The energy in New York is just incredible. This is what always astonishes me each time I visit the city. I was lucky enough to be able to go back this year and take in as much as I could. I've been to other countries and cities, but it's always a new adventure when I'm in the Empire State, one of the fashion capitals of the world. And, the fashion fanatic in me knew I was at the right place, and at the right time to be in New York.

I decided to skip all the tourist-y stuff this time, since I've seen and done them before. Instead, I focused on everything and anything fashion-related. With only a week to spare, I carefully planned out my itinerary with the help of my brother, Frankie, and his fiancee, Nicolle.

First on the list was a visit to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to check out the exhibit Sporting Life, which showcased sportswear from the mid-19th century to the present. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always dreamed of attending FIT. Being there brought me back to Grade 3 when a teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up and which college we wanted to attend. I remember saying I wanted to be in fashion and go to FIT. I ended up going to another fashion school, but I will always remember that moment and my dream to go to FIT to pursue fashion at a young age.

The Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Week was also ongoing when I was there. Though I wasn't able to see any of the shows, a lot of other fashion festivities popped up at just about every corner of New York, including Fashion's Night Out, where designers and retailers did an after-hours shopping celebration to help the fashion industry. We decided to check out the huge party scene, with everyone (including designers, stylists, celebrities, etc.) pouring in at every street and store. Again, the energy and support people were showing the fashion industry was amazing, and to be in the middle of it was one of the most awesome experiences I've ever had.

The highlight of my trip is my visit to the Cosmopolitan headquarters. I am so grateful to Astrid Bertoncini, Cosmo's bureau chief for international editions, for being my wonderful tour guide! It was such a great experience meeting the international editors and seeing the fab Cosmo office, including the huge Cosmo closet!

It was so surreal being inside the Cosmo office. Being there made me feel like I was part of a large Cosmo community--the biggest and the best-selling women's title in the world. That thought alone keeps me motivated to always aim for perfection in every page I produce.

My whole trip wasn't just about going on vacation, but also taking inspiration from every experience, person, and place I encountered to fuel my own dreams and passions, both in and out of fashion. I hope that on your next trip, dear Cosmo reader, you will gain as much inspiration as I did.


Click the gallery button to see photos from my fun-filled trip!

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