By Calynn M. Lawrence
@fairytalefacesbycalynn

Are you dying to go to New York Fashion Week? Is it an absolute dream for you? Well, here are 4 simple steps that will get you to New York Fashion Week on a budget! This plan is bullet proof for you to spend $500 or less for your entire trip!

#1 APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER AT A FEW SHOWS

This step is the most important of them all! In order to book a trip to New York Fashion Week you must first have a fashion show to attend. Granted, you likely will not be given free access just off the strength of being your everyday girl with a love of fashion. Most times, you have to be either a celebrity or a member of the media for this type of procedure. However, staff are pretty much guaranteed free entrance into shows. Thus, applying to be a volunteer at one of the shows is the easiest way to gain a free ticket to a show of your choice!

Where do you sign up? Well, most of time there isn’t an online application to apply as a volunteer. So, you need to first compile a list of a few shows that you are interested in, (Be realistic, chances are you won’t get in at Marc Jacobs), find the brands PR contact email and send a brief but persuasive email asking to volunteer in the show. Be sure to include that you are willing to help with anything they need so that you can be a valuable asset. Chances are, at least one of the shows will say yes.

#2 BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AT LEAST 2 MONTHS PRIOR

Booking your flights months in advance saves you a ton of headache. You get a variety of options because most people have not gotten tickets yet. And, the prices are much cheaper due to the fact that there is no scarcity. For example, a flight round trip may cost as much as $400 if booked at the last minute. But, if you book months in advance, you can grab a round trip flight for $100!

#3 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DISCOUNT WEBSITES FOR HOTELS

Don’t be too bougie! We all would love the option of only staying at The Ritz when we travel but we know that isn’t how it works. If you are operating on a tight budget, then taking advantage of websites that offer discounts, rewards or special packages for booking hotels is the route for you! Speaking from experience, some websites may offer you a $100 room for as low as $60 a night! Also, be open to lesser known hotels. As long as you do your research, you should not feel like you have to stay in a chain hotel.

#4 GO WITH A FRIEND AND SPLIT THE COST

Lastly, you should try to take a friend with you! Although this will not effect the flight price, you can cut the hotel cost in half. That can save you anywhere from a few dollars to a couple hundred dollars depending on the place.

Best of wishes in getting in at New York Fashion Week!