It’s no surprise I made my way to Manhattan in New York via Austin, Texas – honed the Southern land of trending fashion, food, & music for any belle or a former Miss Texas Latina (me). New York City has no shortage of the very things to love about my favorite City in Texas (Austin) – and twice a year magic happens when fairy dust falls in February (realistically the fairy dust is snow in 15 degree weather) where the city transforms into a melting pot of culture from designers all over the world who join to reveal their latest masterpieces that will soon sweep continents in fall which is New York Fashion Week.

Luckily, the magic fairy dust doesn’t just disappear with the snow…and also includes delectable eats featured in The New York Times & historic music moments that only happen in NYC such as Dorinda Medley of The Real Housewives Of New York joining your table to sing along to live Jazz at the Historic Metropolitan Room. My “week” began with a text from Joseph Knoop, Pinterest’s most fascinating man with over 3.5 million followers stating he’d be landing in less than a few hours and would be staying on my couch. Yes, just another day in New York City life. I’m all about fair trade! I get the inside scoop on everything fashion. His NYFW pick is…Georgine, a New York City based luxury women’s ready to wear brand. He quotes, “The runway show was elegant, sophisticated, & refined.”

I seemed to be joined at the hip with this lovely apprentice & Fashionista miss Coco Daniels everywhere something was happening. “Coco” Courntey Daniels NYFW top pick goes to Marc Jacobs; “I loved Marc Jacobs’ collection romantic goth — the furs, unexpected layering and the foot high platforms…however, I could do without the Hillary Rodham Clinton  tee.” – oh my!

Friend and GQ insider Keino Benjamin (New York City’s Style Icon) privately gave me an inside look at his latest curated masterpiece before his public reveal for Violent Rose in which he styled and directed. Keino is a master at the craft of style and is nonetheless a master at what he calls his “movement” – whether he’s styling Aaron Carter or himself, he is always on point. Something about Violent Rose’s pieces speak to me “Chic Street Elegance” for that “New York State Of Mind.” I personally love Keino Benjamin, and I love Violent Rose. This is my top pick…I envision men wearing this on the streets of Paris, NYC, & Austin  

Now for your belly and your entertainment.

For an evening worth savoring whether in town for NYFW or not –  head to the newly opened gem Till & Sprocket.  A former fur showroom in the Chelsea neighborhood the restaurant is nestled cozy in showroom districts and not far from tourist or local commutes. I tend to be picky with my food since I moved from Austin and am spoiled by our Texas cuisine, but Till & Sprockett really came through with their American menu. I was mostly impressed with their cheese platter (I am a cheese lover). I dropped in for a bite before a night on the town and didn’t want to eat too heavily. The menchago & cape verde goat & sheep milk blue cheese were the perfect temperature & taste for my delicate palate, not a bite was too overbearing. Paired was a delightful vodka, Reyna Vodka (comparable to Tito’s which they also have on shelf). I left smiling and content! Try it, you will not be disappointed!

I wrapped my NYFW experience with a night out of live jazz to see Fox News correspondent Kelly Wright make his debut at the historic Metropolitan Room. This is a must for anyone in town. The music and atmosphere is anything but pretentious, and gives that classic “New York” cabaret feel. Also, dress to impress. Since I’m freshly out of love with a man who may never return from Paris (so New York), my very handsome model friend and ILMG producer Justin Estill subbed as my guest…and he brought guests. You never know what will happen at the Metropolitan Room! Soon legend Rita Crosby was hugging with owner Bernard Furshman reminiscing of fabulous old times, all while our guests, the lovely Dorinda Medley & boyfriend John Mahdessian of The Real Housewives of New York danced as if no one was watching. May I add that I unknowingly sat next to legendary flutist Bobbi Humphrey (originally from Dallas, TX) who not only guessed my hometown of San Antonio, TX but complimented me on my voice while clinging to my hand. The music is legendary, the company is legendary, and the wine is divine. So, yes, please please please head to the Metropolitan Room for your piece of NYC History, if not for the music alone.