To kick off my Fashion Week boot camp, I started with the most fashion-y diet I could think of: a juice cleanse. I ordered a 3-day program from Suja, and a giant cooler box containing 18 juices landed on my doorstep. I piled them into my fridge, planning to start the next morning, only to be completely derailed when I made my usual cereal and forgot about the juice (duh). So I started with lunch.

The juices were tasty, but I had a hard time committing to the food-free program. I was also seriously craving salt, so I snacked here and there and cut down on a juice to make up for it. At the end of the three days, I felt pretty good -- my energy level was up, and I was sleeping well, except for the empty-ish grumble of my stomach.

My grand initial plan was to transition from the juice cleanse to David Kirsch's Wellness Detox program because it would allow me to slowly integrate food. However, since I ate while I was supposed to be juicing, I tossed that plan out the window.

This detox kit comes with three kinds of powders: an a.m. detox made mostly of fruit extracts, powdered greens, and a hefty packet of protein powder. I taste-tested the three powders and decided that I wouldn't be able to stomach a grape-flavored detox every morning, so I concocted my own breakfast shake made out of a little of each powder, some almond milk, and ice. (I know, I know, this is not how the detox is supposed to be done.) Then, for lunch and dinner I followed Kirsch's food protocol: lots of greens and veggies and a small portion of lean protein (usually chicken or salmon).

After five days, I was bored senseless chugging this concoction, but I felt fantastic -- de-puffed, slimmer, and energetic. (Full disclosure: I never gave up my morning coffee, which may have helped on the energy front.)

I run three days a week, every week, all year long -- even when it's well below freezing in the middle of February -- and I'm proud of it. However, I know that my "all running all the time" workout regimen is deficient in strength training and toning. And all the running in the world won't get rid of my chicken arms.

Tracy Anderson, on the other hand, can get rid of chicken arms, flabby abs, and a saggy tush in a matter of days. The Method is the ultimate pre-beach vacation tone-up -- so why not use it before Fashion Week?

The DVD set comes with about a dozen different half-hour workouts, plus a half- hour cardio session you're supposed to do in conjunction with the toning. Since I run (in case you didn't already get that), I skipped the cardio (again, not following the directions -- notice a trend?), and jumped right into the targeted arms, abs, and butt workout. The moves feel extremely strange at first -- like Jazzercise on speed -- but I noticed a difference after just a few days. What other workouts give you results that fast?

I once heard that in Asia, women do a SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, $90 every night for 60 nights before their wedding. (The wildly expensive masks are often a gift from the bridal party.) Knowing that nugget, I've been stockpiling the masks in my VIP (very important products) basket, saving them for big events like Fashion Week.

This season, I had four masks at my disposal, so I spaced them out (one every other night) for the four nights before the week started. They give your skin an unbelievably moisturized, dewy glow. It's the kind of hydration that really lasts ... hopefully through eight grueling days.

There's usually a food sponsor at Fashion Week, but it's essential to pack your own snacks. The last two seasons, the tents have been stocked with Fiber One bars. I don't have anything against these bars per se, but eating fiber for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is not wise. The other backstage option is the models' catering table. And you know they're not eating it, but I just don't feel right about stealing food from 90-pound 16 year-olds.

My solution? Kind bars (I prefer the nut and spice variety) and Mamma Chia squeeze snacks. The protein from the nuts keep me feeling full while the chia seeds give me lasting energy. I'll have at least two of each in my bag at all times.