A Warm Afternoon in Flatiron

This fall has been a season of massive weather mood swings: One day it is cold and crisp, the next it is hot and humid.  We just went from 36 degrees to 75 degrees in less than a day – that is basically winter to summer.  While these hot November days in NYC are not normal, and we all should be looking into ways to decrease our carbon footprint, I have to admit it also nice to have a few extra days to enjoy some of my favorite warm-weather activities in the city.  I spent an unnaturally warm day in the Flatiron District and Union Square with my husband, visiting old favorites and finding new ones.  My outfit from Ellos was the perfect mix of casual, comfortable, and pulled together a day out and about.

Our first stop was Dough to get the best doughnut in NYC: Their insanely delicious passion fruit glazed creation.  This doughnut is something I constantly recommend, and I’ve been told by countless friends who tried it that it was even better than expected, even after me hyping it up all the time.  Despite not having any filling, it somehow manages to taste juicy (?!?!)  Topped with a smattering of tiny dark chocolate nibs that provide the perfect textural contrast, it is truly a destination-worthy bite.  Each doughnut is also huge and immensely satisfying, so I’m not at all surprised that Dough was voted the best doughnut shop in America.

To be clear, Dough is not a warm-weather-only treat (they have seating at the Flatiron shop), but sitting in the Union Square plaza is.  It is a great spot for people watching while you snack.

After the doughnuts, we did a little shopping in Union Square (home of my favorite Nordstrom Rack and a Forever 21 that carries plus sizes!), and then found ourselves wanting something cold and fresh.  A quick search led us to Jus at the Coffee Shop, a little storefront on 16th Street just off the park.  The large juice for $7 is not bad at all for downtown (where fresh juices often run $10+), and was just the thing for chilling out in the park for a bit.

This twist-front jersey dress from Ellos is just the thing for a versatile weekend look.  I wore it with their zip up oxfords and bare legs for the unseasonable weather, and will wear it again with sock boots and my leather moto when the temps go back to normal.  For under $30, it is a deal.  I usually size up one with Ellos, but this has stretch, so get your usual size if you want it to be a bit more form-fitting.  I finished the look with a sequin star bag added a little sparkle to a grey day.