Our move to the Big Apple is officially on the horizon, and after a year of planning and preparing, the moment has come to call everything into question. What am I going to pack? What am I going to leave behind?

It’s hard for me to fully imagine the life I’ll have in New York. In my head, it’s fashion shows and drinks with friends—but in reality, I’ll also be working full-time, running errands, and doing many of the same things I do now, just against a different backdrop. Still, somehow, even the mundane feels more exciting—more romantic, more chic—when it happens in Manhattan.

I’ve watched the movies, read the books, and decided I’m ready to start fresh with my new Vinted finds and long-time favorite pieces. So without further ado, here is what I’m packing to move to NYC.

Part I: The Coats

Moving in March is tricky. Will it be sunny? Will it be ten degrees? Will there be another blizzard? Who knows.

Either way, I am nothing if not an over-preparer, so I’ll be bringing at least three coats.

First: the coolest vintage find ever—a cropped leather bomber with a high neck that I’m 99% sure once belonged to an Oklahoma sheriff.

Second: a long trench that reminds me of France and will trick people into thinking I’m a local.

Third: a leopard print fur coat. Because obviously.

Part II: The Classics

These are the pieces I return to over and over: the ones that quietly hold everything together.

My Uniqlo cropped tees (truly undefeated).
Long-sleeve neutral tops.
Three pairs of Levi’s, because choosing just one feels impossible.

Part III: The Shoes

I’m in my little heels era, ok? So of course, I’ll have to bring:

the zebra-print Luciano Padovan heels

my vintage Prada slingbacks I found for 30 bucks on Vinted

my suede el Dantes boots (hands down the best vintage purchase I’ve ever made)

the bright green Blumarine heels that are straight out of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet

And also my Reebok sneakers—the least sexy of them all, but at least I can walk around like I know exactly where I’m going.

Part IV: The Fun Stuff

This is the part where I justify more of my impulsive Vinted purchases.

The Givenchy glasses.
The lime green Cavalli skirt.
Vintage silk slip dresses that are probably lingerie but that I’ll still wear out to lunch.

The vibes are nights out with new friends, late night drinks & dancing until 4 a.m. with no regard for the fact that it’s still winter in the city.

Part V: The Sentimental Stuff

Now for the things that aren’t practical at all—but are completely non-negotiable.

Framed photos of friends and family.
The cowboy hat ashtray that became a staple for our friends in our French apartment.
Movie announcements from our local theater in France.
A jewelry box my sister bought me in Budapest.
A quilt my grandma made when I first moved out.

All of the small, irreplaceable proof of the life we’ve been building together.

Part VI: The Things for the People We’ll Become

The wedding cake topper I bought from an older Italian woman.
Books I’ve been saving for over a year to read once we’re there.
New Levi’s for my fiancé (because he’s French and he’ll get clocked immediately in his skinny jeans).

These are the things for the people we’re growing into—not just the ones we’ve been.

Part VII: The Essentials

The least exciting category of all: important documents, my work laptop, toiletries, undies, socks. The simple things that make everything else possible.

It’s all part of the move. And somehow, even the most mundane and boring things are feeling so exciting.

So here we go: three coats, a handful of classic staples, enough fun pieces to feel like I’m stepping onto a movie set, and a few sentimental treasures just to keep things fun. Boxes are packed, my suitcases are ready, and honestly—I can’t wait to see what the city makes of me. Manhattan, I’m coming for you, one year later with a suitcase full of the things that matter most (and some kick ass shoes).