Welcome to the Big Apple: A Roller Coaster of Fashion and Fiasco

From London to NYC My Journey and the 4 Biggest Mistakes I Made

Moving from London to NYC a month ago, I made 4 major mistakes.

New York City at dusk. Image credit: AerialPerspective Images

I recently took a plunge into the concrete jungle of New York City. Oh, the excitement of a change in scenery! Little did I know, the transition would be more treacherous than a walk in stilettos. I made some rookie mistakes that even Anna Wintour would cringe at. So, listen up, fashion lovers, here are the hilariously disastrous blunders I made upon arriving in the city that never sleeps!

Mistake #1: The Blind Lease Leap

The financial district in NYC. Image credit: Maria Noyen/Business VoiceAngel

In my enthusiastic pursuit of living my own NYC story, I made the grave mistake of signing a lease without even laying eyes on the apartment. I mean, come on! What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything. It turns out that what someone else considers ‘adequate’ might make your stylish heart shudder. My new pad nestled in the Financial District could easily be mistaken for an extravagant corporate fortress. Not exactly the cozy, homey vibe I was expecting. Lesson learned: always tour the place first or be prepared for a ‘stylish’ surprise.

Mistake #2: The Wall of Unwanted Attention

A flex wall in an NYC apartment. Image credit: Maria Noyen/Business VoiceAngel

Living in the Big Apple on a budget means making a few sacrifices. I was all ready to cozy up in my tiny, cost-cutting room that doubled as the living room. Enter the notorious ‘flex wall,’ a classic NYC feature. These temporary walls are like New Yorkers’ secret weapon to squeeze extra rooms into apartments and cut some rent. Sounds like a win-win, right? Well, not quite. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a one-foot gap between the top of my wall and the ceiling! Privacy, be gone! So, my fellow fashionistas, do your research and consider the pros and cons of these ‘walls with benefits.’

Mistake #3: Grocery Store Sticker Shock

Local grocery shops in NYC sell products for higher prices than chains like Trader Joe’s. Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Ah, the joys of grocery shopping in the city! Armed with my reusable tote bag and a zest for culinary exploration, I embarked on my first shopping spree. Milk, eggs, yogurt, oh my! As I approached the cash register, my jaw dropped like a couture gown on the runway. The total read a heart-stopping $40! My dear readers, let my mistake be your saving grace. Avoid the local shops for major hauls and turn to Aldi or Trader Joe’s for budget-friendly options. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, splash the cash at Whole Foods – at least you’ll know it’s expensive before you go!

Mistake #4: From “Friends” to “Foe”

The cast of “Friends.” Image credit: Getty Images

As a devoted fan of “Friends” and “Sex and the City,” I confess that I had some seriously unrealistic expectations about making new friends and embracing the NYC social scene. In my imagination, I would instantly become Rachel Green, smoothly joining an established friend group with a flawless wardrobe. Alas, my social butterfly wings were clipped. Making friends in NYC takes time and effort, and let’s not forget the expenses! Those glamorous nights out portrayed on TV? They hit you harder than a high-end designer handbag. So, my fellow fashionistas, adjust your expectations and embrace the reality that NYC is not just about the glitz and glamour of onscreen life.


Oh, the highs and lows of the Big Apple! So, my dear readers, heed my cautionary tale and avoid these fashion faux pas. NYC is not just a city; it’s an exhilarating roller coaster ride that challenges and rewards us. Embrace the unexpected, dance in the rain of fashion mishaps, and flaunt your unique style. After all, fashion is about embracing our quirks while making a statement. So, keep strutting through the streets of New York City, one fabulous step at a time!