The Little Black Book: An Insider Survival Guide to Fashion Week

Do you want to know the worst part about Fashion Week? Desperately searching for an acceptable coffee shop, salon, or place for a last minute alteration on your couture gown while roaming the streets in five inch heels. Needless to say, I've been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.
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Do you want to know the worst part about Fashion Week? Desperately searching for an acceptable coffee shop, salon, or place for a last minute alteration on your couture gown while roaming the streets in five inch heels. Needless to say, I've been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.

Whether you're in a new york state of mind, planning on hitting the streets of Paris to nail your street style in the city of lights,( can you say tres chic), or visiting the capital of chic in Milan, i'm here to share with you my little black book filled with fashion week survival tips straight from the pros.

Read on for my interview with the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, Milan, and Park Hyatt New York for all the insider secrets that will have you ready to take on fashion week like a pro. On your mark, get set, strut!

In A New York State of Mind:
Interview with: Park Hyatt New York Concierge: Regena Falling
What is the best new restaurant?
I am really excited about Zuma -- high energy and chic bar upstairs -- is fabulous! Also, Ralph Lauren's new restaurant, The Polo Bar. A new classic staple.
What is the best restaurant for very local, authentic food?
I really love Dirty French -- best authentic bouillabaisse I have ever had!!!
Where can one go for an emergency tailor/same day drycleaner?
Best Tailor for an emergency is Bhambi's Custom Tailor, They once tailored a suit for a guest of mine after landing at midnight and still had him looking dapper when he rang the opening bell on Wall Street that next morning!
Where would you go for a quick manicure?
Think Pink on 58th Street is very good and close by for our guests!
If you could only go to one "see and be seen" restaurant or bar, what would it be?
Bar Centrale is great for people watching.
What restaurant or bar is the best kept secret?
Ward III is a great speakeasy that flies a bit under the radar. Bespoke cocktails abound!
Where is the best place for a blow out?
Drybar located at 209E 76th street they'll have you in and out with a perfectly coiffed do fit for the runway in no time.
What is the best way to relax and refresh during Fashion Week?
Spa Nalai at Park Hyatt New York. 25th floor in the heart of Midtown, a quick stop in between shows.
If you had one hour to see one art exhibit, what would it be?
I love "The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec: Prints and Posters" at MoMA.
What is your favorite boutique shop for amazing clothing and/or jewelry?
Dover Street Market is seven floors of constantly changing selections. Prada to High end sneakers.
Where is the best place to go for gifts to bring home?
Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market
Where can you get the best late-night snack?
Le Bateau Livre Great Croque Madame and amazing wines by the glass.
If one is visiting the city for the first time, where is your favorite spot to learn about the culture?
Go to a Broadway Show!

The City of Lights:
Interview with: Park Hyatt Paris Vendome Concierge: Fabien Despots
What is the best new restaurant?
Auberge Bressane on avenue de la Motte Picquet (traditional bistro)
Where can one go for an emergency tailor/same day drycleaner?
Sinten on rue Saint Roch
Where would you go for a quick manicure?
Kure Bazaar in Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme hotel
If you could only go to one "see and be seen" restaurant or bar, what would it be?
Costes on rue Saint Honoré
Where is the best place for a blow out?
Rossano Ferreti on rue Cambon
What is the best way to relax and refresh during Fashion Week?
1 hour massage at Bains du Marais on rue rue des Blancs Manteaux (Marais)
If you had one hour to see one art exhibit, what would it be?

Jeff Koons at Centre Pompidou
What is your favorite boutique shop for amazing clothing and/or jewelry?
Merci on Boulevard Beaumarchais
Where can you get the best late-night snack?
Chez Denises on rue des Prouvaires
If one is visiting the city for the first time, where is your favorite spot to learn about the culture?
Every streets in Paris...

The Capital of Chic:
Interview with: Park Hyatt Milan Concierge: Nicola Balitro
What is the best restaurant for very local, authentic food?
Trattoria della Pesa or Bistrot della Pesa
Where would you go for a quick manicure?
The Spa by Sisley (at Park Hyatt Milano) or Layland in via Larga
If you could only go to one "see and be seen" restaurant or bar, what would it be?
D&G Martini Bar
Where is the best place for a blow out?
Bacaro del Sambuco (for lunch) or Ceresio 7 (for night)
What is the best way to relax and refresh during Fashion Week?
Our Spa by Sisley
If you had one hour to see one art exhibit, what would it be?
Palazzo Reale art exibition centre
Where can you get the best late-night snack?
Spontini sliced pizza till 1.00 am - De Santis sandwiches till midnight - Princi bakery Piazza XXV Aprile ( Corso como district )
If one is visiting the city for the first time, where is your favorite spot to learn about the culture?
City tour with a Private guide to discover the culture secrets of Milan with the masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci

Want more fashion week tips or to follow my adventures? Check me out on Style by Zoey
Photo: Models wear gowns from Prabal Gurung's fall collection. (Joshua Lott / AFP/Getty Images)

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