Where Spring Begins

I think there's been enough distance between now and Fashion Week, that it might be alright to document my experience, especially with the next event coming up in February (heel kick). I would still ask, since this is a private blog, don't share with anyone, but also, don't get excited that I have any AMAZING photos or insider info to share either. It's a pretty locked down event, so I didn't make off with any pics of the shows or venues, but these are a few mementos to remember it by. 

Interview day before heading to the IMG offices!

My last shift on the last night! I love this whole area of the UWS, but the Lincoln Center has always had my heart. It was so great spending 4 days over there. 

I ended up scoring 4 shifts out of the 7 day event. There were quite a few volunteers that didn't end up getting scheduled at all, so again, I felt very fortunate. There are 5 different venues you can get assigned to, and I was lucky enough to experience 3 out of the 5. I don't know how to pick a favorite because each event and day was so fun and unique. My first actual shows were working on designers Nicolas K and Chadwick Bell. I'm not going to go into specifics about the shows, although if you are interested, I would gladly love to chatter about the clothes and ambience. In regards to my volunteer work, I had a lot of fun experiences that I will always giggle like a school girl over, such as being asked to walk the runway prior to the Nicolas K show for spotlight checks. Yup, you heard me! I've walked a catwalk.

I, also, saw Lauren Conrad and got to talk - twice- to Kelly Cutrone. So, those were my big celeb sightings for the day!

Outside the Lobby. I always ended up being there like 45 minutes early for my shifts because  for obvious reasons, I wasn't overly familiar with commute times, so it resulted in random pictures around the Lincoln Center.

My second shift was working the Lobby, and it had all the makings for being absolutely AWFUL! The area we were in charge of was this little booth tucked behind some stairs, and our sole responsibility was to restock items...for 7 hours, just restock. I, fortunately, was snagged by a lovely aspiring actress/IMG rep to work the information desk, where everyone was more age appropriate and all around more fun! I basically got to chat to everyone that came in and scope out celebs. I saw Mya, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Joan Rivers. I missed SJP by an hour...I was devastated. Okay, seriously, what's up with Joan Rivers?? The reaction to her was what I would expect an intimate gathering of Justin Bieber fans...girls pushing and shoving to touch her?? I don't get it personally, haha, but it was intense for a brief moment as she walked out of the Lobby.

Our cozy check in point!

I had a set-up shift I was able to pick up before the week started, but my fourth and final shift was a show that occurred after the official event was over, and I was thrilled because up until that point I hadn't got to see any big name designers. To my wonderful surprise, I was able to sit in on Rachel Zoe's completely divine collection, which also featured an interview with her on the runway. So, it was a great way to end my week, needless to say.

My swag!! This year was one of the weaker showings for free swag, so I was told, but I  felt pretty fortunate to end up with what I did. Lots of free hairspray as you can see, free nail polish, free samples of the most amazing perfume you will ever smell, and I was able to get everyone free shirts. I, also, got a copy of the program [red book] and a modem [small red book on the far left], which was THE hot commodity. I found ONE left as I was cleaning up at the end of my shift and even though I spent the whole night thinking people were asking for a computer modem, I knew I was lucking out big time when I found a spare one.  My FAVORITE item though was my credential. Only those of us on the last and final shift got to keep our credentials. I wanted to cartwheel, and would have had I not badly jammed my finger putting away tables.

It, truly, was a great experience! I was so glad to be a part of it, and at the end of it all, I am glad to be a stay-at-home Mommy.