This NYC Studio Makes Small Space Living Beautiful | Sweet Digs | Refinery29

On this episode of Sweet Digs, fashion market editor, Alyssa Coscarelli, gives us a tour around her junior one bedroom in the East Village. After taking a risk when moving in, Alyssa has settled in beautifully and has made the most of her small space. Press play to get a look into NYC living!
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ABOUT SERIES
High rent, small spaces, nosy neighbors - we put up with A LOT of things to live where we love. In Sweet Digs, Refinery29 gets a peek inside the homes of the coolest people we know, from tiny studios to sprawling houses, and ask the real questions like, "Wait, how much is your rent?"
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TALENT
Follow Alyssa Coscarelli on Instagram: / alyssainthecity

[@refinery29]

What's your apartment pet peeve? Let us know in the comments below :)

[@MilfLvr420]

Refinery29 a lack of natural lighting ☺️

[@parniaparnia4641]

When the bathroom is too small 😫😫😩😩

[@janekatalane5653]

my biggest apartment pet peeve are loud neighbors. i don't care what my neighbors do, but, i shouldn't have to hear it to the point where it disrupts my schedule, especially with me being an insomniac. my upstairs neighbor plays her music so loud i feel like i'm living under a nightclub. and the the neighbors next to me are also loud. they're either fighting or 'making up' (if you know what i mean) but either way, they're equally loud and it's very annoying...

[@corrines.4612]

dirty bathrooms! windows without curtains / blinds! fake plants!

[@Lizzy823]

Refinery29 bad smells and shoes in the apartment

[@shannonhawkins1819]

I hope this doesn't come off wrong but is anyone put off by how proud everyone sounds when they say they don't cook. It's such a worthwhile skill to have and considering the high rents in NY it's a great way to save money. Men and Women alike need to get off the "i don't cook" wave.

[@4thgradedropout980]

shannon hawkins Yes. I'm 28 and cook all my meals and make my lunches with real ingredients. It saves you money and like you said, teaches you a new skill and enriches the time you spend in your home. I go to the diner once, maybe twice, per week.

[@dinakarassane4123]

It's also way more healthy!

[@Rebelx251]

Right like she was making it a point to all "men" she doesn't cook. Well guess what this man can cook for his self!💯

[@lilgill05]

0

[@lilgill05]

shannon hawkins 0

[@Atombender]

Whenever I hear "I do not cook at all" I also hear "I spend $600 a month on food".

[@mkn.567]

Bingo! Do the math. So you pay $2000 a month on rent. Now add con ed and national grid, Cell plan (you know she has unlimited), wifi, along with the $600 a month on food....and she is an editor for a fashion mag. If it is a top fashion magazine and she had a lot of experience under her belt, maybe. But she's a kid. And I'm guessing rich.

[@elisabethfanfan9560]

@@mkn.567 she clearky gets food frok home or her momma

[@mkn.567]

@@NoName-to5xl couldn’t have said it better myself

[@indiag89]

I didn’t start cooking til after I was married. I cooked something in my apartment when I was single and the time, dishes and everything didn’t feel worth the effort, so I ate sandwiches and cereal all the time. Now that I have a family, that doesn’t cut it, and I’ve also found a love for cooking. Still hate the dishes tho. Lol

[@user-db6el7eb9p]

Probably more

[@JonathanBlandino]

The 2k is to be in the center of Manhattan for her career. She has access to networking others dont bc of that. Sure in Alabama she can get a mansion, but that comes with living in Alabama which isnt ideal for her goals.

[@jasoncprince]

It really comes down to how much she makes. If the connections pay off, than great, but she has vices with her spending in general.

[@JonathanBlandino]

Jason Prince yeah the eating out is deff excessive esp with cost in NYC but one big one that I think alot of people dont factor is transportation. Being in east village she prob doesnt travel too far so has low transportation expenses. So no car note, no insurance, no gas or maintence that others have factored into their expenses. She literally eats those cost bumy eating out

[@123eland]

Or move to the Bronx or Brooklyn and you can pay 1.8k for a big Apt

[@JonathanBlandino]

Andres Albrincole was thinking that but yiu gotta factor transportstion expenses as she prob spends most her time in the village. Shes paying to be there all the time. She could even go to Jersey City and ferry over but its just the price to pay to live exactly where she works/networks/hangs out

[@camilleb7286]

so she saves money on transportation costs but funnels that into eating out all the time. zero sum game.

[@Lipstickforever84]

NYC is the mecca for inspired fashionistas. You're young, without kids, and obviously making good money for "take-out" and rent. As long as you can afford saving for retirement & the future, than who am I to judge? Thx for sharing, many would love to trade places with you.

[@jcjc9155]

Ogo Iwuorie or middle wage income. No kids, no car maybe? She will have nothing to show for that kind of money in the long run. 2k / month on a mortgage, One can get that back when if they sell. 2k on rent, Gone. That’s 24k a year x 10 = 240k. My house payment and escrow + car and insurance equals her rent. Middle wage, no kids. For all we know she is in debt up to her ears. Living day to day to day. I know people who make 6 figures and couldn’t afford what I have. they lived above their means for so long. In debt to everyone. They don’t own a house. Drive crappy cars. Not busting your junk. Just sharing a very valid POV. 35k a year after taxes could pull that rent off with no kids or car. It would be tight but it could work.

[@Lipstickforever84]

Jc jc Relax. It's not always about the money. She knows that $2000 for rent is a lot of money. It's all about the experiences. Which I can appreciate.

[@maxinef6654]

Ogo Yup I agree. She’s living her life as she sees fit.

[@jowestar]

I love your attitude! After reading so many toxic hate comments about how she doesn’t cook (which is such a dumb thing for people to feel the need to give their opinion on btw) this was really refreshing :)

[@ColinYapp]

FYI... the Fashion industry, overall, does not pay very well. They work long hours and the is a lot of competition especially for design positions. I worked at Liz Claiborne and other fashion companies, in technology, for a few years and most of the people, especially young people, were broke. Many of them depended on their families to support them.

[@abdulakmall]

Why are people still surprise with NYC apartment rents lol

[@liz2880]

Lol it doesn’t factor into their fantasies of leaving home to the life they were meant to have

[@kimnixon5357]

I just surprised at ALL those clothes😳😳😳

[@playdollshowtime6756]

abd akmal Because this is not the time, to be giving away money!

[@thairypaola9714]

Thank you NYC rent is crazy coming from a person that lives in the city !

[@311kellymarie]

bc I live in a small town in SC. Nothing costs that much so I’m always surprised. I get why it is but compared to costs here it is wild

[@rainydays4321]

$2000 isn't that high for that sized studio in east village. Everyone complaining about how you can buy a house for that much... good for you. You also aren't living in nyc.

[@lahbody7047]

stringbean 😩😂that part!

[@Wakemeup456]

And for good reason stated in the video. NYC has a way too expensive standard of living. I will never move to those extremely big cities like NYC and LA or even SF. I'd like to be able to save as much as I can, and I couldn't do that in those cities. Maybe somewhere like Houston or Dallas or Seattle would be more affordable. There are even more affordable cities like Des Moines or anywhere in the Midwest, but I shared those examples because I need to be in proximity to where there are a lot of tech jobs. Specifically, I'm looking for a city with lots of opportunities as a web or software developer.

[@shannonhawkins1819]

NYC isn't worth it tbh. Shell of its former self. Tall Buildings and a pretentious idealism doesn't change that.

[@briannasimons5372]

Lah Body they Also have higher salaries across the board . So at some level it balances out

[@elizabethwhite8003]

I live in a 2 bedroom apartment, with a living room,kitchen, and bathroom for 2350 in uptown Manhattan. I live two stops from Times Square on the express train.You just have to look for a good price in a good area 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@johannarhaglund]

I used to live in San Fran & ALWAYS struggled with package theft. I asked permission & my employer allowed me to ship them to my place of work. It was a LIFESAVER.

[@DianneCee]

I live in south africa and its a given that packages get delivered at work where you spend most of your time, so thats a plus. Most deliveries are actually done mid week.

[@sasamilic720]

She seems nice and she seems to really love where she lives. The hate in the comments is ridiculous.

[@kk-fl4pb]

I foresee the "I'd never live there", "I'm living in a house in Kansas for cheaper" or "She is crazy" comments. But. It is her choice. NYC is pricey. It is location people.

[@timmbrockmann959]

Well, that´s what the comment section is for... saying your opinion.

[@tiffanykossaeth1882]

I just want to know what the appeal of that location is?

[@MsRose00]

Tiffany Kossaeth Walkability and you’re at the center of damn near everything.

[@liatui791]

@@tiffanykossaeth1882 you get connections/work in certain locations. If you're in NY you have a higher chance of meeting fashion designers and gaining a career there rather than living in Alabama or Nebraska. It all depends on what career/lifestyle you want.

[@skiby]

Ewww who would want to live in Kansas

[@mp5249]

Keep the big fridge. A refrigerator is the best sealed area if bugs and rats are ever an issue. Just a cabinet is NOT the same.

[@JayneNicoletti]

2k is not that bad for where she is. Those type of "railroad" apartments where you just walk one way through are popular there because it's still one of the places with old structures. She could get a 2 bedroom in one of the boroughs but I know a lot of people think it's "uncool". I wouldn't rag on her not cooking. When I was her age I didn't cook much because I was out a lot or by myself. I cook a lot now. She probably works a lot too (for her rent lol). The toilet tunnel would freak me out though. She did good for what she has. It's cute and not too clustraphobic :-)

[@usfanlovesjiwoo1978]

Not bad for the location but the apt is pretty bad. And who gives a crap what people think is uncool, I would move. People put way too much importance on what others think.

[@twincherry4958]

I wonder how much she makes

[@debbiepotter6413]

Cute apartment but I agree. It’s to bad to worry what others think. It’s also to bad pepole ever started paying these rediculous prices. But again it’s all about being hip, what others think.

[@TheBatugan77]

@@usfanlovesjiwoo1978 I agree. Funny thing is....my parents, grandparents, GREAT grandparents all lived in railroad flats. Some with the railroad roaring right by! 3d Ave El ran on BOTH sides!

[@rswife777]

@@TheBatugan77 what is a railroad apt? Is that just because it's next to a railroad. I'm guessing there is no central air? When she said 4th floor my 1st thought was of rhe heat in the summer. I have lived in a small city my entire life, Annapolis Md & now w/my own family I live just south of that in 'horse country'. There are literally horses on every road. I'd be so afraid to live in a city so big & a home so small. I also have 2 kids, a husband & as I'm reminded daily while cleaning have & buy, waaaay too much stuff! That is the thing I love about watching these videos. Seeing how others arrange their space and really care & put thought into everything they own as everything needs to have a specific place & all of it take up vital real estate when every inch makes a diff.

[@iamwindchakra]

I remember when I initially watched this how taken aback I was at the price and the "I don't cook" etc etc. I rewatch and I'm like you know, she's HAPPY. She has no roomie, she's in love with the freedom of that. She loves not having to cook, who am I to judge? I slightly want to come to organize her closets for her and get her to buy a bed with storage, but I just love to organize. Let her live, she seems truly happy. Isn't that the point?

[@lapislazarus8899]

And she has plants! Houseplants just make a space feel more honey. When I was 22 & lived in a little downtown MIL quarters alone, I didn't cook either.

[@Physionic]

On Mars, it’s much less expensive, and you get the whole planet to yourself.

[@jillianelise5]

Yeah not furnished though 😂

[@debbiepotter6413]

Hahaha! Exactly

[@blsdava1]

🤣🤣🔥

[@fruitandveggies24]

Too bad the commute costs millions!

[@itsmeGeorgina]

😂😂

[@mikalasmith9171]

have your packages sent to your mail room at your job!

[@Javijavijavi]

eww why are people being so judgy? clearly she's financially stable to spend that much on rent. yall love speaking for other people's situations lol funny

[@uniqueanartist6792]

That part 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@rawrbabez3]

a lot of these hateful comments stem from jealousy and wanting to be this successful i guess. i see this and hope to be as successful, and i'm glad she's doing well. // edit: just found out she's a racist so i'm okay with all the hate she gets

[@carloszenon4562]

Exactly

[@shirleyjones9736]

It's not that at all it's the whole me me thing & at the same time these people are wanting everyone else to tighten their belts and help everybody else while you little selfish tweets get to do & say whatever you want.

[@summertime9963]

@@rawrbabez3 where did you see she’s a racist ?

[@sadbunny3479]

I'm divorced and living in my friends basement...I wish, I could turn back time ⌛️💸⏱🔋🙁to the youthful excitement of having my own place.⏳💵⏱🔋😄. Good for her, you can tell she loves it. ❤️

[@breadt]

No one seems to understand that this is NYC, East Village to be specific. You're paying for location and not having to commute an hour out of NJ or LI. She also probably gets a higher paycheck working in NY

[@jcjc9155]

No we get it. She's paying $2k to live in something that looks like it's right out of the project housing anywhere else. On top of it doesn't own it. I'd commute 2 hours everyday before paying that for that. But then again i'd never move to any major city, ever.

[@breadt]

I've done the hour long Long Island to city commute for school everyday for 4 years. Trust me.. it's miserable.

[@jcjc9155]

people do it all the time where I live. Drive themselves. Not anywhere near as dense (population) wise as NYC. It's actually pretty common. I live i a feeder town. Moving more rural in the not so distant future.

[@rockycycle2682]

jen m I agree that it's not the best thing in the world, but living in a cubicle is just much much worse, imho. But to each their own I suppose.

[@jcjc9155]

I guess thinking about it. At the end of the day. She is paying $2k and has nothing to show for it long term. Buying a house and commuting builds equity. Money one can get back. So lets say she lives there 10 years. After those 10 years are up that's $240k gone. Just because she is paying 2k doesn't mean she is rich. If she has no kids no car payment ect can do that pretty easy on middle wage income.

[@antonioponce6788]

I love these videos but I HATE the comments. Ny living obviously is not the same as any other city or suburb or rural area! The entire point of these vids are just share the style and appreciate them, no compare them to yourself. Americans in general need to stop thinking the world revolves around them. It doesn’t, grow up

[@evilovesperry]

Antonio Ponce how can one appreciate without comparrison? Lol

[@trance212]

We can compare them to ourselves because we can and it’s an open forum to do so.

[@victoriahale5254]

trance212 you do so bc you’re douchey

[@stsbanga]

$2,000 for culture

[@lepetitchat123]

And culture is just a meaningless social construct

[@GG1783]

“ Culture and restaurants “

[@trance212]

All the east village culture has died decades ago.

[@solitarygirl]

so sad how the hipsters took over the actual “culture”

[@charmaineberry7701]

Don't make sense

[@ShantellMartin]

Oh hey! Nice to see one of my prints on the wall :)

[@ShantellMartin]

The black and white one above the couch...

[@jillianpowell2099]

So glad I saw this comment I was wondering where to get that print!

[@thecakeisalie6601]

Shantell Martin that was yours?

[@BelaCurcio]

I knew I recognized it!!

[@comradestalin4826]

Noice

[@corrines.4612]

It's funny how many people don't understand she is paying for the convenience of living in a central location and having an oasis that is all her own. $2k is definitely a LOT of money to spend on this space (duh, it's NY) but she works for R29, she prob makes great money. She can do it, and that's rad. Living here doesn't seem ideal for most people, but that's because middle america and anyone else not living in a bustling city do not understand city life! I think this place is sweet. It costs a lot to live in a place full of culture like this, to sacrifice space is easy to do when you value the experiences you're getting out of your environment.

[@TeamFashionAndLove]

Corrine S. PREEEEEACHHH

[@Zacatl1]

I was expecting NYC to be more expensive. 2K gets a run down 2br here in Pasadena.

[@Yuilen]

Bitch you're crazy, and your attempts to justify her getting scammed is even crazier. NYC isn't a place "full of culture", it's a place that used to be full of culture and is now just a dystopian rathole.

[@ragejinraver]

Thank you these rich upper middle class elitist kicked everyone out of New York that made that City have culture in the first place . Just so they can brag to there rich upper middle class family and friends in Connecticut that there living in New York City

[@delamar6199]

I have the feeling people have no idea what culture really is. Manhattan is a shit hole full of spoiled career driven idiots who mask their mindset of wasteful living as culture. No, it is not cultural to order food all day and have no idea to feed yourself. No, you are not more important only because you are running around with an Ice Coffee all day. No, you are not cultural only because you love to buy overpriced pastries from the next hip bakery to where you took an one hour ride only to tell your friends you bought there. No, its not cultural to sit all day in a coffeehouse pretending you are working (in reality waiting for a call to get work...) while taking other peoples seats. No, its not cultural to buy as many clothes as one possibly can. No, its not cultural to tell everyone how strict you daily routine is. No, its not cultural to tell everyone how important a healthy and a green lifestyle is for you while our are doing everything listed above. No, its not cultural to go to an art exhibition only because its cool to do so. No, its not cultural to say NYC is the most "cultural" City in the world...never visited Europe right? No, its not cultural to post the 1000th selfie of you and your hip NYC dinner on instagram. etc. etc. etc. The real cultural life has moved outside of Manhattan long ago. The reason are such spoiled people and the richest of the rich. The filthy neighbourhoods of Brooklyn is where culture can be found today. Rough, diverse, cohesive, caring and full of creative people who don't do it only to be in the spotlight. Hopefully people like you will stay away from there and the real New Yorkers can enjoy what is left of the soul of Old Liberty.

[@angelitadavila118]

“In New York, New York, the average salary is $69,066” “The average annual pay in Alabama is $39,180, “

[@kizzsolo-stlouis1166]

That’s not the average salary

[@Whatthe1120]

@@kizzsolo-stlouis1166 What is the average salary?

[@kizzsolo-stlouis1166]

Maybe according to google but most people may not even make it to 45,000 a year

[@epain]

The distribution of income is highly skews right, so the average will be way higher that what most people make (the median) because of a small number of extremely wealthy people. The median individual income in New York City is $50,825, almost 20k less than the average income.

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

And the Alabama paycheck in Alabama spends like the NYC paycheck in NYC. No thank you. How snobbish to think there is no culture or life outside of Manhattan.

[@pynkstarr]

I really like this apartment, mainly the bedroom. I like the headboard. Having hidden compartments throughout my house would be the greatest thing ever.

[@refinery29]

+pynkstarr Thanks for sharing!! :)

[@BelaCurcio]

I moved to LA at 18 years old! (I'm 20 now.) I lived in many shared living situations and now I live in a one-bedroom apartment with my friend. And we... barely afford it. LA is so much more ground-floor, light, and wide than NYC! But for some reason the coziness of NYC living is really appealing to me. To me, with my LA perspective, living in such a beautiful, unique space for $2,000 sounds like a great deal. It only sounds like one or two steps up from where I am now, financially. Maybe I'll be able to have a place like that someday. I think this space is inspiring.

[@toad1694]

The New York dream. Honestly the rent is really good for the location and space.

[@JayMuneeDIY]

The tile in the bathroom is everything. Love how you decorated your home 😊

[@norainnoflowers1551]

Let me just say, I love her aesthetic. And I love how she presents it as Boho meets vintage meets modern. I love it so much

[@jewlstah2010]

yo why aren't we talking about her cereal collection in the fridge

[@DR-eq6qe]

lol that drove me insane!

[@esosaimasuen8122]

I live in Manhattan and literally keep my cereal in the fridge for the same reason

[@georgiavanzaanen]

Don’t get all the hate, I love small spaces and this apartment is cute! The small kitchen would kill me tho!

[@wawawawawa8009]

Do one of these videos but on a really cheap budget and see how the people make the homes their own despite the money being really tight

[@merhi1111]

I'm obsessed with that couch! It's so cute and looks so soft!

[@applenice1069]

When she said she loves Sage, i responded, "You would."

[@mariyamerkley-rommel7595]

I associate Sage with new age/ witch craft

[@Loneytoon9]

I could never pay that much for that size, but she seems happy. But how can people be proud over not knowing how to feed themselves?

[@rayn.2688]

Loneytoon9 i was telling my girl this the other day. Eating is one of the few basic human survival activities lmao like how are ppl okay with not knowing how to feed themselves?

[@moonbeeps]

How is not liking/knowing how to cook not knowing how to feed themselves?

[@brianda5793]

Loneytoon9 I think it's just them thinking they have have money so they don't really care

[@kayleeklein1668]

She probably knows how but just doesn’t want to or doesn’t have the time

[@lepetitchat123]

you havent seen the flats in Hong Kong yet

[@maiam.3327]

Wouldn't it be more expensive to constantly buy takeout than just buying groceries once a week? I don't get it?

[@92cgray]

Maia McDonald exactly!! She needs to keep that fridge. She can buy permafrost food and just heat in oven also.

[@bigmanolo26]

Eating take out food everyday is not good for u and it expensive all that shit add up

[@maik.6734]

She probably doesn't have time to cook. She's enjoying her life, that's what matters.

[@captpanda169]

That's not true at all. Pathmark, Foodtown, Key foods etc are all supermarkets that are all over NYC and they are cheaper than eating out every day.

[@debbiepotter6413]

She can afford not to have to is the point

[@kenesa]

Take your cereal bags out the boxes and get chip/bag clips for more room.

[@Julia-vc3by]

THAT COFFEE TABLE THO

[@Luisa-jj8qb]

Love this series!!! Dowsize the fridge definitely!!

[@hollythehare]

I love this series so, so much! Keep it coming. :)

[@leaspr7702]

Awesome to see a strong young woman make such plans and go for what she really wants!

[@priceandpride]

candle on the edge of a table above a rug = disaster

[@carolesydney]

Awww I love this apartment, so cute!!

[@LRissa19]

You should consider a bed frame that comes with drawers or I think you can even buy underbed storage separatley.It might solve your overflowing closet problem.

[@refinery29]

+lrissa19 Great suggestion! Thanks for watching!!

[@debbiepotter6413]

But everyone has those. No one has this one

[@sarahholland1375]

You can get beds where you lift up the mattress part & there's storage under, rather than drawers.

[@lisalisa5461]

For the city not bad for 1 bedroom. People commenting don’t know prices on city, for 1 bedroom vs a studio.. not to bad.. enjoy

[@rememberThe80s]

I love that white globe lamp behind her couch!

[@candiedwards974]

I actually like the layout of her apartment. I think she decorated it quite Nicely as well ❤️ which is difficult to do in a tiny apartment, finding furniture to fit!!! Awesome job!!!

[@gounchoi7074]

I love this series. Can get some home decor inspiration and lifestyle.

[@emilyebert8547]

So many of the comments are so silly! Sure, she could live in Staten Island or Ohio or Alabama or many other places in the country and get way more bang for your buck. It's not like that is news to her!! This is the lifestyle she has chosen! To each his own guys, come on.

[@MichaelREFLECTS]

Emily she chose NYC because living there means the sacrifice of a small space. NOT TO MENTION she has chosen to live with no roommates. Though this space is insanely small I must admit even if she DID have a roommate....

[@debbiepotter6413]

Location location location. They are all getting ripped off and driving the costs of renting sky high. Leave the damn empty and drive the cost down to where it should be

[@cherylsmith7172]

Everyone said I couldn't live in a tiny off grid home....well, I did it! My dad and I built it together...it was the last building project he worked on before he passed. I adore this house! When someone says "you can't", show them you can😀

[@thatssojayah6886]

I could binge watch these videos all day

[@VirgoCarnation]

Omg, her personality inspires me 💗

[@johnscott5192]

$2000 NYC apartment or 2000 $1 sausage burritos from Mcdonalds?

[@ryank.6033]

What about $1750 apartment and 250 $1 sausage burritos?

[@carlaifera5254]

@@ryank.6033 .......maybe they'll let you go home from the hospital to spend wkends at your apartment.........if you promise to lay off sausage burritos from McDonalds.

[@Ananya-cl6wh]

Apartment.

[@riyascorner9198]

I love her apartment it’s so well-decorated! GO girl!

[@richardnyende3263]

2:28; 'Plenty of space to walk around....." hahaha! You just turned around!

[@pocketmonsters1590]

This is awesome, inspiring!

[@maxine2856]

In love with Alyssa’s closet and apartment 😩😩😩 total goals 🤩🌟💕

[@dunoobyduby]

Maxine Kemp totally goals. For 2k i get 150 m^2 house..

[@johnanna6047]

sweet digs cameo at grammys kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4PNnmeooNqpbq8

[@rockycycle2682]

Maxine Kemp Is it though? smh

[@passengershaming]

Yes on the mini fridge! And your digs are fab!!

[@TabithaLowe]

I left a twenty-two year marriage, moved two states over (NC to MD) to a place where I knew no one. My friends and family tried to discourage me but I made up in my mind that I was going to live the second half of my life for ME. This was my first time living along with big girl responsibilities (I.e. paying bills), but I felt it was necessary in order for me to figure out my life's purpose. This has truly been a journey filled with lots of first time experiences, lots of challenges, and a finally an opportunity to discover who I am. I can honestly say, I have absolutely NO regrets!

[@refinery29]

+tabithalowe Thank you for sharing! That's lovely!!

[@Spookygal8209]

Love this series 😀

[@kingtoyab69]

You allready paying $2k a month, on top of that you hardly cook that's just forgive me STUPID if it costs that much for rent lord know the cost of food and imagine that every month.

[@rachel81737]

She works and has a job... 🙄

[@ecaldwell9]

I agree. I was thinking the same exact thing. I get life is busy. But it’s already bad enough, that you have to pay so much in rent. NY or not. $2k is a lot. But to have to spend so much more on brought-in food. When you have the means & capability to cook. I live about 5 ml from Downtown Chicago. Cost- of living is expensive & will only continue to go up. She can spend the weekends practicing a much needed skill. And cook enough x 2-3d so that you stretch it. And don’t have to cook as much. But most definitely those weekends can be a great opportunity to apply some culinary effort.

[@travelingbagel3586]

2K is a lot, but for NYC, living without roommates in a hip area, 2K is very good.

[@dionysus951]

There's actually a great selection of really cheap food in NYC. You can easily spend less than $20 a day on food without ever cooking. Plus groceries are super expensive in NYC so it's not that much of a difference.

[@Starkardur]

Where I live, buying groceries isn't that cheaper than buying take away (a microwave would though be a good option) especially if you are alone.

[@AlizabelleP]

i LOVE your breakfast nook/table. it's super cute. i'm a cooker, so i'd need a fridge, but since you aren't using it, it's best to get rid of it and utilize the space for what works best for you.

[@m3lisha]

She's got incredible taste!

[@Spangldee]

I really don't understand why people just don't cook. It's just laziness. Take out is expensive and you don't know exactly what is going into your food and sometimes you don't know how it is prepared.

[@lepetitchat123]

NYC is a foodie paradise. Definitely take-out friendly. In other cities I will cook, but NYC probably not so much, at least not in the first year or so

[@debbiepotter6413]

It’s also the hip thing to do. I don’t think she is lazy. I just don’t think it’s cool when you are young to admit you cook. It’s far more chic to be seen at all the chic restaurants. The life of a hipster. Appearance is everything

[@saraheerie]

@Sally Smith I just googled Supermarkets in NYC and got 27 results.... some of which are chain supermarkets and have great reviews saying they have affordable prices. "Adequate cooking prep resources?" She has a stove, an oven and a fridge. Nah, she just don't know how to or like to cook, that's fine. It's weird that people keep trying to make excuses for her lack of basic human skills, like cooking. $1 pizza sounds awful lol.

[@baileyschuelke2882]

cook??? in THAT kitchen??? don’t blame her

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

If you had a kitchen that small, how much could you prep/cook? That would be the dealbreaker for me

[@jizellemeetsworld]

Can you guys bring this series to LA?!?! 💕

[@rosagapi]

lovely place! It is clear that this flat perfectly fits you and the lifestyle you want to have, and this is one of the biggest goals in life. You are blessed! greetings from Italy

[@Yah-Yah733]

I always wanted to live in NY all of my life! I’m in my 40’s now and on disability! Everybody keeps telling me it’s to expensive and u need to be around family Incase u get real sick, but the funny thing is I do get sick and nobody helps me here! So I will go with my gut and move there 2020! I needed to hear ur inspiration

[@wormfoodd8]

yes queen follow ur heart

[@Yah-Yah733]

Lora Kaganovsky thanks! I needed to hear that

[@aisaktrawets9837]

Any updates 😊

[@Yah-Yah733]

@@aisaktrawets9837 pandemic came when I was ready to move, so I told them! I will try sometime this year! If things get back to normal! We know that’s not gonna happen right now 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@aiai-j7i]

I think you did really well for that price, especially in the East Village! It feels spacious and light, has a separate bedroom even... I love the rug by the sofa...would you care sharing where you got it? I had a tiny studio on 3rd Street more than 25 years ago and loved it! At your age I didn't cook either and since takeout is so cheap and varied in New York, why not? I stored my books in my unplugged fridge, I remember, haha!

[@sylvanaschel4929]

This is the prettiest place so far 😍

[@melaniemarshall6942]

I'm happy for her to be living where she wants to be and she loves to be living alone.. She does not cook and I know many in cities that order in and go out to dine as well.. Cheers! Thank you for the views Xo

[@v.j.3029]

In Thailand, most people don't even have a kitchen. It's just cheaper for them to eat out all day.

[@mrsTraveller64]

I also like theblackn'white tiles in the bathroom!! Your kitchen table and chairs look beautiful😍

[@TeamFashionAndLove]

Some ppl on here are haters (and I mean in the way that bc you don't agree with her way of living that you're unnecessarily bashing her) but I love seeing these vids! The east village is beautiful and for $2000 a month in a cute apartment by yourself in a great neighborhood I think it's a great deal. Love the floating bookshelves and the lamp.

[@WatchMyVideoDude]

lifeenthusiast pointing out the absurdity of paying $2000 a month for a shoe box isn’t being a hater. It is common sense for the rest of America. I live near Washington DC and own a home in Florida. I have a life. I have a family. I have a savings account. I am ready to fight life in case it throws me a proverbial lemon. What exactly does she get for living in NYC that you can’t get anywhere else - sushi? My gawd that is crazy.

[@MichaelREFLECTS]

Yo dude. Fuck you. Don't insult NYC Sushi. TOTALLLYYY WORTH 2,000 a month hahahahhahahah

[@erivas8643]

This video gives me anxiety

[@LaKedelune]

I love your bedroom and the brick is beautiful!!! The French doors and natural light is everything

[@cathyphegley7414]

Love that bathroom tile too!

[@pinktallgirl94]

she's so pretty!

[@ThatsSoclichee]

I really want to move when I see this! Your advice was really good. I would definitely down size that way you’ll have storage above the mini fridge!

[@kaitykaity2574]

I love that you put your cereal in the fridge!! What a good idea!

[@getlowpapoose]

I love that little kitchen table 😍

[@mariedeheryng1535]

I think your apartment is adorable and good for you, doing it on your own!! I would keep the big fridge for more space! Even the smaller fridge would take up same footprint space and not have the same cubic space, so not as efficient! Love the brick wall and your choices of furnishings. Way to go, girl!!

[@Chelsyclb]

Getting a po box saved my life. Especially the area I live in. Same as paying for an area with an expensive door man!

[@insectchart1605]

I love the rug and gold side table

[@VanessaHernandez-zd1lg]

I love her apartment! And her bed! Those floating book shelves though! I love!

[@refinery29]

+vanessahernandez Right?! Thanks for watching!!

[@june_keke]

I love Sweet Digs!! Keep it up, travel to Brooklyn or Queens next!

[@june_keke]

Thanks R29! Y’all hiring?!

[@clarissemendoza8669]

I absolutely love this Alyssa! Jealous of your shoe collection 💔💔💔

[@michaelirwin1887]

I love it. Count me all in for the mini-fridge. Enjoy!

[@merveu.9752]

I loved you apartment's decor and tile wall and your clothes also, they are so tasteful.

[@1029blue]

How do you afford that kind of rent AND eat take out every day on top of that?

[@SamarkandChan]

probably credit cards to be honest.

[@junlinhe8355]

What I was gonna say, ordering sugarfish once a week??

[@charlotted4642]

She’s a “fashion market editor” so I guess that pays a lot

[@SamarkandChan]

Not really, I mean it can be good, but compared to how expensive NYC is it isn't great on average.

[@Toogor]

Probably 65-75k a year.. which is unsustainable with her lifestyle, but is unfortunately the way many people I know live in NYC.

[@TheTehJoJo]

In the Bronx, i have 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, living room, dining room and literally the best view looking towards the city for 1,200 but if i move out it will be raised to 1,800 😕

[@AZITHEMLGPRO]

Yikes

[@mmmmgood7318]

Why does it matter if you move out? Lol

[@nataliebutler]

@@mmmmgood7318 Rent control. It's fixed for the current tenant.

[@marjoleinkippers]

Never leave

[@TheJJSparkles]

i love this!

[@AwesomesMan]

My favorite apartment yet honestly.

[@sydney2257]

New York City is the best. I’m never leaving! #citypeople4life

[@DaDoCsLaB]

I live in NY and I’m telling you it’s not worth it

[@_Milcah_]

Im from brooklyn and I def agree that its not worth it. The very people that are moving here are changing the very culture that makes New York City. Its slowing changing into hipsterville in every borough and everything is becoming over-price. I want to leave this place. Its not home to me anymore. All my friends are leaving and all the local business that been open for years are closing down and turning into expensive shops. Uppity people are jogging with their dogs around the projects. Funny looking white people give me looks on the bus like I dont belong, when I been living here since I was a child. Rent in the low-income areas are sky-rocketing. Where do the working poor and middle-class go? We either go to the shelters, work 2-3 jobs to make ends meet or live by every paycheck. Its very sad.

[@MCConFuzzy]

I live in Manhattan, May move out, and I’m pretty sure this is a subjective opinion.

[@dawno8943]

Especially the letter D. It's way too expensive to properly spell a word when these hipsters are making the letter D so expensive. I'll blame them for the fact that I can't spell and while I'm at it, I'll blame everybody else for my city, outgrowing me and my whiny "no try" outlook.

[@lemababi3]

DrEniViSiOn factsssss but she’s happy so what do I know....🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

[@janettecoleman2357]

Honesty!

[@i.m.m.2966]

Love it, the coffee table is :-o

[@libbylyon405]

I love this apartment! I really vibe with her style!!!

[@kb9847]

super cute space. I love the brick wall so much. I would maybe consider asking the manager to take out both the fridge and stove and add a small fridge beside the sink.

[@refinery29]

+runners Great ideas!

[@petewentzfrommychemicalrom3114]

I would live here honestly

[@janaschwehm3059]

I LOVE IT! Great job!

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

Awesome vlog!

[@LowEnd57]

Very nice! Alyssa, please don't get rid of your fridge...+ for heaven's sake start cooking to save money...You'll have more $$$ to shop for shoes...👍👍

[@victoriaindigo]

Lol I love having my own place too, I can't with roommates anymore lol Please do another video if/when you move into a doorman building!

[@TreasureByMeasure]

Had no idea! Thanks