Last year, I had a lot of firsts. I moved to New York City by myself, started my first year of college, said goodbye to my friends and family, met new friends that became family, and then said goodbye to those new friends just as fast as I met them. I walked for the first time in New York Fashion Week and started to seriously pursue my modeling career while simultaneously earning a degree and showing up to my 8:30’s every morning. Later, I would duck out of my afternoon classes, change into my heels, and hop the subway to a casting call. It’s safe to say I learned A LOT over the past year, about myself, and the city combined.
I thought that after completing one year I would find a sense of familiarity and feel reassured about returning, but I can’t lie, I am still just as nervous (and excited, obviously). This next chapter holds just as many big and exciting changes as the one before. First off, and probably my most exciting next big thing is my new, old apartment. New to me and my roomie, old to the city. She is considered “pre-war” and was built in 1910–but that can only add charm, right?
Our quaint neighborhood, tucked in the heart of the upper east side, has become one of my new favorite areas. So close to the water, walking distance from central park, a cute wine shop a couple blocks down, and so many lively cafes and bakeries. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve dealt with sidewalk trash, rats, lugging suitcases up endless stairs, and living in what might qualify as a small walk-in closet. But the charm of it all makes it worth every bit of the hustle.
I’m head over heels for this little apartment and am knee-deep in the decorating process. Between “guesstimating” measurements from old photos and navigating the quirks of online furniture shopping, it’s been an adventure for sure. Not being there has definitely made the furniture process more difficult. From surfing the internet for “affordable stylish bed frames” to arguing over the phone with the Wayfair customer service supervisor, I will be happy to see it all come together in the end.
When I land in the city, my Mom and I are on the thrift hunt for some fun art pieces for my room. Thrifting is one of my favorite hobbies/pastimes and one of my #1 hacks for “ballin on a budget” I would guess 85% of my life is thrifted or upcycled in some way. I think that finding items second hand, not only gives them another life but also gives your space, wardrobe etc. some charm (Not to mention how fabulous it is for the environment 🙂)
But anyways, I can’t wait to update this when my room is finallyyy done and I am able to see the whole thing come together. The process, though filled with uncertainties, has been a blast. Here’s to the unknown, to this new apartment, and to what the next year has in store!
The Couture Chronicles 
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