New York Fashion Week

How 'People StyleWatch' Editor Marissa Rubin Preps for Fashion Week

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(Photo courtesy of Marissa Rubin)

Ever wonder how fashion editors get ready for New York Fashion Week? We caught up with some of the industry's most seasoned veterans for their top Fashion Week survival tips and tricks.

Read on to find out how Marissa Rubin, People StyleWatch Senior Market Editor, preps for the big event:

StyleBistro: What are your three must-haves at New York Fashion Week this September?

Marissa Rubin: The Daily, Leather Spa's shoe insoles, and May Books monogrammed notebooks.

(Photo courtesy of Marissa Rubin)

SB: What shoes are you wearing for fashion week? Are they new? Do you secretly carry flats in your bag?

MR: I'm planning to wear my favorite Dries Van Noten multicolor python heels.

They are fabulously chic, work with everything, and are actually comfortable! Many outfits get planned around them. I got them last September, and they are my best investment. I will also wear my new DKNY Fall 2012 runway booties and my new Ash "Cool" wedge sneakers.

Plus, I always carry flats in my bag! It's a must with all the running around I do throughout the week. Once your feet are in pain, the day is ruined.

SB: How do you pick your outfits for fashion week? Do you do it in advance? Do you Polaroid? Or are you a get-up, grab, and go sort of editor?

MR: I definitely plan my outfits in advance, but usually just the weekend before—so in this case over Labor Day. I try to mix in some new Fall purchases with pieces I already own and love. And this season, Rent the Runway has generously allowed fashion editors to borrow designer dresses and jewelry for the week, so I am totally psyched to mix in some of their pieces into my rotation—Missoni, Daniel Vosovic, and Nanette Lepore.

I spend a couple of hours in front of the mirror trying on all my outfits and styling in accessories for a complete look. Once done, I hang all together in order of how I want to wear throughout the week. Honestly, by the time Fashion Week begins all the hard work is done, I just have to get up, get dressed, and go.

(Photo courtesy of Marissa Rubin) Rubin prints out her show schedule beforehand and files all her invites together for the week.

SB: What fashion advice would you give to a junior editor going to fashion week for the first time?

MR: Dress for yourself. No one wants to see a head-to-toe runway look on the street, so make sure your clothes express your personal style and aesthetic. And always look around you, style can be influenced just as much from your peers, as it does from the runway.

SB: Are there any special beauty treatments or regimens you follow in the days leading up to fashion week?

MR: For the September shows, I get my hair highlighted, a good pedicure, and apply self-tanner so I have a nice end of summer glow. And post-Fashion Week, I treat myself to a massage and reflexology. It's the best way to end the week!

SB: Any fashion week prep secrets you want to share with us?

MR: Get yourself a great assistant—one who can keep both you and your schedule in order!

Want to check out how other editors prep for fashion week? Have a look at our New York Fashion Week landing page for more!