Jeans – so practical so versatile

Jeans are my wardrobe staples especially when I am travelling as you can dress them up and down. I can make lots of outfits with them and it saves taking lots of different clothes with you. They make living out of a suitcase easy, which I have to do on many occasions as I am often in several hotels during the course of one press trip.

Getting them to fit has been really difficult and over the years I have spent a fortune on designer brands of which many did not wear well. One day I was walking down London’s Regent Street and decided to go to Levi’s. I have never looked back. 

Its jeans should be good as it was the company that invented the “blue jean” back in 1873, when a tailor from Reno, Nevada, Jacob Davis, teamed up with Levi Strauss to produce workwear made from blue denim.  In 1918 a tunic/trouser named the Freedom-Alls was launched for ladies.

Fast forward a hundred years or so and this amazing company is still at the cutting-edge of design offering a wide variety of fittings and styles for both men and women. All of which are superb quality.

Levi's high-rise skinny

What style you choose depends on your body shape.  When you are tall, you can wear a variety of styles. If your body is straight up and down you can take a mid-rise. Boot-cut jeans can give the illusion of a curvier form. Hourglass figures tend to suit the classic, wide-legged jeans that have a mid-rise. Pear-shaped look better in high-waist straight ones. And, of course, all rules can be broken. It is a matter of trying several styles on and seeing which suit you the best.

As I am petite I look better in jeans that sit just below my natural waist as low-rise jeans have the tendency to make my legs appear shorter and put the spotlight on my stomach especially after eating.

Needing some new jeans for my travels, I popped into Levi’s and got two pairs of high-rise skinny (they fit on my natural waist which is flattering) in dark denim (£80) and black (£85). They contain 2 per cent elastane which helps give a good fit. I love the sleek silhouette and the way they make my legs appear longer. Coloured jeans won’t have the same effect if you are small. And besides, dark, classic jeans always look elegant.

Levi's high-rise skinny

The length did need altering, but at Levi’s that is no problem. There is no charge for this. On the advice of the tailor I did not go for ankle-length as this shortens the legs. His tip was to roll them when I wanted to look casual and show a glimpse of ankle and keep them long with heels or flats for dressy wear. A case of adapting the trend to suit you.

You can always rely on the team here for advice. Whoever serves you is incredibly helpful and truthful when giving their opinions. I always feel going into this store is like going to see a group of old friends. The assistant manager of this flagship store, Dean Livingstone, has been there for years and knows me well.

I wore the black pair with smart black shoes and a dressy black and white shirt for a “power breakfast” in New York and added a chic bag. I felt appropriately dressed. For running round the shops, I rolled up the bottoms and teamed them with a white T-shirt and casual shoes. A long cardi is good to have for chillier days.

For dinner go for a dressy top or a silk vest underneath a black blazer (make sure the texture is different so the blacks don’t clash) or coloured one if you prefer. You can add a statement piece of jewellery to give the outfit that wow factor.

A well-cut jacket always turns a pair of dark blue jeans into a chic outfit. I find dark blue far more versatile than any other shade.  A white shirt always looks classy with denim. 

The same jeans can be turned into an everyday look by wearing with trainers and casual sweater and shirts. 

Long live denim and Levi’s!

By Daralyn Danns

The Sofitel New York

Imagine experiencing a touch of Parisian glamour and sophistication in the heart of Manhattan and you will be clamouring to check in to the five-star Sofitel New York. 

The Sofitel New York at night

This midtown hotel, a few paces from 5^th Avenue and a few minutes’ walk from Times Square, skilfully manages to combine the classic Parisian Art Deco and 1940s Manhattan romance and mystique with exemplary service and all the 21^st century mod cons. 

From the moment you walk through the hotel door into the formal, large, yet warm and peaceful lobby, the hustle and bustle of the city is left behind. It is as if you have entered another world. And noticing some of the people relaxing in front of the fireplace surrounded by French and American artbooks, they truly thought they had.

You are welcomed with a series of “Bonjours” from the happy and helpful professional staff and treated as if you are the hotel’s most important guest. The green apples awaiting guests remind you that you are still in New York. Here French elegance merges harmoniously with American laid-back comfort. Another great feature is that the check-in is hidden away around the corner so there is a more cosy feel. 

A convivial home-from-home atmosphere prevails all over this 30-storey limestone and glass building that sets itself out from the surrounding concrete high rises. European modern design and colourful modern art carry the theme to the 398 guest rooms – mine had  a stunning view of the renowned Chrysler building – and suites which are well worth splurging on, if you want your own spectacle of downtown. 

The rooms have been designed so that all the space has been utilised. They are well-furnished and have that soft lighting which is so therapeutic as well as a LCD flat-panel television with laptop connection and Wi-Fi (free all over the hotel). 

SoBed, the Sofitel’s lavish signature feather bedding is just what is needed after a long day. My king-sized bed was so comfortable, the pillows just right and the duvet so cosy that I slept for hours even though I was suffering from jetlag. Also appreciated were the heavy drapes and the sound proofing. I would never have thought I was in a big city. 

I loved the marble bathroom which had a separate bath and glass-enclosed walk-in rain shower. The quality robes, a freshly-cut orchid, a candle and Lanvin toiletries added the finishing touches. Oh and there is complimentary Evian water each night by your bed.

Gaby Brasserie Française

The pièce de résistance has to be the Gaby Brasserie Française, named after a 1920s Parisian model whose success translated into roles on Broadway. This superb restaurant, reminiscent of La Coupole, the fabled brasserie in Paris and the vibrant bar are both hotspots with locals, which is saying something in a city that is bombarded with choice.

Under the helm of the award-winning executive chef Sylvain Harribey, the menu comprises delicious classic French cuisine with an avant-guarde twist. From traditional French onion soup to fusion dishes to fillet mignon to vegetarian lasagne and tapas at the bar, there is something to excite every palate as you sit and people watch. 

I started with the avocado and Maine lobster salad which was delectable, followed by the monkfish from the De-Light menu, billed as a gastronomic adventure in healthy eating. It really was. The fish was so succulent and teeming with flavour. And, the portion size was hearty and filling, unlike what you get in so many restaurants in the UK.

The wine list is impressive, but let the sommelier guide you as you may discover a little gem as I did. The Whispering Angel, was a dry rosé from Provence that had just the right amount of fruit to work with both courses. 

Indulge in a dessert. The one to go for is the French chocolate chip bread pudding of croissant and chocolate cake served warm with salted caramel ice cream. Don’t worry if you feel your waist band tightening, the hotel has a fitness centre.

What distinguishes this hotel from the crowd is the attention to detail. The service is impeccable. Nothing is too much trouble. It is one of those rare places that makes you feel as if you have discovered your own oasis of tranquillity in a frenetic city that never stands still. And that is pure bliss!

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

London City

British Airways operates an exclusive 32-seat all-business class jet service from London City to New York 11 times a week

Fares start from £2,250.19 return including taxes and charges

To book or for more information visit www.ba.com/New York or call 0844 4930787


Heathrow

British Airways operates several daily services from London Heathrow to New York

Fares start from £566 return including taxes and charges

To book or for more information and other airports visit www.ba.com/newyork  or call 0844 4930787

Always a great experience flying with BA. It is my favourite airline

Hotel Sofitel New York

Rates from $299 per night. Prices are subject to change. For more information and the best rates visit www.sofitel.com

Travelling to New York – BA jet set style

Sipping my glass of Taittinger champagne and munching a beautifully arranged plate of fruit, as we headed into the clouds, I watched the spectacular views of London and the River Thames slowly disappear.

This is the life!  About an hour ago I had arrived at London City Airport. This airport is such a pleasure to use. Having only one runway and handling only European flights with the exception of the British Airways service to JFK, New York, it is never overcrowded. 

Another major plus of the BA JFK service is that check-in closes 20 minutes before departure (or 15 minutes if you only have carry-on luggage) so you don’t have to spend hours hanging around the airport.

After dropping my bag and rapidly passing through security, I was welcomed by a friendly BA staff member into a small intimate lounge. Reminiscent of an exclusive private club, a scrumptious buffet breakfast awaited. After a cup of coffee and a hearty helping of smoked salmon, it was time to join the travelling cognoscenti and board BA001 to JFK. 

Preparing for take-off

Having the same flight number as the old Concorde, you expect this flight to be something special. Actually, its expectations are far exceeded. Boarding was quick and easy. The lounge opens on to the runway and within minutes you are in your seat and up in the air. It really is like flying on a private jet. There are only 32 seats on the A318 which are configured in a traditional 2-2.

Many were filled with men and women in suits furiously working away at their laptops, iPads and mobiles. Email, text messages and the internet can be accessed on your mobile phone during the flight with BA’s OnAir service, exclusive to Club World London City. (You'll require an international roaming contract.)

There were plenty of other passengers taking time out from their busy schedules to relax with an aperitif and appetiser for the short flight to Shannon airport. This is the stop that makes this flight unique. 

 

There is a facility here which allows passengers deal with all the US Customs and Immigration formalities and arrive in JFK as a domestic passenger. Luxury may mean lots of different things to people, but if you have ever stood in line for 90 minutes at JFK waiting to go through immigration being dealt with by a brusque official, you will understand when I say that not having to go through New York passport control is my definition.

The security questions were conducted in the most cordial manner. You identified your luggage on a small screen. Within minutes the whole process was over. It was all so civilised. We were only on the ground for a short while and with the plane refuelled we were on our way.

The plane's seats recline into flat beds

The plane's seats recline into 183cm (6ft) flat beds and some passengers make full use of the time to catch up on some sleep, but I was too fascinated to try to sleep. Over a glass of bubbly, I chatted to my next door neighbour, an interesting well-travelled man who was going to New York for a meeting at the UN. I also chatted to a couple of women who were travelling for business. For a flight that is mainly full of business people, there is an unexpected intimacy. 

Service throughout the flight is excellent. With BA, you always know your are in safe hands. The cabin crew always go that extra mile to ensure you have a great flight. It is the lovely little touches such as always addressing you by your name that make all the difference.

Lunch was a delightful affair. BA has certainly discovered the secrets of what flavours work at a high altitude. Several of their dishes are bursting with umami, which I am told, is known as the fifth taste (the others are: sweet, salty, bitter and sour) and was identified in Japan. It has a pleasant savoury taste and is found naturally in foods such as tomatoes and mackerel.

My choice was a selection of canapés which included, you guessed it, mackerel and tomatoes. The grilled king prawns that I had with saffron dill korma, mustard rice and stuffed baby aubergine for the main course was sublime.

The wine list was tempting, but after good champagne, which I hasten to add tastes divine regardless whether you are on the ground or in the air, common sense prevailed.  

(By the way, I have on good authority that champagne is supposed to be one of the wines least affected by the air, even if the fizz disappears quicker than on the ground. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the solution to that dilemma.)

There is also a selection of desserts ranging from the healthy to the naughty but nice. Men seem to gravitate towards the warm sticky toffee pudding. The chocolates, served with coffee, are hard for anybody to resist.

After lunch, it was time to make use of the iPad provided and catch up on a couple of movies. The seven hours or so flashed by really quickly. Before I knew where I was an afternoon tea of mouth-watering sandwiches and pastries was being served. 

New York’s fabled skyline was soon in view and I felt the same excitement as I had so many times arriving in this city. This time, however, it was straight from plane to taxi. Instead of feeling frazzled, I was thoroughly relaxed ready for that rush of adrenaline that the city that never sleeps never fails to provide.

Travelling on this sensational service from London City to New York spoils you for anything else. It was such an amazing experience. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! 

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

London City

British Airways operates an exclusive 32-seat all-business class jet service from London City to New York 11 times a week

Fares start from £2,250.19 return including taxes and charges

To book or for more information visit www.ba.com/New York or call 0844 4930787

Heathrow

British Airways operates several daily services from London Heathrow to New York

Fares start from £566 return including taxes and charges

To book or for more information and other airports visit www.ba.com/newyork or call 0844 4930787

Hotel Sofitel New York

Rates from $299 per night. Prices are subject to change. For more information and the best rates visit www.sofitel.com