The Budget Fashionista

Wow!
Okay, I got my press credentials approved.
I’m going!
So far I’ve got invitations to Kelly Nishimoto (Imasu), Jenny Han, Maggie Barry, and The Monarchy Collection.
I’ve got requests for others --we’ll have to see.
There’s also a big trade show to highlight the eco-trend in fashion.
It’ll be interesting to see what the source is for much of the products. Domestic or overseas?
So far, they have a lot of “yoga” type exhibits. But believe me, I would like to talk about the issue of sourcing, as we’ve brought it up here on the topic of the month.
Hope everyone here is well!  :-)

Okay. It’s the day. I’ll be leaving here around 2.
I’ve already been bounced from the Imasu show. Sad thing, because Kelly herself okayed my going ...BUT, I think a lot of these things are out of her hands. There’s a line up of celebrities, their entourages that are going since the IMASU show is being filmed for TV. Also Gene Simmons and his family and HIS entourage are going.
Anyway, I’ll have to see what shows they did keep me on.  But next year, I’ll get me an entourage!
Not all is lost.
On Friday, I received their “Peroni press survival kit.” It’s loaded with everything from Biore strips to Tanning wipes, advil, cliff bar, airborne, hand sanitizer. And best of all Peroni candies! (I’ll post the pic on my blog).
At the very worst, I’ll end up in the hospitality tent, living vicariously through others as my children and husband fight it out at home --what’s for dinner, dad?
And you know what? I won’t care. Not one single bit!

Wow! good for the both of you! don’t forget to tell us the details!!

Hi Everyone,
Sorry it’s taken so long to get over here. MBFW was fun but exhausting. We averaged 4 shows a day for 5 days. To say one collections started looking like the other isn’t an exaggeration.

I’ve been writing about it on my blog Come on over there to read everything. I’m also the fashion writer for Blogcritics, which is like being on Mars.

So what I’ll do here is give you some Fashion Week Survival Tips.

1. Look at the websites and if possible the Lookbooks for each designer. Figure out who you want to go see. If there’s someone who doesn’t move you, consider giving it a miss. 

2. When you get your invitations, you still have to RSVP. An RSVP isn’t a guarantee you’ll get in. And even if you do get in, they might change their minds as seating arrangements change due to celebrities and friends. Be prepared to get a “standing” ticket, which is just that --standing!

3. Wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lot of walking and standing in between shows.

4. Eat on time. My friend ExPat Jane just found that out. She’s covering fashion week in Seoul. She’s diabetic, and started to get shaky when she didn’t eat on time. For me, I’m no diabetic but I do need to eat 3x a day.

5. Alcohol is often free. Consider forgoing it and asking for water. Not only is there a lot of standing, these shows are really hot.  The lights are intense and I found myself fanning myself in several.

6. Don’t bother bringing your laptop. Really. I saw several, but the action on the runway happens so quickly you won’t be able to live blog it. I found that writing little words in my notebook was enough so that I could jiggle my memory. Write down your responses: “contrived.” “The type of clothing that confirms LA has no fashion.” Stuff like this captures the moment.

7.  When the models are walking pay attention to hemlines, fabrics, patterns, shoes, necklines, sleeve shape and styling.

8. The people you meet are fantastic. Bring your business card and hand them out.

9. Bring a big handbag, along with your small camera. If you’re press, see if you can gain access to photos taken by the PR companies.

Okay, that’s all for now. Some good stuff came out of this. It looks like I’ll be writing for a fashion news network team. It’s very exciting.
xxx
Kanani

Glad you had fun… I use to go to LA FW a few years back, but like you so accurately described.. it was full of celebrities- even more so than NY fashion week.

But your review was spot on…

Oh, I really hope if you’re ever back in L.A. you’ll contact me. I’d love to get together with you. By the way, I plugged this site! Someone asked me what I felt the best fashion site was and I named yours. They wanted to know why, and I just said it was because there are sensible people here, who want to look their best without breaking the bank or being ridiculous.

Thanks Calliegirl… I totally appreciate the shout out… That’s what I love about our little community.. totally normal folks who want to look good without spending a fortune (and really these days FEW people can)