Peace in the Middle of Chaos

Before living here, I always thought of Times Square as so exciting and amazing.  It was what came to mind when I heard "NYC".  However after working basically in Times Square, I've become annoyed by the ridiculous amounts of people and overcrowded streets.  After work I can't wait to get to my neighborhood (Gramercy).  There's room to walk at your own pace and people seem a little more relaxed and nicer.  

It wasn't until this weekend, when my Mom and I visited Bryant Park, that I realized there was a place to find peace of mind in the middle of the noise, lights and crowds of Times Square.  Bryant Park has to be one of the most inspirational places.  It's not very big, but there are a million things going on.  There are chess clubs, ping pong tournaments, a beautiful fountain, an outdoor movie screen, a carousel (we even saw a little private birthday party at the ride), and a reading area, with books and signs reminding people to be quiet.  It amazes me how many things can be going on in such a peaceful area.  We did take advantage of being in midtown, and split a Raspberry Swirl cupcake from Crumbs (the cupcake place right outside the park), a little table close to the Carousel.  It was delicious!

I Got an Inside Tip....

Luckily, I don;t work on Fridays.  I heard that Gossip Girl was filming today at the crossing of Broadway and Prince in Soho.  Obviously I took the subway down there with hopes of celebrity sightings, maybe even the role of an extra (haha).  At first I was unsuccessful.  I couldn't find them anywhere.  So, I went shopping for a little bit and pretty much gave up my search.  

But, it was my lucky day!  On my way back to the subway to go home, I came across some trailers.  Movie star trailers!
I knew that I found what I was looking for when I saw the line of girls standing outside one of the trailer doors.  I got a great picture taking spot.  The actors weren't talking to anyone, and there was a lot of security walking them by, so it was hard to get good pictures.  However, I snapped a few!  

The first picture is of the roof that they were filming on.  (They were just rehearsing, because they were waiting for it to get dark for filming.  It was for the first episode of season 3.)  The picture that I'm in, is in front of the trailer that Leighton Meester (Blair) was getting her hair and makeup done in (at that very moment).  I saw the car drop her off and saw her walk in!

The Upper West Side and more dessert (I lost count)

After work Kaitlyn and I decided to meet up on the Upper West Side for another dessert trip at Levain Bakery.  I got up there before her so I had some time to walk around (it was my first time on the upper west side).  It was a really cool area.  I took a picture of one of my living options for the future (haha).  It was right by Central Park, which we walked through and pretended we were in a movie (friends always seem to meet up after work in Central Park in the movies).  

The cookies really were the best Chocolate Chip cookies in the world.  The bakery was a little hole in the wall, but it was so delicious.  My cookie went directly from the oven to my mouth (it actually burnt my tongue, it was so fresh).  

We walked through Central park to the Upper East side (another desirable place to live).  We saw the place where Blair and Chuck kiss on Gossip Girl and the Plaza, which was beautiful!  (I might go to a Gossip Girl taping tomorrow!)

Another high stress sale!

I don't think you ever get used to the feelings you get from a sample sale.  There was a shoes and handbag sale today.  Normally, I would just be excited, but last night and today I was actually nervous, stressed, anxious!  Why was I suffering like this?  Because they tortured us!  Yesterday, we had to set up the sale.  Pairing shoes worth hundreds of dollars and placing beautiful leather bags on tables is not fun when you know that there is a chance the vultures will pick up these treats before you.  I was expecting them to let us put aside our favorite bags and pay for them the next day, but that was not the case.

I had two favorite bags.  All night I thought about them.  The next morning, I was so anxious to get there, but no other interns would leave right away.  So, I waited trying to pretend I wasn't as anxious as I was.  We finally got there, and were among the first to arrive.  I grabbed the two bags that I dreamt about the night before and my stress level dropped dramatically.  I proceeded to find three more bags and two wallets, all for the price of less than one bag.  Within a half hour all the bags were gone.  

I have a serious problem.

Every New Yorker for themselves...

Trader Joe's in NYC is always an interesting experience.  It's the only Trader Joe's in Manhattan, so it's incredibly crowded.  One time I went and had to wait 10 minutes in line outside on the sidewalk, just to enter the store.  (The lines are definitely worth it.  The food is so good, and there are always free samples to eat while you're shopping.)

Anyway, I went food shopping yesterday.  I was so excited because I had no food and Trader Joe's is so fun to shop in, especially when you actually need food.  After finding everything that I wanted, I got in line (starting on the opposite side of the store from the cashier).  I don't mind waiting in line, but apparently some people get quite irritable.  There was a fight!  Not just any fight, but a fight between two middle aged women!  It started because one lady wasn't moving fast enough, and it escalated from there.  Names such as "fat liar" were thrown, along with threats about sending each other to the hospital and a few punches.  It took about 6 employees to break it up. 

 Luckily I made it out alive and with my food!

Who ever said NYC was expensive?

This sunny weekend was amazing!  We went kayaking on the Hudson.  It was so relaxing (we did more tanning than paddling), and the views were exceptional.  The statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were visible from our kayak.  But, the best part about this whole adventure is that it was completely free!  The kayak was free for an unlimited amount of time, the lockers and changing rooms were free.  It was a rare find.

Tribute to the Security Guard

It was a beautiful day all yesterday (while I was in work).  Of course as soon as I get out of the elevator to walk to the subway, it starts down pouring.  It was so dark out, it seemed like it was night.  I didn't have an umbrella.  Just as I was about to brave the walk and accept that I would get home soaking wet, the security guard offered me his poncho.  Leaving a major fashion company in a huge blue poncho (with a hood), would be the nightmare of most.  However, I really feel that he saved my life.  So, though I may have looked ridiculous running through NYC (on a swollen foot) in a blue poncho, I was dry and probably provided entertainment for many.  I returned the sacred poncho to him today.

Library Adventures

I feel like I came closer to becoming a local today.  Why?  Because, I signed up for a library card at the New York Public Library.  It was no easy task either.  It closed at 6 (you would think that a NYC library would be open a little later than that) and I end work at 5.  Feeling a little bit like a dork, I ran off the subway to the library (on my swollen foot) feeling pretty good about myself as I walked in at 5:30 (plenty of time to leisurely search for a book).  I was not so lucky.  To sign up for a library card you need proof of a New York address (thank you Aunt Louise for sending me that card!).  So, I ran ten blocks back to my apartment got the envelope, waited 10 minutes for the slowest elevator (the one and only downside of living on the penthouse floor) and successfully made it there at 5:50!  I ended the adventure with a library card and a good book about living in Manhattan (One Fifth Avenue).  

I really needed a good book to fill up some of my free time.  Plus, look at my reading view!

Coney Island

Kaitlyn and I were so excited to see the sun this weekend, especially after like 7 straight rain days.  (The city is a little depressing in the rain.)  We really craved sun and I needed the beach!

So, we took an hour subway ride, through Brooklyn, and got off at the very last stop, Coney Island.  New York city people definitely do not know how to "beach it" like we do in Narragansett.  There were little kids dressed in jeans making sand castles, it just wasn't right.  However, Kaitlyn and I showed them a thing or two.  It was so nice to be on a beach and walk on the board walk. 

We rode the Wonder Wheel.  It was built in 1920, it's a landmark!

Sundays in New York

Every restaurant in Gramercy specializes in Brunch on Sundays.  It's delicious and creates a great Sunday morning atmosphere, especially when you're lucky enough to sit outside!  

With a little exploration and dedication, even a picky eater can find a brunch selection to his liking.

Coffee Breaks!

Most interns dread the task of coffee fetching, and I thought I would too.  However, after my first week of non stop excitement and work, I realized that walking down the street to wait in line for a coffee, provides quite a breather.  

Coffee fetching isn't always as easy as it seems, especially if you have never bought a cup of coffee in your life.  So of course one of the designers orders an Americano last week.  Why doesn't Starbucks have sympathy for the interns of NYC and put the milk in?  You have to do it yourself.  I had no idea how much to put in.  Luckily I used a lifeline and called a friend, the professional coffee drinker (my dad).  

Dessert Places!

I'll be doing many dessert updates, because there are so many places to try!  There's frozen yogurt everywhere.  So far I've tried Pinkberry, Red Mango, Yogurt Station, and Daydream.  Each place has it's own flair.  But after all these "healthy" treats, one has the craving for something not so healthy, ice cream.  It's definitely not as easy to find a ice cream place as it is to find a frozen yogurt in Gramercy.  However, Kaitlyn (my room mate) found a place called Sundaes and Cones!  It was delicious.  We both got fudge swirl in a waffle cone with rainbow sprinkles : ))))   (that smiley face represents the double chins the ice cream gave me)

New York energy

Learning more about the Donna Karan company has really made me appreciate it a lot more.  The ideal lifestyle that she sells is something that I would like to envision myself living.  Her clothes are designed for "...an international man and woman.  A creative person who never knows where a day is going to take them."  This is why she keeps NY on her label.  " It sets the pace, the attitude."  If there was ever a place to intern during your first months living in New York city, it's Donna Karan.

 
Plus, she's on the Fashion Walk of Fame on 7th ave.  ( I took this picture when I walked home from work the other day.  I really shouldn't have walked on my swollen foot, but the absence of rain was way too tempting.  Don't worry, I changed into sneakers...see!)

Oh!  And the birth of DKNY was in 1989, hence it's 20th birthday this year.  ( It's a sign)

Living on the Edge

I'm wearing jeans for the first time to work today!  Wish me luck.  Two of the other interns have worn them and also a few employees.  I've definitely waited long enough.  And, of course I'm dressing it up with a pretty top (maybe even my new fedora hat oooooo)!

The Ultimate Sale

I was going to try and post in chronological order, but I can't wait for this post any longer. We've all heard about the "secret" sample sales in New York City, that you have to know someone who knows someone to get in. Well, after yesterday and today, feel confident saying that I know those someones!
I went to a Donna Karan Sample sale today on my lunch break! It wasn't just any sample sale, it was a vintage sample sale. Not only was it a vintage sample sale, but it was a Vintage Donna Karan Collection Sample Sale. For those of you who don't know. the Donna Karan company has many divisions, all for different target markets. Donna Karan Collection just happens to be the highest priced division (the bridge division), this is runway stuff!
Walking into my first sample sale was exciting and nerve racking. Riding up the elevator to the 15th floor is when you get the most anxious. I had no idea what to expect. First of all the elevator is packed and it's obvious we're all going to the same floor. All I could picture was the scene from Confessions of a Shopoholic, with girls running everywhere fighting to the death for that valuable handbag. Luckily, it was closed off to employees (you need a pass to get up the elevator), so that calmed my nerves a little. However, walking in proved to me that that made no difference. There were racks everywhere, and you really had to dig to find stuff worth your while. On an intern's 20 min lunch break, this can be stressful. But, I was trained well in the art of shopping by my professional shopping mother.
In the end, my purchases totaled about $100. I think it's safe to say that the retail total would be between $5000 and $7000. Purchase of the day: Metallic leather purse, retailed between $1200 and $1500. I bought it for $30.

Learning from the Locals

So, I know I'm way behind, but I want to start from the beginning for a few things.  For example, my apartment.  Never in my life will I live in a place, with a location like this one (but I can dream).  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.  (Every picture posted below is taken from my kitchen window.)  

It's not like I've never been to New York City before.  I've been to all the touristy places like Times Square (still really cool).  There's something really different about being downtown though.  I feel like I'm beginning to understand the city, because I'm surrounded by locals.  It's a totally different feel.  It's actually a relief to get on the subway after work, out of the chaos of midtown, with it's lights, and tourists.  It's about a ten min walk to my apartment from the subway, but I love walking alongside the business people.  It makes me feel successful and reminds me that I live in New York City!

Cyber Memory

I meant to start a blog on my first week in New York City.  However, the hustle and bustle dragged my mind away from the idea and I totally forgot.  It occurred to me yesterday, that although my trip will be unforgettable, there is too much for me to remember.  One day I'm standing in a ten minute line outside, on the sidewalk just so I can enter Trader Joe's (worth it!) and the next I'm buying a $1200 purse for only $30.  These first three weeks have already been amazing and I don't want to forget anything.  Blogging is one of the only ways for me to prevent that.  (Also, it will keep me from eating every minute of the day.)