The best thing about New York City in the middle of a very cold and dreary February is, obviously, Fashion Week. And it also happens to be the best thing about being an unpaid intern. This year I got the opportunity to cover a few fashion shows and presentations for my internship — and believe me when I say I couldn’t have been more excited to take on this particular task.

There is nothing quite like NY Fashion Week — the tents are full of a mix of sleep-deprived reporters, stylish socialites, celebrities surrounded by onlookers, and cranky photographers hauling around a ton of equipment. It’s pretty much the most glamorous trainwreck you’ll ever see and little ol’ intern me couldn’t look away. That is, until the doors opened and it was time for the main event. Let me tell you, even if you’re not into fashion (which I totally am), there is nothing like the energy you feel watching a fashion show, from the beginning when you’re waiting around for it start (always expect them to be at LEAST a half-hour late), until the end when you’re giving a standing ovation to a truly beautiful collection. Just knowing I was witnessing something so incredible, something that many people never have the opportunity to see up close, sent chills down my achy-from-walking-in-my-too-high-heels spine.

My favorite collection this year by far was alice + olivia, presented at the super-chic Plaza Hotel on Valentine’s Day. The presentation took up four rooms for beautifully clothed models, a full bar and a red carpet. Waiters walked around offering trays of mini cupcakes, flutes of champagne, and heart-shaped chocolate lollipops. And as much as I indulged on all of the above (hello, FREE FOOD!), that still wasn’t the highlight of the evening.  The clothes were, and I’m not exaggerating, AMAZING. Inspired by flappers, they had loads of girly details like lace and feathers, including sky-high, glittery platform heels and sequined pants. From my first cupcake to the end of the show, I literally did not stop drooling.

Before I could enjoy the party, though, I had to interview celebrities such as Kelly Rutherford, Gabe Saporta, and Brittany Snow. One of my style icons, Vanessa Hudgens, also attended, and I obviously stalked her for a little bit. She hung out with Brittany Snow the whole time, and they posed for pictures together, which me and my best friend desperately tried to photo-bomb.

Another amazing presentation that I went to was for Wildfox. Presentations are like parties that are full of New York’s fashion elite, usually a mix of celebs, and free drinks, so, really, how can you go wrong? Wildfox was held in a dark and smokey room, where everyone danced on couches as the DJs, The Misfits, did their thing. When the models came out to show off the clothes, huge balloons fell from the ceiling, immediately prompting everyone to throw them and pop them in a fit of excitement. The clothes were reminiscent of the seventies; bohemian, hippie-chic, and very drool-worthy. The best part of the night? Obviously the amazing gift bag — free Urban Decay makeup and a Wildfox t-shirt. Hollerrrr.

The most celeb-packed show I went to was The Heart Truth Red Dress Show. This show, featuring a group of female celebs rocking their best red dresses, is more about the cause it raises awareness for (heart disease in women) than showing off a collection. But really, when it comes to Fashion Week, it’s all about the clothes, so in that department this was a little bit of a disappointment.  That being said, the show was full of energy with the stars such as Audrina Patridge, Dita Von Teese and Natasha Bedingfield, among others, dancing their way down the runway to cheers and applause. Spotted in the front row: Matthew McConaughey supporting his wifey, Camila Alves, all three judges from America’s Next Top Model, and Susan Sarandon looking more than a little disheveled. I was star struck…sorta.

Thanks to my fashion editor, I had amazing seats to both Elie Tahari and Naeem Khan. Tahari showed off a collection in shades of black, white, nude, brown and red. The runway was full of sheer clothing and tons of lace and fur. Spotted in the front row was Joan Rivers, who was surprisingly very nice and gracious. The Naeem Khan collection showed off a variety of breathtaking dresses, from long and flowy floor-sweeping gowns to sparkly minis. They featured lots of sparkle and shimmer, with sequins, flower prints, feathers and a ton of gold and silver. The gowns were super glamorous, and I could easily see any one of them on the red carpet.

Unfortunately for my unpaid self, I don’t expect to see any of those frocks on me anytime soon. Sad. But, that’s OK; despite the long hours, the intense pain in my feet from wearing heels all week, and all that waiting around for speedy, 15-minute shows, the entire Fashion Week experience was absolutely incredible. There really isn’t anything like being there with all the energy, excitement and amazing craftsmanship by the world’s best designers. Oh, and rubbing elbows with major celebs doesn’t hurt either.

I can’t wait for the next one!

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