I love living in New York City, however, I dread when the weather gets so cold that doing critical errands becomes especially challenging since we go store to store on foot. You all know that anyone who is lucky enough to HAVE a car in the City, doesn’t ever USE their car to actually drive around the City, right? Finding a parking space in any neighborhood is a total nightmare. Plus we never start out and end up at the same location. And then there is the schlep factor. In fact, we only use our cars to get off the island of Manhattan. It’s totally true! Cars are for Costco runs, heading Down The Shore, for visiting family in Jersey or friends on The Island, and of course for summer trips Out East.
So doing regular Saturday errands like grocery shopping, dry cleaning drop off, a quickie post office run, or a coffee grab involves a carefully planned foot path that minimizes outdoor time. And we dress in layers so that we don’t suffocate indoors or freeze outside. It’s all about the winter coat that feels light but keeps you warm. Although every suburbanite knows to ditch the coat before entering the mall since it’s always 72 degrees and sunny inside those climate-controlled food courts, we City girls have it a bit rougher. Not every coat can be stuffed it into your crossbody while you’re shopping. And as much work as it is to keep up these cold weather rituals all season long, it’s risky to jump the gun on spring, even if the groundhog pretends to have your back.
And with the recent shocking drop from the 40s to the 20s and then the added bonus of the blustery wind, even with bright sunshine, we’ve been a bit chilly in these parts. However, knowing that an early spring is in the forecast, we all have cause to be optimistic that the layers are just temporary. We’ve been so lucky this season with just a smattering of snow and a crazy upcoming 60-degree mid-week warm up on deck that certain folks just can’t wait to ditch their winter garb.
You know where I’m going with this, right? This is the time of year when men tend to break out the questionable shorts and sunnies while us gals are still with the t-shirt, cardi, jacket and scarf. And then if you hop the subway, you’ll see everything from white pants to big puffer coats, sandals to snow boots. This is when the calendar says winter but New York City weather confusion is at its worst. Sunny and 45 degrees does not a polo shirt make, people. Just like rain and 82 will never require a jacket in my book. And stores pushing the season have already broken out the bathing suits and they are going hard on deep summer vibes.
It’s late February and I know this year we even have an extra day of winter– thank you leap year. But hang in there. Spring is just around the corner. The trees will be leafy, the flowers will start to bloom and your allergies will be kicking it into high gear in no time at all. So try to enjoy an open jacket until such time as you can shed those down layers and embrace a little linen. Cause right now it’s still cold outside.
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