birch box

Life Outside the Tents as A NYFW VIP: Lounges, Swag Suites & Dinner Parties

When you think of Fashion Week you may think of the backstage scene that I've been tweeting about all week, or the runway shows themselves, but truth is, there's so much more when you're a NYFW VIP.  Since all editors, bloggers and influencers end up in NYC for the shows with the same goals, brands take full advantage and host dinner parties, pampering lounges and after parties all for a little face time.  Here's some of my fashion week extracurriculars... I know, it looks like a lot of work (wink).

Birchbox Lounge

Set up conveniently across from Milk Studios where a variety of shows took place this season, I popped in before attending Christian Siriano near by on Saturday.  First things first, I got down to business by creating my own Birchbox.  Next, I indulged in a little pampering with a mani (shade: Color Club in Status Update), grabbed a snack from WichCraft and caught up with some friends.

Style Coalition Lounge

I popped in the Style Coalition Lounge at the Empire Hotel before going backstage to Zac Posen on Sunday night to catch up with my friend Yuli, who runs the organization. They partnered with Microsoft and my fave stylist, Ted Gibson.  The best part?  It was exclusive so there weren't a thousand people running around and it really was a break from the hustle and bustle.  While there, I had my hair touched up by Ted Gibson's stylists and left looking glam!

Dinner with NARS

Each season NARS rents out parts of restaurants in the West Village and throws a dinner party.  This is what I was most excited for this season.  Between all the running around and waving hello to friends backstage I got to catch up with my media friends over wine, cheese plates and chocolate covered strawberries in the garden of Palma.

Allure Beauty Lounge

After going backstage to interview Reem Acra before her show (see post here), I headed to the Empire Hotel to stop by a few suites.  Allure had SkinMedica preforming facials, Maybelline giving makeup touch ups and manis and a whole fragrance bar set up with samples from different brands along with Sephora pulled up on iPads for easy purchasing.  Smart.  I would have loved a SkinMedica facial, but my makeup was set for the day and I didn't have the time.

Clarins Lounge

The brand just launched their Beauty Flash Blog so I was eager to see my PR friends and learn more about it.  The Courtin-Clarins girls were there (the granddaughters of the founder of Clarins) so I filmed a video interview with them, which will be live soon!  I'm so glad they're getting involved with the brand.  They're super chic and approchable.  Other editors were getting makeup touch ups and mini massages in the suite as well.

Father's Day Gift Ideas: Grooming Loot Your Dad Would Actually Use

Still need to go Father's Day shopping?  So do I!  However, my dad already knows what he's getting.  Each year I take him to a Yankee game to spend some quality time.  Plus, if I gave him anything on this list, he would just think he was my guinea pig!  Here are my top men's grooming picks that would make great Father's Day gifts. Kiehl's Facial Fuel Sky Flyin’ Foaming Multi-Gel, $19

I swear every man I talk to is obsessed with Kiehl's shaving cream.  They say it's like no other. Well this Father's Day give your day the ultimate two-in-one, the brand's new gel based shaving cream that also acts as a cleanser.  

Birch Box Man, $20

Yes, there's a Birch Box for Men!  Gift your dad with a yearly subscription to Birch Box and he'll receive trial sized grooming and lifestyle products to test and enjoy monthly.

Babyliss Pro Volare X1 by Ferrari, $199

No matter how much he may deserve one, you obviously can't buy your dad a Ferrari for Father's Day, but you can gift him with these cool clippers from Babyliss Pro.  They have a Ferrari inspired motor!    It's three speeds, cordless and comes with six comb attachments and 5 taper setting controls.

Molton Brown Activate His Grooming, $58

The black pepper line of men's grooming loot by Molton Brown is the only scent your dad should be wearing.  It's fresh, yet spicy.  This kit includes masculine products like a hair and body sports wash and a deodorizing body spray.  Great for his gym bag.