[RUNWAY JUNKIE] Organic In the City Fashion Show

The Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round organic urban oasis that attracts local butterflies and wildlife. It's purpose is to teach effective ways o restore, conserve and preserve nature in the urban environment through the use of native and adapted plants. And what better way to raise environmental awareness than with an organic fashion show. The two featured designers for the night were Lindsay Weatheread and Ross Bennet.

There was a small auction before the show. The items were donated from various local businesses and designers. They included everything from dinner packages to gift baskets to custom clothing. I took the hour to check out some of the stylish guests (click the pics to get a better look):



I also talked to some of the volunteers behind the scenes. My friend Noel spent various all-nighters working on these headpieces for the show. I think he's got a knack for it.


During the runway show, Weatheread showed her "Origami for Your Body" while Bennet featured his Green Label Collection.






I got a little tired people blocking my shots so I tried some video. It's mostly Ross Bennet but the ending has some pieces from the El Centro College fashion design students.


Speaking of El Centro College students, they spent the past few weeks learning about organic cloth and environmentally-friendly options for design. At the close of the class, they made some hand-painted pieces that resembled butterfly wings. The pieces were then auctioned off for up to $200 on the runway. Wow! At one point, I was really wishing I had taken a bid number.




The proceeds from the show will go towards developing some new outdoor spaces into educational and interactive native habitats and butterfly gardens as well as help local schools and centers develop their own butterfly gardens. This school year alone, the Texas Discovery Gardens will reach over 7,000 students, teaching them about sustainable living and appreciating nature.

The bit of swag at the end wasn't so bad either. There was a very useful shopping bag that folds out of a zip-pouch from Whole Foods and butterfly patch with sunflower seeds that you can grow.

Big thanks to Whit for helping me with the pictures when my camera died. Now I charge that thing every night!

GET THE LOOK: Paper Flowers & Candy Clouds of Lullabye

I was updating my client's boutique website (www.onli1.com) when this aspiring model walked in. Almost instantly, I fell in love with the look because it's that girly softness I've been ranting about. If you like it too, I found a way to mix-n-match the look for under $100! Did I mention payday is today?? Everyone, Have a Happy Friday!

Items In This Set
Juicy Couture Pointelle Ruffled Tank: $42 @ net-a-porter.com
Zella 'She She' Racerback Tank: $28 @ nordstrom.com
Pink Crotchet Trim Cami: $30 @ itsthenewblack.com.au
RACHAEL & CHLOE Bubble Tier Womens Skirt: $20 @ tillys.com
BOLU Tiered Floral Print Ruffle Skirt: $13 @cutesygirl.com
Slouch Cowboy Boot: $35 @ stylesforless.com
BETTY CLUB Short Cowgirl Boots w/ Studs: $45 @ maruione.jp
Bamboo Tamara-06 Cowboy Ankle Boot: $25 @ urbanog.com
BKE Oversized Teardrop Necklace $14 @ buckle.com
ASOS Premium Leather Wide Ties Obi Belt: $43 @ asos.com
Annibelle Pleather Belt: $6.80 @ forever21.com

Spring 2010 Wishlist: Let's Write a Bad Romance

I really wanna decrease the amount of black in my wardrobe, or at least add softer colors so it looks like I have. I don't know if it's all the sunny days or the fact that I'm in love or just a lark, but I wanna try softer, more romantic style - something that screams Spring and girly... I've seen a couple of styles floating around, most notable Vogue Korea's past two issues.

Fashion Rules! ...That's What Neiman's Said

Back on the 4th, Neiman Marcus hosted Fashion Rules! at all of their locations. It was a party with a lot of little fun activities for everyone. The one in Downtown Dallas had Nicole Richie and make-overs. I was at the one at Willowbend (OMG that drive was FAR) where they had 2 fashion shows, a kiss-analyzer, some gourmet chocolate and a complimentary photo booth. Also, champagne in a can - what was that?

My friends and I were some of the youngest people there. But that's no surprise when you think about Neiman's target market. A lot of the clothing on their runways seemed fit for a wealthier, more mature crowd.






But then the contemporary styles came out. Who can say "no" to sequin shorts? Or a chunky necklace?



And jackets were making a strong statement.


Then Eifell 65's Blue came on and guess what? That's the color of the season. Not my favorite. I don't feel I pull it off very well but some of these styles aren't so bad. My girlfriend really liked that Diesel shirt in the middle.



Next was the kiss-analyzer. Kathryn Nordstrom from Pucker Up Impressions started off doing handwriting analysis, palm and tarot readings until she developed a system to read the lipstick imprints. This is one of those fun-for-all-ages activities I had to try. Unlike usual readings, hers goes beyond relationships and into taste and personal style, I'd expect nothing less from Neiman's. According to my imprint reading, I tend to lead when it comes to relationships, and I don't like someone who takes attention off me. It' hard to admit but that was pretty right about that, as well as that I enjoy public affection. My lips say that I'm eccentric and modern (I'm not big on antiques) but I would not decorate with animal prints or patterns which I would. The right pattern can liven up any room. The final part made me smile - apparently I'm the kind that would have unusual, never-before-seen things in my house, like steel cabinets. Lol. My girlfriend's reading, on the other hand, was very spot off - it was almost like mine and she's so different. But it's always smart to note that any kind of divination or reading is not an exact science and just for fun.

Two designers also attended that night hosting their own shows. Craig is a shirt designer whose theme this season was Summer in the Hamptons while Kay concentrated more on denim and classic, nautical themes. She also had some relaxed pants, aka "Mom Jeans", in the mix which made me cringe. Are people serious about bringing those back?


These designers were geared more towards the older crowd but Kay surprised me with some cute dresses and a pair of cargo pants - a style I really hope comes back this season cuz it looks hot with heels.


Photography by Yuki Cullens

As for the fashion snap, I got two: