Moving On
11 Jan
A few months back, Blake and I decided that we wanted to make a major life change. We have been talking about doing this for years, and every conversation always ended with “maybe in six months” or “after we save up a little more money”…there was always a good excuse to put it off. Finally, we sat down and came to the conclusion that while we’re young, we aren’t getting any younger, and this is something that will never be simple, cheap, or even comfortable. With that, our decision was made. We would pack up the life we’ve built here, throw caution to the wind, and move cross-country from San Francisco to another one of the greatest cities in the world, New York City.
San Francisco was the first place I lived after moving out of my parents’ house in Orange County at 17, and it’s since become home. Not only will I miss this city, but even more so the people that I have met along the way. Since starting OnTheRacks and being introduced into the San Francisco blogger community, I have made some incredible friends — many of whom will be a part of my life for years and years to come. And not only is it the people I have met here in the city, but also those of you who’ve read my blog, shared your comments, and supported me in my passion over the past two years, who have collectively given me the confidence to take this leap that I otherwise may have been too uncertain to take. I want to say thank you for that.
Tonight we’re flying out of SFO to begin the first leg of our journey, which will consist of three days running around Manhattan on a mission to find ourselves the perfect new home. Living in New York has always been a dream of mine so everything’s still a bit surreal, but I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my life with Blake and Lola on the East Coast! I’m also excited to share my adventures with you as I continue to blog, tweet, and instagram my way to and through the Big Apple. Thanks for following and stay tuned for updates as I adapt to life a new city, shake thinks up with my career, and welcome whatever exciting changes may come next.
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Comments 75 Comments
Hey Laura,
How has the move gone to date? I’d love to hear more about what it was like when you got there, did you find it difficult to find work? …I’m going to find it a little harder given my situation. I’m moving from Sydney, Australia (but not for another 12 months) so trying to gather as much information as possible before i make the leap!
I’ll have enough money to get me through about 3-5 months in NYC, but if I cannot get work within that time… it’ll be off to London for me!
Joel
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Hi Laura,
First of all, I wish you the best of luck on your move to NYC!
I found you’re blog to be extremely inspiring because I’m 17… just finishing my senior year in Orange County before moving up to SF in the fall to study fashion at the Academy of Art University. It has always been my dream to move to NY. I just started my blog couple weeks ago and don’t exactly know what I’m doing quite yet but I think yours is absolutely fabulous and I would really appreciate some feedback!
xx Molly
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I am so happy that you finally take this decision as it is never easy to take the step and jump but as you said there won’t be a good moment neither the money nor the time will be perfect for moving. Hope you enjoy New York and make a lot of new friends.
Greets olympic 2012 apartments
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Congratulations! So excited for you. It takes a lot of courage to make such a ballsy move. You should be very proud! :) Best of luck! Can’t wait to see your posts in the months to come.
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Good luck to you! I also love L.A. and the bay area. However, New York is exciting. I was going to move their years ago, and I am sorry I didn’t do it. Enjoy!
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Wow! That’s awesome. Congrats on being brave and making the leap. I made it eight years ago when I came out to SF, and now I’m thinking I might go back to NYC this summer. Good luck in all of your endeavors!
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I am SUPER SUPER excited for you. I grew up in the Bronx, New York. I now live in LA county, miles from the OC. I will actually be in San Fran at the end of the month. You are going to love love NY. It so much to do, see and become in the city. My dream is to have a place in LA and NYC. I am going to enjoy witnessing your adventure in the big apple.
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Woah big move. Congrats and good luck. Definitely have more of a chance to meet you now. Though I am in love with San Francisco and hope to eventually end up living there someday.
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 10:30 am
Thanks, Ria!! I do hope we get to meet in person soon — will you be in NY for Fashion Week again?
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NYC is going to be more and everything you expected! Hope to cross paths again before you move :) if not, then maybe in the future
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Hi! That’s so crazy–I’m moving there tomorrow!! I wish you the best of luck, and am looking forward to your future posts in your new home, well our new home–the big apple :) yay!
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how exciting Laura!!! eeeeeeeee, will see u soon and be safe! have fun in NY! xo
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Congratulations! I am from Taiwan and I have been to NYC twice. Really love there!!
By the way
Can I ask you which size do you wear(nine west coat)?
Because I want to buy this coat online, I am 5 feet 4 inches, weight about 113 Ib.
Thank you:)
Elaine
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 10:34 am
Hi Elaine!
Thanks so much for the sweet note. I hope you saw the other comment, but I think a size XS or Small would be great for you in the Nine West coat! :)
xoxo Laura
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Awesome news Laura! I am so excited for you and Blake. Wishing you all the best as you move forward and on to bigger and better things. Please stay in touch!
XOXO Lindsay
Thrifted & Modern
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at 30 years old i quit my job of 5 years and moved to nyc without a job and without knowing a single person. i lived in NYC for a year and a half. although i am back home in sunny southern ca, it was the best decision i ever made. i am envious of you. it will be the MOST amazing experience ever. good luck to you!!!
you might enjoy this post about my experience in NYC: http://www.thestylishhousewife.com/2011/02/show-tell-my-brag-book/
xoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 10:36 am
That is SO amazing to hear! Thank you for taking the time to leave this comment, it is these kinds of words of encouragement that are making this very big change much less scary. I really do appreciate it! :)
xoxo Laura
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WOW! Such and adventure & look forward to read all about it on the blog…
So bummed we never got to see each other at SF events, but would love to connect with you when I make it to NYC!
Live it up lady
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I cant even express how happy and excited I am for you guys!!! It will be so amazing, and you’re that much closer to me. Have the time of your life. And find an apartment fast so i can visit before i move back to sf in august!! Love you lady. XO
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OMG! I’m SOOOO excited for you guys, and can’t wait for you to get here! I have a feeling this means I’ll get to see you much more often, now! Puppy play dates with Lola and Sadie? Good luck on your home-finding-trip, and of course, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help on this end! XOXOXO
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 10:37 am
Thank you, Jessie! And absolutely on the puppy play dates — Lola will need to make new friends. :)
Excited to see you soon! xo
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So excited for you, Laura! Safe travels! xx
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Congratulations! Moving is always exciting and nerve wracking, I am sure you will do great in New York. Good luck on your new adventure and with this new chapter of your life.
xo
Margot
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Great inspiration Laura! <3
Rory
http://www.WearAboutsBlog.com
CHICTOPIA
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We’re so excited for you! All the best wishes to you on this fabulous new adventure. :)
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WOW, what an exciting adventure!! I am so happy for you, and look forward to following along via your blog.
Happy House Hunting!
xo Cara
http://www.afashionloveaffair.co
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Great post Laura! Pablo and I are SO excited for you guys, you’re gonna rock it out there!
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YAY, I’m so happy for you both!!! SF will always be there to come back to (that’s what I’ve been telling myself). ;) x
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How exciting, Laura! Best of luck to you and Blake in the Big Apple!
xoxo
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Wow, this sounds amazing.! I wish you the best of luck, enjoy the big apple :)
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it’s finally official!!! YAY!!!! see you tonight :)
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how exciting and brave from you to move across the country :) good luck with finding the apartment and can’t wait to follow your adventures in NYC :)
xxx,
Fashion Fractions
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How exciting and brave of you! I think in life, it’s important to not stay too comfortable. I’m so jealous you’re taking this step!
XO,
Doux Rousse
http://www.douxrousse.com
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 10:58 am
Thank you!! You are so sweet. And I totally agree on trying not to stay too comfortable. I think that is kind of what has inspired this move! :)
xo Laura
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It has to be exiting moving on not only from home but of city! I really wish you good luck on finding a great place and an amazing life there! NYC has to be an amazing city to live in.
xxx
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lucky! I want to move to NYC so bad too.
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Wow! Congrats on making such a big decision! Good luck on the hunt!
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This is must be so exciting for you both! All the best :)
Monochrome Magpie
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wow…you are the second person i have come across today that blogged about moving to nyc.
it is the epicenter of everything good to me and i hope you will love living there as much as i did.
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I can NOT wait to see your sunshine face weekly.
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All the best! It’s perfect timing for an adventure and maybe a new beginning!
Xoxo- Steph, Sean, Ethan & Maya Grace
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This is so exciting!! It’s always such a great decision to follow your dreams and
make everything you can for them to come true.
NYC is an amazing city and what’s better for a young person with career perspective
than to live in NYC and make it as high as you can!
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
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I moved from SF a few months back, and even though I know I want to return some day, you have to get away to widen your horizons, meet new people, have new experiences, shake up your comfort zone and appreciate life. All the best of luck!
xx
pearl
http://laperleaparis.blogspot.com/
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 11:14 am
Thanks, Pearl! I love SF but totally agree — I am so ready to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. Hope you are enjoying your new home and maybe we will cross paths back in SF one of these days. :)
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So happy for you but sad to say goodbye. I hope you come back and visit often! Xoxo
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Oh my god. Sooo exciting!! I wish you good luck finding an apartment and the time of your life in one of the greatest cities!!!
All the Best from Austria
xoxo
Andrea
Wonderful and Marvelous
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Congrats! We will miss you so much in SF! Cant wait to see you flourish in NY!
xoxo
Lo
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That is such great news! I am so happy for you and Blake! Wish you luck on your travels and hope you find a fabulous apartment!
xo,
Victoria
http://thestylistadiaries.blogspot.com
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Wow, congrats! That sounds SO exciting, I cannot wait to see all of your amazing posts with a New York background :) Good luck with the move!
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Safe travels and best wishes on finding a place to stay in New York! It’s definitely going to be an amazing rollercoaster of memories to come and I look forward to reading your posts about everything xx
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Wow…good for you, Laura!! Good luck in your future, I believe there will be full of excitement and adventure and surprise in the NY life!
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ahh so exciting!! I lived in NYC about two years and finally feel like I’ve got my feet under me…would love to help out with anything i can!!
xo
http://shanelesheek.blogspot.com/
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That’s SO EXCITED! I read about your move in your parents’ Christmas letter and forgot about it till I just read your post! This is DEFINITELY the time for crazy life changes…I just did the same thing. Moved to Boston without a job or an apartment (LAST WEEK, yikes! time flies!). It’s been stressful, but wildly awesome. I wish you the best in your new journey and hopefully this means that we might be able to finally meet up at some point or other – I’ll be trekking out to NYC every once and a while to visit good friends there and Boston isn’t far off, so I’m sure you’ll eventually have to scout out its fashion potential. :) Anyway, long comment short: buona fortuna!
iki!
giedre
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 11:18 am
Giedre! Congrats to YOU on your big move and thanks for the super sweet note. I definitely hope this means we will get to finally meet in person soon, too. Hope you are loving Boston and staying warm! :)
xo
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congratulations laura (and blake and lola!) on your big move! it’s so exciting to start a new phase of your life and explore amazing opportunities in your new home. i moved from philadelphia to san francisco over ten years ago because i also felt i needed a major life change, and my life changed so much for the better because of it. i can’t wait to follow along with you as you get adjusted…and hopefully i’ll see you when i’m in nyc!!
xoxo
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That’s such an exciting move! I’m sure you two will take NYC on like it’s no one’s business! Wishing you all the best! I’m excited to read all about it too!
xo,
postgradchic.blogspot.com
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beautiful photos!
Bises,
monkeyshines
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/
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Congrats on such a big and exciting change! I dropped everything and moved to CA from New Hampshire 3 years ago with no job or plan and I haven’t stopped to think or regret a thing since. It’s definitely important to do things when you’re young, and it sounds like you have the perfect partner in crime! I’ll be reading <3 xox
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good for you guys! i am so jealous – i’ve always wanted to live in NYC myself. you guys will love it there i am sure. congrats! xoxo
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Good luck love! You’re gonna do great things there, I know it.
Plus, both my parents live there so if you need anything at all, let me know!
xo
Amanda
http://www.colormebluefashion.com
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Sooo awesome, I keep putting moving to NY saying I should save more. Best of luck to you guys, hope it’s everything you guys wish & more :)
xx
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Wow- that’s so crazy- my boyfriend and I just decided to make the same move, SF to NYC. I’m excited for all the good things to come but it’s a lot to handle at once. Especially the apt hunt! Good luck and If you find anything good for a march move in date let me know! ;)
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 11:21 am
Oh wow, congrats to you and your boyfriend as well! We will all be going through the crazy change together. Thanks for the kind wishes and maybe our paths will cross out in the Big Apple! :)
xx
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Oh i know the feeling – good luck with the move! Love this post, great collection of candid shots :)
http://www.phoandchips.com
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Congrats, Laura! You were one of the FIRST blogs I found, and to this day, you are one of my favorites. I followed your blogging in San Fran, and I will continue to do so in New York! Excited for you & your new chapter. Wishing you all of the best!
One of my favorite quotes: If not now, when?
Xo.
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Laura Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 11:20 am
Thanks so much, Allie! I really appreciate your kind words and good luck wishes. Love that saying…If not now, when? So perfect. :) And thanks for reading my blog!!!
xoxo
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Wish you the best, girl! So stoked to see the adventures that await you in NYC. x
http://www.TheFancyTeacup.com
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Awesome! Good luck!
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I am so excited for you!!!!!
We were actually about to buy a house + move round the time you were here last but we’re staying so… See you around soon!!
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Christina of Profresh Style Reply:
January 12th, 2012 at 12:48 am
You’re staying?!?! Yes, I’m nosy! Thank God!!! ;)
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Wow! That is so amazing! I am so excited for you. I can’t wait to see all of your pictures and read all about living in NY. Best wishes!
xo Julia
galmeetsglam.com
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Oh my! Good for you!! It’s definitely a dream of mine to move to NYC as well. I feel like I’ve only just begun my SF journey, though, so for now at least, I plan to stay a while. You will have such a blast in NYC and I can’t wait to see your journey on your blog (and hopefully in NYC one day!)
xoxo,
http://pancakeSTACKER.blogspot.com
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That’s fantastic, good luck on your new adventure!
xxx
Sibyl
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Janie Smith Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 1:25 am
I also hope like you for your moving nyc.
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i love karlie kloss for free people!
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