Into the City

When I moved out of the city a few years ago, I never wanted to move back. My mom likes to bring it up weekly on whether or not I miss certain things and the answer has always been a big no, I don’t miss it. It was such a fun period of my life to live there and I totally think if you have the itch to live there that you absolutely should. After three years of living there though, I was more than ready to leave it all behind. I checked it off my bucket list and can always say that I did it– and loved it.

And then when I decided to move to Hoboken, living closer to the city was a neutral item for me. I was close enough in Connecticut where I could come in for an event or two if I needed to. I actually used the distance as an excuse for not coming in and I assumed that I’d stick with that trend when I moved.

I was totally wrong.

I’m in the city at least three times a week now. While it’s fun to fantasize a little about moving back, I know I couldn’t actually put up with that kind of city living again. (Unless, of course, I had endless streams of money and could afford to live as comfortably as Eloise over there.)

But it’s been so fun to pop over for a coffee with friend, a work event, to shoot an outfit for the blog, a workout class I have wanted to try, etc. Metro-North is great and everything but, man, the PATH is amazing! I’ve had things to do all over the city and I’ll take whatever is fastest (ferry, PATH, bus) and I’m always blown away by the efficiency of it.

Two things I’ve been noting a lot as I hop over the river:

1) I love that I can go over for one thing. Since Metro-North gets expensive and it was nearly an hour for me each way, I’d try to jam my days with as many meetings and events as I could possibly fit just to maximize my time. It was probably why I hated doing it and would try to avoid altogether. It’s nice to be able to just go over for a little bit, even if it’s just to get my nails done with a friend.

2) I also have been kind of obsessed with the West Village. I conceptually always liked the West Village, but it was such a nightmare to get to from the Upper East Side. I did spend some time there when I lived in the city, but not enough to really get to appreciate it. Now with the PATH that ends right in the center of the West Village, I find myself there quite a bit. Loveeeee it. Again, if I could buy one of those brownstones? I guess you could twist my arm into moving in. 😂

All in all, I was pretty shocked to see how much I have been enjoying the city. It feels like a nicer and more manageable place from Hoboken. And I always feel good getting back on the PATH to come home and leave the skyscrapers behind me.

I don’t have a segue for the outfit, but I figured since NYC served as a nice backdrop for the outfit photos that I’d talk a bit about how I surprised myself with how much I’ve been enjoying it again.

I’ve had this blazer in my closet for a while now and love how oversized and casual it is, despite being ~a blazer~. I got it from my friends at Tuckernuck after seeing how differently they all styled it. It’s one of those great pieces to have in your closet to add just a little touch of something to a simple outfit.

Because it’s old, it has long since sold out, but I rounded up some similar blazers that you might like. This scalloped lapel is a top contender and this Forever 21 blazer is under $25 and you could easily swap in gold buttons for an inexpensive upgrade. I also think this one looks pretty similar to the one I’m wearing.

You guys know I love a good tote. I consider it my portable office and load them up with everything I might need while I’m out and about, especially if I’m going to be working in a coffee shop between meetings. This one is gorgeous. I absolutely love the rich color. The short straps would normally be a no go for me, but the cut out right below them is genius because you can still (easily and comfortably!) sling it over your shoulder.

(Hint, this would be a great graduation gift!)

Similar Blazer (loveeee this one too) // Striped Shirt // Jeans // Ballet Flats // Tote (c/o) // Sunglasses