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.

Artists and Super-Models

I remember when I saw “the September Issue”, I was shocked when I heard that Anna Wintour was the person who suggested putting celebrities on the cover of “Vogue”. In our modern age it seems “Vogue” covers are reserved almost exclusively for people like J Lo and Sarah Jessica Parker. But, there was a point where it was only models that graced the covers. And, in a way celebrities killed the super model. I remember the days of Linda, Christy, and Claudia, where models were super. If anyone would share my love for that age of powerful but rail thin women being the biggest stars in the world I think it would be Anna. That’s why I love Coco Rocha she is the closest we have to a modern day super model. She has recognition, countless campaigns and is a celebrity in her own right. Well last night at Zac Posen, she was joined by Naomi Campbell and Karolina Kurkova. Aside from getting to see the show in person, admittedly from the street but still, it was home to an amazing fashion moment. This photo of three amazing models hugging their designer makes me long for the days of models drinking champagne, living large and never daring to fly commercial. There are a few days left, but I think this is going the be THE moment from this year’s NYFW. In case you’re wondering, aside from supporting their friend Zac Posen, the girls were all there for their upcoming show “The Face”. I don’t know much about it, aside who is involved but that leads me to believe I will be watching.

Ryan’s Song

Before the games happened, I posted about the beautiful spread in June’s Vogue. And, pointed out Ryan got the cover and Michael Phelps got… well nothing.

I am not a sports person, usually. There are a few exceptions to that statement, like the world series or super bowl. But, my attitude towards sports is just rooting for my family teams; the Jets, the Mets and the Rangers. So I don’t know if it’s the odd sports, the pageantry or the skimpy swim suits but something makes the Olympics special. Every four years, I become obsessed with our summer games. Researching our athletes, reading everything I can about the ceremonies and then watching like a madman. Even this past summer, with all of the epic fail surrounding NBC’s coverage I stuck through it. I don’t think I was alone in my observation that as this year’s games kicked off there was a shift in America’s hearts when it came to swimming. In the place of Michael Phelps on all of the magazines, including the June Vogue was Ryan Lochte. Now, aside from being a great swimmer who found a lot of success in London, Ryan won us over in many other ways. One he is so much more attractive that Michael. That’s not a drag at Phelps, it’s genetic fact. Second he wore a diamond grill on the podium. When was the last time we saw a grill? When Paul Wall was rapping about them? But, then just when your crush on Ryan was raging the old interviews came out. And it turned out this sexy swimming powerhouse was the most lovable ditz since 2004 Jessica Simpson. Botched answers to simple questions, the most elementary of mistakes in his tweets and the “JEAH!” catchphrase it was all too much. Ryan became my favorite Olympian, surpassing several other candidates like that bitchy girl who made faces through everything.

Ryan and I after he hunted us fans down. How handsome does he look in that Ralph Lauren suit?

So when I saw that Ryan was here in New York City to do press rounds I knew I had to move. I tried to figure out how to get tickets for his Jimmy Fallon appearance – unsuccessfully. So my friends and I hung around to see if we could meet him. When it looked bleak we devised a plan. All day, people had tweeted Ryan and his publicist Megan about being fans and she would hook it up. Bring Ryan over to fans, or vice versa. We figured she had probably met her good deed quota of the day but decided to try regardless. We tweeted her… A lot. And, just as the towel was about to be thrown in she tweeted back. She asked our exact location – with cross streets and then had the car drive over to where we were. She then got out, asked if we were the fans and called Ryan out of the car. There he stood, Olympic gold medalist, Ralph Lauren model and the inventor of JEAH. He took photos, he signed magazines, he chatted about Olympic victories.

Ryan outside the studio with a crowd of admirers who spotted him as they walked by. He was a champ with all of them.

It was amazing, but good news travels fast. Throngs of tourists slowed down to see what was going on and before you knew it there were 100 people surrounding him. Ryan was a champ and kept talking and being nice to everyone who stopped to say hi and congratulate him. It was just an incredible moment seeing people get to meet their Olympic hero who they watched for weeks. But, what it even more special was seeing Ryan respond so warmly and so genuinely. He seemed so happy to meet people, and responded so sincerely to all of the compliments from the fans and people walking by. Seeing people meet their sports hero and hearing all the ways he and his London success had impressed, inspired and touched people was enough to make me see why people love sports.

Mission: Impossible Conversations

This year’s Fashion Institute Exhibit – Impossible Conversation runs now through August 19th.

Certain things about us are hereditary, for example my sister and I have my father’s dark brown eyes, his cute button nose and my mother’s thin hair. Other things are taught by example, such as my family’s gift for sarcasm and zingers, our ability to remain calm in the face of crisis and our proclivity to procrastinate until the very last minute. That last one has bit me in the ass countless times, including last summer when I waited until the final two weeks to see “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art here in New York City. When Dana and I finally made it to the exhibit in the middle of August, the wait time for admission was quoted at three hours. Luckily, it was actually closer to 90 minutes. Regardless it was insanity and I learned my lesson. This year I would make sure to go see “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” nice and early to avoid the lines and chaos that comes later in the season.

A lot of focus on the designer’s focus on opposite ends of the form. Prada loves shoes, Schiaparelli loved hats.

My friend June and I met on the top of the MET steps on Friday night to take in the exhibit. My expectations were high from last year’s amazing exhibit. But, at the same time I hopped that it would be better edited as I felt “Savage Beauty” went on forever. I was not disappointed, the exhibit was the perfect length (it took us about an hour to take it all in). You are greeted with a short film featuring the two designers seated at an ornate table having dinner together. The exhibit uses these Baz Luhrmann directed features to imagine how these two designers separated by time would coexist. The exhibit itself juxtaposed their design style, specifically how Schiaparelli preferred to play the top body’s top half, and Prada focuses on the bottom half. It then shows how both women went against expectations and tradition to find success. I found some of the connections to be a stretch, that could be applied to any two designers or artists. But, relished the chance to learn about and see some of Schiaparelli’s creations in person. Her dialogue in the films was made up of quotes from her memoir, brought to life by Judy Davis. I found her to be polarizing and much more interesting than Prada.

The finale of the exhibit.

Towards the end of the exhibit the two women discuss the idea of fashion being art. Schiaparelli says yes of course, where as Prada disagrees saying designing clothes is just a job. Ironic Prada should say this as she is the one who lived to see her work featured in one of the world’s foremost art museums. It was here that Schiaparelli’s work with Dali was featured, showing just how much her fashions were art. It was her fashion is art and inspiration is all around us attitude that charmed me. Especially compared to Prada’s everything has been done, I hate my past collections mindset which felt like a fashion world cliche. I wish that the exhibit had focused more on Schiaparelli’s downfall in the fashion world. How did a woman who once rivaled Coco Chanel become a footnote in fashion history?

Regardless of how thin the theme is at points, the fashion porn makes it worth seeing.

The last line of the final short film has the two fashion legends pondering if they would be friends or foes if they designed in the same time period. My friend June said it best when she replied they would frenemies. Its musings like that paired with the copious amounts of fashion porn that make the exhibit work. Even at points where the connections between the two designers are a stretch. All in all, it’s very interesting, very beautiful and very worth checking out if you have the opportunity. Just make sure to do so before the procrastinator rush at the end of the season, because while it may be chic to be fashionably late, a three hour wait in line is never in style.

Anna Wintour at the Olympics

Anna & I have a lot in common, including a passion for the Olympics.

I am not a big sports person, I mean we were raised as Jets and Mets fans in my house. But, with the exception of a Mets jacket I got for my fourth birthday I have never been a very passionate fan. However, my dormant sports fan comes alive every four years. I don’t know if it’s the national pride, the high stakes or the skimpy swimsuits but I love the summer Olympics. In 20o8 as I watched the games held in Beijing I attempted to talk my father, my friends and anyone else I met into flying to London for this year’s games. Sadly, it did not happen for me this year but there’s always 2016, right?

My favorite Olympian may not be featured in the spread, so here’s a photo from our shoot last year.

Apparently I am not the only one who gets Olympic fever. My best friend, worst enemy and dream boss Anna Wintour dedicated this month’s cover to the athletes who are hoping to land a spot on the US Olympic team. In a feature Vogue calls “Country Strong” they profile several of the most famous American athletes. Dwayne Wade, Serena Williams and Ryan Lochte just to name a few. And while I loved the spread featuring Ryan and several other male Olympians alongside Karly Kloss I did have one problem. Where was Michael Phelps? Having a feature with male Olympic athletes and not featuring Micheal? That’s like having a fashion show without inviting Anna Wintour. Now Anna and I rarely disagree on things, especially the things she features and highlights in her monthly fashion bible. But, this oversight is too big to overlook. I don’t think that he deserved the cover. A look at the pre-Olympics races shows him in second place behind Ryan. Plus while I love Michael, I will admit Ryan is a much more attractive cover boy. Regardless of Micheal’s involvement the cover is beautiful as is the inlaying spread. And for my trivia buffs, Ryan Lochte has joined an elite team even before the Olympic games started. He now stands alongside George Clooney, Richard Gere and Lebron James as the only men who have been featured on a Vogue cover. The games are less than 100 days away, so we will soon see which of these amazing athletic talents will bring America glory and if they look fierce while doing it.

Hugging Jessica Chastain

Last week, I posted all about my adventures at the MET Gala. While sharing my stories and sightings I mentioned that I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica Chastain. And lost my damn mind. Now, those of you who know me, know I am usually pretty level headed when it comes to meeting celebrities. So I wanted to share this picture of me and Jessica hugging on 79th street, where it is obvious I am having an excitement stroke. I feel like I should be embarrassed but she was so receptive and seemed equally as excited as I was that I feel like it’s funny. It’s not all good news though, when Jessica and I crossed paths there were rumors she would be starring opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 3. The idea of Gwyneth and Jessica starring in a movie together? AMAZING. But, sadly Jessica took to Facebook to announce her schedule was too full for her to take part and it won’t be working out. I look forward to seeing who fills Jessica’s shoes in Iron Man 3. But, I can pretty much guarantee whoever it is will never get as enthusiastic a reaction as Jessica did.

The Drab Days Are Over…

Florence Welch on Monday night in Alexander McQueen.

From the moment I saw it while standing outside the MET on Monday night, I was in love with the Alexander McQueen gown Florence Welch wore to the MET Gala. And, a few seconds after that I began to take heat for it. My friend Lauren hated it. Later on, while we were watching “Dancing with the Stars” and eating pizza, Lauren read that the gown was an Alexander McQueen and said “no wonder you love it.” Later on when Dana and June joined us, Dana also shaded Flo’s McQueen. And, a quick Google search will show you countless sites saying negative things about the gown. I’ve read that it was tacky, busy, too much and weird. But, I don’t see any of that when I look at it. I see just a beautiful dress that looks like a fashion fantasy come to live.

This photo is what inspired this blog, the movement of the gown is so beautiful. It really is a piece of art.

Flashback to 2006, when SJP wore an Alexander McQueen tartan gown to that year’s MET Gala.

What I find most comical about this influx of negativity is that it gives me deja vu. In 2006, Sarah Jessica Parker went to the MET Gala on the arm of Lee McQueen himself, in a tartan gown. The tabloids and fashion blogs tore her apart for it. Fast forward to 2011 after we lost McQueen, the same gown was featured in the “Savage Beauty” exhibit. Funny how it went from the worst dressed list to a piece of art featured in a museum in just a few short years. Now, Flo’s gown is not only from the designer honored last year with his own exhibit. The frock looks awfully similar to ones featured in said exhibit. Turn to page 110 in your “Savage Beauty” hardcover coffee table book if you don’t believe me! The idea that almost a million people waited on line for hours to see McQueen creations but then throw shade at Florence for wearing one is crazy. Like Nigel says in “the Devil Wears Prada”, fashion is better than art, because you live your life in it. So please, don’t hate on my girl Florence for living her life in a masterpiece.

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 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.