You know those nights in New York where you just put on a cute dress, a little lip gloss, and let the magic of the city do the rest? Well, this was one of those nights—except with a small (read: huge) twist…
It Started With a Dress and No Plans
Okay, so it was a random Thursday. Work was exhausting (someone tell me why we still have 4 p.m. meetings!?), and I had zero plans. But I had just bought the most adorable vintage halter dress from a tiny boutique in the West Village—it was fluttery, flirty, and basically whispered, “Take me to a rooftop.” So naturally, I threw it on, did the whole dewy skin/glossy lip situation, and decided to go out. Just… out.
One of the amazing things about living in New York? You don’t need a plan. You just need good shoes, good intuition, and maybe a MetroCard.
A Mysterious Staircase in SoHo
So I’m strolling through SoHo at golden hour, you know—that time when everyone looks gorgeous and the buildings are practically blushing in the sunlight. I pass this brownstone with people laughing upstairs. Music’s bumping. There’s string lights. I’m intrigued.
Then, by what I can only describe as fate (fine, it could’ve been my curious nature or my inability to resist a good Spotify playlist from afar), I see a door slightly open. A group of girls in cutoffs and heels are walking in—and before I realize what I’m doing, I just… follow them.
Was I Invited? Technically No…
Let me clarify: I was not invited. But the doorman (who I'm pretty sure was more focused on his phone than check-ins) smiled, motioned up, and I climbed what felt like seven flights of stairs in wedges. Worth it? Um, YES.
At the top: the chicest rooftop party you can imagine. Fairy lights strewn above, people lounging on Moroccan poufs, gin & elderflower cocktails (!!), and a guy in a floppy beanie playing acoustic versions of SZA songs. Honestly, it was like something out of a Nora Ephron movie set to an indie playlist.
When in Doubt, Own It
So here’s what you do when you accidentally (read: gracefully) crash a rooftop party:
- Smile like you belong there. Confidence is your best accessory.
- Compliment someone’s outfit. It’s the universal icebreaker.
- Grab a drink (but not two immediately—that’s suspicious).
- When asked who you know, say “Amanda.” There’s always an Amanda.
- Dance like you’re supposed to be there. Trust me.
I ended up meeting this group of girls who also thought they were crashing (solidarity), chatted with a guy who works at a SoHo art gallery (he gave me tickets to an opening next week—score), and had such a good time that when someone started a limbo competition, I actually participated. I didn’t win. But again: wedges.
The View That Took My Breath Away
You haven’t seen New York until you’ve watched it from a rooftop at midnight—twinkling lights, echoing laughter, and the Empire State Building in the distance like a sparkling exclamation point on your day.
I swear, for a second, I forgot about work, laundry, and the fact that my fridge currently contains only oat milk and expired salsa.
“There’s something about the city at night that makes everything feel possible—even crashing a party and making ten new friends.”
What I Learned (Besides Where to Find the Best Rooftop Sangria)
- Sometimes the best nights are the ones you don’t plan.
- Saying “yes” to the unknown can be scary—but oh my God, it can be so worth it.
- New Yorkers are actually really friendly (especially after their second cocktail).
- It’s okay to not have it all figured out. Just show up. In a cute dress.
So if you’re ever wandering the city and hear laughter floating from above—you know what to do. Maybe knock. Maybe smile. Maybe… just walk in.
Because this city? It loves a little spontaneity. And apparently, so do I.
Xoxo,
Rachel 💋
P.S. If anyone named Amanda reads this and realizes I used your name to charm my way into that sangria, you’re the real MVP.
