After spending over 13 years in New York City, Dria Murphy has become a consummate curator. Starting in the industry working in PR at several top fashion brands such as Calvin Klein, Topshop, and Ralph Lauren– Murphy was able to hone her talent and eye toward the excellent. With this skill set, she launched her aptly titled website bydria, which focuses on her best recommendations of wellness and lifestyle products and locations throughout her travels and life in the city. From covering topics such as her journey into freezing her eggs to sharing expertly crafted gift guides Dria has created a digital destination for the holistic enthusiast. Never one to idle, Murphy has built a strong, media and marketing presence within the wellness industry founding the creative marketing firm Alise Collective to help niche start-up brands in the wellness space. 

8 am-ish

I am not a morning person so getting up is usually a little bit of a struggle. Sleep is such a priority for me and I need a lot of it, for better or for worse. I love to hit snooze at least once and cuddle with my puppy Matchee, and I try not to instantly look at my phone but still do a lot of the time (working on it). 

As I brush my teeth, I multi-task by opening my Woven Home blinds, taking in the beautiful West Village view. From my bedroom, I can see the One World Trade to the iconic townhouse-lined streets, moving to distant views of Hudson Yards and the Empire State Building. I am reminded, from the moment I wake up, of all that NYC has to offer. 

Next, I turn on my matcha machine and kettle as I do my morning skincare. Some of my favorite skincare brands include Symbiome, 111Skin, Tata Harper, and Augustinus Bader. I look forward to my matcha every morning. I like to do half hot water and half almond milk with cinnamon on top as my go-to recipe. 

8:30 am 

I love the West Village in the mornings (well and always because it’s my home!) and I’ve come to treat taking my puppy out every morning as a moment of zen for me before the usual day of running around the city for meetings. The neighborhood is quiet and lends a sense of calmness during this time. Right now my routine is walking to Cafe Kitsune to grab another matcha. I love the outdoor space and try to sit for a few minutes before the day begins. There are so many dogs there as well, and it feels like a community during the week.

9:00 am

I am usually about to sit down at St. Jardim for a breakfast meeting. It is one of my favorite spots to grab a quick breakfast or coffee to start the day. They have a great egg plate and yogurt bowl. During the day, it is more of a coffee shop, then at night, it turns into a restaurant with a great natural wine menu. Another morning spot I love in the neighborhood is Sogno Toscano. My team and I will meet there often for coffee and catch-ups. 

10:00 am

My team and I typically work together three days a week. Depending on what we have on the calendar, we are between my apartment and Casa Cipriani. I am a founding member of Casa Cipriani and on their advisory board. I love to work there during the day. You can’t beat the light, view, and service. 

12 pm

I almost always have a working lunch, which I don’t love because they take too much time out of the day, but then I get into my groove on the computer later in the day. If I am staying local, I love to order from The Little Beet or pop down to Morandi for a quick bite. Other lunch favorites are Sant Ambroeus Lafayette, Jack’s Wife Freda, and Lure.

5:30-7:30 pm

When I am farther downtown, I love to pop into the Four Seasons Spa for some infrared sauna time to detox from the day. I recently experienced the Augustinus Bader Facial and my skin never felt more hydrated. 

When I can get a workout class in, I love Forward Space in SoHo; this workout is no joke it’s equal parts dance cardio, athletic training, and moving meditation. The emotion and the high I feel during class are indescribable – I can release so much while moving my body and being mentally present. I also frequent Good Day Pilates in SoHo for reformer classes. The studio was started by a physical therapist and you can tell by the way each teacher is particularly mindful of each movement.  

While in Soho, I also love to get lost in Kirna Zabete‘s massive store. Ina is also a favorite to browse consignment treasures. Material Good is my go to for anything jewelry. When I’m here earlier in the day, I love to grab a matcha at Matchful or Enly.
Back in the West Village, I love my friend’s stores, LAHN and LAHN Living. She has done an amazing job curating such unique brands at both stores, and I always find things no one else has. 

8 pm

Dinner is usually out and if I am honest, close to home. Some of my favorite spots are Via Carota, Pastis, and Antons. I love martinis at  American Bar and Saint Theos, or a last drink at the bar at Commerce Inn or Jeffrey’s too.