“Shoulda, coulda, woulda”-Samantha, SATC
I would like to announce that I am officially job hunting in NYC.
Upon graduating high school, I knew that fashion school was the only option for me. I was torn between 3-Parson’s and FIT in NYC, and FIDM in Cali, where I lived, where I was comfortable. I applied, worked for days without sleep on my acceptance project (a whole other blog in itself) and was accepted to FIDM as a Merchandise Marketing major. Done and done. (Yes, FIDM existed before the Hills) 
I have been lucky enough to work in the fashion industry ever since. Having FIDM on my resume was a door opener, a leg up, an instant connection builder and therefore it’s allowed me to travel and also build a great life…in Southern California.
Still, I often wonder what would have happened if I had gone NYC. Is the grass always greener?
Should I have? Would I be happier? Could I still…go?
I literally have NOTHING holding me back…and everything to gain. I am single, connected in the industry and READY for what Melissa and I call a “glamtastic adventure.”
The last time I was in NYC was right before Christmas, I was working on a huge account for a client and have never been more stressed out in my life. Nothing was going right, and as the Senior Account Exec on the project the pressure got to me. I was staying in the penthouse of the Hotel Roosevelt on Madison Ave and I came back to my room, exhausted beyond belief at 10 pm after working since 4am. I had missed the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, I hadn’t eaten anything all day, my Outlook was full of unread emails and tasks…I wanted to cry and scream at the same time, but I just couldn’t stay in my room. So what does a girl do when she’s about to loose her mind?
It’s time for a cupcake.
I knew Magnolia Bakery was close by, and open late, so I bundled up and attempted to get a cab outside my hotel-nearly impossible on the night of the tree lighting…So instead began to walk. I finally pulled out the camera I hadn’t had time to use in the 10 days I was in the city. I’m no photographer but these are a few of my pictures from that night. That magical night.
I passed Magnolia, Rockefeller Center and the tree and the Ice Rink and found my way into Times Square. 
I bought some silly prints off a street vendor. I bought a new pair of mittens and a pink “cashmere” scarf on the corner-2 for $10. ha! This girl can always find shopping. I called my Mom, and then Gabby, and I think I freaked them a bit…“yeah I’m GREAT! It’s 11pm and I’m in Times Square…no I don’t know where my hotel is…but I’ll find it, no I don’t know where I am, it’s so fun…yes, I’m ok!” (I might be 28 but my Mom will never stop worrying, especially when I travel.)
My blackberry kept buzzing as I strolled along aimlessly yet with so much direction…and I turned it off. Never in my life have I felt as alive as I did that night. I have never felt so independent, so in control and so fearless. Not that walking around NYC is scary-I know my fab NYC readers are probably like…anddddd? But something changed in me that night…and ever since I’ve been back home, I can’t shake it. I need to be there. I need the energy, the history, the dirt, the beauty and the unknown.
I am going to follow the signs. The signs that are pointing me towards NYC have been everywhere, and even just a little while ago…SATC re-runs on TBS...”shoulda, woulda, coulda…” A friend and I laughed watching that together…and then I said…”It’s a SIGN.” I don’t want to continue wondering. I’m not going to share my signs, because they are so personal, and might sound silly to you-but signs are everywhere…it’s just if we choose to stop and notice them or not.
I am taking a risk, a leap of faith and following my heart.
Life is too short to not grab by the you-know-what’s and take advantage of it! NYC, here I come.
Here comes a little bit…more.. badass trouble.
If you’re in NYC and want to be friends…I heart new friends
XOXO, Liz
Psst…enter my It’s Unbeweavable Hair and Make-up Giveaway! It’s a sign!
{ 77 comments }
Good luck on your adventure!! Hope you find the path you're looking for girl!
That's an amazing story – great idea when you're stressed. And I'm so jealous you're going to be in NYC! I thought about moving there after college and ended up getting an internship down here and staying. I don't regret it, but it doesn't make me love NYC any less every time I visit. I know you'll have an amazing time!
I wish I lived in NYC, I'd be your friend! xoxo
wow…this is so amazing…i am so excited for you!! and might i say just slightly no enormously jealous…nyc is one place i don't think i could ever say no to living in…go for it lady!!!
So, I randomly fell on your blog from another blog that I follow (not even sure which one now) and I just want to say that you're amazing and I think you'll do great things in NYC.
I think you were a bit of a sign for me. I was sitting here thinking that I needed to work on letting my badass self (my words exactly) out more and then I started reading about your badass self(your words too) and made me realize that it's totally a good idea!
incredible move, E! the city that never sleeps is perfect for you. its glamorous, fast-paced and dynamic.. im sure your star will only shine brighter there! i'm so glad for you and all the best on your move!
much love
eden
Hey Liz. I say go for it! Good luck. I wish you the best. I think it sounds like a wonderful idea. Great photos. I really enjoyed this post.
Congratulations, and good luck! You're going to love it! Every time I go down there (not nearly as often as I would like), leaving to come home kills me. I miss the excitement, the energy, the alive feeling the city puts into your body…I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to do that myself someday…
wooo go for it girl! there's nothing like the big city. where you are planning to move to the east coast, im doing the exact opposite and heading to the west side – but i think that's what lots of career girls strive for, and it's almost an innate sense that we're driven to adventures across the way. have fun, be strong, and dont look back
Follow your heart! I hear ya on the "shoulda…woulda…coulda" There are many things i wonder "what if…" I too almost chose NYC over CA. You have nothing holding you there, so GO girl. NYC better watch out!!!
If I could have ever changed one thing in my life its that I wish I would have moved to NYC when I had nothing to tie me down and I was looking for jobs…I hope you find a job and are able to do it! BTW…I totally agree with your feeling of standing in Times Square…its the one place I have felt truly alive!
good luck!!!!!!!! http://www.mediabistro.com
not sure what types of jobs ur looking for but if its in the media area,,, that could help!
or craigslist.com
i wish u luck! its rough here… but ull survive
I am so thrilled for you! I love NYC…of course I grew up in NY and I've often wondered what it would be like to live some place else…I lived in Boston for 4 yrs as an undergrad and I lived in Paris for 5 months but I just love NYC so much. I love that you have 500 things you can do in one night or that you can stay home and it will be just as great bc all you have to do is go for a walk or look out the window and you feel energized and inspired.
you already have a friend here:) can't wait to meet you in person…
xoxo
hey hunn just stopping by showing your blog some love…very interesting we love it… : )
**yantan**
come stop by sometime.. ;-p
Wow, that's amazing news !! This is only the beginning of your dreams coming true ! Sure, it won't always be easy but you will feel in control of your destiny.. Achieving a new goal is always rewarding ! NYC is great and very different, I'm sure than South Cali. If you like walking around aimlessly and have a million things within reach, then you were made to experience NYC! Let us know how your job search goes
And thanks so much for the comments, you always make me feel a million times better ! Love you xoxo
So fun!!!
Yeah! the changes are fabulous, right??
I am happy for you, doll!!
Have a good day.
You go girl!
Maybe I'm a jaded NYer who has been here way too long for my own good; but Times Square is a scary scary place. 
Welcome to New York! xx D
You could go to Timbuktu, and you would make the place shine. Its you that will make the place extraordinary. YOU will make the place. Ok, now that I have said the same thing in three different versions, I'll continue commenting. Follow your signs, whatever they are. They are yours and they mean something to you, go in that direction. Don't look back and wonder, just make the decision and do it with your heart, everything else will follow. You are amazing, beautiful, strong, and talented, you are unstoppable. All the doors are open for you. You can be anything you want, anywhere, you are that fabulous. Cali will not be the same without you though, but I know you are off to make big things happen. I am so happy for you, and I am so proud of you to be making this decision on 'signs' which are probably things that you feel in your heart are right. Do it. Go. I might not be able to be there with you physically, but I am there with you in heart. You and Melissa will be fabulous together on your 'glamtastic adventure'….and you could be 82 and your mom will still worry about you
<3
IMEM
<3
Congrats! That's so exciting, New york is the perfect place and best choice
YES!! You seem to have thought long and hard about it and the itch never went away so….why not?
I want to go!!!
Oh girl, you get your badass out there and go for it!! Taking a risk, a leap of faith and following my heart is what my life is all about (and my blog, chronicling my adventures along the way). DO IT, because "Better Late Than Never"!!!
~ J
DO IT!!!! although san francisco would welcome you with open arms too
but really! we are young and we have the whole world ahead of us! no regrets. just do it!
i decided that in a year and half after i'm done with my credentials i'm packing up and moving abroad for at least a year.
wow that is amazing and so inspiring. I hope everything works out!! Instead of wondering what if you actually did it! Awesome <3
good for you, if the way is there for you, why not go? b and i are thinking about moving to (not to nyc) and it's really scary for me…but, anyway, good luck!
darlin! go for it! found you through Iva and recently started following. sounds like a perfect time to start following. i am in NYC. i moved here almost 10 years ago. i was barely 23 and did not know a soul! i am here if you need any advice at all! cheers and best of luck!
I <3 NY! Good for you!
I'm SO excited for you! You are amazing and will do such good things in NYC! XO
You are going to do fabulous darling!! I heart NY and I am sure NY is going to heart you back! Way to be an independent woman. Live your dreams and never go back. Way to go!
This is so inspiring! Best of luck! I think you'll be a great NYC gal! And you'd better keep blogging when you do get there b/c we will be dying to hear your new stories!!!
xoxo
You rock! I think you were born for NYC and I am crazy jealous of the exciting life you lead!
Yay! You will have a blast in NYC!!
liliesandgrapes.blogspot.com
as much as I do not want you to leave…..I want you to go even more:) If I were in your shoes, I would totally want to do the same thing. You are amazing and I just know that you are going to get anything and everything that you want in life!
WOOHOO! when I am in NY, I am def. coming to visit you! funnily enough, even tho I'm closer to california, I travel to NY much more often so I'm bound to finally meet you in person
Anyway, good for you for taking this leap and having a new experience in life. My sister actually has a similar path, she went to FIDM in San Francisco, worked for a really great apparel company there for awhile and then decided one day that she wanted to move to NY so she's out there and is living her dream. I am just beyond excited for you! It's funny because out of all my friends I am the most ambitious one, doing what I want to do without letting anyone/anything stop me, so it's so nice to meet someone like me. I heart you Liz! I am super excited and I know you probably have a ton of contacts but I can put you in touch with my sister if needed, she works for a very big brand name. Just let me know, you have my email!
Um, wait.
Wait wait wait.
I fully support this decision (hello, I'm FROM NY!). However, I will not support this until we see each other and have cupcakes together!
Capeesh cuppycake?
Hey! I am in NYC. NYC is the best there is. TAke it from me who has lived here for ten years and I still have so much love (and at times hate) for the darn city.
I heart NYC and I have never even been there. I would love to live there, but I think I need to visit first just to be sure. But I completely support your instincts to follow your heart, heed the signs, and make the move!! so exciting. Even though I see myself eventually in NYC, I do wonder how I am going to get there. How I am going to just pick up and move, leave my friends and family, even make enough money to live there?? … A step like that is brave so I admire you for taking the leap. And once you do, I can live vicariously through you!
Follow your heart-mind-soul darling!…play Liza Minelli's NY-NY song too. Wishing you all the best!! ~XO as always*
you are leaving?!?!? you big, giant turd. cali needs cool chicks like you. i am a little sad if you go, but nyc is just fab. everything cool happens there. waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. i am sniffling. you are leaving. wwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
How exciting! I wish you allll the luck in the universe! Big things await. I know it! I'm planning to head east for Grad school too. I love me some California, but it's good to spread your wings and venture into the unknown sometimes.
This is amazing!!Good luck on everything!
Hanh,
So I found your blog via Aubrey…
Seriously inspiring. Very much needed. What an exciting new chapter!
Bravo for you for following your dreams! We're only young once and should never have regrets. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I admire you for reaching out fervently for what you so desire.
Best of luck to you and your search. May you find the best job, the coolest apartment, and the loyalist of friends!
Faith
congrat. you should def follow your dream.
wow u are so lucky!! goodluck on your adventure!
Whoa! I was in NYC right before Christmas too! Albeit, I'm still in high school, and it was just a day trip… But still, I'm actually probably going to be doing it again this year! And I definitely wanted to stop in Magnolia Bakery, but none of the people I was with quite understood its amazingness.. -sigh-
But I know exactly what you mean. There's just something about NYC despite the gross streets, pee smelling gutters, and scary/rude people…. the hustle and bustle, the constant motion, the life that seems to explode there… When I went before Christmas, I knew I belonged in a city at least.
Good luck with your move!!
How exciting! I would love to live in NYC. Maybe one day!
Congrats, darling! I am really rooting for you! NYC is the best place in the world ~ I lived there for 6 years and I miss it dearly….
xoxox,
CC
Oh. MY. GOD. YESSSSSSSS go to New York!! I say, the time is NOW–follow your dreams, darling
new york just called. they want you. so it is only a matter of time before you leave all the coolness of cali in the dust.
There is never a better time in NOW. I'm a firm believer in chasing your calling. Congrats!
amazing post… I love that quote. And magnolia bakery is amazing… my all time favorite cupcakes!
Your NY trip sounds magical Elizabeth, I think you definitely need to follow your dreams and most definitely the signs. Looking forward to future posts on the adventure… ♥xo
Oh wow! I didn't know you wanted to move to NYC. This may be the only chance in your life to do it b/c you really don't have anything keeping you there. You don't always want to wonder, and if it sucks…at least you tried and can always move back.
Ahhh! How exciting! I can't wait to hear about your new "glamtastic adventures!" Best of luck to you!
Love it! Totally get the NY at night freedom feeling. Go for it! Best wishes, and keep blogging.
oh my goodness, i could always write paragraphs on your posts
first of all, good luck my dear. you are in my thoughts and prayers of course. also when i was in nyc around christmas time this past year i felt the same way… regardless of all the buzz and people i felt so safe and so content. i just adored wandering the streets, people watching, and discovering hidden places. nyc is one of the most beautiful places to me. ok last and most important.. josh, they boy, moves to nyc to work for a new company in september, this equals nicole visitng countless weekends which results in us being in teh same city! ok yes, very exciting! keep us posted dear!
omg, nyc is only a few hours north of me!!!
You're gonna love our coast!
I've always maintained that outside of California, NYC is the only other place I could see myself living. I think it's really courageous and ballsy of you to actually act on your dreams though. So many others would just whine about how their lives never turned out the way they wanted!
You go get 'em. Grab NY by the balls and don't let go.
Omg, bb, if the signs point to it and you end up moving to NYC, we are SO grabbing cupcakes at Magnolia (my treat, darling). I really think that you are such a brave woman – it's not easy to want to move across the country and start over fresh, but at the same time it must be such a freeing feeling. I'm so excited for you and seriously can't wait to see what you decide, darling!
A plate of steak frites from Balthazar is calling your name
Hit me up when you are here chick…I'll be in Midtown of course! XOXOXOXOXOXO!
Then we can go have a nice 'chat' with that fake, copycat MG – LOL!
oooooooh balthazars……droooling. i'm so happy girl. If all signs point to go…then get your ass going..
are you ready!!?!! ….its time to breathe in life. i love you no matter where you're at! you're gonna be bicoastal like be bitch!
Do it girl! I believe completely in signs..how else would I end up in Austin, TX lol. Faith in action is a beautiful thing! NYC has no idea way they are in for hahaha!
NY is the fashion captial of the world. you so belong there!!! good luck and like you said nothing holding you back. go do your carrie bradshaw!!!
Amazing!!!! Good luck to you my darling! ….just stay away from scented sex toys, and the city should treat you fine.
Mmm, cupcakes! I'm fiending today!
OMG!!! I didn't really read blogs yesterday because I had major cramps…I can't believe it. Move to NYC! Wow! I think this is wonderful for you. So cal will always be here so I think that's awesome that your going to do this! I always thought it would be so cool to live in NYC. If I was single, I would totally do it too. Life's all about experiences. GO FOR IT GIRL! Your amazing!
BTW, I love that poster about changing. Very inspirational.
Yay!
How exciting!
I can't wait to follow- and support- your adventure
NY is waiting for you…
<3 KO
Seems like a Go-getter and a great oppotunity for your passion. Do it!
This post is so exciting! I can just feel the excitement and anticipation in your words. Follow your dreams and take risks…that's what life is all about. I moved to London not too long ago for very similar reasons, so I can definitely relate to how your are feeling. So excited for you and your new journey!
Yay!!! Take the leap sugar, you will be amazing no matter what coast you live on!!!
Xoxo
That's amazing! Good luck!! I remember I also wanted to go to FIDM after high school and this was not because of The Hills either. But it was expensive!! :-/ Since then, after college I have been thinking about going back to school to study fashion but it's a hard industry to get into because you have to know a lot of people and gain a good network. I have been looking into schools, but put that in the back burner.
I also have been looking for work in NYC too. For the moment I am actually looking into completing a Master's degree in NYC!! Good luck in your work and I'm sure you will do AWESOME!!
FIDM does set you up but its up to you to go out there and make a name for yourself!!! I graduated from the Visual Communications Program a year ago and I was thinking its time I head out to the NYC to! I've loved the place since I can remember and you got the feeling and the cool spots down that I remember like I was there yesterday! I love it there but I call L.A home…I think I'll continue to set myself up here and then head out. The adventure is worth it and if I can dream working there one day I can make it happen! With what FIDM gave me, I know I have a great base and a huge chance of making it if I am willing to work it! Like anything I am NOT expecting it to be an easy industry but I have the will! Your NYC pictures are awesome!!! Thanks for reminding me of what awaits me! Good luck! See you in the fashion world!
congrats on taking that step to do your research! if it helps any, i took one semester at FIDM right after HS, but i dropped out. you can email me if you want deets on what i experienced, but NYC is the place to be for fashion! i wish you the best whatever you decide!
Aaaww you lucky thing! Good luck and I hope you find your dream one!
I love this NYC story and I absolutely believe in signs… When I was thinking about taking a job in South Africa, my friend and mentor said to me, "You must go where your heart compells you." I am a big believer in this.
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