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!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

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

A Professional Wardrobe With Personality

Next week I have the opportunity to speak about a modern woman’s working wardrobe at an Inform meeting. I started thinking about my own professional wardrobe (or at least my past professional wardrobe when I actually worked in an office) and I started brainstorming different ways to be office appropriate but still express your personal style and personalty.

My favorite way to do that (both in and out of the office) is with a pair of statement pants in an office appropriate cut. These pants could just as easily be paired with a button down and blazer for a more traditional office environment or paired with some flats and a sweater for a more casual workplace.

Other ways to add some flare to a modern work wardrobe? Through colors, textures, and accessories! Add a bright blouse with your pencil skirt. Pair a wool blazer with a silk cami. Elevate your favorite outfit with a statement necklace. Leave the boring clothes behind and show your personality in your work wardrobe!

How do you show your personal style while maintaining your professionalism in the work place?

sweater: j.crew factory (similar)

pants: j.crew factory (similar)

shoes: j.crew

bag: loeflerr randall via rent the runway

necklace: stella and dot

Hour Detroit Best Dressed Party

Nothing gets you in the mood for fall fashion like a runway show and a room full of Detroit’s best dressed.

Last week I attended the Hour Detroit Best Dressed Fashion Show party at the Fillmore Theater, honoring the best style of metro Detroit. In addition to the usual models, the fashion show - put on by Neiman Marcus and The Somerset Collection - included the best dressed winners walking the runway, showcasing the best of this season's fall fashion.

And if my two favorite things colliding - Detroit and fashion - aren't enough for you, the evening started and ended at the historic Whitney. Complete with champagne toasts and the most perfect indian summer patio weather, you couldn't have asked for a better venue to bookend the evening.

Both my hubby and tribe of lady friends joined me for the night (thanks to my friend Jay of Christopher & Sofee Phaze who was one of the event's sponsors and was super generous to hook us up with tickets). We had a blast people watching, imbibing in delicious cocktails, and creating our fall fashion wish lists.

Check out the full list of this year's best dressed, and to all the people over at Hour, if you're looking for next year's nominees, I'm available (*jumping up and down with hands raised*).

dress: parker via rent the runway unlimited

bag: zac zac posen via rent the runway unlimited

shoes: zara (similar here)

belt: old, similar here

ear cuff: lord and taylor

Outfit Post: Sleeveless Jacket

In my opinion, the sleeveless jacket is one of the best investments as we transition into fall. Big in the fashion world last season (see how I wore it here and here), this trend is still in full force - and for good reason.

It’s completely versatile. It can be worn over a dress in the warmer months, over a long sleeve tee in the fall, and under a coat during the winter months. Pairing just as well with dresses and skirts as it does with pants, this piece is functional fashion at it’s finest. How many items in your wardrobe can literally be carried throughout all four seasons?

If you decide to invest in one “of the moment” item this season, make it a sleeveless jacket. Check out a few of my favorites here, here and here.

sleeveless jacket: zara

tank: express

denim: nordstrom rack

shoes: nordstrom rack (similar here)

bag: zac zac posen via rent the runway unlimited

watch: shinola

bracelet: stella and dot renegade cluster

sunglasses: ray-ban