As Monday’s mark a fresh start to a new work week, I thought it’d be fun to share a few offline sources that help drive my creativity day-in and day-out. I also love to hear from friends and other creative professionals on what helps them stay motivated, other than your go-to websites and magazines! So without further ado, here are a few things that help keep things fresh and inspiring around here.
1. Restaurants
I’m pretty sure I take living in New York City for granted. The number of delicious restaurants here can truly be overwhelming but one of my favorite parts about trying out a new coffee shop or brunch spot are…wait for it….the interiors (shocking, right?). From the material of the tables to the finishes on the pendant lighting, I love seeing what materials are used where in the various restaurants around the city. A few spots I’ve been loving as of late: Claudette, Cookshop, Tertulia, Carbone, Buvette and Perla.
Claudette, NYC
Rosemary’s, NYC
2. City Architecture/ Neighborhoods
One of my favorite things to do offline, is to simply walk the different neighborhoods of New York. I love the West Village, Chelsea and both the Upper East and Upper West Sides. There are so many charming corners, tree-lined streets, and so much more. They also make for the perfect Instagram.
West Village, NYC
Greenwich Village, NYC
3. Retail Stores
When I’m truly in a creative rut, I love shopping on 5th Avenue. Insert Club Monaco‘s flagship store. I’m not sure who they hired to design the store but the aesthetic is spot on: over-sized mirrors, built-in bookshelves, fresh flowers…everywhere…+ let’s not forget about the florist on hand, and a coffee shop right in the store. I love everything about the shopping experience at this flagship! There are basically hundreds of stores that are well designed sure to help stir up some creativity.
Club Monaco, 5th Ave – NYC
Club Monaco, 5th Ave – NYC
Banana Republic, 5th Ave – NYC
4. Fresh Flowers
One of my favorite things to do is pick up $10 dollar market flowers. Not only do they instantly brighten my apartment but it’s fun to switch up the type of flowers week in and week out!
5. Travel
I miss the summer so much basically due to all of the traveling I get to do on the weekends. The Hampton’s is one of my favorite locations simply because of all the nautical instagrams waiting to be taken – can you blame a girl? Beach getaways are also a must! I’m hoping to get more travel on the books over the long Christmas break (more on that soon)!
Montauk Yacht Club, Montauk, NY
Montauk Yacht Club, Montauk, NY
Miami, Florida
What helps fuel your creativity? Have a lovely Monday! Xo. Lauren
I love taking long walks through different neighborhoods too! Always inspiring and a great opportunity for taking photos, and I always seem to stumble across something new and interesting. Also, I’m obsessed with Club Monaco’s flagship as well! Wouldn’t mind if all of my walks ended there :). I think the bookshop is the best part!