On Monday, February 10, 2025, I returned from NYC. Since 2013, I’ve visited New York a total of ten times in February for the Autumn/Winter Fashion Week. Again, as always, it was just what I needed. I planned this trip in December after having to cancel my holiday excursion because of seasonal illness. The purpose of this trip was to attend shows produced by companies that produce in Tokyo Fashion Week and to shop fabric for a commissioned order and for my own upcoming events. My friend, Evelyn, joined me for this trip and our Ms. Adventures were abound.
I arrived at the airport around 5:30am for my 7:00am flight. I got through security rather quickly still sleepy-eyed but excited. Evelyn met me at the gate just a little bit later. We boarded our on-time flight and our first stop was a layover in Houston, TX. We had just under 2 hours before the next leg so we settled into an airport restaurant/bar for some breakfast and talked about our upcoming days. In January, I caught a segment on the Today Show that talked about an upcoming exhibit in NYC that focused on Anne Frank and recreated the Annex she and 7 others lived in for just over 2 years. It’s on my bucket list to go to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, so I was compelled to visit the recreation here in the States. I went online and found that the exhibit would be held during our visit so after talking with Ev, I got tickets. As avid Friends fans, she found Friends, the Musical Parody, so we made a plan to try to check it out. I had submitted our name for tickets for the Global Fashion Collective show on Sunday, February 9th. Besides the before mentioned events, going to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for mass, shopping for fabric, and trying to connect with my friends, Sal and Amanda, our time was pretty open.
Both Ev and I weren’t employed at the time of our trip, so we really focused on traveling on the cheap. I’ve said it before, “I’ve got Veuve Clicquot dreams on a Pabst Blue Ribbon budget” so I know how to hunt for the best deals. The airline tickets were already paid for from our rescheduled trip a few months later. I originally booked the hotel in December but found it about $70 cheaper the week before our departure, so canceled and rebooked. I tapped into my Costco membership to get discounts on Uber gift cards (while I love walking in NYC I know there are times, specifically to-and-from the airport that require rideshare) and an In-kind Gift Card that is good at over 3,000 restaurants in the USA. After looking at the restaurants, I found several that are my favorite in NYC, so we were set for one lavish dinner.
After arriving on time and picking up our suitcases from baggage claim, we were on our way to check into the hotel. After dropping our bags and noticing a sandwich board for the restaurant next door, we headed downstairs for happy hour. Chatting with our bartender we ordered a few appetizers to share and got some insider places to go to nearby. We closed out happy hour and headed out to explore a bit. It was cold in NYC but not unbearable. I’ve visited during blizzards, “the coldest day on record” and the last time time I visited, coincidentally with Evelyn, it was so warm that we had to take our coats off as we walked along Central Park. We ended up at 5th and 34th. The Starbucks Reserve sign caught Evelyn’s attention so we went in. If you haven’t been, this isn’t your ordinary Starbuck’s café, the Reserve has an area dedicated to libations so we headed up the stairs and sat at the bar where our mixologist, crafted an espresso martini flight for each of us.
While we sampled the drinks we talked about job prospects. Evelyn had two interviews scheduled for the next day. She tried to plan them as early and as late as possible so it didn’t interrupt our day too much. I purposefully hadn’t applied for much. I had dinner earlier in the week with my friend, Tanya, who talked about building a community relations program locally which excited me. Beyond that offer and another really cool position I applied for at PNM, that I think I’d have an incredible impact, I hadn’t done much else. As I talked about it with Ev, my friend Laurie, who just retired from PNM happened to text me. In our conversation, I mentioned it to her about my application to get her thoughts.
I also had on my calendar an appointment with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. I had assisted the governor with many of her wardrobe needs over the past five years, so she was included in my slew of text messages informing everyone about my departure from Macy’s. I wasn’t expecting to hear back from her, unless it was something she needed before the start of the legislative session, so when I did; it was so unexpected. On the Friday before I left, I was swamped with last minute appointments. Just before I left for the day, I saw a voice mail notification.
As I listened to the thoughtful and kind message, she asked if I would be willing to go to Santa Fe to meet with her to talk about what I wanted to do next. She said she also had a couple of ideas to share. I called her back and it went to voicemail. During the past two weeks, anytime anyone would get teary-eyed, I’d stop them in their tracks and tell them not to cry because I would cry. As I left her my response that I’d be happy to go to Santa Fe to meet with her, I got in my feels and my voice cracked and then I fumbled on my response. I wanted to delete and re-record, but I didn’t know how, and didn’t want to leave a message with bunch of buttons being pushed (makes me think of that time Monica called her ex, Richard on Friends). Well, I’m happy to say her scheduler called a few days later, and an appointment was scheduled the Wednesday after I returned from NYC. Ev and I talked about what that could mean. I had no idea, but was looking forward to it. The conversation got a little more in-depth when she asked what I wanted to do, career-wise. Honestly, I had and have, no real answer for that beyond I want to make real impact, I want a role that challenges and excites me and it’s got to bring me joy. We ended the night around the corner from our hotel at the local’s pub.
Friday morning we arose a little late and of all the days we were visiting it was going to be the nicest, weather-wise. I left the hotel just before 10am to go get bagels and coffee while she took her interview. I headed upstairs when I got her text and we noshed on our bagels and set the plan for the day. The Center for Jewish History was a 20-minute walk so after carb-loading we hit the streets. We arrived at the brown stone with the Anne Frank banner hanging off the side. There were school buses parked outside the building and as we entered could hear the voices of children in the distance. We walked through security and were directed upstairs to collect audio sets for the guided tour. The docent gave us instructions on how to use the audio sets and informed us that the tour would be an hour and a half. We started with the Anne’s family history (there was even a Macy’s component) which led into the beginnings and rise of Nazism in Germany which was the driving force behind the Frank family leaving for Amsterdam. The history continued while we followed the audio path viewing the artifacts from the time. It was heavy and there were components that led me to think have we NOT learned anything. There are so many things happening almost 100 years later that were the seeds for the rise of the Nazi party and a trifecta of emotions: sadness, anger and fear, coated my psyche. We arrived to the Annex and I started to recall how many people lived in this space and for how long. A slew of questions ran through my mind, how did they hide the light, sound, smells? Through Anne’s diary we learned about daily life, but there are so many things we take for granted like going outside, like talking to friends and family. And we all know how detrimental the news can be, but when it’s your source to the outside world, how did they not go insane? We left the exhibit heavier, but grateful for it. We talked about what we could do. The exhibit has been extended until October 2025. If you are in NYC or traveling there soon. I strongly suggest you visit it. Just make sure you get your tickets in advance. What I truly wish is that this exhibit became a traveling exhibit and reached communities outside of NYC.
After the exhibit, we headed northwest to the fabric district, but first stopped for Affogato. Just that past week I had learned about this Italian delicacy. If you don’t know, it’s espresso poured over gelato. It’s delicious and this particular shop serves it over liquor infused ice cream.
After enjoying our treat we came upon Macy’s Herald Square. I was looking for a beanie, because I forgot to grab one from home and for some reason I was not finding any street vendors along our path. Macy’s didn’t have a great selection and I wasn’t up to spending $30-40, so we headed out and around the corner was street vendor, so I got my beanie for ten bucks. We went on to Mood Fabrics. There were rows upon rows of fabric, so many beautiful options, but of course the ones that spoke to me were $150-200/yard. I took a few photos of coral fabric options for the commissioned dress but overall, we left empty handed.
We popped into a few other fabric stores but again there wasn’t anything calling me, so we decided to grab a bite to eat and head back to the hotel. We rested and ate. Evelyn prepared for her next interview and I headed downstairs to the bar for happy hour. It was still early so there were only a few patrons. I sat at the bar going back and forth from looking at the televisions that lined the bar back and looking at my phone. After the interview, she joined me, and shortly thereafter we decided to go back to Macy’s to see what sales they might have. We ended shutting the store down but again only window shopping. After stopping in Times Square for a customary selfie, we called it a night. We had already walked 22,000 steps.
Saturday we woke up and got ready for the day. The weather forecast called for colder temps and potential for snow. The plan was to meet my friend Sal for brunch. She said she’d arrive in the city about noon, so we did a little more shopping until she arrived. It was so lovely to catch up with her. It had been two years since the last time I saw her. We grabbed brunch at a nearby restaurant and caught up. We talked about current news and when she might be headed west to visit her family. It was wonderful to catch up and after a good meal we said our goodbyes. I’m always so grateful when I can connect with my friends in the city.
Next we had to decide if we were going to head north to Lincoln Center or south to the Charging Bull. Neither of us had seen the bull, so we decided to head down south. Too far to walk, we decided to take the subway. Not my first choice but it would be quicker and cheaper than taking an Uber. We ascended the the subway staircase to the New York Harbor in the landscape. Without all the buildings the air was thicker with the moisture from the body of water near by. The sculpture was a few blocks away. There was line from his behind where folks were waiting to take a photo and rub the bull’s balls (TMI, I know). Supposedly, it is a superstition to rub them for good (specifically financial) luck. I think I like the version in Milan better (turning around 3 times on your heel on the mosaic bull). The line was shorter in the front for a photo with its face. I just wanted to get a photo. I got a photo of the head but Evelyn got a few great ones of the whole body (I have no idea how she got them without people in the shot).
On our way over, I had mentioned that I attempted to make a reservation at Dead Rabbit, but there wasn’t anything available. However, it was nearby and we thought we could find space at the bar. The pub is pretty nondescript on the outside, but walking in becomes alive with people. As we walked into the door, to the right was a long bar filled with patrons and through a small door was another room with tables and a staircase leading upstairs. On the second floor more of the same. On the third floor, there were a few open spaces at the standing bar as we watched for openings at the long bar. Within a few minutes, a couple got up and gave us their seats. For the next few hours, we had a great time talking with the other patrons our bartender while sampling cocktails and enjoying traditional pub food. The only thing missing was Billy Joel playing the Piano Man on a corner piano.
We stayed there for a few hours then decided to take the subway to the Chelsea Hotel for a night cap and to see the recently renovated historic inn. We arrived and it was bustling. We added our name to the list and waited out in the elegantly appointed hall. I was dressed in so many layers and with all the body heat in the area, I was on fire so I started taking off a few layers when my phone buzzed for our table. The hostess took us to the side room and the smallest quintessential NYC table in the middle of the room. The Chelsea Inn was known for their martini’s so we decided to go with that option. We had one drink, paid our check and headed out. As we waited for our Uber the snow was coming down. Big, wet, fluffy flakes were covering the city and yet, it didn’t stop Saturday night. The car dropped us off in front of our hotel, but I was craving a slice of pizza so we took a stroll to the next block for a slice. When we arrived in our 25th floor room, we watched out the window in delight as it slowly came down. We crashed watching Friends.
In the middle of the night there was thunderous noise, I didn’t wake but instead was dreaming it was snowplows scraping the ground. Evelyn got up and told me the next morning she thought it was dynamite being set off in the subway. We later found out someone was lighting fireworks in a trash can, so the next morning, we were a little slower to rise because of the commotion.
I wanted to get to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral so I made sure to head out by 9:45am to make it in time for the 10:15am service. It was brisk and the snow had already started to melt, but there weren’t many people out on the streets beyond the runners and a few people walking along 5th Avenue. I arrived just in time and took my seat in a pew mid-way in. The service was what I needed to start my day.
I headed back to the hotel and then we made our trek for coffee. We had tickets for the 3:00pm Global Fashion Collective show so we’d have some time to kill before the show. It was a 23 minute walk from our hotel. Just before we started walking towards Chelsea, Evelyn received a text from a friend that saw her IG stories. She too was in town and was staying in the the financial district near where we were the day before. We figured out that we could go a meet her for a bit and then catch the subway back in time for the show. As we attempted to find the right platform, I catch Evelyn turning and falling to the floor in what seemed like slow motion. She sat on the ground and asked for a few minutes. She had twisted her ankle something fierce. Luckily, her boots provided her ankle some support. We made it to meet her friend. While there, she elevated her foot.
About an hour and a half later, we arrived to the venue for the show. I never know what to expect with shows. Some have a great reception with a DJ and bar and some are set up with a holding area before they open the doors for the show. This production was the latter. However this game me time to do what I love, people watch. What I love about fashion week beyond the shows themselves is seeing attendees arrive in their street fashion grandeur. From the latest trends, like the “no pants trend” to the individuality, it all is worth the watch. They finally opened the curtains and the crowd streamed in attempting to get a seat with the overflow standing behind. This show had four designers with varying aesthetics. The first designs were utilitarian fashion with designs encompassing led lights so if in a natural disaster like an earthquake you could be found. The second focused on bringing some fun to suiting with a range of colors and elements like encrusted rhinestones. The third was very coquette and ethereal with pastels and elements of lace. The closing designer was tailored looks that one could wear not only to the office but cool girl prep school. I enjoyed the show. The location was perfect. I liked how each designer got to incorporate story telling and/or theatrical elements and it started roughly on time. GFC was also included on the official NYFW calendar. When I returned home, I requested a designer deck for Tokyo SS26. Unfortunately it may be a little cost prohibitive for this designer with the packages starting at $23K for 12 looks. As with everything in my life, I put it in the hands of the universe and if it’s meant to be, it will happen.
We slowly headed back to the hotel so Evelyn elevate her ankle. We had 6:00pm tickets for the Friends, the Musical Parody and while it was walkable we decided to take the subway so Evelyn wouldn’t have to walk as much. We arrived at the off Broadway theater that housed several parody shows like The Office and Seinfeld. It was a fun and light hearted show with a small cast in an intimate setting. After the show we stopped by Ray’s Pizza figuring it would be less crowded because of the Super Bowl. We grabbed our slices and arrived at our room just in time to watch SZA join Kendrick Lamar for the half-time show. Now I can take or leave the Super Bowl. There was a time in my life that I loved hosting the event for family and friends but really that was a means to get everyone together. This is the second time I’ve watched it in a hotel room and it’s just as fun. I enjoyed the half-time show and the next day had to watch it in it’s entirety and that’s when I understood the power of this year’s show. And for our final night in NYC, we ended as we did each night before.
The next day we headed to the airport, I was flying home and Evelyn was flying on to Florida. I arrived around 6:30pm. I wasn’t sure if I should go to NYC with so much uncertainty in my career but I returned and tightened my budget. I returned and focused on the job hunt. Honestly, it was the best thing for me.
Last week, I met with the governor and had a great conversation about where she could use my skills in her office. I still remember the first correspondence from the Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham that congratulated me being honored as a Woman of Influence in 2015…10 years ago. Who would have thought that I would be having a conversation about working in her office?!? We talked about the first time I met her on the floor at Macy’s five years ago and she remembered the non-profits I worked with and the legislative issues that were important to me. She talked about the work needed in keeping NM clean, homelessness and CYFD and I know term ends in under 2 years. But if my path lands me a job in her office, I genuinely believe that I would be challenged, could make an impact and with everything I do, bring me joy. I’ll find out soon if this is meant for me, and if not, I know it wasn’t mine. However, I believe in the power of prayer and putting it out into the universe for guidance, so if you’ve read this far, please send good energy, vibes and lots of prayers.
And while, I don’t think I will be utilizing GFC for producing a Tokyo show, I’m still looking. Hopeless + Cause Atelier celebrates 10 years this year so I think that deserves something special. More to come on that.
Finally, more than ever we need to show up for each other and use our voices for good and to stand up for those who don’t feel like they have one.
“I can feel the changes. I can feel a new life. I always knew life could be dangerous. I can say that I like a challenge and you tell me it’s painless. You don’t know what pain is.” – Kendrick Lamar
With light and love (and some pug heeler yoga),
Dara Sophia Romero