Getting Into Fashion Week

I'm assuming you noticed the flurry of New York Fashion Week activity flooding Facebook, Twitter, and your other social networks. There are always so many fabulous runway shoes, presentations, and events it's hard to keep track. Right now Fashion Week is drawing to a close as quickly as it came but, that doesn't mean you can't plan on taking part in the festivities next season! I'm not guaranteeing front row Marc Jacobs in your future but, there are always a few fun Fashion Week related event that you can take part in no matter who you are or where you are located. Here are some of my tips and tricks for getting on the proverbial red carpet and through the velvet ropes.

1. Fashion's Night Out - This is a nation world wide event that takes place when various fashion hubs host Fashion Week. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the generosity of major brands and party! Some stores will have food and drinks, some stores will have free samples/services/goodie bags, and some stores will have celeb appearances. There are a plethora of choices when it comes to Fashion Night Out that allow you to meet, greet, see, and be seen! Even if you don't live in the thick of one of these fashionable cities your local mall, big box department store, or small stylish boutique might have something planned. I would definitely check their website or call and ask.

Image courtesy of SarahShah.com

2. Start a blog (if you haven't already) - While blogging is a full time job for some or just a fun pastime for others (raises hand) it can be a means to an end for a both. Being able to approach a brand or PR company and say that you would be happy to cover an event for them on your blog is a great way to get in the door to some fun Fashion Week festivities. It's also great reason to hand out business cards at events (like Fashion's Night Out *winkwinknudgenudge) so people and brands can see why they might want to work with you. If you don't immediately garner a press pass or attention from companies through blogging don't be discouraged, you're not the only fashion/beauty/OOTD blogger out there. Even if they reject you at least they know you are interested and they might reach out to you at a later juncture or for a different event. Don't forget to follow up, networking is everything!

3. Check Eventbrite - There are always a variety of activities on Eventbrite that you can take part in any week of the year. That, naturally, holds true for Fashion Week, as well. Just run a quick search and see what you find. I'm know there will be a mix of paid and free events for you to choose from. Obvi we want everything to be free but, just because it is doesn't mean it's worth going and just because it isn't doesn't mean that it's not. Either way, I would try to stick with events out on by well known brands; those will have the best turnout and best take homes.

Image courtesy of blog.eventbrite.com

4. Consult with your fashionable friends - While you might not be hooked in with the fashion elite anybody yet maybe someone you know on a personal level is. See if there are any general (or invite only) Fashion Week events that you can tag along with them to. If not maybe they know of some events that you can RSVP for even though you didn't recieve a direct invite. Maybe they are willing to give you their invite to a show or event. Or, maybe they know of some fun general things devoid of a guest list that you can attend. There are definite possibilities, just ask around. Honestly, I had almost all of my Fashion Week fun this time around through second hand invites from friends and friends of friends. It's been a blast!

Image courtesy of The Tiny Tierant

5. Host your own event- Maybe  all of my tips and tricks are completely useless because absolutely none of this is relevant to you. Don't be discouraged, you can still have fashionable fun. You can have girlfriends over and stream the runway shows live from the comfort of your own home. Maybe you can partner with a local store or boutique and host an Fashion Week event at their establishment. The sky is really the limit with this, see what you can do!

Do you have any other tips, ticks, or ideas on how to get in on Fashion Week festivities?

September 7, 2011: Stranded Blogger

So, I totally stole that title from Katy over at Modly Chic. It is the hashtag for her event tonight and I am so excited to go and meet up with other stylish bloggers! Actually, I am honestly more excited about this that any other FNO related events. I will try to snap some pictures to share with you so you can live vicariously through me...

That being said I needed to make sure that my outfit for tonight was work appropriate and let me just say I flipping love this dress! I found it while I was shopping with my Mom at the thrift store a while ago and she tailored it for me. Now I think it fits the bill on all levels. It is vintage for real and even has pockets!! The only thing I wish I could do differently with this outfit is add a snazzier belt. My mom said red but, she is a poster girl lady for matchy matchy. I was thinking snake print but, I'll make do with what I have for now... What color belt would you pair with this dress?

Another challenge that I faced was the precipitation. Remember yesterday when my hair was straight? Yeah not so much anymore as you can see. I spent all my time while commuting yesterday dodging the proverbial bullet AKA rain drops only to be defeated by the extreme humidity and a tiny hole in the top of my umbrella (Really Totes? You are supposed to be for life!) Are you experiencing a drought? I'll come and get my hair done where you are I guarantee you it will rain (sans Keratin) but, I digress... I just gave in and am going al natural which doesn't always feel as "stylish" to me. Do you prefer straight hair or curly hair? What seems more stylish to you?

• Top: red and black polka dot dress, Clues Collections (Vintage) via The Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; black belt, came with this dress; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot pick:

Bardot Spiral Bangle - Silver