I had the pleasure of attending the Saturday and Sunday shows of Fashion Week RI! Fashion, creativity, and inspiration made the two nights unforgettable. ​Not only were designers showcasing their one-of-a-kind collections, various performers showed off their skills, too. The nights were filled with unique talent and it was an absolute pleasure to see expression and passion presented.

​As stated by Fashion Week Ri, Fashion Week Ri is "produced by LIGHTS | FASHION | PHILANTHROPY, a ‘fashion-event’ production and entertainment company. Our mission is to help charitable organizations increase their fundraising efforts while promoting local clothing boutiques, artisans as well as up & coming fashion and accessory designers".

Fashion Week Rhode Island presents a Spring and Fall show and this year was there second season. Keep an eye out for their upcoming Fall show, coming August 31st-September 3.

Stay connected to #FWRI through social media:

​Like the Fashion Week RI page on Facebook by clicking here
Follow Fashion Week RI on Instagram by clicking here
Follow Fashion Week RI on Twitter by clicking here
Visit the website by clicking here 

The final day of Fashion Week RI was hosted at The Mint Gallery (433 Hope Street, Bristol RI). If you didn't see my Saturday blog post about FWRI, all art in The Mint Gallery is for sale and if you're interested in any pieces, please contact them!

If you missed my Saturday show post, click here

The Lineup for Sunday's Show included:

• Lady Estelle, A Modern Day Victorian Lady
• Drag Extravaganza!
• Ruby Mac Fashions (Project Runway Jnr.)
• Cosmic Unicornz
• Nathalia JMag (Project Runway Season 15)

There were also performances by:

• Inara (Belly Dancer)
• Marcus Evans (Saxophonist)
• Fusion Works Dance Company

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The night concluded with an afterparty:

• Music by DJ Valentina

Sunday was the final day of FWRI, so I had to go out with a bang. I dug through my closet, drawers, and shoe racks wondering what could I put together that would be a unique outfit, that also contrasted with my Saturday's show look.

Then it came to me. I remembered my own blog post. "Don't fear the funky" (link here)
I was going to bring the funk, the bright colors, and the strange fabulousness that I love, to FWRI. 

Get my look

• Dress: BCBG Maxazria (Gift)
• Faux Fur Coat:Monterey Fashions (Savers)
• Green Purse: "Vlavegan.com" (Savers)
• Platform sandals: Rocketdog (Marshall's, 2015)

I used several shades of eye-shadow from my color palette to give me a strange look that matched by shoes.

• ​Lipstick: Milani, 63 Matte Diva (Walmart)
• Palette: Shany (Gift)
• Colors used: White, gold, two shades of pink, bronze, orange, green, three shades of blue

In contrast to the Saturday show, the Sunday show had a very casual afternoon sense to it. Drinks were being served, same with Saturday, but this time, they were being brought to the audience. The main room was filled with chatter. The VIP room wasn't being used in the same way as Saturday, due to the models changing in there. Knowing that, I couldn't wait to see how the Sunday show differed from the Saturday show.

The fabulous, and hilarious, Ninny Nothin hosted the Sunday show of FWRI. Ninny slayed a pink feather robe, brought comedic elements to the show, and did so fabulously. Ninny's jokes about cheese and the high energy brought to the table were a staple to the show. Ninny was iconic and the face of the night!

You can see more of Ninny by clicking here
Follow Ninny's Instagram by clicking here

Fusionworks Dance company brought poise and elegance to the Sunday show. I was incredibly impressed and shocked with the strength, concentration and flexibility the dancers had. The dance company featured performers twice, and both segments were beautifully done!

For footage of the performances, check out the highlights reel at the end of this post!
​
Visit the website of Fusionworks Dance Company by clicking here

Lady Estelle! What a unique and informative addition to the night. Lady Estelle is a Victorian Historian who brings a wardrobe and knowledge to others. As an audience, we learned how a woman in her decade would dress, and how she would undress. I loved how the show featured her performance; it gave the audience a historical context of how fashion has changed.

To see her performance, visit the highlights reel at the end of this blog post!

To learn more about Lady Estelle, click here

What was FWRI missing? That's right, DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA! Oh my GOD What an addition to the show! I have always marveled drag due to the complexity of the makeup and outfits as well as the personas. The queens brought it and I was thoroughly impressed with all of the looks.

To see the full performance, visit the highlights reel below

(I couldn't find a site to direct you to to learn more)

We've all thought about it.. learning to belly dance. Have we ever tried it? Probably nor. Inara sparked that old thought in me, to learn to belly dance!

I have never seen belly dancing before but I could tell from the energy and moves of Inara, that she is one of the best belly dancers out there! She brought some high energy to the night, which was a great contrast to Fusion Danceworks. To see both arts differ so greatly was beautiful. It made the Fashion Show more well rounded.

Check out the highlights reel at the end of the blog post to see Inara's performance!

Or check out here moves by clicking here

My round of applause for Marcus Evans is still going! Marcus swooned the audience by performing "Careless Whisper" as well as Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You". The talent in this 17 year old astounded the audience. Ninny said she wanted him to perform at her wedding (when she marries cheese).

Check out my highlights reel for Marcus's performances!

You can see more of him on his Instagram by clicking here

"Project Runway Junior designer Ruby McAloon's first sewing machine was given to her at age 7, and 4 years later, at 11-years-old, she was hard at work designing and constructing her first pieces. A year after those garments came to fruition, she was enrolled in the Teen Fashion Design Program at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She's been honing her craft ever since — upping the ante with her construction techniques and keen eye for design".

Ruby is only 14 years old and she is taking over Rhode Island's fashion scene by storm! I'm excited to see what Ruby will do in the future.

Check out Ruby's site by clicking here

 "A lifestyle brand by Boston artist and designer Melissa Thyde"

Glam, glitz, mystical creatures. Cosmic Unicornz is a line of clothing that mashes fantasy and reality together. I am OBSESSED with this line and I have been following the designer on Instagram for a while now.  So, how in love are you? Ready to become a mermaid-fairy-princess?

Check out the Cosmic Unicornz siteand online store by clicking here

"Nathalia JMag is a 24 year old Colombian-American fashion designer and blogger. She graduated with a bachelor of science in fashion design and retailing with a concentration in fashion design from Framingham State University in May 2016. She started her label Nathalia JMag in 2015 during her senior year at FSU. She was part of the cast of Project Runway season 15 making it to episode 10 of the Emmy nominated television reality show. JMag is very passionate about animals and the environment because fashion doesn’t have to hurt! She uses a zero waste design approach to minimize the waste created during the production of garments and collections. Her passion for animals drives her to only use vegan furs/leathers and seek alternatives to animal skins and fibers. She draws inspiration from the people around her, nature, historical costume, outer space, aliens, music, the future and pop culture. JMag specializes in outerwear, ready to wear and custom designs. The Nathalia JMag label is for people who are different and are not afraid to show it; the artists, the trendsetters and fashion rebel"
​ - From her site


Check out here site and online store by clicking here

At the close of the show, the room was quickly transformed into the art gallery it once was a week ago. We shuffled into the next room for the after party where dancing, chatting, and snacking ensued.

It was a wonderful way to end a wonderful week!

Visit the link below to check out the performances and my highlights reel for Sunday's show!​

Special thanks to the Fashion Week RI team and Yemi Sekoni. Fashion Week RI was an incredible success!

​I am so excited for Fall Fashion Week RI. Looking forward to September!

I had the pleasure of attending the Saturday and Sunday shows of Fashion Week RI! Fashion, creativity, and inspiration made the two nights unforgettable. ​Not only were designers showcasing their one-of-a-kind collections, various performers showed off their skills, too. The nights were filled with unique talent and it was an absolute pleasure to see expression and passion presented.

​As stated by Fashion Week Ri, Fashion Week Ri is "produced by LIGHTS | FASHION | PHILANTHROPY, a ‘fashion-event’ production and entertainment company. Our mission is to help charitable organizations increase their fundraising efforts while promoting local clothing boutiques, artisans as well as up & coming fashion and accessory designers".

Fashion Week Rhode Island presents a Spring and Fall show and this year was there second season. Keep an eye out for their upcoming Fall show, coming August 31st-September 3.

Stay connected to #FWRI through social media:

​Like the Fashion Week RI page on Facebook by clicking here
Follow Fashion Week RI on Instagram by clicking here
Follow Fashion Week RI on Twitter by clicking here
Visit the website by clicking here 

Saturday's show was hosted at The Mint Gallery (433 Hope Street, Bristol RI). In the photos below, you will see artwork from the gallery. All art work shown are up for sale. Contact The Mint Gallery for details!

The Lineup for Saturday's Show included:

• Autism Project Runway
• Beauty Week Spotlight
• Sea Star Couture
• THE HOUSE OF AMA
• Restored by Design (Accessorized by Kol Naylor)
• Performances by Michael Rollins (Jazz Saxophonist)

​
In addition, vendors included:

• Kol Naylor Jewelry
• Sea Star Couture​

Of course, I HAD to dress to impress (and express) during my first night at Fashion Week RI! I didn’t want to hold back on my own personal style, so I brought the bold and the pastel. 

Get my look:

• Purple jacket and pants: Garfield & Marks Petite (Savers Thrift Shop)
• Top: Rue 21
• Heels: New Direction (2011, Prom shoes) (Payless)
• Purse: BCBG (Marshall's)

Prior to the start of Saturday's show, the VIP room was booming and excitement filled the air. Champagne and cheese and crackers were being served and guests chatted with one another. I was so thrilled to bump into Aubree Ashtynn, a designer, blogger, and event planner who I met previously during my first year of school.

​We moved into the next room where the runway was and Michael Rollins set the mood with his beautiful saxophone playing.

“Our mission is to empower families and professionals to educate and support individuals with Autism, Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, Asperger Syndrome and related disorders.”

The Autism Project Runway brings awareness and support to individuals with disorders that are on the Autism spectrum. The designers created bold outfits that brought empowerment to individuals as well as self-love. 

This line was absolutely unforgettable and I'm pleased to show you what beauty you missed!

Visit The Autism Project’s website by clicking here

Presenting the beauty team that made it all happen, this spotlight brought brilliantly bizarre and lovely makeup together with bright white styles.

This spotlight brought a new layer of excitement to the crowd and added to the fun-filled night! I enjoyed seeing the contrast between the bold makeup and hair and the simple outfits.

"​Sea Star Couture...fun and fresh nautical designs for infants, children and adults...but most importantly, FOR YOU"

​Sea Star Couture is the essential look for any New Englander whose heart is with the ocean. Comfortable and stylish, these articles of clothing come in many styles for every member of the family. As someone who grew up in a beach town, I can see so many of my friends wearing these looks!

Visit Sea Star Couture by clicking here

"Inspired by the pearl diving Ama women of Japan, a curated garment collection - LINEN CASHMERE SILK - the pearls of your wardrobe"

​Elegant, original, breathtaking. With a story and style that is bound to make anyone's jaw drop. I was curious to see the styles THE HOUSE OF AMA would bring to Fashion Week RI and I was stunned by their designs.

Check out THE HOUSE OF AMA on Instagram by clicking here

"Restored by Design ​is a green, artisan company dedicated to the creation of eco-conscious jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, and unique works of art. We are a design studio and boutique based in Rhode Island. We are passionate about a greener life that helps grow community with style!"

Yes, folks, you heard that right. Eco-friendly and green AT A FASHION SHOW. The grace and styles of Restored by Design are already works of art to be marveled, but green too? I don't think I have ever seen such exquisite styles that were eco-friendly.

​Check out the website for Restored by Design by clicking here

To put the icing on the cake, Kol Naylor accessorized the line! As stated on Kol Naylor's website,

"I have been designing and handfabricating metalwork beginning in the early 1980's putting my lifelong artistic talents to formal training with The Miami Jewellery Institute. From alloying metal to handforming each flower and petal, completing the final piece, my enjoyment of what I do creates a piece of One-of-a-Kind Jewelery. Combining color palettes of Gemstones, Gemstone Beads and Glasswork provided by some of the most world recognized artists has allowed me to incorporate my love of color throughout my Collections"

Check out Kol Naylor's website by clicking here

I bet you're curious of what was in my VIP bag! Check out the photos below to get the inside scoop. 

A picture is worth a hundred words! I loved capturing these photos of the calm after the incredible show. Check out these photos below. Friendly reminder that all art shown can be purchased at The Mint Gallery in Bristol, RI. 

Visit the link below to check out my highlights reel for Saturday's show!

Special thanks to the Fashion Week RI team and Yemi Sekoni. Fashion Week RI was an incredible success!

Sunday's show blog post will be posted soon!

We're about to enter March, spring is on the horizon. I am craving the sun setting later and later. I miss the flowers rising from hidden grounds  (I even miss the dandelions). How did I survive these dark nights and frosty mornings? Although the storms were short, winter seemed to drag on. And on. And on. And, most importantly, how will I survive the spring slump?

I had a few products that helped me survive the dreadful winter days and will keep me out of the slump. These items are newly added to my life and are making my life a little less dreary.

Going to the gym is not easy. Especially in the winter. There's no parking option at my gym, so I have to throw my snow boots on and tread up a hill. It isn't bad at all, until the winter winds are snapping at your face. And, of course, the gym itself is a place I'd like to avoid. When it's a packed day and everyone suddenly gains motivation, it feels like a competition. Best in show. Days I try to avoid. 

The one thing that makes my whole gym experience a little less sucky is my Direct Prints Customized Water Bottle. I absolutely love my bottle. After attending Marketing EDGE, a marketing conference last year, I received a free promo code to customize a bottle online. Over a year later, I found the code, and made my bottle. 

I wanted to do a style that would make my gym days less bland. I picked out a matte bottle, added the image of the Rude Boy and Rude Girl, and added one of my favorite song lyrics. 

I now have a water bottle that's uniquely me. It's one-of-a-kind. If I lost it, it would be easily returned to me (who else has a Ska water bottle?). Aside from bringing it to the gym, I carry it everywhere and I now remember to drink water daily. It makes me happy and proud to show it off. 

One of the biggest expenses I have is food. It's frustrating and difficult to deal with. I originally had a meal plan for college but due to my own-the-go lifestyle, the meal plan had to go!  I was wasting my swipes and eating on the way to and from jobs. 

When I go grocery shopping, I make sure I have my rewards card, a planned out list, and I'm searching for the best deals. I'll choose store brand over name brand just to save a few cents. Every penny counts! 

Monday through Friday is comfortably chaotic with me. Therefore, I pack lunches and to go snacks. Even scheduling in breakfast can be tough. I found myself spending some serious cash at chain coffee shops to make sure I have my daily bagel and cream cheese. 

There's a new favorite breakfast in town. 

Stop and Shop bakery offers this strange product I didn't know existed until a few weeks ago. They call it bagel chunks and it's essentially a big bag of slivers of bagels. I love this option because it's $1.50 for a bag and I prefer mini bagels. It's fun and funky and pretty sustainable, too. 

The newest, growing, funnest trend yet: adult coloring books. Whether you have a coloring book packed with colorful curse words or twisty patterns, this trend is bringing calmness to stressful days.  

I really loved to color as a child. I can recall days of laying on my stomach next to the TV coloring in my Rugrats coloring book. This trend is bringing not only nostalgia to my life but that care-free state I had as a child. It's also simply fun to color and a nice way to spend my free time, instead of TV.

Rogue Island. A literal hidden treasure. Farm to table fabulousness with a twist that'll have you returning once more. I could seriously go on for an entire blog post (hint hint).

My new obsession is this uniquely delicious restaurant. I CANNOT get enough of their Poutine Fries. Absolutely genius and I am absolutely addicted. During their brunch hours, they toss a fried egg on them! All I have to say is that you need to taste it to believe it.

I'm not kidding. The library. I used to go on a weekly basis as a child. Picking out books, hunting down the most spectacular story I had yet to conquer, genuinely enjoying reading. The older I've become, the more the library has become a printing station rather than a building full of adventures.

I recently went to the library to take out books and I cannot wait to start reading for pleasure once again.  

This blog post is not sponsored and no samples were received to review. 

How many times have you been out shopping and spotted an outfit that screamed bizarre? It caught your eye, the strangeness appealed to you. But, you took a step back, thought, and said "I could never pull that off". 

​What makes a person able to "pull off" an outfit? I sat and pondered this and came up with one answer. 

Unapologetic confidence.

We're dough. We're all gobs of cookie dough. Whether you're a replica of a cookie cutter mold, or you're a misshaped, hand made mess; we're all dough. Some of us are more of weirdoughs (ba-dm-tiss).

In a crowd, you may see the repeat of looks (insert a leggings or boot trend here) and someone in a tutu. Although the repeat looks-people may have confidence, the lone tutu wearer has something they may not have. Unapologetic confidence. 
​
Let me break this down a bit. 

We do judge books by their covers, although we shouldn't. Therefore, what we wear is an integral aspect of our identity. What we wear is how we say "hello, my name is ___" before we open our mouths. Some of us relay messages with our style like "I don't give a **** what you think about me" or "I'm just chillin'". 

Now going back to dough 

Some people have reached the point of no return: unapologetic confidence. The ability to be so true to themselves that it radiates off them and makes others think either, "you know, maybe I could pull that off" or "what the hell is that person doing, what a freak".

To be unapologetically confident is to wear whatever a person wants to, without fear of rejection or judgement. It is a powerful trait to have, to be so true to yourself that no one can shake your roots. 

Most people want to lay low on their clothes, and that's completely okay. But, if you want to grab that pair of bizarre pattern pants or that fluffy coat next time you're shopping; you should. There is no one stopping you but yourself. The people who care about you and matter in your life will praise your style, and those are the only people whose opinion you should value (whether slightly or highly). Don't let yourself stop you from reinventing yourself through style. BE YOURSELF. And if yourself is blending with the trends, than do so unapologetically.

To live a fulfilling life is to live unapologetically.

Visit my blog post on my Tacosaurus socks by clicking here