Earlier this week I posted an Instagram Story explaining my tips on getting invited to New York Fashion Week and what has worked for me in the past. I thought I'd take a moment to get it all written down and give you all a guide to Fashion Week.

First things first, you need to figure out what days you'll be in town (or if you live in the fashion week city of your choice, when you'll be able to attend). For instance, I live in NYC. So you would think that I would be able to go to any show. Not so. I work full time and the last few seasons the shows have been nowhere near my office. So I'll typically keep my evenings and weekends free during NYFW...because you never know what last minute invite to a show, presentation, or event will come your way.

Be realistic! Odds are Chanel will not be reaching out to you, and the likelihood of a front row seat will be slim to none (but it can happen as it has happened to me a number of times...more on that another time). Even if you request a very high profile show you might not get an invite. Be prepared for rejections. It happens to everyone! Try shooting for shows that newer designers are holding. Your chances of getting on their guest lists are a bit higher.

Be sure to check out the the official calendar. This step is so important. This calendar shows the bigger runway shows and presentations. I will always look to see what shows are happening on the dates that I'm free to try to snag a ticket. Three things to note: 1) These are not all the shows that happen. There are so many more (typically smaller) shows! 2) Events are not captured on this calendar. 3) This list is always being updated...so keep checking back!

When you decide which shows are of interest it's time to send out an email to their PR Contact. How do you find out the email addresses? It's typically quite simple. Go check out the designer's website and click on their contact link. You'll find the PR Contact there. You'll want to keep the email short and sweet. Explain who you are, how you'll cover the collection, and be sure to include your media kit. You'll want to email them a month or so ahead of time (I always email as soon as I see shows on the calendar). About a week and a half before the shows I always follow up with anyone that I haven't heard back from. You never know what availability will open up.

Another way to get invited to shows and events is through GPS Radar. I have the app on my phone and use it all the time. A few of my friends have tried to sign up with them during fashion week and had little luck. You might want to download the app now to get a step ahead.

Lastly you'll want to keep an eye on your spam folder. I have lost out to a number of invites because I didn't look in my spam folder. Trust me, you don't want to miss out!

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions. And if any of my readers are planning on attending NYFW be sure to let me know. It's always a great opportunity to meet up with readers and other bloggers. See ya in September!

One of my favorite things about having a blog is when I hear from readers. Whether it be content feedback, info on new trends/designers, or emails regarding style advice...I love it all. That engagement between blogger and reader is what keeps me going.

I got an email from a reader the other day requesting some style advice, and thought I'd share an excerpt from it along with my tips.

Hi Diane,

My name is Amanda and I'm a twenty six year old dance teacher from Chicago, I teach mostly ballet and some tap and jazz. Sooo at work I don't get to dress up as I'm in my dance attire and outside of work I am stuck in a total rut consisting of jeans, leggings and boots. I made a New Years resolution that I will greatly expand my wardrobe and start wearing dresses and skirts as much as I can and also try to get away from black and add more color. Being in Chicago it gets very cold and windy here so tights are a must with any skirt or dress but I feel like that's good because it adds another accessory and color to add to my outfit. I came up with some outfits I was thinking of trying but really need your guidance and opinion. Any help would be much appreciated.

-Amanda

The four outfits Amanda is needing some advice on are: outerwear and legwear options to pair with a floral romper (other than black), shoes to finish off a pale pink and pastel green look, a cozy sweater dress and knit tights look, and pieces on finishing off a black leather skirt/red tights look. Let me tell you something Amanda...I am so impressed with your outfit ideas!

I feel like I am in the same boat as you are: always wearing black. It's a tough habit to break, as black is so easy, chic, and on trend. Colors can be tricky. But I have to say I have been adding more and more colors to my looks thus far this year, and it just adds something more to your outfits.

OUTFIT #1- Romper/Tights/Outerwear

Yes I think pairing a black leather jacket and black tights would be the most simple option. But you can totally make this more fun with color. Draw colors from the floral romper. If you have a romper with purple and blue flowers wear some purple tights and a navy jacket. A simple switch like that will make your outfit look so much more interesting.

OUTFIT #2- Pairing Shoes with Pastel Hues

This is definitely a bit trickier, as you don't want to come across looking like an Easter egg! I would recommend doing either of the following: match your shoes to your tights or wear a metallic flat. Metallic shoes are actually very much on trend right now, and the best thing is they go with practically everything!

OUTFIT #3- Sweater Dress & Knit Tights

I love the idea of this combo together...but I would be careful. I've tried something similar in the past and depending on the cut of the dress it can get caught up in the knit tights...leaving you in an embarrassing situation. My suggestion is that if you are going to pair these two that you have the sweater dress be a little more on the loose side.

OUTFIT #4- Leather + Red

I love red and black together. Now I know you said you are trying to get away from wearing black...but I would totally do a classic black high heel and a sexy black top with this. To top it all off I would put on my absolute favorite creme lip stain in Always Red.

Amanda, I hope my suggestions helped a little. I'd love to see your final looks!

For all of my other readers, if you have any fashion questions or are in the need for style tips feel free to email me at: snapshotfashion@gmail.com

How To Get Invited To Fashion Week

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