Hi friends! I just got home from my second New York Fashion Week (year 1 blog post HERE), and am sharing all of the event and outfit details from my trip. I’m also answering all of your questions from my Instagram question box!
Last year Makenna and I went for just 3 days, and the trip was way to fast for us! We had to condense every single meeting and event into a couple of days, and it was super overwhelming. This year, we thought it made more sense to go for a full week and enjoy the trip a bit more. We also went with our friend Jessica, who is from Oklahoma, but has come with us on a few other blog trips.
Most asked questions
How do I get invited to NYFW?
There’s not really an “invite” list for the entire New York Fashion Week! Rather, invites to events, shows, parties, meetings, etc. Anyone can go, but if you do choose to, I highly recommend making the most of your time. There’s definitely a ton of work involved, but we always have fun!
How did you get in or get chosen? Is there a lot of competition since other bloggers go too?
In terms of “getting chosen”, it’s more about booking meetings and attending events. We booked all of our own meetings and planned our schedule ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, we definitely got turned down from some events (due to capacity), which was no big deal! We just moved onto the next.
In regards to competition, I personally am not a very competitive person. That probably comes from growing up with a twin sister who was literally better at everything than me! My parents always taught us to support each other, and neither of us were jealous of each other’s success. We’re good at different things! With that said… I’m sure some people see other women as competition, but we’re all running our own businesses and I stay in my own lane! I’ve also found most of my blogger friends to be exactly the same way. I’m sure that has to do with self confidence, and most of these successful women are not threatened by the successes of others, rather are very supportive!
Do you get the trip paid for?
I paid for the entire trip! Last year we did a hotel partnership, where we did trade posts and stories for a hotel room, but it was very stressful! This year we decided since we had so much on our plates, it made the most sense to pay for our rooms rather than have a ton of work to do in between events and meetings!
How did you decide who to room with?
It’s super easy… I roomed with my friends! Jessica and Makenna are both totally the same speed as me! We all have similar work ethics, are timely, and also totally get each other’s humor! Our personalities and work styles were a natural fit. Legit, we had the BEST time, zero drama and I couldn’t have been luckier! Somehow after a full week, we weren’t even sick of each other!
Do you get free clothes or have to buy?
Both! Some brands reached out to me before leaving for NYFW and offered outfits, which was awesome! I bought most items, though. Sometimes brands will send clothes for their events, so you show up wearing their brand.
How do you get meetings with brands?
There are several ways to get meetings with brands:
- Email the brand (we chose to reach out to brands we’ve previously worked with or have a relationship with. It helps to put a face to a name!)
- They email us for a meeting. Word gets out quickly on whose attending NYFW, and it’s an honor to have brands want to meet with you!
- Invites! Some of our other blogger friends invited us to several events and meetings.
My best advise is to be self sufficient and NOT ask others for their contact information. It’s actually a little rude, in my opinion, when girls have worked so hard to get their own contacts and then someone comes in asking who isn’t your friend. PLUS it feels SO much more rewarding to use google, LinkedIn, and Instagram to find the correct person to reach out to and book a meeting! Makenna and I did all of our own research year 1, which was so exciting when we’d book events or meetings. We didn’t ask for one single ounce of help and it paid off!
Side note… I have about 8 years of B2B sales (business sales) experience behind me, so this is something I’m well rehearsed in. One tip: It’s VERY easy to google someone’s name or find them on LinkedIn and chat! Start there).
How do you plan it out?
I’m actually a total planner and created a master calendar. When one of us would book a meeting, we’d put it on a master calendar and be sure we didn’t overlap any plans.
Is it worth the money you spend?
Personally, YES! I made several new connections with brands, and put faces to names with brands and agencies (who represent brands) that I’ve been working with. For me, it was worth it! I wouldn’t go just for events. I highly recommend if you’re a blogger, book meetings and don’t just go for photos. You’ll spend money just on photos that you won’t get back! I’ll definitely get a return on my investment, if I book one or two partnerships from it.
How do you get invited to fashion shows?
I’ve actually never been to one! Fashion shows are great if you’re a model, want to see one for the first time, or if you’re a more high end fashion blogger. For me, I don’t get a return on my time or money spent for a fashion show. I’m a casual girl, and would love to go to a show like Kittenish (by Jessie James Decker), but other than that, I haven’t found an interest. Just being honest!
How did your feet survive walking around in heels?
LOVE this question! As a former New York City resident, you DON’T! I always bring a spare set of shoes if I wear heels. If you look back at my outfits, most outfits I wore are with booties or boots (super comfy!). It’s not possible to walk miles and miles in heels in the city (unless you want blisters).
What do you gain as a blogger at NYFW?
If you take advantage of meetings and events, the number one thing gained is relationships! You can meet other bloggers (some of which I met last year who have remained my friends and are just awesome people!), agencies who represent brands, brands, etc.
Places like Marc Fisher, did they invite you or do you reach out?
Both! Marc Fisher is a current partner of mine, and they reached out to Jessica to meet with us. I’m excited to be a part of their Style Squad (stay tuned to Instagram for my exclusive discount code!). Most of our meetings were us reaching out! Events we were mostly invited.
Did you wear everything you brought?
Unfortunately I did not! I had a few outfits I didn’t get to wear, but you’ll see them on Instagram soon! I packed extra just in case, and ended up rewearing a few things several times.
What’s your favorite thing you did at NYFW?
See my friends and meet other bloggers I’ve been in touch with! I am obsessed with this community! There’s definitely different types of people, but personally my experiences as a blogger are 95% positive. I love meeting other girls who started their blogs and grew them just like I did! We have a common bond that our other friends and family just do not have, nor do they really understand it! I also LOVE meeting brands face to face. I realize that it can be intimidating, but it brings me back to my B2B sales and account management days.
How do you get around the city?
Mostly the subway! When we went to the Victoria’s Secret party, we were in heels, so we took an Uber. I’d say we kept our cost down by taking the trains 80% of the time, walking 10% and cabbing or ubering the rest.
Do you go for work?
Yes! Since January, blogging is my full time job. This is the best way for me to get my name out there to NYC based brands who are partaking in events and meetings during Fashion Week.
What’s the best way to navigate New York City?
100% the subway! I realize I have an advantage having lived there for 4 years, however, it’s the fastest and easiest way to get from place to place. I learned the subway lines within a month or two of living in the city. It’s even easier now, with GPS and wifi being available in most subway stations. I never had that living there and had to memorize the stops!
What are the most Instagrammable places in NYC?
I’m no expert, but here’s a few that we went to:
Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo
Shop my jacket look below:
Shop my sweater dress outfit below:
Top Of The Rock
Shop my lace top look below:
SoHo
Outfit is Vici – MELISSA20 for 20% off Outfit is Magnolia Boutique Indianapolis
Shop my skort look below:
China Town
Shop my travel outfit:
Shop my skirt outfit & Jessica’s dress outfit:
Flatiron
Shop my blazer look below:
Shop my trench look below:
You can also shop ALL of the looks above by following ALWAYSMELISS on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app.
