Phoenix Fashion Week 2014 Part 1

This week was one for the books as it was Phoenix Fashion Week at Talking Stick Resort.  Being a fashion blogger has its major perks like blogger passes, behind the scene details of all the happenings with the shows and designers, and of course the glorious exclusive "Login Lounge" equipped with charging stations for phones, comfy couches, snacks, refreshments, and goody bags from the sponsors.  Friday night's show included 4 emerging designers (Blackberry Maverick, Atiz, Kismit, and Schuylark) and 3 established designers (Bri Seeley, Dolcessa, and Aris Pico.)  I included my top 3 looks from each designer below and my own look I rocked for the night.  Enjoy ~ Xoxo, Shelly 

For Friday's look below, I wanted to be comfortable and yet chic.  After kicking butt all week with midterm exams and a full day of travel, I opted for tasseled oxford flats and a soft, modest dress.  It was the perfect choice for making the rounds and catching up with familiar faces and making new friends.  Exploring the amazing Talking Stick Resort after the show, I finally got to rest about 1:00 AM! 

Outfit Details: Dress courtesy of Trixxi Girl (sold at Macy's) ♡ | Earrings courtesy of Liza Schwartz ♡ | Flats by Alex Marie from Dillard's | Purse from DailyLook | Bracelet from Charming Charlie | Rings from Lucky Brand

Friday Night PHXFW

Atiz

Phoenix Fashion Photographer, James Almanza

Kismit

Phoenix Fashion Photographer, James Almanza

Schuylark

Phoenix Fashion Photographer, James Almanza

Bri Seeley

Phoenix Fashion Photographer, James Almanza

Dolcessa

Phoenix Fashion Photographer, James Almanza

Aris Pico

Phoenix Fashion Photographer, James Almanza

Thank you so much to James Almanza for allowing me to feature his beautiful images of the runway shows.  Be sure to check out his website at almanzaphotography.com and see more images from the show by visiting his Facebook page here. ♡

               

Phoenix Fashion Week: Spring into Fashion

Last Friday, Phoenix Fashion Week held its annual Spring into Fashion event highlighting Arizona's Top 5 Stylists and local boutiques.  Being an AZ fashion blogger, I couldn't wait to attend!  I brought along my photographer (also known as my BFF) Kiersten Graber to enjoy in the festivities, including an official press conference, blogger lounge, socializing, live music entertainment, the Spring into Fashion show, and after party.  The whole night was a fashionista's dream and I couldn't wait to share it with you all!

To start the evening off, a select number of photographers, journalists, and bloggers attended the Phoenix Fashion Week 2014 press conference, in which we all got to ask the local boutique owners, buyers, and stylists, who were featured in the show, questions about upcoming trends, career advice, closet staples, etc.  The panel of interviewees included stylists Rochelle York who teamed up with Kim Kendall, owner of Clothes Minded, Yekatherina Bruner who styled Allie Ollie Boutique, Vanessa Renee who teamed up with Fresh Start Treasures, Jessica Hunter who styled 7 Diamonds, and Jenesis Laforcarde who teamed up with Divaz Boutique.  It was fun to hear the stylists talk about what inspired them and what trends to expect this spring. 

After the press conference, Kiersten and I rocked the red carpet, mingled with fellow fashion bloggers, relaxed in the exclusive blogger lounge  (where we got incredible goodie bags filled with items I can't wait to blog about), ran into Jordan Wessel, Miss Arizona, and enjoyed live performances from local up-and-coming musicians.  

Enjoyed catching up with fashion blogger, Audree Lopez of Simply Audree Kate.  Fun fact:  we grew up in the same hometown and attended high school together.  Can't wait to see where fashion takes us!

Loved chatting with Jordan Wessel, a.k.a. Miss Arizona 2014, the soon-to-be Miss USA ;) 

Jordan and I were featured alongside one another in the recent Marie Claire April 2014 issue.  

Be sure to check out the full Marie Claire article here.

Photo courtesy of @phxfashionweek

See photos of the entire runway show here. 

Tired from a long day of fashion (not complaining), Kiersten and I couldn't resist taking a post fashion show selfie, documenting the moment and our outfits.  Kiersten rocked a Charlotte Russe blouse, American Rag skirt, and H&M wedges, while I wore a Missguided dress, Daily Look purse, and Grey City platform boots.  

Hope you enjoyed Spring into Fashion and a little sneak peek of a day in the life of a blogger. 

 Xoxo, Shelly

Red Carpet Fashion: Golden Globe Awards 2014

On Sunday, January 12th, Hollywood celebrated the 71st annual Golden Globe Awards.  The hosts of the evening were Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.  The biggest stars from Leonardo DiCaprio to Taylor Swift were on the envy-worthy guest list.  Like every year, stars dressed to the hilt in designer suits and couture gowns.  All nominees and attendees looked fabulous!  To see the full list of awards and winners click here.  Now, if you want to see the fashion, I collected as many as I could of  the red carpet glam at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards.  Keep an eye out for my three favorite looks of the night:  Elisabeth Moss with an intricate and edgy beaded dress, Jenna Dewan-Tatum in a stunning and sexy monochromatic gown, and Michelle Dockery in a charming, fairytale-like ensemble.  Enjoy!

Andy Sandberg & Joanna Newsom                Ariel Winter                       Elisabeth Moss

Julia Roberts                    Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan-Tatum                 Zoe Saldana

Tina Fey                                   Taylor Swift                              Drew Barrymore

Heidi Klum                            Allison Williams                  Hayden Panettiere

Rashida Jones                 Zoey Deschannel             Naomi Watts & Liev Schreiber

Caitlin Fitzgerald                            Reese Witherspoon                         Amber Heard

Emma Watson                                Lupita Nyong                              Usher

Sofia Vergara                                Emma Roberts                                Jared Leto

Kyra Sedgwick, Sosie Bacon, & Kevin Bacon                                Kaley Cuoco

Matthew McConaughey & Camilla Alves                     Olivia Wilde                     Uma Thurman

Michelle Dockery                              Mila Kunis                                 Kate Beckinsale

Emma Thompson                   Elsa Pataky & Chris Hemsworth                 Julianna Margulies

Paula Patton                              Jennifer Lawrence                          Kerri Washington

Lena Dunham                                  Melissa Rauch                              Taylor Schilling

Leslie Mann                               Jessica Chastain                               Amy Poehler

Lauren Parsekian & Aaron Paul                           Berenice Bejo                        Amy Adams

Bradley Cooper                            Cate Blanchett                       Leonardo DiCaprio

Style Crush Saturday: Gabrielle Union

Style Crush:  Gabrielle Union
Known For:  Actress; role as Kristen in Think like a Man
Style:  Sophisticated, Sexy, Feminine

This week's Style Crush is the gorgeous Gabrielle Union.  Gabrielle is a 41-year old American actress and model, who is best known for her attention-catching roles in the cheer movie sensation Bring it On opposite Kirtsen Dunst and the star-studded, hit comedy Think Like a Man.  Growing up in a family of four girls, Gabrielle shone as the year-round, star athlete at her high school, being point guard on the girls' basketball team, playing soccer, and running track.  After high school, Gabrielle attended college in Nebraska, but eventually transferred to UCLA in Los Angeles, California.  While working her way through college to earn a sociology degree, Gabrielle started as a model after interning for a model and talent agency.  The agency's owner recognized Gabrielle's stunning, as well as intellectual, attributes and immediately got her into acting.  She began her acting career by getting supporting roles in teen movies like She's All That, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Love and Basketball.  In 2000, Gabrielle got her big break by being cast as Isis in Bring it On.  Since then, Gabrielle has gone on to guest star in TV shows such as Friends, Ugly Betty, and Army Wives, star in her own TV show Being Mary Jane, star in the hit movies Bad Boys II, The Perfect Holiday, and Think like a Man, and win multiple awards including Best Actress at the Palm Beach International Film Festival.

In addition to earning respect for her work, Gabrielle has an attitude and realness that has earned her the respect of her peers.  This past June, Gabrielle was awarded the "Fierce & Fearless Award" at the Black Women in Hollywood Pre-Oscars luncheon where she gave a very open and honest acceptance speech.  The crowd, filled with her fellow actresses, friends, family, and idols, cried and laughed along, and ended the event in a standing ovation for Gabrielle.  Gabrielle is respected because she isn't afraid to show her weaknesses and imperfections.  At the age of 19, Gabrielle was sexually assaulted at gunpoint, and she admits that for awhile she was lost.  After going through such a traumatic experience, Gabrielle is now a spokesperson for survivors of assault.  Gabrielle believes you have to fight for happiness and that is what she does.  After dating for years, NBA player Dwayne Wade proposed to his love, Gabrielle, in December 2013 with a 8.5 carat diamond ring.  The happy couple has been spotted together out and about more in love than ever.  Gabrielle is truly a remarkable woman and I respect her courage, strength, and style.  

Below, I Included Gabrielle's acceptance speech for the Fierce & Fearless Award.  I definitely recommend giving it a watch.  It's the first bluntly honest and raw speech that I have seen in awhile.  If the video cuts out at the very end, watch the full speech here.

Credits:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Work Cited: 1, 2

Red Carpet Fashion: People's Choice Awards 2014

On Wednesday, January 8, 2014, the 40th annual People's Choice Awards were held in Los Angeles, California.  The ceremony aired live on CBS last night.  The top stars from the most popular TV shows, movies, and talk shows, as well as hit musicians and recording artists, were in attendance.  The night was filled with laughter and accolades, thanks to comedian-hosts Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs (from Two Broke Girls), outstanding performances from One Republic, Sara Bareilles, and Brad Paisley, numerous winners and nominees, and beautiful gowns, sleek suits, and, of course, fabulous hair.  Hollywood's elite were looking their best and celebrating each other's achievements during the eventful evening.  Below, I included the most memorable looks of the night.  

Nina Dobrev                           Malin Akerman                          Ian Somerhalder

Ross Matthews                       Justin Timberlake                      Lucy Hale

Olga Fonda                        Heidi Klum                       Britney Spears

Stephen Amell                         Alyssa Campanella                        Rocsi Diaz

Jennifer Hudson                        Jessica Alba                       Adelaide Kane

Anna Faris & Chris Pratt                      Melissa Joan Hart                   Naya Rivera

Allison Williams                      Sandra Bullock                      Cheryl Burke

Emily Deschanel                           Beth Behrs                          Keltie Knight

Kat Dennings                       Bailee Madison                          Stana Katic

 Sara Bareilles                             Queen Latifah                             Joseph Morgan

Personally, my top 3 looks of the night go to Alyssa Campanella for her beautiful periwinkle dress and contrasting red locks, Keltie Knight for her fun and flirty two piece ensemble, and Nina Dobrev for her sexy-yet-sophisticated bodycon dress and fierce updo.  Who do you think had the top 3 looks of the night?  Comment below on who you think rocked the People's Choice 2014 red carpet.

Work Cited:  1, 2, 3, 4