Not here to bash Boca Raton… the birds incessantly sing, I’m overdosing on vitamin D, and iguanas tend to mind their own. Yet… as I open IG stories showing off blossoms in Central Park and LES street style (not endorsing the mesh ballet flat, especially in the city. Are you guys okay? I’m not into feet pics, but how are you handling the mesh patterned sidewalk dirt stains? convo for another time), I can’t help but reminisce New York City culture.
Don’t worry -
I won’t be listing museums or bagels bars. I’d rather ramble on about niche nyc things! The nuances achieved with the one and only mile high city surrounded by murky (mafia) waters, and filled with people that don’t flinch when a homeless butt crack exposed man robs someone only to be thwarted by Spiderman launching from the top of a subway train. Money can’t buy the vibes.
Unfortunately, though extremely nyc coded, Spiderman didn’t make the list.
Here’s 7 things I DO miss:
1. Dog stalking… er, I mean watching
You wouldn’t think it, but NYC is the best location for dogless dog lovers. Those daily walks of picking up poo - no thank you. I’ve seen dog owners before sunrise in a foot of snow, dodging slush and abyss-like-puddles (of which we all annually step in), for the sake of their pooch’s bladder (side note: does a purer love exist? I don’t think I’d be married right now if Bryan had to take me out twice a day every day, come sunshine or snow blizzard).
Dogless dog lovers can walk outside anytime and see the fluffiest balls of fur in all shapes and sizes without the hassle of being an owner. Do I still crave my own ball of fluff to cuddle and call my own? Duh. But we were getting by.
Alas, the dogs in Boca Raton are hidden behind backyard fences, residing in homes greater than 800 sq ft. with no reason to roam outside their property… doing my best to be happy for them.
If in NYC, I recommend grabbing a coffee and dog stalking near Madison Square Park.
2. As an interior designer, lord I miss the talent
The talent of tradespeople found in and around the city is hard to come by down here. Luckily, I’ve met a few that have moved from the city to South Florida with great experience and attention to detail. But gosh, I spent over three years building those relationships up north. The painter I worked with still sends project updates I’m no longer a part of. Hilarious and I don’t mind one bit. I just miss them.
3. New high-rise? No, thank you. I’ll take concrete walls of a prewar building any day
I rented apartments in prewar buildings and never heard so much as a footstep above or below. And if my window didn’t face the street, not a peep and the BEST sleep. Plus, you get the charm of decorative moldings, tile mosaics, and life revolving around the erratic mood of your radiator. Really, I just miss the unavoidable workout of a 5th floor walkup. Does wonders for your lower half.
4. That go-getter energy
NYC frequency is off the charts📈📈📈. Everyone’s synced to it and buzzing with creative ideas and an electric eagerness to get ahead.
For transparency, the intensity kept me in a state of “huh, is this a panic attack?” but that’s showbiz, baby. I loved it.
I grew up an overachiever (goody two shoes, I hate me too) and felt I’d finally found a place that applauded that desire to go above and beyond. It’s just so constant. Amazing for the start of any career but an unhealthy addiction, and I’ve paid my dues. And don’t pity me because I’d do it again.
5. Getting lost in nature
That’s right. Central Park is so massive that you can, as I have, actually get lost and as a newbie in NYC end up losing 10 lbs trying to navigate your way home mapless before dusk on 2% phone battery. AND at the same time, not worry about getting ankles snapped by an alligator. The Rocky Mountains and Everglades are lovely, but I want to get lost in nature and know I’ll find a bodega before a bear.
6. Coffee shop culture
Man, I miss a romanticized Saturday. I still have them, but not on the same level as a morning Pilates class and walk to sit and read in a West Village café, posing as Subsidized Suzie that lives around the block on W 4th Street… surrounded by five other girls doing the same.
Anyway.
The people watching was elite and made the $7 latte feel worth it.
Fav coffee shops to post up in: The Elk for the doggos, Café Kitsuné for the fashion, Cafe Panino for a local vibe
7. The stooping and thrift scene
Another weekend ritual I took advantage of and miss dearly. We’re talking brand new cashmere sweaters found for $30, a green silk skirt for $15 that retailed $250, a pair of Rag & Bone jeans (tag still on!) at the perfect size for $35… the list goes on. If you scout around the right parts of town, like Housing Works in the West Village, there are gems galore. Pieces I now own that my closet could never afford. Take me back!!!!!
Till next time, nyc.
xoxo,
Wendie