No, you won’t get robbed or shot, Harlem has such a history in music, architecture and southern food, that it’s definately worth a visit. Take the subway to 125th St. and all the classics are within walkable reach.

the Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th St., Harlem
This famous music theater launched the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Ben E. King. We really regret not going to one of their jazz shows, the Blue Note was such a bummer, I’m sure this is where you get “the real thing”.

Astor Row, 130th St, 5th Av./Lenox Av., Harlem
Astor Row refers to the semi-attached row houses on the south side of the street. These were among the first speculative townhouses built in Harlem, and their design is very unusual. The houses are set back from the street and all have front yards, an oddity in Manhattan, and all have wooden porches. The effect is southern, and has been compared to the appearance of parts of Savannah, Georgia.

Sylvia’s, 328 Lenox Av., Harlem
Ever since 1962, this restaurant became famous for Sylvia’s soulfood, think fried chicken, pork stew, cornbread, bbq ribs, black eyed peas and potato salad. Veggies who want to have this dinner experience can order eggs or salads.

After pizza in Greenwich Village tonight we walked back home and heard loud music and cheers from a street and decided to check it out. That’s how we ended up at the Stonewall Inn, the famous gay bar, where we witnessed history taking place. Because at that same time, the New York Senate passed the bill legalizing gay marriage. Well New York, it’s about time, I’m so happy for you, I got little tears too! Let’s celebrate equality and freedom together coming sunday at the NYC Pride!

NYC Pride, June 27, Fifth Ave from 36th St. to 8th St.,
then Christopher St from 6th Ave to Greenwich St.

If you’re a fashionista/o and in New York, you must see the Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty” exhibiton at the Met. Curator Andrew Bolton breaks down the contrast between the horrifying and the exquisite in late Lee’s work, which resulted in a beautiful and inspiring exhibition. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up the coolest NYC souvenir of the moment, the mini Armadillo shoe!

Alexander McQueen, Savage Beauty, extended ’till August 7, 2011
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Av./ 82nd St., Museum Mile

With an extra 25% off, I went to the final day of the TT/HL Sale. I wasn’t that convinced about the bag after all, I did buy this draped Helmut Lang dress though! I’m so happy with my almost new wardrobe; a Theyskens’ blazer, Theyskens’ pants, Helmut Lang dress and a Helmut Lang scarf.
Happy with my treasures, not with the service of the sales staff that is, the ladies were absolutely the rudest and most snobbish I’ve experienced during three months of New York shopping, and trust me, I did a lot of it!
Herr Helmut, Monsieur Olivier, my humble advice to you, please hire new New York Soho staff who DO appreciate and sell the clothes with the love they deserve.

Helmut Lang/ Theyskens’ Theory, 93 Mercer Street, SoHo

Probably your number one goal, shopping! While I recommend SoHo, Nolita, Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking for good boutique shopping in a nice atmosphere, you can’t miss out on the department stores. Remember that most of them are all packed with the big designers, from Chanel, Chloé and Céline to Michael Kors and Prada, so unless it’s Sales, and even then, it’s most likely you just drop by for inspiration, eye candy and the most gorgeous window displays you’ve ever seen.

* Barneys, my number one favourite, spacious and beautiful, like a museum, just remember, Seven Is Fashion Heaven, the 7th floor (sportswear?!) is packed with brands like Theyskens’ Theory, (T by) Alexander Wang, Acne, Rick Owens and Isabel Marant. These edgier brands are also united in a few Barneys CO-OP stores around the city. I’m really gonna miss Barneys back home!

Barneys, 660 Madison Av., 47th/48th

* Bergdorf, anything but spacious, but still a favourite for their gorgeous windows. If available, remember to pick up their free catalogue, or should I say fashion glossy, more than 100 pages free eyecandy for your flight back.

Bergdorf Goodman, 754 5th Avenue, 58th St.

* Bloomingdale’s, also more affordable brands, not quite the designer feel of Barneys or Bergdorff, nevertheless a classic, if only so you can bring home a signature brown bag.

Bloomingdale’s, 1000 3rd Avenue, 59th/60th

* Saks, quite spacious with shop in shops, while you can find all the designers here, the overall feel is nice, not edgy.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue, West 49th St.

* Century 21, I went once on a sunday and it was fashion hell, think Dolle Dwaze Dagen, Prijzencircus, Crazy Prices and Wibra (Yes! Wibra!) all happening at once in one store. To get the best buys and avoid the crowds, I was recommended by a local to go early on a weekday, they open at 7.45 am. Note that they will open a second store on Columbus Av. this Fall 2011. For budget buys, I really recommend going to a Sample Sale instead.

Century 21, 22 Cortlandt Street, WTC site