NYFW on a Budget with Payless | Recap

Top: Soprano // Vest: Topshop // Skirt: Free People // Jewelry: Payless // Shoes: Christian Siriano for Payless // Bag: Christian Siriano for Payless

As many of you know by following me on Instagram and Snapchat, I was at New York Fashion week this past week with the Payless ShoeSource team and I had such an incredible time! The theme of the whole trip was NYFW on a budget with Payless and I couldn’t wait to get to showing you all my amazing picks for the time I was there.

If you followed along on IG, then you probably saw some sneak peek at my looks, the shows I attended and outfit prep. I had never attended Fashion Week in the past so this was an experience to remember and I’m SO grateful for the Payless team who made everything about my trip so amazing.

I flew in to NYC on Friday at about 5pm and I will say, it was a tad bit hard to leave the 85 degree SoCal weather to head to well,… 15 degree weather but hey, all in the name of fashion, right?! I traveled light (two suitcases for a 3 night stay) — Can you sense the sarcasm?

In my defense, it WAS fashion week, ok?

My personal bag was none other than my favorite Christian Siriano Bethanne Satchel from Payless in Blush since I’m pretty much obsessed with the color. It fit all my essentials like my wallet, headphones, portable phone charger, wipes (because I like to sanitize everything in the plane) and honestly had room for more. I actually wore this bag to and from the airport and many times during the trip itself.

Saturday was the Christian Siriano show and one of the coldest days recorded in NYC wasn’t going to stop me. I had probably one of the coldest walks of my life (and it was about 4 minutes only,.. I’m serious it was THAT cold) but once we got in to where the show was being held, I forgot all about it. We checked in and got to hang out backstage and watch the rehearsals as well as the models getting ready and everything. It was a pretty surreal experience!

Now, let’s get to the part where I almost fainted out of excitement.

Backstage there was the man of the hour – Christian Siriano! He was being surrounded by tons of media wanting to interview him (understandably) so I was just observing and taking in every moment about this experience. About 5 minutes later thanks to Payless, little ol ME got to walk up and talk to Christian (yep, we are on a first name basis now).

Let me tell you, my palms were sweating and you would think usually you prepare for things like this but honestly how do you prepare to meet and interview Christian Siriano???

I figured, “look cool, act cool,..you got this Olia.”

We talked about the inspiration behind his latest collection and how he felt his current designs translate into the collections he designs for Payless. When I looked around, I noticed a lot of color (which I loved) so I had to ask him about it. He said that he always tries to incorporate color and wanted to tie it into his Fall collection. When we talked about his work with Payless, he said he absolutely loves creating collections for Payless and loves that he can create something that is affordable for everyone. He even mentioned that his mom loves the collection because she can go to Payless to pick up a pair of Christian’s shoes since she’s not always all about spending those higher price points for designer items. Talking to him was such a great experience and hearing how passionate he is about what he does speaks volumes. I was so nervous at first how he would act towards me but he really was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met!

Afterwards we headed out to the show to be seated and guess where yours truly was?! Front Row! We watched as Christian Siriano’s designs walked the runway and I was so in love with the pieces. Tons of sexy and feminine sexy knits, flowy gowns and python knee high boots.

The rest of the weekend, I strutted around mostly in the same Payless boots I’m wearing above since it was about 15 degrees and they kept me nice and toasty! They were so comfortable for the whole trip and I alternated bags since I had my blush Christian Siriano tote and the black crossbody/clutch I’m wearing in the look above.

I couldn’t thank Payless enough for all they have done for me and giving me the opportunity to attend. Below is a quick little 15 second sneak peek of a video coming soon that will recap my whole trip. Until then press play below to get  a little peek!