Friday, blizzard – Monday, rain. But like the postman, neither snow nor sleet nor rain could keep me from New York Fashion Week! It’s more symbolic than anything – it’s about showing up and feeling and dressing your best, and simply imagining that you are in that front row … the front row of your own life!
What do you think?
In just two days New York will host the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for fall 2013 collections. And this Friday, I will be outside Lincoln Center taking my photo to honor the event: on the outside, looking in. I started this tradition last February – the first month that I began writing Speaking of Fashion. I called it: An outsider’s view of New York Fashion Week. A year later, I am still an outsider, but an inspired outsider.
I am not a fashion insider. I never have been. I have never worked for a fashion house or a retail store. I did a little part-time work at a high-end consignment shop when my youngest son was in kindergarten and I loved, loved, loved helping women find things for themselves. What I am is a woman who simply loves to express myself through my fashion choices. I see the beauty in it and the joy in putting things together so that I can be my best self. I am also a mother of two teenage sons and a special-needs cat. When the phone rings I cross my fingers hoping it isn’t the school calling to tell me that I have to pick up a sick child (and yes, this happened this morning!).
And so when Fashion Week comes to New York, and I am lucky enough to live close, I make the trip to Lincoln Center, to breathe in the air and the energy. I don’t have to worry about managing the crowds and the traffic, what shoes to wear – flats or heals?, or keeping my energy up for the excruciating schedule of shows and events. What I do instead is simply feel inspired, remember the role that fashion can play in our lives, how it affects who we are and our sense of self. It is still symbolic for me. Still exciting. Still Fashion Week; my outside view, but a beautiful view just the same.
What do you think?
I found myself on the promenade of Lincoln Center this week, taking in the sights and sounds of New York Fashion Week. I remained outside on the promenade, but it was inspiring nevertheless to feel the splendor and imagine the thrill inside the tents. (I am not sure – are there still actual tents at Lincoln Center?).
What seems like something that is out of reach for most of us is actually attainable, if only in our attitude. Although many of us don’t attend Fashion Week and we may not even know the designers’ names, we can pretend that we do. We can live and breathe Fashion Week by reflecting on our own wardrobe and styling ourselves in the most positive light. Start with a statement piece or a fabulous-colored accessory. Do you have a special coat, for instance, that is simple, elegant and fitted, or perhaps a handbag that elevates your look? Now is the time to wear it and be your most fashionable self.
What do you think?
Read more – (See Styling with Mel article)