Pieces from the Past

Considering my proximity to New York City (about an hour and fifty minutes if I get an express train) it had been over a year since my last visit. Going twice in the span of seven days was certainly not something I expected would happen this month, yet both trips reminded me of how much I love being in the city.

Stepping off the subway at Canal Street brought back a flood of memories from my trips with my friends when I was in high school. As soon as my mom decided I was old enough to go without adult supervision, the months that would pass without at least one trip to New York were few and far between.

This was before I had my iPhone (or any cellphone) offering me turn-by-turn walking directions, telling me which subway train would get me to the right place, before I could call a car with the tap of a button. I'm so spoiled now, but perhaps back then, with nothing but a printed set of Map Quest directions, getting lost was part of the fun. Lost we did get, wrong turns, walking ten blocks in the wrong direction, riding the subway to the end of the line because we'd missed our stop long ago but hadn't noticed.

There was sometimes a plan for our trips, a concert, dim sum in Chinatown, or to see a movie in one of the huge IMAX theaters, but often there was not - it was about being able to wander, on our own, without an agenda.

For a moment, lost in my nostalgia, I wondered if I could find photos from some of those trips, but of course if any exist, they would be prints from a disposable camera, buried deep in a poorly organized drawer. Maybe it's better that way.

 white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-10.jpg white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-3.jpg white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-2.jpg white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-13.jpg white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-5.jpg white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-8.jpg white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-4.jpg white ruffle sleeve sweater, black jeans, trench coat, leopard loafers, ONA camera bag-14.jpg
The Rundown
White Ruffle Sleeve Sweater Sara Campbell via Coco's on the Green
 Black Jeans Gap
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Leopard Mules Franco Sarto via TJMaxx
Camera Bag "Palma" ONA
Pearl Hoop Earrings Thrifted similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx
Nail Color "Generation Zen" Essie


20 comments

  1. So crazy to think there was a time before cameras on cell phones were a thing! But it definitely makes it fun when digging through the photos! Really love your black bag. It has a classic and chic look!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  2. Haha yea, I still remember being terrified when I would go to the city in the past. When I did my photoshoot with the Outnet my mom came and we had to find our way without turn by turn directions. And then I remember I finally bought a smartphone for that Karl Lagerfeld event we went to. I was never huge into the city because I was afraid of all the people/getting lost. But then I started working there and liked it more, but I don't go often enough anymore because I hate paying for the train. I'm such a cheapo!
    https://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  3. This top is absolutely adorable! I love the ruffles on it, it makes it look so elegant and pretty. Makes a very chic look! Xx.

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  4. Loving you leopard print flats! So cute and chic xoxo sarah

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  5. I definitely miss being able to hop on that train and visit NYC for the day - I tried to advantage of it as much as possible in grad school but I never seem to have visited as much as I wanted to.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  6. I definitely miss NYC too - I can't wait to be back next month! I lived there for 5 years before moving to London and haven't been back in over a year!

    xx Mollie

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  7. This is definitely making me all nostalgic of my time living in New York! I need to visit soon!

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  8. Such a sophisticated, classic look! I live even closer to Chicago and I rarely make it downtown if it makes you feel any better! I love having things nearby and not driving as far!

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  9. Such a classic outfit - the camel trench and black pants are just perfect with the leopard print shoes! :)

    I'm a little jealous you live so close to New York - it does sound like you could have a lot of fun visiting there, and it's somewhere I'd really like to go one day!

    Hope that your week is off to a good start :) I just posted my weekday wear linkup, I'd love you to join! :)

    Away From Blue

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  10. It's so crazy thinking back on 5, 10, 15 years ago and the lack of apps, technology, etc. that make our lives so much easier (but we often take for granted!). Love this look for the city!

    Rachel
    www.hello-her.com

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  11. Twice in seven days - I'm so envious! Although I imagined if I lived that close, I'd still probably only visit as frequently as I do now, if the number of trips I make to other cities that close to me is anything to go by. It is funny to think back on how different life was before we had our iPhones - how much more often we were lost, and how much more willing we were to accept that sometimes we just wasted time and that was okay. I wonder if there is a future coming where we regain some of that, or if it is now just a memory? I suppose we won't know until we get there, but either way, I'm loving these NYC shots and will get you the ones from our shoot soon!
    xox,
    Cee

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  12. Isn't it amazing how we got around back before Google maps or Uber?! My best friend and I navigated London when we graduated college with PAPER MAPS and guidebooks- thinking of that now floors me!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  13. I love this outfit! I am obsessed with your bag! I need to order one for myself!

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  14. Such a chic outfit. Love the coat dear, really pretty combo with the sweater.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  15. The pop of leopard is SO cute! I need these loafers asap.

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  16. Your post reminds me of what someone had once said "One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years."

    ❥ tanvii.com

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  17. It's so crazy to think how much our lives have changed with technology since we were younger!

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  18. You look so good. I love that white top! The sleeves are super cute!

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  19. I felt nostalgic when reading this post as it seems that before we were more likely to be surprised and not so dependable on technology.
    I am just back from Mexico city and I actually printed a map and wondered around... no WIFI I was obliged to wander. Sometimes you need to wander, it was rewarding.

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