New York Fashion week may have ended last month, but it’s only this week that I’m finally caught up with all of my posts and stories from then. While in theory it’s every bit as glamorous as you’d expect; beautiful clothes, exotic stages, fancy gift bags, front rows filled with celebrities… the part that’s rarely featured by us bloggers is the ultimate first world problem of how absolutely exhausting the experience actually is. Covering both backstage and front; running from uptown to downtown, then back uptown only to go home and update my blog. Plus balance all of my consulting gigs and personal life at the same time, if only it were as simple as showing up, looking fabulous, blowing air kisses and taking in a show.

That said, there are loads of Fashion Week revival lounges and programs that take place that I owe a very special thank you to for making Fashion Week that much more fun and enjoyable!

Barbie Dream Closet – Adult and kids alike can agree, WE LOVE BARBIE! Stepping into her 9,000 sq foot Barbi Dream Closet, kind of amazing! Her closet includes 36 pairs of high heels and 6 live Barbie fashion models wearing her iconic looks. Did you know Barbie’s real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts?

Lia Sophia Social Fashion Suite – I joined the likes of Lia Sophia’s Creative Director Elena Kiam and Red Carpet Collection Designer Dani Stahl to preview the latest jewelry selections, including the debut of the boudika Red Carpet Collection.

{I brought Mom! I’m modeling my NEW Lia Sophia Ring}

{How fab is my new Lia Sophia ring?}

ELLE Magazine’s GLSEN Fashion Lounge – Being pampered while making a difference in someone’s life, the GLSEN Lounge gave attendees a chance to draw a picture or write a message to stop bullying via the use of art at the Royal & Langnickel Beauty Art Studio. John Barrett set up his braid bar as well and gave guests the most amazing braid updos in literally 10minutes or less.

{My John Barrett Braid}

American Express Skybox – Overlooking all of the major shows during Fashion Week in Lincoln Center, Amex opened it’s Skybox to their card members + select influencers to give them the VIP Fashion Week experience. Drinks, snacks and a slew of Fashion Weeks finest designers pass through and host private events. I was lucky enough to join Amex for the blogger tweet-up and Charlotte Ronson’s Fall 2012 RTW show!

{The View}

{Makeda from Glamazon Diaries and I playing host at the Amex Skybox}

{The bar}

GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels -I’ve talked a lot about the New York Fashion Week pop-up restaurant founded by Elettra Wiedemann, since I’m on the GOODNESS PR team. While the restaurant was happening on the 9th floor of the Museum of Art and Design, I spent a lot of my time at the lounge we created on the 7th floor which included makeovers by Lancome, massages by Equinox, tunes by DJ Travisty, a comfortable living room space complete with internet thanks to CIRCA and a stacked bar of three beverage staples in my life, Kusmi tea, coconut water and Ty Ku sake.

{Elettra Wiedemann with mom, Isabella Rossellini at the GOODNESS launch party}

Kmart to the rescue! Kmart was literally there to solve all of my #fashionweekproblems. As part of a special fashion week service, I just needed to tweet to them @Kmartfashion with what I needed using the hashtag #fashionweekproblems and they would purchase it and deliver (free of charge). I forgot my makeup case one day and they brought me a black eye pencil, bright fuchsia lipstick and flats — just what I asked for! #Lifesavers

Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory Fashion Week Retreat – The Luxe Lab is the ultimate fashion week retreat. Robert is a super host and literally has a lineup of makeover treatments and gifting booths there to spoil his guests! I had an amazing blow-out by T3, makeover by Neutrogena, and manicure by Sinful Colors (which has 150 nail shades that all retail for $1.99!).

{Robert Verdi playing host}

{Playing with bamboopink by JudeFrances jewelry collection}

{I got me a POP phone – they plug into iPhones to give that home phone feel}

{SinfulColors gave me a manicure and preview of their POPtastic Summer Collection}

{Lorna from The Fabulous Report and I getting silly at the snapfish by HP photobooth}

Also while at the lounge, I stopped by the SENSA® by Dr. Hirsch table (remember my post on them last year?) to learn about some of their new products available; SENSA® QUENCH and SENSA® CHEWS. These are supplements you can take in addition to the program which helps people further reach their weight-loss goals by boosting the metabolism and controlling their appetite. Other highlights included getting the fun, new, REACH by Design toothbrush! REACH partnered with Shoshanna Gruss and Interior Designer + Reality TV star Jeff Lewis to design a line of super designed toothbrushes.

I’m not sure how I missed it but the lounge also debuted Robert Verdi’s Sunglass collection for HSN. They are incredibly affordable with most styles priced below $30. Check them out on HSN.com.

{Robert Verdi for HSN Sunglass collection: I WANT THE BROWN ONES ON THE TOP RIGHT! }

The Glamazon Diaries Fashion Week Media Retreat – Hosted by Makeda of The Glamazon Diaries and Touch of Pink PR, this retreat was the perfect conclusion to fashion week. I got to hang out with all of my favorite fashion + beauty bloogers and  just relax and unwind. The event took place at this really cool hostel, called the The Bowery House. I’ve probably walked by that spot dozens of times and never even knew it existed.

The highlight was indulging in JJ’s Rockin’ Cupcakes who makes the most amazing cupcakes and let us custom select our icing to the cupcake of our choice  (I ate about 6), and then proceeded to attack the Popcorners. Chips and cupcakse for lunch — it was like being on vacation!  And in addition to the great company, we have Chandon (sparkling wine) and Nine Walks Wine (sauvignon blanc) to thank for a very good time. After a long few weeks, we were all very ready to kick back and have a drink!

{My fellow bloggers and I taking a moment to appreciate the event’s sponsors, gift bag compliments of Kmart}

Surprise package from The oneCare Company! How nice is this? A travel size, Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Lint Roller and Tide Odor-Absorbing Travel Bag compliments of The oneCare Company showed up at my door with a lovely note to help me get ready for Fashion Week!

 Thank you to all of you wonderful people and brands for taking such great care of me!