As I look at my teal-blue binder, with its labeled sleeves for each day, I realize that you have to be a type “A” personality to prepare for the 
circus that is Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. To get the most out of it, you must jump through many a hoop to secure invitations to shows from PR firms and then organize your time to see as many of them as is humanly possible. This has been a constant stream of e-mailing, RSVPing and printing out invites as well as receiving them via snail mail. It would be daunting were I not so excited to have the time and forum to
share what I see and do with you.
In addition to the paperwork, there is planning the ever-important wardrobe for the week of fashion festivities. Good fashion is about fit and using accessories to add dash and personality. I installed a rolling rack in my bedroom and created a wardrobe that could make tons of different outfits. I acquired a couple of statement pieces, like a military-inspired jacket from H&M, a fitted, ’70s denim sport coat from ReThreads and awesomely cool, orangey-red Gant distressed 
corduroys from Aala Reed. Those garments are my “stars,” so I built around them. My pop of color is going to be red, so I’m taking accessories that feature that tone. I also purchased a cool pair of square Proenza Schouler shades in awesome white from TJ Maxx for $29.99. Love ’em! Cydwoq boots, Jon Fluevog recycled rubber oxford lace ups from Shoo and Diesel red leather slip-ons from ReThreads are my footwear. Comfortable and fashionable. I also support Milwaukee boutiques and
designers, like Paul Dobratz, who designed a crazy red laptop bag for me, featuring his “Wiscompton” hip-hop theme. It’s a funky addition to my wardrobe as well as a place for all the tech stuff I need to carry.
I’ve made the mistake time and again of taking way too much, but now, I have packing down to a science. And my wardrobe is complete for the week. I definitely want to look good but not like I’m trying too hard.
I’m sharing this with you, so you can get a bead on the absolute commitment I have to enjoying what I wear and, in doing so, maybe encourage you to have some fun with fashion, too. While in NYC I plan on visiting some ex-pats from Miltown who 
have made an impact on Manhattan’s fashion scene, or who have plans to. I
will profile them in future blogs.
By the time you read this it will be the opening day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and thank goodness I got a hotel two blocks from Bryant Park. It’s going to be a busy first day. Here’s the lineup:
9 a.m.: Mackage show
10 a.m.: BCBG Max Azria
1 p.m.: Duckie Brown menswear
2 p.m.: Toni Maticevski red carpet couture
3 p.m.: Ports 1961
4 p.m.: Elene Cassis off-site show
6 p.m.: George McCracken menswear
7 p.m.: The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection
8 p.m.: Mik Cire
Does that sound like fun or what? I’m exhausted and elated already. Each day during the week, I will give you the highlights along with pictures and video. I’m looking forward to trying to put my finger on the pulse of all that creativity and letting you in on it. Leave comments and wish me luck on keeping my energy level up. See you in the tents!
Note: When I originally wrote the above blog, we hadn’t been hit with the horribly heavy snowstorm that affected us and the East Coast. Unfortunately, my flight to NYC was canceled, and I was forced to take a late afternoon flight on Thursday, the first day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. I was bummed to miss the shows I mentioned above but made a stern resolve to get there and, as Tim Gunn would say, “make it work!” I will still be updating you but will start the daily blog Saturday, Feb. 13.
