Alice Diary: Surviving My First Fashion Week

I survived. I dived right into my first fashion knowing little to nothing about what to expect. The reason I came out alive and more excited about styling and writing is because I had amazing support. I also knew that whatever it was like and whatever happened I would learn something. After applying for media credentials and shows ….and receiving my first invitations it hit me – I was going to my first fashion week!!!

Essentials for survival:

8. Be nice.

Sounds easy, right? I consider myself super friendly. At fashion week there’s a lot of waiting in lines (and in NYC in general). Before I left for fashion week, to be completely honest; I kind of shared the common ideal that everyone will be snobby or have an attitude. I tried to forget that and realize that I create my reality. Therefore I say: everyone is my friend (cite: Markus Urban). Besides tweeting and looking at the live monitors there’s not too much to do in the lines, and so I began looking at people’s outfits, making lovely new friends and just taking in the whole scene. I find it hilarious that according to the latest edition of Harper’s Bazaar, that being nice is “in” – wow. It’s a good reminder, just a little shocking that apparently emotions have a season too.

7. Don’t be that late.

I’m still kind of sad I missed the Custo Barcelona show. If you have a standing ticket, get there at least an hour before showtime. And if you have a seat – definitely don’t be late or someone will take it. Especially if you’re going to a popular show, it’s important to be early to make sure you get in! Nothing is worse than waiting over an hour in line and not getting in.

Custo Barcelona | Photo: Markus Urban

6. Prepare yourself.

Fashion week is exhausting and wears you out. I’m so impressed by some of my fellow bloggers who managed to stay at Bryant all day watching shows ; props to them! Not me. I picked the shows I wanted to see and then relaxed and wrote in a cafe afterward. Maybe it’s the city too – it drains me and times flies so quickly!

Irina Shabayeva | Photo: Markus Urban

5. Stand by the aisles.

If you have a standing ticket, once you enter the show, make sure you are the first person right at the aisle entrance. You will almost always be the first one they will grab to fill a seat.

En Route to Mik Cire

3. Don’t forget the necessities.

I was kind of a disaster when we initially flew in; leaving my cell phone in our first cab into the city (thanks Manu!!) and dropping my mac 4ft….

My #1 necessity for fashion week: a good bag.

I’m an avid fan of Coakley and was lucky enough to be given one just in time for fashion week. These bags are amazing. It’s very difficult finding a stylish laptop bag that is also big enough to store your personal items and also perfect for traveling. I have the signature suede portfolio bag in fathom and it looked super cute with all of my outfits!

Right after Twinkle

2. Learn from the experienced.

As I mentioned earlier, part of being nice could mean making really new fun friends. I met the fabulous Monet Q. who was at fashion week filming a pilot. I love learning tips from experienced fashion attendees and she had a great one:

Wear fashionable yet comfortable shoes. Standing on your feet for hours at a time in high heels and attending several shows per day can be very tiring on your feet. Therefore, I always recommend if my ladies would like to wear 3-5 inch heels, to carry a cute pair of flats just in case! ~ Monet Q.

New friends!

1. Bring a boyfriend….or a pal.

My boyfriend is amazing! I wasn’t even going to apply for media credentials until he told me I was absolutely crazy for even thinking about missing fashion week. He is a photographer and I was SO excited about having some of my VERY OWN pictures for once instead of ripping them off of Style.com. By the way, being a photographer is SO MUCH BETTER, not only do you get a killer view, but you can get into any show if there’s room pretty easily. I strongly suggest bringing a friend.