I lived on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for a few months last year, and despite what you may think, it’s one of the best places in New York City for style stalking.

Unlike the some of the looks seen in other NYC hoods, uptown style is an exercise in authenticity and refinement. Think Barbour jackets, Gucci loafers, L.L. Bean tote bags and plenty of Ralph Lauren, says in-house uptown girl Madeline.

The Upper East Side set values clothing with serious staying power, see, which is why a true native is always wearing at least one luxe hand-me-down -- be it a classic Cartier Tank Watch or an aging Birkin. And they have glowy, La Mer-soaked Lauren Santo Domingo skin and perfect Olivia Palermo hair. I want those things! Don’t you?

Well now we can all have a piece with this ultra-chic, totally doable Carolina Herrera spring 2012-inspired hair. Much more forgiving than a traditional bun, this looped look offers the perfect balance of uptown polish and downtown ease.

Styling by Hannah at Cutler Salon