Outfit from Lepa Boutique
(Love the owner and she has partnered with me several times, support local boutiques friends)
I just got back from a whirlwind 5 days in New York for fashion week and I realized it was my 5th time going! So much has changed since the first time I attended Mercedes Benz Fashion week, but in general blogging and being a social media influencer has evolved into something else.
I know so many of you (readers, bloggers, followers) follow along and it all looks so glamorous but here are some truths behind the lens and why sometimes, being behind the lens is easier :). In addition, I’m sharing some spots I visited and shows I watched that I loved during the week. A full recap rundown.
I spent half my time during NYFW meeting with brands/managers and the other half seeing presentations and shows. I book appointments about a month in advance to meet PR agencies in person, as well as hopefully get invited to some fun events. I love Langham NY and was invited to their private fashion event in which they partnered with Landeau (love their floral arrangements). I got to catch up with both brands and drink the yummiest champagne in a private balcony. This is a huge perk of what I do and mixing business with pleasure.
When I first arrived I had a lunch meeting at the fabulous Terrace at the Edition restaurant. I fell in love with the balcony and food and this is a MUST DO NOW. Right in Times Square, although it doesn’t feel it, the hotel and restaurant are super SWANKY, space is a dream, and the food was fresh and so yummy. 
I couldn’t resist a lobster roll once I landed. They just don’t taste the same in the midwest. YUMMMMM.
So on to the 5 truths of New York Fashion Week:
{1} A LOT OF PEOPLE SHOW UP AND NEVER GO TO SHOWS. Since social media has taken the world by storm, all you see are people in NY dressed up and nowhere to go. This year I saw even more bloggers and less at shows, so if you are a fashion show fanatic like me, watch the shows from the comfort of your computer! My favorite part of it all is the shows and they are HARD to get into it. It takes lots of emails and connections to go and they want coverage on your social and blog to do so.
The FOMO it creates seeing girls there can get crazy. But don’t worry, most go as a fun get together with blogger friends and you can create in your own life with friends at dinner :).
{2} TRAVELING TAKES UP MOST OF MY TIME AND MY CREDIT CARD BILL FOR UBER IS OUT OF CONTROL. Ok let’s be honest, the whole trip is expensive! I did better this year with hotel and clothing collaborations and the flight was inexpensive but NYFW is an expensive feat and traveling in transportation costs me $100s a day sometimes depending on how many places I need to get to. I don’t mind riding the subway (for those of you that don’t know, I lived in NY, so yes, I know how to ride it and don’t mind it), but you can’t get to some places on time with the time crunch of shows and meetings by riding the subway.
So keep in mind, if you want to go to NYFW, save up $$$’s. Eating, traveling, clothes, and photography, if you pay for it, is expensive!
In the alleyway of Spring Studios were a lot of shows take place! Always love a good cobblestone moment.
{3} THERE’S A LOT OF PREPPING TO DO BEFORE FASHION WEEK. So once the official calendar comes out you can google for the PR companies manage the shows or go to Modem (website here) which will outline the shows and the PR companies in charge of the shows. For clothing, I’m not as organized as I’ve had so much travel going on, but I plan about two weeks out.
{4} I DON’T DO MUCH SIGHTSEEING. This isn’t true for all bloggers visiting NYFW, I see some that didn’t go to many shows, go to the best spots and take photos. My goal is to do this at least for one day and this year I did go to the Vessel at Hudson Yards with friends. See the photo below. But overall downtime is very little.
{5} IT’S VERY CLIQUEY AND PEOPLE DRESS CRAZY. Blogging is a bit like high school, but if you are comfortable with yourself it doesn’t become too big of an issue. I try not to get caught up with the groups and focus on work, but I know it can be hard from time to time to “fit in” with the large groups of blogger friends that hang out. Be open, be nice, and smile. That’s my motto. At the end of the day, I’m less about taking photos and showcasing who my friends are, but seeing the shows and brand collaborations for the future are my goals.
Rebecca Minkoff Show | Everything was styled so brilliantly and so good for 9 to 5 work chic.
These are some of the shows/presentations I saw and loved!
Bronx and Banco (love their dresses). This show was magical and awe so gorgeous. I wanted all their gowns.
Son Jung Wang show (such beautiful details). This was the second time I saw the show and so fabulous and girly.
Concept Korea – loved their showcase of different designers and so unique!
HOW TO ATTEND:
{1} Monitor the fashion week calendar.
As mentioned, Modem has the contacts for the shows and start about a month out from fashion week.
{2} Email the PR agencies with your stats and try them a few times.
Have a media kit, showcase past blog posts or Instagrams of fashion week coverage to get in.
{3} If you shop for certain designers, you can try to get in that way. Being an avid shopper of a brand might get you in.
Alice + Olivia, Rebecca Minkoff, Kate Spade , Neiman Marcus, etc they all do have contacts to help if you are a big shopper!
{4} Buy tickets.
So I’ve never done this, but had a friend and know others who have. It’s pricey to buy a ticket and you can google it online to do so before fashion starts. If you have the funds, you can go to some killer shows.
{5} Network and trade tickets, shows.
Many bloggers go and because of scheduling, can’t go to certain shows. Stay connected and trade tickets. Share party details etc, this way you can go to more parties and shows.
Outfit from H&M (loving their new collections that launch every month)
I’m an avid Housewives of Beverly Hills and New York fan and man, was I was excited when I ran into Faye and Kyle from Beverly Hills at the Polo bar! First-night dinner and Amanda and I sat close their table. I was actually on my way to the ladies room when I saw Faye and a girlfriend trying to take a selfie, I casually asked if I could take it and took a bunch of great ones (if I do say so myself) and proceeded to tell them I Instagrammed full time. I ran into them when exiting and of course, I stopped to talk to Kyle and we got this photo opp!!
The show was epic as all the housewives showed up! Epic!!
Kyle + Shahida Show | Photo Source
My exact dress here (similar in a different color). Amanda and I took to Times Square for one photo before dinner one night.
This is at the amazing Hudson Yards. It’s beautiful but so odd to see in the big city!
I have a lot of fun every time I go to NY. It is one of my favorite cities and hopefully be back for the holidays. Look out for my next travel post regarding wine country.
