, it’s more classic but with something not “old”
I’d love to visit NYC someday.. It looks like an amazing place to see
xxx
November 25th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Pnina Tornai Ballgown is just amazing!! It looks dreamy. And I think that’s the way to go on a wedding.
You only get married once so don’t think twice.
Think: If the store was on fire which dress would you save?
November 25th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
The FIRST one – it is gorgeous!
November 25th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
The Pnina Tornai (Kleinfeld Bridal) Ballgown for sure. Not that I know you or have ever met you as we are on totally opposite sides of the world…but…from your photos and from reading your blogs over the past year or so, I definitely think it would look fantastic on you.
Good luck!
November 27th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Im a big fan of Say Yes to the Dress and I must be totally honest…Every single hoochie-mama buys that particular Pnina dress…It is gorgeous, but totally over-worn…Be original, but most of all, get the dress that makes you feel amazing…
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November 27th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I was so excited to see your New York pics! Looks like you had an amazing time. Okay, slightly strange comment to make considering that we all mostly know you only through your blog, but I have to say that the Pnina Tornai dress seems more “you.” It has a more glamorous edge than the Monique L., although both dresses are really incredible. Good luck choosing!
November 28th, 2010 at 12:32 am
The Monique Lhuillier Schiaparelli hands down it better fits your personality and if you’re having it converted to strapless have am add laces to the back to give it the corset look you lovem. I think this dress compliments your personality better
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November 28th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Both gowns are stunning but for you I would go with the Monique. It is utterly elegant and timeless and will make you look like a million bucks. And you could really jazz it up with some sparkly accessories. The Pnina Tornai is too much for a dress and will distract attention away from the beautiful bride. Also I am not sure if the Pnina Tornai is suitable for a Tofino wedding (just from a practical point of view
)
November 29th, 2010 at 8:48 am
I say buy the one you can’t live without and then buy the knockoff of the other and wear it at the reception. I have freinds who have done this. why can’t you have it all? it is once in a lifetime…..
http://shop.storeofdress.net/product.php?productid=46938&cat=262&page=4
http://shop.storeofdress.net/product.php?productid=29317&cat=233&page=4
November 29th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
MONIQUE!!!!!! It will tie in much nicer with your location of the wedding
November 29th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Monique’s for sure! ( :
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Say Yes to Pnina Tornai!
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:50 pm
One more thing, the veil is very important and can transformm the whole look of the dress. Good luck in choosing a dress!
December 4th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Without having seen the prices of the dress, I prefer the Monique Lhuiller dress. I like the low back. After some sleuthing, I read that the Pnina Tornai dress appears to be in the $8k-10k range, while the Monique Lhuillier’s Schiaparelli seems to be in the $5k-7k range. Is price a factor?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Pnina Tornai Ballgown, definitely. The Monique looks like a bunch of wadded fabric in the back.
December 7th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I love the 2nd dress! Very pretty!
I’m going to NYC for the very first time next week – I’m super stoked! It looks like you had fun!
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December 9th, 2010 at 7:54 am
the one from Monique Lhuiller x)
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I LOVE the 2nd one. But if it isn’t as flattering I’d say go with the first. They’re both beautiful, you can’t go wrong!
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January 4th, 2011 at 1:04 am
The Pnina! It’s gorgeous! Plus you said it fits you well. You would look beautiful in anything, but the first dress is stunning.