Chicks And Salsa was honored to be included in one of this years most exclusive and unique fashion events in Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) presented Global Runway 2018, a fashion presentation and retail pop-up experience on Wednesday, May 16th. Hosted by InStyle Magazine’s Editor Kahlana Barfield, over 250 guests experienced a few of the retail offerings that represent ATL Skypointe, a program designed for guests to shop, dine and explore ATL. This year, guests also experienced an expanded industry-driven fashion experience, which included a silent auction to benefit Bert’s Big Adventure.
In its second year, Global Runway featured four U.S. retail brands: Spanx, ExOfficio, Brooks Brothers and Sean John, which is celebrating their 20th anniversary. Also bridging the gap between beauty and style, the event highlighted national brands MAC Cosmetics, Michael Kors, Bijoux Terner andXpresSpa via a pop-up shop.
The Mission
“Each year, ATL serves over 103 million passengers, and many of them are unaware of our award-winning concessions program,” said Airport Concessions Marketing Manager Pamela Simmons. “In addition to being a global transportation hub, ATL is also a hub for quality global brands and Global Runway is designed to showcase these brands and raise the awareness of all that the world’s busiest airport has to offer.”
When we chicks have an opportunity to meet with creative influencers and check out emerging designers, we are there! For our most recent fashion adventure, we attended the Atlanta Fashion Designers annual showcase. The showcase was hosted in a beautiful garden venue and it did not disappoint. There were nearly a dozen designers showcasing ethnic, urban, and high-end designs with colorful fabrics and thoughtful silhouettes. It was a perfect evening with seating on an outdoor patio — while exchanging notes with other bloggers about fall trends and good vibes. Diversity was the theme that ran throughout the show.
The MC, Shorty Mac of HOT 107.9, was stunning and lively. She set the tone arranging a live band singing old school jams. She kicked off the event by introducing the designers and then the fashion unfolded for the evening. Chicks and salsa loved the show.. and sitting with a stylist, a fashion icon, and a designer doesn’t hurt either!
In particular, the men’s fashion by Lindbergh really stood apart from the rest. The ensembles were crisp and clean. In particular, the sneakers were our favorite. The use of zippers, open lacing, and bold colors really made them stand out, see the collection here.
Another thing to note this fashion season is that street style continues to trend! Alexis’ Suitcase, Shavonne, and the Girls and Curves Boutique pulled out all the stops with the street style looks. These designers were pairing sneakers with dresses and ruffles with capris.
The street style was contrasted by the next designer, HijabiPop, who explored more of an evening gown theme. This collection was a welcome addition representing fashion that is relevant in many parts of the world for millions of people.
HijabiPop taking a modern twist on traditional wear.
The evening closed with Samba dancers, nibbles and laughter. This is hands down one of the most diverse fashion shows in Atlanta. The designs and the crowd felt worldly and engaged in supporting the diverse platform that the Atlanta Fashion Designers have set up. This is a perfect avenue for emerging creative artists to put themselves out there. Thank you to the vendors who put in time at the Sip’n’Shop and the organizers for creating such a memorable event. I look forward to next year!
The Chicks were invited to preview Nordstrom’s Off The Runway event and we were in fashion heaven! Maybe it was the delicious hors d’oeuvre’s, or the beautiful ambiance created by live jazz music and live models — that made this event so unique and fun. Our stylist had invited us to check out the latest trends that will be hitting the website in the fall, straight off the runway, and we wouldn’t have missed this chance! We definitely noticed a few things that may be trending this fall:
Pop Of Color is Still A Thing
Look at these rust hue pants — they are stunning and with the loose long fit, they are the most comfortable pants we tried on all night! Our model, lawyer, polo player and horse whisperer Pamela Flannigan went home with these stunning Victoria Beckham pants!
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Black Remains the Chicks Uniform of Choice
This Gucci dress is why we wear black ALL THE TIME, and how can you not? Our Party Chicks shows us how this fit made her feel like a million dollars.
Gucci Dress with details that are worthy of the season.
The Holidays are Around the Corner
I know, I know, its only August, but we could not help but feel like Christmas is coming with the beautiful emeralds and shimmer which were on so many pieces. So its not to soon to start thinking ahead to family get together’s and office parties.
Needless to say, we saw some stellar pieces. Now for the savvy part. I love unique designer pieces and accessories, however being savvy is what makes the whole experience much more exciting. Anyone that knows me understands my love for Nordstrom. It’s the many sides of the brand that I have loved for years. Listed below is how you can enjoy great finds and perks without the guilt and still look like a million bucks.
Get more out of your Nordstrom card; maximize your points by signing up for rewards even if you DO NOT have a Nordstrom CC (yep, you read that right, you don’t have to have the credit card to collect rewards).
By owning a CC, you collected rewards twice as fast and can take advantage of the many perks once you attain certain levels. Now that Trunk club, HauteLook and The Rack are under the Nordstrom umbrella, it’s easier than ever to reach higher levels with the card, thus making it closer to your perks in the form of what Nordstrom calls ‘notes’ which are $20, $50, $100 credits toward future purchases. For me it’s the complimentary alterations of my purchases via HauteLook. I have purchased some amazing dresses from boutique brands such as Oliviasous, TOV, and Tea⋓ at amazing deals to have them altered to perfection is a huge benefit for when I attend balls, fundraiser, or events.
D&G Dress
Off The Runway Pieces
Being a busy mom of two, an entrepreneur, and running a household leaves me little time to go shopping for upcoming events. SO the idea of having a stylist, who not only knows my budget, and my style by having a glass of champagne or coffee and outfits awaiting me after a hectic afternoon without having to spend hours at the store. Trunk club is also another great option that makes me feel efficient. There are secrets that Nordstrom have that I wasn’t aware of — like the fact they sell Chanel and can overnight what you like and want (Chanel AND triple points, what’s not to love?!?) Even if it’s not out yet, chances are your beloved stylist will get it for you.
Lastly, the customer service I receive is priceless. As a mother of two very active minions, it’s nice to be looked at with a warm smile and “ready to help” attitude no matter how you look or feel at that moment. I’ve had awful experiences where top stores look at you up and down before deciding whether or not it’s worth helping you. (Let’s not judge based of appearances). Long story short my loyalty does go to Nordstrom for creating the best environment for everyone and anyone and whether or I have my swag on or sweatpants I know that customer service at Nordstrom makes me feel like a million bucks.
Your Savvy Chick,
Avani
For a free stylish sesh with us and our Trunk Club stylist (and free champagne!) email [email protected]
Being in the beauty industry has many perks. From working on exciting projects on sets to meeting the people behind the scenes that help bring everything to life. All aspects of it have been an exciting journey. However, my personal favorite thing about being in this business has been all the talent you get to meet and learn from.
I have had the pleasure of meeting some really fascinating people. And although it’s always exciting to meet your favorite celebrity or work with a high profile client, there is nothing more exciting then working with other people who share the same passion and creative energy as yourself.
Alexandra Schafer (@lamakeupalex) started her career as a model. After traveling the world to walk high fashion designer shows and working as the face of Ralph Lauren in the 90’s, Alex decided to go back to what she originally intended to do from the beginning and that’s working behind the scenes. You have probably seen her work in national campaign’s for designers/retailers such as Bebe and Guess.
Alex and Ralph Lauren
Alex on the runway for Ralph Lauren
I was able to ask Alex some questions about her life in the industry today and thought I would share this with our C & S readers.
Happy Reading!
Your beauty chick,
Deanna
How did you end up in the beauty industry?
Through a class I took in my late teens, which led me to modeling and then back to beauty. It was all the amazing artists I worked with over the years that inspired me to approach makeup full time.
Working with celebrity clients must leave you nervous sometimes. How do you deal with it?
I don’t really get nervous, rather excited to collaborate and meet creative’s. Creative energy is exciting and everyone is coming together; and when it really gels, it’s magical. When you have a “difficult personality” to deal with it sometimes is a challenge, but you just breathe and keep on believing in yourself and remind yourself they only want is best as well.
What’s the most common beauty mistake you see in people’s work?
They don’t enhance and frame beauty, but rather they cover it up and mask it; or the base is too heavy.
Alex doing makeup on Katie Wee of Return of the Mac
If you had to pick just one product to recommend everyone keep in their makeup bag, what would it be?
