Despite the brisk temps of NYC, I was prepared to be warm and prepared to take it all in. I go to NYC every year but I was but a mere neophyte at Fashion Week. JohnnyMac went to NYC with me but took a giant hall pass on attending any of the shows. Unlike my sassy nature might predict, I know precisely when to listen and observe. So much of it was new, I wanted to watch and learn. And there is so much to tell but I am going to break it down to my favorite experiences while there. 
One of my favorite events was at Milk Studios in the Meatpacking district. During FashionWeek, MAC Cosmetics partners with Milk to showcase emerging designers. Thanks to my husband, the VIP status made for great seats and fantastic handling. I saw the Cushnie et Ochs show and it was fantastic. I am a big fan of their sleek, sexy and slightly edgy clothes. And the clothes I saw on other guests were just as fantastic. After the show, I met the designers, Carlie Cushnie and Michelle Ochs. They are both savvy, talented and lovely.I also got a little styling session which was also very cool. And then I went upstairs. The entire 8th floor was a private party that was in.cred.i.ble. The 8th floor is giant and every giant room held different designers, different cocktails and different presentations including this one from Duro Olowu. I lingered in and out of the VIP lounge and got to meet the Beauty Editor of Marie Claire who was so grounded, so cute, and so approachable. She is also very bright and gracious with conversation and the questions being posed to her.
I mingled, chatted and sipped delicious cocktails. On my way out, I was given not one but two gift bags, one of them from MAC filled with full-size MAC products. Really? LOVE IT!
The next day was spent at Lincoln Center; the hub of Fashion Week. After moving from Bryant Park last year, Lincoln Center is a fashion lover's dream come true during this week. Lights, camera, action is a totally apropos phrase.
The hub inside Lincoln Center is something to behold. There were endless big vendors passing out samples from Pepsi's new skinny can to Essie signing up people for manicures in their hottest nail hues. (Essie, the founder was there as well and she has to be 70 and is beautiful!.) I checked in and was immediately surrounded by style like I have never seen it. I saw everything from couture to knee high socks, ankle boots and short shorts. Everyone I met projected their own style and were very much looking at the other guests with admiration and not a shred of cattiness. I personally admired how people projected not only their style but confidence. And it showed.
When I sat down for the Carolina Herrera show I was quite giddy. I did a fundraiser with Saks two years ago and Carolina Herrera was the designer. Her clothes are GORGEOUS. I was texting a friend and look up to see straight across from me Anna Wintour. The woman next to me pointed out she did not have her sunglasses on and two seconds later, she slid them on and didn't make a single facial expression the entire time.
A few seats down was Oscar de la Renta looking totally chic, totally dapper. And when a huge paparazzi hubbub exploded, and what seemed like about 100+ photographers were moving in a pack surrounding someone, the crowd parted and the gorgeous Christina Hendricks sat down across from us as well. She is stunning and was clearly a hit at the show. Gabrielle Union sat next to her and she looked gorgeous too. LOVED her dress. No, I did not talk to any of them. But, I did use my phone to casually snap a photo (clearly with no flash) but also without looking at it which explains the bad focus.The clothes were so fab. Here are just two items I loved from the show. The music, the clothes, and the talented Ms. Herrera herself made this show another favorite.
Afterward, I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Zee. He is the Creative Director and #2 in charge at Elle Magazine. He was probably my favorite person I met during the entire trip. He is so down to earth and charismatic. I loved talking to him. I asked him the number one trend he would like to see disappear. His answer: Harem Pants. AMEN! (Ironically, the next designer's show I went to featured multiple models in harem pants.) He also said fashion should not be focused on, "This girls looks good. That girl looks bad," but about the style elements available and how women can wear them to their own individual taste. Big highlight of the day: Joe Zee told me he loved my outfit, especially my jacket. After he started chatting with someone else, the guy next to me leaned over and whispered, "That is Facebook status update worthy." haha. I will freely admit, having Joe Zee say he loves your outfit is pretty fantastic. AND totally justified the purchase of every. single. piece. I will say, I was wearing my favorite black tuxedo jacket JMac gave me and a pair of leather leggings inspired by an outfit I saw the night before.Oh, and some crazy shoes I love from BCBG.
All in all...amazing. And I definitely will go back but perhaps in September with a bit warmer weather. We rounded out the rest of the trip with great dinners and great wine. Which I earned because I worked out every day I was there! And I love that not only did my husband: 1. surprise me. 2. plan an incredible trip. 3. go with me even though NYC is not his favorite weekend destination 4. support the inspiration to shop. Oh, I shopped. I actually took an empty suitcase with us. Not empty on the return. 5. concur we need to come back for Fashion Week again but most importantly, 6. He let me really, really enjoy the whole experience fully. Which I was and am so grateful for, I sent him a thank you note.
