Summer In NY with Lexie Robertson
We caught up with influencer Lexie Robertson to talk all things summer in New York City. From her favorite spots to unwind to how she styles her Tribeca watch, Lexie shares her tips for making the most of the season. Whether you're exploring the city or just looking for some style inspiration, Lexie’s got you covered. Dive in and see how she keeps her summer look effortlessly chic with L&J.
Check out some of Lexie's fave pieces here.
Lexie, living in New York City is a dream for many. How do you find it?
New York has been everything that 10-year-old Lexie could’ve dreamed of, but that doesn’t mean it’s been without its challenges. I’m a Midwest girl at heart, and I do find myself craving that simplicity every once in a while. But this city is home, and I’ve always had an unexplainable level of comfort here—probably because I’ve been coming to the city since I was 10.
NYC is known for its fast pace and constant buzz. How do you find balance and carve out moments of tranquility in the city that never sleeps?
Living in Brooklyn for the past two years has really created a sweet escape for me. From the parks to the little neighborhood gardens, I take full advantage of all that Brooklyn has to offer. It’s truly a great environment to live in, and it provides so many ways to re-regulate, recoup, and reset your mind, body, and spirit. I lived in Midtown during my first year in NYC, and the differences between Manhattan and Brooklyn are incredible—but only in the best ways. I have several chronic health issues, and Brooklyn has been so much easier on me and my central nervous system! I truly love it.
What are your go-to spots in the city when you need a quick escape or a moment of inspiration?
When I need writing inspiration, I love being by the water. Domino Park is a great example, and I also love the West Side Highway, Jacob Riis Beach—anywhere I can sit, write, and look out at the water is an amazing setting for finding inspiration. If I need fashion inspiration, I head to Bushwick, SoHo, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown. You can find some of the most incredible fashion inspiration in these neighborhoods. For a quick escape, I love going to my neighborhood garden. It’s run by residents of my block and is truly a safe space for me. Another great garden to escape to if you’re in Manhattan is Elizabeth Street Garden.
New York is a food lover's paradise! What are your top three favorite restaurants or cafes that capture the essence of the city's diverse culinary scene?
Anywhere in Chinatown—I love doing food tours with friends who visit or even on date nights. Jin Mei Dumplings is a phenomenal spot, and until you’ve tried them, I truly believe you’re missing out. Osteria Accademia in the Upper West Side has some of the most authentic Italian food you can find, and their wine selection is immaculate. I’ve never been to Italy, but my uncles say they’ve never had Italian food this authentic in New York. Even they were blown away that this kind of place existed in the US. Bar Pisellino is one of my favorite cafés in Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s perfect for a girl’s day, and very aesthetically pleasing, but also the coffee and food are unmatched, in my opinion.
Do you have a signature cocktail or drink that you always order when out in the city?
Easy—an extra dirty vodka martini, with 3 olives. Bonus points if they have garlic-stuffed olives. I’m not a huge drinker, but if I do partake in some libations, it’s always, without fail, a dirty martini. If I’m feeling something lighter, then a good glass of wine. I love a good cabernet or a chablis.
Brunch is a New York institution—where’s your favorite place to enjoy a leisurely brunch with friends?
Bubby’s, hands down. This Tribeca hotspot is popular for good reason. I don’t really need to say much else about it—just go look up their menu. Let’s let that do the talking.
Your personal style is effortlessly chic. How does living in NYC influence the way you dress?
I’ve always lived by the rule that less is more when it comes to fashion. Effortless staple pieces can really take your wardrobe far. Living in NYC has influenced my fashion in so many ways that I don’t even feel like my style is done evolving. This city is always flowing with new takes on fashion. One that has resonated the most with me is quiet luxury. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say there wasn’t a part of me that resonated with the edgy chic fashion that exists in Brooklyn—especially in Bushwick.
What are your must-have fashion staples for navigating the city's ever-changing seasons?
A good, thick, yet structured winter coat. A cute vintage beanie collection. A light trench for fall. Layers, layers, and more layers. Scarves. Baggy sweaters. Maxi skirts. Midi skirts. A staple pair of denim. Cargo shorts. Little tops. That’s the thing about the seasons in NYC—with every season, there are so many ways to dress, and dress iconically.
I incorporated my Tribeca watch into a simple and chic look—little kitten-heel shoes and a simple bodycon dress. I wanted the focus to be on this piece of craftsmanship. While the look is simple, I think it ties in perfectly with the aesthetic of the watch itself. My favorite styling tip, as I mentioned earlier, is that less is more! I also find that mixing metals really highlights the beauty of Larsson & Jennings pieces, so don’t be afraid to do that either!
We love how you mix classic pieces with more trend-led items. How do you keep your wardrobe timeless and fresh? Ah, mixing pieces is one of my favorite little hacks! If you love trends but don’t want your whole closet consumed with trendy items, live by this rule: you only need two trendy items per season—if even that. Some trends last through multiple seasons. For example, bows and the coquette aesthetic that became popular in 2023 didn’t seem to fade until the beginning of 2024. So not all trends come and go quickly—some are smart investments. But there are also some you can live without. I always stick with my basics and add in trends that feel the most like me. That’s how I keep my wardrobe controlled.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone looking to capture that iconic New York style? One of the best ways to capture that iconic New York style is to just “people watch.” Look at what the everyday New Yorker is wearing. I also love taking inspiration from movies and shows set in NYC, like Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days—all classics with such iconic New York styles. I also love consuming content from other creators and creatives in NYC, especially the fashion creatives! I feel like we all have so much to offer and learn from one another.
What's next for you in your NYC journey? Any exciting projects or new discoveries on the horizon? I’m not sure what’s next for me creatively. To be honest, I’ve taken a big step back from my creative career. I’m finishing my MBA program and really trying to take care of my health, both physically and mentally. I’ve discovered that while I enjoy living a quieter life, I miss creating, and I want to get back into it like I used to. I plan on taking a trip for my 27th birthday after I graduate in December—having my little Eat, Pray, Love moment that I truly need—and then coming back to hit the ground running in 2025.
SHOP SOME OF LEXIE'S FAVE PIECES HERE
