Fashion Week Editor's Lounges

Attending fashion week if you're an editor/writer/photographer/media professional, is a privilege, but it can also be exhausting. Luckily, for some, their long days and nights are made just a little bit more gentle, by companies who set up courtesy suites during Fashion Week. Entry is by invitation only, but once inside, the lounges and suites provide a place to just sit for a while, re-hydrate, have a light snack, network, and enjoy some pampering before going back to work.

After chatting with the Playtex reps and taking in some "typical tent ambiance" this morning, I strolled over to the Bryant Park hotel and visited the BOOTS suite, a virtual sanctuary, with cushy chairs, light beverages and snacks, and even better, massage and reflexology treatments for those aching muscles that have been seriously overtaxed by standing, standing and standing! My lovely, model-esque BOOTS PR contact was there to greet me (with a smile), and chat until the next guests arrived. While I sipped tea in this cool, tranquil setting, I had a reflexology treatment on my very tired feet and believe me, it felt amazing. The painful, pinched nerves in my left foot barely hurt at all when I walked out (and this is NO lie)!

Of course, while sitting, I had time to check out all the newest and greatest BOOTS products for Fall and get a sneak peek at the holiday offerings. Trust me, you WILL love them! We will be reviewing BOOTS in our November and December columns....be sure to check them out! I was SO blissed out I forgot to take a photo of the lounge, but it was heaven. I really appreciated the opportunity to enjoy the Boots suite during Fashion Week, but I really love BOOTS products, especially the excellent and innovative skincare at modest prices (you can get BOOTs in Target stores and Target online, and at select CVS drugstores).

Also in the Bryant Park Hotel was THE DAILY suite. Celebrities such as magician David Blaine, not to mention to media, have been enjoyed The Daily suite, and I did too. Alcoholic drinks, Pom tea, and wine were available to sip while sitting in the Style Lounge on chic couches designed by Bo Concept. Guests could have their makeup re-done by artists working with Jane Iredale cosmetics, and the charming, curly hair king, Christo (who I met once at a luncheon for a launch of one of his new products), was also there, offering advice to women with curly (and not so curly) hair, and showcasing his products. I tested out a mini-manicure and hand massage, courtesy of Cygalle Healing Spa. Based on how great this quickie was, the signature 60 minute manicure (not to mention a 90-minute pedicure) must be absolute heaven! Healing Spa is a mobile spa, able to bring resources and services wherever they are requested, including special and private events. The creator, Cygalle, worked in fashion, film, beauty and entertainment. She has a line of products that you can purchase online, including a Healing Spa Loving Body Oil that is apparently a favorite of Carmen Electra that blends top-notes of orange and lime with exotic, sensual amber and honey. Use it on your hands and feet to scent and soften them or use it on your special someone (it isn't called romance body oil for nothing). Also used to perk up our faces and our spirits during our spa treatment was an Aromatherapy Facial Mist that was wonderfully scented with lavender. There are other products for sale at http://www.cygallehealingspa.com/.

The suite for two days only, is sponsored by The Daily, the bible of the fashionista, published every day of Fashion Week. Even if you're not going to a runway show, you can pick one up for free on the steps to the tents in Bryant Park during Fashion Week. There is also a "mini" published during the year, that is by subscription. A stack of The Daily was featured outside the suite, so you couldn't make the wrong turn and end up in someone's hotel room instead of at the suite!