KCFW: Boutique Shows September 5, 2012

Kansas City Fashion Week kicked off last night with the Boutique Sponsor Showcase at The Gallery.

First up was Saks Off Fifth Avenue, with looks styled by myself, Meggy of Chasing Davies, Jess of Mimi & Chichi with hair and make-up consultations by Kim of KimberlyLoc.

*center photo courtesy of KCFW and KrisHanke.com

Meet Hilari, a sweet college student who aspires to be a designer herself.  She is super sweet, demure and an absolute delight to work with!

I sent Jasmine down the runway next - this was her first time ever, walking a runway!  She did such a great job, and I could see that her Mom (whom she introduced me to after the show) was proud of her.  She's a bit shy, but endearing at the same time.

I can't get enough of these leather strip leggings!  If you go to Halls' tonight for Fashion Night Out, you may notice I styled a very similar pair of Alice + Olivia leggings (at a slightly higher price point!)  Meggy had pulled the same pair of leggings for one of her looks, and I even bought a pair.  If you are going to do leather this fall (or winter) these are a great and comfortable option!

*photo courtesy of KCFW and KrisHanke.com

Thomas.  I don't even know where to start!  I love Thomas - I'm sorry that we will be losing him to NY City soon.  He is first - patient (I made him find his own suit while I scoured the store for three women's looks!)  and second, kind.  He too is endearing and an absolute doll to work with. He said that the song Teach Me How To Be Loved by Rebecca Ferguson is him to a t. He is humorous and professional at the same time.  I can't wait to see him walk in Saturday's show!

The pop of color out of the group, Laura, was up last.  She is an event coordinator (I swear she looks to young to have already graduated college and become a career professional!) at the Martini Corner - the host of Saturday's KCFW  after-party.  And she sings!!  She was so sweet and patient (she must have been stuck in that fitting room for two hours!)

Loved this bouffant and headband combo:

While the hair and make-up was recommended by Kim, hairstylist Chris Testerman, make-up artist Shannon Sells completed the looks.

Want to see more KCFW?  Visit kcfashionweek.com for more info and tickets (there are only a few left, so hurry!)

*see more photos on Facebook

Social KC: KCFW Kick-Off Party

This past Thursday, Kansas City Fashion Week had their kick-off party at Saks Off Fifth Avenue.  Several of my fellow bloggers and I were asked to style models in Saks Off Fifth Avenue fall fashions.  And so, for the first time since I've started my blog, I finally get to have a professional model "my" outfit, by a professional photographer!

 Love these shoes (one pair left, size 8.5.....additional 50% off makes them $60!)

Meet Lauren Burke, a 23 year old ASL expert by day, model by night.  She has beauty and brains.  She was great to work with, exerting her opinion while still letting me have free reign (hallelujah!)  I was going for the menswear look, and couldn't resist adding this Micheal Kors fur number, which we aptly dubbed "the Pimp vest."  Seriously, I bet Cee Lo Green has one of these in his closet, lol!  We couldn't find any boyfriend  jeans in the women's department, so we looked in the next best place - the men's department.  We thought we knew how to tie a tie.......and were fortunate enough to find someone to help us (the caterer no less!)

Makeup provided by Mieisha Chaney (she is so friendly - and has a great sense of humor!)
Hair provided by Katherine Summers (she is so patient and sweet!)
Clothing provided by Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth, Legends Outlets Kansas City
Photography by Kris Hanke (you can't help but love him!)
Food provided by Clear The Plate (so good - and our emergency tie expert!)
Drinks provided by Kansas Clean Distilled Whiskey
Music courtesy of DJ Leonightus (same great entertainer from this post)

The styled models, styled (from left to right) by Kim, Jess of Mimi and Chichi, me, Meggy and Kristina (see more links below.)

Cocktails provided by KCFW Sponsor Kansas Clean Distilled Whiskey, winners of the KCFW tickets (you can get yours here) and gift cards, and the delicious appetizers.

Model Lauren Burke in a Diane Von Furstenberg vest, bloggers Meggy of Chasing Davies, me, Kristina of Simply Bold and Kim of KimberyLoc.  These girls are fun to work with!

Kansas City Fashion Week will start on Wednesday, September 5 and will run through Sunday, September 9.  Visit kcfashionweek.com for a detailed calendar of events, sponsors, tickets, news and more!

p.s. Have you entered the JUNIEblake giveaway yet?

Social KC: KCFW Kick Off Event + Saks Off 5th

Need I say more?  I hope to see you there! 

p.s. latest press release for all of you brides-to-be, pinterestaholics and dreamers-of-all-things-wedding.......

Tickets for Kansas City Fashion Week are on sale now!  For more information, visit kcfashionweek.com.