Your hot Saturday night is here thanks to Runway for Charity. Formerly known as the Design 1 Fashion Event, the fashion show's new incarnation brings A.K. Rikk's, Design 1 Salon Spa, Aura Cosmetics, The Matthew Agency and Visbeen Associates together for a sweet show rooted in Candy Land lore and wonder. Held May 11 at the A.K. Rikk's location and event space, this indoor/outdoor runway show is colorful, creative and out of this world according to Paige Cheever at Design 1 Salon Spa. "Anything candy you can think of will be there. There will be fun aspects of the rich, deep chocolates and the Candy Land look with the ice queen." The entertainment factor comes in the form of detailed hair and makeup, things you wouldn't wear every day and spring clothing fashions from gowns to casual wear. Sound frivolous and fun? It is and it's not, as all proceeds from the event benefit the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Looking good, doing good. You got this. Skip over to the Facebook page for specific details.
I like my fashions with a side of sweet treats and tea. If you feel the same, followers of all things vintage should hit up Grand Rapids Public Museum for a Fashion & Tea program featuring vintage clothing, shoes and refreshments. Learn about Victorian and Edwardian era fashions, vintage clothing, customs and culture. Get a close-up look at all the "layers under gowns and the modesty in some of the fashion," said Kate Moore, director of marketing and public relations. Talk to an educator, get some period clothing 101 and enjoy "the whole social aspect—shopping is a social thing, looking at the fashions, the tea, that's very social as well." The museum's fantastic clothing collection can be viewed May 16 and 17 as well as June 6-8. Head to grmuseum.org for more information.
Nothing says old money like initialed jewelry. If you don't have the money to back you up, go faux with an Art Deco piece found at Spring Sweet in Holland. The store is very Paris flea market meets chic boutique with clothing and a fresh flower market to top it off. Available to order in any initial, the vintage brass chain bracelet has a large initial engraving, rhinestones for a little glitz and is from the Top Shelf jewelry line. "I think it's a fun way to personalize," Owner Spring Sweet (who shares her name with her store) said. "There are so many variations on monograms and initials. This is made to look like an old piece." Sweet thinks the accessory should be worn with jeans, and a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up or even a simple white t-shirt to let the piece get the attention it deserves. Pick one up for $45.
Fashion designer Nicole Miller has two pieces of style advice for you: Don't leave the house without looking in the rearview mirror (that goes for clothing and hair) and other than black hair, you should never wear clothes that match your hair color. More of her style solutions can be found at Studio K Clothing Company in Holland. The store is a big fan of everything Nicole Miller and has selections from her spring season. Fashion as an art form comes alive with dresses with "stunning fabric," according to Owner Kimberly Petroelje. Imagine garments in reverse brocade with soft colors that are fun and flirty with an edge to them. One item in particular is a gilded brocade frock with an illusion top in silk that's gorgeous and perfect for weddings or special occasions. Think embroidered beading, bare backs and modern florals—where the florals are cut and overlapping with black mixed in among a soft pastel. "My store is contemporary and we like some of the classic looks," Petroelje said. "Nicole Miller does that well." Suiting crossover customers such as a 28 year old to a more mature age, the store also features some of the designer's shirts in silk fabrics and florals to pair with denim or skinny jeans.
In Bloom: An Evening of Spring Fashion with Lee & Birch hits Division's Harris Building on May 18 at 7 p.m. The event includes a fashion show, pop-up store and shopping soiree with a few male models thrown in for good measure. (Or a teaser for new things to come?) Models look dapper thanks to Cheeky Strut's hair and makeup mojo and "ladies can shop looks right off the runway and get style inspiration for the new season," says Communications Coordinator Blair Badge. Guests receive discount codes for the night and a coveted swag bag with loot from Cheeky Strut. Stalk the Lee & Birch Facebook page for all the juicy details.
