As someone who shops almost exclusively at Target and H&M, I knew before entering Lord & Taylor that I would be horribly out of place at the Project Runway 10 Year Celebration party. The event was one of many across the city that kicked off the start of New York’s Fashion Week and more than anything, I was just honored to be there. I checked in for GlitterGlossGarbage.com and proceeded directly to the wine.

First things first, that party was the classiest event I’ve ever been invited to including proms and weddings. A gaggle of models dressed in all black walked around with trays of alcohol and thumbnail-sized snacks. I noticed that they only offered food to thin people, which I found completely hilarious. Of course I didn’t let that stop me from simply snatching an hors d’oeuvre directly off the tray, but it wasn’t worth the effort – I’m sure the food was something classy, but it was gross. Whenever alcohol is present I prefer it over snacks anyway, and there were plenty of options. I had a glass of wine and two martinis before I decided to slow down and get to work.

Insanely grateful that I was neither the fattest nor the most casually dressed person present, I moved around the venue and black carpet taking photos of past Project Runway designers and the celebrities in attendance. At various points throughout the night I was directly face to face with Tamara Tunie (the black medical examiner on Law & Order: SVU), Nina García, Chris March, Fran Drescher (at least I’m pretty sure that was her in the purple dress), Yaya DeCosta, and of course the legendary Tim Gunn. I resisted the urge to holler out “MAKE IT WORK” and instead just admired his essentially flawless skin. WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE USE?? L’Oreal products were included in the grab bag but we all know Tim Gunn is not washing his face with anything that can be found at Walgreens.

In addition to hella free liquor and the ability to take point blank range photos of some of my favorite reality celebrities, Project Runway also set up racks of dresses designed by contestants (presumably on sale but who can afford Lord & Taylor?) and displays of the sewing machines used on the show. As they entered, designers signed a mannequin and everyone had the opportunity to pose for photos on a giant fake runway near the back of the room. Since I’d already made every effort to avoid the Lifetime cameras (please pray that I do not end up on tv) I decided to also avoid any official photos, grabbed a swag bag, and left as quickly as my Target shoes could carry me out. If you know me then you already know I’m planning to pass out that bag at every friend’s birthday party and then ask for it back once the present has been unwrapped.
Thanks again to Aprill at GlitterGlossGarbage.com for allowing me to attend on her behalf! I had a great time, just like I usually do around an open bar.

Wanna read more from Crystal? Visit Crissle.com to read about the adventures of a country girl, that just made the big move to New York City.