It was exactly how I thought it might be. It was a week long glimpse to what my future could be.
I spent the past 5 days in New York and fell in love with most of it.
Walking around the garment district was exciting, thinking about my creations being sold in Soho or Madison Ave was even more exciting. Browsing through countless little stores and fabric shops made me realize how much more I could do with a better variety of fabric, and expose to the best designs. I tryed to take mental pictures of the finishing techniques and popular styling and fitting lines. I realize I need to push my self with unique style lines, but keep a feminine silhoutte. I need to work on versitility of garments, day to night styles. But I loved it, and I know I could work here.
Much to our shock at 9 am one morning we were kicked out of my friends apartment by her roomate ( a 33 year old, not married, and living in a college like apartment?) We quickly left Brooklyn and went to Wyclefs studio. Nate won a contest to record with THE Wycleaf Jean. More about him in another post, there is just too much to say about that awesome experience. We left our things at Platinum Records and I ventured into the city for some fabric shopping and Nate recorded. Thankfully a friend who is modeling in NYC put us up. We dragged our bags from Times square to Queens, thus ending up a hot sweaty, wet from the rain, and still shocked from the mornings wake up call, mess. But when we walked off the subway and into Astoria I fell in love. Here was the perfect little main street, with a fresh food market that trumped the city stink, well priced as well. There was an all night dinner, cute bars, restaurants, bank, pharmacy, everything a place needs all on one street. We started trucking toward her house in the rain. I just about died when we turned the corner, it was perfect. Two, three story brick homes, white, grey, brown, you name it, with beautiful gardens, elegant metal gates and porches. I didn’t think it could get any better untill I found out how cheap rent was and there is an olympic size public pool, tennis courts and running track right next to the hudson, for free. We spent a lovely night catching up, talking fashion, advertising and modeling. I woke to the cutest little dog licking my face.
I really do think all things happen for a reason, and getting thrown out meant finding the perfect place to live. I could almost smell the ocean there.
The thing I love about the city is there is always something to do, single or in a relationship. Central park is relaxing and beautiful. One could eat at a new restaurant every day. The street vendor food is amazing, lamb and rice, gyros, and lets not forget the fresh produce stands for not much more then in the stores. I love the pride taken in authentic food, the street markets must be insane! When I have an intern someday, I can’t wait to send her on a strawberry or raspberry run, which are just as expensive as a cup of coffee.
The only downsides were all the walking, my feet have never hated me so much! On the positive side you always get a work out before and after work.
The subway, which got better, and let’s face it, unlimited transportation for only $80 a month is better then owning a car which could cost thousands a month between gas burned sitting in traffic and insurance.
The layout was also confusing but that clicks once one lives there after a while. I love how there are always new places to discover.
So in a year I know where I want to be. A cute house in Astoria with Nate a few blocks away. He can be an advertising and or music man. I’ll design clothes, textiles and art on the side. I can grab fresh veggies for dinner and fruit for breakfast right when I hope off the subway. I’ll have a garden, cheap rent, We’ll grill out and eat at new places all the time. Pretty much the perfect life.
Hello future, I love you
dear feet, we are going to have to really get some caluses going this year. My whole pinky toe being a blister is just not going to fly.
