The 3 NYC Spots That Inspire My Personal Style

I think what I love the most about New York City is the fact that people flock here from all over the world with different backgrounds and experiences, and still have one thing in common — a serious work ethic. If you work hard — as one does to survive in this city — there are endless amounts of possibilities.

Like most New York transplants, I remember the exact moment I decided to make the big move. I had just finished watching Breakfast at Tiffany's for the first time ever, and as cliché as it sounds, I turned to my sister and declared I was moving here. Two years later, she dropped me off at my New York City dorm, and the rest was history.

During my four years of college, I interned just about every semester in some sort of fashion, beauty, or journalistic realm, and that ultimately led me to my first job out of college as an editor at a beauty magazine. Fast-forward to today, and you'll find me at the Bustle headquarters still writing and editing about the things I love most: beauty and fashion. And when it comes down to my personal style, I'd say it definitely reflects the city I live in. I tend to wear a lot of dark and neutral colors, but I love to mix in a fun statement piece as well, whether that's a bold lip, an eclectic accessory, or both. So when I came across this black laced peasant top from H&M's new spring collection, I knew it was perfect for me. Even though it was truly unique, it was versatile — it paired seamlessly with a simple pair of boyfriend jeans and my favorite black booties.

In partnership with H&M, here are some of my favorite New York City spots that have inspired my style over the past few years.

Upper West Side

I've always been infatuated with the Upper West Side. The brownstones, the mom-and-pop shops, the sidewalk cafes — it's my dream neighborhood. And, it's where my first NYC job was located, so it'll always have a special place in my heart.

Chelsea

You don't have to step inside a restaurant to find good food in this city. There are so many food carts that I can't get enough of in the Chelsea neighborhood where I went to school and currently work. From empanadas, to stuffed pita sandwiches, to gelato (my personal favorite), the street vendors of New York never disappoint.

Central Park

Central Park is the green heart of New York City and it's just as beautiful during the cold winter days. It's one of my favorite places to go to when I feel like zoning out and relaxing. And as much as I love exploring the city with my friends, I love roaming around on my own even more.

Aside from escaping the hustle and bustle inside the park, you can also walk to some of the best museums the city has to offer. The American Museum of Natural History is on the west side of the park while The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum are both off the east side of the park.

SoHo

SoHo is more than just an urban shopping mall. I find myself going to the same restaurants over and over again, and they're all within walking distance from each other. Jack's Wife Freda, Cafe Select, and La Esquina will have your taste buds buzzing all night long.

This post is sponsored by H&M.

Images: Lauren Perlstein; Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi