Style and the City: Recap of New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

I slipped and managed to do a 150 degree split in the middle of an Italian restaurant on the upper-west side. Yes, like in true Katie style, I must somehow embarrass myself at least once a day. Thankfully I caught myself on the booth nearby and no one, not even Diane, whom I was dining with, noticed my almost crash to the floor. Of course, with my uncontrollable laughter I attracted a group of looks seconds later, one particularly coming from the waitress who then noticed what had happened. She of course asked if I was okay. I simply told her I was totally fine, but my confidence not so much...actually screw it I was truly fantastic. It would take much more than a little slip to make me feel utter shame. As I carefully took myself back to the table, Diane looked at me confused as to what had just occurred. She had the same confused look I had when I first saw Vanilla Sky or Inception. Once I explained she began to giggle. [Quick Note: I still don't know what the fudge Vanilla Sky was about!]

It was night and after a long day of fashion week commitments, both of us decided style would take a break for a few hours so we could finally eat. Neither of us had ever dined there before, but in the middle of 9th ave we found a chic paradise filled with all the solace and delight of true Italian cuisine with a modern flare. Slip? What Slip? Feet sores...nope don't feel any throbbing pain. All moments that made this fashion week tiring as well as enthralling were put on the back burner for a while, because for a couple of hours, it wasn't about the fashion, but rather about friendship, relationships, and one life-changing key lime pie.

As the night came to an end, I decided, after flagging down a taxi for Diane and her boyfriend, that I wanted to continue the adventure before I had to return back to college the next day. I whipped out my phone and messaged Amy Poehler. Didn't you know we were close friends? I roll with the big timers. Nah, just kidding, I contacted Katie, the other half of Katie Squared. Now, if you read the other parts to my fashion week coverage, then you would know she is the Sottish doll that I take over the world with once in a while. Being that we see each other as Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, it seemed fitting that our next trip would happen in the same place that brought those to fabulous women together...Rockefeller Plaza.

During her visit to New York,  Katie wanted to go to Top of The Rock, in which you take an elevator that seems like you are being ascended into heaven to the top of the Comcast Building. Except you don't get greeted by God when you get to the top. Instead, you are welcomed by lines, lines, and wait for it...lines! Don't worry cause once you are done you get to go to the top , but oh wait there is line to that elevator too. Seriously though, there may be many of them, but they aren't that long. The waiting time was pretty minimal. It all became worth it because once we go to the top, spectacular, is an understatement of how stunning it all truly was. As many times as I've gone to New York I have never done many touristy things and so this was my first time to witness this as well.

We both struggled trying to take "Instagram worthy" photos by wrapping our arms around the glass and risking our phone's lives. Then, when I looked up I noticed something that we both should have fifteen minutes prior. There is a second balcony above without glass, perfect for photos. Yup, we stood there looked up, turned to each other, and began to laugh because it was at that moment we noticed that although were on top we could still hit rock bottom from up there from how oblivious we were in that very moment. Quickly, we scrammed up the stairs and found a prime photo location. As we waiting for are all the couples to finish their canoodling snaps, us two single gals came in and used the Empire State building in the background as our date in the photo for the night. After all, New York is the love of both of our lives so why not. Plus, a few days there and Katie was ready to marry it and go on a temporary break from Scotland.

Thirty pictures, random bump-in's, and taking the wrong elevator later, Katie and I picked up our photo that the building had taken of us (Scroll Below), said goodbye to Rockefeller Center and as we walked to her subway entrance we met a guy who helped Katie with directions, but also got into a conservation about his experience in martial arts. Katie handled the odd conversation like all great Katie's do, with sarcasm. Then once he left into his subway stop, in the middle of Times Square it was time to say goodbye to her as well. For the next day she would leave to go back home to Scotland. It's okay though, because we both decided that I would visit one day and when I do I will with my face painted blue and scream "Freedom!" in the middle of the airport. Or maybe I shouldn't...might be too soon for that joke. Well, we have to reunite anyways to host the Golden Globes.

Too late to go home, my other friend staying in New York at the time, was awesome and super sweet enough to let me crash in her hotel room for the night. When I arrived, my blisters on the my feet were bloody, I was exhausted, and I had just had a major epiphany somewhere between Times Square and Park Avenue. Although, because of my class schedule, I wouldn't be able to attend all the shows for the week like I had hoped, this fashion week was the best one I have had so far. Was the fashion gorgeous and made by visionaries? Yes. However, this time it was people that made my trip all the more special and memory filled.  When I think of it, that's what fashion week is truly about, people. Sure there are clothes, but what is the clothing for? It is for people and what they will possibly wear in the future. What will they like? Who will wear it? Who can afford it?All these burning questions make up these stylishly themed months twice a year. Therefore, to know that I made my trip more about people and the enjoyment behind the garment then just the clothing wrapping the models, it made everything more real and less materialistic. Cause in a world filled with materialism, why not make it less about the objects and more about the people behind them? Only one of those survives trends and doesn't end up in a clearance bin.Your guess on which.

Style and the City: Recap of New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

My second day attending fashion week this September brought me a lot more fashion and a lot less humidity. Thank goodness because the previous day was bad...like Wicked Witch of the West melting bad. Except, I was wearing a pretty print dress and not all black and rather than turning into a puddle I was clever, well I'd like to think I was, and made my bathing suit into a top to absorb all my wonderful sweat. What? It worked and everyone thought I was wearing a pretty dress, when in reality it was a dress made into a skirt, my bathing suit, and a belt holding it all together. Take that Vogue!

That day I went to Cesar Galindo's show at the Hub in the Hudson Hotel. I'm not always fond of going to events at that venue because the temperature in that place is short of hellish. I'm pretty sure Satan  uses it as his home when visiting the city. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but in all honesty it is pretty bad. They have everyone crowded into the lobby waiting for about 30 minutes with a bug fan blowing. Yup, that fan does nothing, but I appreciate the attempt. Fortunately, all the shows I've seen there have all been worth the heat and long wait. Plus, I'm a pretty patient person who does not get phased easily so as uncomfortable as the warmth there is, I move along and pay attention to the fabulous showcases these hardworking people have put together. I feel worse for them. They're the ones who had to work there for several hours.

Czar by Cesar Galindo and his showcase

While at the Czar show, I bumped into another blogger buddy of mine, Simone of Fashion Runs the World. When we finished fawning over Galindo's stunning line, we walked towards Columbus Circle where we parted ways, she into the subway and I into the mall where I desperately looked for shoes to save my feet and food to devour. I had picked a lower heel that day so I wouldn't have to change shoes, but the sandal still ended up giving me blisters on the sides of my feet. Amazingly, out of that entire mall, I could not find shoes that were representative of the three C's...comforatble, chic, and cheap. Really...like really? Oh, well off the lunch I went. I ate at the Bouchon Bakery they had there and ordered myself a grease filled meal because although I am at NYFW, that does not mean I will resort to starving myself. I am good with my tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich thanks. Surprisingly, a lot of people eat well during fashion week so all those cliches that it's just a cube of cheese and a leaf of lettuce you can go away and find yourself a salad to be tossed in. When I sat down, I was at a table next to these two older gentlemen who I presume just came from the same show as me and were discussing some of the most  fascinating topics that I had heard all week. There were no sentences involving how much tule the dress had or if you captured the perfect picture for Instagram of the show, they were chatting about things like sex symbolism in fashion and what it all means or how creativity has changed in the industry. I did not mean to be nosy, but I was literally sitting right next to them so I could overhear everything they were discussing and it was riveting. Honestly, they should have their own show at a local theater. I hadn't heard that much intelligence in a fashion based conversation in a while. I mean it's not like these series on television offer much aside from insults about Red Carpet fashion. Saying someone looks like a mermaid prostitute in a gown is yes funny, but not real fashion logic, especially coming from those whose fashion sense is skeptical to begin with in the first place. Anyways, this conversation enthralled so much of my attention that I ended up flicking my soup filled spoon and splattering my hair and chest with tomato. The two of the men got up at that moment and left after complimenting my choice in food. At least they didn't see me wiping off the red hue from my hair five seconds earlier.

From the mall, I took a taxi to Chelsea Market and stopped by Glamour Magazine's pop-up shop event for street style. There, I met up with Diane again. It was quite a nice set-up with section's for hair, make-up, skin care, and much more. It was spacious and decorated as if you were out on a patio reminiscent of the cafe on the roof of the Met. However, my favorite part were the free copies of Glamour Magazine. IT'S A FREE MAGAZINE! DO YOU KNOW HOW EXPENSIVE THEY ARE NOWADAYS! Who needs fancy chocolates in a gift bag? Give me a magazine or a tub of Nutella and I will vote for you in whatever election you are running for anyday.

Diane Taha and I attending Glamour Magazine's Street Style Pop-Up Shop 

When we finished, we began our trek from Chelsea Market to the Carlton Hotel in midtown for the Fashion First Aid event. I must state at this point in the story that when we arrived, the hotel was like an episode out of Downton Abbey. That was until we needed to think of where to charge our phones. Darn technological reality! Kim, the brilliant mind behind Fashion First Aid, came downstairs and escorted us to her showcase. It included all the new and current items of the brand. For those who don't know Fashion First Aid...shame on you, but really though you need to check them out. They have every fashion solution you can think of from a portable mini sewing machine to "Subtle Butt," a gas neutralizer for your bum.  I'm not kidding that exists and you know you want one.  There, we were given some yummy champagne, chatted about the sores on our feet, and simply laughed over all the hilariously clever products she was presenting. I'm waiting for that bear for my boobs. Okay, that may sound weird, but you had to have been there!

Style and the City: Recap of New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

My skirt flew up and and two paparazzi came by and snatched some photos. Yes darlings that's how my fashion week started this September. Five minutes in and I was already having a Marilyn Monroe moment. Of course, mine was more like Kristen Wiig than Monroe, being that I handled it with absolute hilarity and grace at same time. Luckily, for me New York and page six didn't get a look at any of my undergarments, but rather some epic and awkwardly hilarious facial expressions in true Katie style.

Skirts flying and the paps buzzing aside, this fashion week was especially important for me because the first night there, I got to share it with a close friend from the summer camp I worked at this past year. She's my Scottish lassie, facial expression partner, photo booth co-star, and possibly the perfect match as the Amy Poehler to my Tina Fey. It is true, we should be hired by Saturday Night Live, but that is a story for another time. Point is, when Katie (yes her name is Katie and we call ourselves Katie Squared cause we are dorks whatevs) and I are together, it doesn't matter if there is a torrential downpour of rain (that time walking to Walmart with your luggage Katie) or if Chris Pine were to come up to me and ask me out, she and I ignore whatever is going on and simply know how to have a good ole fashion time!Of course, we would probably share Chris since he has enough blue eyes to fill an ocean. Her Scottish humor mixed with my sarcasm and our perfectly timed jokes, I'm surprised Fashion Week came out unscathed. Then again, the week of style, selfies, and non-stop work can use some funniness once in awhile. I mean free drinks, parties, shows, and all the fashion are a good time and all, but let's change it up a  little and not make it seem like the only way to enjoy an event at fashion week is if your sipping a flute of champagne with a pinky up and a stick up your bum. 

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler posing with a fan. Ha Just kidding! It's only me, Katie, and my blogger love Diane.

Fashion is suppose to be this elaborate art that is beautiful and exciting and fashion week should convey that. Instead, this time, it was filled with people who don't even work for the industry walking around and acting like they own the place and quite frankly taking up space from those who actually need to cover the event. Okay okay I will stop and not rant on, but in all honesty what happened to when fashion was fun? Don't get me wrong I love fashion week and attending is an honor. To see the pieces designers have worked on so tediously is truly a gift.That's why I make my fashion weeks as enjoyable as possible. I meet up with people I have worked with before, old friends, network with new ones,host dinner dates at Bryant Park, and when I go to a show I sit, watch, relax, and truly breath-in everything the designer is offering. After all, it is like going to a museum. You walk around find a painting you really love, plant yourself in front of it and just stare trying to find every side of beauty that it represents. That's how I feel when I see a gown come down the runway that just changes my life and reminds me why I love this industry.  

Anyways, back to my adventure with Katie. We attended the Academy of Art show together and watching her thrill over being at Lincoln Center, I think, was the best part of the whole night.Once we got inside it was like the beginning of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when Willy Wonka first takes the kids into his factory. Her eyes grew and so did her smile and it was like the Grinch had stolen Christmas except she isn't green and creepy. Walking around and showing her everything from the empty E News set to taking what I call phenomenal photos at the Pandora Lounge photo booth, made it good time. Eventually, I bumped into my blogger bestie Diane Taha of Style Context who has been in ways my NYFW partner for three seasons now.  

Columbus Circle

After the show, I went with Katie to Starbucks and pulled a Superman and changed my outfit and shoes in the bathroom. My feet weren't exactly feeling those heels anymore. Seriously though, they had no feeling in them. Once having dropped of Katie at the subway to catch her ride back to her hostel, I walked my way towards down-town with the lights of Lincoln Center fading in the background. It was truly a beautiful night. Columbus Circle was stunning as always, jazz players were playing on the sidewalk, my skirt was finally flowing correctly, and oh wait is that a man seizing on the ground in front of Duane Reid? Oh and he is foaming at the mouth. Okay, yup that was happening. As a crowd built I went inside to alert the store and they all gave me blank looks and told me to tell there manager who told me to tell their adviser who told me to tell...you know what forget it. How about just coming outside and helping? Fortunately, we called an ambulance and they came within seconds to help the guy out. I wish I could tell you if the guy ended up okay, but alas when the ambulance came and they took over, the crowd dispersed and now his status is a mystery to me. 

Following the craziness that was that scene, I continued on my path, met up with my sister at a restaurant in Manhattan where she was dining with friends. I only stayed a few minutes being that if you stay in that place too long, even if you had just eaten a water buffalo or were a practicing vegetarian, you will somehow end up ordering highly expensive steak that is totally worth its price. 

Escaping the fumes of yumminess  my next stop was downtown to visit my other friend from camp who was also leaving Monday. The time I spent with her at her humble...extremely extravagant hotel like cheese Louis it was nice, was literally the most uneventful yet calming time of the day. All we did was watch Forrest Gump,  recite its lines while it was playing, and jump behind the bed when a huge strike of lightning struck down onto the east river. Yes it was like lightning seen in a movie. I'm pretty sure Michael Bay was directing it just so it would be bigger, louder, and somehow seem awesome to adolescent boys. Luckily, I did not have to pay $13.50 to see it. If only I could say the same for the third Transformers film. It was safe to say, it was an interesting night filled with an array of events.

Lounges inside Lincoln Center NYFW Tents

NYFW Coverage: Big Sweaters and Purple Hues Trend Forecast

If you are a fan of sporting sweaters that could possibly swallow you whole or donning purple once in a while, then odds are this past NYFW was the one for you. Aside from the over abundance of fur, fake and real alike, being captured on a plethora of street style vixens outside of Lincoln Center, on the runway, however, there were a couple of trends that were being seen more often than Miley Cyrus's tongue. If you haven't figured it out. That's A LOT!

The first one I noticed were large sweaters. By large, I mean exactly that. They are the type of sweaters that you throw on for a rainy day, while the sleeves cover your hands and leaving you enough room underneath to store all the boy bands you like, for cozy rendezvous later on. I won't complain about this future trend because honestly, I love them. Their comfortable and easy to wear over almost anything. For fall and winter throw one over a pair of leggings with some boots and accessorize with a scarf. Wallah! An outfit that can be worn, anywhere from a college campus to a casual day at work, is born.

Photo Credits: mbfashionweek.com

Remember that girl in Willy Wonka that ends up blowing up and turning into a blueish hue of violet? Well, I was afraid that's what was going to happen to me when I saw all the constant purple pieces coming down the runway. It wasn't even one shade of this color, but multiple. Violet, lavender, lilac, pretty much the whole purple clan came to this family reunion. This made me wonder, did all these designers just call each other up and mention that this color would be the way to go? Who knows? Of course, the timing couldn't be any better since Pantone's 2014 "Color of the Year" is Radiant Orchid. So pull those purple pieces out next fall and winter because I love you and you love me. We're a big purple family. I think that's what Barney sings. Right? 

Photo Credits: mbfashionweek.com

NYFW Coverage: Pamella Roland Fall/Winter 2014

Loved it, loved it, loved it! Pamella Roland featured 47 looks for her NYFW Fall/Winter collection and each was a gift within itself. Oh, and did I mention I loved it? I cannot even begin to describe my admiration for this designer and her ability to create classy and stunning fabric based works of art. Don't believe me? Well, the minute I walked out of her show, I turned to my friend jaw dropped, speechless, and so thrilled to be apart of that experience that I asked her, "What did you think?" She goes onto say, "Probably my favorite!" I then turned my head once again, and like a crazy school girl in the 80s, at a Rick Steves' concert, I jumped and exclaimed "Me too!" 

While I watched each dress, coat, skirt, and blouse make its way down the runway, I was reminded why I love fashion and what attending NYFW really felt like, a glamorous dream filled with Chopard jewels, well executed music, and models in Manolos. For me, a runway show at fashion week should be all these things and more and Roland captured exactly that. With her line of many tweed, leather, and chiffon pieces, she brought sexy back in ways that not even Justin Timberlake could do. 

This all makes sense, being that the line was created to "exemplify" the energy of New York City, which by many, is seen as sensual, exciting, and breathtaking. The city life was implemented through the color palette of the collection with hues such as berry, navy, gunmetal, and pale gold. To add to the inspiration, Roland used textures from laminated window pane tweed to multi-dimensional beading to give it that extra Big Apple kick. 

In the end, as the lights followed the purple/black gown with cascading train, down the white paved road, and onto TJ Wilcox's sunset filled skyline, all I could think of was the song they had played earlier, "She's a lady." After all, with this collection any woman can be a lady in the best of ways. 

Favorite Thing: Cut It Out

A few of the dresses, like the wine crepe back satin gown with black fishnet sleeves and back, had a cut out or two designed into them. This added a little element of risque to the more elegant and safer design. 

Not Loving It: Are Those Toothpicks or Models?

I understand the fashionable thing has always been to use skinnier models in this industry, but seriously? Have we still not moved on from that ridiculous phase? The pieces were gorgeous and would look even more so on women with a few more pounds and actual curves. Not even the celebrities sitting front row are as skinny as these models and their the ones who may end up wearing the collection at Red Carpet functions. It actually gave me chills to look at some of their legs. I thought they would snap at any moment. Girls, you are beautiful, Stop starving yourselves and eat. Eat to your heart's content, like me at 4 am with a bag of bacon and a bowl of noodles. No shame! 

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

NYFW Coverage: Katya Leonovich Fall/Winter 2014

"Are there birds in here?" I looked up to the ceiling trying to spot the tropical forest that would envelop us at any moment. Turns out there were no birds or Tarzan like men making music out  of random objects. It was in fact just Michael Magnan brilliantly adding sound to Katya Leonovich's futuristic runway show.  

This wasn't particularly my favorite show for several reasons. Some pieces, for instance, looked more jungle, while others were straight-up astronaut chic. Therefore, unless she was going for the urban jungle meets space, this line was not cohesive. The only aspects that aligned everything were the metallic balance of color and bubble shaped skirts and dresses. 

Negatives aside, I did find this to be one of the more different collections. After seeing so many similar hemlines and silk or satin pieces throughout this past week, it was a nice change of pace from the painfully expected and overdone styles that make up fashion week. 

Favorite Thing: Aqua+V=Stunning Party Dress 

I cannot get enough of the Aqua metallic deep-v party dress. Effortlessly styled by Max H. Gross, the combination of the aqua color with the the three tier layering of fabric and puffed v-collar were a match made in heaven. Rock it at a wedding or just a night on the town with the gals. Either way, you are going to look like you raided Carrie Bradshaw's closet. I couldn't help but wonder, how is that not awesome?

Not Loving It: Please Stop the Music

As mentioned earlier, the music was well done and felt very real, like being stuck with Sandra in space during Gravity, while watching it in Imax real. Yup, that real.  Only thing, it was a tad annoying after a while. There is only so much repetitive bird and banging sounds I can take. It made the show lag a bit.

Photo Album

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

NYFW Coverage: Noon by Noor Fall/Winter 2014

Fun is the word that comes to mind when pondering over the Noon by Noor show during this NYFW. I wish I could say it is because they had crazy cutouts and bright colors that could blind from a mile away, but I would be lying. To be honest, Noon by Noor's collection wasn't spectacular, but there was definitely an element there that made me wanting more once the runway lights dimmed and the bright florescents came back on. 

Between the shiny embellishments, soft materials, and bright hues, I felt like I was sitting more at a J. Crew store than a Noon show. I understand both designing companies are similar in femininity aspects, but this collection just seemed too reminiscent of every time I open the "Crew" catalog. With that said, I am in no way hating the line, just stating the obvious similarities I found. The collection was quite nice all in all, and some pieces have the the power to make a person want to get dolled up and party the night away. After all, I did say it was fun! 

Plus, anyone that can make yellow look amazing, should get props just for accomplishing that task. If not handled correctly, this color can turn from bright and happy to banana like and frumpy. Just ask Lena Dunham and Zac Posen. (I know they tried, but it just wasn't the right color for her complexion) At the Noon show, yellow was seen in various ways from a peplum dress to sharing spaces with a gray blazer or textile patterned pant. It was just the right amount of summery warmth mixed with wintery cold. 

Favorite Thing: Oh the Embellishments 

Give me a cardigan, or anything for that matter, with chic embellishments and you've got yourself a winner. Without these little details, the line would have fallen flat. With them, well that's a whole other story. Every ensemble that featured either a detailed encrusted sweater or skirt or even cardigan, was love at first sight for me. It gave them that extra oomph that colder weather clothing may need at times.

Not Loving it: Why so Wrinkly? 

Some of the items such as the pants or gowns were a little less fitted and little more baggy than I would have liked. It seemed that they would wrinkle in a very uncomplimentary way coming down the runway. If they looked badly during a fashion show, how would these particular designs handle a real life event during the day or evening? Oh and not to mention how most of the skirts and dresses constantly kept creeping between the legs of the models. That would be way too frustrating for me to wear. 

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

NYFW Coverage: Academy of Art Runway Show

When one thinks fashion week, many connect the famous week-long event with even more famous names such as Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, or even DVF. However, fashion week does not only belong to the designers who "made it," but to the ones who are on the road to that same brightly spotlighted, model filled, and organza encompassed world. Therefore, to watch the future of fashion grace the runway, by the hands of a few current college students, can be quite the treat. This was the case for the Academy of Art Show. 

The show, which featured looks from various young designers, delivered everything from Willy Wonka inspired bright hues and cartoonish silhouettes, to modern prints, and over-sized coats. Out of all the collections, my favorite would have to be the the lavender line. Lavender hasn't been a color seen too often in recent times. People either pick light purple or more a long the lines of everyone's favorite talking dinosaur, Barney. This time though, lavender had its spotlight and it was breathtaking. With grayish undertones and silver embellishments, this line brought the entire show, or at least me, to an utterly impressed moment of bliss.

In its entirety, if I had to compare this show to their last one in September, which I also attended, I would have to say that last time they were just some nice students studying fashion, but this time they were potential epic designers in the making. That's why, for me, it is so important to appreciate the students that showcase their work during NYFW. These are the designers who will one day take over, while all the current ones are aging and hitting retirement. So watch out and never take for granted a college fashion student with a needle and thread. Amazing what a few classes and a cat-walk can do. 

Favorite Thing: Moral Support

When the designers made their way out onto the runway, many thought the show had ended, but it in fact was just beginning. One of the designer's mother's stood up, started yelling, and moving her hips like Shakira, in support of her child. Everyone, which is easily over two hundred people, immediately began to not only clap for the designers, but their families as well. This one mother brought laughter and smiles all around. Considered to be the best part of the line, it represented something deeper than seams and social media. She reminded everyone that through this week of image, materialism, and at times celebritism, there will always be family and that moment they see you accomplish your dreams. Plus, I won't lie. I cried a bit when this happened. 

Photo Album