Austin Fashion Week: Where are you partying?

Let's play the game Two Truths and a Lie. Are you ready? I'll start.

1. At my last office job, I set my desk on fire,
2. About four years ago, a woman in an elevator mistook me for a retarded person,
3. I've always had a natural knack for fashion.

Which one do you think is the lie?

If you guessed #3:

"I've always had a knack for fashion"

Ding ding ding! You are correct, and congratulations.

(Yes, I really did set my desk on fire, accidentally, during my first week.

Yes, the woman in the elevator really did think I was retarded. That's because I was pressing all the buttons in the elevator when she walked in, because it wasn't moving, and it was right after a dentist's appointment, so half of my jaw was slack/numb, and when I asked her if she knew the right button to press, it came out as: "Doufhiw? Yoaknawr. THANAAEMW!!"

Which, naturally, prompted her question, "sweetie, do you need some help?"  With LIFE? was the subtext.)

Anyway: Fashion.

So, fashion is something I've admittedly had to work at. In high school, I wore sweater sets. I am not joking. I sort of dressed like a soccer mom, only, I was 17. Then, in college, I suddenly became an environmentalist / feminist / a slew of other "-ists" overnight, and was far too concerned with the state of the world to care about anything as shallow as fashion! Not when there were plastic bottles to recycle, gender stereotypes to shatter, PARADIGMS to be SHIFTED!

And then, I went to Italy.

Oh my God, people. Have you ever been to Europe? I studied abroad in Milan for a semester, and my whole perspective on fashion changed. Because really, if not in Milan, then where else?

Everyday women (and men) on the street were so inspiring in the way they put their look together. I began to see the act of getting dressed as a creative, expressive art form, and my jaw would hang open at the people on the subway. Sharply-dressed businessmen, in perfectly tailored suits, paired with bright orange sneakers; girls in knee length silk cargo pants, with - not sneakers - buckled heels, and layered mesh tees on top.

If I had spoken Italian, I would have turned to them and whispered: "PSST. HOW DID YOU THINK OF THAT?"

It was already shocking that everyone in Italy apparently did not dress like Under the Tuscan Sun. I had never been to Europe before, so I was expecting a sea of flowy floral skirts and billowing white peasant tops, bandanas on the head ... eh, no. That's not how they do it in Milan.

That was my very first education in fashion, and moreover, personal style. An area I am still working on, but am lucky to be surrounded by people in this town with crazy style.

Which brings me to last night.  I was in a charity fashion show at Club DeVille (Runway to Peace), with my buddies Sarah (left), and Austin Eavesdropper reader, Lauren (right)! (But you may know her by her commenter name, "Le Tigre.")

Sorry that picture is a little grainy.  I am in the middle, and was wearing an outfit by eco-chic designer, Rene Geneva. Here's a better shot.

Now I know what you're thinking. "That's a nice bracelet."

Haha, just kidding. If you're anything like me, you look at that picture and think: "That right boob clearly wants to escape." Don't worry, it stayed in.

(Because this would be a whole 'nother blog post if my breasteses had a Janet Jackson-like wardrobe moment last night. Trust.)

Anyway, before the show began, a few girls and I were talking about Austin Fashion Week, so I thought I'd take a moment to tell you guys what I'm excited about, and ask you what you're excited about.

a hair affair / monday, august 16. I'm going to be posting more about A Hair Affair later this week. Beautiful Lauren will be walking in it, and Ana Castro - who did our hair yesterday for the show - is going to be using all kinds of weird, wonderful beauty techniques.  Think real charcoal, smeared on models' faces. Also, the clothing will be provided by Buffalo Exchange, and if you've ever seen the mind-blowing show they put on for Fashion Freakout each year, you know how they like to  bring it.

cupcakes and cocktails / wednesday, august 18.

First of all, this party is being held at Lovely Austin, which I have heard so much about and even visited once, alas, during non-business hours. So I'm excited to check it out, as well as Material, their featured designer.

Secondly, in addition to Lovely, Material, cupcakes, and cocktails, there is one more reason I want to attend this party. A percentage of all sales during Fashion Week will support Dress for Success, a non-profit devoted to helping disadvantaged women get work outfits for job interviews.

I always had a working mom growing up, and remember her being so excited when she found a good suit at Goodwill. This is another reason why my perspective on fashion has changed: In the right circumstances, "dressing the part" can be incredibly empowering.

Photo credit

lingerie, jewelry, and naked sushi / wednesday, august 18.  I bet you weren't expecting quite this level of boobies in our post today, were you?

Anyway, this party just sounds too intriguing to miss. It will be held at Teddies for Bettys on S. 1st, and will be catered by Kenichi. Along with a jewelry fashion show, they are totally going to have a live model layed out on a table, covered with sushi and flowers.

Right?

Because I am a 14-year-old boy, I will go to this. And stifle giggles the whole time.  I mean take note of Austin's vibrant fashion community.

So now, here is my question to you, friendlies:

what austin fashion week parties 
are you attending?

Click here for full schedule.