Jewelry sponsor Serket Jewelry had tons of gorgeous pieces, including a substantial collection of statement necklaces. I’m dreaming of wearing 6-7 at a time, like ancient Egyptian pectorals.

DJ Storm Bennett kept everyone entertained (he’s obvs. a ham for the camera–he struck a pose as soon as he saw my lens pointed at him), and I finally met Kasmira of What I Wore Today, who was wearing a really cute vintage-y looking dress and belt.

We had the chance to go “backstage” (back-bridge?) before the show to see the clothes, meet the models, and chat with the hair and makeup artists. I ran into two friends from Cincinnati Fashion Week–Nathan was coordinating and styling the show, and Nicole gathered the survivor models and hair team for photos and introductions.

Breast cancer, diabetes, and heart health warriors and their physicians.

Around 9, the sky turned dusky, the music pumped up, and the show started!

The models had to walk a looong way in some pretty precarious footwear, but everyone looked lovely in their ALK Fashion dresses.

Thanks to Amy at Cincy Chic for a great event for, not one, but three great causes!

Images: Tamia, Brandy K.

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To win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Don’t be afraid to tell me which stylish red, pink, or blue outfit you’d wear. I got all excited and made a collage with some of my picks, just in case you, um… forgot…what those colors look like. Yeah.

I’ll randomly choose and notify the winners this Thursday.  Remember, this takes place in Cincinnati/NKY, so you should probably be in the area to win. Dur.

And if you need help choosing what to wear…well, you know who to call!

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When I do feel that way, I look elsewhere for style inspiration–usually to my fellow bloggers or recent designer collections. I was procrastinating doing research and checking out some of my favorite blogs, when I came across a photo from Dries Van Noten‘s Spring 2010 collection.

I immediately remembered a sarong I received as a souvenir from a friend’s trip to Thailand and thought, “I can do (something similar to) that!”

I just added my trusty gray sweatshirt and some “exotic” accessories:

Elaborate earrings purchased as a direct result of my ongoing obsession with Indian bridal jewelry.

A combination of beaded African bracelets and a few wooden bracelets I picked up at the hair store. No, the hair store–the place where they sell weaves and wigs. Don’t underestimate the selection in those glass cases in the front of the shop, okay?

A beaded bag and nude shoes (Attention apparel manufacturers: light beige doesn’t equal “nude” for everyone.) I love the little gold elephants marching across the sarong.

Sunglasses I got on sale years ago. I’m surprised I still have them–I usually lose sunglasses within, like, a month of purchasing them.

It’s not a difficult look to replicate. The idea is to take a bunch of varying cultural influences, toss them together, and see what happens. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit!

1. J. Crew sweatshirt  2. Bracelets, Ainamoja.com 3. Skirt, Milliana.com 4. Chloe sunglasses, Aloha Rag 5. Earrings, Kaneesha.com 6. Rosegold heels, Shopbop.com

Sweatshirt, American Apparel; skirt, souvenir; earrings, Bombay Jewelry; shoes, Steve Madden; bracelets, random; purse, Miss Selfridge; sunglasses, Gucci.

By the way, bellydancing costume boutiques are my new favorite places to shop online.

Where do you find inspiration when you’re in a style rut?

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NYFW, Fall 2009

It makes me tired thinking about it, and I’m a pretty hardcore strong-willed bitchy type. Maintaining such a defensive stance is exhausting!  Shoot, even Xena had her vulnerable moments.

All the leather and bleaching and shredding was fun for a while, but now I’m thinking it would be nice to feel pretty, instead of pretty tough. I’m ready for something softer, and while I’m not necessarily looking to drape myself in mountains of florals and bows and pastel ruffles (though it worked for Chloe Sevigny), it would be nice not to feel like I’m an armored truck heading into combat 24/7.

Soft and pretty on the red carpet at the 2010 Golden Globes

Light and feminine on the Resort ’10 runways

Some days, yes, I will be in Power Bitch mode just because sometimes I wake up in the takin’ names and kickin’ butt mindset.  Other times, though, it would be nice to dress in a way that conveys more vulnerability–not necessarily weakness, but…openness. All the hardcore fashion feels a little closed off, which is understandable in times of hardship when you need increased protection from the uncertainties of life. While things are still pretty uncertain (when aren’t they?), I’m exhausted. I’m ready for a change in direction.

Um, let’s keep the stripper shoes, please.

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The Spring 2010 shows kicked off with New York Fashion Week back in September, and the fact that I wasn’t a part of Fashion’s Night Out and didn’t get to attend Alex Wang’s after party (We used to hang out in gas station parking lots back in my college party days–who knew we were starting a trend?) doesn’t bother me at all.

The fact that Matthew Williamson and Luella Bartley showed in London for the first time in years even though I wasn’t there is fine.

The fact that MiuMiu and Marni and Missoni (oh my!) went off without a hitch in Milan senza me is irrelevant.

The fact that Tommy Ton wasn’t snapping close-ups of my imaginary Chloe thigh high boots in Paris means nothing to me.

It’s fine. I’m fine. It all looked dreadfully boring anyway.

So.

Here are some of my favorites in random order with frivolous yet thought-provoking commentary, all arranged in a completely haphazard fashion:
Can’t you see Amber Rose breaking out of her Cirque du Soleil-worthy-catsuit rut with this Tim Hamilton dress?

Parade enough Dries in front of me, and I start thinking I can successfully mix multiple prints a la The Glamourai. Alas, I cannot.

Isabel Marant (and by association, Emmanuelle Alt) can do no wrong when it comes to Left Bank flea market chic.

This Mark Fast frock is begging for Posh to jump into it perfectly manicured feet first. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of David while she’s busy…

Lanvin brought tears to my eyes. Bravo, M. Elbaz! I shall wear a bowtie and grow a round tummy* in your honor.

Some people are against knock-offs. I am not one of them (unless obvious branding/logos are involved). In this case, I’m gonna need someone to knock off these Wang booties stat. I’m looking at you, Steve Madden…

Images from Style.com

What did you think of Fashion Month? Any favorites?

*Already in progress

You’ll like these, too:
Shop the Couture
Cruise Control
Vuitton Blushes in the Nude

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You’ll like these, too:
Runway Copycat: Marc Jacobs
Show Nuff: London Fashion Week
Wear it Now: Fall 2009

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Err…has Christophe Decarnin been watching Spike Lee joints? Does he sing (and dance) along to “Be Alone Tonight” in the shower? Does he secretly wannabe a Wannabe?

Let it suffice to say that this particular scene is one of my favorites, and I welcome any reason–no matter how gratuitous–to post it.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJOsjlXXfVo]
Now that you’ve witnessed the fabulousness first hand, here’s what I want you to do:

1. Find yourself a silver and black dress.

1. Dress, Perk Up Vintage 2. Dress, Dena’s Vintage Closet 3. Dress, Shrinkle on etsy

2. Download the Be Alone Tonight song.

3. Keep watching ’til you learn the moves.

And lipsynch in the mirror along with me.

Read these, too:
You Don’t Have to Watch Dynasty
Shopping: Virtual Vintage
Work Style: Take Flight

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I’ve included some of my favorite looks and done the “research” on standout pieces to incorporate into your current wardrobe. You can thank me later. With cash.

1.Kundan Jewelry set, Fusion Jewels (yes, I’m still into it) 2. Sheer inset bodysuit, American Apparel

3. Lace inset thigh high stockings, Free People 4. Ruffled shrug, Forever21 5. Lace tights, Urban Outfitters

6. Convertible boots  7. Lace top, Free People

Images: Style.com, Jak+Jil

Did you have any favorites from this season’s haute couture collections? What do you think will happen to Lacroix?

Read these, too:
Runway Fashion: Cruise Control
Inspiration: Fall-ready?
Show Nuff: London Fashion Week

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While browsing CincyChic one day, I came across the information for the Red Pink and Blue fashion show. Red Pink and Blue was developed by Candace of Art of the Spa to raise awareness and educate women about common women’s health issues–specifically heart health (red), breast health (pink), and diabetes (blue). A fashion show, you say? I’m there!

Fellow blogger Tina of Florida Girl Meets the Midwest and I decided to hit the event together. Amy, the Editor-in-Chief of Cincy Chic, was kind enough (and adorable in her long pink dress and matching earrings) to give us a behind-the-scenes tour!

Joalerie, mes amies
After plying us with some tasty pomegranate vino (thanks Amy!), Amy led us over to the gorgeous silver jewelry glinting in the sunlight at Lisa Robin Jewelry. I spoke to Lisa for a bit about her background in management and marketing consulting and experience in interior design, which means she’s got both the business and creative sides covered.

Believe it or not, Lisa’s signature design was inspired by a door she saw in Florence while on a trip to Italy last year! The combination of classic patterns forged in silver and accented with pale semi-precious stones gives off a subtly alluring medieval princess-meets-wood nymph vibe.  I’m already picturing multi-layered necklaces and bracelets worn with thigh high boots and clouds of lavender chiffon for fall. Think Isabel Marant meets Princess Aurora.

True Survivor
While we were standing there chatting, Amy introduced us to Jamie, a breast cancer survivor who would be modeling a custom-made dress in the show’s finale. Jamie owns Fusion Studio, a fitness and personal training studio in Newport and Jamie is buff. Seriously, I sucked in my stomach and silently vowed to do more push-ups after we talked about her amazing story (she was pregnant when she was diagnosed) of strength and survival.

Kiss and Makeup
We moved on to the makeup counter where the ladies from Saks were handing certificates for free consultations. I need to do that stat–I’ve promised myself that I’d learn out how to properly wear red lipstick without looking like a cracked-out circus clown.

So, ho.
We moved on to the “dressing room” where all of the models were hanging out and spoke to Amy Maynard of Soho, the local boutique providing the looks for the show. The shop itself has been around for 12 years, but former IT Consultant and restaurant manager Amy has only owned Soho for three months.

It’s actually a great story: she was in the shop trying to find an outfit to wear to the Chelsea Handler show, and overheard the former owner lamenting about selling the boutique. Amy immediately decided that she would buy Soho! She promptly put down the dress she was trying on and bought the entire shop instead! How cool is that?

Tina and I have already made plans to commandeer the boutique for a welcome-to-the-hood shopping party. I’ll keep you updated.

Do you need some more coochy?
Tina wanted to stop by the Pure Romance booth to say hi to Tisa, and the big “private dancer pole” box on the table caught my eye. Hmmmm…it is supposed to be good exercise (I heard)!  Tisa is funny and friendly and chatted us up about everything from pole dancing to her hometown in Florida.

Tina was musing about the viability of a Pure Romance bachelorette party (she’s getting married in September) when I overheard Tisa speaking to another customer:

“Oh, do you need some more coochy?”

Wide-eyed and open-mouthed, I gaped at Tina, trying not to panic. What? You can get more? How do you know you’re running out in the first place? How low is my supply?

Thankfully, it turns out Coochy is a body shaving cream that can be purchased via Tisa’s site, sexinthecincy.com. Whew! Had me worried there…

The show must go on (the bridge)
Finally, we headed over to the Purple People Bridge and sat down to watch the fashion show at the end of what has to be one of the best outdoor runways ever.  As the models sashayed down the looong catwalk (they were wearing heels, poor things!) we pointed out the pieces we liked and I tried to take pictures, but it was dark and the lighting on the bridge wasn’t really photo friendly.

Runway images by Kate Messer Photography

There were some really cute -pieces, though–I can definitely see wearing the black jumpsuit with an armful of bangles and dramatic gold earrings, hair pulled back in an assymetrical bun and a slash of deep coral lipstick. Very 80′s YSL. ETA: I just found out that the custom-made caftans the survivors wore are available on eBay!

After the show ended, we thanked Amy and met the darling Linda, the editor of Cincy Chic. There was an after party for the event at Havana Martini, but we were too pooped to attend. However, I will be there for the Past & Present fashion show coming up at the end of July!

Big thanks to everyone who participated in the show and supported not one, but three worthy causes!

Read these, too:
Runway Fashion: Cruise Control
Fashion Math
Wear it Now: Fall 2009

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