A Local Gal's Guide to Navigating New York Fashion Week

Fashion Week from a local's perspective is completely different than that of an out-of towner's. I don't have to deal with booking hotels because my biggest expense is the subway. But that also means I have to wear one look for the entire day because I can't just pop in to my hotel room to change between shows. I always make sure my look is weather appropriate before I step out the door and I'm wearing comfortable shoes - or I have my favorite Crocs flip flops with me (my secret weapon!) This year was Ella's first NYFW - so we're gonna share our mommy and me style.

Honestly in retrospect I wish I punched up this look with a red beret or some plaid ankle socks but that's what happens when you dress in 5 minutes. Don't be surprised if you see this look again with those. (Read my previous post about the Art of the Fashion Repeat here.) Ella styled herself first so I wanted to coordinate by picking up on the red. I added the heels, fingerless gloves and lipstick and ran out the door. I didn't even bother with jewelry. It was probably enough but for NYFW you really want to do more.

Every morning before I leave for the day I mentally go through my checklist, although sometimes I physically write it out to make sure I don't forget.

So basically this is a what's in my bag, NYFW edition. 

Tote. This is key. When sample sale shopping I always have at least one blue IKEA tote bag stuffed in my bag but for NYFW a regular tote works just fine. I actually picked one up at Trader Joe's for 50 cents. I gave Belle one too LOL. It makes it so much easier to carry your heels and all your front row swag. (Check out my front row tutorial here.)

Metrocard. Until the day I'm a car to door girl, the fastest way to navigate NYC traffic is subway or by foot. Way cheaper and faster than an Uber. If it's your first time using the subway make sure to connect with a local or you may get lost. It took me a couple years to really learn the subway system and it can be very confusing to a newbie.

Comfortable shoes. If you can wear sneakers or flats all day, good for you. But I'm only 5'5" and it's pretty hard for me to stand out in a sea of models without my heels. My trick is to pack my heels and wear my Crocs Sexi Flips between shows. Before you cringe at the word Crocs, check them out. They are super chic and so comfortable. Unlike other flips flops they won't fall off your feet because they have a back (great for driving too!) and won't turn your feet black because they are made of rubber (other materials always discolor my feet). And because they are so lightweight, you can fold them right into your purse. You better believe I had my Crocs with me that day because I can only do those red heels for 3-4 hours tops.

Cash. I never leave my house with less than $20 in my wallet. In NYC it's so easy to grab a quick snack at a food truck or buy a cute pair of sunglasses on the street - but most vendors are cash only.

Lipstick and Sunglasses. I don't like dragging a whole makeup case around with me so as long as I have my lippie to reapply and my sunglasses (in case my eye makeup wears off - or it's really sunny) then I'm good to go. There are so many free lounges for hair and makeup for touch-ups - not to mention a Sephora at almost every corner.

Camera. Any day I want to shoot I make sure to take it with me - that way I can hand it to a friend or friendly stranger. Thank you to Belle for my pictures this round - I took all of Ella's. Maybe one day I'll work with a photographer, but until then I'll be editing my own stuff. Just make sure you have your battery and SD card - trust me when I say you need to double check. Last week I dragged my camera into the City to find I left my battery charging at home. Ugh.

Charger. Especially for all you iPhone girls whose phones die in about an hour. My old phone cracked so my brother gave me his Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and it's kinda amazing. Better photos and video than an iPhone and the batteries last forever - it's also half the price. I can sometimes go 2 days without having to recharge. It's life changing. I really want to upgrade to an 8+ (I hear the camera is even better!) but I'm gonna wait to see what pops up on Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

Water/Snack. Sometimes shows are back to back and you don't have the time to grab a proper meal. I usually toss a small water and protein bar or small apple in my bag because you can't always count on free food at the show venues.

From head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Jason Wu, Modo sample sale, $20
• Cape:  Make Me Chic, C/O (sold out but linked similar below)
• Dress: ASOS, $33.50 (I'm wearing an XS - they run huge!)
• Gloves: Carolina Amato, sample sale $10
• Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim medium Pashli, Nordstrom Rack, $160 after using some Nordstrom Notes (retail $895)
• Heels: Tamara Mellon, sample sale, $50

You can shop my style here:

Mini me's look started with this super cute Zara kids sweatshirt dress. We wanted something bold and bright - and sure to catch the photographers eyes. It was less than $30 and you can probably still find it in store. A statement like the Girl#power on the back is always a bonus. She layered it over Ava's Kidpik lace skirt and plaid Justice top. She swiped my Mini Rockie and Perverse sunglasses (they're a little too small for me anyway) and she borrowed my grandmother's Chanel pin. My fashion gene was passed down from her to me, to Ella, so we were honored to take a piece of my 94 year old Grandma with us to NYFW.

I actually linked Ella's bag and shoes above should you or your mini need them too.

Stay tuned for my last New York Fashion Week look and guide to getting invited to NYFW! This week I'll be hitting one of my all time favorite sample sales, Rebecca Minkoff! Oscar de la Renta is this week too! New to my radar is Rebecca Taylor who is teaming up with a couple other brands and well as Zadig and Voltaire. Unfortunately Zadig will be at 260, not in their showroom, so I doubt the prices will be as good.

Rebecca Minkoff
October 23-29
M 11-8, T-F 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-4
260 Fifth Avenue

Oscar de la Renta
October 24-29
T 10-8, W-Sat 11-7, Sun 11-4
151 Wooster Street

Frances Valentine, Rebecca Taylor, & White + Warren 
October 25-27, 8-6
80 West 40th Street, Suite 80, 8th Fl

Zadig & Voltaire
October 31- Nov 5
T 9-8, W-Th 10-8, F-Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5
260 Fifth Avenue

Happy shopping!

XO
Michelle

I am a supermodel.

My niece recently got married at Marina Del Rey, which has breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. It presented the perfect opportunity to showcase my new stunning Teri Jon lace dress and some mini wedding style. Glammed it up with my new Jimmy Choo glitter pumps and Edie Parker clutch - both 90% off NYC sample sale scores :) I have to confess I hesitated a little before posting these photos. I've been struggling with body image for most of my adult life, so today I'm sharing some tips and tricks of how I deal when I don't feel right in my own skin - and how you too can stay positive and live your best life.

I knew these shoes were a half size big when I got them but I neeeeeded them. I should probably pad them next time I wear them because my feet keep slipping forward. I know I always tell people not to buy shoes that don't fit or aren't comfortable but sometimes you have to make an exception. And they were cheap and pretty comfortable otherwise.

My dress came with a nude slip but I knew I'd look slimmer in a black slip so I hunted down the perfect knee length one from Victoria's Secret of all places. Yes, I paid retail (gasp!) but it was worth every penny. For reference, I'm wearing a size medium. It's bias cut and so flattering. You need at least one of these slips in your life!

From head to toe:

• Earrings: AV Max, sample sale, $4 
• Dress: Teri Jon C/O (RV $680) - I'm wearing a size 8
• Slip: Victoria's Secret, $50 (I used a gift card that I won so it was $0 OOP)
• Bag: Edie Parker, sample sale $180 (RV $1,800)
• Shoes: Jimmy Choo, sample sale, $100 (RV $895 - OK so almost 90%)

Recently when I shared the first pic, someone commented on my Insta that they didn't care for my beachy cover-ups, and missed my more tailored looks. Me too. I probably deleted 1,000 pictures before I settled on these full-body ones. Thing is, it's really hard for me to share these pictures because in this spectacular dress (did you see the details??!!) I can't hide the weight I've gained over the past year and a half. If I throw on a loose caftan and heels I feel comfortable, and fashionably camouflaged. I've been trying to mix it up so I'm not so one-note but I have limitations. Just because everyone has the right to wear whatever they want, doesn't always mean they should. I personally try to choose options that flatter. And fitted isn't all that flattering right now on me. I have to confess that I'm almost a little surprised nobody said anything sooner. I'm sure most people noticed I put on some weight, but I don't think most of you realized just how much.

While I'm all for body positivity, I have to be honest and say I do struggle. I think most women do. I am an emotional eater. I stress eat. Sometimes I don't even enjoy what I'm eating, I just eat it anyway. And I eat A LOT. It's actually shocking I'm not 500 lbs. considering the amount of calories I've been putting away these days. I first shared my struggle on a blog post almost two years ago. Thing is, I look at those pictures and wish I looked like that again - and at the time I felt big. For that reason I try to stay positive now. I know I can't blame anyone else - I have to be accountable for my choices. I just take it day by day.

Instead of just sitting around and complaining I decided to do something about it. Again. I recently collaborated with Orange Theory Fitness on Insta and they generously uploaded 30 workouts to my account. And even better, there is a Trader Joe's right next to the location I've been hitting. I can stock up on inexpensive healthy options so I'm not tempted by the junk my husband likes to buy "for the kids." If you haven't tried a Orange Theory workout, they offer 60 minute classes that really push you. They mix it up with interval training - with treadmills, rowers, and floor exercises. And it's different every day. In some ways it's better than the 30 minute Beachbody workouts I do at home because my competitiveness kicks in when I work out with other people. Click here to sign up for a free class - they have locations all over the US and Canada. I've been going 1x week but I think I'm almost ready to step it up 2x week. The first couple times I almost passed out. I think my body went into shock LOL. But every second on that treadmill I think about every Fashion Week look I wanted to wear but couldn't fit - and I keep pushing.

I've long accepted I will never again look as I did 20 years ago. It's just not possible. I don't have to be a 2 again or any specific size or shape for that matter. It's not about the number. It's about feeling good in my skin. I often wonder if I'll ever get there, but I'm gonna keep trying. Until then I'm gonna keep putting on my caftans, tunics and shirt dresses. SORRY NOT SORRY.


If you are struggling too, here are a few quick tips to help you get through the day:


Don't hide. Work with what you've got.

You can be ANY size and look good if you know your body. I used to be more pear shaped so I wore lots of A-line skirts and dresses. Now I'm pretty curvy all over so it's all about balance and proportion. I prefer looser designs that still show I have a shape underneath. Ergo, my summer of caftans. If I wore boxy tunic I'd look like a giant square - and I'd look even bigger. I'm finding knee-length, narrower, rectangular silhouettes work best for me right now. It's all about visually creating as many vertical lines as you can. If you haven't developed an instinct for what will work on you, just look for other style icons with your shape - and steal their style.

Show your skinny.

I like an open neck to show my collarbone (sorry Ma, I know it's not modest...) and I show lots of my skinny arms and legs. A heel or pointed toe will elongate your legs. If you got something good (and everybody has something) then flaunt it!

Find clothing.

There is no such thing as having nothing to wear. Sorry, it's 2017 and you can shop on your phone in your bed at night. H&M, Zara and ASOS all have inexpensive options that look designer. If you hit Target for cereal, just grab a dress or two. Return if it doesn't fit. Repeat as needed. You just need a few versatile go-to options in your size that you can accessorize up or down.

Try to forgive yourself.

That's the great thing about life - even if you mess up or have a bad day, you can just start again tomorrow.

Pretend you are a supermodel.

Some days I'll put on something cute, not look in the mirror, and pretend I'm a supermodel. A little confidence goes a long way. If you believe it, everyone else will too. I've been doing this one for over 20 years now. Fake it till you make it, baby!


And now on to my beautiful minis...

It started with a Nordstrom Rack run during Clear the Rack. Picked up Akiva's shirt and mustache bow tie for $20 and Ella's floral Zunie dress for $11. I tried to track down another dress for Ava but it was sold out company wide. She settled on this thrifted Zoe LTD dress ($15) which she fell in love with. It was a religious/modest affair so they both had to add sleeves with pieces from their closet. And they are both wearing shoes gifted from Nina Kids. Akiva decided last minute he wanted a suit so I paid full price in Zara ($100), but he never asks for anything so how could I say no? Akiva once again took my pictures and selflessly gave up a half hour of buffet time. Trust me, that's a big deal for him. I really have the best kids.

It was actually really bright out so it was hard to find pics where they weren't squinting badly. They complained a bunch but at this point they know how to power through like pros.

It was really the most beautiful affair. They held the ceremony outdoors during sunset at under the Gazebo - which was pretty similar to my wedding a million years ago. The difference is that mine was late October and people still complain about how chilly it was. Seriously.

And now for my weekly sample sale update. Lots going on, but nothing you really need to hit. Between Fashion Week and the Jewish Holidays I've been pretty busy anyway. Save your $$$ for the good ones that should be coming up this Fall :)

With the passing of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, I'd like to wish all of you a happy, sweet new year. May we all find the peace we seek, and may this year hold lots of exciting adventures (and crazy sales) in store for us!

If anything I've shared today struck a cord with you, please feel free to comment below. Just know you are not alone :)

XO
Michelle

PS - If you haven't already entered my Kidpik Instagram giveaway, you have till October 2nd to win a Kidpik subscription box for your little princess! You can read more about Kidpik boxes here and Kidpik basics here.

Not So Basic Basics by Kidpik

My three kids were born and bred in NYC. We might have moved over the bridge to suburbia, but they are still City kids at heart. My littles are all about color and comfort - and like their momma, they love a good deal. We reviewed a Kidpik Subscription Box a little while back but today I want to talk about Kidpik Basics. The girls picked out a few pieces for back to school that we wanted to share with you. We're so excited to announce that we are giving away a Kidpik Subscription Box on my Instagram - click here to enter! And scroll down for an exclusive Kidpik coupon code just for my followers.

This past Sunday, we headed downtown to explore the Lower East Side to check out some of the walls we've admired on Instagram. And when we got down there we found ALL of those walls painted over. NYC street art is constantly being done and redone so you gotta act fast if you want to shoot. So we improvised and wandered around in search of colorful backdrops to showcase our Kidpik style.

Kidpik Basics come in sizes 4-14 in a rainbow of colors and silhouettes - which is just how we like it! My girls have a modest dress-code for school so they wanted to stock up on their favorite pencil skirts. Kidpik is brought to you by the same people as RUUM (loved their stuff!) and some of the items even came with RUUM tags.

To get an idea of fit, Ella is 52" and 56 lbs. and wearing a 7/8 on bottom and 10/12 on top. Ava is 48" and 48 lbs. and wearing a 7/8 on top and 5/6 on bottom. My girls (especially Ella) are VERY particular with fit. My skinny minnies are long and lean and we sometimes have a hard time finding clothing to fit their slender frames.

These pencil skirts fit like a dream and range in price from $3.75-7.50. And FYI the 7/8 measures 19" long and the 5/6 measures 17.25" long. They're not too thin, not too thick, nice and stretchy, and don't ride up too much when your wiggly kids move around.

As for tops, other than the tie dye which has a more slender fit, we probably could have sized down for the looser designs. Most of the arms fit wider so we had to push them up. They're also on the thinner side but still super cozy and not see through. The body of the 3/4 sleeve top was nice a fitted but the sleeves are a little looser than we'd like. If you do size down, just be aware that some of the designs are cropped and you may be need to layer with a tank top for full coverage. These tops ranged in price from $7.50-$17.50, and many styles offer deals if you purchase two. Kidpik also offers a deals of the week where the featured item is discounted. Right now they have the cutest booties on promo for just $19.99! And their sale section is pretty epic!

The girls were also super excited about their new lightening metallic sneakers. They are so chic and comfortable - Ella actually wore hers to Fashion Week (seen here) this year. She lasted all day on her feet without any complaints. They come in several colors too! Ella is wearing a 4 in shoes right now and Ava is in a 2, but these styles ran a little big for us so we sized down to a 3 and 1 respectively.

Biker shorts are always hard to find for some reason - and Kidpik has some on sale right now for just $2.75! My girls like to do cartwheels and handstands wherever they go so we always have some on under our skirts. You seriously can't beat that price!

It was pretty warm out so the girls started to lose it after a couple hours in the sun, so I took them to byChloe on Bleeker to chow down. I ordered them some treats but they just couldn't wait. By the time the real food came out we were all so hungry that we didn't bother taking pics. Ella always gets the Avocado toast and Ava went crazy for their cauliflower soup. And the fries with beet ketchup are always a big hit.

Everything featured here is now currently available on the Kidpik Basics website. The girls did add a few of their own accessories to show how easily these basics can be mixed in to their own wardrobes.

Bonus - get FREE shipping on a $25 purchase with code LEHOARDER (from September 18th to October 2nd, US only). Have you tried Kidpik? If you haven't, now is the time!

Thank you to Kidpik for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely our own. 

Happy shopping! Feel free to ask me any fit/sizing questions. Always happy to help another momma get her deal on!

XO
Michelle, Ella & Ava

Justice Style with My Little Brand Ambassador :)

Hey guys! Sorry I've been MIA but things have been crazy with all the Jewish holidays. I shot these pics with Ella a few weeks ago with our new Justice swag and wanted to share. In case you missed it, Ella is now a #girlswithheart brand ambassador for Justice. They sent a huge box of goodies as well as a new phone and a $100 gift card. She put together this look and paired it with a pair of Sketchers that I scored for a penny at Nordstrom Rack.

My little bargainista scored the red plaid top (last seen here) and jeans for $20 each and the top was free with purchase. She's been living in that plaid shirt - it's so versatile! She found the fringed purse on the sale rack for $3.50. I have a feeling that gift card is gonna last us a while LOL.

Until now she only ever had any Justice pieces from the thrift store. They actually fit her tiny frame perfectly. She's 9.5 years old but wearing a size 7. It's been a while since she had a pair of jeans fit this well.

I'm linking up her look should you want to shop her style. I totally dressed like this in high school (well with jeanskirts instead of jeans) so it cracks me up to see her like this. On second thought, she's way cooler than I ever was.

Ella had her first Justice personal appearance as a Girls With Heart ambassador for their Super Saturday Halloween event. It was pretty last minute - going forward I'll give you a heads up for the next event so you can come meet us. She handed out positivity cards to other shoppers and they had a cute selfie booth set up. My super cute niece Betty came along and did backflips all over the store LOL. Ella now has her own Instagram @missellasophie - check it out to see a few more pics and videos of the event.

Ava is completely obsessed with Baby Alive right now and had to bring one along. She's been begging me to start a YouTube channel for her dolls...we'll see...

Thank goodness the Jewish holidays are almost over. Unfortunately they do not end before the Rebecca Minkoff and Oscar de la Renta sample sales begin this Monday and Tuesday respectively! Ugh. The holiday of Succot finally ends Tuesday night so I'll be shopping bright and early Wednesday morning. I'll be missing both previews which totally kills me. Last sale Oscar had sample shoes that blew out for $75 at VIP and Minkoff always has the best stuff first day. Luckily I'll be there to shop markdowns.

REBECCA MINKOFF
October 24-29
M 11-8 T-F 10-8 Sat 10-5
260 Sample Sales
260 Fifth Avenue (28-29 Streets)

OSCAR DE LA RENTA 
October 25-30
T 10-7 W-Sat 11-7 Sun 11-4
260 Sample Sale
151 Wooster Street (Houston-Prince)

Happy holiday for everyone celebrating and be sure to say hello if you see me shopping later this week!

XO
Shoppinggal