NYFW for all

In fashion and in life there always seems to be this emphasis on perfection.  I think about it every morning as I get ready for work and spend a large quantity of time on my shower, complexion, make-up, hair, look of the day and accessories. Every piece of me needs effort and I feel the pressure to keep myself looking polished as the day progresses.

The fashion industry is also obviously obsessed with perfection as evidenced by the enhanced photos, overproduced videos and massive teams who work on the models, stars and each other for events.  It’s all we see in magazines, online and on the television and it’s what we expect from each other.  There are books, dissertations and endless analysis on the topic.

What delights me the most though is the messy.  The pieces that don’t always fit and the details that make me feel like a “real” girl.  The flyaways, smudges, loose threads and freckles.  The shredded hem, loose strap, natural lashes and mismatched shoes.  Why don’t we celebrate the imperfect more and try to embrace it?

From here on out I am going to have one messy thing about my look every day - no exactly hard to do, but the key is that I am going to choose it (like my messy hair above), love it and flaunt it.  What’s your favorite #fashionmessy?

• Tags
• fashion
• beauty
• bornthisway
• relax

Anyone Can Go To Fashion Week: Here’s How

Needed a longer break after my NYFW adventures but am back online to give you a few tips on how to get a piece of Fashion Week without an invite.  Here’s the scoop:

1. Check out the public venues around Lincoln Center. Head to the Starbucks across from Lincoln Center to see a mix of models, designers, media and insiders throughout the day.  There’s also a number of restaurants in the same area that are great for people watching - you never know who you will run into.

2. You can get into Lincoln Center without a ticket. Whether you want into the main tents or other areas such as the David Rubenstein Atrium where you could have checked out the fun at Barbie’s Dream Closet there is a way to get in.  Dress chic (don’t go overboard - insiders are surprisingly minimalist), memorize the show schedule and head to the main entrance with confidence. If anyone asks what show you there to see, pick one next on the schedule and head inside. There is a ton to see in the main lobby, from the main sponsor booths, to the parade of show attendees to an absolute mess of bloggers and media all looking for photos.

3. Tickets to shows do appear. I’ve seen two scenarios. If they show isn’t full, the organizers will come out and give tickets to waiting fans and fill up the seats.  I also know there is an opportunity to wait in a queue just outside the entrance to each show and get a chance to have a standing spot to watch the show - you will have to ask the information desk on how this works.

4. Volunteer. If you can organize early enough - you can apply to volunteer on the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week site.  Applications are currently closed but should open up in June/July 2012.

Stay tuned for some Fashion Week highlights and hope to see you in September!

• Tags
• fashion
• fashionweek

Irony: Food at Fashion Week

The above is a picture of food served at the @rzrachelzoe show.  Notice the almost untouched appearance as well as the bacon in the sandwiches.

One of the great ironies of Fashion Week is the amount and caloric value of the food you see backstage, at parties and around the venues. Starbucks Frappucinos abound as well as food trucks, fried potatoes and other high carb delights.  The best part about it is the way food is treated by attendees and participants.  Let me tell a little story to illustrate.

I was in the AMEX lounge in Lincoln Center a few years ago and amongst being delighted by the glass windows to both main runways turning clear once the shows started, was impressed by the cornucopia of food and drinks around the center bar.  I made my move to take a look and felt a number of sideways glances bore into me. Taking a moment of pause to look around, I realized that NO ONE had food and furthermore, the cornucopia lay untouched. I continued on past the food, pretending that it had just caught my eye because of the bright colors in the BLT sandwiches and grabbed a more acceptable bottle of water to sip.

I realized then that the way people were looking at me that morning as I ate a bagel in the Starbucks across the street was not because they thought I was awesome or famous.  Now, I always “pre-eat” before heading to any fashion event.  It’s like the dirty secret of Fashion Week…one of them at least.

#lessonlearned

• Tags
• fashion
• food
• fashion week

Sidewalk = Catwalk

This photo courtesy of @bendelgirls reminds me of my favorite way to get inspiration for new outfits as well as what I plan to do during New York Fashion Week.  I love watching people - REAL people that take a few minutes to decide what to wear each morning, walk it all down the street and do it in a way that makes me take notice.  I’m not talking about those crazy girls that end up in the @glamourmag “don’t” section showing too much skin or dressing in a catsuit.  I am also not talking about a lot of the girls who end up in the “street style” sections who are also usually over the top.

The people that make me take notice are the gals that can take a simple pair of jeans or a skirt and add a cool new element to make it unique - a scarf, a pair of wearable boots, a necklace or a unique jacket.  They use color, they use texture, they use embellishment and they still look tastefully put together.  While in NYC, I typically spend quite a lot of time keeping an eye out on the sidewalk and watching from a coffee shop window.  I am going to try and catch a few REAL guys and gals to share with you all.

Get ready for my interpretation of the #sidewalkcatwalk…..

If you have a photo to share of an inspirational look you found on the street - Tweet to me (@nyfw) with #sidewalkcatwalk

• Tags
• catwalk
• fashion
• people watch
• Glamour Magazine
• Henri Bendel