Hey! Hello, what’s up? I’m currently binge-watching Gossip Girl while sick in bed and simultaneously writing this blog post because there are no days off. Actually, yes there is. That was just yesterday for me and I’m tired of feeling like a helpless sack. Now, I went to my two favorite social networks and asked for all your burning questions. Today, I’m talking about life in New York, the post-grad reality, beauty & fashion, and pretty much anything y’all could think of.
If you like this version of my what’s the roast post, then let me know down in the comments and I’ll be sure to bring it back around every once and awhile. I love writing about what I’ve been up to but it can get super repetitive every other week and I don’t want them to start turning into throwaway posts.
Q: How is it, really, living in New York City?
A: To be completely honest, I freaking love this city. But, living here is hard. Now, I might be a little biased because I’m currently sick but I feel like living here is a major toll physically and emotionally. Everything seems harder. In the same vein, the work that you put in here feels 100x more rewarding. When I get across town with 15 minutes to spare and my laundry isn’t spilling over at any given moment, I feel good. This city doesn’t mask itself and it really doesn’t lie. So, I’d say that you really have to know you want to live here! You’ll be fine as long as you remember that NYC isn’t going to hold your hand.
Q: How did you get to be in NYC? It’s a dream of mine and I could use any tips or anything on how to get there.
A: Simple, my field is incredibly generous in how they support their graduate students. A ton of readers and people who follow us on social media always assume that we’re in the marketing, PR, social media fields. But, I’m a graduate student looking to finish my Ph.D. in pharmacology in this millennium and Hannah graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. My biggest tip for people in my field of biomedical sciences is to gain as much research experience as possible in during your undergraduate years. I didn’t have to do a Master’s or Post-Bac program because I had 3 independent projects and teams to vouch for my competence.
For those in pretty much any other field, I have two pieces of advice from my peers who are living and making it in the city right now. 1. Save, save, save, save, save. and 2. People probably won’t take you seriously until you get here. New York City is expensive. As we all know, from those haters in the back of your mind who want to rain on your parade. But, it is and chances are if you’re not a computer science or business major, you’ll need to be in the city before hiring managers will even look at your resume without sighing. My last piece of advice: know that you truly want to be here and be able to show it. That kind of determination is exactly what people want to see.
Q: What’s one accessory/piece of jewelry that you can’t live without??
A: Truthfully, I’m not really into jewelry like that. I also don’t have one of those family heirlooms that have a huge meaningful backstory so I can’t even say that. BUT, if I lost everything in a fire I’d know exactly which pieces I’d need to replace [we don’t run back for anything in a fire because nothing is worth your life even in this completely hypothetical situation].
I’d have to find the nearest Longchamp store, as well as make a quick order for a new Mantraband. Also, I wear these tassel earrings literally every weekend. I also cried this past weekend when I broke my ‘strength’ bar necklace because I love having that thing around my neck to remind me that I am a strong human.
Q: Do you have any tips for making friends post-grad?
A: I don’t think I’m qualified to really help anyone out with this quite yet, but I’ve been super lucky with this! Making friends post-grad is as hard as everyone says. Mostly because I think we’ve missed the time where it wasn’t super weird to stop a random person in Starbucks and strike up a conversation. I mean I don’t think it would be weird if someone complimented me on my laptop case and then started a conversation, but that’s crazy intimidating and I probably wouldn’t initiate it myself.
I’ve made a singular friend [but a good one!!] from BumbleBFF. Mostly because I’m still skeptical about online {friend} dating. But, I am a huge believer in making friends from the internet, cue the mems from meeting Abigail, Saba, and Shaguna! So, I’d officially say to go for it. I’d grab coffee, see a play or show, meet for drinks during happy hour, or brunch it out. All in all, you’re going to have to work at these new friendships. Let the people that you enjoy hanging out with know that you like hanging out with them! And, try your hardest not to flake. I can be bad at this because I plan too much for myself sometimes. But, we’re all busy and at this point, that ain’t good enough.
You can also try snatching your coworker’s friends or say hi to the girl who’s always next to you in your favorite spin class. You’ve already got something in common. I have the blog, so I’ve also reached out to other new bloggers/YouTubers who have just moved to the city. Finding a friend who won’t judge you for documenting pretty much everything is golden.
Q: I mean this in the best possible way but your aesthetic [clothing, room decor, etc.] has been elevated? Share the secrets?!
A: I am honored. LOL. It takes a lot of time to figure out your style and to separate out what’s popular and trending and what you actually feel like fits your own wants. A muted, neutral situation is my jam especially when texture and detail really shine. I’m not afraid of color. Gabby circa 2014 can tell you that. It just doesn’t fit me anymore. I think it’s mostly because I associate that with a more juvenile version of myself, but other bloggers that I follow do color v. well.
I don’t read fashion magazines or follow those Instagram models. Shop around online and in stores for things that you like and capitalize on things that are flattering. I gravitate mostly towards dresses and skirts but fun, graphic pants are also becoming a staple in my wardrobe. Being on a budget is honestly the hardest part because I’d love to try all the trends for myself and experiment with new cuts, colors, and fabrics. I’ve been shopping at Asos, Boohoo, and Forever 21 for my more trendy things! J. Crew, Madewell, and Nordstrom are where I’ll shop around for high-quality basics, but Old Navy, J. Crew Factory, and Nordstrom Rack is where I’ll stock up on filler pieces and daily go-to items.
You can check out my latest home decor post for more insight into how I went about planning my room. A lot of hours and online shopping, let me tell ya.
To update on my normal what’s the roast things:
currently….
wearing:
jumpsuits and sneakers, sometimes with?
watching:
Gossip Girl, the college years
saving up for:
long-term: An iMac, short-term: my fall wardrobe
eating:
homemade smoothie bowls
drinking:
water!!! in my new hydro flask
listening to:
reading:
Crazy Rich Asians
photographing:
portraits [nyc bloggers hit me up!]
telling everyone about:
My new presets – available now!! and why they should buy airpods immediately
I hope you enjoyed this post! It was fun to see how many of you wanted to know about similar stuff. Post-grad and NYC were definitely the most popular topics. Be sure to follow me @gabbywhiten for more polls and Q&A calls!
