This weekend I had my fastest and least stressful trip to Ikea ever. I had a wishlist of things I’d wanted for a while, but Ikea is kind of a pain to get to, so I’d been putting off the trip. However, it was gorgeous outside this weekend and I got my roommate to agree to go with me (such a good sport), so we made the trip to Ikea.
On the weekends, there’s a free ferry service from Pier 11 in the Financial District to the dock right outside Ikea. I love riding the ferry when the weather’s warm, so it really made the trip to Ikea rather pleasant. Once inside, we were like machines, zooming through the store with a considerable amount of focus. I checked off every single item on my list (and grabbed a few unplanned items, of course) and all together we were inside for less than two hours. Now that may not hold the record for shortest Ikea trip ever, but considering it was the weekend and my previous experiences with Ikea, I’m feeling like this was an accomplishment.
For our trip across the river*, I put on another easy, comfortable outfit. My black Everlane tee is so slouchy and comfy and I’m still loving my leopard sneaker slip-ons. It was warm enough for just a light jacket (ahhhh) so I wore my favorite spring jacket from H&M.
*And my hair is looking crazy because we’d just rode the ferry and the wind had whipped it into a frenzy. Probably should have done the pics beforehand- woops!
![It's a very belated book haul! These are the four books I picked up on my trip to Australia back in May. Of course I had to check out some bookstores on my first trip to Sydney and I think I ended up visiting 9 in total (check out my stories to see the mini bookstore vlog I made)!
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It was so fun book shopping over there since majority of the covers are different from our US covers. I couldn't resist this pretty edition of PACHINKO, which I've already read. And when I picked up this copy of PEOPLE PERSON, I was so excited to see it because it wasn't out yet in the US at that time. I also bought two books that I hadn't heard of before I discovered them in the bookstore: IDOL and LOVE AND OTHER PUZZLES.
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Do you tend to prefer US or UK book covers?
[P.S. This is an old photo that includes a HarperCollins UK title, but please note that I support the HarperCollins Union.]
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[ID: A stack of the following books sits on top of white bedding in front of a white wall (from top to bottom): PACHINKO, IDOL, LOVE AND OTHER PUZZLES, PEOPLE PERSON.]
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#Pachinko #Idol #LoveAndOtherPuzzles #PeoplePerson #whattoread #beautifulbooks #bookhaul #booksandtravel #travelandbooks #bookishaesthetic #bookstacks #bookstacklove #ukbookcovers #ukbookhaul #newbooks #bookbuying #bookpurchases #coolgirlsread #readerslife #bookishcommunity #australiatrip #stackofbooks #bookwormlife #booksandbooks](https://starcrossedsmile.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I’m impressed with your IKEA skills — usually I get stuck in that place for hours!
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Thanks! Well I kind of dragged my roommate with me against his will, so I figured I better make it quick!
i love your outfit. your skirt & jacket especially!
Thank you Jane! :)
I love IKEA! I haven’t been in ages, but it’s so fun browsing the fake rooms!! I adore your skirt!
~Sara
Thank you Sara! We breezed right through this time, but normally I like checking out the fake rooms too.
Your trip looked great and love what you are wearing. Yes Ikea makes some great things. I have my eye on some white furniture there.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you Allie! I have a couple pieces of white furniture from Ikea myself- a desk and a dresser.
The water taxi is really the best way to get to/from Ikea especially when it’s nice out like this past weekend. I need to plan better for my next trip there so I could be as efficient as you. That skirt is adorable!
Rowena @ rolala loves
Thanks so much Rowena! I’d heard there was a free ferry on the weekends but I’d never tried to take it before!
I went to Ikea this past weekend as well! It was ironically, the least packed we have seen it BUT we figured out where everyone was. Waiting in line to pay. haha
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
Haha, yeah, the lines are always so crazy! Nice, what did you pick up while you were there?
hehe. I ended up getting several items since we recently moved from a smaller space to just slightly bigger (but big enough to warrant more furniture). We now are proud owners of a new couch (our first as a couple together that was not a hand-me-down – we’ve been together for 6 years!)
xo,
nancy
That’s so great! My roommate and I really need a new couch- we’ve been talking about getting a new one for years!
IKEA is so fun! You should do a haul or something. I’d love to know what you purchased! P.S. Your skirt is super cute! Love the colors.
stylethroughhereyes.com
Thanks Jenmarie! That could be fun- I’ll think about doing a haul (or I’ll probably post a pic on Instagram :)
That is the perfect outfit to go make some shopping! What did you buy on IKEA?
Thanks Maru! I bought a few blankets for my bedroom and lots of different containers and vases. I may post a picture either here on the blog or on Instagram!
Yes, IKEA is only for the brave at heart–I’m happy your trip wasn’t too stressful, though!
I was shocked at how painless it was. I better not get to used to it though for the next time! ;)
Oh, you took the ferry to Ikea?! How is it? I mean, I’m on the same side as Ikea, but I’m always so curious about the trip on the ferry :) Thankfully my bf has a car so we’re able to load everything up in there – without it, I wouldn’t know what to do! Wasn’t this past weekend, beautiful?! Funny because, I need to make a trip to Ikea soon… Happy Monday, Nnenna!
It was surprisingly easy! It leaves from Pier 11 in the financial district and it takes you straight to the Ikea dock. I think on the weekends it runs every 40 minutes and it was totally free. There’s no need to get a pass or anything either. You just stand in the line for Ikea (slip A) and then walk on!
So lucky that you have access to a car- I’m sure that makes many things a lot easier! It was such a gorgeous weekend. I’d love to go back to that weather instead of this. Hope you’re having a wonderful week Jessica :)
I love this casual and cute look!
TheEternityJournal.com
Thank you Zobia!
I agree with you about Ikea. I think two hours is short time to be there. Wonderful look for shopping day.
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xoxo Ra
http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie
Thank you Ramona :)
Such a nice roommate! Would love to take the ferry to Ikea. Looks like a gorgeous ride :)
It was! I kind of just want to ride the ferry again for fun :)
You look beautiful. I love your jacket. I have never been to IKEA. I think the nearest one is like 4 hours away.
Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights
Thank you Tracy! Oh man, I remember the first time I went to an Ikea. It was during my freshman year of college and totally unplanned, but I went a bit crazy and bought a couch, among other things!
You got everything on your list and were out in under two hours? I’d call that a success for sure. I was just there for one item only and it took longer. In my defense one of the showroom living rooms was playing the goonies and I sat and watched it for a while….
Chic on the Cheap
Yeah, I tried to make it quick because I kind of dragged my roommate along, otherwise I definitely would have lingered more. Well that makes perfect sense- it’s hard to resist a good movie, right? :)
When I lived in LA I had a strict “No Ikea” policy. The experience was always SOOO Stressful. But when we moved to Singapore (and left ALL of things in storage in the US), we opted to furnish our new apt with Ikea. The key to surviving such a serious excursion: planning. Seriously.
I am glad you made it in and out and survived to tell the tale! I can definitely see how taking the ferry made for a much more enjoyable experience!
~Alexis Grace of North On Harper
Yes, I’d been putting it off for ages because I simply do not like shopping stress or crowds. Luckily it was a pretty happy experience this time around! :)
You look SO SO CUTE! i love this outfit! also, the nail polish in your newest post is stunning! Oh, AND these photos are killer. haha Basically you’re winning at life!
P.S. please let me know if you ever head down to DC! I’d love to meet you!
You are the sweetest, thanks so much Gentri Lee! Also, absolutely- if I’m ever in the DC area I’ll let you know (same goes for you if you come up to NYC)! :)
Absolutely! I know my sister is planning a girls trip for June, I think!
Awesome- keep me posted :)
Really love the shot of across the river.
Buckets & Spades
Thank you Matthew :)