Just Back-You Made the Trip Great!
 

We are just back from 10 days in NYC and owe a debt of gratitude to you! Had a great time -contrary to popular opinion New Yorkers are very friendly!(except trying to get a cab on the day it snowed and then it was another story!) What energy - my favorite part of the trip was just walking around. Your advice - restaurant recommendations, subway info, even what to do on our first night was great! One question though -- what's the deal with all the black clothes? Is that so out of towners stick out like a sore thumb? Thumbs up - world trade center, soup kitchen, de la guarda, john's pizza, pizza @ cosi's, hunans' chinese, planetarium show, drinks at ruby foos, norma's french toast,new shackleton imax and the poster who advised me to bring the stroller (ESPECIALLY THANK YOU!) Thumbs down - lunch @ tavern on the green, cosi sandwiches and fao shwartz (that closed early on Sunday afternoon of our last day for a "Private Event."

Glad you had a great trip, Donna; I guess you forgot to ask about how New Yorkers dress! Black, black, black it is. Maybe some visitors will read your report and then finally believe us New Yorkers about Tavern on the Green :-)

At a Soho coffee bar last December, I looked around me to note that every single person in the place (except me and the fellow Pennsylvanians at our table), both men and women, were wearing black pants, black turtlenecks and black ankle boots! I have since bought such an outfit for myself, which I plan to wear when I return in March.

I'm glad we're having this discussion......regarding the masses wearing black. Can anyone tell me WHY? I mean, WHY??? Yes, we wear black in the midwest -- but not everyday. What happened to individualism in NYC? What happened to a personal sense of style? Why does everyone want to look like everyone else? No offense, but it reminds me of High School! LOL

Seems *everyone* wears black in London, too! <BR> <BR>Could it be the air pollution (read, dirt, dust) effects doesn't show as much? I truly believe that's the case in London anyway.

Donna...thanks for the feedback. I never post on NY but it's always great to hear what was good and what not so good from folks returning from their destinations. <BR> <BR>Re the black thing...as I read that, like "NotJustNYC", I was thinking of London. It was astounding--and we were there in the summer!

Being a blond, I like the way black looks on me (but I must admit I keep those sticky lint roller companies in business singlehandedly). Black doesn't show dirt, it always matches and, best of all, makes you look skinny!

Isn't black this year's black? <BR>My, aren't we all very trendy. <BR>Whatever happened to being yourself?!?

I'm glad you had a great time, Donna!

Actually I had read on this board about the black thing -- so I was prepared and you couldn't tell I was a cajun in the city! And I think you hit the nail on the head with the city grime thing --my 2 year old had a pink and white coat that was filthy by the time we left just from subway, taxi etc. To the credit of New York - at least there were no shirts with big rhinestone appliques--as you will find as soon as you step on the plane to New Orleans! I'll take black anyday!

As I recently heard on a stupid TV sitcom...."New Yorkers will continue to wear black until they find a darker color"

Yes, black clothes hide the city grime much better. Plus, as someone else mentioned, they are slimming. And, they don't show wrinkles! They're just the most practical. Plus, black looks dressier than other colors -- for example, one might not feel comfortable at certain restaurants in a white turtleneck and blue jeans, but if you take the identical outfit and just change the color to a black turtleneck and black jeans, you will look more dressed up.

Hi, <BR>I moved to NYC 10 years ago from NJ. I went from a 2000 sq ft. townhouse to a 550 sq ft studio apartment. So, I can explain to you that wearing black (for me & my friends anyway), is about SPACE. Closet space is like gold in NYC, & storage is virtually non-existant. So, if you wear a lot of black it goes with everything & you need less clothing, thus less closet space. And of course dirt is a factor. Riding public transportation is not like getting into your own, freshly cleaned car. Then, there is the most important factor--black is slimming!!! Need I say more?

Black is my travel wardrobe. It is not to look like everyone else but, because it is such a comfortable, easy color. Does not show dirt or wrinkles, matches everything, can be brighten up with a scarf. Husband wore light pants on our last trip. They were dirty before is got off the plane. Besides, I look good in black.

I noticed that black was everywhere in San Francisco too, but not as universal as NYC. It was one of only a very few things that I disliked there. The young people look stern and washed out; like they are ready to get in line for Soylent Green. It's way too robotic in mass like that. This and the flat hair thing hasn't done anything for the young women, regardless of how slim they may think they look. I really liked some dynamite coats I've seen in Chicago this year on all sizes and shapes. To me fashion is individualism expressed beautifully and appropriately. When you are older black does little for the skin tones. Donna, I wish I could have had 10 days. Did you see a lot of shows?

Hey Jeanette - stay in chicago will you? if you really feel that ny'ers aren't up to snuff according to your fashion theory, that is just too bad. people who live and work here don't get out of bed every morning thinking about dressing to please tourists. black clothes work for us & most of the fashion industry as well, which incidentally thrives on 7th Avenue. As for looking washed out, stern, flat-haired, and robotic, that is quite a generalization. Perhaps you just met up with a group of people coming off a 10 hour work day & are looking forward to a grueling commute home. You see, plenty of these robotic folk live in CT & NJ as well. But I guess you wouldn't know that unless they were wearing pink or purple.

disgusted, You need to dress in black as it fits your anger and temperament. Keep working and stay happy! That's what its all about, right? And I also have a right to my opinion. You are awful touchy and insecure to be so reactive. You are the #1 city after all and should have more class. Lighten up - in more ones than one and maybe you'll see the whole picture, and it's not just an alternative pink or purple either.

You know Jeanette, I wasn't going to respond to your inane reply, but what the heck, I am just lounging around anyway. Lighten up? You come to the #1 city for a couple of days, catagorize everyone as morbid robots & think I am the one with the problem? You do have a right to your opinion, regardless as to how stupid you come across. And by the way, I have no anger towards you Jeanette, just don't come back to NY and ask me for directions.

Hate to say this but black is just the urban upscale color. Paris, Rome, Athens, Los Angeles, San Francisco... you always find a larger percentage of people dressed in black. Here in LA a lot of club/trendy types were leather coats, pants skirts.. and leather is most often found in black. I love black for all the reasons mentioned above, slimming, easy to care for.. matches everything. I certainly wouldn't wear anykind of pastel or crazy color any place other then a beach... but then I like it that way... there is nothing wrong with colors if you prefer them.

You know disgusted you are really funny. You can't even read what I said, but only infer from your own state of anger. I did not use any of the words you said. I did say that the look was robotic. WHICH it is, have you ever seen any 60s or 70s sci-fi movies? Why so defensive? You need to lighten up and not take things personal that were not meant that way. The look is a fade for whatever reason, and looks bad on many people.

Jeanette, you are right. I shouldn't take your stupid statements personally. Oh, and I am so sorry. Just loaded with anger as most of us dressed in black are. Please, Please, Please come back to NYC. We need people like you here to brighten up our dismal days. Oh, if only we could focus on really important stuff like what to wear and how to pouf up our hair! Gosh, maybe I can squeeze in some fashion classes instead of visiting museums, historical sites, theater, and soaking up the local COLOR. Maybe I should go to some of the places you visited in NYC (Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square). Then I could copy how you and the other tourists are dressing & improve my fashion statement. But wait, wouldn't you all be wearing your travel blacks?

My goodness didn't mean to start a debate on the black issue -- It just seemed unusual to me - since we are from Louisiana and travel alot to Florida and Houston - where you don't see alot of black -- and of course the reason is because we are all SWEATING to DEATH down here - and black just makes things hotter! Personally I liked it -- Though my children did look a bit morbid in their black getups! Re the 10 day thing -- my husband was at a seminar and no the only shows we were able to see were Beauty and the Beast (for the 2 and 7 year old along with us!) and 1 night of blessed babysitter during which we saw De La Guarda -- nevertheless we had a great time -- but HEAVEN would be 10 days in New York sans the children! This was a great time of year to go -- almost every show was discounted hugely at the TKTS booths! Places the travel guides said would have mega lines - had none. Huge sales at all the stores, cheaper hotel rooms. So if you are thinking vacation next year I would suggest bundle up - pack your warmest BLACK COAT (that wind is a killer) BLACK GLOVES AND BLACK HAT and hit New York in January, February. Hey has anybody else seen de la guarda? What did you think?

Hey, disgusted! LIGHTEN UP! (Sorry, I know you're wearing black.) <BR> <BR>Get over it! Culture doesn't revolve around NYC. Flyover country is just fine, thankyouverymuch. <BR> <BR>I doubt you really are a New Yorker by nature, just another frustrated Midwesterner who couldn't find "a thang to do" out here, so took a job and copped an attitude in NYC. REAL New Yorkers can't stand you, either. <BR> <BR>And a New Yorker taking in the culture and museums? Puh-lease!

I was in NYC in October. Had a great time and made the same observation. Black everywhere. Yes, black is a standard everywhere for the same reason that you find it in NYC. But wow! Standing as an outsider, looking down a NYC street, it really is monochromatic! Personally, I think the black would be more stunning with splashes of color!

Donna - good to hear that you enjoyed the trip and the trip report is truly appreciated (we don't see enough of them). Sorry the Cosi's sandwiches didn't hit the mark (that was my recommendation, IIRC) but I'm interested to hear that their pizza was good - I'll have to try it. As for wearing black... I've always been a non-fashion oriented person but decided to try wearing some things in all black now that I spend so much evening and weekend time in NYC. Guess what? It's simple, looks dressy even when it's casual and makes me look slimmer! I can buy into the idea but definitely don't stay locked into it the summer. Look around NYC from May through September and you'll see the color in women's clothes (in particular)that is lacking in the winter. BTW, just got back from Key West and they now have a clothing store there which sotks only black, white and gray clothing!

You know, as someone living in NYC, I think visitors really notice all the black and they see so much of it, they don't see the rest! Owen is right, there's more black in fall and winter, everyone's right about the griminess factor and the slimming factor, and I myself do wear a fair amount of black. OTOH, every time I'm out I do notice both the colors and the very individual statements made all over town. And I do know a few people who live here who never, ever wear black.

Hey Getalife: Believe me, I am "lightened up". I've been hysterical with laughter over this whole 'discussion'. Don't have to prove I am a born & raised NY'er, because it doesn't matter. Yes, I am wearing black pants today. If that makes me robotic, so be it. Never said culture revolves in NYC. DC is full of culture, as is Boston, Chicago, SF, etc. But, if you are not aware of it, NYC is also an unbelievably expensive city to live in. Most people work to support their apartments just for the priveledge of being able to partake of what this amazing city has to offer. Despite what you think you know of the people who live here, we are the ones who support the city Arts by frequenting them regularly, not the tourists who are in and out. Tourists see the 5 main Broadway shows & attractions and then go home. They wouldn't even bother to visit the 50 or so off & off-off Broadway productions. Not one of the posters on this board who are looking to visit the city has even MENTIONED an interest in Lincoln Center, Ballet, Metropolitan Opera, etc. If we NY'ers would rather have a limited wardrobe & spend our cash on show tickets & other cultural events, why should that lead to an out-of-towner assume that we wear black because we are suppressing anger. If visitors don't have something nice to say about us, they can really just keep it to themselves. We don't walk around bashing tourists who show up in January with a windbreaker & sandals. Black is practical and that is that.

May I jump in here, please? As a native from Cleveland, currently living in Chicago, I have to agree that black is *The* color. (Actually, black is the absence of color.) If you look around either Cleveland or Chicago on a fall or winter day, you will also find the predominant color is black. In fact, black seems to be carried right through into the spring and summer. <BR> <BR>Isn't it wonderful to have such a variety of diverse cities in which to explore? Can we all just be grateful that America boasts such a magnitude of cultural, classy cities to which we may travel? Can we all agree to disagree on some of the more trivial aspects of living? Thank you!

Donna, <BR> <BR> You mentioned using a babysitter one night - how did you arrange that? Through the hotel? A service? Were you pleased with it? I would like to plan a trip, but with a young child I was wondering if I would be able to make it to a show. Thanks for your help! <BR> <BR>Kim

Well said Mandy. I agree 100%. None of this matters one bit. Time to move on to another more interesting thread. Seen the one on 8 hr flights with a 16 month old? : - )

Kim - our old babysitter now attends NYU so that's how it worked out for us. But - I was told that there is a babysitters guild in NYC that is great and can be arranged by your hotel. I usually drag my children everywhere we go and they are great travelers BUT NYC is the one place we've been where I really wish I hadn't brought them. Sure there were lots of things to do with children but mmm let's just say my husband and i are already planning a return trip sans the kids.

Donna, <BR> You reference advice that you got from some old threads on Fodor's but I have searched and all I have found was one in reference to hotels located near subway lines and taking your kids to see snow - were there some more threads were you got good advice? I am just curious as I am thinking about a similar trip! <BR> <BR>Also, would love to hear more about your trip. What did the kids enjoy most? What was your favorite sight? <BR> <BR>Kim

De La Guarda is a wonderful show -- tons of fun and unlike anything I'd ever seen before. However, I don't want to write anything more about it here -- the less you know before going in, the better. Just wear something you don't care about too much (it doesn't even have to be black, but actually, that would probably work out nicely!).

This was a hoot to read. We just packed up our 23yo daughter who is moving to NY as I type. She has a lot of black in her wardrobe, but, well, she has a heck of a lot of everything. Hope there's room for all she's jammed in to that 10-ft UHaul!

I grew up in the midwest and am now in NYC (admitting that right off the bat due to the attacks earlier)(ha ha)-- and I think that some of the stuff on this thread is REALLY SILLY. As for the black clothes.....IT IS WINTER!!! There are plenty of COLORS here when it is WARM out, and people don't have to wear jackets and things of that sort. And... we just may surprise you....under our black coats we MAY just have something of COLOR on!!! <BR> <BR>I can tell you from experience that if you actually WORK in NYC and/or use mass transit- BLACK is the only way to go(the person posting on the air pollution/grime hit is right on the head!)! I tried wearing a mauve colored suit to work when I 1st moved here and it was filthy by the time I got home. <BR> <BR>Besides, black looks GREAT....and Jeanette....if you don't think that "flat hair" is a GOOD thing (as opposed to curled, sprayed, and fluffed) then not only do you not belong in NYC.....but you don't belong in this CENTURY!!! Natural is beautiful!! Thank god for flat hair!!!

No one has mentioned the Baby Boomers--well they are now in their 50s and have you heard of middle -age- spread? So keeping this in mind, (and the fact they have changed every segment of life they have so far been in, since their numbers are so many) why is anyone surprised that slimming black is now in? PS One other nice thing about black is how it inhances a bit of color ie red gloves or a gold scarf.

I giggled when I read all the postings <BR>about the fashion habits of Manhattanites. We were there last August, and my nine-year-old noted the preponderance of black fashion. She was concerned enough that we had to take a trip to a clothing store to stock up on a few black items. <BR> <BR>out. <BR>wardrobe

Jeanette, you mention that when you get older, black does nothing for your skin tones. What age might that be? I am 52. Am I too old to wear black?

It's black here in San Francisco as well, but highlighted by "neon" colors--bright green, hot pink, red etc. I actually like the straight black better!

agreed...the whole thread has, mostly, become a bit stupid, tho it started out with a perfectly reasonable premise). I'm sorry - "disgusted" truly does need a smack up his/her head. First...he (she) is the instigator of an uncomfortable discourse by taking high umbrage over remarks made about....SAN FRANCISCO -- NOT nyc ...Duh! but then prolongs the arguement/offensiveness...and then comes back, and acts like... <BR>oh my! there is unpleasnantness on this site! what a shame! Shocked! Shocked it is you are,disgusted??? <BR> <BR>Why the heck don't you spend time <BR>*contributing* to a conversation - or do you have nothing to say? <BR> <BR>I have ignored the oh-so-frequent Adam Henry's on Fodors so many times and for oh so long (want a translation? It's police-ese for nitwits..take the first two initials and figure it out). But this bit of nitwitism really got to me... <BR>apologies....cuz I know that all I've done is prolong it all.. <BR> <BR>