St. Louis Fashion Week's Project Runway Fashion Show - Make Love Not War

Saturday night, I attended the Project Runway fashion show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre as a VIP guest.  As a HUGE Project Runway Fan, I think I was most excited about getting to attend this show!

It certainly lived up to my expectations, and then some!  

First, the venue for the show could not have been better.  The Fox Theatre is simply magnificent.

The runway show was hosted by KPLR 11 St. Louis news anchor Melanie Moon and St. Louis' own Laura Kathleen, as seen on Season 9 of Project Runway and Season 2 of Project Runway All Stars.

The show included collections from Laura Kathleen and St. Louis' Michael Drummond, as well as favorites Anthony Ryan, Casanova, Viktor Luna, April Johnston, and Joshua McKinley.

Michael Drummond
Michael Drummond cited music as his main inspiration, and his newest collection, The Exquisite Corpse, featured looks resembling cocoons and geodes.  I absolutely loved the drama of this collection, and the presentation was equally theatrical.  

I would especially love to wear the top from the third look.  With high-waisted trousers or a pencil skirt, this top would definitely work on curvy petite gals!

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Casanova
I always enjoyed Casanova's sweet and funny personality while watching Project Runway, so I was delighted to see that he was presenting a collection.  Casanova was true to his ultra-sexy aesthetic creating gorgeous resort fashion, featuring lots of grommets and provocative back details.  Oh, and the Naked Dress (third look below)...How stunning is that?

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Anthony Ryan Auld
I also always enjoyed Anthony Ryan Auld on Season 9 of Project Runway and was so happy for him when he won Season 2 of Project Runway:  All Stars. I was impressed with his determination and his fight against cancer.  Unfortunately, he announced at the show that his cancer is now back. A testament to his strength, he doesn't appear to be letting his diagnosis stop him, presenting an interesting and wearable collection.

Anthony Ryan said his collection was inspired by the idea of how Native American fashion might have evolved had Europeans never arrived in the Americas.  He called it Native with a Star Trek twist.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

April Johnston
April Johnston's Mangled Courtesan collection featured a slightly somber, very beautiful, all-white fashion show.  I loved the floaty, ethereal quality of many of her looks.  I imagined the dresses worn by brides who wanted to wear traditional white but wanted a look that was anything but.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Viktor Luna
Viktor Luna's sportswear collection was bright and colorful, featuring swimsuits and interesting prints.  I especially loved the second look below.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Joshua McKinley
If you're a Project Runway fan, then you probably remember Joshua McKinley and his bold personality.  His design aesthetic is just as bold.  His collection included lots of neon colors, mixed prints and textiles, and fringe, though my favorites were actually some of his more subtle looks.  Joshua McKinley stated that he wants to make clothing that is audible without conversation and that reflects his perseverance and courage as a designer.  Mission accomplished!

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Laura Kathleen
Laura Kathleen ended the show.  She expressed her inspiration as the woman she aspires to be.  Her looks featured lots of black and gold and neoprene. 

It's really hard for me to choose a favorite out of all the amazing collections presented, but I think when it comes to wearability, especially for petite and curvy ladies, Laura Kathleen's collection can't be beat.  

I would happily and giddily wear any of these looks in a second.  The peplum dress, styled to perfection with the bold cuff and boots, was my favorite look of the night.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

Photo by Mark Schwigen for Alive Magazine

All in all, the show was fantastic, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to see the show from seats ON THE STAGE!!

The gorgeous St. Louis Fashion Week Blogger Crew:

My look for the night was inspired by current events (Syria) and my pacifist beliefs.  It's a sartorial juxtaposition of war (military) and peace (love).  

Dress:  The Limited (old)
Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Tights:  The Limited (old)

This outfit was a compromise from my original vision.  I had planned to wear this darkly romantic floaty chiffon dress I had bought and taken back and then wanted again, but it wasn't available in my size at any of my local stores (indecisiveness, oh how you betray me).  I also searched my house up and down for this cool gold belt I recently bought from Torrid (sold out on-line) that would have added to the military vibe well.  Since I couldn't find it, I added a gold horn necklace.  

While the pendant is a horn, I envisioned it as a stylized shell casing, adding the to the war and peace theme.

The look wasn't everything I had hoped, but I think Tim Gunn would be proud that I made it work!  :-)

Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)
Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Ring:  LOFT
Shoes:  Simply Vera by Vera Wang

Do you watch Project Runway?  Whose/which designs are your favorites?

In the St. Louis area?  Check out Project: Design happening this Wednesday at Windows on Washington and help support emerging designers.  On Thursday, Industry Night is sure to please as local and runway designers are showcased, including Laura Kathleen!  

Get more info and purchase tickets here.

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: The Luxe Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts were a big trend on fall runways.  No longer relegated to the gym and other super casual situations, sweatshirts were elevated a notch this fall through various fabrications.

Sweatshirt:  Torrid (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores; Similar here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Sweatshirts were paired with lady-like brocade skirts, matching and mixed prints, leather, and more.

DKNY Fall 2013 look
Souce:  Style.com

J.Crew Fall 2013 look
Source:  Glamour.com

Yesterday, I paired my chiffon-front leopard print sweatshirt with a black blazer and burgundy pants for work.

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

I'm hoping to find a chambray or black button-down top to layer under the sweatshirt for a slightly preppy look that would be perfect for a casual Friday at work.

I've been looking for a chambray shirt that doesn't gap, pull, or have tons of extra fabric in the shoulders...forever!

Milly Fall 2013 look
Source:  MarieClaire.com

Tibi Fall 2013 look
Source:  Style.com

Shooties:  Soft Styles by Hush Puppies (Kohl's) (Available here)

Do you like the luxe sweatshirt trend? 

Today concludes my series on fall trends.  Hope you've enjoyed my interpretation of some of the season's biggest trends!

To see this sweatshirt in another look, see here.

Please don’t forget to vote here every day through September 16th for Style Cassentials in the Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards! I'm nominated for "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook"!! While you're there, check out a very talented group of St. Louis area fashion bloggers!

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Grey is the New Black

Black continued to be a major color on fall's runways as did winter white; however, grey took center stage as the neutral for fall 2013.  While nothing can replace black as my favorite go-to neutral, grey is a wonderful and softer option that works well with many skin tones. 

Sweater:  Target (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

Head-to-toe grey is super sophisticated, but grey also works well with black and white as well as camel, cognac, navy, and the gorgeous jewel tones that were all over fall runways.

Haider Ackerman Fall 2013 look
Source:  Style.Com

Rachel Zoe Fall 2013 look
Source:  MarieClaire.com

Blouse:  The Limited
Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)

I love this batwing cocoon sweater.  When I first saw the sweater, I thought it was so chic, but then I started thinking that maybe it looked a little like Dorothy on "Golden Girls."  Then, I decided that this is not a bad thing.  "Golden Girls" is an amazing show, and Dorothy is my favorite character.  So, hey, whatev...  :-)  

Shoes:  Target
Cuff:  The Limited

Necklace:  Target

The sweater is lightweight and airy, but it is still warm.  The black piping adds a cool touch. I have a few different outfit ideas for this sweater that I'm looking forward to wearing this fall.

Do you like using grey as a neutral?


Please don’t forget to vote here every day through September 16th for Style Cassentials in the Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards! I'm nominated for "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook"!! While you're there, check out a very talented group of St. Louis area fashion bloggers!

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Classic Prints

I have noticed over the last several seasons that the trends tend to be getting more classic and wearable.  In fact, a lot of the fall trends seem to simply be repeats of last fall.

On one hand, it's disappointing to not see more new, creative ideas being offered.  On the other hand, being on-trend is becoming easier and less wasteful.

Blazer:  The Limited

This fall, classic prints were all over runways.  Houndstooth plaid was probably the iconic print of fall 2013 (see a recent look here), but leopard print was a close second.  

Billy Reid Fall 2013 Houndstooth Look
Source:  Harpersbazaar.com

Peter Som Fall 2013 look
Source:  Vogue.com

While naturally colored leopard prints will always be a popular classic, this fall, leopard prints in bold and bright colors felt new.

DKNY Fall 2013 look
Source:  Glamour.com

Shell:  The Limited (Available here)

Satchel:  Express

I wore this silky leopard print tank recently with neutral basics for a polished and sophisticated work look.

Shoes:  Target
Necklace:  Target

The weather in St. Louis has been all over the place this summer.  Weeks of cool weather has made me more than ready for fall, but now it's back to sticky sweatiness.  I wore the outfit below to dinner last night with the family.  It has a fall feel but was still breezy enough to survive the heat.

This red leopard print scarf hits on the colored leopard print trend for fall 2013.  

It's always great when you can be trendy while shopping your closet for a piece that's two years old. :-)

Scarf:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)
Tank:  New York & Company
Earrings:  Target, The Limited

Skirt:  The Limited
Sandals:  Target
Purse:  Target (Similar here)

For the camel blazer in other looks, see here and here.
For the faux leather skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.