A Miami Girl's Survival Kit to NYC

The new girl's guide to apartment hunting, job hunting, man hunting, vintage shopping, food-spotting, & saving mula in NYC...while remaining absolutely fabulous!

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I'm absolutely in love with your blog! I'm another Miami girl heading to NYC... only briefly though. I'll be staying in Greenwich Village for a few days. I find myself a little nervous though... the last few times I've been, I had license to act like a tourist because I was one. This time around I just want to fit in like a local. Any tips? Fashion, bars, coffee shops and delis, etc? Please help this Miami girl out!

Hi TheLean! 

So glad you're enjoying the blog! Greenwich Village is fantastic, when are you coming up? If you're coming at this time of year here's the best advice I can give you to feel like a local:

Transportation:

- Get a MetroCard & Learn the Subway Lines

- Learn to hail a cab and remember that the worst time to get a cab is at 4 PM, when they change shifts

Fashion Must Haves: 

Shoes: Hunter Boots (for rain), Motorcycle or Riding Boot in black or dark brown, and for going out either a pump or high-heel boots. I've also done peep-toes with tights.

Bag: A large comfortable bag that fits everything, but is still acceptable for going to dinner- you never know where the night will take you!

Outerwear: I recommend a warm long coat that you can wear from day to night. Make sure it's tailored so you don't look like a cow.

Coffee Shops:

- Check out Joe's in the city and Stumptown at the Ace Hotel. 

Local Neighborhood Bars We Love:

- The Spotted Pig (West Village)

- Elsa (East Village)

- Vinatta Project (Meat Packing)

- MercBar (Soho)

- Mulberry Project (Little Italy)

- Little Branch (West Village)

Enjoy!! =)

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Subway Etiquette- Part II: This Happened

So I'm commuting to work this morning and I walk into the Downtown N-R train and I walk into this leisurely creature:

About 3 minutes later...

This guy shamelessly took over the bench in his pajamas during rush hour in New York, proceeding to make himself a little more comfortable 3 minutes later by placing himself on the floor. Once again, he actually PLACED himself on the floor. 

On another note, I was mostly shocked by New Yorkers' apathy and stoicism to situations like these, which I find absolutely entertaining and worth sharing. Even more surprising, no one yelled at him.

Just a note to New Yorkers (and non-New Yorkers): Just because crazy happens in New York all the time, these occurrences are ubiquitously abnormal. That means it's okay to stare, giggle, or get annoyed that this jerk took 3 seats on the train and then proceeded to make himself comfortable on the floor. More shocking than the craziness I witness every day on (and off) the subway are the people who remain reading the newspaper like zombies instead of taking in the comedy that is taking place before their eyes. 

A word of advice: Find humor and curiosity in bizarre happenings and continue to stay incredulous when they occur. It just might save your sanity in this crazy city.

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Billyburg Finds: Coffeeshops

When working from home, distractions range from Real Housewife Marathons, to frequent visits to the refrigerator, to viral YouTube shares, and OCD cleaning frenzies...anything to avoid getting down to business. My saving grace: coffeeshops in Williamsburg. Here are some of my favorites (in Williamsburg):

1. El Beit 158 Bedford, Brooklyn, NY

Coffee: A+. I love this place. The coffee is consistently amazing. 

Workspace: C. The space here is a bit uncomfortable and not necessarily conducive to doing work. They have Wi-Fi, but the tables are kind of small and they have limited outlets. 

Staff: B. Typical hipster baristas completely uninterested in establishing a relationship with customers. Not rude, just indifferent, albeit part of the Williamsburg charm... Pun intended. (Eye-roll).

Playlist: C. Very random, and sometimes Nirvana is too aggressive for 8 AM. 

Additional Comments: This place has the MOST AMAZING croissants EVER. Their other pastries are tasty, but the croissants are freaking RIDICULOUS. They are super flaky on the outside, and moist and buttery on the inside...a little taste of Paris (and heaven) every time I go to El Beit.

Below: El Beit

2. MODCA Eatey Cafe 103 N 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY

Coffee: A+. These are the same owners as El Beit, so you get same premium quality of coffee. 

Workspace: A+. A hangout and workplace for writers and creative-types, MODCA has a giant communal table, dimmed lighting, Wi-Fi, and plenty of seating perfect for setting up shop. 

Staff: A+. Staff here actually smiles- nice to know they're human. Baristas are super knowledgeable and doesn't make you feel like an idiot when you ask what a cortado is. 

Playlist: B-. Everything from Aaliyah to Classical music. Never know what to expect.

Additional comments: Great meeting spot, workspace, and the same croissants from El Beit. Enough said.

3. Black Brick 300 Bedford, Brooklyn, NY

Coffee: A+. Great coffee.

Workspace: A+. Great ambience and spacious workspace. Decor is superb. 

Staff: A+. Super friendly staff. Truly feels like a neighborhood joint.

Additional comments: So this is a brand new coffeeshop in the hood and they did an amazing job at making this place look vintage-chic. Customers at Black Brick are the best-looking coffeeshop crowd I've seen in the Burg. The only downside: no pastries sold here.

4. Toby's Estate 125 N 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY

Coffee: A+. Outstanding coffee and miscellaneous products sold here. 

Workspace: B. Beautiful, bright, and expansive space. More of a hangout than a workspace- outlets are limited and tables aren't so spacious.

Decor: A++. I have nothing to say about the staff here because they really didn't make an impression. The decor, however, is pretty unbelievable. This coffeeshop looks like it came out of a spread in Architectural Digest. Truly impressive.

Playlist: A+. Sick playlist...Didn't want to leave. Think: The XX Pandora Station.

Additional comments: New kid on the block, Tobey's Estate is a cute place for a coffee date or even a meeting. The huge windows let a lot of light into the shop, but in the afternoon the sun can make you feel like you're roasting in there. Sadly, the windows don't seem to open to the street- a bit of a buzzkill during spring and summer months.

Below: Toby's Estate Coffee Shop

5. Blue Bottle Coffee 160 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY

Coffee: A++. Truly artisan coffee. They roast their beans on the premises and you can actually see the roasting operation. Excellent quality.

Workspace: B. Definitely not our favorite coffice, but certainly an experience. Better for a meet-up or quick coffee. The counter seats facing the street are the most valuable real-estate here, especially during the warmer months when the windows open up completely.

Staff: C. Hipster-condescention at its best. If you're unfamiliar with this phenomenon, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exH-Jmdav6g

Additional Comments: A total Billyburg MUST. 

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Subway Etiquette: 5 Basic Rules That Will Make the Subway a Better Place

Taking the subway is all about awareness and being alert of social queues. Mostly the queues are the same as those that apply any other time in life. Unfortunately, some people tend to forget, so here are some basic rules to follow.

1. The Subway is Not a Cafeteria 

Basic Rule of Thumb: If you need a fork and knife, napkin, or chopsticks, don't eat it on the train. If you're so hungry that you absolutely need to eat in a germ-infested capsule, bring something that's easy to eat that isn't messy and won't make everyone else nauseous. Some examples of good snacks to eat on the subway are almonds, a smoothie, or a power bar.

Unacceptable Foods: fried rice, burritos, fish, sushi, Pad Thai, pizza, breakfast sandwiches, eggs, Cheetos

Below: Man eating entire greasy pizza pie for dinner on the subway.

2. The Bench Is Not Your Bed

Basic Rule of Thumb: I know you're tired- guess what? We all are. Be considerate, and don't sprawl out on the bench. Sit like a normal person, with both of your feet on the ground.

3. Your Bag Doesn't Deserve Its Own Seat

Basic Rule of Thumb: Ok. I'm guilty of this one too sometimes, but it's annoying when riders put their bags next to them, especially on a packed train. Instead place your bag on your lap or at your feet.

Below: This picture speaks for itself.

4. Lower Your Voice

Basic Rule of Thumb: Keep your voice down. Some people insist on having really obnoxious and loud conversations in the train, almost as if wanting everybody to be a witness and participate in a trivial conversation about whether or not you should get bangs or debating whether the guy who never called you again is just intimidated by your charm, intelligence and beauty. News flash- nobody cares, so quiet down. P.S. Just to clarify, he's not interested.

5. Turn Your Speakers Off

Basic Rule of Thumb: While most people are wearing their Monster Beats Dr. Dre headphones, others put their music on loud speaker for everyone to hear. We don't need extra entertainment on the train...the people-watching is enough, but thanks anyway.

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First Day of School: One Step Closer to the Finish Line

I've always loved the first day of school. I love the smell of school hallways and students boasting new school supplies and clothes. Aside from making fun of kids with rolley bookbags, my favorite part about starting a new year/semester is that it signifies a fresh start- new classes, new friends, and one step closer to the finish line.

Below: First day of school (@DaniMarkets circa 1990 in Puerto Rico)

In our lives, we often become consumed in our routines and blindly fall into a plateau of complacency- in our relationships, careers/jobs, and personal well-being. The thing about school is that there is always a finish-line, a progression, a rewarding sense of accomplishment when you finish a grade, receive your report card, and finally graduate.

But how do you gauge your performance at work- salary, bonus, title, a promotion/raise? How do you grade your personal relationships- cohabitation, a ring, money, looks? What's your growth rate- emotionally, personally, and professionally and what's the potential and existing ROI of the time and energy you've invested?

Returning to school after five years of graduating undergrad makes me view life in "What's next?" terms. Moving to New York from Miami, I exchanged a pretty comfortable life for a new chapter- one that's a little less pristine, with jagged edges and a little more character. 

Here's an Anonymous Subway-Riding Girl's Mantra to Braving NYC (and life in general):

Determine YOUR Finish Line: Where do you want to be? In the next month, year, five years, ten years...

Every Day Ask Yourself: What did I do today to get a step closer to the finish line?

Reinvent Yourself: Listen. Stay curious. Learn. Grow. Challenge yourself. As soon as you start to feel too comfortable, take a detour. 

Redesign Your Finish Line: Become the architect of your future and don't be afraid of change. Welcome opportunities with open arms, and allow your goals to grow as you evolve.

Bring it on, NYC! See you at the finish line! 

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The Art of Solo Dating

One of the fabulous things about being in New York is that nobody looks at you funny when you get dressed up and take yourself out on a perfect date. Every weekend I make it a point to have what I call a "Dani Date" - basically time I dedicate doing something fun by myself. 

This weekend I catered to "introspective Dani"- I took pictures around Williamsburg, watched the sunset, and stumbled across the IndieScreen Cineclub, a small, full-service luxury movie theatre that plays indie and foreign films. After two intense hours of Almodovar, I called it a night.

Below: Sunset in WIlliamsburg... What a view!

The previous weekend took a slightly different, and arguably more cultural course, partly due to the gorgeous weather, partly due to my subconscious shame of appearing ignorant or unevolved (i.e. "Who is Maurizio Cattelan?"). So I visited the much-talked-about Guggenheim Museum in the Upper East Side, saw the Cattelan Exhibit, and the cherry on top...spent the evening walking around Madison Avenue, while staring into the vitrines of the lonely high-end boutiques, garnished with gowns, strappy, jewel-encrusted stilettos, and floral spring collections- none of which could be worn in the coming months.

Why it works: First and most importantly, New York is a place for self-discovery and exploration. Oftentimes we become enveloped in our social lives and relationships, constantly surrounded by people, friends, dating, colleagues. It's great to be able to take in the city without distractions, and indulging in the freedom of "ME Time." Solo dating is particularly self-indulgent, luxurious, and uncommon. How often do you get to dictate your own decisions of what to eat, where to go, or how fast or slow you want to walk? Additionally fabulous is a secret that nobody knows: New York is filled with beautiful and friendly people, and solo dating is the best way to discover that. I've met so many interesting people when I've been on my own, and generally, I've noticed people (men and women) are more likely to approach you while on a solo date rather than with a friend or with a group of people (which may be more intimidating).

Below: "Dani Date" at the Guggenheim- "Cattelan Exhibit"

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"Just Because It's Winter..." Is NOT an Excuse to be a Slob

There. I said it.

In New York, we constantly hear women complaining about being single. I recently had a conversation with a 30-year-old bachelor- an attractive, successful, and intelligent lawyer who moved to New York from Miami three years ago. He said he had been on several dates with New York girls, but that few of them took care of themselves.

Ladies, if you're pouting and wondering why no strangers are offering you any candy, it might be because you look like a train-wreck, and winter is NOT an excuse for it!

Here are some really simple tips that might amp up your game:

1. Shave/Wax

Always be prepared. Just because you're wearing pants and sweaters doesn't mean that you need to give up having silky smooth skin. My recommendation is Boom Boom Brow Bar. They do such a precise job with eyebrows and general body waxing- quick, painless, affordable, and a fun, friendly atmosphere. 

2. Clean Feet & Manicured Nails

When I first moved to New York, one of the most traumatizing things that I noticed was an abundance of people with dirty feet wearing flip flops. Additionally disturbing, was women wearing old, chipped toe nail polish and open-toed shoes. If your feet aren't pedicured, do us all a favor, and don't show us your dry, dirty, unkept feet. Everyone notices. The same principle applies to chipped nail polish, just take it off once it starts to chip. I recommend getting a mani-pedi twice a month, if not weekly. If you are NOT getting a weekly mani-pedi and you're habitually lazy about taking off your nail polish, I recommend getting a neutral color like an Essie's lighter hues like Marshmallow, Allure or Limo-Scene instead of going for neon green or siren red. Just sayin'...

3. Get Dressed: Sweatpants & Why They Should be Outlawed

"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants." - Karl Lagerfeld

Our friend Karl was onto something. There's nothing sexy, attractive, or remotely cute about sweatpants. They scream lazy, unkept, sloppy, and uninterested...in yourself. Which in turn means, uninteresting to the rest of the universe. Get dressed...even if it's cold outside, wear some tights and a feminine dress or skirt, fitted jeans and a flattering sweater, or a slim-fitting sweater-dress. You'll feel and look better, and that will radiate to the world! 

NOTE: I know what you're thinking, and the answer is no, the gym is not an excuse for sweatpants. As an alternative, I love the Beyond Yoga workout pants (see image below)- they're comfortable, flattering, and super soft! You'll become addicted.

4. Hit the Gym

I know it's tough in the winter, but try to set a goal for yourself that you will go to the gym at least 3 times per week for at least 40 or 45 minutes. A hyper-social city, New Yorkers love to eat out and, trust me, as a foodie, you can eat at a different restaurant every single night. That means a lot of calories, and in the winter, when you're walking/biking less, it means you need to step up your game at the gym. Look for a gym in your neighborhood or close to your job that has a reasonable membership fee. If you have gym-phobia, many gyms offer group classes that can be more interesting, and there are tons of yoga studios (only been to Kula Yoga Project, and love it!), spinning classes (SoulCycle or Fly Wheel) or dance classes throughout the city that might be more up your alley. Find what you love, and stick to it!

Below: This morning at Maxim Gym in Williamsburg (2 blocks away from home)- love the staff, equipment is always available, never crowded, and I love working out in the back room when there aren't any classes going on- it's quiet and super spacious. (BTW: That workout outfit is Beyond Yoga...obsessed)

5. Wash & Brush Your Hair

Washing your hair is a hassle, I get it. My hair takes an hour to blow-dry, and if I don't blow dry it, it is a complete disaster. That being said...manage it. If your hair is dirty and you're in a hurry to leave the house, spray the roots with Klorane, leave on for 2 minutes and quickly brush out the roots with a blow drier. This product was recommended to me by my LA bestie- the woman has the most enviable hair. Lastly, brush your hair. Messy buns are only attractive if they're perfectly (and professionally) intended to look that way (READ: weddings and quinces). Otherwise, stick to a neat ponytail or a playful braid. Messy hair is sexy, just make sure you don't mistaken messy for sloppy or unruly. 

Below: Klorane Dry Shampoo (available at some Duane Reade's)

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The Little Things: 3 Things We Miss About Miami

A few nights ago, I got together with a few Miami friends that recently moved to New York and of course, we started talking about the "bittersweet" transition of moving from Miami to New York. Here's a list of the surprising things we never thought we'd learn to so wholeheartedly appreciate:

1. Your Washer & Dryer

Why You'll Miss It: Guess what? It's a total luxury to have a washer and dryer in NYC. You're lucky if you even have one in your building. 

The Alternative: Remember in Miami dating boys with boats, planes, Ferraris...you know, the basics? Now you're looking for a boy with a washer and dryer- a slight shift in priorities, ladies...but  nevertheless, a priority.

Get Over It: The good news is that there are hundreds of Laundromats throughout the city and many of them provide laundry services for a reasonable price. What that means is that you divide your things and fill out a form with some washing instructions (if you care enough), and have the Laundromat pick up your stuff. They normally deliver it back within a day or so. It beats physically lugging a giant laundry bag through the streets- not cute and can get embarrassing if things start falling out of your bag.

2. Driving

Why You'll Miss It: If you go grocery shopping or make a big purchase (at Ikea or Home Depot or Best Buy...or Saks?), not having a car presents a problem. Most cab drivers are rude and talk too much, so more often than not, you're better off taking the subway. The thing about the subway is that, even though it's more efficient, during rush hour you have no physical space. Kind of gross. Although most people are generally respectful (look out for future post on Subway Etiquette), you'll come across some people who are not. 

The Alternative: ZipCar is a great option for days when you know you'll need to travel a little further and make those giant purchases. Arriving to and from the airport can also be tricky. After a long flight or a long night of packing, the last thing you want to deal with is a nasty cab driver. Living in Williamsburg, I opt for Northside Car Service- drivers are great, the cars are luxurious, and my ride to and from La Guardia is $25, JFK is $35. Kind of awesome, right? For those who live in Manhattan, I recommend Dial 7 Car Service. Affordable and reliable...Two things we absolutely love.

Get Over It: Driving in Miami is no fun- traffic, people don't know how to drive, and paying $80 to fill your tank makes you think of all the cooler things you could be doing with $80. Get a MetroCard ($104/mo for unlimited rides) and use common sense. If you're in a hurry, always remember the subway is quicker than a cab any day. I learned that the hard way. 

Below: Driving in Miami VS. Entertainment on the L Train, which is more interesting? Exactly. 

3. Publix- Where Shopping is a Pleasure

Why You'll Miss It: For any non-Miamians reading this, Publix is a place where you can push a shopping cart while perusing the aisles- a place where you can pick up an apple and admire its sheen. In New York, you have lots of little markets or a massive Whole Foods, whose checkout line makes you feel like you're applying for U.S. Citizenship (or a husband- same thing, right?).

The Alternative: Although it's tough to replicate the Publix experience in New York, the closest experience I've had is at Foodtown- sorry, people, it's only available in Brooklyn. The other alternative in the city is Trader Joe's-fresh and not too crowded.

Get Over It:  It's not that bad, people... I promise.

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Two Stiletto-Clad Miami Girls Pretend to be Tourists

After two amazing weeks of heightened relaxation in Tulum and decadence in Miami, coming back to New York after the New Year felt like plunging into a freezing pond-- refreshing and a bit sharp.

After a week of getting back into the routine, reacquainting myself with the subway (and my hipster neighbors), and reminding myself that bikini tops are no longer an acceptable alternative to a bra, I'm excited to start this year, which for centuries has been labeled a year of power, in one of the most powerful cities in the world. In honor of my pure joy of being in New York in 2012, I decided to celebrate New York with Jami, a Miami friend and NYC partner-in-crime. Unfortunately, no horse carriage was involved, but we got our culture fix wandering the MoMa de Kooning exhibit, envying the couples with dark-rimmed glasses that pondered the same abstract painting for longer than 2 minutes. Are we missing something?

Needless to say, the bar at The Modern (located at the museum) was calling our names, and two bottles of Pinot Noir later, Jami and I decided that we wanted to go ice skating at Rockefeller Center before the tree was taken down. After knocking over a few kids and using walls as brakes, we decided to take our skates off and head over to Momofuku where we indulged in some of the most amazing pork belly buns I've ever experienced.

We kicked off the night with collectible artworks and ended with pork belly (arguably equally mesmerizing)...I can't wait for the New York moments that 2012 has in store for all of us!

DaniMarkets trades in stilettos for ice skates @ Rockefeller Center:

Jami enjoying her third pork belly bun at Momofuku- yes, they are THAT awesome! 

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Top 5 NYC Must-Haves

1. iTrans NYC iPhone App

Why you can't live without it: As a Miami girl, I am used to jumping into my car, and getting lost can be annoying but never as embarrassing as taking the train in the wrong direction for more than 20 minutes. Slow clap. This app will discover your current location and tell which trains to take to your final destination, so you can walk around the subway stations like a New Yorker. Another plus: it gives you all of the updates on the trains and the schedules.

2. A Great Tote Bag

Why you can't live without it: Guess what? The days of driving to work with your laptop, a date outfit, 6-inch heels, and workout clothes in your trunk are over. In NYC, when you leave your apartment, you better believe that you will be schlepping everything around town for the day- so pack selectively and for heaven's sake, get a cute tote. I recommend a durable, large leather tote in a neutral color like brown or black. Remember, it's New York- friends may invite you for last-minute drinks after work, so you want to make sure your bag is presentable.

Below: My personal favorite is the understated Bottega Veneta tote in dark chocolate below- casual, classic, and versatile...Pricy, but an amazing investment and a bag that will last a lifetime. Available at Barneys New York.

3. A Fabulous Coat

Why you can't live without it: It's cold, ladies! The Miami winter days of wearing cropped jackets and Hervé Léger bandage mini-skirts with peep-toe booties are over. When you are outside, your coat is your outfit. Choose a neutral color like charcoal grey that you can wear with black or brown. Also, choose a length that makes sense with your height and a flattering silhouette. You wouldn't imagine how many times I catch attractive women walking around in what looks like a sleeping bag or comforter. Your coat should not be an alternative form of birth control. It just shouldn't.

Where to find: Barneys COOP ($$), Zara ($), and Rag & Bone ($$$) have some great options.

4. Rain Boots

Why you can't live without them: When it rains in New York, you are getting wet. In Miami it can pour down, and between walking from your office to the garage, you may not even feel a drop on your suede Jimmy Choo pumps (because I know you feel that in the depths of your soul). Here, get prepared to walk in the rain...at the very least, do it in style with these texturized Jimmy Choo Hunter rain boots (available at Saks Fifth Avenue- kind of obsessed): 

5. Fresh Direct Account

Why you can't live without it: Fresh Direct is an online service that delivers your groceries to your apartment. If you don't have a car, doing groceries can be challenging- and some stores can take up to 5 hours to deliver your groceries. I also love it because you can really control how much time and money you spend (and how much food you eat), rather than wandering through the aisles and taking everything that looks enticing. Lastly, I love that it stores all of your orders in your account, so if you're in a hurry, you can automatically reorder items you need. Pretty amazing, right?

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"WTF were you thinking?"

That's what most New Yorkers say to me when they find out I moved from Miami four months ago. 

Don't get me wrong, I thought long and hard about my decision, but I couldn't turn down the opportunity to attend Columbia University for a Master's Degree. It seemed like a great chance to move to the city that I always wanted to have a taste of. The beauty of this two-year program at Columbia, is that it is designed for full-time professionals, so students don't have to put their careers on hold. 

My landing was pretty smooth, even though there was a hurricane the week I arrived. I moved in with an old friend who had a 750 sq. ft. two-bedroom in Williamsburg, an artsy hipster neighborhood in Brooklyn. Rent is reasonable, the neighborhood is quaint but still very lively- tons of awesome restaurants, bars, and shops...Look out for my picks later! 

NOTE: Get used to small apartments, in old walk-ups, with extremely high rent. If you want to live alone, get ready to live in a dump, and pay a lot of money for it. Your best bet is to get a roommate. Location is pretty important. Luckily, my apartment is across the street from the L Train, which is 3 stops away from Union Square...so easy to get around from here.

So for those Miami and LA peeps- get ready to give up a certain level of comfort in exchange for more interesting conversations, better restaurants, and colder weather... I guess it's all part of building some character!

The living room at our apartment in WIlliamsburg: