Spring Stylin' & Profilin' at STLFW's Soiree
ALL Images courtesy of Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine unless otherwise noted
This past Thursday, I had the pleasure of sitting front row at Saint Louis Fashion Week's Spring Style Soiree! This super fun event was held inside West County Center, and although I know that some of STLFW's events have been held within malls before, I have not yet had the chance to attend one until now. What a fun experience - the hustle and bustle of passerby shoppers and the sparkle and dazzle of a true yet miniature runway! Co-hosted by the babeliest of all blogger babes, Angie of Honey & Denim (pictured above), the evening had a bubbly yet classic STLFW feeling that left me excited not only about spring fashion, but the still-expanding legacy of our very own city's Fashion Week.
The Soiree event not only featured your traditional runway models, but also some incredibly fabulous, strong, and amazing women. Because STLFW teamed up with Siteman Cancer Center for this night, the opening presentation of White House | Black Market was walked by a group of cancer survivors. These women proudly strutted down the runway, holding cards with a very special number on them - each card represented the number of years its holder has been cancer-free.
As ALIVE Magazine's resident DJ and fellow blogger babe DJ TrashTalk started up the music again, threads and trends from various stores within West County Center strutted down the runway. I'll run through each shop highlighted and showcase a couple of my favorite looks from each!
The Limited's presentation focused on a balance between classic springtime brights/pastels, and more classic workwear with darker hues. It's coincidental that both of my favorite looks were worn by two young ladies that have modeled for Centro Models, which is a division of TalentPlus, where I work!
Ann Taylor brought out both classic and some edge with its presented looks. Although the top left look is a little too "suburban mom" for me, if we changed the pants to black and maybe threw on some funky jewelry, I'd rock it. And I'll take the whole top right outfit, done and done!
Altar'd State brought out a festival-friendly, boho-vibe. The top left dress, with its chiffon underlayer and Chucks as accessories, caught my attention. The right outfit is something I'd wear, because I'm so skeptical of the ever-popular uber-short dresses. Throw some jeans underneath and some strappy sandals, and you're good!
Banana Republic brought the heat with its sassy editions of classics. The skin-tight midi dress, paired with current mules and a low straw hat, felt very lifestyle-friendly. Cocktails? Check. Brunch with your babes? Check. The floaty trapeze number that closed the presentation really was tempting me! I can see wearing that beauty all the time, with a lacy bralette and a long pendant.
Gap's looks were very, well, Gap, featuring looks that kept to its recent campaign of championing being "normal." Basic, clean outfits called to my casual side, and the slouchy denim on the right definitely needs to get in my closet.
With labeled name brands, spunky prints and youthful feel, Macy's kept my attention from the men's looks to women's looks. The simple yet vibrant dress and bold jumpsuit are not necessarily something I'd wear, but are looks that I know will be crowd-pleasers during upcoming warmer months.
Although I rarely set foot in Nordstrom, I'll definitely be checking their clothing out more after their presentation. I really must have that black layered dress, and I'm pretty into that funky tropical-inspired print on the men's shirt.
After the presentations, attendees mingled, and a few of us opted to pop into the Foundrie's shop, where Jenni of ISPYDIY had set up a DIY project for everyone to try. I snapped a few photos of Carylee of More Pieces of Me working on the project - stamping your very own leather bracelet to keep. Other attendees took advantages of the night's super special discounts offered by the shops involved in the show, but I was a good girl and didn't spend the $150 on that black Banana Republic dress... sigh.
I followed my friend Lindsay of Heartland Underdog and a number of friends and new acquaintances to Planter's House in Lafayette Square for after-event drinks and snacks, where I was able to chat with Jenni a little about her stay in Saint Louis. We tried to convince her that Saint Louis has so much more to offer than you can explore in just a few days, and we hope to have her back again soon.
I had such a wonderful time getting to enjoy the Soiree with friends both new and old. I look forward to all of the year's upcoming STLFW events, and can't wait to see what they bring!