This, my friends, is not Kansas. This is NYC in the midst and mayhem of Fashion Week and there’s simply no room for error. I mean, truthfully, I’m known to dress down during Fashion Week since the running to and fro causes heel issues, stress, hunger, and chipped nails. There are a few essentials for keeping your A-game face on during this seven ten days of madness.
1. Get Blown by Pedro. Blowouts are essential, but a blowout by Pedro at De Berardinis Salon in Chelsea will last for days on end without any crazy touchups or a long list of products. And, since a ton of the shows are in far west Chelsea this year, you can pop in and keep going. Did I mention they offer an express blow dry for $40? SCORE.
2. Color by Ludo. There are a lot of colorists out there, and frankly, none of them are as talented (and fun-to-know) as my dear friend Ludo at the Alessandro Mangerini Salon on 57th Street (strikingly close to Lincoln Center, wouldn’t you say?). He’s the “IT” colorist amongst every top blonde in this city (the celeb list is too long to mention), and he’s the fabulous guy that’ll take you from brunette to sun-kissed in a totally natural instant.
3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. Stress stinks. Running around in between shows stinks, too. Secret Deodorant’s Clinical Strength is like magic for your armpits, and your Fashion Week experience. Why? Because if you smell fresh and have zero stainage on your silk dress, you’re bound to feel good through each and every show (unless of course you notice that Lycra is making a comeback, because nothing can make that better). This one is cheap, easy, and protects you from stinky sweat. Did you know, by the way, that the sweat our bodies produce when we’re stressed is actually significantly smellier than workout sweat? Ugh, reason enough to slather on some Secret.
4. Statement Jewels. But, everything at Fashion Week is prone to damage or being lost, so don’t spend big. I’m BEYOND loving this chunky, sparkly bracelet by Stella & Dot.
5. An Emergency Kit. Pack a coin purse with extra band-aids, Advil or Tylenol, and one of those tiny tubes of Aquaphor. You never know if you’ll need to make a new friend by sharing your stash, or if your own heels will start to kill you. Spread the ointment on your blisters, cover with band-aids, and pop an Advil. Voila! You’ll be pain-free enough to hit at least 2 more shows.
