Thursday, July 28, 2011

Event Review and Photos: RAW Presents Illuminaire!

Last Thursday I was asked to attend the RAW presents Illuminaire event, held at the Mercy Lounge. This was the third RAW Nashville event, but other than the original meet and greet, it was my first.

When I arrived at the event, only a half and hour late, I was shocked at the mass number of individuals flocking towards Mercy Lounge. I was flabbergasted at the individuals tail gaiting for the event. I was even more surprised at the non-cocktail attire of the people heading towards the door. It wasn't until I waited in line,  dressed to the nines and surrounded by people in band t-shirts, ill-fitting denim, and kick-your-ass boots, that I realized a Sevendust concert was taking place at the Cannery Ballroom. Needless to say, it was an interesting mix of individuals outside. 

Upon arrival to RAW, I headed up the stairs to the Mercy Lounge, and was pleasantly greeted by RAW event coordinators (all wearing adorable sparkly dresses and mile-high heels). I made my way to the back room where artists and jewelry designers were showcasing their pieces, tacked to walls and merchandised on pool tables, and met up with my friend and RAW talent, Allison McEldoon from Blue Owl Designs. She had recently finished a series of paintings centered around body image and the ideal woman. I love the colors used to express the emotions of these images, and the silhouettes of the women. 



After chatting with Allison for a while, I strolled around the room, snapping a few photos of other artists and attendees.


I loved these huge abstract paintings. How perfect for an office or accent piece in your living room!




As simplistic looking as it may be, I LOVE this orange circle painting. This would be an excellent complement to my electric blue living room walls. 


I started exploring with new settings on my fancy camera that I don't know how to use. I like the artistic look of these crisp black and white photographs. 






Making the sell...


Guests mixing it up..




I LOVED this guests outfit. The low-cut jumpsuit flatters her body and hugs all the right curves. The simplistic gold jewelry punches up the ensemble without being overbearing. How absolutely appropriate and fun!


THIS is what I'm talking about! These ladies were classy, sassy, and super sweet. I can only hope that when I'm their age I'm still attending fashion events and hanging with the best of them!


Spoken word artist/musician.


I had some clearer photos of this live art demonstration, but the dark shadows creates an eerie mood I couldn't resist. 





Crowded around the designs of Blue Owl. The creator is on the left.


I had to snap a photo of these dancers warming up!


It's a little hard to tell with the dark lighting, but this is my see-through lace American Apparel dress I love. Paired with a black bandeau bra, simple gold jewelry, and black wedges, this ensemble was especially cool for a hot Nashville night. Additionally, some girl came up to me and said, "Oh my god! I love your dress! Man, you're ballsy." I responded, "Um... thanks?"


And the fashion show starts!














 Loved these thick black heels.







I loved the dark and surprising collection of Madness Is. The fashion forward womenswear and menswear featured a color pallet of neutral blacks and whites with a few pops of grey and beige. The collection was “inspired by a mix of the Romanticism era and the 1970’s British punk movement” and in essence, “embodies a hard edge style trimmed with lace.” The designer wanted to feature clothing spotlighting chaos, destruction, and madness. Love it!


























Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Nashville Steals and Deals

Gus Mayer - All sale merchandise is an additional 50% off!

The Cotton Mill - Save 50% - 70% off all Spring and Summer apparel. And be sure to check out their shoe sale, too!

Olia Zavozina - In celebration of their grand opening, you can save 10% off Olia Zavozina designer wedding gowns. Make an appointment by calling 615-415-6576, or swing by their new retail location at 1200 Villa Place. But hurry! This offer ends Sunday.


Shop La Chique - It's Christmas time at Shop La Chique! Save 15% to 35% off clothes, and 25% off jewelry and bags. The store is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and is located at 330 Franklin Road in Brentwood, TN. Additionally... congratulations to Shop La Chique, who won 2nd place "Best Women's Clothing Boutique" with the Toast of Music City!




MODA Boutique - Buy one pair of jeans, get one at 75% off. Hurry! Ends Friday!

Summer Lovin' @ Local Honey: July 30, 2011


This Saturday, July 30, 2011, Local Honey will be hosting the Summer Lovin' event from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at their Belmont Blvd. location. Celebrating the season, Local Honey will "be decking the racks with fresh summer creations from all of our local designers that will help you beat the heat in style! Nearly a dozen original pieces each from 9 local designers!" Local designers include:

T&P
People Like Art
Jamie and the Jones
Amy B
WHITE RABBIT
Love, Simone
Alter Ego
Chaseash
Lladybird

Sip on spiked lemonade and dance to tunes from DJ Potamus. Check out more of the event on Yelp.com.

Design by amy b clothing.

Sara Barnes Collection Fashion Show: August 6, 2011



I'm curious to see how a fashion show will be staged at Rumours Wine & Art Bar (2304 12th Ave. S.). If you're wondering the same thing, head out to see the 2011 Debut Collection of Parsons Design student, Sara Barnes. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with live music at 7:00 pm, and the show at 8:00 pm. An after party will follow the show, and chances are, you can score a great seat on the Rumours patio and sip on a chilled glass of wine, and relax for the evening.

photo credit: http://0.tqn.com/d/gaytravel/1/0/M/9/-/-/Rumours_Wine_Bar_12th.jpg