NYC Tips & Tricks - My Trip to NYC!

Ah, another amazing trip in the books. Might I add, this was definitely one to remember. As I sit at the LGA airport typing on my computer, I realize that a year ago this time I was doing the same thing. Except, it was after my first time experiencing the National Retail Federation Student Convention (Link to NYC Trip 2018 Blog Post). Now a year has gone by, and I must say that my experience in the retail industry has grown tremendously. I am now the President of the National Retail Federation chapter at University of South Carolina, and I was able to travel to the big apple once more to attend the 2019 NRF Student Convention on a scholarship that I received for being NRF’s Student Ambassador. I hope by reading this post you gain some knowledge about great places to eat, amazing dessert places, fun places to shop and maybe even a little bit more about the retail industry. Enjoy this post on my 2019 New York City trip.

Day 1

I woke up bright and early to head to the Charlotte airport with my friend Lauren, who is also attending the trip. Our flight departed at 10:45 am, and from there we were off to New York City!

Airport Outfit Details:

Top – Nasty Gal Hold Me Tight Bodysuit {$10.00} Link Here

Jeans – PacSun Denim Distressed Jeans (link not available)

Jacket – Forever 21 Denim Jacket (link not available)

Shoes – Adidas Falcon Shoes {$100.000} Link Here

Belt – Nasty Gal I Ain’t Lion Belt {$8.00} Link Here

Glasses – Ray-Ban Black Aviator Sunglasses {$153.00} Link Here

Bag – Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody (link not available)

Earrings - Nasty Gal Roped into It Hoop Earrings {$3.00} Link Here

Once we arrived at the airport, we checked into our hotel located in Times Square. As soon as we checked in, we hit the ground running. Of course our first stop had to be pizza, so we decided to go to Joe’s Pizza {1435 Broadway}, and it was amazing! I got two slices of cheese pizza – well done. Since this was our only official free day, we decided to head to SOHO and shop. Listed below are some of my favorite stores I visited in SOHO!

• Glossier

• Steve Madden

• Nike

• Top Shop

• MAC

• Adidas

Here are some photos from Glossier. This was definitely my favorite shop, because their brick-and-mortar store exemplified the true meaning of experiential retailing. They had amazing back drops, stylish workers, unique sampling areas and was able to create the effect of being in an actual factory. I highly recommend visiting this location!

Outfit Details:

Top – Vestique Sheer Black Long Sleeve Top (link not available)

Bralette – Aerie Ribbed Holiday Lace Longline Bralette (True Black) {$17.97} Link Here

Pants – Spanx Faux Leather Leggings {$98.00} Link Here

Shoes – Forever 21 Pointed Toe Ankle Booties {$26.53} Link Here

Jacket – Forever 21 Cheetah Print Coat (link not available)

Our last stop in SOHO was one of my favorites – Black Tap NYC {529 Broome St}. I had the Brooklyn Blackout shake, and it was AMAZING. After, we ended up heading back to the hotel after some more exploring throughout SOHO.

Day 2

We got up bright and early to check out the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center {655 W 34thSt}. This is where the NRF Student Convention was held, so we wanted to see how far it took us to get there from the hotel.

Outfit Details:

Top – Forever 21 Cream Mock Neck Tank Bodysuit (link not available)

Bottoms – Forever 21 Faux Leather Culottes (Chestnut) {$29.90} Link Here

Coat – Chosen Women’s Apparel Trench Coat Link to Website

Shoes – Anna Craig Boutique Booties Link to Website

Watch – Apple Space Gray Aluminum Watch Series 4 Link Here

Earrings – Nasty Gal Roped into It Hoop Earrings {$3.00} Link Here

Scarf Ponytail – Free People Bandana Scarf Pony (Auburn) {$12.00} Link Here

After checking out the convention center, we headed to a company called Cupio Blush and got a complete tour of their headquarters and showrooms. Networking with companies is EVERYTHING! After touring, we split off from the group and spent the rest of our night in China Town and Little Italy. We shopped around in China Town and ate dinner at a restaurant called Paesano {136 Mulberry St}. It was amazing! I got Penna ala vodka. From there, we tried numerous Italian bakeries filling up on cookies, cannoli’s and more! My favorite cannoli ended up being from a place named the Cannoli King {148 Mulberry St}. Definitely worth going there if you are ever on Mulberry street.

We ended the night by visiting my best friend, Alec, who was featured in my last year’s NYC blog post. His apartment absolutely made me fall in love with living in the city, and who knows maybe I will end up here! ;) We had the best time hanging out and ended up bringing in Petee’s Pie {61 Delancey St}. 100% RECOMMEND. Day 2 was amazing and full of exciting and laughable memories.

Outfit Details:

Top - Black Mock Neck Turtle Neck (link not available)

Bottoms - Nasty Gal Star-t As You Mean to Go On Mini Skirt {$24.00} Link Here

Tights - Plain Black Tights (link not available)

Jacket - Forever 21 Blush Fluffy Jacket (link not available)

Day 3

The third day started off even earlier than the last. This was the first official day of the NRF Student Convention, and it was so exciting! It was nice entering the student convention this year, because I knew what to expect; therefore, I was less nervous going into the event. I was curious to see how the guest speakers were going to deliver, and they definitely did. Each speaker had an amazing story, background, and tons of advice to share with students like myself. They always stress at these conventions that we are the future of retail. They honestly are right. Technology is constantly changing, stores are evolving, and the industry is growing exponentially. In fact, each year there are over 2,000 new brick-and-mortar stores entering the industry. If you want to learn more about the NRF student convention, you can do so by clicking here.

Outfit Details:

Top – Nasty Gal Hold Me Tight Bodysuit {$10.00} Link Here

Bottoms – Purchased at a local boutique in Cincinnati, Ohio (link not available)

Blazer – Target Black Blazer on sale for $10 (link not available)

Shoes – Forever 21 Pointed Toe Ankle Booties {$26.53} Link Here

Earrings - Nasty Gal Roped into It Hoop Earrings {$3.00} Link Here

Necklace – Kendra Scott Go Beyond Charm Necklace Set in Rose Gold {$120.00} Link Here

The first day of the convention ended around 4:30 pm. From there, I went to the hotel to change and then headed to the COLOR FACTORY {251 Spring St}. This was by far one of the highlights of my trip, and I must say it is SO worth the money. In order to attend, you have to purchase your ticket ahead of time online (ends up being $43 after taxes), and make sure that you have a valid ID with you. The total time span of the museum ends up being about an hour. At first, I thought the museum was cool enough for the exciting backgrounds, but I did not know that it was so much more. The museum included multiple desserts/treats in the different rooms, interactive exhibits, built in cameras, and a free souvenir. Therefore, it was definitely worth the money spent. Another great example of experiential retailing. From there, I went back to the hotel to relax and prepare for the biggest day of the student convention.

Outfit Details:

Top – Target Red Mock Turtleneck Sweater

Bottoms – Show Me Your Mumu Black Denim Bell Bottom Jeans {$136.00} Link Here

Shoes – Target Women's Barika Studded Backless Mules {$24.99} Link Here

Earrings – Nasty Gal Roped into It Hoop Earrings {$3.00} Link Here

Sunglasses – Vestique Red Cat Eye Sunglasses … were around $12 when purchased (link not available)

Day 4

Saturday was the last day of the convention, and in my opinion the most important. Day 2 agenda consisted of personal conversations with top notch companies, listening to more guest speakers, and attending the career fair. My favorite guest speaker of the day was Jo Malone. She is the founder of a successful makeup and fragrance line called Jo Malone London. Her story was extremely inspiring, and I encourage you all to look her up! Some of the companies who I got to talk to directly during my small breakout sessions were Ascena, PetSmart, Nordstrom, AT&T, American Express and more. All in all, there were over 60 different retailers networking with the students and some of them were there to hire.

Lastly, came the career fair. This was by far my favorite part of the convention, because I love being able to network with different companies, take in pieces of advice from them and learn new information about each of the retailers. My favorite companies of the day I was able to receive contacts from were Belk, Dillard’s and Nordstrom. Without giving away too much detail, I must say that the career fair went extremely well, and I am excited to stay in touch with these retailers down the line. After the career fair meant that the 2019 NRF Student Convention show was in the books. Leaving the convention doors this year I felt a sense of accomplishment. This accomplishment came from organizing a large trip with the most USC students ever to attend the NRF Student Convention, being able to network with some of my dream retailers and knowing that I left with more knowledge about the industry than I came in with. I will definitely be attending the convention again next year, and I am already counting down the days. Retail is such an underestimated industry, and with some research, networking and experience, it is definitely one to get involved in.

After the convention, I went to dinner at an amazing healthy restaurant called Dig Inn. From there, we walked around times square more and then headed back to the hotel to pack. Just like that, I realized this trip was almost over.

Outfit Details:

Top – Dress Up Loose Mustard Yellow Turtleneck sweater (link not available)

Bottoms – Dress Up Black Plaid Pants (link not available)

Jacket – Forever 21 Denim Jacket (link not available)

Shoes – Adidas Falcon Shoes {$100.000} Link Here

Earrings – Nasty Gal Roped into It Hoop Earrings {$3.00} Link Here

Day 5

I am counting this day, because even though my flight headed home around 3 pm, I was able to experience one of the coolest workout classes I have ever done. SoulCycle is a spin class that is located in various regions of the US. I wanted to try out this class, and boy am I glad that I did. It got my body moving and rejuvenated for the new semester. It was not only a good sweat, but it was extremely motivational and eye opening. I highly recommend attending SoulCycle if you have one near you.

Outfit Details:

Top – Macy’s Workout sale top … purchased in Times Square for $14 (link not available)

Bottoms – Lulu Lemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight *Full-On Luon '28 {$98.00} Link Here

Hat – Nike White Hat (link not available)

Watch - Apple Space Gray Aluminum Watch Series 4 Link Here

This trip was definitely one of my favorites this Christmas break, and I will remember it forever. I cannot put into words how passionate I am about this industry, and how ready I am to dive into it full force. The future awaits, and I am so ready to see what is in store down the line. Fashion Industry … I am coming for you!

#retailsfuture #hrsm #usc #nrf_usc #nrf #nrffoundation #nyc