I am moving! One week from tomorrow, to be specific. As I’m starting to share outfits from Charleston, I realize that this is a bit misleading. I AM NOT moving to Charleston (maybe someday, I hope!) I’m moving to Brooklyn!!!
I really had not planned on moving so soon. I knew that when my lease was up I would want to leave, but I wasn’t sure where I would go. I thought about the West Village but it’s so expensive and I really want more space. I thought about Gowanus or Park Slope to be near my sister (but far from everyone else). And then there was Williamsburg which is where probably half of my friends live right now. It all just sort of came together… there is this amazing old factory building there that has a bit of history amongst my circle of friends. It’s more or less becoming a sorority house of sorts. There are four units in the building and they are all equally amazing and interesting. Beautiful and spacious, but with loads of character. My best friend lives upstairs from where I will be moving, and our other good friend lives two floors up from her. My unit is on the ground floor with it’s own separate entrance (and patio!) and it’s literally four times the size of my current space. It’s really beautiful and I can’t believe it’s really real, especially after living in such a tiny space for so long.
Outfit Details: Kate Spade Dress (c/o, also available here) // French Baskets Bag (only $32!) / Joie Sandals (also here) // Celine Sunglasses
I can’t decide what I’m more excited about: decorating or entertaining. Both are amongst my most favorite things… and both are things I have not done in so very long!
I’m a little panicked over all of the logistics (this happened SO quickly – I just signed the lease on Monday and figured things out with my current landlord earlier this week). But I know that when it all is said and done it’s going to be amazing and 1,000% for the best. I think it will be fun for the blog too… I’ll have more space to be creative – to shoot cocktails, recipes, and DIYs… to do some home decor and design content… and really build a home!
Another big thing that has caused some stress (time for the real talk), is that I think I stayed here as long as I did because I’d been waiting to move until I met someone. Moving is so expensive (and exhausting)! I figured I’d just stay put until I met a guy. We’d fall in love and abandon our little places and find something nicer together! Alas, life does not always go as planned. As a woman who works hard and generally gets what she wants, this is a hard thing to swallow… but also an important lesson. I have learned over the years that you can’t wait around for anyone. You must live your life on your own terms and when something is good, just go for it and don’t look back. I am more happy and excited about this apartment than I’ve been about any guy in ages, and that is pretty cool. Rather than dwelling on the fact that I am doing it alone, I am focusing on the fact that I am lucky enough to have the means to move to a nicer space on my own (and that I am going to get to decorate it exactly how I want, ha ha.) I was waffling and being indecisive and my best friend basically shook me. “Grace,” she said. “You’re 35. You can not live in a lofted bed studio in Murray Hill anymore!” And when she put it that way, I laughed so hard. It’s true. It’s time. I was freaking out to my mom on the phone yesterday morning. “Mom! I can get a real TV! And night stands! And I can even put a glass of water next to my bed when I fall asleep at night!” We laughed and laughed and laughed.
Laughing helps. That same friend said it best. So many of our friends are getting married and having kids and we’re more or less building a sorority house. It’s kind of the best. Of course I want to settle down at some point but for now, I’m pretty excited to live somewhere wonderful with my friends upstairs.
So there you have it. Onwards, upwards, and onto a fun new adventure. I am visiting the space this weekend to take measurements, etc. and will be sure to post some photos to my instagram story!
photography by Melissa Toms.
This is so fantastic I wish, I could go back in time and live with my girlfriends again! Congratulations 🙂
I can’t wait! Hope you had a great weekend Carrie!
Congrats, girl! You so deserve this! I loved living in Brooklyn, eons ago, and I miss NYC in general though I moved to a kick-ass top floor apartment with my own balcony-terrace space and lots of natural light last Spring. Vienna is the top of the crop really and I happy to have it as my homebase.
Still though, your sorority situation sounds perfect! Not gonna lie 😉
Enjoy it! And hell yeah, you don’t need a guy to live your life. I wouldn’t be surprised if you will meet someone quite soon since you finally did what you wanted to do for so so long! Enjoy it and kick ass as usual <3
xo Martina
http://spunkyrella.com
Aw, thanks Martina – you are so sweet! I can’t wait!!!
I’ve never made a big move like yours, excited to see you document it! Cute pink outfit and backdrop too! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Thanks Charmaine! xo
Congrats on the new place Grace! Thanks for your honest post about the reasons you held off moving. You are doing the right thing. A while back, I set a goal … buy a place by 30. I was close … only off by 2 years. It didn’t matter what my personal situation was at the time … I was going to buy whether I was with someone or not. It was something I had to do because rents are so expensive & I was tired of seeing that money just go like that. However. I totally get your reasoning. I know you are definitely not alone thinking that. Happy for you and wish you fun, love & luck in your new space! Can’t wait to see it shared here!
Thank you Marty. 🙂 And a big congrats on hitting your goal!!!
I love your outlook, attitude and honesty. You are really a breath of fresh air. I’m so curious to see what this place looks like! I’m sure you’ll make it beautiful.
Aw, thanks Jenn! I’m so excited about this next step! Appreciate the kind words. 🙂
Congratulations on the big news.
Thanks Melissa!!
This is so exciting Grace! New adventure for you! Would love to connect to learn more about what moving company you used in this area, etc. I’m moving in a couple of months for the first time in NYC. I’ve been in my apt for a while here but am moving in with a friend. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Have a wonderful weekend!
xo elle // https://splashofpreppy.com
Hi Elle – I moved a couple of weeks ago and used DUMBO movers. I highly recommend them! I also rented moving bins from Bin It to cut down on waste from boxes.
Thank you! I’m using Bin It as well. Such a genius idea! Have a great weekend!
Such a smart idea! I am too 🙂
Thanks, Elle! I ended up going with Intense Movers – they moved my best friend!
Good luck with the move! I am sure it’ll be smooth and effortless x
Thanks Bry! I hope so! xx
I’m happy to hear that things fell in place so easily! I hope that your darling cat loves his new empire!
I think he’s going to be very happy there… 😉
The photos look beautiful and that dress is absolutely gorgeous! I’m really excited about you moving! I wish you the best luck and I hope everything goes to plan. 🙂
Thanks so much Marta! xx
Congratulations!! Also, your dress is beautiful 🙂
xox,
Em
http://www.organicallyemily.com
Thanks Emily! Hope you had a great weekend!
Congratulations Grace! I’m so excited to see how you decorate your new space. Houzz has great inspiration pics for decorating a patio…and even some great tips on how to turn it into a CATio so your puff can safely go outside. Moving is a total PIA, but it definitely softens the pain when it is a move that you want to make, versus have to make. Good for you on taking the plunge and moving onwards and upwards.
Haha I love that you referred to him as my puff… that’s what my sister and I call our persians. 🙂 I love Houzz! x
Congrats on the new place – sounds great! I’m excited for your decorating posts as I close on my new house in a few months and I need some inspiration! Life moves super fast sometimes and its definitely scary (our house wasn’t listed so all I have are a few shots I took while we looked at it, meaning I couldn’t even tell you if our fridge has one or two doors!), but hopefully everything works out for the best!
Thank you Molly! I can’t wait!! xx
This is so amazing! And I love the “life lesson” (that sounds cliche but you know what I mean) behind it that you included in this post. If we blind ourselves looking for exactly what we think we want, we won’t see or take the beautiful, awesome new opportunities that pop up right in front of us! It doesn’t mean you can’t have everything you want, it just means not letting that stop you from getting the things you didn’t know you wanted (the apartment that just pops up, the trip that just works itself out, etc). So happy for you!
Aw thank you Mackenzie! I so agree!!!
This is fantastic! You are fantastic! Enjoy all the trips to beautiful deco shops! I an currently moving houses in London as well and cannot pass by this amazing Graham&Green shop I have next door without at least popping in for some inspiration and idea gathering.
Thank you Inga! Good luck with YOUR move! x
Congratulations on your move! I’m so excited to hear about all of your adventures in Brooklyn! It’s the best 🙂
Thanks Abby! xx
CONGRATULATIONS! On both the apartment, and having such a healthy and positive life perspective. Your posts are just awesome lately, and I’m so excited for you!
Aw thanks Dana! So sweet of you to say that!
First of all, I am DYING over that Kate Spade dress..gorgeous! Second, congratulations on your new home! I was in your position…I lived in a TINY apartment that had paper-thin walls (I could hear the guy below me snore at night! ugh!) but I stayed there for years because I kept thinking I needed to meet someone before I made any permanent decisions. Then one day I woke up and thought to myself “I can’t put my life on hold anymore!” I found a realtor and two months later was under contract on an adorable two-bedroom cottage with a beautiful patio. It was perfect! I smiled when I read your statement “I am more happy and excited about this apartment than I’ve been about any guy in ages..” because that is EXACTLY how I felt. I even called it my “doll house” because it was like having a real, live doll house to play with! Anyway, I have been there for nearly 4 years and I don’t regret it one bit. It amazing how much better I felt in my own space…and I did finally meet a guy (he’s actually moving into my “doll house” next month!)…but I’m glad I didn’t wait for him. I wouldn’t trade the last four years on my own for anything. So congratulations! I know what this time feels like and it is amazing! Cherish it!
Aw thank you Brittany!!! Love hearing your story!! xx
Ah!!! Congrats on your move, that’s so exciting. I’ve thought about Brooklyn too just because you get SO much more space but I haven’t spent a ton of time there so it feels almost like moving to a new city. I totally agree it’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting to do things until you meet someone but honestly, you have to do you and do things for yourself. It’s such an important lesson, if a harder pill to swallow at times. Your new place sounds amazing and I can’t wait to see photos/how you decorate! And I live with two of my best friends, and I have to say, it’s the absolute best!! (And you’ll truly be getting the best of both worlds having your own space!)
Thanks Diana!!! It does feel a little bit like moving to a new city… I think that’s why I am most excited about this – it will be a fun change… I’ve lived in Manhattan for over ten years now so it will be fun to change things up!
Thank God for best friends for telling it like it is right?! Your new living situation sounds awesome!! And when you do finally meet your person, you’ll be so happy that you can look back on that time you lived in an adult sorority! Good luck with the move!
Seriously! I am so excited. xx
First of all, LOVE this dress and the Charleston backdrop! Also, super excited for you and your new space. As much as I love my husband, I definitely have moments when I wish I could decorate the way I want…so the grass is definitely greener 🙂 Can’t wait to see how you transform your new home!
xx
Sam
Ha ha, the grass is definitely always greener! I’m so excited! xx
Yayyyyy! I am so excited for you, and I cannot wait to see pics of how you decorate it; I’m sure it will be amazing. There is nothing better than taking charge and doing things on your own terms!
Thanks sweet friend! Can not wait! So nice to hang with you on Saturday! xx
Congratulations Grace! I totally get the temptation to wait until meeting someone but I eventually hit a point in my life where I realized that if I did meet someone I’d be so happy that why would I care about little things like breaking a lease or selling a house or moving? (I eventually did get married – at 50! Thank goodness I didn’t spend all that time living uncomfortably. I got to live in some nice places where I got to pick everything out – my husband has great taste but there’s lots of negotiating and pink is confined to one guest room.)
Living surrounded by friends is the best of both worlds – getting to be alone when you want but not having to be.
Thanks Janet! Laughing that pink was confined to one room, ha ha!
How exciting, congratulations!! And you look gorgeous, love this pink and roses print.
Thank you Julie! xx
So exciting! And wonderful to know you are independent and can afford it on your own. My sister is in Brooklyn, can’t wait to take you up on that coffee date. I’ll be there in June. We are hanging there a few days with the family before flying to Lisbon to take our Spain/ Portugal river cruise. It’s funny, I know you love iced coffee and I really rarely drink it here. It always reminds me of summers in NY with my sister, it’s so hot. Congratulations again, I remember how I felt leaving my adorable studio cottage and getting a one bedroom apartment. You know, like a real grown up. So much more ” civilized “. Yay!
I can’t wait either! x
Congrats!!! You definitely don’t need to wait around for anyone to get what you want and deserve! Sounds like it will be the best setup being so close to your friends! It’s like everyone’s dream of having your besties all live on the same street haha
Thanks Lauren… I can’t wait! xx
I really believe when you stop putting your life on hold, that’s when everything comes together. It’s always good to remember what you bring to the party. A happy, whole fulfilled person + another of the same = a good, solid relationship. Life is short, don’t wait for anyone. Not to get all woo, woo or anything, but movement creates movement in the universe. Who knows what may happen next?
Thanks Cy… let’s hope! haha 😉
So wonderful Grace! Laughing with friends & family is the best. I’m really looking forward to following your journey. I get so much inspiration from your blog, style, photos & conversations. Thank you for sharing you. : )
Thank you Lori! xo
Yay! So so excited for you and can’t wait to see the new place 🙂
Thanks friend! So excited!
Congrats on the upcoming move!! Um, that sounds SO fun!! Living with your best friends right in your building sort of sounds like what we all dreamed of when we were younger, right? It will be just like “Friends” 🙂 And I too lived in Murray Hill and also at one point in NYC slept in a lofted bed (which I did kinda love) and those will all be great memories as you start in your new place with actual space and a patio! Good luck with the move and can’t wait to see a house tour!
ShapinUp.com
Thanks Amanda! Fun to hear you also slept in a loft bed. It is really cozy and fun, I think after almost four years I am just feeling done with it!!! xx
This is awesome news- congrats! So wonderful to see your hard work pay off. Can’t wait to follow along in the decorating process.
Thank you Lindsay!! xx
Can’t wait to witness your transition (it sounds amazing!) And cheers to you for taking life into your own hands…I was partially waiting on a future someone whom I haven’t met yet (I’m 33) to take a big trip with. I went to Spain and Portugal solo at the end of last year and had a WONDERFUL time.
Thank you so much Emily! SO happy to see that you’re traveling alone – it’s one of my favorite things!
So excited for you! xoox
Aw thanks Mom! Love you!
Yay!! I’m so excited for you!! I can’t wait to see how you decorate. 🙂
Thanks Lisa!
How exciting, Grace! I’m thrilled for you. Xo
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Thanks Carrie! So excited 🙂 xx
So excited for you! And for all the content this’ll mean for the blog (looking forward to all the entertaining advice and decorating tips!!). Also obsessed with this bag, but mostly with the heart behind this post: you have to live for you. Waiting on someone or something won’t make you happy, and I’m thrilled that you’re taking this next step forward!
Thanks Chrisy! I am really excited about this!! xx
Cant wait to learn all about your new abode…we know it will be the perfect LBD for you!
Thanks!
So excited for you! You deserve it. Cheers to you & Tyrion!
Aw thank you so much, Erica! xo
Congrats on your move! So excited for you – Brooklyn is wonderful and I think you’ll enjoy being able to stretch out a bit. Manhattan’s awesome, but there are really great things going on in the boroughs. Hope you’ll be sharing your new space on the blog soon!
Thanks Jess!! I’m so excited. 🙂
So excited for you! I can’t wait to see how you decorate the new place!
xo, Caitlin
http://thesolcompass.com
Thank you Caitlin – I can’t wait! xx
That friend of yours is very wise. You should listen to her always 😉
So so wise!!!
Yay for moving to Williamsburg! I recently moved back to Dallas after living at N. 12th & Driggs right across from McCarren Park for a few years. I miss the neighborhood so much. I look forward to seeing you document all my old favorite spots. Best of luck with the move!
Thank you so much Allison! Could not be more excited! xo
Awwww!!! This is HUGE!! Congratulations!! So happy to read that everything went that easy for you! Much luck with the move and everything around it. 🙂
You are looking absolutely gorgeous in this dress, totally Spring time ready!
https://lartoffashion.com
Thanks Natali… you are always so sweet! xx
im so happy for you! it sounds like the perfect place. i would love to live underneath my best friend, that sounds SO FUN. cant wait to see all the pics and hear about the decorating! xoxo
Thanks friend! I am so excited about this! xx
This sounds SO great! Also – thanks for opening up about the single struggle. I’m almost 30 and the oldest female in my med school class — I definitely feel rushed and behind. But your perspective is so good and one I hope to carry with me — don’t wait on anything!
Aw good!! Yes, don’t wait on anything!!! Life is too short. 🙂
Congrats, Grace!! Excited to hear more about your move 🙂 Enjoy Brooklyn!
Thanks Delaney!! xx
That is such exciting news! I have always loved to see how you styled your current space, and the new spot sounds amazing. Can’t wait to see!!
Aw thank you Kayleigh! I can’t wait!
So happy for you, Grace! Congratulations, the new place sounds amazing!
Thanks, Gina!
Congrats Grace, that’s so exciting! Can’t wait to see the new space and how you decorate it. I live in Williamsburg on Berry/N. 11th and the neighborhood has so much to offer. You’re going to love it! The only downside is soooo many tourists on the weekends, but you’re probably used to that from the city. Maybe I’ll run into you one day 🙂
Thank you so much Kristen!!! xo
Grace! This is one of my favorite posts from you, ever. I’m jealous of your sorority house type situation you’re moving into 😉 My fiancé of 6 years and I split at the end of last year and I had NEVER lived alone before now and I sort of (okay, really) love it. I’m working on revamping my apartment and making it into a space that makes me feel happy and creative. I can’t wait to see your new place and what you do with it! Have the best weekend 🙂
Aw Jess you are so sweet. I really love living alone too. It is so nice to have a person to come home to but it’s also great to get to decorate and do things on your own terms. I’m so excited about this! Hope you had a great weekend. xo
Oh my goodness, congratulations! Love this Kate Spade dress on you!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Katie!! xx
I am so happy for you! You’re such an inspiration to so many! I know you’ll find the perfect man. For now, know you’re inspiring people all over the world!!
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
That’s so kind, Mary – thank you!
congratulations! You always have something inspiring and exciting to share, Grace! I can wait to watch you transform your new place and continue keeping it real! The possibilities are endless!
Megan
Sweet Sauce Blog
http://www.sweetsauceblog.com
Aw thank you Megan! xx
Exciting! I miss Brooklyn so much, it’s really the best. The food is amazing! The drinks are cheap! There are cute boys! And so much cool stuff to do — you’ll be there in time for cherry blossom season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (I am desperately in love with the Japanese Tree Peony collection). And you’re right, it’s very important to be close to friends and loved ones because it’s so sprawling. My happiest years were when my little circle lived in the Fort Greene/Boerum Hill/Brooklyn Heights bubble. Then people started scattering to Ditmas Park and Park Slope and freaking Denver and it was tough. I would love to live in the same building as my best girlfriends…perfection!
I am so excited for a new neighborhood! 🙂 xo
Hi Grace! I try to frequent your blog every other week or so (guilty pleasure!) and every time I do, I’m reminded of why I love your blog. It makes me SO excited about life!! Best feeling ever (from a blog) Ha!
I’m so excited for you! Making major life changes for yourself is one of the best feelings ever! Like you, I tend to always get what I want, so it’s quite frustrating/challenging when you don’t get what you want (for example, meeting a man who is a catch). However, instead of being reactive, I’ve decided to approach it like any other goal in my life, especially since it IS important to me (no shame whatsoever!). So for instance, I’ve made it a goal to attend at least one event that is outside of my comfort zone biweekly or so. And at said event, my goal is to engage/interact with at least 1 (or 2) men that interest me – even if I’m scared! I try to make myself accountable 😉 Also, it sure makes things a lot more fun! 😀
I hope you’re having a great week and as always, thank you for doing what you do!
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
Aw, thank you Lisa – what a sweet comment. To hear my blog makes you excited about life – that is the best thing you could say!
Hope you had a great weekend.
This is so exciting, Grace! Congratulations!! Can’t wait to see how you decorate the new place. Have a great weekend! xo Julie
Aw thanks Julie! So excited! xx
Congrats and good luck on your upcoming move!! I hope your move goes well and you love your news space! I’m sorry that you aren’t moving in with a guy but it will all happen at the right time and with the right person! Good luck with everything, looking forward to following along!
xo, Sarah
Thank you so much Sarah! xo
How exciting! I have really enjoyed getting to know you through your blog over the years and wish you all the best. Looking forward to more blog posts that showcase how you entertain in your new space. Congrats again!
Aw thank you Alysa!! xx
I am so excited for you Grace! You guys will have the best time in your “sorority house” and I’m so jealous how close you will be to your besties. Can’t wait to see it all come together!
thanks so much fran! I’m so excited!!!
Good luck with the move! I’m on apartment #9 in 6 years (with 2 cross country moves in there) and it’s never really as bad as you expect. Definitely hire movers and look into a box rental company that has heavy duty plastic bins you can use – they’re game changers!
thanks cait!!! I did rent the bins – so smart (and easier on the environment too!!)
Congrats on the place!! Also, in my opinion, these pictures are the most beautiful you have ever had on your blog. Something about the colors and lighting is just so spot on! So much so that I’ve left me first comment! Haha.
aw thank you!!! Charleston has so many fantastic places to shoot. 🙂
Congratulations on your move, and knowing you don’t need anyone else to do it…. and DOUBLE congrats on being able to share that with those of us who follow you!!!! You are certainly not alone in trying to figure it out, and your reality is a large part of why I follow along. Your style and – sorry, can’t help it – grace, don’t hurt, but your dose of REAL makes your blog, and You, very special. Good luck in your new space!!!!
aw thank you so much carrie! I am really excited about this, and am happy to hear you appreciate the dose of “real.” xx
Amen sister! And congrats on the move!
Thank you!! <3 xx
Congrats on the upcoming move! I’m moving soon, too, & while I’m SOOO tired of moving, I’m looking forward to being someplace shiny & new… & settling down for awhile!
Aw good luck to you Kate! I can’t wait to settle down either!!!
Congrats on the move to Brooklyn! I made the jump two years ago, after eight years in Manhattan (gulp) and I’ve never looked back. Your new living situation with so many friends so close at hand sounds ideal. In fact, it sounds like the set up for a great sitcom! I hope you love your new space and new neighborhood.
xx Jean
http://www.skylineblossoms.com
Thank you so much, Jean! I am really really excited about this. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
Oh my goodness, congratulations! This sounds like the perfect move for you and you’re going to LOVE the newfound space. When we moved from our tiny city apartment to an actual home, I nearly cried happy tears at all of the rooms we had to FILL. Decorating is the best!
Hahahaha, I know, it really is so funny… like a combination of happiness and anxiety – so much to do but I love living in a big space!!!
This is such a beautiful dress Grace. It looks so good on you and is cut so nicely (tailored well). My only wish would be that the neck was a bit lower, although, I see how the lace at the neck balances with lace at the waist and bottom of the dress 🙂
I would have loved a lower neck too! But I still love it so much 🙂
So I’m normally a total lurker (ie. read and follow religiously on insta but never comment) but wanted to let you know that I have re-read this post like 5x as a get ready for my own studio to one bedroom NYC move! No one understands why I have so much anxiety over this but as always your post was so relatable and put things into perspective. So basically…thank you for being the best! Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday <3