It was so exciting for us to catch up with Zara Rabinowicz from Shiny’s U.K. office this week. Zara writes for ShinyShiny and is the editor of KissandMakeup, the British sister site to ShinyGloss. Zara was in town to check out Vivienne Tam’s new laptop and also showed us the new iGoogle designer pages. Love you Zara!

Here’s Christine Tarlecki headed out to the Shumaq runway show. But she’s not just running out the door, she has a few items she must pack up first. Keep reading for Christine’s fashion week survival guide.

Breath mints – I like TicTacs personally, and since there is so much swilling of the champagne at shows and afterparties that mints are a nice change.

Flip Flops – As much as I love my Tracy Reese heels, I need something flat to walk about the city in. Then, when no one is looking, I quickly swap out the flats for the heels! (The free customized Havaianas sandals given out in the tents are a dream to walk in, even all over the city.)

Water – It’s very dry inside the tents. I love the bubby. But you need to stay hydrated lest you fall over while interviewing Miss Jay. Grab a free Evian from the Evian girls in pink or bring your own.

Powder or Deodorant. It’s hot and humid, or steamy and wet, or actually, nice. Have a just in case with ya.

Tools of the trade – Notebook, recorder and digital camera. When I bring you the gossip, loyal Shiny readers, I want you to feel as if you were here to experience it live!!

Pocket mirror – A must have to check your lipstick, and speaking of which, mine is Origins Flower Fusion and Bare Escentuals Powder and Gossamer, their glitter powder.

Got any essentials that you just have to have with you? Share your tips with Shiny! I’d love to read your survival must-haves!

[By Christine Tarlecki]

We know some of you wonder what your illustrious Shiny fashion team looks like, and what one wears to fashion week is one of the biggest questions we get. So here’s one answer!

Here I am front row at Tuleh last night. Notice the cute little rosettes given out to guests, I think it would look really cute on the handle of a bag or something. Those shoes came straight off in the cab, let me tell you! Keeping flats in your bag at all times is a must-do for fashion week.

Since half the fun of fashion week is seeing what everyone else is wearing off the runway, we thought we’d give you a little glimpse at what our ShinyStyle team is sporting. Doesn’t Sharon look chic? She’ll be covering quite a few shows this week, like Reem Acra and Carmen Marc Valvo, and obviously doing it in style. Did you catch her review of Geren Ford?