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Goodwill of Greater DC's Runway Show and Gala Event
 |
| The calm before the storm |
Tuesday evening, fashionistas and community supporters
flocked to Artisphere in Rosslyn, VA for a night filled with celebratory
cocktails, delectable hors d'oueveres, fabulous fashion, and of course, frugal shopping fun. Themed “The Art of
Fashion,” Goodwill of Greater DC’s 2013 Runway Show and Gala brought together
the unique finds of their retail stores with the styling expertise of tu-anh to
craft a beautifully artistic representation of second-hand chic.
Imagine this: a pop-up shop, swarms of thrifty fashionistas scavenging for their latest second-hand statement piece, fine wine pouring, bright lights shining on a stark white runway, bold lipsticks galore, soothing live jazz buzzing and of course, beautifully diverse models strutting their stylings.
I spent the majority of the evening mingling in the pop-up shop before the runway show. I will admit, I didn't even stop to try any of the wonderful looking hors d'oeuvres because I made a beeline for the trunk show. I did stop for a glass of white wine, though. In an attempt to juggle my tote bag, glass of wine, potential purchases and a heavy camera, a passerby (male!) crowned me the queen of multitasking. I gave him a polite curtsy as I realized how ridiculous I probably looked. The thrift fever, once again, gave me what felt like an extra set of hands as I adventured through the shop. Once my wine was ingested, I finally found a hand to take some pictures of the set up.
A plethora of fun accessories.
Blazers galore!
 |
| Shoppers turn to their neighbors for the stamp of approval. It looks like a "yes!" to me. |
 |
| A well-stocked pop-up shop is dangerous! |
 |
Highlight of my night?
Not only meeting but shopping alongside the DC Goodwill Fashionista herself! Isn't she fab?! |
I had so much fun reliving the excitement of the pop-up shop I have almost forgotten to write about the real event that drew such a fantastic crowd...
The Runway Show!
I wanted to share with you some of my favorite looks of the evening.
Scene One was themed around the colors pink, red, orange, and purple. Here were my favorites:
This was the first dress out and still my favorite. I love the color combination of the coral, nude and black lace.
This was a total crowd pleaser. The luscious red sparkled on the runway. I love that it was paired with knee high, black boots. Classic and chic!
I don't typically like anything that is one shouldered but the chiffon made this dress really elegant. I loved the eggplant color paired with a nude shoe. Perfect combo.
Scene Two covered metallic neutrals and featured some truly eye-catching pieces. Here are my favorites:
Ah! The crowd favorite. This dress was BRIGHT and the crowd loved it (as did I!). A body-con shape gave it an alluring look that would be a perfect fit for a festive holiday cocktail party.
Alas, another long coat that I loved. Paired similarly with knee high boots. I adored the collar of this camel coat. The tie-waist really gave it some beautiful shape as well.
Scene Three took a spin on the classics and reviewed outfits of black and white. Here are my favorites:
I am not normally a fan of this much plaid but I thought this was a really chic coat. I liked the open neck and peter pan styled collar.
I am unsure of this was intended but yes, this model was barefoot! This dress was so "swan princess."
I liked the subtle metallic in this neutral tone dress. The flesh tone was really flattering.
Scene Four wrapped up the evening with focus on the colors yellow, green and blue. Here are my favorites:
So as a blonde, I never wear yellow but this dress made me want to. It was a beautiful cut. Although, I am not lovin' the boots. The dress is chic.
My personal favorite look of the evening. I drooled over this die-cut blouse. The two neon pieces together worked flawlessly here. The cut of the blouse is flattering with a high-waisted pant.
My second favorite look of the night! Is this not the most June Cleaver dress you have ever seen? Love the open neckline and the color. The fitted bodice gives this dress some beautiful shape.
I really enjoyed the color blocking and shape of this piece. The black side panels would flatter a curvy figure, for sure. The mesh kept it classy while also gave it a little sexy spice.
The last look I favored was this short, navy blue party dress. I would totally wear this to a cocktail party with some nude patent heels. The shape is adorable.
A few things worth noting:
- Did you notice that long coats showed up repeatedly in my favorite looks? I suppose this is my subconscious telling me that I should buy one, right?
- Everything featured in this show was found by tu-anh at Goodwill retail stores. Can you believe it?
- I actually got to hold that beautiful red coat in my hands after the show but it was so heavy, I knew I wouldn't be pleased if I bought it. Or would I have? I am still regretting my decision to pass it on to another woman who drooled over it as I did.
What I wore!
 My look pales in comparison to the beautiful styling done by tu-anh but alas, you must be curious what I wore. I went with the classic LBD but added a bit of a vintage-esque twist. This dress, featured in my most recent thrift haul, was found at my local thrift store and has one strikingly unique feature: it was hand-sewn. Surprisingly, no one asked "who" I was wearing thank goodness because I have no idea. Whoever this person was, they knew a flattering cut for a curvy woman. I adored the neckline (which my fantastic, frugal mom/seamstress let out a bit) and the delicate lace sleeves of this dress. I jazzed my LBD up with a brighter classic, the red high heel. These patent Aldo heels were also found at my local thrift store, Vintage Values, and looked as if they had only been worn once. They paired perfectly with my popping red lip and Wal-Mart crystal accents. Yes, I said it. That headband you see there, it is indeed from Wal-Mart. I decided to do a longer earring and no necklace for this event. My earrings were from Forever 21. Finally, I toted my media essentials around in a red leather, Merona, tote.
My post-show-Goodwill-high-smile.
Do you love or do you love these?
My cheap crystal accents.
I went with a poppin' red lip and classic straight hair for this event.
Total Cost of my Goodwill Gala Look: $25.84
Dress: $5.00
Shoes: $5.00
Earrings: $1.98 (clearance!)
Headband: $3.88
Tote: $9.98 (clearance!)
|
|
|
|
Goodwill of Greater DC's Runway Show and Gala Event
|
| The calm before the storm |
Tuesday evening, fashionistas and community supporters
flocked to Artisphere in Rosslyn, VA for a night filled with celebratory
cocktails, delectable hors d'oueveres, fabulous fashion, and of course, frugal shopping fun. Themed “The Art of
Fashion,” Goodwill of Greater DC’s 2013 Runway Show and Gala brought together
the unique finds of their retail stores with the styling expertise of tu-anh to
craft a beautifully artistic representation of second-hand chic.
Imagine this: a pop-up shop, swarms of thrifty fashionistas scavenging for their latest second-hand statement piece, fine wine pouring, bright lights shining on a stark white runway, bold lipsticks galore, soothing live jazz buzzing and of course, beautifully diverse models strutting their stylings.
I spent the majority of the evening mingling in the pop-up shop before the runway show. I will admit, I didn't even stop to try any of the wonderful looking hors d'oeuvres because I made a beeline for the trunk show. I did stop for a glass of white wine, though. In an attempt to juggle my tote bag, glass of wine, potential purchases and a heavy camera, a passerby (male!) crowned me the queen of multitasking. I gave him a polite curtsy as I realized how ridiculous I probably looked. The thrift fever, once again, gave me what felt like an extra set of hands as I adventured through the shop. Once my wine was ingested, I finally found a hand to take some pictures of the set up.
A plethora of fun accessories.
Blazers galore!
|
| Shoppers turn to their neighbors for the stamp of approval. It looks like a "yes!" to me. |
|
| A well-stocked pop-up shop is dangerous! |
|
Highlight of my night?
Not only meeting but shopping alongside the DC Goodwill Fashionista herself! Isn't she fab?! |
I had so much fun reliving the excitement of the pop-up shop I have almost forgotten to write about the real event that drew such a fantastic crowd...
The Runway Show!
I wanted to share with you some of my favorite looks of the evening.
Scene One was themed around the colors pink, red, orange, and purple. Here were my favorites:
This was the first dress out and still my favorite. I love the color combination of the coral, nude and black lace.
This was a total crowd pleaser. The luscious red sparkled on the runway. I love that it was paired with knee high, black boots. Classic and chic!
I don't typically like anything that is one shouldered but the chiffon made this dress really elegant. I loved the eggplant color paired with a nude shoe. Perfect combo.
Scene Two covered metallic neutrals and featured some truly eye-catching pieces. Here are my favorites:
Ah! The crowd favorite. This dress was BRIGHT and the crowd loved it (as did I!). A body-con shape gave it an alluring look that would be a perfect fit for a festive holiday cocktail party.
Alas, another long coat that I loved. Paired similarly with knee high boots. I adored the collar of this camel coat. The tie-waist really gave it some beautiful shape as well.
Scene Three took a spin on the classics and reviewed outfits of black and white. Here are my favorites:
I am not normally a fan of this much plaid but I thought this was a really chic coat. I liked the open neck and peter pan styled collar.
I am unsure of this was intended but yes, this model was barefoot! This dress was so "swan princess."
I liked the subtle metallic in this neutral tone dress. The flesh tone was really flattering.
Scene Four wrapped up the evening with focus on the colors yellow, green and blue. Here are my favorites:
So as a blonde, I never wear yellow but this dress made me want to. It was a beautiful cut. Although, I am not lovin' the boots. The dress is chic.
My personal favorite look of the evening. I drooled over this die-cut blouse. The two neon pieces together worked flawlessly here. The cut of the blouse is flattering with a high-waisted pant.
My second favorite look of the night! Is this not the most June Cleaver dress you have ever seen? Love the open neckline and the color. The fitted bodice gives this dress some beautiful shape.
I really enjoyed the color blocking and shape of this piece. The black side panels would flatter a curvy figure, for sure. The mesh kept it classy while also gave it a little sexy spice.
The last look I favored was this short, navy blue party dress. I would totally wear this to a cocktail party with some nude patent heels. The shape is adorable.
A few things worth noting:
- Did you notice that long coats showed up repeatedly in my favorite looks? I suppose this is my subconscious telling me that I should buy one, right?
- Everything featured in this show was found by tu-anh at Goodwill retail stores. Can you believe it?
- I actually got to hold that beautiful red coat in my hands after the show but it was so heavy, I knew I wouldn't be pleased if I bought it. Or would I have? I am still regretting my decision to pass it on to another woman who drooled over it as I did.
What I wore!
My look pales in comparison to the beautiful styling done by tu-anh but alas, you must be curious what I wore. I went with the classic LBD but added a bit of a vintage-esque twist. This dress, featured in my most recent thrift haul, was found at my local thrift store and has one strikingly unique feature: it was hand-sewn. Surprisingly, no one asked "who" I was wearing thank goodness because I have no idea. Whoever this person was, they knew a flattering cut for a curvy woman. I adored the neckline (which my fantastic, frugal mom/seamstress let out a bit) and the delicate lace sleeves of this dress. I jazzed my LBD up with a brighter classic, the red high heel. These patent Aldo heels were also found at my local thrift store, Vintage Values, and looked as if they had only been worn once. They paired perfectly with my popping red lip and Wal-Mart crystal accents. Yes, I said it. That headband you see there, it is indeed from Wal-Mart. I decided to do a longer earring and no necklace for this event. My earrings were from Forever 21. Finally, I toted my media essentials around in a red leather, Merona, tote.
My post-show-Goodwill-high-smile.
Do you love or do you love these?
My cheap crystal accents.
I went with a poppin' red lip and classic straight hair for this event.
Total Cost of my Goodwill Gala Look: $25.84
Dress: $5.00
Shoes: $5.00
Earrings: $1.98 (clearance!)
Headband: $3.88
Tote: $9.98 (clearance!)
My look pales in comparison to the beautiful styling done by tu-anh but alas, you must be curious what I wore. I went with the classic LBD but added a bit of a vintage-esque twist. This dress, featured in my most recent thrift haul, was found at my local thrift store and has one strikingly unique feature: it was hand-sewn. Surprisingly, no one asked "who" I was wearing thank goodness because I have no idea. Whoever this person was, they knew a flattering cut for a curvy woman. I adored the neckline (which my fantastic, frugal mom/seamstress let out a bit) and the delicate lace sleeves of this dress. I jazzed my LBD up with a brighter classic, the red high heel. These patent Aldo heels were also found at my local thrift store, Vintage Values, and looked as if they had only been worn once. They paired perfectly with my popping red lip and Wal-Mart crystal accents. Yes, I said it. That headband you see there, it is indeed from Wal-Mart. I decided to do a longer earring and no necklace for this event. My earrings were from Forever 21. Finally, I toted my media essentials around in a red leather, Merona, tote.
Looks like a fabulous event! I will have to go next year. You have learned well - beautiful style on a budget. It IS achievable!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen!
ReplyDeleteLove this cover of the runway show!
Would you mind if I used a few pictures on my instagram? (instagram.com/victoriamisu) I'm the model in the sparkly dress :)
Victoria, of course! You looked fab and rocked the majority of my favorite looks! Post away :-)
Delete