The NY-LONdoner

NY-LONdoner Q & A with Marielle Legair from South London

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:59:00 -0400

PR pro, Marielle Legair hails from Beckenham, which is just an itty bit on the outskirts of South London between Bromley and Croydon. Last November she moved to New York City in search of something new and a fresh scene. She is a global PR manager for a large accountancy firm based in Manhattan. Marielle is a keen traveler and budding photographer; with a knack for getting the right people together, in a room to create spectacular results.

1. How long have you been in NYC?
I moved to NYC from London six months ago.

2. What inspired you to move here?
There are so many things that inspired me to make the move to New York. I had been visiting the city for over 15 years but in 2012 I decided I wanted to live here. I needed something new. In fact, I remember one night, being up late, thinking of how I was going to get to New York. I stumbled across the NY-LONdoner blog. I sat up until the early hours (even though I had work the next morning) and read all the Q&As. I remember at the time saying to myself, ‘one day I will be featured on here,’ and look…here I am!

From a career standpoint; it’s very inspiring to see so many black successful women in the US in senior roles working across a range of industries; whether it is in a corporate environment or as entrepreneurs. Many of my friends have their own businesses in addition to their 9 to 5. It’s really inspiring and spurs me to work harder to achieve. I’m sure barriers exist; but people push through them and the success is clear to see.

3. Where do you live?
I have an apartment in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. I can see myself staying in Brooklyn for a while; it’s a very eclectic borough with so many cultural events taking place. I love it!

4. What keeps you busy in NYC?
By day, I work in financial PR. I still pinch myself sometimes as I walk down 5th Avenue to work or look out at the views of Manhattan from my office on the 42nd floor of 30 Rock.

In my free time I do a mix of things. Mainly, I go to as many networking events as possible as i’m still fairly new to the city and it’s a great way to meet interesting people.

I’m really looking forward to the summer as there will be so many free concerts and rooftop parties to go to. London is great for cultural events too; but there are not as many free events and traveling around London can be expensive. NYC is expensive in other ways but it still has lots to offer for free.

5. What do you miss about London?
Aside from the obvious, like family and friends; I miss M&S (Marks & Spencer) and Sainsbury’s. I’ve had to get used to shopping in several supermarkets to find what I want. I also miss UK fashion. People dress very well in London and it’s much more varied. There are the likes of Zara and TopShop here but their US price markup is steep.

6. What do you love about New York?
The energy of this city is like no other. I think it was John Steinbeck who said: “Once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no other place is good enough.” That quote really resonates with me. I love the fast pace and the varied mix of people that live here. I wake up each day and have absolutely no idea how my day will end. It’s exciting! I felt stuck in a rut in London and needed this change. New York isn’t for everyone but this is where I want to be for the time being.

It really is the city that never sleeps. During the week, I get to my gym at 6:30am and it’s already packed! The fact that it opens at 5am says a lot about the NY lifestyle. I love the fact that I can pretty much do or go where I want whenever I want. It’s great that the subway runs 24 hours, and the trains run every 2 minutes. I don’t have to drive anywhere.

New Yorkers are less reserved than us Brits. We have that stiff upper lip thing, especially in London. I only really realized how reserved I had become until I moved to New York. I’ve had to quickly adapt to being more vocal; as being quiet is just not part of the culture. Strangers talk to each other here a lot and that’s totally acceptable.

7. If there is a dose of Britishness you would like to inject into NYC, what would it be?
Probably for New York City taxi drivers to take the equivalent of The London Knowledge. Hardly any of the taxi drivers know the streets of New York, so unless you know the exact location and the cross streets they will not know how to find it. I’ve often had to use the sat nav on my iPhone to direct taxi drivers to my destination which can be annoying.

8. How are you adjusting to the New York lifestyle, culture, and environment?
Everything has pretty much fallen into place for me. I’m very thankful. I have had to adapt to the pace of the city. People talk and walk faster here and that did take some getting used to. I’ve had to adjust to getting less sleep as there is always something going on. Back in London I own a large flat with a big dining table for all the cooking and entertaining I used to do. Here, I’m hardly home so I don’t need a big apartment and I hardly bake or cook like I used to.

9. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a New Yorker when…’

• You party in the city during the week after work and do nothing but boozy brunches on the weekend to avoid the tourists that line the streets of Manhattan

• You know that when an empty subway carriage pulls into the station during rush hour NOT to board the carriage. It usually means there is an unsavory character in the carriage

• Saying: “fuck you mean?!” in a sentence becomes completely normal. For the most part, the New Yorkers I have encountered swear much more than Londoners

• When the subway kids get on the train and start busking and you don’t even look up to acknowledge them

10. Survival tip to living in New York City.
To get the best out of living in New York, I think it’s really important to be proactive and open to all possibilities. There’s an advert running on the subway at the moment that says: “You didn’t move to New York to stay at home,” and that is so true.

There are so many opportunities here but unless you are open to meeting new people and building your network you will stay in the same place. I guess that applies to anything in life but I find people in New York City to be much more open and accessible. I’ve been to some amazing events and met some influential people such as; Cornel West, Nas and June Ambrose (Jay Z’s stylist) in the short space of time I’ve been here.

People back home often ask me how I managed to settle in to NYC life so quickly. Before making the move, I did my due diligence by talking to people who had moved from London and asking my friends to put me in touch with people they knew who had moved. It was really valuable to get the perspectives of people who had gone through the same thing. So when people ask me for help and advice on relocating, I remember all the people who helped me get here and don’t hesitate to help them.

I feel like a small fish in a big pond and that’s a great feeling.

And there are plenty of rare breeds in this pond they call New York City. Thank you Marielle.

Keep up with Marielle’s adventures in NYC online at:
Blog: britchickny.tumblr.com
Instagram: mariellelegair

10 Signs You've Live in New York City Too Long

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:44:00 -0400

Remember when you first moved to New York? Everything was so exciting and fast, well it still is, but now its the new normal if you can admit to the following…

1. You go to the bodega in your pajamas

2. You’ve stopped going out on Friday nights and started going out on Tuesday nights.

3. $12 cocktails and $20 yoga classes seem normal now

4. You’ve gone from not leaving Brooklyn on the weekends, to not leaving your actual neighborhood on the weekends.

5. Savings account? HAHA, good one.

6. You’ve Seamlessed lunch and dinner in the same day and not given a shit

7. You’ve flipped off a tourist bus

8.You can swipe your Metrocard without breaking stride

8. You’ve forgotten how to drive a car

9. You walk faster than most people run.

10. You relish getting out of the city any chance you get…
But when you return to New York, you realize you couldn’t possibly live anywhere else.

Am I wrong?

Source Via buzzfeed.com

COOL GUIDE TO NEW YORK Check out the upcoming Punk: Chaos to...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:04:50 -0400

COOL GUIDE TO NEW YORK Check out the upcoming Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 9th - August 14th 2013. The Exhibition examine punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the early 1970s through its continuing influence today. Featuring approximately one hundred designs for men and women, the exhibition will include original punk garments and recent, directional fashion to illustrate how haute couture and ready-to-wear borrow punk’s visual symbols.

God Save The Queen!

INSIDE OUT NY - As part of his global project Inside Out, French...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:58:14 -0400

INSIDE OUT NY - As part of his global project Inside Out, French street artist and TED Prize winner JR took to the streets of New York to create photo installations of the general public. Placing a photo booth truck in the tourist-filled hub of Time Square, JR brought together people of different demographics and races for a series of black-and-white images embellished with JR’s signature dotted background. The series of portraits showcase the personalities living in neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Sandy and will be replaced by local faces starting next week. Via Hypebeast

On trend Mondochrome - Soho buildings…So New York. Via...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:23:45 -0400

On trend Mondochrome - Soho buildings…So New York. Via @streetetiquette

#NowThatchersDead - was trending this week, partly for the wrong...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:25:00 -0400

#NowThatchersDead - was trending this week, partly for the wrong reasons. Instead it had Cher fans in a frenzy thinking it read #NowThatChersDead…You couldn’t make it up!

Thatcher was Britain’s iconic first female prime minister who rubbed a lot of people in Britain the wrong way, leaving a legacy of tension and sour memories.

Thatcher single handedly shaped politics in the 1980s which have been the blueprint to the social economic structure and politics today. She was responsible for the privatisations of large British companies, breaking up Trade Unions, introducing poll tax and widening the gap between rich and poor.

‘Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.’ Margaret Thatcher

Maggie you made us laugh and you made us cry.

Art Deco Buildings of London and New York.

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:33:02 -0500

MI5 Building - London

Art Deco Buildings of London and New York.

Great British Biscuits - Another thing that quirky Brits like A...

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:29:00 -0500

Great British Biscuits - Another thing that quirky Brits like

A cuppa tea with a biscuit is a favorite past time for us Brits. While Americans prefer coffee and donuts, there is something to be said for dunking a Rich Tea biscuit in your tea - Divine!

It is a well known fact that Brits love tea, and still remains a tradition in many households to enjoy tea and biscuits as an afternoon snack. Friends coming over? ‘Let’s put the kettle on and open a packet of biscuits’

There are over 100 varieties of biscuits and everyone has their favorite. I practically grew up on Rich Tea biscuits and resistant to try any other brand. They are just perfect for tea dunking!

If you fancy enjoying the tea time traditions of Britain in New York,
you can check out Tea and Sympathy and The Crosby St Hotel both offer afternoon High Tea.

Pop meets Fashion - Kate Moss and Ri Ri do V Magazine! Fashion...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:13:47 -0500

Pop meets Fashion - Kate Moss and Ri Ri do V Magazine!

Fashion and music go together like rockstars and models. Kate Moss and Rihanna, two heavy weight icons flaunt their bad girl image with playful girlish antics for the March edition of V Magazine shot by Mario Testino.

Photo

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:16:28 -0500

PANCAKE DAY TODAY AND YES I DO GIVE A TOSS! Today is Shrove...

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:38:42 -0500

PANCAKE DAY TODAY AND YES I DO GIVE A TOSS!

Today is Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Pancake Day in the UK. Traditionally a day where you use up fatty foods before Lent.

To celebrate the start of Lent, us quirky Brits puts eggs, flour and sugar in a frying pan and come up with a pancake. Not an American style Pancake, but what you and the French call a ‘crepe,’ Only ours is a wee but thicker and tastier!

Put on your Roller Skates and dance! Roller Disco Derby is back...

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:21:03 -0500

Put on your Roller Skates and dance!

Roller Disco Derby is back for a Hot Music Edition!

Featuring Jennifly RokOne Moma

Saturday 16th February

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! MOVE TO NEW YORK

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 17:48:00 -0500

Leaving London to move to New York takes planning and preparation. What will you do, what do you want to do and how will I do it?

I got up and left London, with a J-1 visa, 2 suitcases and a big dream! 8 years later I’m still here, enchanted by this city that conspires to never want me to leave.

Moving to New York is an ambitious move many Londoners dream of doing. Bigger city, more opportunities, new surroundings, and just maybe you will meet the love of your life in the meantime.

But no move or work is guaranteed without the golden ticket that is a work permit, and you can’t get a work permit without a visa.

So here are your options:

A J-1visa is for USA Exchange Visitors to wish to take up an internship or trainee program with a US host company for up to 18 months. To find out more visit www.ciee.org

L1 Visa allows international companies to transfer workers to the US to work, if you work for an international company there is a possibility you can move to the US and work for the same company if they have job opportunities.

H1B Visa allows an employer in the United States to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations for a period of up to six years. This is quite a difficult visa to get, as you need to prove that no one else local can do the job.

O Visa - If you are rather skilled in your profession and have press and accolades to prove it, then you can apply for an O Visa, which is for aliens with Extraordinary talent/ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.

Wanna take the plunge, just do it! What are you waiting for?

Happy 2013. The London Underground is 150 years old! On...

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:05:00 -0500

Happy 2013.

The London Underground is 150 years old! On January 9th 1863, the first tube train embarked from Paddington station. Today underground rapid transit system serves 270 London underground stations.

While London is the oldest underground system. New York’s MTA subway system is the most extensive transportation system in the world serving 468 stations.

Spinning Mondays at Pulqueria 11 Doyers St. Chinatown. Special...

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:16:22 -0500

Spinning Mondays at Pulqueria 11 Doyers St. Chinatown.
Special Guest set by Res.

Good Music all night long…

Bright Young Thing - Sebastian Thiel

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:32:51 -0500

Who is Sebastian Thiel or should I say Sir- Bastian? As he is popularly know as.

Zambian born, Sir- Bastian is a bright young thing, at only 22 he is a rising entrepreneur and film director based in the UK. He was recently listed in The Evening Standard’s Next Generation of Bright Young Things

He’s making moves and one to watch, especially for his up coming movie, a UK version of Friday, aptly titled Friday UK.

For more info on Sir- Bastian’s work visit www.itsupshot.com

MOBAMA! A leader that identifies with the people. In the...

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:18:50 -0500

MOBAMA!

A leader that identifies with the people. In the end, that’s is all we want. Someone who we can relate to and who relates to us.

Four more years!

Hurricane Sandy 2012 causes blackout and flooding in Manhattan...

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:48:55 -0400

L.E.S

Blackout Manhattan

Goldman sachs sandbagged

14th west side

East Village blacked out

Hurricane Sandy 2012 causes blackout and flooding in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn

If you know men’s bespoke style, it would be Ozwald...

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:52:57 -0400

If you know men’s bespoke style, it would be Ozwald Boateng. I can always spot an Ozwald Boateng suit, its all in the detail and his tell tale signature pocket flaps and bright flamboyant colors.

I was invited to the screening of ‘A Mans Story’ at the Crosby Street Hotel. I went expecting a documentary about fashion and style, instead I got a very up close and personal 12- year journey of the Man - Ozwald, his personal & professional life, bankruptcy, his divorces. The movie invites us into his world of calamity, in a naked raw openness, showing you where he began, when he became Creative Director of menswear at Givenchy, ending in 2010 when Boateng closes London Fashion Week with the biggest menswear show in history.

If you didn’t know Ozwald Boatang, he was the youngest and first black tailor on the prestigious Savile Row. He is the go to man for a bespoke suit for the A-listers and gentlemen alike.

The movie will be showing in select theaters from November 2nd and available on general release on DVD and itunes.

London Tube line…where to depart if you are looking...

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:19:09 -0400

London Tube line…where to depart if you are looking for…