Lara and her husband Ben founded Varley in 2015, a contemporary athletic and loungewear apparel brand blending the elegance of London with the laidback lifestyle of Los Angeles. Splitting her time between those two cities, Lara shares with us her highlights from her latest stop-over in New York:
What three words would you use to describe the city?
It's hard to capture the essence of NYC in just three words, but if I had to, I would describe it as energizing, vibrant, and alive.
What is an insider tip or secret when visiting NYC?
My insider tip would be to explore on foot. Manhattan is incredibly walkable, and you never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon when you're wandering the streets.
Favorite spot for people-watching and style inspiration?
When it comes to people-watching and finding style inspiration, there's no place quite like Soho. The streets are lined with unique boutiques, vintage shops, and trendy cafes, and everyone seems to have their own distinct sense of style. I could spend hours wandering the area, taking it all in.
Where can you get the best cocktail?
One of my absolute favorites is The Polo Bar. This place is beyond chic, with incredible attention to detail that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Their cocktails are a work of art, complete with stamped branded ice cubes and mini polo sticks as stirrers. It's truly an experience not to be missed.
Favorite shopping spot?
Soho is amazing. I also love the department stores in NYC. Bergdorf Goodman was our first-ever Varley stockist, so I have a soft spot for them.
Which ODP piece is a must when packing for NYC?
My current favorite is the Large Cesta Bag. It's roomy enough to carry all your essentials and looks just as good with a sweat set as it does with a dinner suit in the evening. I recently took it on my trip to NYC, and it was the perfect companion for exploring the city. I now want the Natural one for spring!
SHOP THE LARGE CESTA BAG:
