Hour Detroit Best Dressed Party

Every year, Hour Detroit magazine celebrates the most stylish metro Detroiters with their annual Best Dressed Fashion Show party. Honoring the best dressed nominees, the event showcases not only the city's fashionable elite, but also the most anticipated fall fashions. The runway show was put on by The Somerset Collection and we saw lots of layering, amazing texture (like metallics, velvet, and fur), and some incredible holiday party looks.

And even though the weather tried to rain on our parade (with torrential downpours flooding the streets of Detroit), there was an amazing turnout of fabulously dressed guests, who didn't let a little shower stop them from bringing their style A-game. Most people stuck to the traditional cocktail attire, but there was definitely a more creative, "anything goes" vibe from many of the attendees.

For the event - which promotes the best of Detroit fashion - I wanted to be sure to wear something that was actually from Detroit (and also happened to be the colors of the Detroit Tigers). I decided to go with this mock turtleneck dress from one of my favorite local shops, The Peacock Room, but added a little edge to the otherwise sweet dress with a studded belt, sleeveless trench and booties.

Thanks to Hour Detroit for putting on a great event and highlighting some of Detroit's finest dressers! Check out the full list of all the nominees in their September issue.

dress: peacock room

vest: old ann taylor (similar ethical version here)

booties: gilt

clutch: vintage

cuff: nomad collective

Vintage Floral Jumpsuit

Earlier in the month I attended the annual garden party fundraiser for the Belle Isle Conservancy, located at one of my favorite spots on Belle Isle - the conservatory gardens and greenhouse. The purpose of the event was to raise money for projects to benefit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, an amazingly beautiful place in the warmer weather, but my favorite secret hideaway once the winter months come.

In my opinion, garden parties should be fun and full of whimsy, so when deciding on what to wear, I knew I wanted my outfit to mimic that tone. And nothing says fun and whimsical like a vintage, floral, wide leg, cropped, jumpsuit.

Let's be honest. This jumpsuit is a little ridiculous. It reminds me of the curtains in my grandma's house that she's had since the 60s. Maybe that's partly why I love this. Maybe it's also because I love a good bargain and this jumpsuit was purchased in a vintage bundle at an estate sale where I got 5 pieces for twenty dollars (check out the skirt I scored from the same bundle here). But mainly, I love this ridiculous piece of clothing because it's whimsically unique. And that's exactly the type of outfit to wear to a garden party.

jumpsuit: detroit clothing circle

clutch: stella and dot (similar)

shoes: old target

cuff: nomad collective

NYFW - MP Fashion Runway Show

Attending fashion week - even just as a spectator on the street - is something I've dreamed of doing for years. This year, I was fortunate enough to be invited by local Detroit designer, Mila Pershyna of MP Fashion to attend her show for the Plitzs Fashion event, whose goal is to highlight a diverse and creative, yet affordable group of designers. The event showcased a range of designers from all over the world and I was honored to sit front row for each of their shows (thanks, Mila!).

At a time when so many designers are outsourcing their manufacturing to other countries, MP Fashion is a line of contemporary women's fashion that is all made in the US. Each piece is unique and distinctive, but extremely wearable. Comprised of mostly separates, the collection maximizes versatility. I love all the textures and the play on volume that really make Mila's pieces special. Even a simple pair of camel pants are given new heights with a slightly slouchy feel and asymmetrical waistband.

Check out a few of my favorite pieces below and follow MP Fashion on Instagram to see her full collection.

Thanks again to MP Fashion for inviting me - I can't wait to add a few pieces from your collection to my own wardrobe!

Photos by Leonid Tikh of LT Studio

Obsessed with these pants

This look is amazing - I might need this  

Mila and Ms. AWB US 2015, Sheryln Fox

Best dressed guests - especially that yellow caped jumpsuit!

Me and Sherlyn

Me and Mila, pre-show

NYFW Street Style

Elaine Welteroth (left), Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue

I know New York Fashion Week has come and gone - and we are now finishing up the London shows before moving on to Milan - but I needed a little time to recuperate from the whirlwind weekend in the big apple. I'll share more about my trip, including what I wore and my experience at my first fashion week runway show (thank you Detroit designer Mila of MP Fashion for the invitation!), but for now, here is a little street style eye candy from my 3 days in the city.

Even though the temperatures were incredibly hot, most people I saw tried to incorporate some fall trends into their looks. Some themes I noticed on repeat? Lots of volume (in pants, in sleeves, in everything), creative layering, interesting cut outs, and - the most refreshing trend of all - stylish flats!

My girl and fashion blogger, Nailah Ali (top left) of The Moda Intersection & Natalie Joos (bottom right)

Pandora Skyes (top left), Fashion Stylist & Leandra Medine (top right), The Man Repeller

Taylor Tomasi Hill (right), Style and Accessories Director of Marie Claire Magazine

Jane Keltner de Valle (left), Style Director of Architectural Digest & Chloe King (top right), PR Manager at Bergdorf Goodman

Rachel Wang (top right), Stylist and Fashion Director of Allure

Zanna Roberts Rassi (left), Senior Fashion Editor of Marie Claire & Shiona Turini (right), Fashion Market Director of Cosmopolitan

Fash Bash 2016 Recap

Last week was one of the best fashion events of the year - Fash Bash at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The annual fundraiser, hosted by the DIA’s FJC (Founders Junior Council) in partnership with Neiman Marcus, raises money for the museum’s endowment campaign and merges a love of fashion, art, and philanthropy.

This year, because of the high temps, high humidity, and high chance of storms, the party was moved from the steps of the DIA to inside the museum. Which was lucky for me because I wore this amazing dress from Rent the Runway - and even though the dress looked hot, it also felt hot. Hot and heavy dress and hot and heavy temps don’t really mesh.

And even though the weather still screamed summer, the fashion show had us all wishing for cooler months. Showcasing the best of fall fashion, the runway show featured lots of layering and texture - or so I was told. This year I skipped the fashion show and celebrated a friend’s birthday with an intimate dinner party instead. We sipped our cocktails, ate fancy tacos, and showed up fashionably late - just in time for the after party to be in full swing.

Like past years, this year's event did not disappoint. It was filled with amazing food, drinks, and music. This year, I made sure to wear my dancing shoes, leaving my heels behind in favor of a less expected shoe choice, which both added an element of surprise and also kept me comfortable for a long evening on my feet.

Thanks to the DIA for putting on another spectacular event - I can't wait until next year!

dress: rent the runway

shoes: m.gemi

cuff: nomad collective

clutch: south moon under

earrings: stella and dot

ring: kendra scott

What to Wear: Gold Rush Gala

I know I just wrote a What to Wear post, but not only is there another amazing event coming up, but it supports an incredible cause that is near to my heart.

On September 9th, Camp Casey, a nonprofit horseback riding program for children with cancer and rare blood disorders, will be throwing a fundraiser gala at the Roostertail in Detroit. All proceeds from ticket sales, and the activities at the event, will go directly to the 2017 programming season. That programming includes Horsey house Calls, their signature program that takes a horse to a child’s home and surprises them for the day.

As a woman who was diagnosed with cancer at 28, I can attest how difficult that journey can be. I can’t imagine how much worse that is for a child, as well as his or her parents and loved ones. What Camp Casey does is bring a little (or a lot of) joy to a kid and their family during a physically and emotionally tough time.  This is definitely a cause worth supporting.

The gale is black tie optional and everyone is encouraged to wear gold in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. There will be dancing, live music, a silent auction, dessert auction and more. Time to break out your best fancy attire and support a great organization.

If you need help with options on what to wear, I’ve picked several of my favorite dresses from Rent the Runway that will have you feeling glamorous all night long.

To learn more about Camp Casey and read about all their different programs, check out their website. To attend the Gold Rush Gala event, buy your ticket here. I hope to see you all on the dance floor!

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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. 

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Midnight Blues:

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

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Blush Tones:

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

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Graphic Prints: 

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

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