As a young gemologist fresh out of college, jewelry designer Kara Ross (right) fell in love with the energy, people and culture of New York City. Since then, she has created one-of-a-kind pieces for clients including President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, launched her eponymous line of fine jewelry in 2003 and recently opened the first Kara Ross boutique in the heart of the city. Though she and her family split their time between Palm Beach and New York, the city that never sleeps remains the apple of her eye.
VIBE: Magnetic, seductive and captivating
BEST TIME TO GO: The fall. The leaves in Central Park turn crimson and gold, and Fashion Week is looming!
BEST WAY TO START THE DAY: Having a cup of coffee while browsing the New York Post, Women’s Wear Daily and The New York Times—and of course catching up on emails and scrolling through Instagram
FASHION ESSENTIALS FOR DAY: Slim black pants and my Kara Ross gold and diamond stacking rings
FASHION ESSENTIALS FOR NIGHT: One bold piece of jewelry. You can never go wrong with a fantastic cuff bracelet, like my new Cava cuff, which is gold with rock crystal set in black onyx.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Frozen hot chocolate (left) at Serendipity 3
FAVORITE SHOP: New York Vintage in Manhattan
A MUST-DO EXPERIENCE NOT IN THE GUIDEBOOKS: The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology has amazing and innovative fashion exhibitions, including a permanent collection of 50,000 garments and accessories from the eighteenth century to the present. This place is a treasure trove of fashion education: It hosts regular lectures and panel discussions that are fascinating and free.
LOCAL DISH TO CRAVE: Without a doubt, Le Bilboquet is my favorite New York City restaurant. My favorite dish to order for lunch is the salade de poulet tiede au curry, and the fries are to die for! It recently reopened on East 60th Street in a much larger space that is conveniently located across the street from the Kara Ross boutique.
Le Bilboquet
UNWRITTEN RULE THE LOCALS LIVE BY: Uber is a lifesaver when traffic is bad—it’s an app that connects you with a driver at the tap of a button. It tells you exactly when the cab will arrive at your current pickup location.
BEST BITE: The chocolate chip cookies from Tate’s Bake Shop
WHERE FASHION INSIDERS HANG: I’ve always loved Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel because of the marvelous and whimsical murals that decorate the walls. I even designed a one-of-a-kind alligator clutch whose lining features some of the bar’s illustrations!
LOCAL DISH WORTH DREAMING ABOUT: The chocolate soufflé at Bouchon Bakery. It’s plain, simple and outrageously decadent.
THE PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (below) is an outstanding live jazz club in the Time Warner Building. The music never ceases to amaze me, and the food is incredible—plus the space overlooks Columbus Circle and the entrance to Central Park. It’s a perfect New York experience!
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