Geoffrey from New York

About me I travel to discover how people elsewhere live, how they manage living with low incomes in expensive cities, how they grapple with hard times and failing economies, how they deal with ageing or crumbling families and how they themselves age and adapt. Knowing and loving New York comes from having lived through many of its manifestations while witnessing its changes....

Oct 16, 2025

Alice & Olivia New York

Wearable art

""Alice & Olivia" in New York is laser-aimed at people who want to be bright and shiny. The prices are up there but still affordable for something truly NY."

I've written about Keith Haring --- who made an impression on me when I encountered his work on subway trains during the 1970s, when subway graffiti was being invented --- because I remember encounters with his work to this day, like at the LGBT Community Center in the West Village.

Well, once again: opposite Bryant Park on 40th Street, not far from the New York Library and Grand Central Station, I stopped dead in my tracks when I spied in a shop window the image of two Keith Haring dogs represented on a clutch purse in red, orange and yellow sequins. Then I spotted a kind of 'A' shaped dress/jumpsuit thing with sequinned Haring play-men, and then these shoes! Check out the shoes!!

This shop looks to me like it's laser-aimed at people who want to be bright and shiny or who are a bit like crows, coveting shiny things. Alice and Olivia sell loads of metallic sequinned leggy pant suits, glaring sequinned dresses (adorned in Haring figurines), bags and, in a way, their merchandise reminds me of how I felt during the sixties when I strolled Carnaby Street, London.

Prices are up there, but affordable if you seek something truly New York-y. The shoes pictured can be had for around $350.

Shopping

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

West 40th Street 80

KH pumps:

US$

350

Website

2128401155

Our New York City Guide

Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

35 Times, Toby Buonagurio

Subway art 10

"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!

I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.

Restaurants

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

Rucker Park

NBA caliber street basketball

"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.

Art & culture

"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...

Art & culture