For my first show of Mercedes-Benz 2009 Fashion Week, I hit up Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection, an event to promote heart health in women. I was not too excited about the show because I suspected the celebrities had been forced into this by their agents in order to increase the public's awareness of...themselves. But, as soon I walked up those steps and into The Tent, all my cynical thoughts subsided. I was instantly filled with joy and excitement for all things fashion. Part of the thrill was entering the temporary and biannual Mecca of all things fashion and part of it was the fact that Mark Indelicato, who plays Justin Suarez on Ugly Betty, was following right behind.

After waiting my turn in line circling the Bryant Park Fountain, I stepped up to the name-takers. "I'm sorry, you're not on the list." My fashion high crashed to the ground like a model with weak ankles in high heels. I quickly became the cynical and snobby New Yorker. "For film dot com?!" I questioned as I produced my invite. She said nothing but silently grabbed a white sheet of paper and in black Sharpie, scrawled the scarlet letters "ST" (for STanding). Completely humiliated, I steamed up the steps and into the show.

Trying to pick the best standing spot, as if there is such a thing, I glared at the others as they sat themselves down in their swag-filled seats. I tried to lighten my spirits by watching Christian Siriano chat it up with Kellie Pickler, but my sour mood could not be sweetened. There were still unoccupied seats and I was ready to confront another name-taker. As I was about to make my move, a woman whispered for me to grab a seat and I gladly obliged. I felt vindicated when I spotted a seat five chairs in from an aisle with a perfectly intact bag of swag. I picked up my purse and positioned myself to scoot past my fellow fashionistas' knees. However, after noticing my gaze, another woman got up and began scooting as well. Now, one would think I would be appreciative of her gesture; yet she left her aisle seat with nothing but the black cloth on it's back. I had become the victim of a greedy goody bag thief. Reminding myself again who I was, a chic and sophisticated New Yorker attending Fashion Week, I instantly felt better and resolved to be above such petty nonsense. So, I fixed my attention on the always inspiring Miss J. Alexander and the fabulous tie turned bow tie he was wearing.

It wasn't long before Tim Gunn came out to give his welcome speech which he stumbled over a couple times. And if that wasn't awkward enough, he decided to blame his "breathlessness" on "more celebrities than you can list" waiting backstage. Really, Tim? But you can list them. In fact, they did that in the program. There were 20. Knowing that he was doing this for a good cause softened my cynical side once again and my heart beated faster as I eagerly awaited the stars. The lights dimmed, the set pieces moved into place, and everyone grew quiet. I smiled in the dark, giddy once again with love for fashion. The spotlights brightened, the music pounded and out strutted the celebrities.

I cheered and clapped at the debut of each new dress, but one star's appearance shocked me more than the others not because she appeared before my eyes but because of the sudden and unexplained excitement brought on when she appeared before my eyes. I am not lying when I say that I fell most starstruck at the appearance of non-other than...drum roll please...Hilary Duff.

It's a little strange seeing stars take on the role of a model. Some, like Samantha Harris, really worked the catwalk while others, like Patricia Arquette, kept a reserved, professional approach. My favorite looks were Hilary Duff, who catwalked to her own hit "Beat of My Heart" in an elegant Donna Karan gown, Tori Spelling rocked a cute Betsey Johnson pleated, tiered dress and Brittany Snow was candy in a partly sheer Marchesa with fabulously ruffled puff sleeves.

Of course, you can't mention fashion and not mention fit. Which brings me to the title of this article. Every girl knows the proper undergarments for certain clothing, right? And aren't celebrities credited for making Spanx famous? Then why weren't they wearing any? There were more panty lines in the show than heart references in the accompanying music. And I'm not just talking minor indents on the hips where the thong pulls in a little tight, but real, diagonal, across-the-butt lines! Heck, even going commando would have been better.

From the start of the show, I felt a sort of awkwardness in becoming a spectator of these celebrities because I was not there to see them play a character, but just to see them be themselves. Just as I sensed the whole audience was in agreement with my sentiments, we found our comic relief. On the back wall of the runway there was a giant heart frame, housing a projection screen. As the stars walked the runway, it displayed, in real time and from a head on angle, the live feed of the action on the runway. The ladies would strut down the red carpet, indulge the photographers with attitude-filled poses and then turn to strut right back. After hamming it up for the photogs, the stars turned to receive a rude awaking, coming face to face with their own buttocks on the big screen. The results were hilarious. After witnessing their own posteriors, some "worked it" even more, while others jokingly covered their rear with their hands as they walked back down the runway. Though celebrities, they are still mere mortals; and in that instance, they comically and soberingly realized that although they may have what it takes to be a star, they have more than it takes to be a model.

All in all, the show was a delight. Seeing designer dresses on normal shaped women helped me connect to fashion on a more personal level. It also brought to light the wonderful reality of our bodies and the importance of keeping them healthy.

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