Introduce yourself!

Hi, I’m Adrienne! I’m a mom of three living on the Upper East Side with my family. I’m the founder of PiP PEA POP, a children’s pajama company, and recently launched About & Out, a weekly newsletter featuring the best of what’s happening in New York City (and the Hamptons in the summer). Each week, I share a curated list of standout events, parties, new openings, family programming, and personal shopping recommendations. 

Adrienne wears the Celestina Sequin Dress & Phoebe Embellished Crew-Neck Sweater from Holiday '25

What’s your favorite way to kick off the holiday season in New York? Any annual traditions you never miss?

There’s truly no place that does the holidays quite like New York City — it’s pure magic. That magic feels even more special now that I get to experience it through my children’s eyes. I just released the Holiday Issue on About & Out, and highly recommend giving it a read if you’re looking for all things festive in NYC. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers the best holiday happenings along with my favorite things to do in December.

Some of my favorite family traditions include the Brick Church Tree Lighting on Park Avenue, seeing the Rockettes and The Nutcracker, enjoying Madeline Tea at Bemelmans Bar with my daughter, and visiting the New York Botanical Garden Train Show with my sons. At home, we fully embrace the season, such as baking and decorating sugar cookies just like I used to with my grandmother. 

The Nutcracker at the NYC Ballet

Where’s your go-to spot for a cozy dinner or festive cocktail this time of year?

Hands down, The Lowell Hotel is my favorite spot for a glass of champagne by the fire with friends. New York’s hotels are truly a 10 out of 10 during the holidays (The Palace, The Carlyle, etc). I always have to remind myself that holiday traffic is no joke, so I love staying local on the Upper East Side and leaning into all the delicious Italian nearby. Elio’s will forever be my go-to winter spot. We live right around the corner from Sant Ambroeus and Casa Tua, and you really can’t go wrong with either. 

While it’s not a dinner spot, the newly opened Birley Bakery is wonderfully cozy. I’ve developed a terrible (but delightful) habit of stopping in after preschool drop-off for their to-die-for hot chocolate — it’s become a daily indulgence.

Do you have a secret gem for holiday shopping—somewhere off the beaten path or uniquely New York?

Christmas markets! The annual Brick Church Christmas Market was last week, and I always love the brands they bring in (hi, Mestiza!). Holiday on Madison is another favorite — such a festive neighborhood event. And while it’s definitely touristy (but sometimes it’s fun to lean in!), I love the Union Square Market for garlands and wreaths, as well as the Grand Central Holiday Fair. For all things décor, House of Holiday is kitschy, massive, and an absolute must for anyone who loves to go all out for the season.

Adrienne enjoys a chic martini at The Lowell Hotel NYC

The holidays can be busy—how do you unwind or find a little calm amidst the chaos?

I think my daily hot chocolate has become my form of self-care these days. I also make an effort to walk every day — ideally through Central Park. Even on freezing days, there’s something so charming about it. It always reminds me how lucky I am to live in such a magical city.

What’s your go-to outfit formula for holiday gatherings in the city? And what styles from Mestiza would you wear this upcoming holiday season?

Name a brand that does holiday dressing better than Mestiza — I dare you! During the holidays, I love leaning into the glam and sparkle (not exactly me the other eleven months of the year), so give me all the sequins, feathers, embellishments, and bedazzle. What I love most about Mestiza is how effortlessly their pieces make you look polished and party-ready — they truly speak for themselves.

After Christmas, we’re heading to the Bahamas to escape the cold, and Mestiza is also my go-to for elevated resort wear that transitions seamlessly from daytime to cocktail hour. I already have my eye on this and this.

Where do you love to take visiting friends or family to give them that “New York at the holidays” experience?

It may be touristy, but the North Pole Express is such a wonderful experience with kids if you lean into the fun. You also can’t go wrong with ice skating at Rockefeller Center and taking in the iconic tree. Read all my holiday recommendations here!

What styles from Mestiza are on your gift guides this season? Think mother’s, sisters, daughters, friends, teachers, and more!

Is it terribly selfish that whenever I browse Mestiza, I only think about what I want for myself? (It’s a long list!) In addition to their gorgeous clothing, Mestiza makes the most wonderful accessories. I wear my pink cashmere pashmina all the time — it’s truly the perfect gift for anyone. This summer, I got countless compliments on this clutch every time I carried it, so that’s definitely going on the gift list. And my daughter would absolutely flip over this adorable sleep mask.

Click the image to shop the styles, and follow 'About And Out' on Instagram for more recommendations! 

What’s your ideal Thanksgiving weekend in NYC—stay in the city or escape somewhere nearby?

We spend our summers in Southampton, and I absolutely love escaping the city to spend Thanksgiving weekend there as well. There’s nothing quite like a beach town in the off-season — it’s incredibly cozy and peaceful.

What do you love most about the Mestiza brand?

There’s so much to love about Mestiza — you can really feel the heart and soul that founders Louisa and Ale put into the brand. I also love how versatile the pieces are, perfect for cocktail, day or night, and even resort wear. Mestiza is polished, high-quality, and glamorous — which is no easy feat!

How do you feel when you wear Mestiza?

Well, with the new bridal collection, I’m feeling like I want to get married again so I can wear this, this and this. Maybe I’ll find an excuse to renew my vows — or host a fancy white party — just to slip into these gorgeous pieces!