La Femme Fashion Show

A few posts ago, I wrote about going to my very first casting call for a fashion show.  I have some super exciting news – I made the cut!  Tomorrow, at the La Femme Fashion Show I will make my debut on the runway at (minus that one time as a kid when I walked the runway at Burlington Coat Factory to model the new spring fashion.  I feel the fashion world didn’t recognize my potential at that point in time).

I am excited to be participating in such a fun event!  La Femme Fashion Show is going to feature fall trends from the selected store at The Village of Rochester Hills and is going to take place at Meadowbrook Hall.  I am going to be modeling a denim, southwest look from Chico’s.  Did I mention that I have to get my makeup done, too?  It will be nice to take a break from my regularly scheduled life to do something glamorous and fun.

However, I have to admit, there is a little part of me that is nervous.  (And by little, I actually mean a lot).  I am no stranger to being in front of a crowd.  I danced in recitals and competitions for years.  But this is a little different.  This is a solo performance, not a group dance routine where I can blend in the background.  Walking is something I do every day, all day so it should be easy and natural.   But with all those eyes on me, I sometimes forget which foot comes first.  And then I feel all heavy and awkward.  Which then brings up some repressed memories of being in the sixth grade, and trying to fit in with a bad perm, acne, and braces. 

But I digress.  Honestly, I just hope that I don’t fall down face first on the catwalk and end up “fashion road kill” like Carrie Bradshaw in my favorite episode of Sex and the City.

Even though I am nervous, I am equal parts excited to have an opportunity to do something I never thought I would do.  I am going to have fun and revel in this unexpected twist in my personal journey.  I’m going to show my kids that being anxious doesn’t have to be the determining factor in overcoming fear, but that courage and a sense of adventure are the essence of living a full life.

Have you done anything scary lately?

What to Wear: BlogHer11 Edition

I am going to BlogHer in about two weeks. I wish an antacid company would sponsor my trip because I am pretty sure my stomach is rotting away with the amounts of acid swirling around. I could write a post about how nervous I will be knowing that I am almost the whole continental United States away from my family. I could write about the guilt that is bearing down hard about leaving my family. I could write about how certain social situations create a *touch* of anxiety.

But that is making my acid extra-swirly, so let’s talk about something fun:

Clothes!

I can’t decide exactly what to wear. I mean I narrowed it down to a few outfits all in the same color palette to minimize the shoes that I need to pack.

Oh, did mention I’m only doing a carry on? A certain airline that shall remain nameless (hint: they took over North West) decided to put our bags on a different flight for weight reasons. Twice. In a row. Can you believe that?! (And for the record, our bags were NOT fat; they were just full of necessities). So I am done with the checking of the bags conversations (just like Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents). Before I ask for your opinion on my outfits choices, take a second to answer my Skinny Scoop Survey about carry-on bags versus checked bags:

http://www.skinnyscoop.com/

Before the fashion show begins, I would like to preface it with the following points:

• I want to thank my photographer (my mom) who did not have an easy time snapping the pictures without The Babes sneaking in since they were running around like monkeys.

• I had to fit this *very* informal photo shoot in after my morning walk and physical therapy appointment (which is another post altogether). So I am essentially wearing no makeup and my hair is a mess. (The good news is, since these pictures were taken, I got my roots taken care of).

• My set design does include a laundry basket, an assortment of toys, and The Babes.  Obviously.

• I want to be clear that I did not do my hair and makeup. Just a *gentle* reminder.

Tell me what you think of the outfits in the comments section.

Here's this outfit with a short sleeves shrug

Here is the same outfit with a long sleeved
shrug with a flower-y detail

Here's the same look with a different necklace

I was thinking of making this a conference
outfit with the casual shoes. . .
what do you think?

Or maybe add some fancy shoes and make it
a party dress?  I. Don't. Know.

Party dress for sure, but what do
you think of the necklace?  Too casual?

I thought this might be too casual for
the conference, but maybe it's OK?

Here's the same outfit without the shrug.
Maybe a travel outfit?

Travel outfit or conference outfit?

Here's the same look without the shrug.

Or maybe a short sleeve shrug?
I would love to have a personal stylist.

If you made it this far, thanks for playing!  You don't believe that I just *might* be overthinking this thing just a tad, do you?  Yeah, me neither.  I mean, I am home all day with my kids.  Anything will look stepped up next to my kahki shorts and T-shirt, right?

Please, please give me your input. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures of my outfits at the conference!

Have a great week!