Outfit Details:

Hat Attack hat

H+M lace shirt (old)

Betsey Johnson dress (old)

thrifted belt

Coach Madison leather bag

Seychelles Ampersand heels 

vintage bow tie

St. Louis, you treated us well! Recently, my mom and I met up in St. Louis for St. Louis Fashion Week, thanks to the wonderful people at Alive Magazine and The St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. It was such a special trip to me, not only because I love discovering and supporting regional designers, but because I was able to share the experience with my mom. She was born in St. Louis, and hasn’t been back since she was in her twenties. I don’t think she’s had a vacation since then, either (except the couple of times she was able to make it to New York). Most of our extended family still lives there, and we were able to find time to see them, during our downtime. It was like a family reunion! 

Years ago, I attended a q+a with Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week and the STLFW guest of honor. When asked why NYFW wasn’t held downtown, since “fashion doesn’t happen above 14th street,” she immediately replied, “Fashion happens everywhere.” That answer always stuck with me. Fashion is just another form of self expression, and for that, there are no parameters. It was wonderful to see her support emerging talents in another city, and giving them such great encouragement. I was lucky enough to walk away with a beautiful piece of jewelry from local designer  Laura Kathleen, and had a chance to chat with Emily of Wai Ming on our tour around the city. I also hosted Industry Night, which showcased several designers: Blue Bird Apparel, Paulie Gibson, Dipped and Dyed, and Suzanne Lay in presentations, and Jennifer Chun, Eva Franco, Samantha Pleet, Laura Kathleen, and Wai Ming on the runway.  Calivintage captured the night’s collections in more detail, so please check her post out for more photos. Here are some highlights from the shows:

1) We attended a brunch and darling presentation for Rungolee, at the designer’s home. I was pretty crazy about this lovely model’s head scarf. I’m predictable.

2) Eva Franco had the models smiling and blowing kisses down the runway.

3) I’m pretty crazy about Samantha Pleet, and was excited that she was showing in St. Louis.

4) Local designer Suzanne Lay. I loved the red short suit, and I want my hair to look like that!

1) My welcome gift from our gracious hosts. Also, shout out to Yasmin of Bangles and Bungalows for picking us up at the airport and bringing us snacks!

2) We stayed at The Cheshire hotel. I loved the antique decor…it was right up our alley.

3) Looking out the stained glass windows of our room.

4) Me and my pretty mom.

5) At the St. Louis Art Museum, in front of an Ellsworth Kelly piece.

6) Another shot of my gorgeous mama, who hates having her picture taken but was a good sport, anyway.

Muzio (which is a pretty awesome app, by the way) and the St. Louis CVC hosted a tour of St. Louis. We saw the Arch, City Garden, Cathedral Basilica, the library, the art museum, and even went thrifting at Savers. We also got a peek at The World Chess Hall of Fame’s upcoming exhibit, A Queen Within. It opens in two days, so if you’re in the area, I highly recommend checking it out.

Special thanks to Alive Magazine, The St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission,  The Cheshire, Lindsay Pattan, and all of the STLFW sponsors and designers for welcoming us. We had such a wonderful time, and can’t wait to see what you present in the future.