Fashion Week Minnesota Fall 2017

Happy Fashion Week, Minnesota! 

Fall/Winter 2017 brings a lot of changes to FWMN - from new events that I hope become traditions to the notable absence of Envision. 

My top picks: 

Flyover x FWMN

New this season is a half-day summit, produced by Midwest platform Flyover, for "influencers, brands, and consumers interested in making the fashion industry more inclusive."  The event features local leaders tackling topics like body positivity in fashion, ethnic and racial diversity in fashion & beauty, building sustainable and ethical brands, queer style, and fashion & politics.  As someone who has felt excluded because of my status or standards in more than one of the above mentioned topics, I'm excited to see what comes from the conversations that unfold and hope our community can become more inclusive.  

Saturday, September 9
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flyover-x-fashion-week-mn-tickets-36647340181

 

Northern Vogue

A runway event featuring Gina Marie, Gräsmark Menswear, Winsome Goods, and a collaboration I have been shamelessly Insta-stalking.  Designer Jeannine Cavallo, whose line J.Cavallo is based on supporting women, teamed up with one of my favorite makers of sparkly things (Sara Beth Goldfine of Goldfine Jewelry) and one of Minnesota's favorite bloggers - Lindsey Higgins.  Together they have created Fantasme Collection, and are even showing at NYFW this year before bringing it home to MN.  

Sunday, September 10
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-vogue-fashion-show-tickets-36830920274

 

A Night of Lexurie

Designer Alexis Brazil will be showing the latest collection from her sleek Lexurie line.  The show also includes collections from Hodan Ali and DBKC by Keandrea Chanel.  I was able to see DBKC at April’s #mplsjungle event and am delighted to see more.  

Monday, September 11
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-of-lexurie-tickets-36957487841

 

Plus Size Pop-Up Shop + Panel Discussion

Cat Polivoda of online (and soon to be in-person) plus size resale store Cake and Michelle Raven of Arc’s Value Village host a plus size pop-up shop and panel discussion moderated by Twila Dang of Matriarch Digital Media.  Hopefully Saturday’s Flyover summit gets this conversation started, but Cat and Michelle’s panel will really dive into the issues facing plus-size consumers.  Panelists include Jessica Barrett of Machine Shop, Char Dobbs of Char Style & Image, Ryan Kroening of Events by Lady K, Molly May of Six Peaks, and fashion designer/Project Runway contestant Samantha Rei.  I love that this is an official part of FWMN and hope it inspires change in the industry and society.  This panel is free to attend, reservation/ticket required.  

Tuesday, September 12
https://www.facebook.com/events/1452456088165149/?ti=cl

Image courtesy of Michelle Raven and Cat Polivoda. 

Image courtesy of Michelle Raven and Cat Polivoda. 

 

Numina

Kindred Folk’s latest collection will be presented in an intimate event at Showroom with live runway music from Thomas Nordlund and Ben Abrahamson.  In addition, poetry by Nayyirah Waheed will be read by Freya Ershadi Inanna.  Attendees of this show will be able to order pieces right off the runway!  Expect to see dramatic shapes, stretch velvet, different takes on signature silhouettes, and a fall color palette I am beyond excited about.  New this season is the addition of handbags to the Kindred Folk brand, a further expansion from the hand-dyed bedding they recently introduced.  I was able to get a sneak peek and now can’t wait to see the whole collection.  
 

Tuesday, September 12
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/kindred-folk-numina/

 

Bonus:

Samantha Rei Project Runway viewing parties on Thursdays.  From putting together a badass "metal ballet" inspired dress while sick with the flu, to creating a runway look from recycled materials, Minneapolis fashion designer Samantha Rei's run continues on Project Runway Season 16.  Watch the latest episode live, with Samantha's commentary, at Du Nord Craft Spirits.  The episode airs at 8pm CST but arrive early to try a craft cocktail and secure a spot to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/events/835202716642952 

ACG Open Studio at Northrup King First Thursday.  Designer Anna Chambers Goldberg may be showing at a buyer/influencer exclusive event during FWMN, but you can shop her studio (#466) at NKB tonight.

AK Collective has a couple of events lined up in September.  First, stop by B. Resale on September 16 for an AK Collective pop-up.  Next, a networking and pop-up shop event at Honey on September 20: 

TEN just made it even easier to get your frugal fashion fix.  Speakeasy-style St. Paul thrift shop TEN recently announced an online booking system to reserve appointments.  Most everything in the shop is $10 or under, with exceptions for high fashion finds - bf scored a vintage Versace pullover for $20.  

See you tonight at #MINNSTAFASHION - don't forget to RSVP for a chance to win an overnight stay at W!  Make sure to dress your best and keep your phone is charged to stay connected - there will be prizes for best dressed and best Instagram post.  

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Written by Urban Orchid On

I’ve Found A Rainbow

In case you haven't heard, Kesha released her first album in years last month.  She has always been somewhat of an inspiration to me for her strength through the legal/other struggles she has faced, and also for being a voice for those who don't always feel like they have one.  The title track from the album gave me the title of this post:



I’ve found a rainbow, rainbow baby/Trust me, I know life is scary/But just put those colors on, girl/Come and play along with me tonight

Those that have encouraged me in creating and maintaining my blog deserve an explanation and my gratitude.

The last few months have been a bit of a rollercoaster that led to an unintentional pause in posting. 

Some highs and lows:

  • Went my first Flip Phone Drag Brunch (Kesha themed!!)
  • Participated in a local Fashion Industry panel
At Fashion Industry Nights in June - L to R: JR Walker, Joie Schubert, Vanessa Donnelly, Liz Mauban, Grant Whittaker. 

At Fashion Industry Nights in June - L to R: JR Walker, Joie Schubert, Vanessa Donnelly, Liz Mauban, Grant Whittaker. 

  • Turned 27
  • Failed the PE exam
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  • Had some stress management issues that led to a small breakdown
  • Started training at a kickboxing gym to help manage stress and get in shape
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  • Fell in love
  • Found inspiration on a family vacation

I recently looked through Eileen Fisher’s latest campaign featuring quotes from prominent women about power that motivated me to get back into regularly blogging: https://www.eileenfisher.com/shop/collections/womens-collections/power-in-the-words-of-women/

Eileen Fisher has been on the forefront of sustainable and socially conscious fashion that fits all body types since before I was born, and on my sustainable style journey, I have admired the values behind the business - from committing to fabric sourcing and garment production standards, to a recycling/refurbishing and reselling program, consumer education and more.    

“Power" can refer to innovation, creativity, education, etc like in Eileen Fisher’s campaign, or to electricity, having authority over others, or even having strength within yourself to achieve higher goals and pull through the lows in life.  

It reminded me that in 2014, I was the recipient of my Toastmasters club’s Empowerment Award.

Toastmasters District 6 Empowerment Award

Toastmasters District 6 Empowerment Award

I had even declared 2014 the year of empowerment, after that and attending BECAUSE and adjusting to being on my own in a new city.

But somewhere between then and now, with the rush of the growth and moving to another new city, I had lost some of that and gotten a little jaded and somewhat complacent.

I needed the recent highs and lows to get me excited and back in balance. 

Now I remember that I have the:

  • power to love myself and love others
  • power to let go of people and things that aren’t adding to my life
  • power to stand up for myself and for others
  • power to develop healthier lifelong habits

In addition to building in time to my schedule for regular exercise, I’ve also started cooking more vegetarian and vegan meals - my favorites so far include Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Crème Fraîche and Red Lentil and Spinach Masala.  With that, I've cut out dining out (other than notable exceptions on vacation and the State Fair) to gain more control over what I am eating and save some cash.  I now try to get to bed at reasonable times rather than being on #teamnosleep.  

And, as I type, I am in a study room at the library.  I hope to continue the habit of setting aside time for blogging and eventually studying to retake the PE.  

That’s right - I am planning to retake the exam on April 13, 2018.  This time, I will start studying earlier and study smarter, hoping to leave room to take care of myself and enjoy a personal life.  

My study plans don’t kick in until right after Fashion Week Minnesota Fall 2017, so keep an eye out for my top picks and join me at some of the shows! 

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Written by Urban Orchid On

We're Going On An Adventure

Setting out on more than a mission and more than a celebration... it's a questival! 

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Do-gooder apparel and gear brand Cotopaxi hosts their signature scavenger-hunt in the Twin Cities this weekend.  The Questival kicked off yesterday, August 18 at Como Park.

Follow along on my team's (the team consists of me and my SO) shenanigans on our team page:  http://questivalteams.cotopaxi.com/teampage?id=v6zHsu2ZP9  

 Some notable accomplishments include singing along to Kylie Minogue on the way to a truck stop diner, eating a raw clove of garlic, and finally getting to try a restaurant on our bucket list.

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Can't wait to report back with a full rundown/review of the Questival!

Also coming soon - top picks for FWMN and chic Chicago vacation moments.

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Written by Urban Orchid On

Fashion Week Minnesota: Spring/Summer 2017 - Take Two

Since the FWMN calendar was first announced, so many more amazing events have been added.  

I wanted to take a minute to pick some favorites from round two! 

1) Queen Anna Boutique Opening

Image by Queen Anna

Image by Queen Anna

Sunday, April 23
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/queen-anna-grand-opening-party/

A new North Loop boutique from the founder of One Posh Closet, Queen Anna will carry contemporary brands like YFB of Young Fabulous and Broke, KES, LAMARQUE, and Chan Luu. The opening night party, “Enter the Scene” will include bites, bubbly, beverages, and insight on the vision behind the brand.  

2) LaChouChou Presents: Live Fashion Gallery

Wednesday, April 26
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/la-chouchou-presents-live-fashion-gallery/

After the success of the first LaChouChou Live Fashion Gallery at Clockwerks Brewing, Jessica Jones and Mercedes Bergman are bringing the second installment to the Food Building during FWMN.  Live models will showcase clothing from Duchess of Whittier, Mercedes Bergman Designs, Abbie Kenyon, D8AGirl by Monica Lyon, Nine56 by Meg Floersch, and Coty Clothing Company.  

The idea, says Jones, is "to get close to the clothes and enjoy them as art.”  Too many times, a runway segment is not enough to really get a sense of the garment, find out who created it, and how to get one for yourself.  In addition to a four-look mini collection, each designer will be showcasing one unconventional material look, inspired by one of the Food Building makers - Red Table Meat Co, Baker's Field Flour & Bread, and The Beez Kneez.  

In addition to local food and fashion, local artist Rya DeMulder will be creating a look inspired by event partner, Friends of the Boundary Waters, supporting preservation of the natural beauty of Minnesota’s wilderness.  There will be passed appetizers and a cash bar to enjoy as you mingle with makers, models, and more.  Tickets to the Live Fashion Gallery are $25 and are available here.

3) Raul Osorio Collection Presentation 

Thursday, April 27
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/raul-osorio-ss17-collection-presentation/ 

The only event this season solely featuring menswear, Raul Osorio’s latest collection will be presented in a "minimalist fashion presentation” at Jetset.  The free presentation will begin at 8pm, with doors at 7:30.  After the presentation, stick around to enjoy a live DJ and mingle with fellow fashion enthusiasts.

Also, I am very, very excited about a dress I bought from Georgiedda/Goodiewealth that is being embroidered as I type.  I’ll be wearing it to Envision!  Stay tuned 🔌 🔌 🔌

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Win Tickets to St Paul's Lowertown Pop Maker's Market

Minneapolis is definitely more my style than St. Paul, but the upcoming Lowertown Pop maker's market at St. Paul's historic Union Depot, filled with talented local artisans from all over Minnesota, will be worth visiting the Capitol city to enjoy.  

Thanks to MN Blogger Bash, I was able to preview some of the makers popping up at the event - from upcycled leather goods from Desdamona Doolittle, to cheeky sentiments from Muddy Mouth Cards, to a Bloody Mary enhancer with some heat from Fast Mary's, to cleverly designed clothing by Anywhere Apparel, and everything in between.  

Upcycled leather necklaces from Desdamona Doolittle: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesdamonaDoolittle 

Upcycled leather necklaces from Desdamona Doolittle: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesdamonaDoolittle 

Obi belts made from repuposed ties by Foat: https://www.foatdesign.com/

Obi belts made from repuposed ties by Foat: https://www.foatdesign.com/

The market on April 15 will also include live demonstrations including those for cocktail making, aromatherapy, and styling multi-functional clothing.  The schedule of demonstrations can be found on the Union Depot website: http://www.uniondepot.org/events/lowertownpop/.

Lowertown Pop gives back to the St. Paul community!  Tickets to the market are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and half the proceeds will go to River's Edge Academy, and half will go to one of the makers featured.  

Perusing the market will be a great break from my PE studying and I am very looking forward to going.  Also thanks to MN Blogger Bash, I have a pair of tickets to give away!  

To win a pair of tickets to Lowertown Pop, tweet me (@UrbanOrchidBlog) with which maker you are most excited to check out, and don't forget to include the hashtag #lowertownpop.  Entries are due by 12 p.m. (Central Time) Saturday, April 8.

The full list of featured Minnesota makers can be found here: http://www.uniondepot.org/lowertownpopmakers/ 

 

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