What to Wear: Fash Bash 2016

It’s no surprise I like getting dressed up and attending fashion events around Detroit. If it’s in Detroit and related to fashion, I’m there. And luckily for me - and all you other Detroiters - there is a steady stream of style events happening in the motor city.

But none compete with the DIA’s Fash Bash.

Where Detroit and Fashion (with a capital “F”) collide, Fash Bash highlights the best of fall fashion while raising funds for the Detroit Institute of Arts - all while showcasing the best personal style Metro Detroit has to offer.

Not sure what to wear to such an event? Take your cues from the art world. Go bold. Get creative. Think outside the box. I’ve given several examples of dresses below (some to buy, others to rent for the occasion), but be sure to take your outfit one step further. Pair your LBD with a vintage statement necklace. Wear the crazy shoes. Proudly showcase your personal style. This is no event to play it safe.

If you are interested in attending the Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion runway show on August 11th, you better purchase your tickets fast as they are almost completely sold out. More interested in just mingling and sipping cocktails with the city’s best dressed, purchase tickets for the Lincoln Black Label After Party, which includes a night of dancing under the stars.

Grab your tickets. Grab your dancing shoes. And I’ll see you on the steps of the DIA.

Little Black Dress (or Jumpsuit):

You can never go wrong in an LBD. Or the modern twist, the little black jumpsuit. Use it as the backdrop to showcase your best accessories. 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Midnight Blues:

The hue looks good on everybody. Look for unique shapes and cut outs to maximize interest.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Blush Tones:

If you lean towards the feminine, think pale pinks and whites to highlight your style (and your summer tan).

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Graphic Prints: 

Don't shy away from bold prints. Use them to stand out!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Spring Refresh

Spring is the perfect time to refresh - and not just your wardrobe. For me, it means coming out of hibernation and organizing all areas of my life - from my closet to my business (and everything in between - health, exercise, spring cleaning, etc.). 

My first area to refresh? This blog. You may have noticed some new changes here at The Closet Confessional, which admittedly, were way overdo. I started this blog in 2012 and haven't updated or changed a thing since. What can I say, change is hard. 

Like my own personal style, the new layout is simple, clean, and streamlined. No fuss. Now let's just see if I can apply those characteristics to the other areas of my life...

What are you hoping to refresh this spring? 

top: zara (similar)

jeans: zara

heels: similar

clutch: target (similar)

chocker: vintage from eldordado general store

Fash Bash Recap

If you follow me on Instagram, it's no surprise that the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is one of my favorite locations in the city. It not only hosts some of the best art in the world, but the architecture of the building is one of the best backdrops in town. It is also home to Kresge Court, my (not so secret) go-to meeting spot for coffee and cocktails.

It's also no surprise that I love fashion (duh).

So when the two worlds collide, what emerges is my favorite event of the year - Fash Bash. Partnering with Neiman Marcus, the museum fashion show/fundraiser/dance party, supports the DIA, helping to keep one of Detroit's culture gems the incredible asset that it is.

This year, I was lucky enough to receive a media pass for the Neiman Marcus fashion show, hosted inside the museum. Showcasing the best fall fashion has to offer, it had me craving for cooler temps and lots of layers.

(See more photos of the event, as well as the Neiman Marcus runway show, at the Detroit Free Press and MLive). 

Guests tend to get a little more creative with their looks, so I decided to forgo the usual cocktail dress in favor of this bright Diane Von Furstenburg jumpsuit. As I've mentioned before, when choosing an outfit for an event, I tend to lean towards the unique. Both the shape and color of this jumpsuit stood out in a sea of dresses and had me receiving compliments all night.

Thanks to the DIA for throwing another fantastic event in Detroit. Looking forward to the next!

Outfit photos taken by Nailah Ali of The Moda Intersection (be sure to check out her recap of the event). Hair & Makeup by Stephanie Ford-Umachi of Runway Meets Everyday.

jumpsuit: diane von furstenburg via rent the runway

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

bracelets: rent the runway unlimited

necklace: stella and dot aida tassel necklace

ring: stella and dot rebel ring

What to Wear: Fash Bash

Detroit knows how to party. Especially during the summer months, where there are endless events to choose from. But THE event of the year? That would be the DIA's Fash Bash.

Where art and fashion collide, the night begins with a cocktail hour on the steps of the museum, followed by a Neiman Marcus hosted runway show, and finishes the evening with a dance party under the stars. 

And this is no ordinary cocktail party. This is your chance to show your fashion forward style, taking influence from the art world. Go bold with textures. Play with structure and shapes. Stand out.

The event is sold out, but if you are one of the lucky ticket holders, you’ll no doubt be in need of some outfit ideas. And because Neiman Marcus is a sponsor of the event, I have chosen a few of my favorite looks from the department store.

Which look would you rock?

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

1 / 2 / 3 / 4