Kicking Off Fashion Week at Kiehl’s

Fashion.  For some fashion, or to be fashionable, means to look like you just walked out of a magazine dedicated to the cause or to wear the creations of the latest designer or fashion god/goddess. To others, fashion, or to be fashionable, is to express your individual self, to make a statement of your own creation.  In New York City, the fashion mecca of the world, fashion, and to be fashionable, is a big deal. But while some only focus on designers and their creations to be the scene to follow, I am a true believer that it is one’s own sense of style, even those that will never make the covers of Vogue, that truly defines the diversity, even in fashion, of my beloved city. I believe that to disregard the t-shirt and jean wearing girl as lacking a sense of style is to have no sense of what style is in the first place.  Because fashion, or to be fashionable, is to be able to identify self expression in all it’s shapes, forms, colors, and even prices. The following is a tale of how I, having forgotten this, was reminded of it in the most unlikely way.

So there I was, on the non-Vogue side of the fashion trend, walking down the streets of New York in non-label jeans and black ballerina shoes (huge no-no’s in the fashion world), on the first night of Fashion Week.  Past beautiful, tall, young women in insanely high heels and incredible looking designer outfits, and well-dressed young men, all heading out to the various events for the night. I was making my way to Kiehl’s Fashion Night Out party, trying not to pay attention to my own, um, style. (Let it be known that I love everything Kiehl’s, and I list my reasons why here.) 

Upon arrival, and after showing I.D. (at 38, being asked for I.D. to make sure I am of age to drink is always a compliment) and getting stamped on the wrist for alcohol priviledges, my husband and I entered the fabulous and beautiful Kiehl’s flagship store, located on 109 Third Avenue.  We walked passed the “Celebrity Wall” which was flooded with photographers and people wanting to see the celebrity standing there at the moment.  I was able to snatch a shot, from the side, of the beautiful Gabrielle Chriqui, the Canadian beauty of Moroccan descent who was last seen in her role as Sloan in Entourage.

The vibe was happy, energetic, and fun.  My husband immediately started to mingle, while I took pictures. The scene was perfect, a true representation of New York City style.  I was enjoying walking through the store, looking at all the wonderful products, and greeting and meeting everyone, while enjoying some spirits along the way.

And then I saw it, the karaoke machine.  I love karaoke and get giddy every time I see karaoke at a party.  It’s so fun!  There were people going up there, some were wonderful, others so-so, but in my opinion, all great, because I think being able to get up there and sing, regardless of your ability to carry a tune, in front of a bunch of strangers, is always so awesome. Of course, I put in my name!

I also could see Ms. Chriqui, who was hosting the party, graciously signing autographs and taking pictures with everyone.

“Go take a picture with her”, my husband said.

“Are you kidding?!  I look like shit….no way!  She’s going to look at me and wonder why this ‘mess’ is approaching her…nah-uh, I’m just glad to see her”, I said before happily walking away, taking more pictures.  The party was getting more and more crowded, the vibe happier.

Then I heard my name, and I ran up to the karaoke machine, excited to sing “Stick Witchu” by The Pussy Cat Dolls.  As I sang, I could see my husband smiling at me, and people applauding.  At one point, I thought I saw Ms. Chriqui get up and applaud and cheer me on as well, but you know, when I am in the moment, I probably see things that aren’t really happening.

My husband and I were getting ready to leave, when my husband said, “Honey, you should really take a picture with Ms. Chriqui before you leave.”  I sighed.  Tried to fix my messed up hair, and fix my shirt. “Fine. But I look like ass.” (Yes, I actually talk like this all the time…I know shocker!)

I stood in line, while other more “fashionable” folks stood by her and had their photo taken. I kept thinking how I should’ve dressed better, or gotten my hair done up, or at least worn different shoes.  Arg…I hate feeling insecure.  It so doesn’t suit me, but there I was invisibly covered in it! Then it was my turn.

“Hi, may I have my picture taken with you?” I asked smiling, looking at this beautiful woman standing next to me.

“Sure!” she smile widely. “By the way, you have the most amazing voice!”

I looked at her in disbelief. “Oh, uh, (wide smile) thank you!”

“No, really, that was wonderful, I really enjoyed it!”

And then SNAP! the photo.

Yup.  I have witnesses too. My husband kissed me and said, “See, I told you.” And then that whole bit about beliefs and what not that I talked about at the beginning of my post came to me.  The Glory of Fashion is due to everyone’s quest and desire to look beautiful while wearing beautiful things.  Of course, I love that too.  But without the self confidence in yourself and the awareness of what beauty you can bring to the world, in whatever form that may be, all else matters little.  And with that, I slapped myself out of stupid and held my head up high.

It should have been where my night ended, but after seeing Rachel from Touch’d walk in and with her Anna from ShoeSmitten and HighHealVic in person, I realized that there was still more partying to do.  So it wasn’t until after a few poses in front of the Celebrity Wall, a few more drinks, and some more singing, that I finally called it a night.

And though I am not any more fashionable than I was that night and remain pretty clueless still, there is no doubt, that when it comes to singing, especially in Karaoke, I do pretty well, even in my non-label jeans and ballerina shoes. 

So, whatever your style may be, where ever your beauty shines, I say, Rock On!

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