Crystal Renn used to be starving. When she came to New York City for the first time, she didn't head to Serendipity or grab a slice from Grimaldi's like most bright eyed newbies do; she had lettuce, plain, from a nameless salad bar in the theater district. She lived in the greatest city in the world, too weak and obsessed with being thin to enjoy it. In her new book, Hungry, Renn describes her world before and after she decided to let go of oppressive dieting to become one of the most successful plus-sized models in the world. She pours over her struggles with body image, her industry, and the stigma of labels within the modeling world, but she still won't talk about that first slice of New York City pizza. Today, Renn walks the same city streets, but she lives in a totally different universe: one where she can have a beer in Williamsburg and buy Size-12 leggings without feeling as though her waist or food is "sacrificing chicness or quality." Here are the places around town Crystal Renn enjoys, now that she's truly living life.

Shopping

● Best shop to snag an after work outfit: Barneys, where you can stock up on most of your wardrobe basics. Rick Owens for men's tank tops, Goodwill for flannel shirts, American Apparel for tights, Helmut Lang for everything!

● Favorite high fashion designers: Lanvin, Ann Demeulemeester, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander Wang, Prada, Comme de Garcons.

● Favorite shop that women across America have access to: Lane Bryant for their skinny jeans, and their undergarments are so comfortable and offer incredible support. I love to mix and match random pieces from Lane Bryant with other designers. I also like Topshop and Evans. If the woman is the average American size- which is a 14, Evans is a dream. It is actually a UK brand that carries 14 and above, and has up-to-trend clothes. You can buy their clothes online. Restaurants

● Favorite place to grab a quick bite: I love Oak Cafe in Williamsburg. I also like Taralucci e Vino for the paninis.

● Date spot: Crispo in Chelsea is the most romantic place.

● Overall favorite food haven: Cheesecake Factory, for obvious reasons, and Slice, which is a great organic pizza spot.

● Best place to eat on the cheap: Kate's Joint in the East Village.

● Where do you eat the most? Whole Foods. Nightlife

● The best nightlife spot in New York right now: I would have to say it's The Standard Beer Garden and The Standard Grill.

● Favorite spot for a ladies night: AOC Bistro in Park Slope is a great place to go out with the girls.

● Best low key bar: Harefield Road in Williamsburg. The place is really great, but unassuming.

● Best bar for creative cocktails: I'm definitely a beer and wine girl, so I wouldn't really know!

General

● Favorite touristy’ spot in Manhattan: Serendipity. It's great for tourists and non-tourists.

● Least favorite spot in Manhattan: Chinatown. All of Chinatown. It's just generally way too busy.