Fashion Alley: My Night as a Runway Model

For those of you who have been reading my blog for sometime, you know that earlier this year I attended Pittsburgh's "Fashion Week Downtown" as well as the "Complex Runway Show". At both of these events, I attended as a member of the press and got to sit in the front row and snap photographs of gorgeous clothing and beautiful models. At the former show though, I'm sure many of you remember that I met fashion designer, Brian David, and collaborated with him for this section of my portfolio, as well as bought one of his gorgeous dresses. 

Well, at the beginning of this month, I had the opportunity to once again work with Brian and attend another runway show, however this one was with a bit of a twist: I would be attending this show as a model. The reason Brian invited me to walk in this show was due to the fact the dress I purchased from him was one of the dresses that he wanted to showcase. The show itself, titled "Fashion Alley", took place at Hollywood Lanes in Dormont and also doubled as a benefit to help raise money for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Naturally, the show was focused on clothing reminiscent of old Hollywood with hints of rock n' roll, and I have to say that I was honored to have the opportunity to dress up as one of my favorite Hollywood starlets, Marilyn Monroe.

Pre Show Primping 

Prior to the show, as every model would, I was granted the opportunity to have my hair and makeup done by the incredibly talented stylists at La Pomponnee, located in Mt. Lebanon. The atmosphere of the salon was sophisticated and fun, and the staff was incredibly nice and easy to work with. The makeup artist I was scheduled with, Lauren, did an excellent job transforming me into Ms. Monroe and was very patient with me due the fact I had never had makeup done for a runway show before.

If you follow me on Instagram you may recognize this photo from my story.

After my makeup was completed, I switched over to the hair salon side of the shop and actually had my hair styled by the owner of La Pomponnee, Kristen. While Kristen was styling my hair, her and I got to chatting about La Pomponnee and it's 25 year anniversary approaching next year. Of course this is a huge mile stone for any business, so (spoiler alert) I will actually be interviewing Kristen and doing a story on the salon early next year. 

Want to see my full transformation? Check it out here, here, and here!

The My Experience on the Runway  

Lastly, I have to talk about my wonderful experience both backstage as well as walking in my first runway show. To be quite honest, the whole affair from start to finish was incredibly surreal to me. Though I am a confident person, I have never been one to think of myself as overly attractive, let alone attractive enough to be a model. However, due to the styling of the ladies at La Pomponnee and Brian's gorgeous dress, I felt absolutely radiant.

Divauna Taravella and I backstage prior to the show.

Before show selfies.

Models Left to Right: Malori Bailes, Bree Fesh (aka ME!), Cheryl Mills, Bianca Camille Clark, Divauna Taravella, Joanna Wentling, and Kimberly Stubblefield (Lapsley)

But don't think those are the only two things that gave me a bit more confidence that evening at Fashion Alley. It was also the support I received and time I got to spend with the lovely women (and men that are not pictured with us backstage, sorry Brian and Dallas!) in the photos above. Though I have worked with (mostly) all of these ladies before, I was always behind the camera when I did. However, each and every one of them was so kind and welcoming to me, that it made an already dazzling evening even more enjoyable! And now the moment I'm sure most of you have been anticipating throughout this article, here are some photos caught of myself and the other lovely ladies that walked for Brian David in the Fashion Alley show!

Images courtesy of Robert Gorda

Images courtesy of Robert Gorda

Images courtesy of Robert Gorda

Image courtesy of Penn Live, Photographer, Lisa Wardle

Image courtesy of Penn Live, Photographer, Lisa Wardle

Image courtesy of William Pittman Photography

Image courtesy of Penn Live, Photographer, Lisa Wardle

Final Thoughts

In closing, I have to say that my experience as a model in a runway show was incredibly enjoyable and exciting! If I ever had the opportunity to participate as a model again I definitely would, what can I say I loved being pampered at La Pomponnee and all the cameras flashing at me while on the runway was quite thrilling as well. However, this experience also gave me a greater appreciation for what the models do to prep for a show and in some ways has given me a whole new prospective on how I personally will photograph runway shows from here on out. 

Which dress by Brian is your favorite? Tell me about it in the comments below or tweet me at @StarkRavingChic!

Xx, Bree

#OOTD: Lovely Layers (Feat. SheIn)

As many of us here in the 'Burgh know, it's that time of year again where the temperature is dropping rapidly, leaving us with frigid cold weather. The most recent weather happenings have been tons of snow, freezing rain, and a below zero windchill factor. For some ungodly reason though, this is the type of weather that John likes best. So of course while he was here visiting, I sucked it up and (attempted to enjoy) enjoyed the cold weather with him. However, I have to admit it's not all bad because even though I find the winters here to be my own personal Hell, I have to say at least I get to have fun with my wardrobe by dressing in layers. 

To beat the cold this past week was quite the task honestly, from dodging freezing rain and bone chilling winds, most people would have probably would have preferred to stay indoors. Though I am normally one of those people, while out gallivanting with John I didn't get to stay in much. Luckily for me I thrifted this incredibly warm wool coat by Ralph Lauren during my last trip to the Red, White, and Blue Store and also received this adorable blanket scarf from my sponsor SheIn!

All Wrapped Up

While my beau and I were out in Sewickley this past weekend enjoying some dinner and coffee afterwards, the one thing I was dreading was the walk to and from the car, and then from the Sewickley Hotel to Crazy Mocha. And I've decided the weather man was not kidding when he described the weather as an "arctic blast"! However, to be prepared and keep warm on this dreaded walk around town, I decided to pair my new scarf and thrifted coat with an L.L. Bean cable knit sweater, leather gloves from my new affiliate/partner Saks Fifth Avenue (more  coming about this December 31st!), some Levi skinnies and Bare Traps Combat Boots (and of course an extra warm pair of socks!).

However, to layer for the freezing cold and remain looking stylish wasn't quite an easy task for this shoot. Normally when I'm not doing and outfit of the day article, I don't worry as much about matching my coat, scarf and sweater and simply focus on how to keep warm. But obviously for this shot that wasn't the case. To style this coat I decided to pair it with a cream colored sweater just to break up the dark colors of the coat, scarf, and gloves. In my opinion this light color sweater really gave this outfit the pop it needed.

Then to actually style my scarf, I honestly spent about 10 minutes strategically wrapping it just right so the sweater would show. But I also decided to add a little more detail and pair this extra warm and cozy scarf with my Hermes Pop H Necklace. I just though the red lacquer of the necklace stood out great against the cream colored sweater and complimented the reds and burgundys in the scarf perfectly. 

Lastly, since you know I hardly go anywhere with out a pair of over sized shades, I just feel like my new sunnies from Forever 21 deserve an honorable mention in this post. The reason I loved these sunglasses isn't only because I scored them on sale for five dollars, but because I loved the unique shape of the frame and the rose colored lenses. 

One Last Look

What are some of your favorite ways to look stylish when the weather outside is frightful? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a photo you want to show off? Feel free to tag me on Instagram at @StarkRavingChic. Keep warm babes!

Xx, Bree

New Year's Eve Style Guide

I don't know about you, but for me December has seemed to have flown by within the blink of an eye. Perhaps I feel this way just because December has been quite the busy month for me, from modelling in my very first fashion show, to John visiting, and of course all the yuletide styling I've been doing on Instagram. With this being said, I have to admit that I've overlooked one holiday that everyone (myself included) enjoys making a fuss over, and that holiday is none other than New Year's Eve.

Like everyone else, year after year I tend to set my expectations for New Year's Eve incredibly high and later end up disappointed. From plans falling through, to not getting that kiss at midnight, there are quite a few things that can turn watching the ball drop into a total bust. However, over the years I have learned there is one thing that you can make sure goes right on New Year's Eve and that is having an on point outfit to ring in the new year! So in case everyone has been caught up in the Christmas whirlwind as much as I have been, I decided to make a quick style guide featuring perfect outfits to celebrate the coming of 2017 in. 

Shine Your Brightest

One big trend this year for holiday looks is definitely metallic material. Which when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. What better way to step into the new year than to gleam and glisten? So for my first pick, I chose this absolutely show stopping rose gold metallic gown from my sponsor SheIn. This gown, is the perfect choice if you and your beau decide to do something a little extra special to watch the ball drop this year. This gown would be perfect attire for a night of dinner and dancing at an upscale restaurant. Lastly, the pretty rose gold color of this dress also adds just touch of romantic flare which is more than fitting for a night out with your sweetie.

Of course, a gown as gorgeous as this one needs equally dazzling accessories. So the first accessory I chose to pair with this gown are these beautiful gold drop earrings. The reason I chose this pair of earrings is because I adored the mod look of them. I felt that their feminine shape and subtle edge was the perfect match for this gown. The reason these earrings work so well with this gown though is because though they are drop earrings, they are simple and not overly dramatic which means they will not take away from this rose gold gown's eloquent beauty.

The second accessory I chose to further style this gown with is this gorgeous gold choker. Originally, I considered a simple drop necklace due to this gown's plunging neckline but then thought better of it because I was concerned it'd be a little much. However, much like the earrings, this choker gives just the right amount of extra shine and looks incredibly sophisticated without taking away from the gown.

Lastly, to finish off this eloquent and romantic look, I chose these pretty, pink, fur toed heels to add even more of a dreamy and feminine touch to this gown. As you know from my last style guide, fur and velvet are huge this year for holiday looks. With that being said I thought that these heels would add a very soft and pretty touch to this dress.

 

 

Perfectly Sequenced Sequins

Another big trend you will be seeing a lot of this year for New Year's Eve is loads of sequins. Much like metallic fabrics, sequins are a perfect choice to wear for a night out on New Year's Eve due to their gorgeous shimmering. This dress however, is more suitable for a night out with friends and would be quite the conversation starter at a New Year's Eve party. This dress would also be a great choice if you and your girls decide to go to a club and dance until the New Year begins. (And then maybe even some for after!!) 

Though this shiny dress does not require a necklace, I thought these laid back metallic earrings by Elise M would be a perfect fit! The reason I chose these earrings (which you can find on my sponsor Rocksbox's site) is because I thought that the gold complemented the greens and blues of this dress but due to the black metallic center, wouldn't take away from the dress or make the outfit look too busy.

Of course, since you'd definitely be gearing up and heading out to a party of some sort in this wild sequined dress, you know you will need a trusty purse or handbag of some sort to keep your necessities in! So I chose this pretty gold clutch because the gold would stand out beautifully against the greens and blues of the dress and I just thought this clutch and this dress would make a lovely pair.

Lastly, you would need some fun and funky shoes to accompany this mini sequined dress, and I thought these gold metallic heels would do just the trick! Of course I naturally chose these heels because they matched the gold clutch and compliment the dress, but I also love the cut out design on them. These strappy beauties are the final piece of the puzzle for this sexy New Year's Eve party look. 

 

 

Red Velvet

For this next look, I decided I should add a less sexy look for a semi-formal New Year's Eve party at a relatives. So, for this look I chose this darling velvet and lace dress from my affiliate and sponsor, StyleWe. The reason I love this dress is because it has a feel of simple elegance and has a soft and pretty feel for a family gathering. The dress is a great choice for a gathering such as this because of it's modest length and because the sweetheart neckline paired with the three quarter length lace sleeves give this dress a timelessly chic feel. 

To add a little extra shine to this dress, I decided to pair it with this gorgeous pair of Elle burgundy earrings by Kendra Scott. The reason I chose this pair of earrings is because the gold frame of them pairs nicely with this dress' vintage feel and the gorgeous burgundy center matches the soft and pretty red velvet of this dress perfectly. 

Another great accessory to pair with this timeless dress, would be this simple Aida bangle by Gorjana. The reason this is, is because this bangle would add a touch of shimmer without being over the top.

To finish off this darling and sophisticated party look, I paired this cute classic dress with a classic type of shoe: the Mary Jane pump. Though this pump is a modern twist on the classic Mary Jane, it was still a no-brainer choice to me due to the the classic style of the dress. I mean really, what's a more classic shoe than Mary Jane's? This shoe also plays well off of the black lace at the top of the dress and also adds a sweet playful feel to the outfit due to it's fun cutouts and the buckle at the ankle.

 

The Cat's Meow

To finish off this style guide, the last look I chose was for those of us who will be attending a casual New Year's Eve bash with friends. For this final and more casual look, I chose this chic cutout jumpsuit. The reason I chose this jumpsuit is because of it's fun and playful (and strategically placed) cutouts. This is the perfect choice for a causal holiday party because it's just the right amount of sexy without appearing over dressed. This piece would also be a much more comfortable choice for a night in opposed to sitting around in a cocktail dress.

To further style this jumpsuit, I felt that these gold bead drop earrings would be the perfect choice. Much like the jumpsuit itself, these tassel earrings have a flare of playfulness. The black beading on them also tie in perfectly with the jumpsuit adding a nice balance. 

Of course, a playful outfit calls for a playful purse! So I paired this fun and fearless cutout jumpsuit with this adorable cat shaped purse! This little bag is perfect for a casual evening and will surely be the envy of your girl friends just because of how adorable it is! Obviously this purse is adorable but the reason it works so well with this jumpsuit is all because of it's playful nature. The gold face of this feline bag also compliments the tassel earrings that are part of this fun ensemble. Another reason why I loved this purse is because though it's a bit on the smaller side, it is also very spacious which would make it perfect for everyday use as well!

The last piece I chose to top off this look, as well as to add a pop of color, are these pink and gold glittery heels. Let's face it, though this jumpsuit is fun it could use some color to really make it pop to ring in the new year. So I figured what better way to do that than to pair this jumpsuit with some wild high heels? These heels are a great choice for a casual party due to their fun and funky vibe. The gold in these heels also play off of the gold on this outfit's purse and then the pink adds just the right amount of color to make this outfit really stand out.

So what are you going to be wearing to welcome 2017? I'd love to chat about it, so tell me all about your New Year's Eve style choices in the comments below, or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic. Have a photo you want to show off? Feel free to tag me on Instagram at @StarkRavingChic!

Also, if you're curious about what I'm wearing for New Year's Eve this year stay tuned for my holiday outfit of the day coming January 1, 2017! Later babes.

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssst! Remember if you like the jewelry you see from Rocksbox in this post, you can try Rocksbox for a month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo", treat yourself dolls!