Editor’s note: Mass Street Chic columnist Caitlin Donnelly was in New York City last week for Fashion Week. Here is her travelogue from the week.

Sept. 13

After my aunt woke me up at 4:50 a.m. (that’s 3:50 a.m. Central Standard Time, folks), I shot out of bed and popped into the shower — not even sleepy despite the early hour. “I am going to Fashion Week!” I kept thinking in my head.

I took the 6:17 train from Red Bank, N.J., to Penn Station, and after touching up my makeup I made my way to Bryant Park. Right when I emerged from the subway, I saw the gleaming white tents that had been fashioned in the park for the shows. I asked the security guards, “Excuse me, is this The Salon?” They ushered me up a few short steps into the white tent. Now, it’s not your ordinary tent — for one thing, you walk in through a door, not a zip-flap. It’s complete with a front desk, individual rooms for jewelry exhibits, hair salons, bars, cafes, bathrooms and air conditioning.

New Yorkers are incredibly polite, helpful and beautiful. As I stood in line, waiting for my seat assignment, I looked around at the people nearby. Women were dressed in tennis shoes and jeans or 4-inch heels and dresses. Most were chatting with their spouse or friend, patiently waiting to get into the show. I felt incredible relief when I realized the atmosphere was so comfortable.

Later on, outside the tent, I sat in the park, reflecting on the show and people-watching. I smiled when I witnessed two girls replacing their stilettos with tennis-shoes for the walk home. There is definitely a major shoe issue for city-dwellers. How can you wear your platforms without dying? Some fashion will never be functional.

Sept. 14

Man! I am constantly running late! I intended to leave Brooklyn by 9 a.m., allowing time for coffee and the 45-minute-plus ride to The New York Times in Manhattan. However, it was 9:35 when I finally ran out the door.

I wore flats and carried my heels with me to the station, and Gucci-rolled my long, high-waisted trousers so they wouldn’t drag in the grunge on the sidewalks. I am always nervous on the subways — I can figure out which train I need, but I can never determine the correct direction. I interrupted two girls talking about Kanye and the VMAs and asked them for correct directions. I was waiting for the wrong train — always! After walking down and up to the opposite platform, I finally felt a bit more confident.

Adjusting my purse and changing my shoes on the train, I noticed more stares of approval than yesterday’s quick glances that quickly had me summed up as a visitor. It must be that I was carrying my extra shoes today. They know how it is.

P.S. Did I mention I saw Ben Affleck at the show today?

Sept. 15

I spent most of the day writing — catching up on schoolwork (18 hours may have been too lofty an aspiration this semester). Later I went to the Union Square Market. There were awesome knickknacks, jewelry, paintings and clothes for cheap prices — plus the atmosphere is great — tons of people on their break eating lunch and meeting friends. In the evening I hopped on the JMZ, transferred at the Delancey Street Station, and made my way down to 34th Street — Harold Square, near Madison Square Garden and the corporate offices of Lela Rose. After touring the workshop, chatting and trying on clothes, it was already almost 10 p.m. I met up with some friends for dinner at a restaurant off Bleecker Street. French food — delicious! When we got home, I painted my nails and tried out my new makeup (products in the designer gift bags given to each attendant at their show).

Wednesday

“Today is a shopping day!” I looked outside — cold and rainy … not that it would stop me! My New York friends had all made me lists, scads of recommendations for the best shopping in the city. I filled up at Soen, a macrobiotic restaurant near Parsons. Then I wandered into the Village, walking north up West Fourth and back down Bleecker the opposite direction. Amazing restaurants lined the streets. I stopped at the famous Magnolia Bakery and couldn’t decide between a lemon-bar or a white-chocolate fudge bar, so naturally I had to buy both.

I checked out SoHo — Broadway itself was too crowded for me; however, lining all up and down Prince Street and Spring Street I discovered gorgeous galleries and cute little shops, all surrounded by the backdrop of beautiful old buildings and brick streets. I fell in love with a ring made by jewelry designer Alexis Bittar but forced myself to sleep on it. My rule: if you dream about it, you’re sure to know it’s meant to be.

Thursday

I woke up early Thursday to catch the Manhattan-bound train from Brooklyn. I couldn’t wait to check out the Reconstruction competition, taking place in the storefront window at Parsons The New School of Design. As I got closer, I saw groups of people standing outside — the numbers growing because of more-and-more curious passers-by. The competition was an all-day event, and rumors were in the air: “Marc Jacobs! I bet he’s inside!”

After the competition, I walked over to Washington Square. Around the area, there were lots of cute vintage shops, record stores and coffee shops. “Hmm, this feels familiar,” I thought. I walked down Thomson Street, stopping at a store called Chess Forum along the way, where I saw the funniest hand-painted chess sets. They even had a “Wizard of Oz” set, and every playing piece doubled as a salt or pepper shaker! Up on Broome Street, I met a friend at Aurora. We had a cozy Italian meal, gnocchi, cauliflower farfalle and Chianti.

Friday

The last day of my trip, I finally got a grip on the subway system and the lay of the city. Still, I had to catch a train to New Jersey from Penn Station by 3 p.m. I had my heart set on lunch at Tartine, a neighborhood café with fresh sandwiches, salads and tarts. A man at a nearby table outside chatted with me while he waited for his friend. They asked me all about fashion week and how I liked New York — super friendly. I walked along Sixth Avenue and up Houston Street, stopping along the way. Time passes so quickly in the city, plus it takes awhile to get around on the subway (perhaps only because I’m a bit unaccustomed).

I had one hour left and walked on Bowery. There I went to Patricia Fields and saw amazing bubble-gum pink leather biker jackets, sequined dresses and oversized rings. Everything was bright and over-the-top. McSorley’s pub was the last stop of my trip — my dad used to go to McSorley’s when he lived back East, and he told me to check it out before I left. Just like he said, wishbones covered with dust hung on the light fixtures, and beers came two at a time. The workers were so nice — like our Midwestern hospitality.

Boarding the New Jersey Transit for the beginning of my trip home, my bags felt a bit heavier … and I had an extra carry-on. I suppose I did pick up two or three pairs of shoes!

C’mon — it was Fashion Week in New York City!