MOD, Portland Mercury

Garnish Expands to the West Side (And They're Hiring)

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:44:00 -0700

Northeast Alberta boutique Garnish, primarily featuring the design work of proprietress Erica Lurie, is expanding its empire into the Pearl District as soon as early June at 404 NW 12th. (between Flanders and Glisan). Clearly the shop—which specialize in easy-wearing dresses and separates that lend themselves to personalization rather than making their own loud statements—has served its eastside clientele well, and it will be interesting to see how the Garnish style adapts to its new environs. Certainly, if you're going for the Pearl District's shopping heart, you could scarcely hit the target more precisely than that address. Stay tuned for opening event details and exact dates. Oh, and if you're a seamstress with customer service skills, you may want to peep this.

Garnish
Lurie (at right) at work with an assistant.

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Pets Uncorked

Elizabeth Mollo — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:59:00 -0700

Alyson Clair of Clair Vintage Inspired has been working hard on yet another event to benefit the Newberg Animal Shelter. Pets Uncorked will take place over Memorial Day weekend at a collection of local Oregon wineries to raise funds that will help the Newberg Animal Shelter Friends complete construction of their new shelter. When you visit any of the participating wineries during Memorial Day Weekend 10% of tasting fees will be donated to help Newberg Animal Shelter Friends, and additional donations can be made as well. Participating wineries include Duck Pond Cellars and Terra Vina Wines. Seems like a great excuse to get out of the city and get drunk to me. For more information visit The Pets Uncorked website here.

Duck Pond Cellars

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The Portland Flea Returns This Weekend

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:44:00 -0700

Among the various citywide farmers markets and the weekly waterfront shitshow that is Saturday Market, the Portland Flea one of the relatively lesser-known seasonal recurrences. Taking place once a month from May through October, this market specializes in antique or re-purposed furniture and vintage clothing and collectibles—a one-stop pre-selected smorgasbord for thrifters and grazers. Vendors include Ampersand Gallery & Fine Books and XXXXXVintage, the collected finds of fashion designer Julia Barbee. And if you're worried you'll starve without ready access to cart food, never fear: Fifty Licks, Voodoo Doughnut, Taco Pedaler, and Water Ave Coffee will all be there at the year's first edition, this Saturday May 19, 10 am-4 pm at Union/Pine.

Facebook

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R.I.P. Donna Summer

Elizabeth Mollo — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:58:55 -0700

Whenever I feel like getting into a disco mood (which is often) I invariably put on a Donna Summer track and slip on something gold and shiny. She was truly one of THE disco divas with her powerful voice and signature flowing dresses. She will truly be missed.

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The New AIGA Portland

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:59:00 -0700

The Portland chapter of AIGA—the professional association for designers—just completely revamped their web site, adding new featured content as well as a cosmetic refresh. Portland's long been known as a hotspot for graphic design (and interactive and experiential design, etc), and AIGA offers a lot of great opportunities for its members, from career tools and networking events, discounts on seminars, a "Portfolio Day" where designers can get feedback from respected industry figures, to profiles and features on exciting projects, lectures, and more.

(While it will occasionally, tangentially touch bases with fashion design (the Museum of Contemporary Craft's Namita Gupta Wiggers was recently featured), its association with people involved in the design of physical things (ADX is a regular name bandied about the site) seems to present a logical extension into that world, at least from an outside perspective. The need for a collective resource and community center in among Portland's independent fashion community is something that's been expressed many times over the years, and many have tried (and subsequently petered out) to make it happen—god knows I've sat in on some of those meetings over the years. In other words: jelz.)

Then again, those involved in marketing and branding are arguably in a better spot to fork over the $315 annual dues recommended for professional-grade members who have "practiced or taught in any design community for four years or more." Any design community? Hm.

Something Else by Natalie Wood
Australian clothing brand Something Else by Natalie Wood was recently featured on their "Design Envy" blog, but categorized under "Brand & Identity Systems Design, Editorial Design, Promotional Design & Advertising."

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SCRAP DIY: Flags

Maya Dahlgreen — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:59:00 -0700

In an ongoing series, I'm using a variety of items chosen from SCRAP on which to base a series of DIY projects. SCRAP is a local store filled with extremely low-priced reclaimed arts and crafts supplies. Inspired by creative reuse and sustainable behavior, SCRAP saved 115 TONS of materials from the waste stream just within the last year. That’s about 23 elephants' worth. Not only does SCRAP sell low-priced supplies, but they accept donations of all that old (what you think is) crap you have lying around the house. They turn that crap into SCRAP! Seriously, isn’t that the most genius recycling job ever?

Now that summer is here (yeah, been saying that for weeks), it's time to decorate that otherwise boring backyard of yours. Here's just the thing to spruce up that space.

For this little craft, I am using some cutouts from SCRAP's new product line. The sticker decals would also work (all from recycled materials, of course). With all sorts of shapes and prints, the stickers and cutouts—along with many more crafting goods—can be found for sale in the SCRAP Boutique.

Step One: Supplies. You will need heavy weight paper, scissors, glue, fancy paper, ribbon, tape, and some pretty add-ons.

Step Two: Cut out your triangles. These will be strung across the ribbon, and they will have your letters and shapes on them. So make enough to say what you want, and make them big enough to fit your fancy. Just make sure they are all of the same size, duh.

Step Three: Place your letters and your cut outs onto the triangles, just to get the layout you want.

Step Four: Glue.

Step Five: Tape the flags onto the ribbon. Make sure they are evenly spaced, with no tape hanging over, etc. Just use those little common sense crafting rules you learned in kindergarten.

Step Six: Hang!

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This Weekend at OCAC

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:57:00 -0700

I feel a little ashamed to admit it, but despite its close associations with other area institutions—most notably our incredible, progressive Museum of Contemporary Craft, whose gift shop is one of my favorite places to shop—I've never actually made the trek out to the Oregon College of Art and Craft mainly because it is on SW Barnes, and every time I have ever ventured anywhere off the grid in SW I become terribly lost, confused, and angry.

However, this weekend there will be a flurry of activity on campus, with their 19th Annual Tea Party happening on Friday from 2-4 pm, showcasing a project every third-year Metals Department student is tasked with: fashioning a functional tea pot out of flat metal. A display of all of this year's pots will be displayed at Steven Smith Teamaker June 1 through June 15, but the event will get you a first glimpse as well as first dibs on a new Steven Smith tea to mark the occasion (it is described as a "blend of herbs and flowers, including African rooibos, exotic spices, and Oregon-grown mint."

The action continues all weekend, too: Saturday and Sunday is also the spring art sale, with "functional, inventive, and sculptural ceramics, book arts and fibers pieces, as well as limited-edition original jewelry" from up-and-comers who are currently unknown, meaning original pieces you've likely never seen before can be snatched at low prices in the $10-50 range. Admission is free, and runs from 10 am-5 pm both days.

Stephen Funk Photography

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Blush Beauty Bar: Eight Is Great

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:49:02 -0700

Long before Sephora deigned to put a store in Portland's retail core, Blush Beauty Bar was serving up the products and services we needed to keep our personal grooming where we wanted it, and now that they're in their expanded space they're better than ever. This weekend marks their eighth birthday, and they're celebrating that nice round number by giving out gifts with every purchase, $5 and $10 beauty bins, a raffle benefiting the food bank, and other special deals and discounts throughout the store from Friday through Sunday. So stop in to say "Happy birthday!" and take advantage of the excuse to spruce up your look for the sunny season.

Blush Beauty Bar
Another idea for your home or as a gift: Munio Can De La in Summer Romance

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Alley 33 Lineup Announced

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:59:00 -0700

One of the hottest summer-style tickets of the year is the Alley 33 fashion show (which takes place, appropriately, in an alley off of Hawthorne). For the second year running it will take place on Saturday, July 28 with a huge lineup of over 20 designers, including favorites like Ms. Wood's Alicia Wood, Heather Treadway, Clair Vintage Inspired, and so many more:

Alicia Wood
Heather Treadway
Carolyn Hart
Claire Vintage Inspired
Hello Amelia
Sweet Cycles Apparel
SheShe
Aniela Parys Designs
Poema
Estate
Make It Good
Allihalla Apparel
Una Rose
Urchin Redesign
A.U Clothing
Lizz Basinger Designs
Layers Squared
J.Calderon with Himanshu Suri of Das Racist
Jitterbuggin'
Georgia Kirkpatrick (Sylvania)
Varnish Clothing
Revival Clothing
Deluxe Apparel

Plus, the whole thing will be emceed by ~~my arch-rival~~ great friend Eden Dawn, fashion writer for the Portland Monthly! Mark your iCal for some hot fun in the summertime!

Alley 33

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Officially Obsessed with Pattern People

Kayla Rekofke — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:59:00 -0700

From Iphone cases, to stationary, simply gorgeous art prints and more, have you checked out the latest goods by Pattern People? Next time you’re looking for a great gift, or just want to treat yourself to a new little something that will certainly put a smile on your face may I suggest:

Pattern People
Rose Bloom Stretched Canvas

Pattern People
Cat Kaleidoscope Laptop Skin

Pattern People
Crystal Floral Stationery Cards

Pattern People
Succulent Garden iPhone Case

Pattern People
Crystal Collage Art Print

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Stumptown Sweethearts

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:31:33 -0700

You might think that at this point the season for wedding shows is on the wane. You would be wrong. Portland is sneaking at least one more in there before summer goes official: Stumptown Sweethearts is set to take place twice a year, showcasing "dessert bakers, clothing designers, wedding planners, floral arrangers, jewelry creators, accessory makers, and talented photographers and videographers" from Portland's community of micro-businesses from which you can load your big day up with special, handmade products that are sure to charm the pants off of visiting relatives who hear tell of the Northwest's thriving culture of makers. The inaugural event takes place on Sunday, May 20 at the Mission from 11 am-5 pm, with a fashion show at 2 featuring "wedding wear created by Amai Unmei, Urchin ReDesign, Dress Up Alice, and Amelia Apparel. Area musicians Andrew Grade, Inspirational Beets, The Bittersweet Trio and Funktastic are also slated to perform." And unlike most other wedding shows, this one is free to attend—you can thank the organizers at Mag-Big for that one.

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House of Coco Presents: Night Stalking

Coco Madrid — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:14:00 -0700

I was out and about in Chinatown just as the good weather rolled in.

Here are some of the hotties that I bumped into on my crawl!

Coco Madrid

Coco Madrid

Coco Madrid

Coco Madrid

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Backstage at Open Season

Coco Madrid — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:14:00 -0700

Whew!

What a show that was! It was my first time at Open Season and I have to say it was the BEST.

I was so grateful to be a model for the up and coming design collective, Shadow Sisters. Being a part of their vision was an honor and an experience that I will never forget.

While I was doing model type things (drinking Redbull with a straw and getting my hair done every 20 minutes), I had some time to snap some photos of fellow models, designers, and other Open Season participants.

Coco Madrid
Makeup Artist Raijah doing touch ups

Coco
Meryl from Salon 220 with hottie model

Coco Madrid
Nancy from Shadow Sisters making sure things are perfect!

Coco Madrid
Tanya werking her dress from Shadow Sisters

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Sunny Day Essentials

Kayla Rekofke — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:14:00 -0700

As the weather warms up (yay!) there are a few things one might need to pack on fun filled day to the river. Besides the usual suspects, like PBR and snacks, we can’t forget about sunscreen, chic accessories, and the perfect swimsuit. Here are my picks for your next sunny day adventure:

click to shop!

Supergoop!

Pinkham Millinery

Shwood

Alder & Co.

Dawn Sharp

Jawbone

1. City Sunscreen Serum by Supergoop! This serum contains SPF 30 and is lightweight, yet effective. I admit I’m not always the best at applying sunscreen daily, but this totes seems manageable. Available at b-glowing.com (where I—full disclosure—just started working as a graphic designer, giving me a bird's eye view of the latest in boutique beauty products).

2. Straw hat fedora by Pinkham Millinery. A slight '40s glam vibe with an added benefit of shielding your skin from harsh rays seems like a no-brainer to me. Add a retro one piece suit, and oversized sunnies for the complete beach babe look.

3. Local brand Shwood hand crafts each pair of shades, and has just debuted their latest style, The Florence. Don’t you like her?

4. Handmade in Columbia this super colorful tote would make even Rainbow Bright jealous. It’s the perfect bag to jazz up an lbb (little black bikini) available at Alder & Co.

5. Dawn Sharp’s adorable high-waisted retro bikini is the right mix of sexy and sweet, the flattering cut suits all kinds of body types. Can be customized by color choice, click here to order.

6. Jawbone’s Jambox is small but mighty. Pumping out mega sound, from just a little speaker, this handy gadget connects to your Iphone or portable listening device through Bluetooth! It’s pretty awesome, and comes in lots of great colors click here for more deets.

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Open Season: The Slideshow

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:14:00 -0700

Saturday's eighth annual Mercury spring fashion show, Open Season, was a blast. If you had the misfortune to miss it, or if you want to take a second look at anything you saw on the runway, our complete slideshow of photos by Minh Tran is now up. Enjoy!

Minh Tran
First look out: Haunt

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A Weekend Snapshot

Elissa Hall — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:23:00 -0700

Say hello to sunshine in style Portlanders. Yes indeed, the sun peeked her coy face out this weekend just in time for the Mercury's radical Open Season show. The minx on the right? Her name's Mikola and she walked the runway for Sara Bergman. On this bright afternoon Mikola sports a pair of Amy Sacks shades. Her brunette man-friend dons neckwear from Portland newcomers Harper Birch. Too hot for bow ties? Never.

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Portland's Pretty At Open Season

Marissa Sullivan — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:51:42 -0700

Hi All! It's been a while since I logged into the Portland Mercury to blog. While I used to be an intern for Marjorie, now (full disclosure) I sell ads for the paper. Blogging here would usually be considered a conflict of interest, but when Marjorie approached me to do what I usually do at my blog Portland's Pretty for her at Open Season, I jumped at the opportunity. While there's a lot of readers here at MOD that may be familiar with my blog, if you're not, what I usually do is go around to events and take pictures of people that I think are dressed particularly cute and fashionable. The only difference this time, is that instead of me hopping around with my lil' Nikon point-and-shoot, I had a real live photog, Chris Forns, to grab some snaps for me. I have to admit this event was so fun, I spent most of the time mingling and catching up with friends, so I lost my photographer for a good chunk of the show. But without further adieu, here's what we got.

Chris Forns
Bryce Black with hottie hot pants

Chris Forns
Stylist Marianne Schnell with PoMo Editor Eden Dawn

Chris Forns
Solestruck Babez

Chris Forns
Great Graphic Dress

Chris Forns
A bunch of hotties. I spy YO VINTAGE! Sarah on the right.

Chris Forns
Swoon worthy neon orange crop top.

Lots more shots after da jump!

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Portland's Most Inspiring Makers

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:59:00 -0700

Man, has it already been a year? It has. For the second time, Hand-Eye Supply is sending a float to the Starlight Parade in honor of Portland people who make things: artists, builders, designers, etc. Public voting has closed, but tonight the shop is throwing a party at which the honorees will be announced, so you should go vote with your hearts if any of the nominees float your boat. A couple of the standouts in my book include illustrators Kate Bingaman-Burt, Nicole Georges, BT Livermore, and Tripper Dungan, printer Carye Bye, clothing designers Elizabeth Dye and Holly Stalder, painter Chris Haberman, OMFG Co designers Fritz Mesenbrink and Jeremy Pelley, Tanner Goods' leather goods manufacturers Mark Perusich and Sam Huff—god, I'm actually glad voting is closed because I would never be able to decide, and other nominees include robot builders, comedians, jam makers, and brewers. I think they need more floats. Anyhow, it's gonna be a real cliffhanger, and a party with a super-rad guest list. Kickoff's at 5 at the store, with drinks, food, and fascinating mingling until 9.

Hand-Eye Supply

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Time Is Running Out: Get Your Pre-Sale Tickets for Open Season Today!

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:44:46 -0700

The Open Season fashion show at Sandbox Studio is—OMG—tomorrow! PANIC. Oh wait, no. That's me. But you should be somewhat concerned by the fact that tickets sold at the door are two bucks more than the are at pre-sale, and you need those bucks for drink tickets/kale/chewing gum/whatever. Don't put it off any longer, or YOU WILL PAY (two bucks more). Besides:

Neil DaCosta
Dress by Reif

Open Season: Saturday May 12 (tomorrow!), 7 pm doors at Sandbox. Be there! Pretty things will happen.

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Under $50-ish

Kayla Rekofke — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:59:00 -0700

Mother’s Day is just around the corner; if you’re a last-minute shopper like me it’s always a toughy to find something on short notice. Flowers, jewelry, candles, and cards always seem to make good gifts, but I’m especially digging the driftwood wall hook from Woonwinkel, and the adorbs DIY family tree card idea from Martha Stewart. Whatever the case may be, don‘t forget to give your Mom a shout out on Sunday, May 13th!

Click to shop the look:

Eden
Jesseca Anne - Chain Filigree necklace

Isaac Hers
Roost Black Horn Cuff

Frances May
Olo's Dafne: feminine floral scent

Eden
Voluspa Panjore Lychee

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Yo Vintage! is going Brick & Mortar

Kayla Rekofke — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:25:00 -0700

Yo Vintage!

Breaking news for all you Yo Vintage lovers out there, our favorite local vintage vixen Sarah Radcliffe is taking the online shop to the Blackbox retail space. (Note online will totes be available to those not lucky enough to live here) Neighboring Solestruck, Isaac Hers, Dunderdon, Blackbird, and Tanner Goods; Yo Vintage! will continue to stock hard to find vintage, as well as local lines like AK Vintage, Seaecho, Houseline, Made on the Moon and hopefully more. In addition Yo will carry cute trinkets under $50 bucks, nail varnishes, candles, and other oddities. Word on the street is the new shop will open in early June. This Blackbox has sure turned out to be bad for my pocketbook, but unbelievably awesome for my closet. More deets to come, and don’t worry you know I’ll keep you posted on grand opening shenans.

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Open Season and the Spring Fashion Issue

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:59:00 -0700

If you've yet to pick up the new issue of the paper, allow me to urge you to do so to check out this week's giant fashion spread, showcasing designs from many of the designers in this Saturday's Open Season fashion show. It took two days of shooting, a cast of seven models, the incredible generosity of a good friend with a gorgeous house, the talented photographer Neil DaCosta and guesting Merc Art Director of yore Mark Searcy's relentlessly perfectionist set styling—but in the end it's all about the clothes and the talented designers behind them.

Neil DaCosta
Dress by Dawn Sharp

Don't forget to get your tickets for Saturday! Doors are at 7 at Sandbox Studio.

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Unif Pop-Up Shop at Solestruck

Elizabeth Mollo — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:59:00 -0700

Attention all you rock 'n' rolling fashionistas, for the month of May the Solestruck Flagship store will host a pop-up shop featuring cult brand Unif:

UNIF “Ur Not In Fashion” is a collection of cut and sew knits, woven’s, denim, accessories, and shoes. Established in 2004 by LA native Eric Espinoza and Christine Lai, UNIF embodies a clean fusion of fashion forward street design and contemporary details. Wildly influenced by the music and culture of Los Angeles, Unif is a true representation of LA style. Most popular for their screen printed tees with provocative sayings and Hellraiser spiked loafers, UNIF is popular among celebs and fashionistas everywhere.

Tomorrow Solestruck will be kicking off the pop-up shop with an in store event aptly titled "SEE YOU IN HELL" from 7-10 pm. There will be complimentary cocktails from New Deal Vodka, music provided by yours truly, and they will be giving away a pair of HIS and HERS Hellraisers. This event will be an awesome way to kick off your weekend, so come, scope out the Unif clothes and latest Solestruck shoe selections, knock back a few, and maybe bring some earplugs and your best Tawny Kitaen impression.

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Thrifty Duds at Deco to Disco

Kayla Rekofke — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:59:00 -0700

Bopping by Deco to Disco after brunch was a welcome shopping surprise. The unassuming door front led me to believe it was mostly filled with antique knick-knacks and musty furniture. Wrong-O. Tucked in the far corner of the store is section of vintage clothing gems including super soft tees, hippie garb, and kooky accessories. Stop by the shop next time you're in the mood for thrifting.

Here are my favorite finds of the day:

Kayla Rekofke
vintage tulle lilac gown

Kayla Rekofke
donald!

Kayla Rekofke
white eyelet crop

Kayla Rekofke
vintage beaded bag

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Tim Gunn. 'Nuff Said.

Maya Dahlgreen — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:59:00 -0700

Yesterday I had the opportunity to interview the fabulous Tim Gunn. I am not exaggerating when I say he was one of the most fascinating and kind people I have ever spoken with (and trust me, I am not quick to compliment.) If you don't believe me you can see for yourself: Tim will be hosting a fashion show at the Nordstrom’s in Washington Square this Saturday at 1 pm. Lucky Brand jeans will be walking the runway, and you may even get the chance to meet the man, the legend, himself (Tim Gunn, duh!).

So mark your calendars for Saturday the 12th at 1 pm, because you know how much we love to give you the opportunity to meet famous people.

Barbara Nitke / Lifetime Television

MERCURY: I know I speak for all of Portland when I say we are so excited to have you in town. I personally am thrilled to be able to attend the fashion show next Saturday! As the Chief Creative Officer of Fifth & Pacific, you must attend a ton of these kind of shows. Can you talk a bit about what the show will be like? I know it's not quite just a classic runway show, correct?

TIM GUNN: Of course! This fashion show will be featuring Lucky Brand jeans, and the models are really just everyday people! The point is to highlight the great jeans and tee shirts, and offer tips on how to style with these items and make them more interesting, while staying classic. These fashion shows provide people with more information about the brand, while imparting to everyone that you should find your own personal style. What I want everyone to walk away with is the fact that however you want to dress, you should be able to! Embrace your own style! This may sound selfish, but I always come away from these shows feeling just wonderful!

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