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Fashion Accessories to Look Fab This Fall

Ah, fall! The season of pumpkin spice, rustling leaves, and...refreshing your fashion game! Let's face it: While we adore our comfy sweaters and jeans, it’s the accessories that truly make or break our autumn outfits.

Ah, fall! The season of pumpkin spice, rustling leaves, and...refreshing your fashion game! Let's face it: While we adore our comfy sweaters and jeans, it’s the accessories that truly make or break our autumn outfits. So, if you're eager to know which items will elevate your look from "meh" to "magnificent" this season, keep scrolling.

1. Gloves That Scream Style


It starts to get pretty cold once fall starts to get into full swing, so it is never a bad idea to invest in a really nice pair of womens gloves that you can pop on whenever your fingers start to feel the chill. Ideally, you should choose a pair of gloves in a long-lasting fabric, such s leather, and in a neutral color that will go with as much of your wardrobe as possible, unless you want to splurge on multiple pairs throughout the cooler seasons.

2. Chunky Scarves for Chunky Fun

Remember those super-wide scarves that basically envelop half your face? They’re back on the fashion agenda! And trust us, there's nothing more fabulous than a big, chunky scarf paired with some oversized sunglasses to make you look like the coolest, most sophisticated lady on the block when fall comes around. It's like Hollywood glamour met your grandma's knitting circle – in the best way possible.

3. Hat's Off to Fedoras

When it comes to fall accessories, the hat is a classic that just won’t quit. Beanies are fantastic, no doubt. But if you're aiming for a chicer look, the fedora simply must be your go-to when pumpkin spice season comes around again. It's versatile, stylish, and can instantly upgrade a simple outfit into something that is much more sophisticated. Plus, bad hair day? A fedora's got your back... or rather, your head!

4. The Evergreen Hoop Earrings

Hoops! Big or small, gold or silver, embellished or simple – hoop earrings are a timeless accessory that just seems to fit the fall months perfectly. They aren’t always ideal in the summer when you are very active and they can get caught n things, but when you’re spending more of your time snuggled up in coffee houses and going for walks in the leaves, they are ideal. Their circular shape also harmonizes with the cyclical nature of the season quite well. Not only that, but they'll even draw attention to your face and make any autumn look pop.


5. Boho-inspired Layered Necklaces
The more, the merrier! Stacking delicate gold and silver chains of varying lengths can add both depth and interest to your outfit. Incorporate some fall-inspired charms like leaves, acorns, or even tiny pumpkins for an added touch of autumn whimsy that will make even the simplest flannel and jeans outfit a lot more interesting.


6. Ankle Boots with All the Details

While technically footwear, ankle boots have transcended into the realm of accessories due to their versatility and sheer power to transform an outfit the very second they are slipped on to the feet. Look for fun textures, metallic details, or unique heel shapes if you really want to make a statement this fall.


7. Statement Belts to Cinch Your Look

Big buckles, patterns, or even belts with funky textures can add a pop to any autumn ensemble. Use them over dresses, cardigans, or your favorite fall coat to accentuate your waist and add a touch of polished charm.


8. Handbags with Fringe Benefits

Fringe isn’t just for the Roaring '20s or rodeos anymore. A bag with some fringy details can add movement to your outfit, and it's undeniably fun to swish around, and somehow it just seems to fit the season where the weather is getting cooler and leaves are falling from the trees, so it is perfect for autumn.


9. Brooch the Subject


Brooches are the unsung heroes of the accessory world. Pin them to your scarves, hats, or just on your coat for that added pizzazz you need to cheer you up when the weather starts going south. This season, look for autumn-inspired ones or even those vintage gems tucked away in your grandma's jewelry box and wear them on the lapels of your coat for a touch of simple, elegant, class.


10. Spectacular Specs


Glasses aren’t just for reading anymore. With so many trendy frames available, glasses can be the centerpiece of your autumn look. Clear frames, tortoiseshells, or ones with a hint of metallic can elevate your face and outfit in an instant.


Now you know, you can use these accessories to enhance your existing fall wardrobe and look even more amazing than usual!

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The 2020 CFDA Awards

The 2020 CFDA Awards

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The 2020 CFDA Awards were originally slated for June 8 and would have been the first of its kind to be spearheaded by council chairman Tom Ford, but the COVID-19 outbreak has, of course, disrupted much of the event’s plans. Gone is the trademark opening ceremony, and with it the anticipated announcement of celebrity honorees.

The award show will be still be taking place online, however, and Ford has proceeded with accommodative changes. Efforts typically expended towards maintaining a physical venue will instead be channeled into supporting the countless designers affected by mandatory quarantine measures. The most radical change is the new dedication to racial equity in the fashion industry moving forward. A lack of diversity persists even in this year’s CFDA Awards, in which only four designers of color were nominated in the top American categories. CFDA and Vogue have begun remedying this issue by donating $1 million from their A Common Thread fundraiser to Icon 360, an organization providing relief to designers of color. Additionally, the emerging designer category has become more diverse, most notably with Christopher John Rodgers winning last year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

The CFDA will announce this year’s winners on September 14 via their website and social channels. The council’s own Tom Ford has thus far been nominated for American Designer of the Year for both menswear and womenswear.

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Photo credits:

https://www.vogue.com/article/2020-cfda-awards-nominees-announced

https://cfda.com

Report: Nia Hunt


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Gucci and Prada Will Show Their New Collections Virtually

Milan’s governing body for fashion, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, has announced the schedule of designers that will be presenting their latest collections as part of a digital fashion week in July, as a replacement for the traditional fashion shows that have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Milan’s governing body for fashion, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, has announced the schedule of designers that will be presenting their latest collections as part of a digital fashion week in July, as a replacement for the traditional fashion shows that have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedule includes some of the most heavyweight Italian labels: Prada, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Missoni, and Salvatore Ferragamo are among the brands who are confirmed to present. Some brands will present Spring/Summer 2021 collections, while others will focus on Cruise and pre-collections.

However, many of Milan’s most revered names are also notably absent. At the time of writing, Marni, Fendi, and Giorgio Armani are absent, while labels including Bottega Veneta typically opt out of the men’s Summer shows in favour of presenting in September.

Since lockdowns were enforced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the major fashion capitals have been forced to find new ways of allowing designers to present. London Fashion Week was replaced by a digital portal which was met with a lukewarm response from press and buyers, though some designers did find ways to create excitement.

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The Paris menswear shows, which should have taken place last week, will be replaced by a virtual event titled Whispers of Paris, due to take place from July 9-13. As of yet, the list of participating designers has not been confirmed. The Milan shows run from July 14-17, with the Prada show taking place at 14:00pm CEST on July 14 and the Gucci presentation at 14:00pm CEST on July 17. The full schedule can be viewed at the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana website.

Y/Project is the most recent brand to share its SS21 collection, alongside its plans to pivot to a more sustainable approach.

Report: Amanda T Lou


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Paris Fashion Week to Return in September 2020

According to a statement issued by Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Paris Fashion Week will return in September for the women’s Spring/Summer 2021 shows.

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After men’s fashion week was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, regular scheduling is set to begin again in September. According to a statement issued by Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Paris Fashion Week will return in September for the women’s Spring/Summer 2021 shows.

No further details about the schedule or its participants have been released, but the shows will take place between September 28 and October 6. The Fédération’s statement goes on to add that the event “will comply for its implementation with to the recommendations of public authorities.” The physical fashion week will be run alongside a specially-created online platform. As the Fédération’s president, Ralph Toledano, told Vogue back in May: “Digital is clearly part of the shape of fashion to come and we will take it as an opportunity of innovation to complement tradition. This being said, [in the] last weeks behind our screens, we all felt that a dimension was missing: the sensorial one. This has tremendously reinforced our position that nothing will ever replace the unity of time and place. Shows are a major component of the fashion industry, and this will remain.... Physical events will always have our preference, but as long as there is uncertainty, there should be flexibility.”

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The Coronavirus crisis has led to brands seeking new and innovative ways to present their collections for fashion weeks. London staged an online-only event earlier this month, while Burberry has announced plans for a show in the “British outdoors” in September. Both Pitti Uomo and Milan Fashion Week are also set to go ahead in September.

Report: Amanda T Lou


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The Summer of Virtual Fashion Weeks

Paris, Milan, and London Fashion Weeks have each announced the different ways in which they will be transporting their awe-inspiring shows to digital media.

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This summer, Europe’s most prestigious fashion events will be joining the rest of the industry’s temporary relocation to online platforms. Paris, Milan, and London Fashion Weeks have each announced the different ways in which they will be transporting their awe-inspiring shows to digital media. Interestingly enough, the sudden and mandatory switch to online spaces has actually compelled each Fashion Week to present their collections more creatively.

Going digital for the first time, London Fashion Week aims to be inclusive of both industry professionals and everyday fashion enthusiasts by making their shows accessible worldwide. As a result, this will also be the first London Fashion Week that merges womenswear and menswear, creating a gender-neutral showcase that will be less wasteful than those of previous years.

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Following London Fashion Week is Milan Digital Fashion Week, which will be available through the National Chamber of Italian Fashion’s website cameramoda.it, as well as their many social media accounts. To further immerse viewers in the Fashion Week experience, there will be additional online features, including masterclasses and webinars led by industry experts. Remaining mindful of the pandemic, Milan Digital Fashion Week is an extension of the “China, We Are You With You” initiative, which began in February as a means of remotely keeping Chinese citizens who were unable to travel to this year’s event updated on its affairs.

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Lastly, Paris Fashion Week will debut its new video format on July 9 through July 13. This Fashion Week is more traditional than the previous two, however, as the focus is more on the adherence to industry conventions and the display of collections rather than any digital innovations. Nonetheless, even this devotion to Fashion Week customs has the potential to elicit creative ideas for making audiences feel as though they are attending the grand event in person. Paris Fashion Week has yet to confirm its schedule or featured brands, but the fashion capital of the world will never fail to dazzle audiences during its most significant week, regardless of venue or format.

Report: Nia Hunt

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Milano Fashion Week Digital to Stream Mid July

Milan is taking the initial steps in throwing their first ever virtual fashion week.

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Fashion week, or otherwise known as the biggest events the fashion industry has to offer, are essential for designers, models, and anyone trying to get their name known in this business. But, how do these events take place while the world is experiencing a global pandemic? Can they even happen?

The answer is yes, and Milan is taking the initial steps in throwing their first ever virtual fashion week. Camera Nazionale della Mode Italiana is the organization to thank for creating and developing a plan to distribute a flawless Milan Fashion week mens.

As Milan showcases their Italian designers from July 14-17, the world will get to experience the magic that is fashion week. With the fashion capital of the world allowing its most creative and brilliant designers to explore new opportunities through a digital format, the market growth only expands. Of course, the events are made to allow creativity and self expression to flourish first and foremost, but these digital fashion shows have the potential to broaden markets for designers. Shanghai and Helsinki’s virtual fashion weeks proved to be of huge successes with millions of viewers attending the livestream. Milano Fashion Week Digital, the official name of the event, should have the same appeal.

Milano Fashion Week Digital will display designers newest collections for men’s 2021 spring/summer and men’s/women’s pre-collections for spring, as well as host panels and let viewers take a (virtual) look inside their showrooms. There will even be live performances, so this is a perfect spot for everyone. The designers will have free range for creativity, and anywhere up to 15 minutes designated for their lines.

While it may not be the future of fashion, it’s a great addition to the business. London is said to be premiering their version in the beginning of June.

As of right now, the women’s fashion week in Milan is still set to premiere in late September, and hopefully in an “in person” format.

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

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Saint Laurent's Absence From Fashion Week

The economic fallout of the coronavirus has taken its toll on apparel businesses across the globe, and now it has reached its zenith in the very fashion capital itself, Paris.

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The economic fallout of the coronavirus has taken its toll on apparel businesses across the globe, and now it has reached its zenith in the very fashion capital itself, Paris. Major fashion labels are withdrawing from Paris Fashion Week—most notably the haute couture juggernaut Saint Laurent. Saint Laurent, the quintessential French brand known for incorporating the Eiffel Tower and other iconography of their home country into their shows, has made the decision to cancel the premiere of their latest collection at Paris Fashion Week.

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Being such a prestigious name, Saint Laurent’s yearly releases are typically the most anticipated shows of each Paris Fashion Week. As such, their removal from such a paramount fashion event epitomizes the pandemic’s devastating blow to the industry. Saint Laurent’s artistic director Anthony Vaccarello realizes the long-term effects of the current halt in sales of their products, pointing out that the closing of their worldwide stores and production sites has forced the company to rethink their creation and showcasing of future collections. While the COVID-19 outbreak has upended Saint Laurent’s 2020 schedule, they are determined to remain connected with their audience. Not only did their Instagram post announce their withdrawal from Paris Fashion Week, but it also indicated that the company will present their new releases in an alternative, more inventive way. The post concluded with the following statement: “Saint Laurent will take ownership of its calendar and launch its collections following a plan with an up-to-date perspective, driven by creativity.”

Report: Nia Hunt

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Review: Chloe Ready to Wear Fall Winter 2020

Chloe Ready To Wear Fall 2020 Collection Was Blessed By Beiges And Individuality.

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The Chloé Fall Winter 2020 Ready to Wear was filled with beige, brown, navy, and olive. The collection showed perfect it-girl fall: flowy skirts and pants, outerwear, and knit pieces. Chloé Creative Director, Natacha Ramsay-Levi channeled contemporary femininity into the collection. Ramsay- Levi worked with painter Rita Ackermann, bringing looks from her work to the runway.

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Golden totems and pearl white floors were blessed by the models with their hair neatly slicked back. The looks were chic and tidy, yet soft and romantic. Each look was coupled with a belt at the hip or waist, showing off a great silhouette. The makeup worked to show off the model’s features and the facial expressions were at a strong neutral. The design ranges from modern graphics to soft, cozy patterns meant for the changing moods in the upcoming autumn. The jewelry was simple yet individualized. It completed the looks, making it look much more approachable to the common eye. Pins were worn together like an everyday person would. The collections overall sense was to highlight individuality and the collection was the perfect representation of Natacha Ramsay-Levi.

Words by Katie Mok.


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In The Industry: Mary Katranzou

All of Mary Katranzou's self named collections revolve around the filtered beauty within luxury things

MARY KATRANTZOU

Brand name: Mary Katrantzou 

Creative Director & Designer: Mary Katrantzou

Start year: 2009

Personal 411 on Mary Katrantzou:

Mary Kantrantzou's self named clothing line debuted her first ready-to-wear collection at London Fashion Week in Spring/Summer of 2009. All of Mary's self named collections revolve around the filtered beauty within luxury things; a piece from the art of a design that an everyday woman would not be able to wear if it were real. Mary uses prints of textiles designs as the main focus in all of her collections which her previous season collections displayed textiles designs such as perfume bottles, artisan blown glasses, interiors and object of art, vintage postage stamps just to name a few. Each print Mary creatives is designed around the garment and also the garment around the print. With print textiles being so visual, prints has allowed Mary to create her own world but in the visual language that she displays throughout her collections. Mary's goal into every seasonal collection she puts out is to create something new and something people will appreciate for its intelligent design aesthetic. 

Personal 411 review on Mary Katrantzou SS17 collection:

Mary's influences for this collection were in between the triply graphics of the late 60's and early 70's music posters and her Greek roots with Greek vases and plates. Mary wanted to combine "swirly prog-rock patterns with symbols of the ancient Greek world in flared trousers and stretch t-shirts" with also layering which has been a signature of Mary's collection pieces. Mary managed to use completely different range influences and mash them together to make a beautiful textiles art out of this season's garments; allowing herself to explore her creative and take risks. This collection embodies originality and are great statement pieces for women worldwide.


Rate of Mary Katrantzou SS17 collection: 10/10


Credits: Jenna G., Access Styling Intern


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In The Industry: Sacai

Sacai is known for using contrasting textures and patterns in their collections also including unexpected shapes and silhouettes.

Sacai

(Sah-key)

Brand name:Sacai

Creative Director and Designer: Chitose Abe

Start year: 1999

Sacai SS17 RTW

Sacai SS17 RTW


Personal 411 on Sacai:


Chitose started her clothing line Sacai after 8 years of working with the Junya Watanabe collection at Comme des Garçons and opened their first flagship store in September 2011 in Minamiaoyama, Tokyo. Even though her garments are geared towards female, Chistose's main interest is creating collection of clothes that are "unique and timeless, innovative and experimental". Sacai is known for using a lot of contrasting textures and patterns in their collections also including unexpected shapes and silhouettes. Chitose is constantly influenced by her surrounding and the day-to-day life which gives her a lot of inspiration with her line Sacai; giving it a type of elegance that is based on classical items. Chitose's idea for her line is to make it easy to transfer each garment between different occasions in a female's day-to-day life and not only for special opportunities.

Sacai SS17 RTW

Sacai SS17 RTW

Personal review on Sacai SS17 collection:

Chitose’s influences for this collection were the likes of the iconic entertainers Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Pablo Picasso just to name a few, wanting “to take things from their style and put it all together, as one”. And I feel like she did just that; filling this season’s collection with beautiful bold patterns and colorful sheer materials leaving each garment to stand on its own just like the talent of each artist she draw inspiration from. The collection as a whole is a piece of art that can be worn as show stoppers pieces to any event or daily basis.

Sacai SS17 RTW

Sacai SS17 RTW


Credits: Jenna G., Access Styling Intern


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Editor's Notes - NYFW SS17

A few of our Creative Directors personal tips that she use to get through all fashion weeks.

So it's here! We do this twice a year, sometimes more. Yet, fashion week never seems to lose it's touch. I won't relive the madness this time. Just decided to share a few tips that I use to keep myself organized during the week. If you're attending fashion week for the first time or as another page in the book, I'm sure my suggestions could help.

And as always I've shared a few of the pieces I'm packing for the week. A few will be custom made and aren't listed, keep a look out for those on social media. The pieces are scattered throughout this pieces, in no orders, check for the completed looks later.


Note #1

Pen & Paper aren't dead. The convenience of an iphone can't be beat, I won't even argue that. But writing your free thoughts down in a journal between shows, will bring out the best of your ideas. Don't ask me how I know this, just trust me it works! Still take some organized notes in a more modern way, but keep a journal handy incase.



Note #2

Business cards & social media handles; it's 2016, get both. Networking is something that you can't avoid and unless you're overly comfortable with your current career status, it's something that you won't want to avoid. You'll have your business cards ready to go, but this time when you're wrapping up your networking pitch, ask for that social media handle. Here's why: connecting with someone immediately will make the next time you have to revisit that networking moment so much simpler. Over time you will have built a relationship from social media interaction, now your re-introduction over email should be well received. If they're a frequent social media user, you'll also be up to date with their current projects, making speaking points and collaborations a lot easier as well. Even if they are a private person, they'll have platform for public use.



NOTE #3

Here's a chance to show your multitasking skills. Live tweets can only take you up. I'm not one for flooding Instagram feeds, unless you're certain the images will break the internet. But flooding my TL with tweets from a great event is something I'll always love. While you're at various show, tweet your thoughts as they happen. Readers always love insiders viewpoints and guest images that aren't so staged as major publication images sometimes are. You'll find that more readers may gravitate in anticipation of your next event and honest view points. If your event allows and you have time, consider Periscope for one extra step in live feeds. Seeing a live stream has become a great tool for many this year.



Note #4

Save battery power. If you're like me and attend all day events regularly, you know how important electronic's battery power can become. Most times, having my mophie fully charged with me does the trick. To get the most of my original charge, I make sure to change my apple products battery power to power save mode, even when they're fully charged. I know I check my most important apps on a regular schedule, so there's no reason for my phone to continue pushing for that last email. It also stops my phone from wasting power on apps that won't be used at all that day. Another tip to conserve battery power is to close out apps that aren't being used. It's easy to forget you have multiple apps open on apple products. Just double tap the home button and close out whatever isn't being used. (Sorry Android users, I have no idea how batteries work on those.)


Note #5

Connect on the scene. You'll meet tons of influencers and industry professionals during the week. (No avoiding networking) We spoke about exchanging contact information, but if you really have to chance to speak with someone during the event, see if they have anytime to grab a quick cup of coffee. You'll have a chance to pick their brain for more about their background and work. Making a connection on the spot is always the best option.


If you have any tips that keep you together during fashion week, share them in the comments below or email accessbynkc@gmail.com!


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Travel Diaries: The Row NYC

Find out about The Row NYC and our stay during New York Fashion Week!

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With all the madness during New York Fashion Week, we managed to slip sleep into our schedule! During our stay in the city, we took up temporary residence at The Row NYC. The Row NYC is conveniently located in the heart of Times Square, sitting on W 44th St & 8th Ave. Upon arrival we were amazed to see such a grand entrance, the main lobby of the hotel is elevated, promoting guest to travel by elevator or stairs to begin the check in process. We quickly learned that this was a innovative hotel, up to date with the latest technology. Most notable, the lobby contained a full Mac Desktop Lounge, while elevators were organized by punching your floor number into a keypad and in return your were prompted with a elevator (A-H)  to wait next to; taking you to your exact floor, no stops in between. (see photo is gallery)

The rooms were quite cozy (very common if you're familiar with New York hotel rooms), rooms included a low bed, with a desk area, multiple outlets throughout the room (perfect for a blogger) and a bathroom hidden behind a barn-style door. Our favorite accent in the room was the one wall displaying a vibrant color and quirky phrase, our's was "Light Out Please"!

Now to the good stuff! FOOD! The Row is located near almost anything you could think you would need in the city; food, bars, shopping, drug store, Broadway, etc. But in the dead of a New York winter we would rather not go outside if we didn't need to and City Kitchen saved the day. City Kitchen is a food-court style eatery featuring a wide variety of cultural cuisine. From Luke's Lobster Rolls to Donut's massive gourmet donuts, City Kitchen is show to have something you're in the mood for. The Row NYC also featured a state of the art gym and full service beauty shop for any last minute needs.

All in all, we can say The Row NYC definitely made our week at New York Fashion Week that much easier. If you're in the city, be sure to give them a try! 

 

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