Postcard From New York Fashion Week

New York, New York

Patty Hughes is a television personality, lifestyle expert and pop culture pundit. She has hosted segments on Rachel Ray and Wendy Williams and was a contestant on Food Network’s Worst Cook In America. Patty has been a fashion and interior stylist, fashion show producer and style movie critic. This year she attended shows by Tracy Reese, Kate Spade, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Zac Posen. Read more about Patty at pattyhughes.com.

I went here to: Attend New York City Fashion Week.

The best way to travel here is: There are 3 options: 1) Public transportation -- for a $30 unlimited metro card you zip around without having to fumble for cash. 2) A taxi -- this can be fast sometimes but the completion is fierce among the fashion folk. 3) A car service. You will always have a car waiting for you. If you book it early and for the week you can score a deal, but most importantly, when you step out of a slick black town car you are automatically fabulous.

The shows and events are held all over the city, therefore it’s very important for me to map out each day. My schedule was so packed with appointments, shows, events and parties, that I didn’t have time to waste trying to figure what to do next.

I stayed at: I like the W Hotel. It’s very fashion week friendly, the staff is knowledgeable about the going-ons -- plus it’s centrally located. I book early for the best rates -- the hotel does fill up fast.

When it comes to packing, be sure to bring: Comfortable shoes. Sure it’s easy to get caught up in the high-heel whirlwind but when you are racing around you don’t want to get “fashion feet.” Instead, change into your glam footgear right before you reach your appointed destination. As you strut in, there’s no need ever know your sneaks are tucked away.

The best thing I ate was: A hamburger and fries at PJ Clarke’s on 3rd Ave between 55th & 56th streets. Sure, this location is not the one right near the Lincoln Center, but if you hop on the cross-town bus it only takes about 7 minutes. It takes me out of the fashion scene long enough to regroup and recharge. Also, there’s no long lines of fashion folk.

The best event I attended was: Kate Spade’s Spring 2013 Presentation. Her show was held at an event space called Hudson & Broad. The space was transformed into a fashionable garden party with big beautiful floral arrangements, and was filled with sunshine -- as soon as I walked in I felt “It’s Spring!” The space completely captured the feel of Kate Spade’s collection: modern mod of brights, florals and graphics.

Don't miss: The lounges and gifting suite. Different publications host lounges where you can visit with new product vendors, grab some refreshments and rest! One of my favorites was The Beauty by Catwalk where I was pampered with some of the top beauty brands. Another must-stop was The Daily Style Sessions on the rooftop of the Empire Hotel.

Next time I will definitely: Bring a bigger bag to carry all the products, gifts, programs and magazines. Fashion Week is like trick or treat for the fashion fabulous! I received goodies at every event and fashion show I attended.

My advice would be: Pick up a copy of MODEM. The book lists everything you will need to know for the week. The fashion show schedule, showroom listings, public relation companies, where to eat and what to see. It’s a terrific tool.

My favorite show was: Michael Kors! He is my all time favorite. He never disappoints. Plus, his shows are always good for an A-List celebrity sighting -- this season it was Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

My favorite new trend is: Black and white thin stripes! The fashion machine was in full effect with this trend -- the look is crisp and fresh.