One of the (many) perks of being a PR girl is having the opportunity to attend some fabulous fashion events. Of course, it doesn’t come with out some hard work. A client of mine was working the Richard Chai Spring 2013 show, so I had the opportunity to see first hand how backstage of New York Fashion Week goes down. The answer – a lot of late models, a lot of coffee, and a HECK of a lot of talent. Though running around backstage and running errands to be sure everyone has everything they need seems beyond insane at the time, it is all worth it when the show perfectly comes together for those 10 minutes of beauty.
This week is a little hectic, as Fashion week is kicking off in New York and A and I are working a couple shows for our clients. Though we will not be hand on working with models or walking runways, we do have to make sure our clients have the best experience backstage while securing media interviews and basically staying out of everyone’s way. Though Fashion Week is really as glamorous as it seems, nothing that beautiful can be executed without a little blood, sweat and tears. Here is what a PR girl needs to have during New York Fashion Week:
Chic flats to run back and forth from testing sessions, heels for the actual show
A distinctive iPhone ring so you can hear your phone over the 254 others that are going off backstage
Coffee in the morning, coffee in the afternoon, coffee at night
Nail polish remover wipes (if you get a chip, time to take it off), face powder (you will sweat) and mascara/liquid eyeliner (you could be going from backstage to client drinks in a matter of minutes)
Trail mix packs to avoid starving and falling over
Your mom/best friend/therapist on speed dial
Calendar reminders of each show/appointment put into your phone, with alarms
SOS numbers saved in case anything should go wrong (and it almost always does)
Cheat sheet for clients (and yourself) with designer bios, designer pronunciation, editor bios and head shots
Advil
A scarf or jacket – backstage can be frigid, even though you’ll be running around like a mad person
Since being on vacation, I’ve had a lot of time to think about my priorities – not just for work, but for life as well. Since it’s been a crazy summer, A and I have let a few things fall to the wayside in the name of fun. Definitely necessary every once in a while, but in doing so I have lost sight of some important must-do’s to accomplish my goals.
So over this break, I’ve been making a mental list of things I want to accomplish, or begin to accomplish, before the summer ends. While some of it relates directly back to my career or the blog, I think some of the most important goals are those that are just for me. Some are small, some are steps to a bigger accomplishment or dream. Even if you’ve been working hard this week, I encourage you to take some time to yourself this weekend and define your dreams:
M’s goals:
Take time outside every day, whether it’s a run in the park or a walk to the grocery store
I’ve always wanted to learn French, so maybe start with some foreign films or finally purchase Rosetta Stone
Make sure all debts are paid – not just bills for the month, but any favors I said I would work for friends cash for cabs or nights out
Reorganize my closet – throw out any clothes that are cheap looking/don’t fit just right/are ruined
Adrianna and I have a few travel plans lined up for the summer, and most of them involve leaving directly from the office and getting on a train or hopping in the car. Similar to Summer Fridays, this is a tricky wardrobe situation that has to potential to go into inappropriate category, as well as completely uncomfortable.
Here are a few items that I think are must-have’s when traveling from the office to your sunny summer weekend location:
An easy-to-carry overnight bag. We’ve all seen those poor souls on the subway who haul luggage on their commute (I’ve been one of them from time-to-time). Invest in a quality leather weekend bag or duffel. My colleague has this one from Michael Kors and I’m OBSESSED.
A wrinkle free, breezy dress. Don’t try to get too fancy for your travels. Jersey dresses are your friends here. Try any from J.Crew, Old Navy or Anthropologie. If you find a style you love, purchase a few in different colors or prints.
Low-heel espadrilles or easy flat sandals. No heels when traveling, please. Ever.
In-transit entertainment. If you’re traveling with girlfriends, they can be your entertainment! Otherwise, download a new book on your Kindle (or reread Fifty Shades) and pack your iTunes with some new jams to get you in the summer spirit.
Have an idea for Fashion Fridays? Let us know with a tweet at @nycprgirls!
I’m headed home for a long weekend celebrating my brother’s graduation, so luckily I am out of the city just as we’re experiencing the first heat wave of the season. However, this week of sweating got me thinking of the must haves for keeping your commute in the city as comfortable as possible. Here are a few things you’re going to need to stay stylish as you strut into the office this summer:
A great cross-body bag, to keep weight off your shoulders. I love the Cambridge bag, $155
Large hair clips. Even if you give yourself a great blow out, just spending five minutes outside will turn your hair limp
Comfortable flat shoes. Even if you’re a lover of heels, as I am, you need comfortable shoes to run to the train in. I wear Converse ($50), but Tom’s ($54) are another great option
Sunglasses are a must while commuting as well. Every PR girl needs at least two kinds of sunglasses – glamour shades, like a pair of Karen Walkers, and Ray Ban Aviators ($145)
We actually get a bunch of emails and tweets each week asking us about fashion choices for PR girls, both in the office and out around the town. PR girls are usually naturally clothes-curious – there isn’t one pre-event meeting or prep talk before a client face-to-face that doesn’t end with everyone talking about the outfits for the occasion. That’s why A and I have decided to bring back Fashion Fridays.
To kick it off, I wanted to address Summer Fridays in the office. My office in general is pretty laid back, but we’ve had to have several “talkings-to” regarding summer office attire. While New York gets disgustingly humid – commutes are sweaty and skyscrapers provide little breeze – that is no excuse to wear hot pants and club clothes in your cubicle. Luckily, this season is full of bright colors and fun patters to give your Summer Fridays some pizazz.
As A mentioned yesterday, she and I are SO ready for May to be here and summer to get underway. I’ve always considered Memorial Day the unofficial start of summer, especially here in New York. Though it has been rainy all week, With the holiday weekend just weeks away, I’m mentally and physically preparing myself for my favorite season to start. Here are a few things Adrianna and I are doing to prepare:
Perfect the weekend outfit, including lace shorts, beach tees, neon necklaces and flat sandals (I like Joe Fresh, Zara and J.Crew for all of the above)
Keep the refrigerator stocked with favorites, like A’s Skinny Girl Margaritas and M’s mini Moets
Make plans for travel to Jersey Shore, Montauk, Cape Cod, Boston and the Finger Lakes
It’s hard to believe Fashion Week has already come and gone. While we’re sad to leave the crazy, glamourous shows and parties behind us, the end of NYFW means the beginning of spring and other fantastic things to look forward to.
Below I’ve listed out some of our favorite things from Fashion Week that will be dearly missed:
New York City is already its own runway, but now it’s on steroids
The rush you get when entering Lincoln Center with a show ticket in your hand
Adrianna and I were lucky enought to check out the Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet collection last night. Rather than being on the runways in Lincoln Center, Stacey threw a more intimate event in the warehouse (potentially a garage?) on the west side. I almost prefer the Run of Show Fashion Week events, as you get up close and personal with the fashions and meet a lot of great people along the way.
The dresses at Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet were absolutely gorgeous, and A and I couldn’t decide on a favorite look. We just casually strolled, eating ice cream and day dreaming about the glamorous fashions in front of us.
As many of you know, Mercedes-Benz Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week started last week. This weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend two shows: Christian Siriano at Eyebeam Studio and Lela Rose at Lincoln Center. Both shows were beautiful and extremely different.
Christian’s Fall 2012 collection was inspired by creatures of the night – including vampires and bats. The entire show was dark with some pops of red and gold.
On the contrary, Lela’s Fall 2012 collection consisted of graphic designs and architectural structure.
If you are attending any of the shows this season, here are a few things to note:
Fashion shows always start late – unless you’re Marc Jacobs
Celebrities always arrive last – good indication of when the shows about to start
If you’re standing, there’s a good chance you can find a seat once the show starts
Make sure your phone is FULLY charged
Take video of the finale to review all of outfits after you leave
Try to avoid the madness after the show if you can
