Hey guys, Alexa Curtis here from alifeinthefashionlane.com. I just got back from New York Fashion Week, and it was nothing short of fabulous. Celebrities, hot new clothes, shoes upon shoes...every fashionista’s dream! In the wake of my third season attending shows, I’ve come up with a quick checklist of everything a girl’s gotta know about how to make it through the biggest event in the fashion industry. All you aspiring editors and style bloggers: listen up!

1. Step out for street style

Sometimes, street style ends up being bigger than some of the shows. Photographers swarm around Lincoln Center to catch celebs, bloggers, editors and fashionistas strutting to the events inside the tents. Check out some snaps here: http://racked.com/archives/2013/02/11/44-street-style-photos-from-the-past-three-snowy-days-of-nyfw.php Dress to impress, and you may even spy yourself on a major fash site like The Cut or Refinery29. Photographers look for statement jewels and bold colors: Imagine a neon pink dress with chunky colorblocked heels and a bright bag—sure to gain some attention. If there is one place to showcase personal style, this is it. People dress in everything from fur to masks to 10-inch bejeweled stilettos: You’ll never feel overdressed or out of place!

 

 

Here’s the sitch: You pull out your phone to Instagram a shot from the Rebecca Minkoff runway and immediately realize you’ve got 5% battery life left. Cringe. What to do? Stock up on a portable battery charger. Heaven forbid you’re out of touch long enough to not inform everyone about the amazing time you’re having! 

 

 

One thing that always catches me off-guard is the awful backache I get from trying to shove my camera, phone, iPad, foldable flats, sunnies and lipgloss in one smallish bag and lugging that from Lincoln Center down to Milk Studios and back. Sometimes Fashion Week may force one to compromise and go for the larger carryall even if it doesn’t perfectly set off the rest of one’s style. Ugh. Nevertheless, pack only the absolute necessities. After all, you still have to carry the thing. 

 

 

 

 

February in NY is tough. No one is prepared for what type of weather the East Coast could be expecting: rain, sunshine, 50 degrees or freezing—it’s all up in the air. Hence, layering is your new best friend. Throw on a thermal and elbow length gloves under your chunky knit sweater, or find a pair of wooly tights that will enable you to look fashionable and stay warm! Fashion, while fabulous, should not gift anyone with the flu.

 

 

This was my first season planning my outfits early, and the difference it made was incredible! I snagged a cute planner that helped me outline each outfit I wanted to wear. Waayyy easier than stuffing my latest faves into a suitcase and stressing over what to throw on. Be sure to toss in a few accessories, statement pieces and a favorite bag and you’ll be set.

 

 

Psst: Don't forget to focus on what looks good on you—it doesn’t always have to be about the latest trends. Being yourself is the key to this industry. Remember: Have fun!