NYFW: Goodies from the Birchbox Sample Stop

One of the highlights of NYFW for me and many of my fellow bloggers was the Birchbox Sample Stop across from Milk Studios.  Filled with beauty samples, candy, brow touch ups from Benefit, makeup applications, and charging stations, it was the best place to be to relax in between shows.

The best part? Bloggers were also able to curate their own Birchbox! Here's what I chose.

(l-r: BeautyBlender sponge, theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer luminizer, Benefit They're Real mascara, Kiehl's Creme de Corps moisturizer)

My favorite sample in the box is the Mary-Lou Manizer luminizer from the Balm. Aside from the clever name, this eyeshadow, highlighter and shimmer is gorgeous and pigmented.

Did any of you stop by the Birchbox Sample Stop?

NYFW SS13: J. Crew Backstage

 Always a fan favorite, here's a peek behind the brand's Spring presentation.

 photos via

NYFW: imPress Nails Backstage at Clover Canyon

I was graciously invited backstage at the SS13 Clover Canyon show, where lead manicurist Gina Edwards applied imPress Broadway nails to the models fingers. I already love imPress nails, so I was curious to see the collaboration! The understated shade, called "High Hopes" is a gorgeous pale pink that perfectly complemented the SS13 collection. Inspired by southwest landscapes, the collection was complete with colorful prints and metallic textures.

imPress nails last about five days on me, and love the versatility of this pale pink. I'll have to try trimming and filing the nails the way Gina Edwards did, for a more polished look.

Have you tried imPress nails yet? They're available online, and at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, as well as Walmart.

NYFW SS13 Beauty: Barely There Lashes

Natural, flawless makeup has been seen on many runways for the Spring 2013 season, with dewy "lit from within" skin taking precedent over more dramatic looks. One trend seen in several shows, from Ruffian to Prabal Gurung, to Victoria Beckham and Alexander Wang was a fresh face with little to no lashes. For Victoria Beckham, Maybelline clear mascara was applied to models to separate lashes without definition. For Alexander Wang, the NARS makeup look did not include mascara.

photos via

As a huge fan of lush, full lashes (I rarely leave the house without several coats of mascara), I'm not so sure about this. I love dewy skin, but I'm not ready to part with my mascara just yet. What to do think of this barely there trend?

Ann Yee S/S 2013

NYFW has officially gotten the best of me. I was ill for most of it, and I was so disappointed to have missed the Ann Yee presentation. I love Ann's design aesthetic, and her imaginative ways of manipulating materials. Resurrection and rebirth were the themes behind Ann Yee's latest collection, and the airy, transparent fabrics and vibrant palette were evidence of this. The hair and makeup were reminiscent of modern geisha girls, with bright eye lip colors from Obsessive Compulsive, and gorgeous twisted updos styled by TIGI. I'm in love with the woven dresses in the last two photos.

photos via Think PR

Honor S/S 13 Details

The Honor S/S collection is my favorite of all of the shows. I can't stop staring at the printed skirts, brocades and romantic details. The makeup was soft and glowy, and the hair was the best I've seen: intricate braids with mirrored(?) embellishments.

photos via

Alexander Wang S/S 2013

Sporty pieces, laser-cut details and futuristic styling were seen on the Alexander Wang runway yesterday, and I'm pretty sure the dress in the second photo is the sickest I've seen in a while.

photos via

Duane Reade's Fashion Night Out

NYFW is here with a vengeance, and Fashion Night Out was the official start. I ran around the city like I'll be doing all week, and my first stop was at Duane Reade for #DRFashionWeek and their #FNO event. As a VIP blogger, I was fortunate enough to get a peek at the festivities before the public, and it was so much fun! As the promo stated, Maybelline was on hand with makeovers, Conair was offering blowouts and styling, DUO provided lash applications, and my new favorite, Hollywood Fashion Tape gave out samples of their products.  It got pretty hectic before I left, but the ladies had tons of fun!

The red carpet was out for the night, and the lovely Duane Reade team were in the FNO spirit!

DUO lashes waiting to be applied, and some of the guests getting styled by Conair.

Me and the gorgeous ladies from the Hollywood Fashion Tape team, and I couldn't resist a little shopping! How cute is this Rimmel palette?

Check out Duane Reade's social channels throughout the week for more NYFW coverage:

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric

My NYFW Survival Kit

I've definitely learned my lesson from last year's fashion week: travel light! As fabulous as my favorite statement bag is, by midday, I'm already wishing I had brought a clutch. So this year, I'm only taking the bare essentials: my black clutch (that I'll be studding tonight), my business cards, and a few other things to get me through this hectic week.

Revlon Kissable Balm Stains - Just as pigmented as a lipstick, but with extra long staying power.

Nature Valley Granola Bars - I've seen girls forget to eat between shows, and I know I'll need something to hold me over between meals. These are my favorite!

Altoids - No explanation necessary.

*Hollywood Fashion Tape Refillable Gun - For visible bra straps, gaping blouses, and last-minute hemming emergencies; all of which I'm prone to. This will be a God-send for me, and I'm sure some of you!

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara - My absolute favorite mascara that goes with me everywhere.

Marc Jacobs solid perfume - A fresh scent to keep on hand, and doubles as a mirror!

 P.S. Hollywood Fashion Tape will be on hand at Duane Reade's Fashion Night Out event in NYC! Stop by for fun and goodies. I'll be there!

*PR Sample provided for consideration. All opinions are 100% mine.

Style: NYFW Street Style

My absolute favorite looks from the countless street style images I've seen. So much inspiration.

source

Style: NYFW Backstage

A few of my favorite behind-the-scenes photos from NYFW.

Backstage at Rachel Zoe

Backstage at J. Crew

Backstage at Yigal Azrouel

Backstage at Donna Karan

Backstage at Derek Lam

(all photos via nymag.com)