It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…I’m pretty sure Charles Dickens was referring to Fashion Week. While I cannot get enough of  the collections on the runway, the street style and the city itself, I also get my fair share of 5am call times, frigidly cold (or hell-raising hot) venues, perpetual severe weather warnings and disgruntled guests (Don’t you know who I am?! Um, no people…I don’t!). Its hard to believe I am in my 6th season of working the shows and have managed to work my way up from a volunteer at the shows to running my own volunteer crews!

Each season I learn something new especially when it comes to surviving one of the busiest fashion events of the year. There was season one when I learned the importance of  keeping a pair of flats handy. Season two when I began to tote headphones for long commutes. By season three I learned to layer after realizing that no matter how good/bad the weather outside was, inside may as well be Mars because the climate is completely different. Season four I gave into carrying a cross body while working so I would stop having to run backstage for my phone, gum..whatever! Finally, this past season I realized that touch-ups on the go are a fact of life and no matter how limited the space is in my bag there is always room for YSL Sheer Candy and a compact.

I leave for New York tomorrow (my birthday!) but not before packing some of my fave fashion week essentials to help me survive NYFW in style! Here’s a quick peek inside my bag o tricks:

#1. My Camera! I shoot with a Nikon D3100 that I attached to an old Rebecca Minkoff purse strap to dress it up a little. I use it to snap my fave looks at the shows, street style shots, pictures for my photo journal and anything else inspiring I see along the way!

#2. My Notebook: As much as I would love for inspiration to hit me the moment I open my laptop, the reality is that it will hit me while I am in line for coffee at Starbucks or riding the subway after a show. I have learned to carry a notebook with me wherever I go so I can capture thoughts in the moment.

#3. My Tech-Gadgets: I bring my MacBook Air with me so that I can keep up with blogging as well as my iPad which I load with electronic subscriptions to the magazines I subscribe to like Bazaar, Vogue and inkdly. They periodically write amazing posts on how to accessorize using technology.

#4. Metro Card: I have had the same metro card for over a year now and just reload it every time I go back to the city. It’s become a fun tradition!

#5. Statement Rings: When working inside the venue we have a pretty standard dress code of black-on-black-on, well…black! So style points really come down to layering and accessories. I have really been digging statement rings lately so I made sure to pack a few that I can throw on (or take off) at a moments notice.

#6. Headphones: These headphones from Skullcandy have made many a commute much more tolerable and they make a great fashion accessory to boot!

#7. Make-Up: I am not really someone who wears a whole lot of make-up, so all I really carry are my YSL sheer candy (goes on like chapstick but adds a great pop of color) and my Laura Mercier powder compact.

This season I am also brining my Instax Mini 8 which I got at Urban Outfitters. I loved taking Polaroid photos on my trip to France and so I wanted to capture a few moments  in New York to add to the collection. It was on back order for a while but made it just in time for the trip! Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Twitter @chicdisheveled and as always…