Jacquemus coat // Sandro sweater // No. 21 skirt // Prada bag // Balenciaga boots

When I become a mother, everyone told me “the days are long but the years are short”.  The same can be said about NYFW.  SO much was packed into each day it felt like I was living in a 48 hour/day universe.  Just like that – finger snap – my week was already up.

Backstage with Bumble & Bumble x Self-Portrait 

Photo 3 courtesy of Bumble & Bumble

My last day started with an early backstage visit to Self-Portrait.  Bumble & Bumble master stylist Jimmy Paul was responsible for the hair, and the vision was “Something womanly and sophisticated – grown up, but with a little humor.”  This played out in a tightly braided bun, save for one detail.  The end of the braid was left peeking out like a fishtail.  The result?  Cool girl, laissez-faire styling.  A Self-Portrait signature.

I’ve had the pleasure of going backstage with Self-Portrait before, and the vibe is always super zen.  This allowed me to meet some fabulous influencers and industry peers from oversees and chat with the models (who were completely flawless).

When it was time for the show to start, I enjoyed watching my favorite bloggers file into the front row.  Susie Bubble, Vanessa Hong and Aimee Song (fresh off a plane from Australia) filed in.  It was this very show two years earlier when I got to meet Aimee (no surprise, she’s just as amazing in person).  These full circle moments are what I live for.  Reflecting on where I was, how far I’ve come, and everything I’ve learned along the way fills me with joy.

Self-Portrait

Images 2, 3 © IMAXtree.com; Image 4 courtesy of Bumble & Bumble

The signature lace we’re used to seeing from Self-Portrait was completely reimagined for FW19.  Rather than heavy texture adorning an entire look, transparent mesh made an appearance on sleeves, hemlines and bodices.  Flirty silhouettes were upgraded to angular tailoring.  Blazers featured nipped waistlines, jumpsuits and shorts were pleated and polished.  Finally, voluminous shoulders were the name of the game.  It was a polished collection, showcasing the most formality I’ve seen from Self-Portrait.  Even the color palette was striking – black or white to open, with the closing looks featuring vibrant canary, cobalt and orange.

My favorites were the yellow velvet pieces paired with metallic stripes.  Texture mixing at its finest with a feminine bend.  The blue and orange gingham felt contemporary and bohemian in the same vein, and I’m here for it.

After the show, I had just enough time to eat.  Such a rarity during NYFW.  While walking across the street to my fave brunch spot, The Roxy, I was nearly blown over like a tumbleweed.  The wind on Day 3 was NO JOKE.

An appearance by a member of the First Family canceled my next backstage appointment.  What’s a girl to do with a couple hours to kill in Soho?  Go shopping, of course!  While I didn’t buy anything, I got to try on these jeans and this handbag in person.  Don’t be surprised if you see both in my wardrobe soon.

Elle NYFW Lounge

Next up was a visit to the Elle Magazine Lounge.  These events are godsends during fashion week because they give you a chance to network, meet up with friends and just unwind for a minute.  Located in an amazing apartment on Fifth Avenue, they had everything from yummy food and drinks, manicures, hair appointments and consults with Allergan and European Wax Center.

I attended with my friends Laura and Tiffany (check out her NYFW recap) and we had fun taking pics in the fabulous ambiance.

R13

As a self-proclaimed denim addict, I always look forward to R13.  Their edgy, high-quality denim is the stuff of dreams and for FW19 designer Chris Leba went 90s grunge.  But it wasn’t just a Nirvana-esque vibe.  Accompanying the band tees, combat boots and plaid, were intricate baubles resting atop reworked lace and dainty florals.  It was grandma grunge.

I’ve not seen such vintage era work out of R13 and I loved it.  Under Leba’s trained eye, the result was equal parts bohemian and edgy.  A marriage of old world and contemporary.  Few designers can strike this balance, and the genius was in the fine handiwork.

Kaia Gerber closed the show and it was so rad to see a 2000’s era incarnate of Cindy Crawford.

Following the show, I headed uptown with my NY ride or dies for food and wine.  The 4 hours of sleep I’d get before boarding my flight was worth it.

Another fabulous NYFW for the books.

ICYMI: Check out my recaps of NYFW FW19 Day 1 and Day 2.

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OOTD photos by Andrea Ceraso Photography