This coming Tuesday, as happens twice a year, fashion royalty will begin filing into Manhattan (and taking to the streets in the event of a taxi strike), previewing the latest collections, hitting exclusive spots (Serge Becker’s and Graydon Carter’s included), and indulging in the general. Translation: fashion week is finally here!

So, we figured it a perfect opportunity to ask model mega-agent Jennifer Ramey (who represents the likes of Kate Moss and Daria Werbowy at IMG Models) her inside scoop on the city’s best fashion-week-friendly spots. A lot like that super-cool senior in high school, Ramey is privy to access most Teen Vogue interns would empty their trust funds for. And since, for some, it’s the most anticipated week of the season, while for others it is utter hell, we’ve taken both ends of the style-obsessed spectrum into account. Here, Ramey reveals locales for the best people-watching, best post-show lunch, and, where to escape the madness. In her own words:

What is the best thing about Fashion Week in NYC?
It is like back to school! That same feeling from when one was young... seeing old friends and discussing summer holidays, new clothes, everything being new again...very exciting.

And the worst thing?
Long hours, working weekends and late into the night... people screaming and getting stressed over frocks and whether to bleach a brow or not!!! And, in addition to blowing your diet, not going to the gym and drinking like a fish... you’re losing your tan, then realizing there is [still] Milan and Paris [left].

Which NYC hotels will be housing the most designers/models/industry alum during Fashion Week?
The Maritime Hotel, The Bowery Hotel, Mercer Hotel, and Hotel QT.

Where is the best post-show brunch/lunch spot?
Keen's Steak House, eating at the bar...

What shops are the best to hit whether you’re looking for the latest runway fashions, or the best knock-offs?
The obvious would be H&M, Zara, UNIQLO, then fly to London to get Top Shop is a must... shopping hmmm… Marc Jacobs, Maria Cornejo, and, for vintage, my friends at Southpaw Vintage Clothing and Textiles.

After dark, where can one find the most celebrities and supermodels per square inch?
Bowery Hotel, The Maritime Hotel, Mercer Hotel, The Rose Bar and upstairs at Gramercy Park Hotel, Beatrice Inn, The Box, The Waverly Inn.

What is your favorite place to frequent when you're in the mood to forget about Fashion Week?
Not telling you.

Best quiet, off-the-beaten-path restaurant at which to have a pocket-emptying dining experience?
I do not empty often, but my boss loves The Grocery in Brooklyn...I have never been to Brooklyn.... very off-the-beaten-path for me but must try someday...

Three parties that aren’t to be missed this Fashion Week?
Another Magazine party, V party, and The Hours performance at the Prada store should be good…

Where can one find the fashion set partying into the wee hours?
My apartment.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Go There:
Southpaw Vintage Clothing and Textiles, 226 West 37th Street, NYC, (212) 244-2768
Beatrice Inn, 285 W. 12th Street, NYC, (212) 243-4626
Waverly Inn, 16 Bank Street, NYC, (212) 929-4377
The Grocery, 288 Smith Street, Brooklyn, (718) 596-3335