Designers Choice Fashion Preview in Dallas, TX (Saturday, November 23rd)

Looking for the next big fashion event here in Dallas? Well, look no further! The Designer's Choice Fashion Preview will take place on Saturday, November 23rd in the Dallas World Trade Center, and I dare say you will be sad to miss out on this event. This year's event will be hosted by none other than Project Runway's Korto Momolu (one of my favorite designers from the show), and Amy Vanderoef of Good Morning Texas. The event also benefits the Timmons Art Foundation, enabling schools to continue fine arts programs (such as art and music).

DCFP Fashion event is Saturday, November 23, 2013.
Dallas World Trade Center
2050 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207Doors open at 6:00pm for VIP
Doors open at 6:30pm for General Admission
VIP Meet and Greet Reception - 6pm – 7:15pm, Show starts at 7:30pm
Tickets
General Admission - $35 (general seating)
Exclusive VIP - $75 (Includes entrance into the VIP Mixer with Full Open Bar throughout the show, a personal meet & greet with Amy Vanderoef, Korto Momolu & DCFP designers & VIP Seating)
Tickets can be purchased at www.dcfpdallas2013.eventbrite.com
Email info@timmonsartsfoundation.org for further information.

This fashion show will feature local designers, in addition to Korto's New York Fashion Week Collection. It serves as a great platform to showcase the designs of emerging talent, and I am excited to see what's in store! One of the designers, Aaliyah Fisher, is only 15 years old! I'm also looking forward to seeing Venny Etienne's designs, because he actually graduated from the school I'm attending now (Wade College)!

Check out some of the designers and their sites below:

Aaliyah Fisher - Grafetti Couture

http://grafetti03.com

Angel Burrell - Tru'anjl (True Angel)

http://www.truanjl.com

Chelsea B. Sumo - RUBYBRITT

http://rubybritt.com

Dora Yim - d.p.c.

http://www.shopdpc.com

Faye Ayeni - Lyza Faye

http://www.lyzafaye.com

Shonda Shroud Ali-Shamaa

http://littlerockfashionweek.com/labeloftheyear.php

Venny Etienne

http://levenity.com

Kortu Momolu

http://www.kortomomolu.com

Stay up to date on all things DCFP by following them on twitter @dchoicefashion

 

Facebook @designers Choice

 

Instagram designerschoicefashionpreview

Hope to see you there!!!

The 5th Annual Pin Show – 22 Designers, 2 Fire Engines, and 1 Industrial Warehouse

“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be.”

~ Bill Cunningham

 

​Mesmerizing, original, energizing, refreshing, and completely unique– these are only a few of the words used to describe The Pin Show 2013, held on Saturday, February 23rd. From its industrial and unconventional setting to the two live bands to the fire engines serving cocktails and food trucks with street-style food, this event embodied a new, fresh vision.What exactly sparked this desire for change? Julie McCullough Kim(founder and executive producer of the Pin Show) said, “This year we really challenged ourselves to put on a more creative show.” Julie, along with her team, decided to trade in a predictable luxury hotel or art galleryfor something out of the ordinary. That something was the Green Warehouse in West Dallas, located at the base of the Margret Hunt Hill Bridge.

 

“It’s always invigorating watching the last minute details fall into place, after months of work. This year, we really took a gamble on location, and it paid off. The audience loved the event, and the work of the designers.”

~Julie McCullough Kim

 

The Pin Show serves as a platform for local independent designers,by giving them the opportunity to present their work to regional buyers and boutiques. Candidates were personally interviewed, and their lines evaluated for both fit and quality. With over 1,400 in attendance, models strutted down the concrete runway filled with colorful graphics, all to the tune of the soulful Danny Church Band. 22 designers produced over 130looks, representing everything from ready-to-wear clothing (for both men and women) to bridal and swimwear to jewelry and hats. They were even given the opportunity to sale their looks in a mini-market located throughout the venue. When asked about this year’s designers, Kim noted that they all presented their best and most creative work, highlighting the impeccable quality of an outerwear collection produced by Christine Porter (Brand: RaggDahl).

 

​One of the local designers featured in this show was CarmenRosales, a Wade College alumna and Pin Show veteran. Carmen created her brand, CarmenIris, shortly after graduating in 2009. Her designs are tailored for plus-size women, giving them fashion-forward options to“rock their curves”! Expressing her gratitude towards Wade, Carmen stated, “…not only did I learn how to sew, I was able to expand my knowledge through the internships set in place with designers and companies working close with the college to ensure our success. One of those internships was with The Pin Show. So when applying for the show I knew that my collection had to stand out because I had a high expectation level already set in place for myself.”

 

​To say that The Pin Show 2013 was a success is an obvious understatement. Julie, her team, Carmen and the other designers, and everyone else involved exceeded expectations across the board. By trading in luxury for the street, this event was transformed from merely a fashion show to an all-out extravaganza! I am already looking forward to next year’s Pin Show. Who knows what they will come up with next?!

~Alexis Cochran, Fashion Design Student

Schizophrenic...the Weather that is :-/

The great state of Texas...once again the weather makes a fool of some of your inhabitants. Unpredictable, to say the least! One of the interesting sights I had the pleasure of partaking in (while waiting for the train)...a young lady in a floral print sundress, a strappy-sandal, and a light jacket (3/4 sleeve). There was no problem with the outfit itself, but in the context of the weather (a low 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with a brisk wind), I dare say it was out of place. My thoughts: if I'm shivering (even with my peacoat, gloves, boots, and footies), she must be freezing! Although she didn't seem to be as preoccupied with the weather as I was, I couldn't help but wonder if she had bothered to look at the weather forecast...there had to be some reasonable and rational explanation.

On the other hand, it's just as likely that the clothes that seemed suitable for the morning weather are all of a sudden too warm. What should you do? How do you dress in such unpredictable and unreliable weather?

My suggestion...layers! Instead of wearing a pullover sweater, grab a cardigan. I love my boyfriend cardigan from Express...it's a comfortable fit, plus you can wear it with a t-shirt, a button down, or a dressy blouse. 

Blazers are another great solution for unpredictable weather. As a matter of fact, I am wearing one now...it's my mom's navy Chaps blazer with gold buttons (similar to the one pictured below - which is from J Crew). I decided to wear a sky blue button down (from Express) under it.

A typical outfit for me (around this time) is a blazer (or cardigan) with a cute top (like a loose-fitted blouse), skinny jeans and a pair of boots. I have a wide variety of each of these items, so needless to say I can never tire of this combination...I can wear this outfit whether I'm heading into the office or just hanging out with friends. Today I'm wearing a pair of khaki-colored jean leggings (from Express...starting to see a pattern?). :) I tend to stay away from open-toed shoes in this weather, so I'll usually grab a cute pair of flats, close-toed heels, or boots. Like today, I decided to wear my neutral pointed-toe flat (from Express).

I'm also a big fan of scarves...they offer both warmth and an extra bit of flair to almost any outfit. If you're wondering whether or not I'm wearing a scarf...the answer is yes (unfortunately, I cannot recall where I bought it from)! I'm wearing an orange and leopard print scarf. I thought the earth tones would complement my neutral-colored pants and flats.

Another one of my favorite outfits in this weather? Try wearing a jumpsuit, instead of a dress...and add a blazer (or cardigan) and waist belt for even more pizazz! I bought all of my jumpsuits online from Body Central. I love wearing this taupe harem jumpsuit with my glitter waist belt from Express and my black boyfriend cardigan (and sometimes a scarf). Plus I have these really cute ruffle ankle boots (from Charlotte Russe - a few years ago) that I like to throw on with this outfit.

Hopefully I will be posting pics of my outfits soon, so come back & check them out!

What's the weather like where you guys are? How do you decide what to wear with the unpredictable weather? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for taking the time to read my post :)

~Alexis

Inspiration & Incarnation

Follow Vogue Of Simplicity on Bloglovin

On the train ride to work this morning, I was doing my typical glance through some photos from one of my favorite Instagram accounts, Fashion Kids! I am enamored by these mini-fashionistas, and can only hope that my future kids will allow me to treat them like miniature dolls. :) If I only had half of their confidence at that age! As I said, I am inspired by everyday life...so, I decided to share some of these adorable kids with you. They not only embody style and fashion in every sense of the words (hence incarnation), but they also inspire me! Enjoy & let me know what you think? (*I do not own any of these pictures*)

I've also recently joined LOOKBOOK.nu ("Collective Fashion Consciousness")! Check out my profile at: http://lookbook.nu/vogueofsimplicity. People from all over the world share their styles, looks, photos, opinions, etc. I wanted to share a few of my favorite looks with you, and would love to hear your opinions as well!

lookbook.nu/micahgianneli/
bloglovin.com/en/blog/2273669/raww/follow/ 

• I absolutely love everything about this picture, from her outfit to her buzz-cut to her makeup. The oversized, geometric-cut blazer perfectly complements the harem pants. & the simple gray, white, and navy color combo is the perfect understatement for an outfit with such a bold statement.

http://lookbook.nu/disturbed_style
http://disturbed-style.blogspot.com/

• Although I'm not the biggest fan of floral prints (on myself), I must say I love this look on her. & you can never go wrong with a pair of bold colored jeans...this gold/mustard color is the icing on the cake! The neutral-toned heels, purse, and glasses add to this look, without being overwhelming or overpowering. & her hair is adorable...again, another look I have yet to pull off.

http://lookbook.nu/skinnyhipster
http://www.skinnyhipster.com/

• Colors!! I fell in love with the the color combination in this outfit! Now I want to go out and find a bold-colored pair of wide-leg trousers! She looks stunning!

http://lookbook.nu/leleee
http://helielyb.blogspot.com/

• This is a super cute casual look! I love pairing a loose-fitted tee with skinny jeans. A small roll in the bottom of your straight leg jeans accentuates your shoe (preferably a heel); I also think it flatters all shapes and sizes.

http://lookbook.nu/cashmereinstyle
http://www.cashmereinstyle.com

• I guess you can say I am a fan of blazers and bright colors (it was almost the name of my blog)! The combo of this bright-colored blazer with the striped tee is a pleasant surprise...again, I'm not the biggest proponent of horizontal stripes (on myself). Lately, I have been into pairing my neutral/nude colored heels with almost everything. Love it!

Lastly, I wanted to share with you my absolute favorite look from the Oscars this year...Naomi Watts in that Armani dress!! What was your favorite?

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! Don't forget to share your opinions below :)

A New Frontier...

Hi there!

Well, I've decided to try my hand at "fashion blogging," a new frontier. I don't plan to use this to promote labels, brand names, or even current trends. I simply plan on using it to express my personal sense of style. Needless to say, I'm excited!

The question is...what should be the topic of my first post? The only thing I can think of is an introduction. So, let's see...who am I?

My name is Alexis. I am 23 years old, and I currently work for a healthcare system in research. I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, and absolutely love it here! So why a fashion blog? Besides my love of shopping, shoes, clothes, jewelry/accessories, and did I mention shoes (heels in particular), I believe that fashion (or style...whichever you prefer to call it) infiltrates every aspect of our lives. No matter where you are, what you wear and how you carry/present yourself has a lasting impact on those you encounter (whether you know it or not). I know we've all heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but I'm sure we've also had moments where we wonder what in the world someone was thinking when they decided to wear that! Or maybe it's just me... :)

What else should you know about me? Well, I'm sure I have way more clothes, shoes, and accessories than I know what to do with, and have only recently discovered an app that helps me keep them organized (Stylish Girl...it's amazing!). I'm that girl whose room is clean, until I have to figure out what to wear. Lately, it's been a lot easier keeping it clean, thanks to the app. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who has ever had a similar problem.

In terms of my style, I am in love with Express! That's where I've been buying the majority of my clothes over the course of the last year or so. I've also been able to find some unique pieces of clothing at A'Gaci. Other than those two stores, I just enjoy finding unique pieces from different stores or boutiques. I like to call them 'staple' items. & every once and a while, I enjoy the convenience of online shopping.

That's about it. While I'm not the biggest fan of taking pictures, I figured I'd share a few from past photo shoots I've had. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog, and I'd appreciate any feedback and comments.

~Alexis