Wearing: H&M sweater, H&M pants, H&M blazer

[Day 1] of my first New York Fashion Week (NYFW) ever! When I first started receiving invites, I thought to give them away like I did last season. I wasn’t about to hop on a flight to attend. It wasn’t until some convincing from others that I decided to experience it all — and I was nervous (to say the least). The minute I landed, I regretted the decision because I didn’t know what to expect, whether it was worth taking off work, or anything. This season I attended: Noon by Noor, Laurence & Chico, Pamella Roland, BLDWN, Self-Portrait, and R13 Denim — and no they were not all seated invites. Three of those invites were ‘standing’, meaning I was asked to fill in empty seats (hence how I got to sit second row most of the time), but any invite was a way into the experience!

Noon by Noor was the first show, since I didn’t really know anyone I just started making conversation with anyone around me. In doing so, I met some pretty amazing women. The show was spectacular (honestly). After waiting in line to: scan the invites, get in the elevator, be told where to sit (there was a lot of line waiting), once the music started, those 8 minutes of runway show were worth it. Little by little, the anxiety of trying something new went away, and I was just plain excited for the next shows.

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Noon by Noor:

I started Day 1 with Noon by Noor’s F/W 2019 collection — being Arab from my father’s side I was low-key proud to attend the elegant & minimal women's line by Bahraini cousins Noor Rashid & Haya Mohammed Al-Khalifa.

Noon by Noor Fall-Winter 2019

“True to their modern and effortless aesthetic. The block colors, silky dresses, and draping fabrics showcased a dynamic collection.”

Noon by Noor is known for their laidback yet elegant looks, this F/W 2019 collection included bold colored slip dresses and neutral relaxed co-ords pieces. The classic camel coats were a few of my favorite pieces as the ultimate sophisticated look with a twist of chic structure. The silk pleated blouses and dresses were a mixture of forest green, yellow, and black — all stylish, edgy, and subtle yet gorgeous as the models flowed down the runway.

Laurence & Chico:

One of the first brands to ever reach out with an invite, Laurence & Chico was not a show I could miss. Their thailand influenced runway and flight attendant whimsical humor reflected the brand’s true identity.

Laurence & Chico Fall-Winter 2019

“Bold colors, intricate beading, and embroidery. Laurence & Chico never disappoints in the realm of whimsical and fun. ”

Laurence & Chico’s Fall/Winter 2019 is inspired by the designer duo’s recent trip to Thailand. Starting the show was a ‘flight attendant’ taking us through the air in their beautiful collection. The show was as dynamic as the collection was. Thai culture and cuisine are reflected in the collection through the use of bold colors, intricate beading and embroidery. The beautiful floral & leaves patterned outfits were my favorites, I loved the color mixture of green, pink, and navy. Silhouettes reflecting traditional Thai garments are reinterpreted with the Laurence & Chico touch of humor and whimsy.

Pamella Roland:

Of everything I posted from day 1, most commented on the dresses from the Pamella Roland show! And with good reason, at one point i put my phone down and just stood up during the show to look at each phenomenal design.

Pamella Roland Fall-Winter 2019

“Tiffany glass and intricate stained-glass windows are the inspiration for this season’s collection, blending shades of bold and muted colors.”

All overall WOW for the Pamella Roland collection F/W 2019 collection. Especially the dresses that were sparkling, glittering, and feathery— Pamella Roland did not disappoint with this collection. A strong sense of femininity and elegance, each dress made me think of wedding season in the Middle East, where gowns and cocktail dresses are made for the red carpet. The intricacy of the designs reflect the inspiration of Tiffany stained-glass windows — throughout the cocktail dresses and formal gowns, the collection is filled with elaborate detailing in texture and embroidery.

Can’t believe it’s already been a year since my last Valentine’s Day post — the message still remains the same: Give me experiences. While I love gifts, as most of us do, I also love and have grown to appreciate experiences. Forget the chocolates and the roses. Keep the necklaces and bracelets aside for now. Give me your hand to hold as we fly to visit new countries. Give me conversation. Give me your time. Give me experiences. Give me you. This is a concept I’ve tried to implement not just on special days, but most days in my relationship. Whether that’s a relationship with a partner, family, friends, or yourself, it’s important to realize the best things in life are memories and experiences. It is the simplest, yet most luxurious gift anyone could wrap up and offer me. 

So with Valentine's Day approaching, here are some ideas to make the day (or upcoming weekend) unique and special. Spice things up and be spontaneous! (whether you're a couple or single showing yourself some self-love with your friends). 

1. Go on a staycation

You don't need to go anywhere to be spontaneous and travel. To experience the feeling of a home away from home, book into a romantic hotel. Take off work, don't make any plans and then get creative together for your day of relaxation.

2.Go Dancing.

Real dancing - You can take a class together or hit a salsa club.

3. Ice skating.

There's a reason why couples are always hitting the rink in our favorite rom-coms. Go with your girlfriends or your significant other. Ice skating is always a fun idea. 

4. A scavenger hunt.

You can make up your own, complete with creative challenges, photo missions, and sexy prizes or look for a local public event like the Amazing Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt in New York City.

5. A wine & Tapas crawl.

Skip the prix-fixe Valentine's Dinner restaurant - Hop from place-to-place (you can always check Opentable for ideas), grab seats at the bar, and order different kinds of wine and tapas all along the way. Way more interesting experience than a sit-down dinner.

6. Be a tourist in your own town. 

Especially in Miami or NYC, there is so much to do that we sometimes don't take advantage. Put everything else on hold for the day and do all the activities you have on your list but haven't made time for. 

7. Watch old romantic movies. 

If you want to stay in but need a change from Netflix shows - stream classics like Casablanca and Roman Holiday or timeless favorites like Say Anything and The Bodyguard. 

8. Cook Together

There's no reason to drop a fortune at a fancy dinner when you can make a meal yourself. Can't cook (like me…)? Meal delivery services like Plated have made it easier than ever to refine those culinary skills.

9. Go to an Event

Tickets to a local jazz club, a musical, sports game or museum tour? Either idea will be fun and outgoing. Dress up and splurge on fancy cocktails to make the outing extra special.

10. HAVE A SPA DAY

The only thing you really need to create your own at-home spa is some candles and oils.

11. DO A PUZZLE

Working with others on a puzzle will keep you entertained for hours without requiring too much energy.

12. SIT BY A FIRE

The most romantic Valentine's Day activity can be something as simple as keeping warm by the fire, with some hot cocoa for those currently freezing.

13. GRAB A COFFEE

A dimly lit coffee house can be just as romantic as a candle-lit restaurant. We did this for our wedding anniversary! And it was a night of fun & laughter while wearing some fancy outfits.

14. SHARE A MILKSHAKE

If coffee/tea isn’t romantic enough, then go old-fashioned by ordering one milkshake and two straws. You can add a modern twist by seeking out a place that serves boozy shakes or crazy toppings like the ones at Black Tap NYC.

Wearing: Forever 21 Dress

Ladies, if you’re like me and love to wear red on Valentine’s Day (or any occasion), this red satin dress is cute & affordable from Forever 21. So dress up and have some fun… but I get it, who doesn't love flowers and some jewelry, or Valentine’s Day chocolates and fancy dinners. There's no reason you can't do it all, if you can't think of a gift to get, last year’s Valentine’s Day post has some ideas. Point is whatever you chose to do/wear/gift, appreciate the time you spend with the people in your life. Don't stress over gifts or getting the best photo to share on Instagram - live in the moment and enjoy. 

Unpaid post - literally just a hobby run amok.