72 hours in NYC with PUMA

Where do I even start, so much has happened, so much has changed. I’ve progressed massively in my career, left my hometown, travelled here, there and everywhere and met some really cool people.  

So, with that, the upcoming blog posts are definitely not going to be in any sort of order, other than what I feel like writing about first.

 72 hours in NYC with PUMA.

 Maybe I should start this post with a disclaimer – 72 hours in NYC is not enough time, by hour 58, jetlag was ruining my life and I had no clue what ‘sleep’ was, but usually with work, these trips are only a few days, and I’d rather 72 hours than nothing at all.

Now if you know me, you know I’m a Nikey girl. I even say Nikey now. I remember the days I’d cringe at people saying it that way, but my Nike contact corrected me in a meeting once… so it’s Nikey.

As I was saying, 90% of my collection is Nike, but one brand that unexpectedly crept up on me over the last couple of years is PUMA. Now I don’t know if it’s the events and trips to New York or the product, but I do love a PUMA Clyde and a PUMA Suede is *chefs kiss*.

So, when the brand invited us to the big apple for the 50th anniversary of the PUMA Clyde, I was packed, unvaxxed and shitting myself that customs would turn me away.

I made it of course, touch down in JFK airport to the sweet sound of the New York accent.

I love it.

For this event PUMA had collaborated with NYC collective – LAAMS.

Now, if you’re not familiar with LAAMS, you must check them out while in NYC, situated in the Lower East Side, they are a community of art creators, with a sick store and cool merch.

Spread over 3 levels, the store has curated vintage art and collectibles, a record store, fashion from emerging designers and a vintage femme boutique. I feel like the pictures do it way more justice, the artwork on the walls was insane – such a cool space.

Now I always had a feeling that events in NYC would be better than the UK, and believe me… way, way better.

The vibe, the fashion, the music literally blows the UK out of the water, and I was immersed in the middle of it all.

The event lasted a few hours and gave everyone the chance to network, buy some of the LAAMS merch, check out the store and for our social team - get some coverage.

I’m quite fortunate in my role when it comes to events like this, because I just attend, to attend. I sound like I’m bragging, and honestly, I am because I just get to network and soak up the night, whereas our social team run around, phone in hand 24/7. Sorry guys.

After the event there was a post party – of course, it’s NYC right?

So, we went to a little underground bar a few streets away and ate olives and drank wine. My sort of night.

Fortunately, as well as attending the event, we had time to explore NYC and jetlag meant I was awake at 4am, so we had plenty of time to explore. I’ll be honest, if you’ve not been to NYC before, which I hadn’t, it felt much smaller than I anticipated. We did the whole tourist stuff – Times Sq, Rockefeller Center (10/10 views by the way, would definitely recommend), Central Park and the Twin Towers memorial, and of course we indulged in NY food. The bagels and the coffee were to die for however, the corn dog on a stick – nine dollars and not the best nine dollars I spent.

Pancakes for breakfast, bagels for lunch and of course we had to go to the famous Joe’s pizza to see what the hype was about. One thing I must say is the portion sizes are massive, so share a plate and tip your waiters or they hate you.  

We checked out Times Sq at night and in the day and of course, night time was far better. I felt like I spent all my time looking up! Buildings in London are tall, but buildings in NY are extremely tall!

What is NYC without visiting Central Park and it is way too big to walk around! Once you’re in the middle of Central Park it literally feels like you’ve left NY, other than the skyscrapers peering over the trees, you’re fully submerged in nature. We elevated from tourist level 1 to tourist level 5 and took a ride around the park on the back of a tour bike and it was the best idea. Riding past the Central Park Zoo which featured in Madagascar, with the theme tune blasting out of the bike was definitely a highlight.  

Before we knew it, we were in an uber heading to JFK and ready for a 7 hour flight back to the UK and I can honestly say it was the best work trip I’ve been on so far.

PUMA you may be my favourite brand…. Don’t tell Nikey.