The Truth About Going to New York Fashion Week

So basically I’ve been yapping non stop about how I’m about to head to New York Fashion Week for the first time ever. NYFW sounds super glam and always gets lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” whenever I mention I’m going.

But if there’s anything I pride myself on in life it’s being transparent. I love to be real with you guys. I’m an open book and I’ll tell you anything.

So let’s get real about NYFW. I’m not expert (hell, it’s my first time going). But I want to talk allll about when to attend, how to get into shows, what to pack, and all that jazz.

Pick the time that’s right for you.

New York Fashion Week happens twice a year – once in February and once in September. September is the highly publicized NYFW that you know and love, while February is like its attractive but slightly less popular younger sister.

Maybe it’s because nobody wants to go to New York in the dead of winter.

When making the decision to attend NYFW you have to pick the season that makes the most sense for you. September is big and amazing, but it’s also more crowded and significantly more expensive. February attendance is a little lower so it’s slightly easier to get into shows. The airfare and hotels are also half the price they are in September.

As a smaller blogger it makes way more sense for me to attend in February and leave September for a time when it feels right for me. I also have a crazy aversion to heat and humidity so I’m actually really excited to bundle up.

Stalk the schedule.

If you’re an OCD way in advance type of planner – you’re gonna have to get over that right now. The schedule for New York Fashion Week isn’t released until maybe a month before hand.

I kept my eyeballs on this site waiting for the schedule to be released. Why is it so important to stalk the schedule? To know what shows you want to pitch yourself into of course.

Pitch perfect!

So here’s where we get transparent. I am a human who knows her strengths and weaknesses. I knew that as a part time blogger and full time corporate buyer, there was no way I was going to be able to pitch myself into shows properly. It’s also my first time at New York Fashion Week so rather than spending hours hunting down email addresses, I hired a #GirlBoss of a PR company to handle it for me.

I’ve pitched myself to work with brands plenty of times before, but I definitely did not have the confidence (or the time, quite frankly) to deal with NYFW myself. Katie over at Lola & Ivy PR is my New York Fashion Week hero. This isn’t Katie’s first rodeo and she has my schedule all figured out for me.

Instead of worrying about shows I spent my time lining up brand collaborations, working on sponsored posts, and living my life. Best. Decision. Ever.

For those of you that do plan to pitch yourself: stalk the schedule, hunt down the email addresses of the PR person for the show you want to attend, and send over a brief email requesting an invite (attaching your media kit if applicable). These peeps get tons of emails so keep it short and sweet – and don’t freak out if you don’t hear back until right before!

I’m starting to learn fashion week trains you to be patient.

Find photographers.

Nothing is more glamorous than a good old fashion photoshoot with the Big Apple as your backdrop. While Katie was pitching me into shows I went on the hunt for some photographers to work with.

Seriously you guys I’m already so excited to get the photos back for these shoots I haven’t even done yet. Eek!

Plan a (realistic) wardrobe.

Now the fun part – playing dress up! I reached out to brands and local boutiques that I love to collaborate for NYFW, all the while making sure my wardrobe would be both fashionable and functional.

New York is going to be freezing.

As much as it’d be great to wear a beautiful spring dress, it’s just not practical. It also might be tempting to wear your awesome fall fashions to New York in September…but it’s actually raging hot in New York in September. Don’t sweat your buns off (or freeze to death for that matter). Dress appropriately and functionally.

Pack for looooong days.

I’m basically like a giant toddler. Meaning that I tire quickly, I love naps, and I get super cranky when I’m hungry.

All that being said, I’m absolutely going to pack my purse for what will undoubtedly be some long days. I’m going to skip the gorgeous (but tiny) clutches and opt for medium sized handbags where I can cram in my fave snacks, a portable phone charger, and anything else I might need throughout the day.

Hanger is a real disease, people.

Don’t go at it alone!

New York Fashion Week can seem intimidating – but you absolutely don’t have to brave it alone. Half the fun is going to be meeting new people and making new connections.

I’m also a super cool kid and I’m bringing my mom. Lol! Raise your hand if your mama is your BFF.

I’m crazy excited to go and hang out with some of my fave blogger babes, make new friends, do some killer photoshoots, and race around the Big Apple with my little mama.

You can come with me to New York! Make sure to follow me on Snapchat (blondebagel) and Instagram – I leave in exactly one week!

Have you been to NYFW? Tell me about your tips and experiences below!