Fashion for a Cause: Celebrating gorgeous dresses, jewelry and art for the greater good

It can be easy to get caught up in all the glitz and glamour associated with the fashion world and lose sight of the true meaning of community...which is helping each other and supporting those less fortunate than ourselves when we are able. That's why I was thrilled when Cha'rron of CChicChicago invited me to the Fashion for A Cause event last week to honor the Maryville Crisis Nursery.

The Maryville Crisis Nursery provides short term care for children who are experiencing a severe disruptive crisis in their family and/or are challenged with an urgent family matter.

It is so important to give back to organizations like this one that do so much good! The Fashion for a Cause event brought together artists, designers, jewelry designers, and leaders in the fashion community to raise money for the Maryville Crisis Nursery. It was a fantastic event and celebrated fashion and the true meaning of the word "community."

Here's a few pictures from this fantastic event.

 

This “Empress Gown” by Oscar’s Design Challenge 2011 Winner Borris Powell was auctioned off during the event and the proceeds (or a portion of them) goes to Maryville Crisis Nursery.

Our amazing hostess, Cha'rron of CChicChicago took a moment to pose with me. :)

 Latin Soul Singer & Songwriter Natalie Oliveri performing an encore song with Paul Allodi & the A Team.

Artist Alexander Espinosa created limited edition prints and the 3 Hearts Boutique Jewelry created some beautiful pieces to be sold during the event, and the proceeds were also donated to Maryville Crisis Nursery.

This stunning dress was my favorite!! LOVE.

Tanesha Prunty of gidi, the super talented designer of these amazing dresses!

James Otis "Big Cat" Williams did the honors of drawing numbers for the raffle. His energy was contagious! 

The Foundation Room at the House of Blues was an unbelievably luxe and detailed Indian-themed palace. It was a sumptuous backdrop for the night's festivities.

What an amazing night...for such a worthy cause! I'll definitely attend more of these events in the future.

Outfit Inspiration: Zebras in the Sahara

OK, apparently there are no Zebras in the Sahara...but a girl can dream, right??? This outfit is one of my favorites. It was an experiment at first, and when I walked in front of my mirror, I was like, "YES!" and gave myself a high five. lol. I debuted it at the Chicago Fashion Connect February Mixer, and I got a ton of compliments on it! It's definitely not a run-of-the-mill outfit...and I felt strong and confident and pretty in it. :)

I ordered this fab Zebra print shrug from LucieLu (it's still available on their website!), and wore it with a black tank from Lane Bryant with a rust/sandy colored skirt from Old Navy. My jewelry is from all over...the necklace is from Dots (if you can believe it!). I can't remember where I bought the gold bangle bracelets or the earrings...but the bigger gold bracelet is from the Ravenswood Antique Mart, as is the rhinestone ring. And the stone bracelet was a gift from my sis Julie. :)

Of course, this shrug would spice up an all black outfit too...but I think it's so much more unexpected and fun to wear it with a bright, colorful skirt!

Hope you love this one as much as I do! :)

Chicago Fashion Connect: February Mixer

I've become a regular at the mixers put on by Chicago Fashion Connect, and at every event, I meet more amazing, talented gorgeous people in the fashion industry in Chicago!

The February mixer was held at the new BLT American Brasserie, which was completely lovely and had an old-school glamour about it that made you feel sort of like a movie-star from the 40s. The staff was attentive and friendly, and I will definitely be back to dine at some point!

The featured designer of the evening was Thierry Roger...and he was absolutely charming (his accent is to die for!). Here he is (on the left) with his partner and the up-and-coming co-founder of GOCA, Omar Villalobos.

His designs are very Parisian-feeling, with simple, elegant lines and thoughtful details. Each piece he makes is custom and is perfectly tailored for the woman who wears it. 

I'm loving these adorable tweed shorts and silk chiffon wrap top here...

And here's a flowy, simple silk chiffon gown that would be perfect for a number of events throughout the spring and summer.

And another cute, ladylike day-outfit...

And of course, I spotted some "old" friends that I can't help getting my picture with!

 Jaye from Curvatude, Shavonne Dorsey, and me!

Omar and me!!! (He's in New York right now, taking the NYFW by storm!!!)

And here is another stunning guest at the February mixer. She's a designer too, and this dress is gorgeous! It's velvet with chiffon and lace insets. She was adorable and if the rest of her designs are like this dress, she's definitely one to watch!

I'll update this post when I find out her name and her website. :)

And stay tuned for tomorrow's post...which is more about the outfit I wore to this event. It's one of my favorites!

OOTD: Librarian Chic

No, I don't wear glasses, but I this outfit made me feel all academic and librarian-ish, so I decided to go along with the theme and pull out some old black frames.

And of course, what's a librarian without some high-quality literature to read??? lol

Remember years and years ago when most plus-size clothes consisted of flowy semi-sheer tops that you would pair with a tank? Well, this is one of them...it's from Lane Bryant circa 2000! It's the old LB Venezia line. Remember that?!? Well, I keep things FOREVER and am not a fan of the whole "if you haven't worn it in a year, throw it out" theory. I just stick things away in suitcases and rediscover them years later! The sweater that I pulled over the top is also over 8 years old, from Old Navy! I added a short black skirt from Forever 21, some black tights and low heels...and of course the glasses...and thus, my librarian chic look was born. :)

Now...pardon me, while I get back to my fine, high-brow reading material, Buckhorn Rising. :)

Lane Bryant Zebra Skirt Runs Loose in Construction Zone

What? Doesn't everyone wear zebra print skirts to construction sites? And who doesn't use plastic sheeting as a backdrop to strike a pose??

Animal Print Skirt and black tights: Lane Bryant, Black Cowl-neck Sweater: Sushi Flowers via TJ Maxx,
Obi Belt: Forever 21, Black Heels: Sofft, Brass Metal necklace: Dots

"What exactly do you expect me to do with this broom?"

"Give me something to caulk. I'm a caulking queen!"

"My work here is done."

This Lane Bryant zebra print skirt is bold enough to carry the whole outfit, so I recommend going neutral above and below it. The skirt is soft, warm, and has a nice faux wrap/tulip hemline, and the details are meant to be shown off. Leaving a top loose over it does not do it justice, so go ahead and tuck in the top (here I'm wearing a light cowl-neck sweater), and add a belt to the wide waistband. Add some big jewelry and presto, you have an outfit that makes you feel like striking a pose...even in a construction zone. lol.

When I'm a (c)old woman, I shall wear purple...

Haha, I'm not sure that's an appropriate use of literary allusion (read the poem here), but hey...I'm a little tired today. lol. I was on a skirt and sweater kick last week, and my friend Wendy and I snapped these pics during a lunchtime walk. It's a pretty basic outfit, but I tried to jazz up a basic skirt/sweater combo with some pops of color.

Both the purple cowl-neck sweater and the black skirt with colorful paisley embroidery are from Dressbarn Woman. (So sad that that store went out of business in downtown Chicago!)

(Sweater/skirt: Dressbarn Woman, Boots: violette shoe salon, Earrings: Love and Pieces, Belt: Asos Curve)

This sweater originally came with a floppy fabric sweater belt...but I switched it out for a structured teal skinny belt...which picked up the teal in the skirt and popped my earrings too. A finished, buckled belt looks more polished than the tie belts, in my opinion. And I feel that the belt, earrings, and boots take this from a mediocre outfit into a stylish everyday work ensemble.

And of course, I had to go with purple nails!!

Even though this is a pretty standard, winter work outfit, I was warm, comfortable and stylish...so it's a win in my book!

Lace and Cleavage: You can't go wrong with this Kiyonna top!

Steamy AND modest! Sexy AND coy. Sultry AND Ladylike. This Kiyonna top walks the line perfectly between the two. The deep V in the Loretta Lace Top is saved from being too revealing by the demure black lace boatneck overlay.

This top doesn't need many accessories, since you don't want to overshadow its form (ahem, or YOURS). I paired it with some Lane Bryant Jeggings, and adorable leopard print flats from violette shoe salon.

Loretta Lace Top: c/o Kiyonna, Leopard flats: violette, Feathered  brooch: gifted, Drop rhinestone earrings: gifted,  Sparkly bracelet: Art Effects, Ring: Forever 21.

I went for a vintage-y hairstyle and added a feathered brooch that my friend Michelle gave me. It's from the 80s, and I LOVE it!

Here's a closer view of the feather brooch that I re-purposed as a hairpiece.

This top has already made several appearances in my social life...and I'm so thankful to Kiyonna for sending it to me!!

It would be perfect for Valentines, don't you think? You can dress it up with a pencil skirt and heels, or if you're doing something more casual, wear it with jeans and flats like I did here. Like I said...you can't really go wrong with lace and cleavage. lol