This past season, Stila Cosmetics invited me to cover some of the madness that is backstage beauty prep at a few of their NYFW-partnered shows. There's something so great about the energy before a show -- it's truly addicting. Models running to and fro, iPhones not far behind. Hairstylists dashing after them to fix fly-aways. Makeup artists perfect the eye palette on their wrist. And the occasional celebrity waltzing through. It's maddening and oh so fun. Here are a few of my favorite moments backstage, starting first with Trina Turk...

Sunkissed inspiration shot...

And on to Rebecca Minkoff. I loved this red head gal. I think I snapped her as she was complimenting my dress (seen here), which just about made my day.

You know what they say...it takes a village...

Taking hair inspiration notes: loved the piecey, undone ponytails.

And finally, Alice + Olivia! The show itself was at the McKittrick Hotel (or perhaps better known as Sleep No More) and the storyline did not disappoint. The collection was a spin on old fairytale favorites, Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel to name a few. And the makeup was just as whimsical and theatrical as hoped. I chatted with Sarah Lucero, Stila's lead makeup artist before the presentation, and she shared the eye inspiration was actually that of toy dolls that open and close their eyes when you prop them up. How unique! 

Stay tuned later this week for details of my favorite shows.