No one knows about New York City’s most Instagrammable spots better than a professional Content Creator… who also happens  to live right there.

Below, you’ll find a list of the best places for street photography in NYC during the most magical time of the year, the holiday season. This list doesn’t include all locations, but it has a few “must-visit” locations that I can recommend for any one visiting New York City during the holiday season.

Uptown

1. RALPH’S COFFEE:

Address: 888 Madison Ave
This coffee shop is a famous picture spot for bloggers, and their chai tea latte & hot chocolate is amazing.

The next time you are in New York, make sure to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck located in Rockefeller Center. The view is absolutely breath taking and you can fully appreciate New York’s concrete Jungle. There is so much to see from the Top of the Rock, including the Empire State Building – one of the most iconic trademarks of New York City – which is right in the center of your Manhattan Skyline pictures.

The Top of the Rock is centrally located and open daily from 10am-10pm (last elevator up at 9.10pm). Whether you visit at night or during the day, you are sure to fall in love with this city. [I highly recommend going during sunset hours, which is also the most popular time to visit.] There are several places to take in the views, including an indoor and outdoor space. When you are outside, you can use binoculars to get a closer look of New York from the Top of the Rock.

When I first moved to the US almost 11 years ago, I never bought the tickets online. However, nowadays buying tickets online is the only way to confirm that you will be able to visit any sightseeing attraction at your preferred time (well almost). To order tickets to visit the Top of the Rock click here. In case you have to change or cancel your tickets, you can read more about their cancellation policy here.

Pro Tip: The wait times can be quite long (Pre-COVID), so I suggest getting there as early as possible to avoid super long lines. Also, plan to stay for a few hours and enjoy the views.

Have you been on the Top of the Rock? I’m curious to hear your thoughts, and I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

xx Joëlle

A satin slip dress is my go-to summer staple (Satin Dress) – pair with heels, sandals or a pair of sneakers for a foolproof chic & hot weather outfit. Changing your shoes is such an easy transition to take you from daytime activities to a night out with the girls! Which color satin dress will you be rocking this summer?

xx Joëlle

OUTFIT DETAILS:

SATIN DRESS: Abercrombie (similar, similar)
HEELS: Valentino (here, similar, similar)
EARRINGS: Electric Picks | Revolve (here)
BRACELET: Pandora (here)
RINGS: Pandora (here)
BAG: YSL (here, similar, similar)

OUTFIT DETAILS:
DRESS: Abercrombie (similar, similar, similar)
SANDALS: Na-kd (similar, similar, similar)
BRACELET: Pandora (here)
RINGS: Pandora (here)
BAG: Michael Kors (similar, similar, similar)

Introducing the NEW Multi-Tasking Conditioner from @curlsmith_official

Multi-Tasking Conditioner is a vegan protein-enriched 3-in-1 moisturizer:
1: use as conditioner; rinse out after shampoo (Team Out)
2: use as deep conditioner; rinse out after 15-30 minutes (Team Out)
3: use as leave-in conditioner; use before styling (Team In)

I’m Team IN, because my curls need some extra moisture and I love how defined my curls are. The Multi-Tasking Conditioner has a light weight formula, is super easy to apply, and gives you the freedom and flexibility to condition your hair however you want, whenever you want!

*other products used: Curlsmith Core Strength Shampoo & the new Shape Up Aqua Gel for styling*

ARE YOU TEAM IN OR OUT? Or do you switch it up and swing both ways?

OUTFIT DETAILS:

DRESS: Thrifted (similar, similar, similar)
SHOES: Na-kd (similar, similar)
EARRINGS: Electric Picks | Revolve (here)
BRACELET: Pandora (here)
RINGS: Pandora (here)
BAG: Louis Vuitton (similar, similar)

HAIR PRODUCTS:

Today, exactly 10 years ago I arrived in the United States. I meant to stay for only a year as an AuPair, but 10 years later I am still here and I have created my life in the states. Every day I am grateful for Skype and being able to video call my parents and brother (otherwise I probably wouldn’t have lasted this long). I am grateful that my parents, my brother and my best friend were able to come visit me, and I am grateful to be able to visit them. I obtained my GED (High School Diploma), my Associates Degree with honors Magna Cum Laude, and am currently pursuing my Bachelors Degree at Rutgers University (I’m graduating May 2021). I’ll be 31 years old.

I also got married, and divorced from my abuser [my survivor story]. During those 3 years (two years married, one of those years separated; one year of court dates for a restraining order and assault; and PTSD therapy) I wasn’t able to physically see my parents, brother or best friend from Germany. But their love and support was always present, even though they were thousands of miles away. And I am grateful for my support system in the states!

10 lessons I’ve learned living in the states:

1. Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to help you grow.
2. Gratitude and a positive mindset can change your life.
3. It is okay to ask for help.
4. Everything works out exactly how and when it is supposed to.
5. Be patient with yourself and your growth, knowing that good things take time.
6. Not all classrooms have four walls.
7. Turn your pain into your power. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. You never know who needs your light, your warmth and courage.
8. Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. You have to forgive yourself too, in order to be able to move on.
9. You are stronger and more resilient than you think. Keep going!
10. Always look for the positive in every situation. Ask yourself “what is this trying to teach me?”

Sincerely, Joëlle

OUTFIT DETAILS:

DRESS: Free People (similar, similar, similar)
HEELS: Na-kd (similar, similar, similar)
EARRINGS: Electric Picks | Revolve (here)
BRACELET: Pandora (here)
RINGS: Pandora (here)
BAG: YSL (here, similar, similar)

It may seem like I was in Vermont a lot longer than I actually was, but that’s because the car was jam packed with clothes. In November 2018 I went to Vermont for the first time, and I absolutely fell in love with the mountain views. I had just started my first semester at Rutgers University while working full time and I was super stressed and needed a relaxing getaway. That’s when I fell in love with Vermont, the mountain views, and I realized that connecting with nature helped me recharge to power through the last weeks of the Fall semester. I’ve always wanted to visit Vermont during Fall, and this year I was finally able to. I made sure I didn’t have any assignments due and no exams, and I jam packed the car with outfits to create as much Fall content to last me all Fall (since I go to college and I work full time, I have very limited time, so content batching is vital to stay consistent). I would have loved to stay longer, and to experience more things, but the girls and I had a great weekend trip.

WHAT TO DO:

I’ve done a lot of research on what to do in Manchester, and these are a few things that I found. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to do everything, because we were there for only two days, but if you have time it’s totally worth checking these spots out while you’re in Manchester.

*The Equinox Pond
You have to visit the Equinox pond, especially during Fall. The colors are just simply breathtaking, and the view is incredible. The pond is located near the base of Mount Equinox, and the area and the surrounding land are part of the Equinox Preservation Trust, established in 1996 including more than 914 acres of land. You can’t park right by the pond, because it is protected land. But you can walk up from the Equinox Resort or park at the West Union Street Entrance.