New York Fashion Week!!

Sunday, September 24, 2017

New York Fashion Week 
For the First Time!!

I have to say that my first New York Fashion Week was outta this world. It started off super early, Rob and I decided to take the Amtrak train down instead of drive because the hotel offered no free parking and we didn't wait to pay $50 a day plus the hundreds in tolls and gas to drive up and back. Especially when we could just lay back and ride the train, but we had to get up and get there early. We also had to take the subway to downtown, then walk 3 blocks to the train station. Normally this is no big deal, but at 6 am with a bunch of suitcases it was a bit annoying, then add the can of soda Rob put in the carry all breaking and making a mess, it got really annoying...lol! Thank goodness I put everything in plastic shopping bags, then put it all in the bag, so nothing got wet. I was pleasantly surprised with the Amtrak ride because it was quick clean and on time, you can't ask for any better than that. Plus it cost less than all of the tolls, gas and parking that I would have paid for had I drove the car. I know I'll definitely be using Amtrak in February when I go back, and save myself a lot of aggravation and money. 


Once we arrived at Penn Station in New York around 10:30am, we met up with Lei (@Petite.sole) right away, she arrived an hour or two before we did so she was already waiting for us. She's a really good friend of mine, and an all around awesome chic. We have been friends on Instagram for some time and had never actually met in person, but the weird thing is when we finally did I felt like I had know the girl forever, same thing with Johanna (@Love2bcouture). Some people you just have a connection with no matter what. Once we found Lei we went to have breakfast at this little corner spot called the Tick Tock Diner so we could sit down, eat something, and form a game plan. Especially since we couldn't check into our hotel until 1pm. Turns out the hotel Rob and I got was the Hilton Garden Inn but it was in Jamaica/Queens, which is a super long commute. Lei was supposed to be sharing a room in Manhattan with another girl, but last minute she couldn't make it so we decided to bunk with her at the Manhattan Club. That way she wasn't stuck by herself and we could all hang out, go out to eat, and go to shows together. I didn't want her to be stuck in NYC by herself, plus we had our first show at 6pm and there was no way Rob and I were going to ride the subway up and back to Queens, 45mins each way, and get back in time. Then we would have to of taken the subway back to the room for the night and I did't want to do that at 11:30pm....not in NYC...No Thanks...LOL! Once we decided on a plan and ate we headed to the hotel, dropped off all the luggage, took showers, hung and rested for a bit then headed off to the #Maarkah show.




 I really enjoyed it because it was a handful of fantastic designers from all over the world, and the looks were beautiful. The show was produced by Runway Prestige NYC and Maarkah. At first we were in the back row, but last minute just before the show started we were moved (Lei, Rob and I) to the front seats to fill some reserved spots for people that never showed. I was elated because now I had a front row seat. I was literally right there on the runway, so I was able to capture some fab shots of the show and the audience, and as you can see everyone looked show worthy.



I would have to say of all the amazing styles and looks that I saw, these really stood out. The bottom far left look was my favorite item on the runway from the whole show. It was so pretty and wow was it interesting, I just love the way it looks like a dress and then the bottom hem is almost like pants, so unique and beautiful. I also would say that my favorite all around designer was OhhLaLa, the bottom far right image is one of her looks. If you check out the videos on my Instagram page >HERE!!< you'll see all of them. The whole line that they put out was fresh, young, and so adorable, I really loved the all around style and feel. It's definitely a style I would love to see myself in. They said that they were going to be doing another bigger and better show next year but I'm more than hoping they invite us back, I can't wait to see what Maarkah and Runway Prestige  come up with. 





We met bloggers, and photographers, models and even met Summer Preistler, aka Miss United States. She was very sweet by the way, she took a selfie with Lei and I, as shown above. Once the show was over we went out to eat dinner at this Thai restaurant across the street from the hotel. We ate pineapple fried rice and turned in for the night. After a day of planes and trains we were all exhausted. when we woke up on the 12th we started getting our plans together, Jessica (@a_jess_state_of_mind) another IG blogger friend and Johanna (@Love2bcouture) met up with us at a cute little Jewish restaurant called Sadelle's for brunch. We all sat and talked for hours, what great time we had, and the funny part was Rob was the only guy all weekend. He was at a table full of women, and I'm pleased to say he did awesome and got along with everyone. I even thought it would be a bit awkward with us staying in a room with Lei but it wasn't, and that I'm so so happy about. We had omelettes, bagels and matzo ball soup. Which was friggin awesome by the way, so if you love it definitely try it at this little spot. The only thing that drove me crazy about New York was the fact that every time I ordered a soda I got this tiny little bottle that was all of about 5 swallows for $5..ahhhhhh!! It drive me crazy the whole time I was there...wtf is it about a regular sized soda?!!



I have a confession to make, just before breakfast we hit up Black Tap and had a freakshake...yeah I know it's a bit backwards but we had planned to eat there too, but we didn't know they only served burgers so we got the milkshakes first, then we all walked from Black Tap to Sadelle's. Let me tell you once you see this milkshake you're gonna freak...hence the name Freakshake!!




 Wasn't I right??
The one Rob and I got was called Cotton Candy, and was topped with lots of cotton candy, two rock candies, and a big pink lollipop. Then the glass rim was lined with really thick icing and candy covered chocolate candies. The milkshake itself was strawberry flavored. 
The one Lei and Jessica got was called Birthday Cake, and was literally topped with a huge piece of birthday cake, lots of sprinkles and whipped cream. The glass was rimmed with vanilla icing and rainbow colored sprinkles. The milkshake itself was birthday cake flavored too. Let's just say for once I found something that was too sweet for me, but between Rob and myself we finished it. 


Once we were all finished eating and hanging out we sadly had to go our separate ways, but we made sure to take a picture first to keep the memory. Even though I talk to these girls almost every day it sucks that we all live in different states and so far apart because I definitely would love to be able to hang out with them, meet up for lunch or coffee, and go on shopping trips. It's just crazy how we all have so much in common, it's truly awesome how Instagram brought us all together. 
I live in Baltimore MD, Lei lives in Boston, Massachusetts well she did, she recently moved but she's still far as heck away. Jessica lives in Florida and Johanna lives in NYC, but at leaste we'll always have New York Fashion Week..lol!!


By this time I was flipping because I hadn't gone to the Hilton where we were supposed to have stayed. See back on the 6th when I was doing my shopping for NYFW I bought a cute pink blazer from JCrew, and the woman at the counter told me I would have it by the time I left for NYC which was the 11th. When it hadn't arrived to my house by the 10th, I called and found out that the woman at the store was so off. Had she told me, I would have paid to get it send next day, because that was my outfit for the 12th. Long story short after talking to Jcrew customer service they said they would next day it to the Hilton so I would have it to wear on the 12th. So I called to see if it had arrived yet so I could get it dropped off at the Manhattan Club. OMGoodness they told me that it was delivered to a residential address, and someone named Karen had signed for it. I was beyond mad...still no blazer. Someone named Kathy was up a 150$ blazer, and meanwhile I told Jcrew I have nothing to wear for my next fashion show. Well it turned out they couldn't get it to me in NYC so they said they would refund me, and send me one for free to my house. Ok that's fine and dandy but what am I going to wear?? Thank goodness Lei and I were able to walk to Time Square the morning of the 12th, where we found and H&M and I got a cute little white button up top. I wore it with a pair of black leggings and riding boots to the Eva Longoria show. 





After all the blazer/Jcrew craziness and lunch we headed back to the hotel for a little R&R, then we went out to dinner at Restaurant Row, where we found a great little Italian spot. The food was really good, all three of us agreed on that. I got a chicken dish with peppers and onions in a diced tomato sauce. it was delicious. I also ordered a side dish of angel hair pasta, it made the chicken taste even better. It was very moist and cooked to perfection. Rob got a big bowl minestrone soup, I tried some and it to was really good. If I'm not mistaken Lei got a chicken dish as well, and she also loved it! Let's just say we all left full and super happy.


After we left dinner we headed back to the hotel to shed the dress shoes and clothes, for comfy Toms and Reebok classics, then we headed up to this cute little restaurant/bar to and met up with Melissa, a friend of Lei's (also an IG blogger) and thank goodness for Rob her husband came with her, so Rob had another guy to converse with. We all had some drinks, ate, sat and talked for almost 4 hours, the time just seemed to fly by. Like I was saying before, I have so much in common with these ladies, it's awesome to be able to talk to people that do and love what you do. The last day we woke up early because the Eva Longoria show was at 11am, and we had to walk many many blocks. The show was put together by Fashion 360 Magazine, and it was a fantastic set up. They had all kinds of great sponsors like ChapStix, KIA, Coca Cola and more! Rob and I took a picture on the red carpet, 


and we schmyed around until they called for us to take our seats. Once we got in and the show started  it was definitely full of people, I wish I would have gotten there sooner so I could have gotten better seats so I could have took some nice video and pictures. Hopefully next year, I can say that I loved the looks that came out. I can't wait to take a peek at her website to see more. The last look was a beautiful and flowy powder blue dress, very very nice. I think I just might have to go and get one for myself. 


After the show we all decided to go to the Brooklyn Bridge to take some pictures and grab lunch. I have to say I put some serious miles on my feet in NYC. Plus riding boots may not have been the best choice to go explore in, and wow it got to an uncomfotably warm temperature. After the crazy traffic we made it to the Manhattan side and proceeded to walk across to the Brooklyn side. 
Lei and I also got some really cute shots, like the first one at the beginning of the post. There were so many people walking, skating and bicycling across the bridge. It was an amazing structure, and wow so long. Once we finally made it to the Brooklyn side we were pretty hot and hungry so we stopped in this little Chinese restaurant, wow was the food good. Not to mention they gave me a regular sized soda, I was super happy to say the least. Also because it was Brooklyn and not Manhattan, the pricing was normal and not crazy expensive.  


 We enjoyed the AC and grabbed a yummy Godiva soft serve in Time Square on the way back. There's no better way to end a trip on a good note than with ice cream. 


(When you realize that you and your homegirl are twinning and it's completely not planned!!)




Sadly the trip had come to an end so we went back to the hotel where they were holding our luggage and headed to the train station and airport. Even though I was sad to leave Lei, it was an awesome trip that I'll never forget, and we made plans to do it again in February, we're definitely going again. Hopefully this time now that I have a head start I can get some tickets to big designer shows and get sponsored for the trip. I hope to make my 2nd trip to NYFW more than amazing. Also Lei is going to bring her hubby, so Rob won't feel so outnumbered. I hope to stay 5 days next time....that's the plan at least. 
Have you ever been to NYFW, and if so what shows did you see??
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Bath Bombs Rock!

Friday, September 8, 2017

This post is sponsored by Alemsa Life Organic Bath Bombs and the opinions/experiences are 100% my own.

Alemsa Bath Bombs!!


I received some organic bath bombs from a company called Alemsa Life, and boy am I glad I did. From the minute I took the box out, a fantastic smell filled my nose, as well as the air. The packaging as you can see in the above and below images, is gorgeous and would be perfect for a gift. 
There are 6 lovely scents!!
Lilac, Jasmine, Lavender, Chamomile, Mint, and, Rose. 
I would have to say so far Rose is my favorite, but I have only used 3 thus far, and can see me absolutely loving every scent. Also ineluded was the softest little washcloth, and from being in the box with the bath bombs, it too smelled amazing. The day I got the bombs I was super worn out from a very long week of work and anxiety, so I decided to run myself a bath as hot as I could stand it, and have a super relaxation session. I turned on some good music, dropped in some rose petals and the rose bath bomb. Then I lit a candle and just soaked until the water started to get cold, and my fingers got all pruny...lol!! 



The great thing about these bath bombs is they give your skin a beautiful scent, so that when you get out you have a perfume about you, and who doesn't want to smell like roses. 
Plus I find that when I have had a long and exhausting day, the kind that make you sore and achy all over, a soak like this definitely helps you to wind down and get some good rest. For me to help the achy feeling the hotter the better, I try to literally make it as hot as I can stand it. See when we got the bathroom remodeled we thought of getting a jet soaker, but the hall bathroom was 2 inches to small so I couldn't get it....darn it!! I regret not fighting for that extra two inches, because Rob has serious back issues and I feel like that jet tub really would have helped him. Now I have to admit I have always been a good sleeper, that's one thing I've never had issues with, but Rob on the other hand is not. If something wakes him up it's a wrap, he can't go back to sleep for the rest of the night, or he wakes up at 5-5:30 am. I'm always telling him to take a super hot bath, why is it men never listen...lol! He did love the hot tub, when we went on vacation he got in the one at the hotel, and he said it helped so so much. So that goes to show yah that the hot water definitely does help. 




 I couldn't coax him into enjoying a bath bomb but I sure did,
and just after I was right off to sleep, and smelling like roses...lol! Definitely get yourself some Alemsa Life Organic Bath Bombs, you're gonna love the way they make your skin smell and feel. 
Well I'm leaving for New York Fashion Week in 2 days and am so super excited, let the count down begin!! Rob got two super sharp suits, wow do they look good on him. I got all three of my looks...yes I FINALLY got my NYFW shopping done, I stayed away from heels though only because I tower over Rob due to him only being 1 inch taller than me. Plus I'll be doing a lot of hoofin' it in New York City, so heels may not be the best idea. I got a pair of Coach flats and I'll wear my black and camel riding boots the other two nights. For the first time in so so long I have butterflies in my stomach about something, because I know it's going to be amazing. Plus I'm meeting up with a few good blogger friends of mine that I have been talking to for what seems like forever, and I'm super eager to meet them in person. Johanna, Lei, Jessica, and a couple others...See yah soon gals!! 
I can't wait to share the shows with you guys, keep an eye on my Instagram page and Insta Stories, I'll be giving a birdseye view into Rob and I's daily adventures. 
Have a Wonderful Weekend!!


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