New York Fashion Week II Why I stayed in Houston

DRESS / VEST / BOOTS / SUNGLASSES

Growing up in Connecticut, New York City was always this magical place to me. THE CITY of big dreams and opportunities. Where people rushed around and where time moved twice as fast. It was also the city I would often see in fashion magazines. So when the opportunity to make my dream of attending New York Fashion Week become a reality, I couldn’t even believe it. Surreal to say the least.

NYFW PREP

Once I realized I was heading to NYFW, I had to start doing some major work. I quickly got to work researching media contacts, emailing PR companies, and finding sponsors. I sent personalized emails to over 200 people in hopes to get into a show or set up a meeting.

THE STORM

Right before NYFW, Hurricane Harvey had hit Houston. It was a storm like I had never seen before. It called for my husband and I to roll up our sleeves and serve our community.

We did high water rescues, mucked out homes, made and delivered numerous meals, provided supplies and helped out at shelters. It took over our everyday life, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Seeing people and families in shock or grief after losing their homes is devastating. If you have never seen it first hand consider yourself lucky. It was extremely difficult for me to witness. My heart felt heavy. I wished I could just make it all better for them but I knew that wasn’t going to be the case.

MAYBE NEXT TIME

After witnessing all the hurt, grief, loss and devastation, something didn’t sit right wth me about leaving my community. The thought of picking up and leaving to head to NYC didn’t sit well within me. There were so many people that needed help. I couldn’t do NYFW.

Make a long story short, I made the choice to stay in Houston. This was a time for me to provide any resources I had and I knew I could always go to another NYFW in the future.

BEST BRANDS

My sponsors were absolutely understanding and respected my decision to not attend NYFW. I had been so worried that I would be letting them down.

I would like to thank each of them personally for showing me grace and compassion with my choice to stay in Houston to help those in need.

I would love for you to show them some support if you can. These brands are what allow me to do what I do.They trust me when we partner up. It’s not something I take lightly.

Click on the links below and visit my NYFW sponsors.

With Gratitude,

Alley

NYFW sponsors:

M + M Couture Designs