The Longest Week: My NYFW Diary

While fashion is always important here in New York City, twice a year it enters a new level of importance. The tents pop up in Lincoln Center and create an epicenter where the fashion elite, the famous and everyone in between show up to see what we will be wearing next season. Every year, the Fall Fashion Week is kicked off by Fashion’s Night Out. I blogged that my FNO was less fabulous than year’s past, despite rubbing elbows with Coco Rocha and Kellan Lutz. Well, my NYFW more than made up for the sluggish start. I sat out Friday’s adventures as I had a date. And, while fashion may be a major love of my life, it’s not going to buy me candy this Valentine’s day. But, from then on I made sure to pop by the tents at least once a day to see what was happening. Saturday night, I stopped by and got to see that even though a literal storm was brewing, there was still a storm of fashion surrounding the tents. In the eye of that storm, was Brad Goreski surrounded by a camera crew for his Bravo reality series. Literally, right after my encounter with Mr. Goreski, the skies opened and the actual storm hit New York.

The next day, my friends and I organized an outing to the tents to watch the fashion and the stars together. The day was much better in terms of weather, I saw two MTV stars who were New York Fashion Week staples Lauren Conrad and Holland Roden. I got to chat with Holland for a few minutes, I made sure to congratulate her on the amazing season Teen Wolf just wrapped up. She said “we love you guys, as much as you love us. And it’s just so great and so fun to work on the show.” Sadly, she had no season three spoilers to share. and either did her co-star Colton Haynes who showed up a little later. Colton did however tell me “I’m going to see DVF, that’s going to be my favorite part” when I asked what was the best part of Fashion Week. Also in attendance to take in DVF’s show were Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen and Anna Sophia Robb. I was excited that the two actresses who played Carrie Bradshaw were in the same place, Anna told me on the way out they did in fact get to meet backstage. I wonder if SJP offered any advice on the role and running in heels. We also got to take in the outdoor Zac Posen show. The man of the hour himself even told us before the show that he was both “excited and nervous” and that you always want to feel like that before a show. His show of course was a tremendous success and hosted that super supermodel moment I blogged about.

Jessica Chastain and I after her NYT Q&A. While Jessica stuns in Alexander McQueen, I try to keep up with a Calvin Klein shirt, Mad Men for Banana Republic vest and jeans by H&M.

Monday, I took the day off from watching the action around the tents. Instead, Lauren had invited me to be her Plus One to a fabulous art party. TBD Art was hosting a party to celebrate their fifth artist collaboration. We got to see the art of Daniel St. George and even meet the artist himself all while enjoying absinthe cocktails and a delicious spread. Even though we were sure we would not run into Anna Wintour, both Lauren and I kept it stylish. While the party kept us from the New York Times Q&A our favorite actress Jessica Chastain was doing down the street. It allowed us to make the tail end of it and get to see Jessica. We discussed her Fashion’s Night Out which she said “was so much fun. I mean, could it get any better than that Jason Wu dress?” She also went on to say she’s currently in rehearsals for “the Heiress” and that they are going well. We also had a love fest complimenting each other’s outfits. After that absinthe fueled run-in with Ms. Chastain, I spent some of Tuesday at the tents with Lauren. We saw lots of people coming and going from various shows including Lauren Conrad, Kevin and Danielle Jonas, Minka Kelly and Jenna Dewan Tatum. The fabulous Mrs. Channing Tatum told me she had A LOT of fun filming American Horror Story and that she thinks the show came great and very scary. How could she not have fun when her scenes are rumored to be shared with Adam Levine?

I decided I had energy for one final day of NYFW, so after my friend Kathy got out of work Lauren and I met her to check out the Proenza Schouler show. Held at 5 Beekman the show was a perfect end to Fashion Week. It attracted all four Vogue heavy hitters, Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowls, Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley. Aside from the editorial power players, it also attracted fashionable stars like Florence Welsh, Kate Bosworth and Jessica Chastain. Kate Bosworth raved me to that the show was “incredible and absolutely amazing” while wearing a stunning ensemble from the designers. When I pressed Jessica Chastain for which show was her favorite she playfully shoved me and said “Oh honey! I couldn’t pick… It would be like picking a favorite child.” I think that’s the perfect way to put it, each day was a little different but each one was a lot of fun. Every fashion week I get to see and learn a little bit more, this year even getting to take in the al freso Zac Posen show. I was also struck by how many people who were hanging around the tents were from out of town. A woman from Mississippi was telling me about her interaction with Andre Leon. I didn’t even think they know had Vogue in Mississippi. That’s one of the amazing things about fashion, it attracts and unites so many different kinds of people and not just for two weeks a year, but every single day.

Miracle on 59th Street

June, Kathy, Lauren and I at Bloomingdales.

I have often said that Fashion’s Night Out is my favorite holiday, but last night solidified that it is in fact holiday-like. Because whatever holiday you celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ramadan, etc. there is always that year that your celebration is a disaster. Yesterday I was ahead of schedule at 4:30 and decided to run to my local drug store to print some photos. Only, I couldn’t find my camera. After an hour of searching, which led to me literally shaking and sweating because the last 9 months of my life is on that memory card I had to stop looking, get dressed and leave. I put the camera drama behind me, and headed to Longchamp in Rockerfeller Center. Before long, I had met up with Kathy and Lauren and we were sipping champagne and enjoying macaroons while awaiting Coco Rocha’s arrival. When she arrived, looking stunning in Diesel and carrying a bag from Longchamp she mingled for a bit before debuting her new campaign film “Oh! My Bike”. The film was really cute and the event at Longchamp was amazing. When I spoke to Coco, I congratulated her on her fabulous write up in the New York Times and even got her to tell me she may be making an appearance at NYFW for a very special show.

My favorite model Coco Rocha and I at the Longchamp store’s premiere of “Oh! My Bike”.

If I had known what awaited me at my second stop of the night, I think I would have stayed at Longchamp and drank champagne and chatted with Coco forever. Kellan Lutz was appearing at Bloomingdales for an event for Charisma bedding. The event was due to run from 7 – 9 and we got there around 7:40. When we arrived, we were informed the line was closed and we would not be allowed to meet him. A manager came over and told us to wait it out, and if they could get us up to see our pal Kellan, they would. An hour and thirty minutes later, after we waited in line in a store with NO food or drinks being served they told us to leave. Now, I have no problem being told that something is going to work in my favor. Okay, that’s a lie. But, the way in which this bib-necklace wearing Zoe Saldana wannabe said it rubbed me the wrong way. At first she suggested we hit another event in the store, when we informed her they were all over she told us “go walk up fifth avenue and find something else to do”. What kind of customer service is that? To tell people to leave your store and hit a different one? She then went on to tell us that she was in charge of the event, that she was in PR, and berate us with insults for waiting. When I politely pointed out to her that the night was pretty much over and we had waited so long here that we wanted to see this through she backed down. When Kellan got up from the event was about to head out, I called out to him and he came right over to me. I said to him Kellan, they wouldn’t let us into your event. He pushed his pointer into my shoulder and laughingly said “well then why did you guys get here so late?” I considered telling him about my need to see Coco, but kept mum as he pulled me in for a big hug.

This photo of Kellan and I nearly didn’t happen. It’s kind of a miracle it did.

Kellan always a gentleman, took photos with all of us and then headed off to an interview. The victory of getting to see him, after rudely being told I would not was satisfying. But, the pacing of the event ate up our entire night. My plans to see Jessica Chastain at Jeffrey and Allison Williams at DVF were ruined. This also marks the first time I have not seen my Queen Anna Wintour at any point of the night. But, the thing is somehow I still had fun. I mean how could I not? Running around the city with my friends, all of us dressed to the nines and drinking champagne (when we could find it) and seeing some of our favorite stars. Even if the customer service and staff at Bloomingdales wasn’t magical, they were unable to dampen a magical night.

Careers Opportunity

Happy Fashion’s Night Out BEST Blog readers. Hope you’re all hard at work prepping for my favorite holiday. I am somehow ahead of schedule and decided to fire off a little well wish for all those about to hit the stores. My outfit is ironed and my errands are ran. Yesterday, I even got to help my friend Lauren the Professional Fan Girl pick her outfit for tonight at a designer’s studio. I hope my outfit can compete with the fabulous one Lauren will be wearing and all of the ones my friends will be sporting. After we hit the showroom, we ran to the New York Public Library where we bumped into Hunger Games star Alexander Ludwig. He was taking in the Joseph Abboud fashion show alongside Ryan Locthe, Kellan Lutz and Hunter Parrish. Alexander was very excited about his first NYFW and even high fived me when he noticed we were both sporting white pants. It was a fabulous, albeit unexpected kick off to Fashion Week here in NYC. While this does give you a little sneak peak at my hair for tonight, please know I will be stepping up the style in terms of fashion. Have fun, stay fabulous and enjoy yourselves tonight!

How We MET…

Drunk and dressed in a Justin Bieber t-shirt with Anne Hathaway…

Earlier I posted all about my latest adventure at Monday night’s MET Gala. But, I thought I would come to explain how the MET Gala went from something I read about online the morning after to something I went out to watch in person. My MET Gala history is brief, two years ago after attending a trivia game night at Southern Hospitality that a friend was holding, we stumbled upon the after party for the gala. And, like Christopher Columbus before us, our accidental discovery was a treasure trove of fabulous. A group of us perched in front of the Mark Hotel and met Anne Hathaway, Michael Kors and Donnatella Versace. It should be stated for the record, I was in a Bieber Fever t-shirt and was very drunk on frozen margaritas. So the following year, I had decided to dress a little nicer and maybe not get white girl wasted prior to the East Coast version of the Oscars. And thus, a tradition was born.

2012.

2011.

2010.

Like I said, I made sure to try and dress a little nicer. I mean, I always try to dress nice wherever I go. But, I decided to put on a little bow tie and a black jacket. Some people snickered thinking I had rented a tux. But, I want it known it is a basic sports jacket and a bow tie. Sorry it looks like a million bucks. It is all smoke and mirrors. If you look at the photos, the effort pays off. Especially when juxtaposed with that first year in the t-shirt. Plus Monday night, I got compliments from Coco Rocha and Cheyenne Jackson. Even more noteworthy, when I said hello to Anna Wintour on Monday night, she smiled (WITH TEETH!) when she said hello back and to be honest her opinion matters a little more than… well pretty much anyone.

MET Ball-er…

God save the Queen.

It has been previously stated here on BEST Blog, that my favorite holiday is Fashion’s Night Out. The celebration of retail, fashion and celebrities is an annual Autumn cornucopia of things Brian Tuft lives for. But, if Fashion’s Night Out is Christmas, then Monday night’s MET Gala was Easter. It is the night Anna reserects after dying for our sins by planning a fabulous charity gala. Each year Anna is reborn more fabulous, more successful and more inspiring. Monday Night’s Gala was to celebrate the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibit “Schiarpelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”. The annual CI exhibit is one of my favorite things. I loved installations of years past like “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”, “Celebrating Chanel” and “Model and Muse”. Obviously, last year’s McQueen exhibit “Savage Beauty” was more like a religious experience than a museum trip for me. Needless to say, May 10th cannot get here soon enough. But, until it does I have the memories of Monday night to keep me occupied.

Coco Rocha and I, doesn’t she look so chic in her vintage Givenchy suit? A recent acquisition from the Liz Taylor auctions.

My friend Lauren and I met outside the MET on Monday night and settled in to watch arrivals. We watched as Chace Crawford, Eva Mendez, Kristen Stewart and countless others filed out of their SUVs and into the tent. At one point, we could see directly into the lavish tent. Perfectly lit, lined with photographers and an immaculate red carpet draped down the most famous stoop in New York City. Watching Florence Welch and Rihanna walk up the stairs, it was like looking into a fabulous, A-list doll house. The night only improved from there, I got to see and encounter countless stars which is always exciting. But, with all of the gawkers and stalkers you were usually limited to a quick blur as Tim Tebow, Justin Timberlake and Liv Tyler ran from the madness in their black tie fab. I did get the chance to chat with Coco Rocha one of my favorite models. She was donning a yellow paint suit that was a recent purchase from the Elizabeth Taylor auction. The Hollywood legend not only wore the suit, but apparently spilled red wine on it. I couldn’t spot any stains but they almost apparently stopped Rocha from wearing it. Until Vogue editors reminded her that the stain was Liz Taylor’s and that makes it okay. I told Coco how chic she looked and guess what? She looked me in the eyes and said “you do too”. I DIE.

Cheyenne Jackson, he’s played roles on Glee, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty and frequently appears in my dreams.

Later, I got to meet Cheyenne Jackson, Broadway veteran, TV star and all around dream boat. I told him how excited I was to see him on the 30 Rock Live show last month and when I inquired why he was not on more regularly he said he wasn’t really sure and it wasn’t up to him. To which I say, Tina Fey get your shit together. After that, we spotted real life Snow White and Prince Charming Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas as they party hopped. They were as gracious as their storybook counterparts. Dallas even got to play White Knight to Goodwyn when an overzealous fan got a little excited. My favorite encounter of the night was Jessica Chastain. Regular readers know how much I love Jessica, but it may surprise you to know I lost my proverbial shit while speaking with her. I babbled incessantly about how much I love her, the Jessica Chastain movie club Lauren and I started and how sweet she is. She was so gracious and told me how sweet I was and that she loved me too. Ugh, I can’t with her she’s so flawless.

Finally, while I didn’t get to see all of the gowns in person I thought that the MET Gala had so many amazing fashion moments. The outfit I was most obsessed with was Florence Welch’s Alexander McQueen gown. It was over the top sure, but it was so fun and so beautiful and everything the MET Gala and Costume Institute is about. Beauty, glamor, craftsmanship. I got the chance to tell Flo how much I loved it and she thanked me wholeheartedly and even blew me a kiss. My second favorite was Amy Adams who looked stunning in Giambattista Valli. Third place goes to Hilary Swank who turned out the glam on the arm of date Michael Kors who made the beautiful red halter gown she wore. I also want to shout out my girl Gwyneth. I wasn’t crazy about the Prada apron. But, it was exciting to see you in a new silhouette. Still love you girl, and let’s be real you were never going to top the Tom Ford from the Oscars.

The thing that stinks about the MET Gala, FNO or even real holidays is that they are so short. I look forward to this evening every year, even before I went and gawked at the couture in real life. And even with all the anticipation it is still just one night, one fabulous, glamorous and star studded night. Just as I start to feel the post holiday depression we all get, I remember… Only a few more days until the exhibit opens to the public. And only 362 days until the next MET Gala. Forget the Conversation, the Impossible part is going to be the wait until next year.

My New York Fashion Week Diary – A Rainbow of Fabulous

Welcome to Fashionland.

Twice a year, New York is invaded. The city is usually uber fashionable and style obsessed, but for two weeks a year it goes into hyper drive. It was a few years ago I first began heading over to the tents in Bryant Park to see and be seen, and now I head up to Lincoln Center. The atmosphere around the tents is incredible, it’s a one of a kind place to see amazing street style, your favorite fashion insiders, celebrities and everyone in between. With me being a few weeks away from classes kicking off and being on a tight budget, going to tents to kill some time before grabbing lunch or coffee with my friends was a no-brainer. It eats up time, it’s entertaining and for all intensive purposes – it’s free. Plus, this is the one time of year where who you wear is more important than who you are. The right outfit could get you photographed all over street style blogs or even into an event, which should further explain why I love this week so much.

Gabe Saporta & I after the Tommy Hilfiger Men's Show.

Twinsies! Dan Byrd and I at the Paley Center's Cougar Town panel.

The week kicked off with the amfAR gala that I blogged about last week, and what an amazing way to kick things off. So amazing that I couldn’t work up the strength to leave the house the next day. After a brief recovery I was back in the game. I was having dinner with my friend Kimberly who runs Polished in Pink on Friday night. She lives on the UES, so we met at the Park Avenue Armory to see who we could spot at the Tommy Hilfiger mens show. Tommy had a pretty decent turn out with NYFW it-boy Kellan Lutz, Bradley Cooper and Gabe Saporta. I was so excited to see Gabe – he used to be friendly with my art teacher in high school so I’ve know him for years. We’re kinda friends, only not really. It’s funny to see him be so famous now, but I am happy to report he is still one of coolest guys ever. Saturday night I attended the Paley Center’s panel with the cast of Cougar Town. My friend Nicole secured me a ticket, and it was such a fun event. While obviously not an officially sanctioned NYFW event, I still made sure to dress to impress. Also. Cougar Town is HILARIOUS. It was my first time ever watching it, but it’s now on the DVR schedule.

HRH Queen of Fashion Anna Wintour and I being besties outside the Victoria Beckham show.

Sunday morning after attending real Church, I headed to Fashion Church with Lauren, who you all know from PFG. Victoria Beckham was holding her presentation at the 42nd Street Library. The crowd was so different from any other show, lots of Brits and serious fashion people. No Whitney Port or Olivia Palermo types, just chic style insiders out in their Sunday best for Posh. While I did not see Posh or her husband Becks who was in the front row, I did get the ultimate encounter for my Fashion Week bingo. ANNA WINTOUR. As someone who has had a Vogue subscription for years, owns the September Issue and views FNO as their biggest Fall holiday – I worship her. But, it’s always been so busy or hectic I’ve never felt right approaching her. This particular morning I couldn’t help myself. While I had so much I wanted to tell her, like how much I love the September Issue or how I admire her for legitimizing an industry that is often viewed as frivolous or her amazing work with the CFDA, I said nothing because I was in awe she answered in the affirmative to my photo request.

Brad Goreski and I after he told me I looked cute. Couldn't he give me a heads up my tie was crooked?

The Fashion Police's Sheriff Joan Rivers and I.

The rest of NYFW, Lauren who was my partner in crime for a majority of the week and I took it easy, I didn’t think NYFW was going to peak higher than Anna. One day during the week we peeped the scene at Lincoln Center, since we hadn’t been by the tents. I saw so many amazing outfits parading in and out of Lincoln Center’s courtyard. Even when people are wearing sparkle capes and fashion turbans and look slightly ridiculous I give them so much snaps for being courageous enough to wear something so bold. On this particular day, Joan Rivers was around doing a little shooting for one of her shows. Apparently, she was flashing her Fashion Police badge and chatting with people about what else? Fashion. When I asked her for a photo, (how could I not) she spanked my butt when I accidentally revealed I don’t watch Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best. Love her. Our last Fashion Week adventure was for Marchesa which we swung by before the MAC Viva Glam party. Marchesa brought out Taylor Momsen, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Rachel Zoe and her former assistant/arch nemesis Brad Goreski among others. I was so excited to see Brad, as I’ve been watching Brad, Brad World. I always loved him on the Rachel Zoe Project but getting to see him take center stage and seeing his boyfriend is a Queens girl, like me has made me love him more.

Lauren and then I hightailed it from the Plaza where Marchesa was holding court to the west side for Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj‘s Viva Glam party. Nicki Minaj actually got us invited, she really loves her Barbz. And, in case you doubt that a 24 year old white man from an upper middle class family can be a Barb, just watch me karaoke Super Bass. The party was amazing, at one point I was inside a Coco Rocha, Tinsley Mortimer and Alexander Wang triangle. Nicki and Ricky made a rousing speech about how important Mac and their Viva Glam campaign’s efforts are. I admire them both for not only throwing a great party, but for throwing their celebrity behind a cause as vital as HIV/AIDS. I am just sad that I didn’t get to thank Nicki for getting Lauren and I into the party, I hope one day I do because it was such a fun, glamorous night. To quote Nicki herself, I wish I could have that moment for life.

All in all, my NYFW was amazing. While my serious style did not get me into any shows, I did get to see some amazing clothes and meet some amazing people. In the Fall, I need to work on getting a ticket to at least one show to cross number 16 off my 25 List. But, for now I will enjoy the memories and good times I had at this week. A big thank you to Nicki Minaj for inviting me to her party, the stranger who took my photo thus making my whole day and to my friend Lauren who treated to lunch and coffee when my shoestring budget didn’t allow for me to get it myself.

My 2011 Fashion’s Night Out Diary

In my New York life, there are a few events that occur only once a year that get me truly excited. The Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade, the Tribecca film festival, and most recently Fashion’s Night Out. The event is the brain child of Diane VonFurstenberg, Mayor Bloomberg and queen of print media and Brian Tuft’s saint canonization nominee Anna Wintour. Started in 2009 its a night where the stores remain open late, offer promotions and have fabulous parties filled with giveaways, celebrities and designer appearances. It is without question my favorite holiday, think of it as a Fashion Halloween. Instead of costumes you don your most fabulous outfits and instead of candy you collect champagne and other goodies by going store to store. I’ve participated the last two years, and I wasn’t going to miss the third annual Fashion’s Night Out for anything.

FNO 2009

FNO 2010

My first FNO was amazing. I can not put into words how much fun I had because it wasn’t big things, it was small moments and feelings. My second FNO was not as great, it started out strong but then I spent the larger part of an hour on a bus. Buses are not okay. Plus my outfit was terrible, the wide leg forest green trousers and my baggy Viktor & Rolf sweater was such a fashion mistep. So this year I was out for two things – a commemorative FNO tee and redemption. I thought long and hard about the outfit I would wear, and rather than buying something new I would instead look into the past and pull together my favorite pieces and wear something representative of my personal style. I don’t want to brag, but I hit it out of the fucking park.

My new BFFs and I at Dolce and Gabana.

I got a late start, but headed up Madison to the Dolce & Gabana party. Word had gotten out that Justin Bieber would be hosting, so it was a complete and utter mad house. D&G had been on my agenda long before JB because I wanted to see Asher Roth perform. I waited online for about 30 minutes before I was finally granted access to the shindig. Before I got in, Anna Wintour had arrived. Just like last year as she walked past me I made sure to say hello to her, she smiled at me and said hello back. As she walked inside she said “enjoy youself tonight”. Once inside D&G I found Justin was hiding upstairs, Asher had not arrived and Scooter Braun their manager was talking about how everyone should donate to pencils of promise (his charity) and that they were figuring out what would transpire here. I went to get a glass of champagne, and there was none because of all of the children present. So as a recap there’s no champagne, there’s no Asher and there are more children in the store than most public schools. BTuft out. Before leaving I did get to talk to Tyson Beckford and I did get to say hello to Asher who I love. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, he’s really fun and he gets a lot of hate for no reason. He is the rap world’s Gwyneth Paltrow.

  

  I headed south to Roger Vivier to get some lessons on how to perfect my pose from Jessica Stam. She was so stunning in person, but up close I could see she was still human which made her even more beautiful to me. She gave me some pointers although my posing was pretty much on lock and we discussed the beautiful shoes that surrounded us in the boutique. Next I wanted to go to Stuart Whitzman to meet Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg as they promoted shoes they designed for charity. But, fate dealt me an ace. On my way past Ann Taylor I heard the familiar riffs of Strip Me by Natasha Bedingfield and discovered she was performing inside the store. I have loved NB for years, I saw her in concert for the first time almost 6 years ago and just adore her. It was an amazing intimate set and the crowd did not seem to know Natasha as well as I did. Natasha noticed that I knew all the words and pointed to me and smiled, the store manager must’ve noticed and would later allow me into the VIP meet and greet so I could chat with Natasha. It was just incredible. I told her about how much I loved the new album, how I hadn’t known about the show and it was a glorious fortunate surprise. At this point Dana had arrived and after we met Miss Bedingfield we headed back up Madison hitting any store with champagne. Finally we hit D&G which was now dead since JBiebz had dipped, when we got there the champagne was now flowing and Asher was sitting in a corner alone. Dana and I quickly grabbed some bubbly and then made sure there was one less lonely Asher. He was so chill, we chatted about FNO, seeing him in concert years ago, his new projects and even about Justin Bieber. After that we just grabbed dinner and I finally found my FNO shirt at DKNY.

  

While I had several fabulous run in’s and enjoyed chatting with some of my favorite fashion and music personalities this year felt just like the first year. It was more about feelings and small moments. When I got into the Justin Bieber party I felt so lucky, when I got complimented on my outfit I felt so glamourous, when I stumbled into a free concert by one of my favorite singers it was so amazing. The night was littered with possibilities – one minute I was headed to see actresses discuss their shoes the next I had found this performance. That’s what FNO is about, having fun, looking fabulous and never knowing what wonderful surprise is waiting for you just around the corner.

There’s Manhattan Fabulous… and then there’s Queens fabulous

So as some of you may have heard the economy is bad… A fact I was able to ignore for quite some time, until it began creeping off the news and into my realm. First, it was Dan Humphrey unable to get Financial Aid for Yale on Gossip Girl, then it was reported that the Sex and the City sequel will show the economic climate in NY. Most recently, I was watching The Rachel Zoe project, and Rach was complaining how in this “tough economic climate” that designers are not investing money in sending dresses around the world unless they know it’s going to be worn. I’m glad to hear that with 50% of my friends unemployed, even Rachel Zoe is also feeling the financial crisis. And, if the situation regarding Annie Hathaway’s Oscar dress in the previews is used a barometer Rachel is feeling it hard. But, back to the economy, it is in the toilet and every industry is feeling it, especially the Fashion Industry. So in order to re-spark people’s interest in fashion at least for one night, countless designers, retailers and Vogue magazine are banding together for a night all about fashion and shopping and supporting the industry.

Now to kick off all of this, Anna Wintour Queen of Vogue Magazine, High Priestess of Fashion and sister of Jadis the White Witch from Narnia is coming to the Macy’s in my neighborhood with Top American Designer Michael Kors to sign some t-shirts , mingle with the bourgeoisie and hopefully assist shoppers make better choices, because growing up in that area I know how seriously that situation needs addressing. So I am so of course there, I mean I love celebrity sightings and I love fashion. So while thinking about what to wear, it dawned on me what does one discuss with Anna Wintour? “Your fur coat is so lovely Miss Wintour” “Your bob hair cut is so perfect Miss Wintour” or maybe “I don’t think you were really that mean to Anne Hathaway”. So to get more of an idea of what she is like, and also to see what the buzz is about, I went to go see “The September Issue”.

I heard good things, I knew a little bit about La Wintour and figured since I paid $12 to see Transformers 2 Revenge of the Fallen that I could shell out the money to see a documentary about a very prominent figure in the fashion and print world and also get a peak into the workings of a magazine’s printing since I’m interested in maybe doing something in the magazine world. Now, you should know the preperation that went into going to the movies by myself on the Friday night of Labor Day Weekend was ridiculous. I tried on several outfits, got the Gucci out of the dust bag, shaved, showered and whitened my teeth. You would think Anna Wintour was actually going to be there the way I carried on, but my whole psychotic thing should be saved for another blog.

I get to the theater and feel good about myself, I had met my sister for Pinkberry, did a little window shopping in SoHo, the usual. I glance at the audience and I immediately felt like I was Roseanne Bar on an episode of America’s Next Top Model. Everywhere I looked, there were men who were perfect. Their hair coifed into perfection, their outfits all stylish and well fitting without looking overdone.
I run to the bathroom to get a look at myself and who I see in the mirror is barely recognizable. My hair once styled now looks as though I spent the night before sleeping in Grand Central. My outfit once stylish and cool now seems cheap and worst of all I with my average build now appear obese. On top of all this, I should tell you that the “stylish and cool” outfit I finally decided on just screamed out to me that leather boat shows were necessary. So I wore a pair of Sperry’s that were now cutting into me so badly I was wading around in my own blood. Also, I also bought myself a large popcorn that I then proceeded to spill all over the people in the row in front of me. I officially want to die. I was a #Hot Mess#.

Now, I always heard people in Queens say that they hate going into “the City” because the people there are snobs and you have to dress up to go out. But usually I was with people who I consider fabulous, so maybe I never noticed. But, I felt now that I had just been let in on a huge secret, like there was no Santa Claus. On my way out of the theater I overheard some people discussing things like “I need to run back to my place in Gramercy” or “Do you want to go meet so and so for a drink in the Meat Packing?” I now felt worse about the fact that I was going to take mass transit back to Queens. But, something dawned on me as I trudged towards the subway in blood soaked shoes, in my cheap outfit carrying my bargain basement Gucci. I shouldn’t be upset about the fact that I was headed to Queens, I should rejoice.

While I might look like a giant hot mess in the leagues of Lohan or Winehouse wondering around Manhattan, in Queens I was fucking fabulous. So maybe it’s a blessing that Anna Wintour is coming to Queens. In Queens when she looks at the large crowd of Queens area shoppers, she will see me with my now expensive looking outfit carrying a Gucci that cost me under a hundred dollars, but will make me look like a million bucks. Anna Wintour will know, that I, Brian Tuft, am fabulous… at least in this zip code.