Do I look like I was sitting close to Nate here? That is because I WAS people!!! I was in the VERY front row. Like the front, front row. Like, I was almost spit on by Nate, front row! It was very exciting, and I’ll tell you all about our whirlwind day trip to New York starting from the very beginning.
Kathleen from Grosgrain and I caught a 5am train and arrived in the city at 8:30am. The trip went by quickly because we chatted incessantly :).
Once we arrived, Kathleen downloaded an iPhone app which helped us navigate the subway and it was a lifesaver! We jumped off our Amtrak at Penn Station and jumped right onto the correct subway without looking like loser tourists staring at a confusing subway map. I highly recommend it if you have an iPhone!
We headed to Sarah and Rhoda’s hotel and then hit the streets to take in some of the sites. Here we are enjoying the gorgeous weather in Central Park!
You can see the full head to toe Nate Show outfits here in all their glory! We were told in an email from the producers to wear bright colors. Don’t we look cute all color coordinated? I’m wearing my new knee-high flat boots which were super comfy. No blisters for me thank you very much!
If you’re wondering what Rhoda and Sarah are like in real life, unsurprisingly, they are delightful. Rhoda is gorgeous (and incredibly fit), warm, oozing with charm, and thoughtful. Sarah is lovely (and tall), down-to-earth, genuine, and smart. I so enjoyed the brief time I had getting to know them better and just hanging out. I would have loved more time to do so!
After our morning stroll, we headed over to Bouchon Bakery to enjoy some sweets and meet up with other design bloggers.
With all these amazing selections to choose from, it was difficult to pick just one thing. However, I have been a bit obsessed with macaroons for the past year and have been dying to try one!
I bought a chocolate macaroon and Kathleen bought a pistacio and lavendar macaroon. So yummy and pretty! They tasted like a cakey meringue with ganache in the middle. I would have loved to try them all!
Although Kathleen swears people were staring simply because her dress was red, it didn’t account for all the flirtations, compliments, second glances, door holdings, etc. that she received yesterday! If you like her dress, you can see more of it here.
After our dessert, we decided we should really eat some lunch before the show so Kathleen and I grabbed lunch at a little cafe. And then, we stood in line for-evah to get into the show. We would soon find out it didn’t matter if you were first in line. You are NOT seated by when you get in line. You’re completely seated based on your looks! (Again, bring Kathleen with you if you want a good seat.)
I also caught up with Kate and Cristin which was fun! (Cristin was missing in action when I wanted to get a pic.)
Once it was finally time to head into the studio, we were told where to sit based on how many in our party and what the producer thought of our look. When they ushered Kathleen and I to the only two seats left in the front row, I about died!
And then when they placed one of the shows “stars” in the seat right next to me, I died again! I’ll tell you who she was soon, but let’s just say she’s a designer and was recently given her own show :).
The audience coordinator in charge of “entertaining” us before the show and between segments practiced with us how to laugh, giggle, nod, and act surprised. It was campy, but she was indeed hilarious and entertaining. The studio itself had the most gorgeous lighting and seemed very warm and cozy. Our benches were interesting in that they forced you to sit up straight and made you feel like you were leaning forward.
THEN, the moment we were waiting for finally arrived and Nate came out and walked right up to Kathleen and shook her hand. No one else received a hand shake at the start of the show…..just gorgeous girl in the red dress!!! I have to admit that the show itself left me wanting a bit more and you can read some fellow blogger reviews of it linked on my facebook page. After the show was MUCH more interesting! Nate took a good 10 minutes to answer audience questions which was incredibly generous of him. I was very impressed with the eloquence of the designers’ questions and equally impressed with Nate’s answers. Nate was warm, genuine, smart, and helpful. I only wish more of himself was put into the show. (I snapped pics of him while he answered questions.)
We didn’t get out of the show until 5:30pm and had a 6:30pm train to catch! Therefore, we raced back to Penn Station, grabbed our train, and gabbed the entire way home about our fantastic day!
No news yet on when the show will air, but I will definitely post the time once I know! Oh yes, and for those of you wondering if we “won” anything while on the show, everyone was given a giftcard to Payless and a fashion accessory from Send the Trend. Some were disappointed and offended by the Payless giftcard, but I own several Payless shoes and am certainly not above them! (As a matter of fact, if you look at my blog header those cute white, ruffly wedges are from Payless!) Needless to say, I’ll be using my certificate proudly soon! Who doesn’t love free stuff???
Thank you so much Rhoda for inviting me! And thank you Kathleen for your willingness to join me! And a BIG thank you to all the Nate Show peeps for making it all possible!
I have to say you have the most amazing blue eyes ever. Sure, the red dress was gorgeous (as the wearer) but so are you.
I'm seriously sick and tired of complaining blogs. When I read about someone getting something for free and complaining about it. Yes, they are entitled to their opinion but that kind of attitude turns people off. And PAYLESS…I love some of their stuff and own pairs that have last me years. I can put them right next to my amazing new boots. I buy shoes for their cuteness factor, payless or not 🙂
Thanks for another great post.
YOu are so lovely. I mean it! The red dress woman is delicious, but you have a bright sparkle that wowed those producer people!! Trust me….
Also, thank you for sharing your experience in YOUR way.
And, didn't you have bangs??? Where'd they go???
~Kolein
Beth,
Don't feel bad, I was there and it *was* ugly and you're entitled to have an opinion about it whether it was free or not.
Just because someone gives you something for free does not mean you have to give it a good review.
And they were getting free advertising on the Nate Show so it wasn't like they were giving you something out of the goodness of their heart.
At least that girl left her profile but I still wouldn't write something like that on someone else's blog and start out "I don't mean to be rude" which as we all know is the universal code for "rude comment forthcoming."
If you can't say say something is unattractive on your *personal* blog when can you?
So glad you had fun and had a front row seat! Last week, I attended a taping of the Martha Stewart show and was front row too!
woot-woot! awesome job! love the teal shirt you wore, too—such a lovely color.
Kaitlin,
You are so right. I tend to speak my mind but doing so with grace is important. Thanks for pointing it out.
I don't mean to be rude, it looks like you had a lot of fun, but isn't saying something mean about an accessory you received for FREE kind of just not cool? The site you got your accessory from was Send the Trend and since those were chosen blindly for you, it's really not their fault that the exact accessory didn't suit your personal taste. I've ordered numerous scarves from the site that are gorgeous. It's too bad that you're taking for granted the fact that you were gifted something. You should have traded if you thought it was "ugly". And I do agree with you about Payless…love the store and some of Christian Siriano and Brian Atwood's designs are better than shoes found in Saks or Bergdorf's. Glad you enjoyed yourself!
Beth, what a great write-up of the whole day!! So fun to meet you and your friend, Kathleen too. Ya'll both looked great & yes, me and Sarah were so jealous you were on the front row. Since we got stuck on a back row all by ourselves. Oh well, I really enjoyed the show anyway, even if it is a bit staged with all the clapping. But, I guarantee all shows are done like that too. I'm glad you didn't trash the show like others I've heard about. I don't think that is cool at all.
I'll do a write-up probably tomorrow on my thoughts. It was my first time in the city for an extended stay, so it was thoroughly amazing to me! So glad I got to hang with you for awhile too. xoxo You're a sweetheart!
Beth,
It was a pleasure meeting you in NYC! Keep up the great work with your blog.
xo,
cristin
Hi Beth, I came over from FJI. Your gorgeousness shown through just as much as Kathleen in her cute red dress! How fun to get to meet everyone and sit front row. It will be interesting to read everyone's take on it. Those benches do look awful to sit on!
I am so glad I met you Beth, it makes reading your posts just that much more interesting, knowing a little more about the person behind the story! Your friend Kathleen has amazing style, loved that dress, especially with her red lipstick…and YES!? What was up with those benches, I was so uncomfortable and finally did come to the realization of why they were designed they way they were! Hope to have the opportunity to see you again one of these days!
Janell
Do they film a bunch of different shows in one day. Because RIDICULOUSLY, amazingly enough, one of my best friends in the world was ON, as in the guest ON the Nate Berkus show that taped this Tuesday. BUT, I thought her taping was at 8 or 9 in the morning.
She said the same thing though…it was a little disappointing. BUT, nate is adorable. Guess he should stick to being Oprahs guest.
ANYWAY…looks like your trip was a blast. Any time spent in New York, is a good time.
Oh, by the way..I found you through the SITS featured blogger today. Saw you on her blog roll. In case you were wondering.
Do they film a bunch of different shows in one day. Because RIDICULOUSLY, amazingly enough, one of my best friends in the world was ON, as in the guest ON the Nate Berkus show that taped this Tuesday. BUT, I thought her taping was at 8 or 9 in the morning.
She said the same thing though…it was a little disappointing. BUT, nate is adorable. Guess he should stick to being Oprahs guest.
ANYWAY…looks like your trip was a blast. Any time spent in New York, is a good time.
Oh, by the way..I found you through the SITS featured blogger today. Saw you on her blog roll. In case you were wondering.
Sounds like an incredible experience!! I don't think I'll be able to see you on TV up here in Canada….but if I could, I'd be looking for you, for sure!! So happy you had a wonderful time (except for the waiting part). =D
How lucky the Nate show was to have such lovely ladies in attendance! What a full day you must have had!
I am glad that you got to go. Sorry that the show was a little disappointing but you got to see him in person and meet all your blogging friends.
What a great write-up Beth. Positve and classy. 🙂 I'm just jealous that you got to meet so many bloggy friends and I want your boots!!
Beth,
Are you trying to cure me of my compliment phobia by desensitising me?
Just kidding;) Thank you for all your gracious compliments….you know I secretly love them:)
SEE! I'm getting better.
And you needed more pics of your fabulous boots! The third one down doesn't do them justice. With everything we talked about I don't think I asked where you got them? They looked very anthro.
you look great! the show is not as exciting as i thought it would be. i think some people are better on Oprah as guests, just like dr. Oz. still love nate though! he is fabulous and so cute!
Girl, you don't give YOURSELF enough credit. You were one of the big reasons they placed you in front. You coulda rode that train all on your own. 🙂
Fab writeup!
Donna
Yours is the first post I'm reading after the show, Beth, and I have to say I am impressed at how forthright you are here. Can I tell you that I really had no desire to go to this show {and I'm already in NY!}, so never did get involved with that little blogging thing to get to go. It sounds like you had a fun day with your friend in NYC and got to meet some fabulous other bloggers, too.
Great day description and you were definitely diplomatic in your report. Too bad the content wasn't what you all were expecting, but glad you enjoyed the thrill of the show!
Great day description and you were definitely diplomatic in your report. Too bad the content wasn't what you all were expecting, but glad you enjoyed the thrill of the show!
Great day, Beth! You looked so pretty. I would never turn my nose up at an experience to watch a TV show film and/or any kind of gift card. I bet there were tons of other people who would have loved to go. I'm glad you were gracious about the gift. 🙂
How fun that you got to sit in the front row! I'll be sure to look for you when I watch the show. Can't wait to see it.
Loved all the photos of the other bloggers you got to meet. Sounds like a lot of fun! Still can't believe they didn't mention the fact that you were all in his audience, though. What were they thinking? Not smart. You should always stay on the good side of bloggers. 🙂
Beth, what an amazing whirlwind trip!! I can't even imagine how fun that had to be! And meeting all of those great bloggers! I am envious!
HI! Did you sit by me? I'm sorry I didn't talk, I was super super super nervous. It was my first talk show.
I loved your post and will follow.
xoxo
EMily
Good show/ bad show… whatever it was, you were absolutely respectful and kind which is how you should be! I would have excitedly taken a dog treat had they handed them out! It is all about the experience and is seems as if you had a great one! So neat to see other bloggers that I know with you! Not that I am jealous or anything…. Nate just forgot to call me!!!! That's it!! He forgot or lost my number or something! Hee hee!
You look fabulous and I am so glad you had a great time!
Being from Chicago, I have been thisclose to seeing Oprah's show, but have never followed through. Even more unlikely is that I never really knew how these shows were put together or what to expect. Your post answered all my questions and more. It sounds like overall you had a good time. I liked seeing the photos of the bloggers and your time spent in NYC. I really like Nate and hope his show is a success. It may take awhile, but don't they all?
Great post Beth and BTW, you looked gorgeous!
xoxo
Jane
Thanks for the low down on your day. Sorry you were a bit disappointed. Yours is the first review I've read so it's all I have to go on. Anyway, you looked fabulous!
I just knew you would get front row 🙂 Love the outfit that you chose!! Sounds like fun, but what a disappointment about him not even mentioning the bloggers 🙁 Oh well, a once in a lifetime experience!!
Looks like fun! I am so sad that Nate does not come in tv in our market area. Boo!
Too too awesome. God's blessings are so amazing and unexpected and just down right astounding!!
I completely agree with kellie from this blesssed nest. So ditto on what she said. Oh, and I have to add that if I had been in Central Park, I might have tried to mug you for those boots. 😉
xo*t
Enjoyed your post. I happen to love Nate's show and have gotten several good ideas from it already. Thanks for sharing your experience in The Big Apple!
How fun for you, but it sounds like a pretty long day!
I bet that whole crowd coordinator thing was a little odd. I like Nate, but I haven't heard anyone who is actually liking his new show 🙁
Great pics!
Love the inside scoop on the show! Looks like fun can't wait to see you on it! Esp since your right next to a guest on the show! 🙂
Great pics, Beth! Can't wait to look for you all when it airs!
Yay!! Front row for our Beth! Your description of the show, however, matches what I've thought all along of these type shows. Still, I'm thrilled you got to have the experience!
Hi Beth,
You guys all look so great and you have the most gorgeous blue eyes I have ever seen! I read some of the posts about the show and was a bit disappointed that it wasn't what was expected, but I know you all had a fantastic time meeting up in the big apple! 🙂
girl…
so glad you got to go. i have been reading some of the reviews, but so glad you took the higher road & didn't pick apart his show & the experience. yes, it sounds like they missed a fantasatic opportunity, but all of us still wish we were in your sassy boots & were able to go.
how about that red dress!!! way to go, front row seats. you looked amazing in your top.
thanks for the low down on the day.
that nate, sure is a hottie!
😉
HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL!
kellie
You sound like you had a great day! And you are super classy in your comments.