Back in New York City baby

HOME AGAIN.

It’s been a solid four years since we lived in Woodside in Queens, New York. FOUR YEARS guys.

When we lived there, I used to have my little laundromat that I’d lug a suitcase full of gross clothes down the street from our five story walk up and then I had the pizza place on the corner that always gave me the biggest slices (I totally didn’t need it, but it was much appreciated Giorgio). There was the bodega around the corner that we could always rely on for late night drinks and snacks. And we’d rely on the good old 7 express train into Manhattan to go out with our friends.

Upon our return this year, we ended up staying in the Financial District at the Gild Hall hotel. An area of NYC, I never used to frequent. The beauty of the Gild Hall hotel swayed us though and the room was far cheaper than staying near the touristy sites (like Times Square), plus they have the most gorgeous bar. All winning details in my eyes.

We travelled into New York City from Pennsburg, the day after our friends wedding. I was feeling slightly worse for wear, but managed through. We had places to go and people to see after all.

As most free days start in 2016, our time in New York began with an outfit photoshoot for the blog. In a look complete from Topshop (not to mention purchased literally 12 hours before our flight back to the states, I couldn’t have been happier with these picks). These joggers are the perfect amount of ‘fake’ effort that you can possibly get.

Paired with a simple striped tank, because breton is so in right now.

Except, I was kind of on the hangover deathbed from hell, so we cut it short. Besides, we had friends to see and rooftops to hang out on.

Let’s talk about Gallow Green.

In all my time living in New York, I completely failed to explore the rooftop scene. I know.

I wasn’t a blogger back then. Times have changed.

Luckily, my long time (seriously long time, I’ve known her since we were seven) friend Laryssa found the perfect spot to meet up. A newfound New Yorker through and through, she totally won us over with this pick.

Gallow Green, located in Chelsea couldn’t have been better for a group of 9 of us.

Laryssa pre-booked and I’d absolutely recommend that to anyone visiting that wants a defined table space. It’s set up picnic table style with green plants surrounding the entire rooftop area and fairy lights twinkling. It’s unassuming. It’s in no way pretentious and it’s a gorgeous setting for summer nights.

It was one of those nights that I definitely felt homesick for living in this city.

So we ate and drank, shared plates and admired the rooftop views. Hello Empire State Building.

It was amazing to get a reunion with these girls, Whitney and Laryssa. I’ve known them both for far too long and see them way less than I’d like to since I’m living abroad.

After drinking all that we could at Gallow Green we decided for a change in location before hitting up a little Spanish wine bar and then finally a dive bar I can’t even remember.

But I do recall this gem of an end to the evening.