If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve started a new series that I’m especially thrilled about: “My Perfect Day in NYC.” Even though I grew up here, I never tire of hearing how others would design their dream day in the city. Everyone’s version feels like a little window into who they are, and often, their plans remind me of places I’ve yet to try—or old favorites I need to revisit.
Yesterday, I shared my own perfect New York day. Today, I’m turning the spotlight on someone I’ve admired for years: Kat Tanita. Kat is the founder of With Love From Kat—a beautifully curated blog that blends style, travel, and lifestyle inspiration—and she’s also the creative mind behind a travel app that makes trip planning feel effortless. Kat’s taste is impeccable, and unsurprisingly, her perfect NYC day reflects exactly that.
Morning Rituals: Wellness + Style
Kat’s ideal morning begins on a fresh, energizing note. She heads to Juice Generation for a green juice—something she swears by for looking and feeling her best. “It sets the tone for my day,” she says. And really, what better way to start than with something nourishing?
From there, she strolls through Soho, one of Manhattan’s most stylish neighborhoods, browsing at her favorite boutiques. Think racks at Iro, dreamy dresses at Zimmermann, sustainable chic at Reformation, and effortless Parisian-inspired finds at Ba&sh. It’s a leisurely wander, not a rushed shopping spree—the kind of browsing that feels as much about the atmosphere as it does about the clothes.
A Sweet Mid-Morning Detour
After her Soho loop, Kat wanders into Nolita for two of her favorite indulgences. First, a matcha latte from Cha Cha Matcha, the café beloved for its pastel décor and colorful, buzzing energy. Then comes something decidedly sweeter: the Brooklyn Blackout cupcake from The Little Cupcake Bakeshop. If you’ve ever had one, you know it’s dangerous to stop at just one. This particular cupcake was even voted Best in the U.S. by Food & Wine Magazine—so yes, it lives up to the hype.
Uptown Glamour: Shopping + Lunch
No perfect day would be complete for Kat without a little uptown glamour. She makes her way to Bergdorf Goodman, the iconic luxury department store overlooking Central Park. After browsing the impeccably curated collections, she stops for lunch at BG Café, perched on the seventh floor with sweeping views of the park.
Kat doesn’t stop there—she pops into Barney’s and other high-end boutiques along Fifth Avenue, making the most of Manhattan’s luxury corridor. And because a walk uptown isn’t complete without it, she slips into Central Park afterward, possibly sneaking in a cookie from Levain Bakery along the way. (Because even in the chicest of days, cookies reign supreme.)
Afternoon Reset: Relaxation + Beauty
After all that shopping and strolling, Kat admits her feet would be calling for a break. Her go-to? Wisteria Nail Spa in the West Village, where she indulges in a mani/pedi and foot massage—an hour of blissful reset.
The self-care doesn’t end there. She continues to Washington Square Park for a quick walk through one of the city’s most iconic green spaces, before heading to FaceGym. This isn’t your typical facial—FaceGym specializes in lymphatic drainage techniques that sculpt cheekbones, de-puff tired faces, and leave you glowing. It’s equal parts beauty treatment and workout, and it’s a staple in Kat’s routine.
Evening: Chic Dining + Late-Night Fun
Once refreshed, Kat heads home to get ready for the evening—because her perfect New York day ends with dinner, drinks, and plenty of fun.
If she could pick anywhere for dinner, Kat’s top choices are The Polo Bar or L’Artusi. Both spots are beloved for their atmosphere as much as their menus—The Polo Bar, with its Ralph Lauren sophistication, and L’Artusi, with its cozy yet elevated Italian fare.
Post-dinner, she slips into Employees Only, one of the city’s most legendary speakeasies, known for its inventive cocktails and lively vibe. It’s the kind of place where nights stretch longer than expected—in the best way.
Finally, Kat winds down at The Bowery Hotel lobby. Cozy, chic, and effortlessly cool, it’s the perfect spot to linger with friends, sip something warm (or bubbly), and let the night fade gently.
A Day That Feels Like Kat
What I love most about Kat’s perfect day is how it mirrors her personality: a thoughtful balance of wellness and indulgence, luxury and simplicity, shopping and strolling, style and soul. It’s not about rushing or cramming in too much—it’s about savoring New York’s magic in a way that feels both glamorous and grounded.
If you’re inspired to map out your own perfect day in the city, Kat’s version is a wonderful blueprint: a little green juice, a little shopping, a little pampering, and just enough indulgence to make it unforgettable.
You can follow more of Kat’s adventures over on Instagram or at With Love From Kat.
