My first assignment working with the newly launched, and oh so fabulous, JewelryFYI was to cover Fashion Week back in my hometown of New York City and blog about my experiences. So, to set the stage, I must fill you in on all the prep work for my debut at the tents in Bryant Park.
Being assigned to write about fashion week really challenged me to see what kinds of looks I could come up with in a short amount of time and only $200 to spare. I had a month to get the key pieces I needed to achieve a few standout looks, all the while trying to pay my car insurance on time!
Growing up, I was always taught to make the most of what you've got. So, I trained myself to stretch my budget, no matter the paycheck amount, especially when it comes to my style. I hit my favorite designer discount stores like Marshall's, Ross, Salvation Army and The Goodwill—places where the dime you save is spent in the time you search through clearance racks to find great buys. Well worth the effort when you do find something amazing!
After depleting my fashion fund, I felt confident that I had the perfect wardrobe for the week. Dresses, skirts, tops, pants, shoes and accessories...including jewelry and purses were all obtained with two weeks to spare—just enough time to panic over packing. Of course, I convinced myself that it’s better to pack too much than too little. We were driving to Manhattan after all, not flying.
Like most girls in their mid twenties I have minimal baggage…you know, suitcases. I needed some hefty luggage for my sizeable wardrobe and luckily I found great vintage pieces (you know, the hard boxy kind without wheels) at a yard sale, for free, and put my fiancé’s artistic hands to jazz them up.
Yes, yes I over packed. Okay, okay maybe I did bring everything I own, but I felt fantastic by the end of a long week of trial try-ons that I had enough options to work with. Although the luggage weighed a TON, at least it looked great! And, I did, too. I even got my picture taken a few times by other reporters covering the event! The only downside…no elevator in the apartment we were staying at. A small price to pay for looking fabulous!
Stay tuned for my Fashion Week play-by-play, day-by-day!
...Gloria Sullivan
