NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2013 INDUSTRY PANELS

(Amanda Valentine of Project Runway & Libby Callaway)

Listening to the industry panels this year was incredibly motivating. If I didn't already want to step up my game -  I sure do now! Hearing from the industries top stylish voices was such a blast, I saw some of my favorite folks and added a few new ones to my "Stalk These People Online" list. Yeah, I totally have one of those.  You can see the full list of  panelists HERE. 

Some highlights for me were definitely being able to finally meet Libby Callaway, one of my favorites to follow. She's a great stylist, talented journalist and has worked with big names in the industry including The New York Post (being the former fashion editor) and Glamour Magazine. She's dabbled in vintage sales as well, owning Diamond Star Halo Vintage, which closed the beginning of last year. Jill of all trades, obviously! 

StyleBluePrint Nashville included Libby as a guest blogger in 2010, where she unknowingly makes a Nostradamus like prediction when she shares her love of Camo and Earthy tones, something extremely hot right now for spring. Not only that, but she shares here favorite hot spot to find camo and other military inspired goodies. You can find this article over HERE. 

Amanda Valentine, creater of Valentine Valentine was also as always a joy to listen to. I enjoyed her Project Runway commentary, so I knew I'd love this. She had some excellent things to say, it was a refreshing take on a lot of different aspects of the industry, both the good and the bad. 

And just to keep things short, one more. 

Lets talk about my new favorite fashion vixen, Sally Lyndley! I'm really glad NFW brought her in. It really was a great insight into the constantly networking mind of the social media machine. Did you know that Jenna Marbles makes something obscene like one million dollars off of her Youtube sponsors? Mind Blown. Learning new things is fun, ya'll. You can find more about Sally HERE on her Facebook and HERE in a feature via Nashville Scene. 

Thank you NFW for doing such a great job on picking panelists! I'm going to just throw this out there and say it's one of my favorite parts of Nashville Fashion Week. 

And one final very enthusiastic caffeine coma inducing thank you to Red Bull for sponsoring. I'm not gonna lie. I took a few cans home with me. (THAT CRANBERRY RED BULL OMG)I can't feel my face, or the pain in my feet from walking around in high heels non-stop all week. Much appreciated! 

The adorable Abby White of Nashville Scene. I LOVE HER DRESS. 

Lindsay Timberlake from Thriftophile // Heirloom & Codie Gentry of The Tennesseean & A Brunette. + Me. 

+I'm wearing vintage that I've altered & shoes are Jeffrey Campbell Soiree. If you're curious about my hair color, thank Reyna Waller at Salon YaYa off 21st Ave. Mention me and get $20 off your first service! Whaaaaaat!+

UPCOMING NASHVILLE FASHION EVENTS

So, any disbelief in god has vanished with the most spectacular of announcements - something so incredible, so unbelievable, I'm still in fashion-shock.

I'm just going to throw this out there and say that this is by far the brightest day in Nashville fashion history, and here's why: WE ARE GETTING AN H&M. 

Pause. I know you need a moment to collect yourself. I'm still suffering from a total head rush. 

The billion dollar a year fashion business will be landing itself right in the center of our mainstream shopping Mecca, Opry Mills mall. I'm really not quite sure how I feel about that decision - but what's that age old adage? Beggars can't be choosers. Or something.

Specifics and dates aren't really around to announce yet, but I'm just hoping that this isn't a giant tease. Every Nashville fashion junkie I know has been praying for this moment for years.

You can read more about the announcement HERE and what to expect from the mega-retailer HERE from the Nashville Business Journal. 

The Women's Fund has partnered up with one of my favorite Nashville based style blogs, StyleBlueprint to bring you the best of designer fashion without the designer price-tags, all the while supporting a great cause!

The Women's Fund supports women and girls of all ages and walks of life in the Middle Tennessee area - providing funding to programs that help women achieve economic self sufficiency, programs that promote health and well being and also the prevention of violence. 

You can purchase early bird tickets (Thursday, 1/31 at 6pm) to get first dibs on all of the available designer goods (75-90% off) for $75 HERE - which includes food & drinks. Full proceeds from the early bird sale and entire consignment benefit go to TWF.

If you're unable to fork over the $75, never fear - Friday & Saturday (2/1 & 2/2) entrance fees are just a suggested donation of $5. 

Thursday (1/31) - Early Bird Event 6pm to 9pm

Friday (2/1) - 9am to 6pm

Saturday (2/2) - 8am to 12pm

This one is near and dear to my heart. Sweet and sassy Nashville jewelry designer slash photographer Misty Madonna will be showcasing her beautiful collection of gems from her line WANDERLUST at Erabellum for your viewing pleasure. Come out on Saturday, Feb 2nd and let her win you over. 

The Trunk Show starts at 11am and ends at 4pm. 

Erabellum is located at 1800 8th Ave South.

The Facebook event invite can be found HERE - sharing with friends is always encouraged! 

If you're not a Nashville native, you can still enjoy her handiwork on Etsy. You can also find WANDERLUST on Facebook too!