Not Your Mother's Fashion Show

How exciting is that title? I recently had the opportunity to meet the owners of Sixth Street Gallery, in Vancouver, WA. Along with being introduced to fellow designers from 'across the bridge', it was an excited night. I am even more thrilled to be a part of this great fashion show.

Kicking off the season, on August 7th, it is promised to be an afternoon full of fashion and fun! Not only that, but it is also a great opportunity to give back. The proceeds from all ticket sales, along with a portion of all designer's sales, is going towards great non-profits like "Dress for Success", local elementary schools and the Arts!

How great is this! See additional information on www.sixthstreetgallery.com . I hope to see you there!

Belladonna Marie Launched!

After 9 months, that's right - 9 months of planning, I finally launched my brand and company, Belladonna Marie!

The launch party was a smashing success! With over 75 VIPS and over 100 attendees, we celebrated Belladonna Marie all night long.

There were swag bags given away, with over $250 value, which included an exclusive Belladonna Marie scarves!!!

I am exstatic on the success of the entire party and thankful for the support I am receiving from friends, family and people in the fashion community.

If you haven't bought your first Belladonna Marie, remember fans get an exclusive 30% off, through Friday. Check out the website - http://www.belladonnamarie.com/ - and contact me today!

Belladonna Marie

With less than two weeks away, I have to blog about the biggest event that is happening in my life! I am about to launch my line, for the first time, in front of some of Portland's very own VIPs, also known as my close friends.

Having kept Belladonna Marie and all that it entails on the DL for the last 9 months, I cannot wait to finally show it off to the public. This collection is definitely a reflection of myself - classic and beautiful.

The launch party is going to be amazing and I can't wait to celebrate with all my pals. June 4th...here you come! Get ready for posts of the party to be finding their way onto the blog, and into social networks shortly after the release....

See you at the party!

Portland's NYC

Whenever I think about Portland's fashion dynamics, I relate to NYC. Of course Portland has an incredibly unique flava' and style, but in some ways I see how it mirrors NYC.

For instance, last week I invited my friends to go to this great fashion show (Mercury) in Portland. The first thing one must decide on when doing anything 'fashion' is, "What will I wear?". Considering my taste to be classic and sophisticated, maybe even Manhattan-worthy, I thought and thought about what I should wear to stand out. I finally decided on this mini black dress, with modern bows and twists. Topping it off with tights and wedges, and I was happy with the completed look. Or so I thought....

Most fashion events I have been involved with occur on the west side. However, this event was happening on the East side. The more I thought about it, the more my fashion mind began redirecting my choice of garments into something entirely different.

When it comes to Portland, this is how it breaks down - NYC style. The Pearl district, where I consider home, is Manhattan. The SW side is like NYU - intellectual, casual and sporty. The eastside is like Brooklyn. Edge is everyone's middle name; be prepared to rock individuality. And then there are the suburbs - New Jersey.

In the end, I turned in my Manhattan-Pearl district classic dress, wedges and headbands, for a great pair of Brooklyn-Eastside tights, stilettos and a leather belt. Diversity is important, but in Portland, understanding what side of the water you are on, during a great fashion event, may be even more. Trust me on this one...I love rocking personal style, but wearing the wrong accessory in the wrong part of town could cause a staring fest...or maybe more!

Thank God for indecision and fashion insights!

Feeling Portland's Fashion Love

One thing I love about being part of Portland's fashion world is the way, like the city itself, they embrace change. The easy-going, eco-friendly, love-the-world persona is true to Portland, even when it comes to the ultra-mini fashion world. Although the world is small in comparison to our sister, Seattle, the mega-fashion city, Los Angeles and the king of it all - New York, we are a city that understands what it means to be artists.

Truly exemplified on an international level, Portland has sent finalists and at least one winner through Lifetime and Bravo's Project Runway. What an amazing story that has been for our city! Way to go LeAnne Marshall and Seth Aaron!

I am proud to be part of Portland's fashion world, because we are not just designers making a name for ourselves, but also a family helping each other reach our goals. LOve you all!

Prepping for PFW 2010

I have spent the last 7 months planning and preparing to launch my line. As a fashion designer, and a full-time mom, I could not be happier of what is coming. I am keeping all of my inspirations under wraps, until the launch of June, 01, 2010. I will, however, be sharing some of the steps that got me where I am today.

After years of attending PFW (Portland Fashion Week), this year my plan is to be one of the presenters! Keep watching...

This is me, with one of my favorite models, on our way to PFW 2009!!!