Temptalia in NYC for NYFW Fall 2009: 10 Lessons Learned

I thought I’d share some lessons I learned while traveling this past February to NYC. Some beauty related, some not so beauty related… but hopefully they’re either entertaining or helpful (maybe even both, if I’m lucky!).

Lesson #1:  Pack Lighter

I am a master packer. Seriously! I do an incredible job of cramming everything I need into one carryon suitcase and one carryon “personal bag” (aka super large shoulder bag). I don’t like to check in my bags, because so many bags get lost, and I know makeup (especially MAC) is often stolen out of bags as they make their way from point A to point B. So if I can, I carryon! Both my carryons were quite heavy, which made lugging them up the jetway stairs kind of a drag, so definitely need to look into lessening the actual weight! I also packed more makeup than I used, and if I had been more forward-thinking… I would have realized I wouldn’t have needed all that makeup!

Lesson #2: Travel Size Everything

I actually would say I learned this lesson several trips ago, but I think it’s a good one to share nonetheless. Buy empty travel sized containers for all of your beauty products. Things like shampoo, conditioner, cleansers, toners, etc. often come in larger sizes than we actually need for our trip. For four days, I certainly didn’t need an entire 8 oz. bottle of cleanser! MAC came out with several travel sized containers a year or two ago, and I really love them. I frequently use them when I travel, so I can lessen the weight of what I take, plus the room they take up!

Lesson #3: Bring a Pillow

If you’re able to, bring a pillow on the plane. Whether it’s inflatable, a neckwrap, or a stuffed animal… BRING IT! Especially if you’re taking a red-eye. I didn’t think I would sleep on the plane, but I just might have dozed off for an hour or two had I had a pillow of some sort. On the way back, I used the hermit crab stuffed animal I bought at FAO Schwartz as a makeshift pillow and got an hour of shut-eye. Consider this a lesson learned!

Lesson #4: Re-Shape Your Body

Since it was Fashion Week, I wanted to slim down, but quite frankly, I suck at getting my fitness on. So, instead I cheated and wore Yummie Tummies underneath my sweaters. It was perfect, though, because I needed to layer with a tank top underneath anyway to add some warmth, but the shapewear kept my waistline looking a little more svelte! They’re comfy and not restricting at all; just feels like a tank top almost!

Lesson #5: Minty Fresh Mouth

Fashion Week is not for the fainthearted. It’s go, go, GO! the entire time you’re there. This translates into lots of treks to the nearest Starbucks for some delicious caffeine-infused concoction. Unfortunately, coffee-breath is not so happening when you’re meeting supermodel Heidi Klum. But neither is chewing gum a particularly sophisticated habit! Solution? SuperSmile Whitening Gum! Conveniently packaged in individually wrapped (like sealed entirely), I can toss a couple in my purse, a few in my camera bag, and some in my pocket. Very high in minty freshness, your mouth is no longer the coffee-shop-of-horrors within a few chews. I kept meaning to try their Quikee, but I only was able to pop in a piece of gum during my on-the-go travels.

Lesson #6: Less is More

I originally feared that I didn’t have enough events, meet-ups, etc. planned, but goodness gracious, I had just enough! Any more and I would have collapsed on the spot. So my new rule of thumb is plan, plan, plan for delays and impromptu opportunities along the way!

Lesson #7: Do Research Beforehand

I really wish I had done some more research regarding places to eat in NYC. I had wanted to get some amazing Italian food, but it didn’t really pan out. So next time… I will have it! But I know now that I need to get a list going and mark down the areas they’re located so I can refer to it on-the-go! (Also need to get some New York Cheesecake… hello!)

Lesson #8: Don’t Get Lost

This seems like an easy thing to say, but don’t get lost! Don’t get on the subway when you’re not a seasoned public transportationist! (Totally made that word up!) You’ll get lost and miss your event! Pay up and take a taxi!

Lesson #9: Plan to Blog

I planned different events and the like, but I didn’t plan time to blog. I just assumed I would have the time, and it turned out I really didn’t. Next time, I’m definitely going to set aside times to blog so I can do more blogging while I’m busy adventuring and it isn’t a bunch of posts all at once!

Lesson #10: Give More Kisses to Loved Ones

Gotta get in more lovin’ with the loved ones before I leave. Includes the boy, the familia, and the puppy!