Dear Diary

Today is Day 3 of New York Fashion Week and I can’t wait to give you an insider look into the Herve Leger Show.

8:00- What to wear: A Herve Leger dress maybe? Unfortunately not in my budget and with all the running around I planned to do – I really needed an outfit which allowed me to move freely.

My Outfit: Leopard top & feather belt by Lola, a new concept by BCBG MAXAZRIA,  Military green and gold jumpsuit by Cache, berry tights from Target, and Ugg Boots from Malouf’s in Southlake.. Normally Uggs would have  NEVER been a choice for a fashion show, but since we experienced over 10 inches of snow, Uggs were a MUST.    Designer Michael Kors also sported  Uggs during Fashion Week, so I was in good company.

9 :00: Take the train from Jersey to NYC- Taking the train was so much fun.. Since I have relocated to the east coast for a project I love being only 15 miles away from New York by car and exactly 10 minutes by train.. The train ride cost $4 which was a bargain.  The trains were running a bit behind because of the blizzard, but it still saved me a great deal of money. Once in the city, it’s official taxi time. Taxi from  Lincoln Center  was $5.  Why do people say NY is so expensive?

9:30: Check in at Lincoln Center: Walking up to Lincoln Center you saw photographers everywhere looking for celebs, designers, and fashionistas.. People stopped and pose, but I was able to get in with no problems. Guess this is what’s great about not being a celebrity.

10:00:  Meet up with my friend and photographer Thomas Garza:  We soon learn we are at the front entrance and should be at the back entrance about 3 blocks away.. Mind you it had just snowed the day before.. Note: Our backstage invite didn’t say an address just  that the show would take place at Lincoln Center.

10:15:  The long walk to the  backstage area at Herve Leger:  First thought: “Look at those security guys and why are all the photographers blocking the back door?  Well of course a celebrity was approaching.. Model Petra Nemcova was running backstage to greet the designer.. I got to spend some time with this beauty learning a few red carpet secrets.. More to come tomorrow..

BOS Insider Tip:  When you don’t hear back from a pr company about your press ticket request just keep trying!

If they haven’t said no to your request there could still be a chance you can attend a show.  After not hearing back from the pr company about our show tickets I reached out yet again and got a response later that night.  ( Thank you Lord).. Truth is these companies are very busy!! I didn’t know any of the pr companies personally, so they had no obligation to invite me to the shows, but I love that they made room for the team.  It never hurts to keep trying.. You MUST  have faith in something bigger than who you know to see you through!!

10:30: Finally Backstage at Herve Leger:  The PR company is out of name badges, but that’s not a problem because  we are personally escorted to the press area by a staff member. I  am told I can have a two-minute interview with Designer Max Azria. ( so excited)

Lesson: Always be MORE than ready!! Although I always planned to get a one-on-one interview with the designer, I didn’t plan to be directly taken to Mr. Azria so soon..

(various thoughts run through me head)

“Wait whose going to hold me coat? I can’t take a picture with the fabulous Max Azria with my puffer coat.”

..And then we turned the corner and it’s  sheer CRAZINESS.. .. Photographers everywhere.. yelling for designer Max Azria’s attention.. models air kissing and posing.. photographers pushing and yelling trying to get the models attention..

“What happen to the pr lady? Did I loose her in the crowd? I spotted her, but I never received my interview because it was sheer craziness backstage..

BOS Insider Lesson: Don’t get uneasy when things don’t work out the way you planned.. It’s New York Fashion Week and it’s  crazy backstage.. When there’s no time for an interview just move on and observe what you can. You can  interview other key players and try again later. If you have a good relationship with the pr companies they will normally allow you time for your interview later.. It’s all about relationships.. PR people are your friends….

Insider Info: Although I didn’t speak to Max Azria  I did find out through his publicist they  are starting a new Herve Leger shoe line.. Look for more details to come out later this fall.

10:40: Talked  & posed with  glamazon  models & actresses backstage. I also  spoke to several Hollywood publicist and scored two great interviews..  Check out the photo below of the cover girl actress Hofit Golman.

I also scored secret information of which show Lindsay Lohan would be attending- The same Lindsay who was supposed to be  hiding out somewhere is actually in New York.

Tip: Listen, Be nice and talk to the right people. You never know what could happen. ( I never met Miss Lohan, but I am sure we just weren’t on the same invite list anyway)

Actress Hofit Golan backstage at Herve Leger

10:50: Head to the crowded press pit to stake out the teams places for the runway show. I was  in a similar crowded situation when I covered an event when First Lady Michelle Obama came to Dallas. I learned once you find a spot in the press pit DON”T MOVE…

If I thought backstage was crazy I had no clue about the front of the house ( check out the photo below).. It was  SHEER sheer madness.. Even more photographers, security guys, and pr ladies with headsets. ..

11:10: You could hear a pin drop and the show starts..  Gorgeous looks, great music, and striking models walking the catwalk. It was amazing..

11:30: The show space clears, talk to more models, celebs including Miss USA, and  Russell Simmons

11:45:  Head back to the main area where there is a Tresemme hair lounge complete with hair touch ups, a fun photo booth, and sitting area..  Unfortunately I never had time to stop by and take advantage of this great service. Before you could blink it was time for another show.  There was also a fun coat check area where they snapped a photo of you to check in your coat.. I found absolutely  no food inside the tents at fashion week, but there was plenty of Smart Water everywhere.

Overall it was a fabulous experience.. Take a look at some of my fun photos. Tomorrow you will learn how I got food poisoning, and ended up at the same party as singer Neo..