In preparation for the Fashion Weeks, we're talking to some of our favorite writers, editors, photographers and fashion authorities about how they prepare for and survive the bustle of the streets, parties and runways.

We are certainly partial-and proudly so-but photographer Kristin Yamada is a stealthy shooter with survival instincts when it comes to tackling the fashionable mobs outside shows. Her images put us right in the action, day after day.

After weathering New York and London, we asked Kristin how she plans to tackle Milan. Here are her thoughtful responses on how she "zens out" on the road after shooting in the street.

What item of clothing can you not wait to bust out in Milan?

My black Acne Amory parka, hands down. I am obsessed with how voluminous and oversized it is. Though it has thick cord drawstrings at the bottom hem where the shape is particularly wide, I refuse to cinch it even the slightest. All day the metal tipped ends of the strings fly around and clack against each other as I bob, weave and sometimes sprint to get a shot. The sound of them hitting and the feel of them whirling about has sort of become a comforting part of my rhythm.

Two extra deep pockets on the front hold all of my daily needs: mini notebook, pen, business cards, gloves, lip balm and hand warmers. The cozy faux fur lined hood is also massive which helps to protect my camera when I unexpectedly get caught in rain.

Send us a screen grab of your busiest day during Milan Fashion Week.

Every day for me in Milan, and all other Fashion Month ports of call, is pretty equally busy. Here is what a typical day looks like.

What will you do to recover? Do you have a secret FW weapon?

With all the excitement and frenzy at each show, and the race to get from one to the next before all the attendees, energy is pretty frenetic for me all day long. Which is great! That's why it's Fashion Week, right? Everything is abuzz. This just means that for me to recover and recharge I need to go into major zen mode when I get back to my place for the evening. I'd say that this tranquil cloud I build and carry with me along the road is my secret weapon:

While I almost always do my editing to a killer playlist, during Fashion Week I appreciate the silence. Around me I make a little shrine of pieces from home that keep me feeling grounded and relaxed: some loose leaf tea, a black tourmaline crystal (both gifts from my sister) and a magical little stack of surprise notes that my friends and other half sent me off with for "energy and good vibes." I treat myself to reading one every other evening or so.

That's how I zen out the mind, but it's also super important to look after my body, especially in these cold weather weeks. I make sure to take my vitamins and spike every bottle of water I drink with grapefruit seed extract. If my spot doesn't have a kettle I pick up distilled water and, yes, totally neti pot before and after flying. Plane cabin air and hotel AC can wreak so much havoc on the sinuses.

Shoes: comfort or style? What shoes will you be wearing?

Thankfully this season I don't have to choose one over the other, so both! With hikers trending hot, I'm feeling really good about relying on my Prada pair to hold up against all the cobblestones, crowd battling and atmospheric conditions. They are extra sturdy, yet comfy and have cool red thick laces and contrast stitching. My back-up pair is a lighter weight, knock-around pair of patent Chelsea boots. I'm digging high-gloss footwear at the moment and these I'm not afraid to wear to shreds. Lastly, I don't go anywhere without a good and worn-in pair of chucks. These cream Comme des Garçons pair with some well earned scuffs are my faves - I always joke that you can never fully trust someone whose Chucks are too clean!

Number one thing you won't forget to squeeze in while in Milan.

Fondazione Prada. I haven't yet had the chance to stop in on the new space and I've heard it's amazing. I'm really excited to check it out.

Who's the one person you know you'll make time to see despite the insanity of Milan?

La mia famiglia italiana. I'm not Italian by blood, but I'm definitely part Italian by heart. Italy is somewhat of a second home for me. I've spent the past decade jaunting back and forth from the States for stints of visiting and living alike.

I always make plans to catch up with my buds, brothers Gerardo and Alessandro, and their angelic mother (the best cook on the Mediterranean!), Concetta. Because the week is so crazy, we'll just have time to squeeze in a dinner, but I'm looking forward to enjoying it in quintessential Italian style-slowly and in good company.

What's your favorite all-time souvenir from Milan?

I always stock up on all the essentials I can only get here. Most of them are amazing everyday finds from the supermercato.

At the top of my list are packets of saffron for making risotto al zafferano. It's such a delicious and easy dish to prepare, but I have a hard time finding quality, yet non-exorbitantly priced saffron back home. Here it comes in conveniently packaged and portioned pouches. A close second on the list, and just a few aisles over, is my favorite ultra-thick face cream, Cera di Cupra.

Beyond the grocery store I also try to make it to an outpost of the Santa Maria Novella Farmacia. There I pick up rose water, which I use as a facial toner, and potpourri. I know, I know... potpourri sounds uber not cool and makes you think of your granny's wardrobe dresser. Normally I'd agree, but this wonderfully fragrant mix is unmistakable and nostalgically transports me (and other devotees) back to the historic 13century apothecary in Florence from which it originates.