NYC always keeps me motivated
I try to go at least once a year to NYC. My goal has always been to live there. I promise you, It will happen. I absolutely love the hustle of the city and every time I’m there, I come back to Canada with a stronger drive to keep going in all my goals.
It’s a trip that helps me constantly re-evaluate my life. It also helps with the people I stay and hang around with. I’m surrounded by incredibly hard-working people when I go there. They are straight-up hard-working hustlers and I love it. Overall, the whole city feels like that, it’s something I truly desire. Additionally, NYC provides me with emerging pop-up shops and boutiques that Canada does not offer. This is for all of my hobbies. The availability for anything is there. They are never-ending, and they always draw me to new inspirations and goals.
This article is going to show some things from the trip that have caught my attention. Some are possible future purchases or just specifically picked out pieces of items I really liked and had to purchase. On this trip, I was on a very tight budget. This article will show it. Enjoy.
1. PUMA SAN SAN GEAR JACKET (size small)
I kept seeing PUMA running ads on social media sites with some interesting running pieces. As soon as I saw Puma’s flagship store in Manhattan, I immediately went to see if the items were there. To see it in person and if I would actually like it. Some things look great in pictures but once you see them in person, they feel or look terrible. I did not find what I was looking for but I stumbled upon PUMA x SAN SAN GEAR. Of course, I loved the sonic collaboration but I know I wouldn’t wear any of it. I was much more interested in the SAN SAN GEAR jacket. I almost bougth the jacket but I held back.
I only have one Puma item in my wardrobe. It was from an online purchase. Specifically, a running vest with a concealed hoodie for the rain. I bought it because it looked incredibly unique, and it was on sale for a very low price. I love wearing it and always thought, what other low key pieces does Puma release? The PUMA x SAN SAN GEAR had a jacket with similar features as my PUMA running vest, a removable hoodie, a pocket on the elbow, and just a cool look that I have not seen elsewhere. Another hidden gem. I held back on buying it but if I see it on sale in Canada, I will buy it.
2. PUMA SAN SAN GEAR COMPRESSION SWEATER (size medium)
PUMA x SAN SAN GEAR’s pieces were just beautiful to me. You can buy it here. I fell in love with their compression sweater. Again, I held back on buying it, and if I see it on sale online, the purchase will be made (only if there is a sale of course). On this specific day, I just started shopping and this was only the third store I had visited. I had to resist from purchasing anything since I had a long day of shopping. I was also on a budget. The trip was to cycle, eat, and do some shopping. This sweater had the right amount of compression to use it casually and during a nice training session in the outdoors.
3. A.P.C Straight Fit Trousers (size small)
I use to love A.P.C. For the past few years, most of their new line has felt very generic, too minimal, nothing special, and a little too mainstream for my liking. I’ve been looking at this the wrong way. I need to always be more open in what brands have to offer. Sure, the brand could have a bunch of things I don’t like but out of the many pieces they release, there could be the possibility of seeing something that will become part of my daily wear.
There could be that hidden gem that will be your daily driver. Although my style changes, sometimes going back to brands you got bored of can lure you back in with a nice piece of clothing. A.P.C did this and it was this pair of pants. I don’t know if I’ll buy it, but it definitely made me rethink of brands I brushed off because I thought differently only to find out I was being a negative nancy. You can buy it here
4. Veilance – Indisce MX Pants (size 30)
Arcteryx is in Canada but they have a flagship store in Manhattan and I had to go in. This was right after visiting the PUMA store. I was hesistant on buying anything. I almost bought these pants but because I know they are in Canada, I held back. Plus, they are $600.00 USD. That’s almost $900.00 CAD. The pants were slimmer than my veilance pants and I really liked the color, fit, and look. I might buy it on boxing day if I get a good deal on it. They are $600.00 in Canada. It’s still expensive but after wearing my other veilance religiously, I’m ok with the price.
I loved the thickness of the material for the fall/winter. It also had some stretch and the blue color was beautiful. It’s a concealed brand that no one knows what i’ll be wearing except for myself. I also love the slimness of them. I do not have many pants at the moment from destroying all my other ones. A goal was to buy a pair of pants but this price was too high. You can buy it here
5. Rag n Bone – FIT 2 denim
Rag N Bone is one of the few brands which makes my legs feel and look good. This is the FIT 2 model, a slim denim with stretch. I am in desperate need of pants and these are good for a casual night out or a wild night in the mosh pit. The price hit me hard on my bank account. It cost me $300.00 canadian however I justified the price by my old pair that I’ve had and worn for more than a decade. It’s lasted me forever and worked well with several of my outfits. You can buy it here. I’d like to buy FIT 1 when there’s a sale.
6. Nike tech wear base layer
If you’ve watched my youtube channel or just several base layer reviews, you know I love base layers. I’m always wearing one. I bought two base layers at the nike flagsip store in SOHO and they are going to be on rotation. Nike did it right. I actually cleaned my room and put away several items, and have introduced these two pieces as my daily drivers. I’m training hard for Ironman San Salvador and I will be abusing the crap out of these base layers during my training sessions. They’re a way to show how my body looks and if it’s not looking good, the base layer will display that to the public and most importantly, myself. I call them accountability gear. The more you train, the better you look in them. In contrast, if you don’t train, eat bad, you’ll look like a slob in them.
7. Y3 black zipper shirt (XS)
I went into the adidas flagship store(s) expecting to walk out with something but my stubborn responsible attitude on not going overboard held me back on several purchases. This was one of them. A Y3 shirt that fit me very well but was not on sale. I also held back because I felt that the logo was a little too big for my liking. I still really loved the fit but I don’t think it’s worth the retail price. I went back to the adidas store the next day and decided not to buy it unless it’s heavily discounted. You can buy it here
8. MALIN + GOETZ Perfume (Dark Rum)
I went to this store to buy a Christmas gift for my sister. Instead, I walked out with something for me. I know. I’m a terrible person. I’ve been buying MALIN + GOETZ rum soap for years and I made the difficult decision on buying their perfume. This was expensive but I loved the smell. The only problem is that I can only wear this outside of work since it’s a scent-free workplace. At least it means it’ll last forever. I hope. You can buy it here.
9. LUBE 69 long sleeve cycling jersey
I me Ezra a couple of years ago from my YouTube channel. We talked and we eventually met up in NYC. The rest is history, we are boys for life. I see him everytime I go to NYC. I consider Ezra a very close and very good friend. We’ve talked about everything and when he started releasing cycling clothing, I was excited. He has recently produced an absolute banger jersey and these bad boys sell out. He has the eye of an artist. Long story short, we met up and I bought his jersey to support him and also because I’ve liked all his jersey releases. This will be on rotation during my rides. This is exclusive but he will release it, check out his YouTube channel.