My first fashion week was back in September of 2013 and I still remember that excitement. It had been a dream of mine to attend as a blogger and when it happened, it felt so surreal. Back then, I went to every show and every event that I got invited to. I typically did it all alone and saw it as an amazing way to network and meet new people in the industry.
Seeing all the incredible designers showcasing new collections felt like a dream. I still to this day love watching the movement of each piece as they flow on the models down the runway. I’ve always been so inspired by all of the street style too and have loved meeting fellow creatives from all over the globe.
Somewhere along the way, my feelings for fashion week began to change and I started to see it in a different light. I’ve never been part of a “clique” and many times have felt like I didn’t belong. I’ve cried. I’ve felt like my outfits weren’t “cool” enough or that I wasn’t “good enough” to get invites to the bigger shows. The excitement I once had turned into this chaotic mix of stress and self-doubt. I noticed that each season, it made me feel a bit more insecure of myself. It sort of made me question my purpose as a blogger.
I’m super appreciative to still be invited to fashion week after all of these years, but I’ve also learned that I don’t have to do it all nor do I want to. I did much less this season because truthfully, my heart and my mind just weren’t in it. I was actually happier doing less and spending more time with a few out of town friends. I still don’t care to be apart of any “clique” and I don’t care if I’m not sitting front row at the biggest shows. I have a deep love for fashion, but what I do and why I do it goes way beyond that. I never want to lose sight of that again.
I was very close to cancelling this season as I mentioned here, but I did end up having a great few days in NYC. I made sure to surround myself with those who help lift me higher and those who believe in me and all that I have to offer. I only went to a few shows and presentations, but it was just enough for me. I feel as though the reasons I attended this year were very different from my reasons in the past.
I have to admit that the first day was not my best. I was still allowing myself to feel a bit overwhelmed and undeserving, but by the second day (the day I wore this outfit) I felt 10 times better and it just got better from there. I fully embraced being in the city, the opportunities that fashion week brought me and the time I spent with friends. It was exactly what I needed.
Photos by: Reuben Luke
Outfit Details
Top: H&M [also love] | Skirt: H&M | Hat: Bershka [similar here] | Bag: Chanel [borrowed from Sydne 😉 similar here] Shoes: Aldo | Sunglasses: Sunday Somewhere | Earrings: Charming Charlie
This was a look that I put together a day or two before heading into New York. I fell in love with this top immediately because of the dramatic statement sleeves. It was a little bit challenging for me to style it because I didn’t want to go with the obvious pant or denim choice. I like to dress how I normally do for nyfw, but a bit more elevated. I think pairing it with the faux leather skirt and cabbie hat made it feel more Parisian inspired. I ended up wearing this hat pretty much every day that I was in the city. I thought it was the perfect finishing touch for all my looks and it also helped me not have to stress about doing my hair! I’m all about wearing the same piece in different ways. As you can see, I played dress up with Sydne’s Chanel. Can’t lie, I wanted to steal it. lol
I got to shoot this outfit with Sheryl’s husband Reuben, and I’m so happy that I did! He’s seriously amazing as I’m sure you guys already know from seeing Sheryl’s content on Walk In Wonderland. I loved spending part of fashion week with them and my girl Sydne. I’m planning on doing a small recap of my week here on the blog tomorrow, so I will share the other outfits that I wore too along with some other fun snaps.
What are your thoughts on fashion week and statement sleeves? Thanks so much for stopping by today! P.S. Don’t forget to check out my very first Podcast Interview! ❤️
First of all you look so freakin fierce here. Second of all, I literally feel all the ways you described. I skipped out on most days because I don’t enjoy the cliques and bitchiness and I always feel very insecure and uncomfortable. I’m glad I went to the things I chose to go to but at the end of the day, it’s really not my scene. I think it would be different if I went with a friend though but ugh, glad it’s not just me that feels that way!
Thank you love! Wish I got to see you this week. I definitely felt a bit better hanging with a friend than just going at it completely by myself. I just wish I could get back that feeling from 2013, but things have changed a lot since then! Lincoln Center was my favorite lol. Boxing class soon!! xo
I did my first official NYFW last September and honestly left with a bitter taste in my mouth. I felt it was very cliquey and people in general just weren’t very welcoming, unfortunately. Also can’t tell you how many times I had street photographers literally look me up and down and brush me off like I wasn’t good enough to photograph LOL! I know my outfit is from Forever21 and I’m a curvy/chubby gal but geez lol! I’m planning on heading back in Feb with an open mind though, hoping this time around may be different!
I feel you girl! I think that attending really is such a great opportunity but sometimes it unfortunately gets overshadowed by all the other b.s. Hoping that your next season will be a better experience! xo