Spring is taking its time to make its way to New York…  There’s no such thing by -5°C than an initiatory stroll to discover the many eco-chic facets of the city and warm up our bodies and souls!

We left aside this time round the unavoidable Barneys, Opening Ceremony and Marc Jacobs (to name but a few) to set out to explore the Green Apple.

After the grüne insider tips to Berlin that we shared with you here, My Green Lifestyle concocted a little guide of the best green addresses in the most vibrant city on Earth.

On the agenda: eco-chic concept-stores and designer consignments, without forgetting vegan cupcakes and green strolls. So fasten your seat-belts, we’re heading to NYC!

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Discovering NYC’s eco-chic brands while savoring veggie treats in Lower East Side …

The crossing of Orchard and Broome Streets is unmistakably the green place to be in the neighborhood.

Temple of New York’s eco-fashionistas, the eco-boutique Kaight NYC on Orchard Street showcases the cream of eco-friendly fashion and accessory labels.

The owner, Kate McGregor, focuses above all on the style and quality of the sustainable brands that she carries. This is how she contributes to the development of eco-fashion.

We’re fond of her fashion-forward selection, in which she mixes with flair emerging green designers of the New York stage such as Samantha Pleet (who will soon have a dedicated pop-up corner within the store), Olsen Haus, Feral Childe or Bodkin with premium eco-brands from Europe like Camilla Norrback, Edun and FIN Oslo.

We were really taken with the designs of the young handbag label, The Sway NYC. Made out of excess stocks and off-cuts of leather manufacturers, each bag is entirely hand-made in a local workshop powered by an alternative energy source! And icing on the cake: linings, tags and packaging are made from recycled materials.

We’re fans of the glamorous and rock style of this mini-fringed clutch with its chain shoulder-strap:

Kaight NYC – 83 Orchard Street entre Broome & Grand Streets – Open 7/7 from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm

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In a city flooded by delicacies overflowing with sugar, butter and cream, Erin McKenna offers 100% natural treats in her lovely little bakery on Broome Street.

At BabyCakes NYC, wheat, gluten, dairies and refined sugar are banished from the kitchen. Cupcakes are prepared with rice flour and cholesterol-friendly coconut oil, sweetened with low-glycemic agave nectar (cactus syrup) and topped with soy icing.

Well I guess we’re no longer worried about our health bulletin! But as French girls who respect themselves, an essential question remains unanswered: are these cupcakes actually GOOD?! Well we tried them and not only do they look gorgeous, but they’re simply delicious!

BabyCakes NYC - 248 Broome Street between Orchard and Ludlow Streets – Open 7/7 from 11 am to 8 pm (11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). A cookbook is also available on Amazon.

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Responsible luxury shopping in SoHo…

After all these efforts its time for a little shopping spree! Let’s start by a stop in SoHo in the pretty Glittering Conscience Pop-Up Shop that’s on the right track to become permanent thanks to its increasing success.

Created on the initiative of a group of green designers led by Wade Watson – founder of the responsible jewelry brand Ruff&Cut, Glittering Conscience carries an attractive choice of responsible fashion and accessories labels.

You’ll find handbags made from upcycled candy packaging materials by Nahui Ollin, organic and recycled clothing by NatureVsFuture and jewelry made from recycled gold and responsible diamonds by Ruff&Cut amongst others.

Glittering Conscience Pop-Up Shop – 96 West Houston Street between Thompson and Guardia Streets. Open 7/7 from 11 am to 10 pm (from 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays)

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Searching for vintage designer pieces in East Village and NoLiTa …

If East Village designer consignments are touted as the best in the city (like famous Tokio 7 that’s probably the best designer consignment in the city – do not miss it!) we have a soft spot for INA and Second Time Around in the charming neighborhood of NoLiTa.

At INA, you’ll pick up designer pieces from the last few seasons: untimely classics as well as original vintage gems.

If you’re in a more casual mood, pop over at Second Time Around, the vintage shop whose motto is “Resale goes upscale”. You’ll certainly find what you’re looking for there!

Tokio 7 – 83 East 7th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue – 7/7 from noon to 8:30 pm (8 pm on Sundays)

Second Time Around – 262 Mott Street between Prince and Houston Streets – 7/7 from 11 am to 7 pm (from noon to 6 pm on Sundays)

INA - 21 Prince Street between Mott and Elizabeth Streets – 7/7 from noon to 8 pm (noon to 7 pm on Sundays)

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Recharging our batteries on the High Line in the Meat Packing District…

Finally we end on a high note with a walk on the High Line in the Meat Packing District.

This park is actually the West Side’s former air railroad line. Rehabilitated into a public green space, it opened in 2009 to the delight of New Yorkers. You can go there for a Sunday afternoon stroll or to admire a beautiful sunset on the Hudson River.

To end an Eco-City Guide, there’s no such thing as a small touch of “Green & The City” … Enjoy NYC!

Marie & Julie