Ici Fashion: COSMOPOLITAN METROPOLITAN (vacation series)

WHY: A city escape is perfect for those with a curious and culture-hungry outlook or who like to have an engaging schedule jam-packed with the coolest things to do. For those with bags of energy, like to be busy, or are filled with a zest for life, a city escape gives a whole new, energized meaning to the term ‘sightseeing’.

WHERE: New York City. Is there any other city? If you’re looking for contemporary culture, in the mood for sophisticated soirees, or just lusting after days of variety and thrill-seeking, there’s no place like the Big Apple. Why is it called the Big Apple? The truth is, no one can really say for sure. In fact, it’s one of the most hotly-debated questions among New Yorkers. Some say the nickname originates from the jazz age, others contend it has something to do with the races, but, come on. Do you really care? This is New Yawk, baby!

WHAT: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you consider NYC culture? Most likely, it’s art. New York City is home to some of the most renowned art museums in the world, and has arguably the best art scene to be found. This is, after all, the place those involved in the arts come to make it, the place where it’s ‘the work you do’ that counts, not ‘the work you’ve had done’. If you’ve come to New York, you simply can’t afford not to visit the Met, the Whitney (both of which, by the way, have donation-based entrance fees), MoMA, and the Guggenheim, as well as the Chelsea art scene for the best current art for free. The best way to experience Chelsea’s over-200 galleries is to go on a ‘gallery crawl’ on a Thursday or Friday night (late-night openings! great art! free booze!). Check out chelseagallerymap.com for more information. Is dance is more your style, don’t miss the best dancers in the world and the atmosphere of the company Black Swan portrays at the New York City Ballet. Before or after getting your fill of art, experience a different, yet equally impressive, art form at Per Se, the best and most authentic French restaurant in the whole of New York City. Given a full four stars (the highest possible rating) by Sam Sifton of the New York Times, the famously expensive fare (the nine course tasting menu will lighten your wallet a painful $295) can be sampled even by the most strapped-for-cash (the a la carte salon menu runs $14 to $46) and, along with the stellar service, totally warrants the steep prices. Best bets include signature dish Oysters and Pearls, pressed duck, and huckleberry sorbet with whipped lemon verbena and red-wine granite. And what would a trip to NYC be without going shopping? My suggestion would be to hit up a sample sale or two – the gods’ divine secret to getting designer wares for unbelievable prices. Sign up at topbutton.com for free for an updated list of current sales, and keep an eye on the Budget Fashionista and Mizhattan blogs and the shopping section of Time Out New York for updates on sample sales.

IT’S FASHION, DAHLING: Now, we all know that when you go on vacation it’s important to pack light, or even take an empty suitcase with you in anticipation of what’ll make its way back home with you on the return trip, and New York is definitely the rule, not the exception. Luckily, this is completely manageable. If you intend to hit up the NYC art scene, you’ll need to look chic and polished, yet not too stuffy. Pair J Brand’s 901 Legging in Pitch for a polished yet comfy jean with French Sole New York’s Feature flat (like real ballet slippers, they conform to the wearer’s feet, thus making for incredibly comfortable gallery crawls), available at Zappos, a simple black spaghetti-strap tank (it can get hot schlepping around 200 galleries, y’know, and sweaty does not equal chic) and Ted Baker’s bright blue Tailored Jacket available at ASOS. This also makes for a great sample sale outfit (comfortable, yet chic – could you ask for more?). For fine dining at Per Se and fine watching at the NYCB, try Tart’s Short Infinity Dress in dune – it’s the perfect nude, flattering, Marilyn-Monroe-silhouette-creating dress that can be styled multiple ways on top (“Oh, this old thing? I’ve worn it loads of times, darling!”) – with an orange lip and Zara’s I Basic Sandal in black and orange for chic yet timeless appeal. Fabulous, darling!