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Insider Guides

Insider Guide To NYC With Jessie Randall

Jessie Randall, founder and creative director of eponymous New York label Loeffler Randall, is a New York City local and expert. We get the low-down.

Jessie created her brand from her garden apartment in Brooklyn with her husband Brian nearly 20 years ago. Originally designing shoes, the brand has since expanded by adding handbags, ready-to-wear and accessories to its collection. With a majority female team, creating products for and by women, from a beautiful, light-filled office in Soho, the team are at the heart, designing shoes and accessories they would wear themselves as busy women-on-the-go.

We speak to Jessie about her cultural must-sees, divine eateries and hot spots in her hometown of NYC.


The best time to visit NYC is…

Either the Spring or the Fall – I love warm weather but try not to spend too much time in the city when it’s peak summer!

Our first pitstop should be…

Probably a good breakfast or lunch somewhere casual like Jack’s Wife Freda, and then walking around Soho getting a feel for the city.

Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…

I haven’t gotten to stay here yet, but the new hotel downtown, Nine Orchard, is supposed to be wonderful. I also love The Jane in the West Village – such a great location and it feels very old school New York.

For an early morning workout head to…

I’m obsessed with tennis right now. I play at Midtown tennis in the city. We just made a limited-edition tennis tee you can buy at our shop, which is so cute.

Where should we go for breakfast?

Balthazar or Lafayette both have great French breakfast menus and are beautiful places to start the day. Lately I’ve been on a Sant Ambroeus kick as well as it’s right by our office. Ruby’s and Olive’s are great for something casual and easy to pickup. If you’re in Brooklyn, Winner in Park Slope has amazing baked goods.

How about for a long, lazy lunch?

La Mercerie just because the setting is so gorgeous you’ll never want to leave!

 

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And for dinner with friends?

There are so many good spots! If we’re sticking to downtown Manhattan, a few current favorites would be EstelaGem WineCervo’s, and Tiny’s.

Your favourite restaurant in town?

I’m going to say Raoul’s because my husband and business partner, Brian, and I had our first date there.

The best place for people watching…

Casa Cipriani downtown.

The culture spot to rave about…

Our galleries! It’s so fun to wander Chelsea and get inspired by the new shows that are constantly refreshing. My friend, the art historian and advisor Gisela Gueiros, leads art walks for small groups and always has the best recommendations for art to see.

The best place to treat yourself is…

Shen Beauty in Brooklyn! Josh is my go-to for getting my brows done.

For great shopping head to…

We have pretty much every brand you could ever want to shop in Soho – including our very own flagship at 10 Prince Street. Some other favourite shops around the city are RW Guild, Layla Brooklyn, and M. Crow.

For the best views head to…

Brooklyn Bridge Park in Dumbo has a great view of the Manhattan skyline! Also the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens in the Springtime.

One place only locals know about…

I’m not sure there are any secrets left! Maybe the little parks and local community gardens you stumble upon when you’re walking around in a neighbourhood. Little oases are everywhere. Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita is one.

For a change of pace try…

If you’re interested in fashion, the FIT Library is a place my team and I always go to get inspired. You can look through the archives there at old magazines and reference books. Walking through the flower district is fun as well.

Your favourite neighbourhood(s)…

Soho and Nolita where our office and store are, definitely! I also love South Brooklyn, neighbourhoods like Cobble Hill are beautiful and fun to explore.

Great day trips include…

You can take Metro North to Beacon for the day to visit Dia Beacon, a great art museum in Upstate New York. The little town has lots of cute restaurants on the main street.

How should we spend the final day of our trip?

For a relaxing final day I think it’s nice to have a late brunch after packing, take a long walk to soak in the city, and maybe visit one of our smaller museums like The Frick before squeezing in one last fun dinner out. A very New York day!

Whats your NYC secret?

Basta Pasta! I’m obsessed, it’s Italian Japanese fusion and it’s my special spot.

Souvenir to take home?

Ceramics from Lolo NYC. You can find one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists that you’ll keep forever.

In a word, NYC is…

Creative.

Essential items to pack? 
Right now, I’m loving travelling with a disposable camera to get developed after a trip. Such a special way to capture your travels! Definitely bring a water bottle – I love these ones made by our VP of Design, Zoe. Walking shoes are a must! For fall, I love our water-resistant Tara bootie and our Leonie ballet flat. The weather fluctuates a lot so you want to bring layers. Easy dresses you can dress up or down and throw a sweater over in case it gets cold, like our new August and Carmina, are key. Our rain jacket, Misty, is also good to have for sudden storms.

What to Pack

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