Now that I’m home from NYC and have had time to digest all that went on during the crazy fun-filled five days I had during NYFW, I wanted to share some learnings.

Because I definitely made a handful of mistakes and I definitely will be doing things differently…

.. and I definitely want to share in case you are planning to go next year as well!

Here are twelve thing I’ve learned:

Make lodging plans in advance. 

Since I decided so last minute to book the trip (and I’m a late planner in general for travel), the Airbnb selection was a bit limited. In addition, to save costs, I stayed at a friends apartment right in the middle of the city for 3 of the 5 nights which was soo helpful! Looking back however, it was a little chaotic checking in to an Airbnb upon arrival and wish I could have just gone to a hotel right away (like I did on the final night). And I wish I could have stayed in one place for the whole 5 days — because unpacking and packing all my ish was hell. I’d suggest coordinating with other attendees to save costs and share a room or Airbnb, you can save with transportation that way too. And also, be sure your place is centrally located between SoHo, Chelsea, LES and Midtown. I found all of my events were in those areas, so lots of commuting around different areas of the city. 

Do your outreach ahead of time.  

This applies to not only brands but other bloggers too. I was lucky enough to land a social collaboration with DL1961 Denim on one of the days so I got a chance to work with a brand and meet other bloggers. In addition I reached out to almost every gal I knew from interactions in Seattle and on the gram that I knew were attending. This made for some fun throughout the day. Meeting up for coffee, sitting next to each other at shows, taking photos of each other in the city and friends to hang with during meals. 

Give yourself a day or two to “do” NYC. 

When NYFW officially kicks off, there is back to back happenings, which can be very overwhelming, tiring and hard to fit in any time to enjoy the city. I came in around 4pm the day before the madness started and wished I would have allowed two full days to explore — running through Central Park, eating out in my favorite neighborhoods, taking photos for my blog, meeting up with friends. Lesson learned, but I def made the most of the time I had the best I could. 

Weigh your large bag. Or take two small. 

Last Christmas I got a new travel set from Calpak — the ones that come with one carry on and large suitcase. I hadn’t yet used the larger suitcase until this trip but my god the case was large. So large, I had to pay $75 in overweight bag fees because I packed that baby to the max, and we’re talking over the 50 lbs Mac (it weighed 70 lbs) Oops. 

Three outfits a day is overload. 

So weird — I overpacked. I was so excited to be able to rock amazing outfits I had lost sleep over planning every moment of every day, but realistically it’s just far too much. Plan for two outfits per day at least to show off at the shows and events, plan for early morning workout and travel clothes and then if you have a scheduled photo shoot, plan 2-3 outfits for that. Go for dresses where you can, to help with packing less items. Try to coordinate your accessories so that one can be used across 2-3 outfits. It will save you stress, believe me. 

Comfy shoes. I mean it. 

Which brings me to the shoes. Every blog post you read about NYFW planning suggest this, and I don’t know why I always think I’m invincible to what people lived through, but it’s true. You do not want to be limping around the city in heels. I had a few malfunctions in the foot department. My scrappy block heel sandal broke at a party, I went to the Rack to buy a new heel that matched my outfit, the new shoes killed and made my feet bleed… and then I bought two pairs of sneakers as a result. Just trust me, you want to be comfortable and you want to be able to walk and to last. And plus, sneakers, mules and boots are sooo in and so cute. Plan accordingly. 

Stay hydrated throughout the day. 

Considering the weather got up to 91 degrees as I was wearing an all black fall outfit while running from place to place, I got thirsty often. Pack water. Weather it’s buying a water bottle pack for your room to grab one as you walk out the door every time or you carry a reusable bottle — just drink your H20. You’re going to thank me. And oh, nightly face masks were oh so necessary for skin hydration and replenishment.

Use the subways. Ubers add up. 

This was definitely recommended to me but again, thinking I’m invincible and wishing I would have listened. I was staying in Midtown and every time I’d order an UberX it would cost me anywhere between $15 – $25. Do that 2-3 times a day there and back — yikes. The subway can be intimidating, but once you do it, it’s soo easy, especially with apps they have these days. Do yourself a favor and download then ahead of time and wear those comfy shoes (or bring a pair to commute in) so you can utilize this ultra effective transportation. If it’s 91 degrees, like it was for me, take the damn Uber for the air conditioning. Just try to use the subways when you can. 

Pack a cute umbrella. 

So it rained. Two out of the five days I was there. Yup, Seattle people always bring the rain to other areas they visit. Luckily I had my fashionable “Gramercy” Certain Standard umbrella, so I was prepared. But for others who borrowed from hotels or buy last minute at a Duane Reade, you’re likely not going to like your complete outfit in street style photos. And you’re likely going to have it go inverted if the wind picks up.  

Match a backpack to an outfit or two. 

Backpacks are in and I sooo wish I would have brought one to alleviate carrying my big tote packed with my camera and an extra outfit. It would have definitely helped my back! Thinking about how you can change an outfit on the go is essential because going back to your place just to change over and over gets ridiculous. 

Have your tech prepared. 

I don’t know what I would have done without my portable charger — it was essential when you had back to back place to be each day. So don’t forget to bring that and charge it every night before bed. Also figure out your camera sitch. I have a Canon DSLR that I LOVE but it’s soo heavy to carry — especially with the Sigma 35mm lens I have. Lesson learned, use your iPhone camera on the go and use your nicer camera for styled shoots that I’d suggest planning in advance. In addition, a lightweight nicer camera might be best. Thinking about exploring the mirrorless lens world after this trip… 

Be open and introduce yourself to people. 

My cute husband suggested I make goals before the trip around each day such as how many people I would talk to, pitch myself to, etc. Well, through I wasn’t exactly pitching myself to everyone I met (you don’t really want to), I went in with an insane amount of confidence and preparedness to strike up conversation with other attendees at shows and events, which made the experience so much more fun. You’d exchange handles, biz cars, learn about how they got to where they are today and how many times they’d been to NYFW. In addition, you leave feeling as if you’ve made new friends and connections — because you have.

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Do you have any learnings you’d like to share from your experience? Drop them in the comments below! 

// cb ✌????

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