Step One:
I have lived in New York for exactly a month and half today. I’m proud of how comfortable I feel in a city that is so different from anything that I am used to. I like to think that I adapt easily to my surroundings, which I believe is the number one characteristic someone needs to become a New Yorker. This city is remarkable, almost magical, true, but that does not mean it is easy. I don’t believe anything truly great should come easy. NYC is loud, crowded, and boisterous and since it is summer, very hot and even smelly. Many people would never guess that it is anything but perfect and stylish from what they see on street style blogs. All of the hip, fashion-forward people pictured look flawless, per usual. I don’t get it.
Like most New Yorkers, I take the subway during the morning rush hour, squished between dozens of people and I start to feel the makeup practically melt off my face. From the subway station, with a large leather tote filled with everything I may need including my laptop in hand, I quickly march through crowds of slow-moving tourists on 34th St. to my office. I’m an assistant, so I often have to run errands by foot, sometimes carrying heaps of garment bags or sewing supplies. Then it is time to go home and do the commute all over again. By the end of the day, I feel as if I might as well of not gotten all cute for work because I look like I ran a marathon in the middle of the summer.
As someone who prides herself in being stylish, summer in the city is not always the most fun. I have quickly learned that no matter how great my black, high-waisted jeans look with my work outfit, the feeling of being in tight dark clothes while surrounded by thick, humid air is not worth it. Oh you want to wear your perfect, black strappy stiletto sandals? Well you’ll probably break your ankle running down the stairs in a subway station to catch your train. I think my hair looks best straightened, but not when it’s stuck with sweat to the back of my neck or there’s a random downpour of rain.
I’m still learning how to survive stylishly during summer in the city.
Here are alternatives to looking great while not hating yourself for being uncomfortable
As for hair, my signature milkmaid braid is a savior:
(all you do is put your hair in two braids and pin them up!)
Trade in heavy or thick fabrics for linen or cotton:
J.Crew Linen Tee $39.99
Tailored Jogger in Linen ASOS $40
& Other Stories Cotton T-Shirt Dress $50
Still want a sleek look without having to straighten your hair? Try a pony tail clip!
Ditch those heels and uncomfortable flats!
Emmie Sandals – Need Supply $98.99
New Balance 620 Black and White- Need Supply $70
Yep, even switch out those lacy polyester bralettes and panties for something more breathable
Splendid Cotton Triangle Bralette – Nordstrom $28
Calvin Klein ‘Modern’ T-Shirt Bra and Bikini (Starting at $20)
LITTLE MEGAN 
Hi I’m Shreya!
Love the post. You have great content on your blog. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.
I am relatively new to the blogging forum so please feel free to visit my blog and leave some feedback if you even find the time.
Enjoy your summer.
Smiles,
Shreya xx
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Cool post! I lived in NYC for a year and a half and I agree with your points!
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Living in the big city must be rougher than in suburbia….seemed less of an issue on some items, Upstate, in Binghamton, NY. Summers were not much different, though….with more grass and gtrees to take away more heat. Oh yeah…and wore underwear, too. Nice pictures!
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