Crashing at hotel YOTEL

Rebecca Minkoff show:

Front row at Ivana Helsinki:

(Ivana Helsinki dress, Banana Republic bag, Hue dotted tights, P & T Italy faux fur coat, Jewelmint necklace)

This past weekend was complete fashion week insanity. My sister, Dylana and I, had an awesome stay at the gorgeous Yotel hotel in Times Square, Manhattan. It was such a luxurious staycation! Situated only a 10 minute cab ride to Lincoln Center, Yotel’s location was perfect as Dylana and I were bouncing around Lincoln Center all day in between shows. There, our best friend Bonnie came to crash with us! Look at these crazy girls completely collapsed and passed out on my bed, surrounded by none other than piles and piles of clothes! I cannot stop laughing. That’s how fashion week is for us…we always end the day off looking like a complete mess. But in a good way of course! Never will I ever forget Yotel’s espresso machine which I got lots of good use out of. With our hectic schedules, caffeine was a definite MUST. Basically, Yotel was an incredibly amazing place to relax, recoup, or just plain crash after a day out during NYFW! We have many wonderful memories from the HOTEL YOTEL. The party there really doesn’t end. I think I heard dance music play all night in the lobby… just the way we like it.

As for my NYFW wardrobe, it’s kind of been all over the place. Some days I’ve been wearing leather pants, others completely bundled as it’s been FREEZING, but this day, I went a little bit more polished (for once). I stepped into this gorgeously fitted Ivana Helsinki velvet frock. I picked it up at Bollare’s showroom and the moment I put it on, I knew it was the one for the evening! I even got to sit front row with Claire for the show. Such a dream show! The pops of color, playful fabrics, and bright eyeshadow have me thinking of a very very bright Fall ’12!

Another show I attended that hasn’t left my mind? The Rebecca Minkoff show. Being one of my favorite designers, I of course, knew it was going to be amazing. It was classic and effortless. Every single look was my style. Oversize blazers, short mini-dresses, and high collars are so my thing. I love you NYFW. Too inspired at the moment to think of anything else…

In between shows and fittings, I always step out of my heels and slip into these tiny H&M ballet flats, which are light and fit perfectly in my handbag. I can’t imagine walking around the city without them! I was in Soho for my fitting with Polyvore just the other afternoon and already the hype is building up! Looks like I will be opening and closing the show tonight! I am happy that I will be back on the runway this season. Due to traveling, I’ve been all over the place and rarely had time to cast during show season. I’m excited to do something totally different and unexpected this time around by walking alongside some of my favorite fashionistas/friends who are all in town for NYFW. It’s going to be one party, that’s for sure.

Work aside, I’ve been attending some of the best runway shows this week. One show that really stood out to me was Libertine. Held at Milk Studios, I already knew there would be a room full of hot people, a killer catwalk, and really rad music. Libertine gave just that! I love how the models closed the shows running, jumping, and smiling. The carefree, cool, “let’s party” attitude of the models went hand-in-hand with the collection. To me, it was just thrown together perfection. The deep colors, giant fuzzy coats, and touches of glitter, gave off the rock n’ roll vibe I crave. I see myself wearing every single look out to a late night winter-y party. Gimme gimme. Shimmy shimmy.

Oh, by the way, you can watch the Polyvore show I’m walking in tonight LIVE on Polyvore.com at 6:30 pm EST!

(Hallelu sweater, My Fox House tank, MiH jeans, Kork-Ease boots)

It’s officially NYFW and already I’m so busy bouncing around in between events and shows. I’m super exhausted. It doesn’t help either when you’re out and about in snow showers and you don’t see a peep of sunshine. I think we had about one day this past week with clear skies and I took full advantage by making my way up on my rooftop. Inspired by shaggy vintage carpets and patterns, I felt most at home in a giant cardigan and cropped tank by one of my blog sponsors, My Fox House! Any printed tank is an A+ in my book. I’m also obsessed with these killer red boots. Little pops of color brighten any day. But for now, it’s all gray skies, and extremely cold weather. Above all, I’m having a ton of fun this fashion week. I’ve met up with so many of my friends who are in town from all over the world and of course, I’ve been playing up my looks for events. Follow my NYFW adventures here on TWITTER!

(Joie coat, Stylist’s Own studded blouse, Alex & Eli “Natalie Off Duty” blazer, Big Star jeans, ECCO shoes)

Exploring a new city always starts with the food. The ECCO team and I made our first stop at The Royal Cafe where they served us something delightfully called “smushi.” Dining where Oprah and the Princess go in Copenhagen was pretty rad. They took the typical fish and chicken dishes of the Dutch and mixed it with Japanese culture with little “smushi’s” served on tiny plates. It was creatively delicious and a wonderful way to kick off our stay in Copenhagen. These little guys were surprisingly filling! Dreams of smushi are coming back to me…

Of course, a lot of walking was also involved and I wore my comfy ECCO heels for the majority of our stay. I’m such a comfort baby when it comes to traveling. I hate dragging myself back to my hotel room only to tear off my shoes and fall face first into my bed. These babies saved my life! Paired with liquid leather pants and a studded button-down I was feeling quite European chic. Getting in the groove, my group and I searched the city streets for the best cafes and shopping spots. The beautifully painted buildings in the city also made the backdrop to my photos just too dreamy. I couldn’t stop snapping away! Already, I miss the large groups of peddling bicyclists and drops of snow. At least I have numerous images from my stay that bring me back instantaneously.