This NYFW was a major success to say the least. I attended 25 shows, partied at multiple events, got lots of freebies, and finally met my awesome Style Collective girls in real life! This was my first time at New York Fashion Week as an influencer/blogger and not as media. I did bring my camera to a few shows because I can’t shake that photographer in me, after all that’s how I got my start at fashion week! I think I prefer going as media since there is less pressure to dress up (and wear heels HAH!) and I can sit wherever I want, even on the floor. Sometimes the floor is the best view in the house! It was a totally different experience entering the shows through the front door as an invited guest as opposed to the back doors as media. Either way, I can’t believe this is my 7th fashion week season. Below you will see a day-by-day breakdown of what shows I attended, where I adventured, what I ate, where I partied and what I wore. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed myself as NYFW!
Day 1
I flew into New York late Wednesday evening and on Thursday my NYFW was already in full swing. I had 9 events and shows that day. The thing about Fashion Week is that you have to be really strict with your time management. If shows are too close together then you ultimately need to decide if it’s even worth your time to trek it downtown just to go back uptown for the second show. Even though I had 9 events and shows, I only attended 5 total. Manhattan is a beast of it’s own so I would give MAJOR kudos to someone who can execute 9 events in one day! My first two fashion shows were Nicholas K and Noon by Noor. After that I had Michael Costello. In the evening I went to an event put on by Harper’s Bazaar and Kimora Lee Simmons. From that event me, Basking in Burgundy and Where Your Heart Is Now went to a beauty event. We made friends with the Burberry makeup team and ended up getting our makeup done and a free eye shadow palette from the Burberry Fall/Winter 2016 collection. After that we went to one more event at the W hotel and then got the most amazing dimsum and dumplings you can imagine. I love New York because it has the BEST food scene. You just can’t find delicious dumplings like that in North Carolina! I don’t really like to stay out late but the funny thing about NYFW is that it will have you up at 7AM every morning and out until 2AM. I swear time goes by slower in NYC even though everything around you is going 10x normal speed.
Day 2
Day 2 was another epic day full of fashion shows and events. I started my morning going to lunch at Serendipity 3 with my girls and Style Collective founder The Lovely Girl. It is the cutest little restaurant full of eclectic decorations and stained glass lamps. Their claim to fame is the frozen hot chocolate and when I tell you it tasted exactly like what it sounds like, I’m not lying! It was the perfect cold treat for a hot day in the city. Disclaimer – I did so many things in New York I have to scroll through my phone’s pictures and calendar to keep track of what I did, hahah! After lunch my Style Collective girls and I shimmied down to the Lulu’s event, which was such an epic experience. As I mentioned before, I am not used to going as an influencer and when I went previously I would get the occasional freebie, but the Lulu’s event was like a schmorgesborg of makeup, clothes and cocktails! We each got to pick out one piece of clothing from the newest Lulu’s line and were given a little cloth tote bag to hold all of our goodies. A curling wand, multiple lipsticks, eye shadows, and a knit sweater later, our bags were overflowing with goodies! The event was so much fun and I loved getting to mingle with other bloggers and PR representatives from the brands. NYFW is truly like the ultimate conference for fashionistas because you can connect with SO many different types of people in the industry: bloggers, clothing brands, beauty brands, hair brands, etc. You name it, they are there and covering Fashion Week in their own and unique way! I think that’s one of my favorite things about NYFW is that although we are all there to celebrate fashion, nobody has the exact same schedule. We are all on different agendas accomplishing different things and experiencing the event in different ways. I left the Lulu’s party early to go watch the Tadashi Shoji show, which was in the biggest venue I’ve ever seen. It was like a small football stadium with riser seating that had about 10 rows!
Day 3
This was one of my favorite days because I got my brunch on with the entire family of Style Collective sisters. If you haven’t heard of SC, it’s a community of bloggers who share tips, support each other and link together during the crazy journey of fashion blogging! I got eggs benedict (my favorite) and pitchers of mimosas were overflowing across the table. It was such a fun time to eat and celebrate the wonderful things SC has done for all of us. After the brunch some of my girls and I went to the ShopStyle event. This has to be my favorite event at NYFW because the space was AMAZING, the view was AMAZING and the freebies (hey, haven’t you heard? I love freebies HAHA! It’s like I’m forever in college.. :P). I got a bauble bar choker, a Gigi NY purse, two Sole Society heels, a pair of Sam Edelman pumps, Stella & Dot jewelry, and some gorgeous Hallmark cards. I even mailed my mom a card right then and there! I think the Hallmark cards were my favorite freebie, because there’s nothing cuter than a crazy card! We had an impromptu photo shoot on the balcony and inside, the lighting was so perfect from the 18th floor of the Meatpacking district’s building! After the ShopStyle event, me and my friends went down to Little Italy to get some delicious dinner. Basking in Burgundy picked the most hilarious restaurant where performers sang 70’s hits and serenaded us as we ate. The night ended with the entire restaurant twirling its napkins in the air in song and dance. There were times that I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe! That night was one for the books, for sure.
Day 4
Day 4 was a “fun day.” I didn’t have any shows that morning so me and my girls decided to do some quintessential New York things. We went to the Top of the Rock which was an incredible experience. Being in NYC for the past three anniversaries of 9/11 makes you reflect on every aspect of your life. After we left the hotel, we made a quick stop at the St. Matthews church where we lit candles in memory of those who lost their lives and were affected by the tragedies of 9/11. The mood was definitely somber, but we tried our hardest to stay positive throughout the day to celebrate our gratitude for this country. At the Top of the Rock we could see the entire Manhattan skyline, from the Empire State Building and down, to Central Park and up. One of my favorite things about visiting NYC is finding the perfect places for skylines, and this location definitely takes the cake. I couldn’t help but think how cool that location would be for a fashion show! After the TOTR we headed to another NYC essential – Ladurée. We gorged ourselves with macarons that were melting quickly in the hot sun. We walked around Central Park and eventually made our way into Bergdorf Goodman (it’s always bound to happen, I swear). I love the window displays since they are always so creative – I couldn’t help myself not to snap a picture! That evening we went to the Christina Ruales show where the runway show was a dance presentation instead. The models did a modern ballet performance and walked around en pointe. It was one of the most creative ways to present a fashion line. I love when brands do something out of the norm, I think you get to see the clothes better and it leaves you with a unique memory.
Day 5
On day 5 I was already running at 5%. I get so tired from being in the city, but I never let it slow me down! I attended Leanne Marshall with my girl A Glam Lifestyle. The show was full of billowing gowns in a dusty palette of rose, lavender, marigold and salmon. It was truly a collection fit for a princess, chiffon and all. After this show we headed over to the Like to Know It party, which was located in one of my favorite buildings in New York, Milk Studios. I love Milk because they are truly a hub during fashion week. From the amount of shows and presentations they put on, to the events and ambiance of the space – it is just a quintessential NYFW experience. At the party they were handing out samples of their new makeup line called Milk Makeup. I really do love the products so far, they are very light and the packaging is unique as well. Again, I had to dip out of the event early to attend a fashion show by Katty Xiomara. It was such a cute show full of inspiration from sailors and mermaids. I’m hoping this trend catches because in Summer 2017 I want to be rocking a sailor top with an adorable bow knot, sea patterns, and mermaid sequins. After the show I headed back to the party because they were conveniently close! I feel like that is a rarity during fashion week, haha
Day 6
On day 6 I was the last SC sister standing. Everyone had either caught a bus or flight home, but I still had so many things on my schedule. I attended one of the biggest shows of the season, Monique Lhuillier. I was sitting next to and chatting up the editor of Porter Magazine, who also used to work at W. I played it cool even though I was internally screaming the entire time. I asked her for her card and she gave it to me, she was very interested in my blog. I think I will reach out to her eventually, I just need to muster up the courage and find something of enough importance to reach out to her, HAH! The show was so dreamy with beautiful, soft colors and the most luxurious materials. My favorite look was the light pink feathered dress that was embellished with sequins. After the show I walked around one of my favorite neighborhoods, Greenwich Village, just taking in the architecture and absolute “house goals.” After a few more shows that evening I was headed to Queens to spend my last day in New York.
Day 7
I got to sleep in until 9AM woohoo! I got up and got ready for my day, wearing the most comfortable clothes I could find. I walked around Queens/Astoria and I found my way into the most precious sushi restaurant. They made me an epic dragon roll, quite literally. It was not only very artistic, but the sushi was some of the best I’ve had in my life. I can’t wait to go back there because I am still dreaming about how delicious it was. Again, NYC has the best food scene. Exploring Queens a little more, I found myself staring at the biggest walls of street art I have ever seen. It was such a beautiful wall I couldn’t help but take pictures of almost all of them. My favorite, obviously, was the mermaid and the girl staring at each other with purple and blue jellyfish in the background. I love street art, graffiti and murals and I wish there was a bigger scene like that where I lived, and not just plain old vandalism, hahaha! After my morning in Queens I took the train into Manhattan to grab what would eventually be the best dinner of my life. I’m saving that story for another post, but I was welcomed with open arms into The Pierre, a Taj Hotel and met with the Executive Chef Ashfer Biju. He was so incredibly kind and my friend Christina and I had a lovely evening tasting the menu and touring the ostentatious (I mean that in the best way ever!) building. Stay tuned on my post of the 8-course meal, I can guarantee it will be worth your while.
So that is my roundup of my trip to NYFW! I can’t believe I got to meet so many people, attended to many events and shows, and got to experience so many different aspects of New York Fashion Week. Each year keeps on getting bigger and better for me. I wonder what my experience will be 2 more years down the road. I can’t wait for what the future holds. I still have to upload my runway photography to my portfolio and write about my experience at The Pierre Hotel. Just stay tuned on my Instagram, or sign up for my newsletter (scroll allllll the way to the very bottom of this post). Thank you SO MUCH for following along!
READ MY POST NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: PART 1 HERE
Tell me in the comments below, what event sounded the most exciting to you? Which is your favorite runway shot?
Nicole Leffew
September 22, 2016This is amazing babe! Your pictures are so gorgeous and I had the best time with you! We killed it! Xo
tayloraube
September 22, 2016Thanks Nicole. I can’t wait for the SC House in February HAHA!!! We have to do it!
Nat
September 22, 2016Wonderful post and I enjoyed the play by play of each fashion show and each meal. The street art looks fab!!! I’ll make it to NYFW one day soon! Xoxo
tayloraube
September 22, 2016The street art was one of my favorites. I love the art scene in New York and although this time around I didn’t get to make it to a museum, I still got to experience the art scene in a very special way.
Diana
September 22, 2016Terrific article. I love how you mix food and architecture with fashion. They are all such wonderful forms of art and you combine each of them beautifully. Your runway photos are super as always. Can’t wait to see them all. So glad you had a wonderful time.
tayloraube
September 22, 2016Thank you so much Diana! I tried to incorporate every aspect of my trip into one post. Thanks for following along
Amanda
September 23, 2016Yes! I had such a blast with you and am totally in for the SC House in Febriary!
http://www.aglamlifestyle.com
tayloraube
September 23, 2016YAAAAS is all I have to say
Nataly
September 23, 2016That looks like so much fun! I can’t wait to go next year!
Great photos too!
tayloraube
September 23, 2016Thank you NYFW is such a blast, I hope you can make it.
Mindy
September 23, 2016Loved this recap!!! Your photos are amazing!!! Looks like so much fun, I’m joining next time for sure!!!
????, Mindy
http://www.threadsnbreads.com
tayloraube
September 23, 2016Yes girl! You HAVE to come!
Ruthie
September 23, 2016Wow, what an incredible re-cap. Those shows looked killer and those photos are AMAZING!! Love all the style collective meeting up captures and all the cool architecture!! SO GOOD
tayloraube
September 23, 2016Thank you Ruthie!! It was such a blast, you need to come next year!
Roselyn
September 23, 2016I LOVE this recap so much!! I SO hope I can meet you next NYFW! And I know I say this every time, but your photography skills are GOALS!! xo, Roselyn
tayloraube
September 23, 2016Aww You are so sweet! I love taking pictures of the runway shows and although I wasn’t too happy with how my pictures turned out this season, I still was so happy to attend the shows!
Anna
September 23, 2016Love your post!! So perfectly put together on how fun it was! XO ~Anna http://www.pepperedinstyle.com
tayloraube
September 23, 2016Thank you! It really was such a blast. Glad we got to spend it together
cindy
September 23, 2016Your photos makes me sooo jealous! I wish I could have partied and attend with you! You went to a lot of shows which is amazing!!
XOXO
Cindy
http://www.foreignfreshfierce.com
tayloraube
September 23, 2016Thank you for following along Cindy
Lauren
September 23, 2016What a great roundup of your WEEK! You’re such a trooper – I was exhausted after 4 days!! It’s definitely a wonderful experience though – look forward to running into you in the future!
Lauren
http://www.anexplorersheart.com
tayloraube
September 23, 2016Thanks os Much for reading Lauren! I had originally planned for 10 days, but niether my body nor mind could take it anymore haha! So glad to hear you had a fun time too
Mary
September 23, 2016such a great post babe! was so fun meeting you!
http://layersofchic.com
Mariam
September 24, 2016What a wonderful experience you got to take part of!! Loved seeing all your photos!
xo Mariam | The Petite Bijou
Gunjan
September 24, 2016I felt like I was right there with you — such a good recap!!! I hope we get to go together next year!
Gunjan | http://www.songbirdechoes.com
Kait Elizabeth
September 24, 2016You got some amazing runway shots babe!!! I had such a blast the whole time. Thank you for all your advice. Without your advice I would never have had the courage to go. Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
Amy
September 24, 2016That red dress is amazing!
Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins
Donna
September 24, 2016Such awesome captures babe!!! So great meeting you and can’t wait for next year, going to try to keep up with you :P!! Thanks for sharing this recap, loved it! Enjoy your weekend!! XX,Donna
wwww.onthedllifestyle.com
tayloraube
September 25, 2016It was so lovely meeting you Donna! I had so much fun
Gail
September 25, 2016Loved loved loved this post Taylor!!! The photos are gorgeous! You had a jam packed week girl! Loved meeting you and can’t wait for next time! Xoxo
tayloraube
September 25, 2016Thank you Gail and thanks for the awesome pictures!
Jackie
September 25, 2016Wow, sounds like you had an amazing time at NYFW. Your pictures are amazing and the events must have been so much fun to attend. I just joined Style Collective , I’m so excited to be part of a supportive community
Looking to reading about the rest of you experience at NYFW!
xo, Jackie
stylemydreams.com
tayloraube
September 26, 2016Thanks Jackie! It was such a fun time and I got so much out of it. Having SC there made it way easier too. Hope you can make it one year!
toby
September 28, 2016i had the best time the the liketoknowit party with you and i cannot wait to hang out with you at the next fashion week xx
tayloraube
September 28, 2016Same here girl! It was such a blast