NYC Fall-Winter Fashion Week Recap: A Weekend of Pop-Ups, Good Vibes, and New Perspectives
Hey y’all! My last few posts have been all about reflection, which has been fun to write, but this time, I want to switch it up and take you along on a recap of my weekend in NYC! If you know me, you know that New York is slowly becoming one of my favorite cities. There’s just something about the energy, the pace, and the endless things to do that make every visit feel different. And this trip? It was exactly what I needed.
My friend Maya had the brilliantly spontaneous idea to take a last-minute trip to NYC for Fall-Winter Fashion Week. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should go because my schedule was packed, but after the stressful week I had, I knew I had to say yes. Leading up to the trip, I had been preparing for a big presentation on a topic that I wasn’t exactly an expert in. The stress was real, but to my surprise, it turned out much better than I expected. That moment alone reminded me that sometimes, we underestimate ourselves—but that’s a conversation for another day.
So, by Friday, I was more than ready for a change of scenery, a break from work, and some time to just enjoy life. Major shoutout to my friend Harleigh for being the best host! She made sure our weekend was filled with great spots, new experiences, and just the right amount of adventure. This trip also gave me the chance to see another side of NYC—one that felt a little more personal and connected than my usual visits.
My girlfriends!
Laura Mercier Popup had a cute photo booth! From left to right: Harleigh, Maya, and me.
Fashion Week Highlights
Fall-Winter Fashion Week in NYC is an experience in itself. While we didn’t attend any actual runway shows (we’ll get there one day—trust me, I’m learning!), the city was still buzzing with energy, and pop-ups were happening all over. If you’ve never been, here’s the key: hit the pop-ups midday during lunch hours to avoid the longest lines. But let’s be honest—there will still be lines. If anyone reading this has pro tips on how to skip them, please share!
Out of all the pop-ups we went to, Lauren Mercier had the cutest setup—aesthetic, fun, and well put together. Meanwhile, Walmart’s pop-up surprisingly had the best samples (who knew?). Of course, we took tons of photos because—when in NYC, right? The best part wasn’t even the pop-ups themselves but just the experience of wandering the city, discovering hidden gems, and having those random but deep conversations with friends.
The After-Party & A Different Side of NYC
Now, if you’re wondering, “Did you do anything besides fashion pop-ups?”—the answer is yes! One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the after-party we ended up at. The crowd was full of creatives, professionals, and people who had strong opinions about everything from politics to culture. Some conversations were insightful, others were just entertaining, but all of them made the night even more memorable. That’s what I love about NYC—you never know who you’ll meet or what kind of perspectives you’ll gain.
This trip was also a reminder that some of the best memories aren’t necessarily planned. They come from the in-between moments—the late-night talks, the unintentional detours, and the people you cross paths with. That’s what makes traveling so special to me.
Super Bowl Sunday & A Taste of Black Excellence
The perfect way to end the weekend? A Super Bowl party with Columbia Business School students, thanks to Harleigh (seriously, so proud of her). Now, let’s get into it—shoutout to Jalen Hurts and his Black queen! Not an Eagles fan, but I love to see it. And while Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was fire, that wasn’t my favorite part of the night.
What stood out to me most was the room full of driven, intelligent, and inspiring Black professionals. People from different industries, backgrounds, and life experiences, all in one space, just enjoying the night. And the best part? No one was asking, “So, what do you do?”
If you’ve ever been in certain spaces, you know that feeling—where conversations can feel transactional, where you constantly feel the need to prove yourself or talk about your work. But this? This was different. It was just about being present, sharing perspectives, and vibing with people who have big goals and bright futures. And that’s a type of energy I don’t get to be around all the time.
A Bigger Picture & What This Trip Meant to Me
My dad has always told me, “There’s a bigger world out here—experience every chance you get.” And even though NYC isn’t exactly new to me, this trip made me think about where I see myself in the next five years.
It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of work, deadlines, and responsibilities, but there’s something about stepping into a different space—even for a few days—that makes you zoom out and reassess. This trip wasn’t just about Fashion Week or the Super Bowl party. It was a reminder to be intentional about exploring, about surrounding myself with people who inspire me, and about not waiting for the “perfect time” to go after what I want.
I don’t know where life will take me next, but one thing’s for sure—I’ll be saying yes to more experiences like this.
Until next time, NYC. 💫
