To many of you I’m sure this is going to sound pretty crazy. How could a fashion blogger possibly take only a carry on to NYFW? Well here’s how it did it!
#1 Comfort and versatility is key!
Bring shoes and accessories that you can wear with multiple looks. Skip on the pair of heels that you will only wear with one look and pack the boots that go with everything and are comfortable. I say this because there is an overwhelming amount of walking to be done. On average, we walked 7 miles a day! – Keep that in mind before you pack those stilettos… chances are they will just be taking up space in your luggage.
#2 Plan your ensembles out ahead of time
This is a really big one. I always pack extra, but this was a really incremental part of me managing only a carry on. Take only what you will actually wear! As a blogger, I needed to average 3 ensembles a day. So that meant I had to coordinate 9ish outfits. The reason for so many is morning and evening looks, along with additional ensembles to shoot in. By curating and stylizing my ensembles ahead of time, I knew exactly what I would be wearing which day and with what accessories. This limits un-needed access.
#3 Create a Final Cut
So when I packed, I made sure every piece would be worn and made sense for the occasions and looks I was aiming to create. If it didn’t make sense, I didn’t bring it. Here is what made my cut!
My carry on packing list:
Accessories
- Elaine Turner Ally Crossbody
- Jewelry roll storage: held 3 pairs of earrings, 2 necklaces, 2 bracelets, contacts and toothbrush
- Felt hat
- Curling Iron
- Straightener
Shoes
Dresses
Jackets
- XOXO embellished blazer
- Danny Nguyen Couture Jacket
- Chunky sweater cardigan
Tops
Bottoms
- Dear John Distressed Jeans
- Danny Nguyen Couture Embellished Mesh Skirt
- Express Shorts
- Black High-Waist Mini Skirt
Now to make this work, I chose to wear one of the shoes I selected so that I only needed to pack one pair, and I decided to wear a top and jeans so again, this cuts down on a few of the larger pieces that would otherwise be in the bag.
The next tip to make this work is space saver bags! I cannot rave enough about these bags! They have assisted me on multiple trips! All of the ensembles I packed for this trip fit into 2 bags and with the air out, took up minimal space.
The contents above is what all I had to place in my carry on. Everything easily fit with space to spare! If you are looking for a great sized, affordable carry on check out Target!
So that’s it! I hope you found this helpful if you are looking to travel with less baggage! As for my chargers, medications, and makeup, those were all stored in my tote as I like to keep those items handy! Happy travels!
Day 3 started with a New York bagel and hot apple cider! This to me is the perfect breakfast for NYC. Something you can walk and eat and a sweet warm beverage to wake up!
My first show was at the NYFW the Shows location once again, this time to see Taoray Wang. I once again had a full schedule ahead of me and really wanted to be comfortable, so the ensemble I selected for day 3 was this adorable romper from Posh Tulsa, my favorite over the knee Steve Madden Boots and a felt hat I picked up at Marshalls. This look is so versatile and extremely comfortable!
For the Taoray Wang show I was assigned standing, but was able to move to seating. This was the largest show I attended as it was in Gallery 1 which was so massive and set up with riser seating. I loved every piece of this collection! So many shades of blue with fringe, tailored pleats, pinstripes, and really cool chest and collarbone tattoos on the models of birds and trees!
Following this show we had to make our way to 5th Ave. for the Banana Republic show! This show was located in-store and was set up as a quick runway show and showroom. Olivia Palermo was the creator of this collection and she was actually there to show the line!
The collection was totally my style and if I could, I would purchase all of the coats (just doesn’t make much sense for someone who lives in Texas) The pieces were military inspired with soft feminine touches of velvet and blush tones.
One thing I really liked about this show was the pieces were actually available for purchase! I was really thankful we got there early so we were able to be inside for the show. So many people did not get the opportunity as this show was open to the public and first come first serve.
After the BR X Olivia Palermo show, we grabbed a quick slice of pizza and headed back to the hotel to get ready for the last show I would be attending during NYFW.
For this last show, I wanted to pull out all of the stops and wear the most show-stopping ensemble I brought. That would be this amazing piece by Danny Nguyen Couture! I paired the beautiful blazer with a high waisted black mini skirt, and my over the knee Steve Madden boots. For accessories, I wore a sparkling Mirina Collection necklace and carried my essentials in the Ally bag by Elaine Turner.
The last show I saw was the Negris Lebrum show, which was located in an art gallery. This collection was definitely wearable and something I can totally see myself checking out! The materials were lightweight, perfect for the warmer Texas temperatures! I loved the light shades of yellow, khaki and mixes of plaid and florals. Trends included; plunging necklines, round sunglasses, hair turbans, high waist bottoms, mixed prints, 60’s silhouettes, and piping accents.
The designer is actually from Houston, Texas and came out to thank everyone for coming and for everyone who helped get them there as the show almost did not happen due to Harvey. So thankful the Negris Lebrum show was able to make it to NYFW as the collection was amazing!
The intimate after party included delicious chicken and red velvet waffles, and Dey Dreemz Rum Punch in a variety of flavors! This was the perfect relaxed way to end our NYFW experience! Following the show, it was back to the hotel to pack and get ready to head to the airport at 4:00am.
My first NYFW experience was like a dream! I feel so unbelievably blessed to have had the opportunity and ability to go, and thank everyone who made this possible for me! If you are interested in learning about how I attended shows, tips and tricks to NYFW, and lessons I learned, check out my next post for those details!
Day 2 started bright and early with the GCDS show at 10:30 am. This show was located at NYFW the Shows off Washington Street in the Meat Packing District.
We arrived early and had access to the lounge Papyrus Café and E! experience, TRESemme Studio and Reebok lounge. Once it was showtime, we were lined up and directed to our seats. I was actually able to sit on the front row at this show, and was able to move up at the majority of shows I attended. (I will explain how this happens in the series 5 post) So as for this show…..it was amazing!! The carpet was pink and the overall theme was aquatic yacht. The center of the runway had a giant pink novelty swan, perfect for photo opts and really tying the theme together. The looks were a primary color palette with fun meshes, swan prints and visors. I became a huge fan of the designer’s handbags that were featured in this show. So graphic and constructed in fun colors, the ultimate accessory.
Finishing the show, we were able to get a few snaps of the models up close, as well as, Giuliano Calza the designer himself! For this show I wanted to wear something leaning more toward street style, as this was a street wear show, so I selected an embellished blazer from XOXO, a soft blush velvet tank from Express, destructed jeans from Dear John, and metallic sneakers from Target. You can shop this look and similar here!
Following this show, we had a few hours to eat, take some photos, then it was time to head back to the hotel to change before the Nolcha Shows! BTW lunch was a street hotdog…my fav NYC meal! 🙂
For the Nolcha Shows I wore a white lace top from Shein (similar) and this amazing lace and mesh crystal skirt from Danny Nguyen Couture! I paired the look with tights and tall boots to create a more conservative feel and for jewelry and accessories I wore two baublebar pieces and the Elaine Turner Ally Crossbody.
Here I had the opportunity to take pictures with their step and repeat and model products for a few brands. Once it was time for the show to begin we were lead to our seats. My photographer was also able to attend this show, so that is why I have these face-on images of the runway show!
The W. Reflex show was really interesting and edgy. The menswear brand featured blazers, tube socks, raincoats and even the recycle sign. All makeup for the Nolcha shows was done by Ecru and I loved how they chose a pink blush for the male models. It was such an interesting and notable touch.
Concluding the show, we traveled back to the hotel. (Not before taking some pics of course!) Then it was time to change and get ready for the Style Collective Party!
This was by far my favorite party to attend at NYFW as I was able to chat with so many bloggers that I admire and make so many new friends! SO many Houston ladies attended the event, so of course I had to get a picture with some of my faves! And I also have to mention the I met the incredible Annie Spano, creator of Style Collective! Seriously y’all she is amazing, inspirational and the sweetest!
The night was filled with good laughs, amazing fajitas, Day Owl Rose wine, upbeat dance music, scenic New York views, beautiful empowering women, and fizz pops!
Since I am a Style Collective member, I was able to attend the upstairs private event. Here complimentary hair and nail appointments could be done, select dessert vendors were available and quaint sitting areas were provided to chat with fellow members! Once the party concluded, it was time to make our way back to the hotel for a good nights rest!
For NYFW I had the opportunity to collaborate with a few amazing companies, one of which was Elaine Turner! I was able to take the gorgeous Ally crossbody with me, and loved how transitional this piece was. Here I will share with you all of the ways I styled the Ally, and what essentials I carried with me from show to show.
From day to day, evening to evening, my style changed dramatically and yet this bag was able to seamlessly compliment each look perfectly. One of the best features I would like to call out about this bag is that the chain strap is actually removable; perfect for converting the bag into an evening clutch. The gold hardware and embossed snake print make this piece such an elegant accessory.
Essentials
So my essentials from show to show included: gum, granola bars, sunglasses, my phone, wallet and a lippie, all of which fit perfectly in this crossbody! I will add that gum and snacks are super important to have with you during NYFW because you have zero time to eat, and are constantly talking and introducing yourself to people.
Couture
The talented Danny Nguyen allowed me the opportunity to wear a few of his pieces to NYFW, which was totally a dream! I selected a gold embroidered cream jacket and mesh lace shirt, both of which have gorgeous details and embellishments. For both of these looks I carried the Ally as a clutch!
Street Style
For the GCDS show I wore ripped jeans, velvet and embellished pieces so a clutch was also the perfect pairing. The texture of the Ally added additional dimension and appeal to this look!
Classic Chic
This was my absolute favorite way at style the Ally. With a chic black dress, oversized sunnies and tall black boots. The “all black look” is so timeless, but received an update with mixed prints of plaid and snake print. Also, the chain crossbody strap added such a luxurious touch to the look and amplified my ensemble.
So no matter your style, the Ally is a perfect match for any ensemble, and is my fall pick for the perfect lightweight bag. For this bag and other amazing pieces check out Elaine Turner!
For my first NYFW I came prepared with a full schedule and I must say it was everything I hoped for and more! If you are a blogger and have been dreaming of attending I strongly advise taking the leap and just doing it! So here we go with day 1! I am going to share my experience in a 5 part series broken down by day, traveling tips and tricks, budgeting and lessons learned so say tuned for those posts!
So my flight was at 6:20am from IAH, which placed me at LGA around 11. With a jam-packed NYFW schedule, and the first event starting around 12, we hit the ground running! First stop was to our hotel to unpack and change, then to the Nolcha Lounge Showroom!
Here I had the opportunity to meet with Ecru New York! I have collaborated with the brand in the past, but loved getting an up-close look at their assortment and fall colors! If you are unfamiliar, Ecru New York is a hair product and makeup company! They have an amazing dry texturizing spray and the most amazing lipsticks!
My outfit of the day was this beautiful tonal plaid dress from Nicole Miller. I paired it with oversized sunglasses, tall faux suede boots from Steve Madden and the elegant Ally crossbody from Elaine Turner. All of which you can shop here!
Following this meeting I popped over to Bryant Park for show photos, then it was off to Pier 59 got the Supima 10th Annual Design Competition! Since we made it over to the piers a bit early we popped into the High Line Hotel patio bar for a drink. I ordered a Frozen Italian Splash which was lemon and delicious!
With a short walk over to Pier 59, I was lined up and ready to enter the show! So this was my very first show to attend and I was so excited it was seriously a blur! The designs were so beautiful and creative I have no idea how the judges were able to decide on a winning line! Following the show there was an excellent after party on the roof top which was a scenic view of the water and gorgeous greenery.
One thing I will say about fashion shows is you usually end up becoming friends with the person sitting next to you! As you all know I am super shy so this aspect was really amazing for me to get to know someone and share this amazing experience with!
So after the Supima show and after party wrapped up we stopping in at a small Italian restaurant for dinner then it was back to the hotel for some much needed rest and recharge for a full day of go-go-go- day two!
For NYFW, I partnered with a super cute boutique located in Tulsa named Posh! They were so sweet to provide me with two looks for my trip, which I happily curated.
So I wanted to select something travel-friendly, that would be cute and be easy to pack. Following these guidelines I selected the white split sleeve top, versatile black jeans by Dear John in the style Joyrich, a lightweight mixed print romper from Olive + Oak, and sparkling bracelets by Rustic Cuff.
Co-owner Melissa, was amazing communicating with me throughout the process! And I must speak to Posh’s customer service, which is wonderful! They boast about their superb customer service in-store, but I must say, that translates to their online experience as well! Just wonderful!
The pieces were packaged so thoughtfully and arrived to me in time for my travels, despite shipping delays from Hurricane Harvey. I tried everything on and all of the pieces fit perfectly! I especially loved the way the jeans fit! I am hard to size when it comes to denim but Dear John is apparently a great brand for my figure! This is something else I would like to call out about Posh. They sell clothing that fits how it should fit nothing is misleading, or unflattering which I really appreciate! You can tell their assortment was well thought out with no fillers, just excellent merchandise!
So the first look I created was for my air travel to NYC. I wanted something comfortable, but also cute…something oversized but not baggy. This look was the perfect match for what I was looking for in a traveling ensemble! The white top I am wearing is in a size small for reference. I kept my accessories minimal with just the white Rustic Cuff bracelet and my favorite pair of oversized sunnies.
For the second look I paired the adorable, Olive + Oak lightweight button front romper with my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Steve Madden boots, a burgundy lip, this oversized felt hat that I picked up at Marshalls, and a slouchy grey hobo from Kenneth Cole. I seriously wore this ensemble all over Manhattan! The relaxed fit and dual pocket design make it the perfect piece to trot around town in. From fashion shows, to meetings, and even the subway I managed to stay comfortable, confident and cute in this piece!
My experience with Posh was fantastic! Every piece on their site is of quality, and in my opinion, all pairs well together. The pieces’ compliment each other from department to department and the prices are extremely affordable for what you get!
If you are interested in shopping at Posh Tulsa, the great news is they have a website so you do not have to live in Tulsa to shop with them! Check out their site today and receive 25% off of your order with the code “HALEY”
Hi Lovelies!
So I am currently embarking on my first New York Fashion Week, and wanted to go ahead and share with you what I am taking with me to look fabulous over the next 4 days! I have packed all of these pieces and more in my Merona Weekender for Target so yes, packing skills required! 😉
I will of course be creating stylized posts and will share all of my exciting NYC adventures with you when I get back, but wanted to give you a sneak peek of all of my looks ahead of time so you can shop them!
Enjoy!
Click on the photo or (here) to shop!
As for the outfit I am wearing for travel (featured image) you can purchase those pieces from Posh Tulsa! They are a boutique that offers a variety of beautiful clothing items as well as shoes and accessories! I’ll give a full write up on my experience with them and their products when I get back. 🙂
You may have also noticed the couture items in my instastories, those are from Danny Nguyen Couture! I am super excited to wear his designs, and look forward to sharing pics and a blog post with you all in regards to his label!
Stay tuned for posts of my NYFW experience, and follow me along of instagram to see what I’m up to in real time!
So back in July Chloe Dao celebrated her birthday by throwing a 50% sale at her Houston boutique! I had never visited the season 2 Project Runway winners store before but just had to go and check it out! Her store is super mod and her assortment is amazing! There is something for everyone with a touch of fun prints, edgy hems, and lux fabrics.
I purchased this oh-so-cute jacket in this amazing mustard color (similar). This color is my favorite right now for the start of fall, and the design of the jacket is just perfect! What makes this visit to her store even more special is Chloe was actually there! We got to meet her and she helped us shop a bit!
So to style this look I paired the jacket with a black and white striped t-shirt by Chaps (similar) and black skinny jeans by Jessica Simpson. I want all of the attention to be on the jacket so I kept my accessories solid with my signature Kate Spade tote, and these beautiful over- the-knee boots by Steve Madden.
To give the ensemble a finishing touch I wore this exaggerated stone ring by Blandiri. It is adjustable, gorgeous, and pairs so well is so many different styles!
Here I go with transitioning apparel again! Since I live in Texas, we get to wear our shorts a little longer than everyone else! This look is a fun mix of the best of fall and summer all in one!
I created this look with a desire to wear fall colors, but in a comfortable way! To make that happen, I paired my favorite white Old Navy shorts with a maroon turtleneck from Boohoo. The two contrasting pieces come together with the perfect accessories!
Accessories
This elegant statement necklace by Stella and Dot is actually convertible! You have the option to wear it with the long strands or just as a short piece. I personally like to wear the long strands to the back. Its such a cool piece! The necklace is made of beautiful beads in mixed metals with an S hook clasp for easy switch-ability.
I also chose a fun pair of tortoise print sunnies for this look, a faux fur cheetah print belt from Express (similar) and exposed side booties that I purchased at Stage. (Similar)
So even if you are like me and live in a warmer climate, you can start wearing your fave fall colors are embracing the trends with alternative bottoms…shorts! The accessories are all you need to really make the ensemble work!
Since I lightened my hair, I catch myself selecting pastel shades of clothing. I seriously don’t think I used to wear pink nearly as much as I do now! So for this look, I am wearing a light pink top I received from Romwe, and a classic pair of white ankle pants from Jessica Simpson.
Now yes, these two pieces are rather plain but what really makes this ensemble special is the accessories! I added a pop of color and print to the look with this layered Charming Charlie necklace (similar) and these fun slip-ons from Indigo Rd! The shoes are a light blue with a wide white bumper sole and a woven pastel toe cap. These accessories complement the pink and white perfectly and really complete the look!
As for details of the top and pants. This Romwe top was under $10 and is extremely lightweight and flowy. It is perfect for warm weather, and looks great with shorts. I really love the subtle sleeve detailing and boat neckline. Now as I have mentioned before, I do not like to wear white bottoms…it stresses me out! But this pair by Jessica Simpson has really changed my mind! I love the fit, style, and the overall fabric of this pair of bottoms! They are perfect for the summer and have become a staple for me. So as I transition to fall I am going to miss this ensemble but had to share it in the meantime! For a comfortable and cute weekend look, this is a no brainer!