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Tibi dress (similar) // M.Gemi sling backs c/o

GiGi New York crossbody bag c/o // Lisi Lerch earrings // David Yurman bracelet

I have been in New York for officially a month now! It feels strange being back. I honestly never thought it would happen to me twice, yet here I am and I feel beyond grateful for it. Being back, like I said, feels a little odd. In a way I feel as if I am new to the city not knowing anything but already feel comfortable in my surroundings. So much has changed since I left (even though I have visited a few times a year since leaving) and a lot has stayed the same. I am currently living in an area I have never lived in before so I need to get reacquainted with the west side subway and familiarize what is in my neighborhood. I have already gotten lost (ugh) by taking the wrong train, made the rookie mistake of buying too much at the grocery store and having to carry it all by myself, been yelled (cussed) at by people who want me to get out of their way, and was chased by a strange man for three blocks asking me out on a date. Ahh yes, I have forgotten the loveliness of the city.

And no I am not going out with that strange guy….

I am completely starting over here. I have been applying for jobs (which my bank account and shopping habit really needs), trying to put myself out there and go on dates, submerging myself into the NYC blog world, and reconnecting/catching up with the few friends that I had before that are still here— a lot of my friends moved away. I have lucked out and have two amazing roommates who I have been enjoying getting to know. I haven’t lived with other people (besides my parents) for the past 4 years, so it has been a little challenging for me with all that comes with living with roommates. But it has been great so far! I love my cute little apartment and the area I live in!

Blogging here was one of my biggest concerns–what photographer am I going to use, how do people here take pictures when they can’t get changed in the car like I did in Columbus, how am I going to stand out here for brands, what bloggers can I hang out with? Luckily I already knew Tillie from My Stiletto Life, and Ashley from Impossibly Imperfect from past fashion weeks and conferences that I have already met up with for coffee and brunch dates. Both have been so beyond kind in including me in blogging get togethers. Also they have been SO helpful in giving me advice on what it is like to be an NYC blogger. This past Monday I went to a blogging dinner at Sotto 13 and met a lot of blogging girls– some I know I will become pretty good friends with!

Although I am currently only blogging and do not have a full time job (yet, fingers crossed), I have been spending my days working out at different studios and walking all over Manhattan.  This is my favorite time of the year and New York especially is extra magical, so I do not mind spending my days wondering around with no agenda while looking at cute and cheerful holiday decorations.

One of the things that I really want to do here, a goal that I set for myself when I first knew I was moving back, is to gain as much experiences as I possibly can and meet as many people as possible. I know this is probably everyones goal when moving to a new city, but sometimes you get tired and want to stay home instead of going to an event on a Tuesday night. Last time I lived here I got so caught up in work that I forgot to really have a life. I want to say yes to as many invitations that come my way. I want to do the things I promised myself I would do last time I lived here and never ended up doing. I want to take risk and make my life one big adventure.

With all of the challenges and risks I am currently facing I am very happy to be back. I feel grateful everyday for new opportunities and for the friends I have already made. I feel very certain moving here was the right decision and I can’t wait to see what my future holds. NYC, I know, isn’t the easiest place to live, but for me it is the most exciting place to live. I feel happy and excited and determined here–and it feels great to be back!

Photo by Megan Weaver