RVA Fashion Week shows out in 2022

I’ve attended a few RVA Fashion Weeks over the years, but this one felt distinct. One might assume that since this is the furthest we’ve been from the pandemic, that it was the proximity and intimacy. But the difference wasn’t pandemic-related. It was the clothing itself.

This year, more than any other, I noticed stark differences between the designers and the moods. Whereas in previous years designers each had their own styles, there was a somewhat blended feel. But 2022 saw standout stars, strong moods, and risk-takers, all making for an intriguing finale at the fashion show Sunday night.

The Aziancy

Ryan Azia tapped into our collective ennui with all-black ensembles. In fashion, head-to-toe black is often considered a safe choice, but not with Azia’s line The Aziancy. The post-punk collection dripped with silver chains, dangling from rows of safety pins. Ripped-up trenches featuring the words “It’s Been Done Before” on the back in bold white paint.

The line 707 made some solid pieces for menswear – practical in design but pushing the envelope ever so slightly with unexpected textiles, and just-daring-enough color.

Keziah Amaree

Keziah Amaree was able to combine sumptuous tailoring and joyful colors. Even the most conservative dressers could not resist her extreme ruching and asymmetrical designs, because they are works of art.

Paige the Artist and BlueCatHouse

Paige the Artist and BlueCatHouse joined forces to create a playful line inspired by Prince. There was purple, there was lace, and there were assless purple pants.

The Linzel

My absolute favorite line was The Linzel, with sumptuous fabrics, architectural tailoring, and pops of color that could lift you out of any mood. Even the monochrome ensembles, made popular during the rise of athleisurewear, felt fresh. The Linzel was a joyful reminder that luxury can be playful.

Every year as fashion week winds down, I’m proud of the big-city heart of our mid-sized city. Richmond’s creative energy stretches beyond VCU’s renowned art school and chic dining options. We are cementing our spot in the fashion world, and it’s never felt more prevalent than it does right now.

Merry Princemas!

Prince is an example of how far you can get with confidence. Homeboy was a 5′ 3″ Jehovah’s Witness who insisted on staying in Minnesota. He wore guyliner, ruffled shirts and heels, and STILL pulled off being a sex symbol to women everywhere. He just owned it.

The loss of his talent hurt more than when Michael Jackson died. It was without the infamy of sex abuse allegations, and as an artist, he wrote his own music and played his own instruments. So I expressed my grief in a creative way. In the winter of 2017 we placed a Princemas tree in our front yard! It was…everything.

I spray-painted a white tree purple, with purple lights, purple ornaments, and nestled his head on top – ringed by an angelic halo of silver tinsel.

This cheeky homage cheered up my neighbors, then strangers. I’d pass by my living room window and see revelers taking photos outside. So I added a chair with a purple pillow, and a chalkboard sign urging visitors to take photos. ThenĀ  #MerryPrincemas popped up online, with our tree. Unlike most dreaded comment sections, it was pure cheer.

Then letters started arriving in the mail – holiday cards from strangers thanking us. Soon after, we came home to see people had added purple icicle lights, with a cool dripping effect. Someone had even fixed the stand so the tree would not blow over in high winds.

The tree made a return for the 2018 holiday season. And with an upgrade – white doves.

Merry Princemas, everyone!

RVA Fall Fashion Weekend is Here!

FALLFASHIONWEEKEND_RVA_2017-2-1568x1045Attention Richmonders! Fall Fashion weekend has commenced, and tonight through the 13th, RVA will be serving lewks. We got a sneak peek tonight at Bar Solita, where the kick-off party featured models dressed to the nines, tropical greenery and slushy cocktails!

Events take place every day, including the Runway 2 Life fashion show. For a full list of details, visit www.rvafashionweek.com

Come support the arts in Richmond, and become woven into the fabric of this city’s ever-evolving culture. Did I do a textile metaphor for fashion week? Why yes, yes I did. See you there!

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Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice

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Its been a couple of weeks since my last post, but not for a lack of writing! As the lifestyle blogger for Ladles and Linens, I’m knee-deep in test recipes and kitchen gadgets, and thought I’d share some tidbits here. I’ll serve up the posts menu-style, so you can click on what you’d like. Happy reading, and as always, thanks for being here.

Pizza personality chart! What do your toppings say about you? Read here and find out.

Can turmeric cure the blues? Here are five everyday spices, and their surprising health benefits!

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The Great Pumpkin Spice Debate: Pumpkin spice has gone beyond the latte; they’re even making pumpkin-spiced Spam!Ā Ā Is this a well-deserved craze, or is the whole PSL thing overrated?

Oh. My. Gourd. Many decorate with gourds this time of year, but few savor the flavor. Turns out butternut and spaghetti squash are the most commonly eaten gourds, while most others remain unenjoyed. Here are some recipes and tips for making the most of this season’s harvest!

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Diner en Blanc 2019 – A Great Time & Hopeful Dose of Symbolism

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Richmond truly is the mid-sized city that could. While this global event takes place in major cities around the world; Paris, Bangkok, Monreal – Richmond got in the game years ago, and glides along like any major player.

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This year did not disappoint, as Diner en Blanc’s secret location, revealed the day of, felt very symbolic. It’s more than the fact that the event took place on the James River, offering a cool breeze and views of the water. It’s the fact that the event took place at the historic Tredgar Iron Works and American Civil War Museum. Diner en Blanc, while open to all people, has become a landmark event for the African-American community. Tredgar Iron Works created most of the artillery for the Confederate Army during the Civil War, hence the perfect site for the American Civil War Museum. One couldn’t help but reflect. Fast forward to 2019, and the black community, empowered, educated and dressed to the nines, was dancing all over this platform.Ā  The symbolism was powerful.

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And the glamour of it all! Chloe wine was flowing, sparklers lit up the night sky, electric butterflies on stilts danced amongst partygoers, and music pumped through the air. Crowds of onlookers, mostly locals coming back from Belle Isle, stood on the outskirts, admiring the elegant, if not outlandish, white outfits the revelers wore. Guests were happy after a delicious meal, happy to see one another, happy it was summer, and happy to feel connected to a truly memorable Richmond event: Diner en Blanc.

For details, or to attend or volunteer next year, visit: https://richmond.dinerenblanc.com/

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Ladles & Linens & blogs, oh my!

As you know, I love to share party and entertaining tips. Exhibit A, Exhibit B ….you get the idea. I’m happy to announce that Ladles and Linens brought me on as their Lifestyle Blogger! The Story of Cooking has allowed me to share even more tidbits and things that inspire me, like managing your work/life balance and themed parties. The latter being LIFE.

The company’s owner, Sarah Nicholas is a legit FBI agent-turned-TV Chef-turned business owner. And since her story’s more interesting than mine, I’ll go ahead and leave a link about her right HERE. And since her family is so adorable, I’ll go ahead and drop a photo right…

…there we go.Ā  I’d always been a Ladles and Linens customer. If Lilly Pulitzer were a gourmand, this would be her shop. It’s playful, but tasteful. Cheerful, but serious about quality; they test all their products. They have three locations in Virginia, but distance is no issue because you can shop their store online. Their prices are competitive with Amazon, which makes me feel even better about shopping local.

And as they say, “It’s always a kitchen party, and everyone’s invited!”

RVA Fashion Week welcomes you to the funhouse

Richmond’s Fashion Week has just begun, and it’s already next level. Last night at Vagabond, they kicked off the week with a Funhouse-themed party, trippy and circus-like, but 100% glam. I was surrounded by models who towered over me, their bodies studded with gems and glittering under dramatic lights.

This week is not to be missed. Local designers, exclusive boutique opportunities and endless inspiration abound. Check their website HERE for a list of events, and enjoy a week less ordinary.

With the beauties of BOMBSHELL

Living that Estate Life

Though only 20 miles from downtown Richmond, Dover Hall feels worlds away. The Tudor-style mansion even transports you to a different time.Ā  The rolling hills and hedges resemble an estate in the English countryside, where at any moment, Richard III could roll up in his carriage.

Dover Hall contains over 8 million dollars in art and antiques. Since it was built as a home, there are too many entrances and exits for insurance companies to even consider covering it as a museum. The taxidermy is unbelievable, the chandeliers range from elk horns to glittering crystal, and the sun room overlooking the yard is the perfect setting for a love scene in a Jane Austen novel.

One would never believe that the house was built in 1996. Designed from scratch, the builders avoided the cheap pitfalls of drywall and wall-to-wall carpeting. Instead, Dover Hall features exposed stone, wood beams and Gothic fabric-covered walls. It’s filled with beautiful things, but isn’t cluttered. It’s decorated with a range of treasures, from an authentic Native American teepee to Victorian antiques, but the house still feels cohesive.

Luckily, Dover Hall is no longer a private home, and serves as a bed and breakfast. A romantic weekend getaway would be unforgettable. One can even rent the place (or certain areas) for events such as weddings, charities and parties. With innovative cuisine and wine curated by the chefs, and lush furnishings acquired from around the world, Dover Hall is a crown jewel in Richmond, and a must-visit for les bon vivants!

 

Bonfire of the Bon Vivants

When I hosted a casual bonfire (for 55!) in my back yard, I didn’t account for it to be the coldest day of the year. But to live well, one must worry less. Les bon vivants know that all too often happy anticipation rolls into anxiety. Just look at what’s expected of brides-to-be; tears, tantrums, mood stabilizers. When in reality, brides should be planning one of the biggest bashes they’ll ever have. But I digress.

The point is, things happen, like rain, or in our case, freakish subzero temperatures that came out of nowhere. We had to concede that yes, this would be an indoor/outdoor party. I cleaned the house, lit candles and played Chet Baker. 

the blonde mafia, defrosting

How to keep the crowd circulating indoors and outdoors? That’s easy – put the bar outside! It was perfect, really. When our cooler and fridge were overstuffed with beers, the outside temps were just as cold! In addition to beer, we made a signature cocktail. It stayed hot in the crock pot, to battle the elements. It was apple cider with salted caramel whiskey, topped with whipped cream and Ghiradelli caramel sauce. 

salted caramel whiskey-spiked cider

We also borrowed a second fire pit to spread the warmth. Guests grilled their hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire, but I kicked the experience up a notch. I had a S’mores Station, where ingredients were encased in elegant glass, preventing guests from having to fumble with packaging.

We created a hot dog toppings bar, with ingredients that ranged from the expected (grilled onions, Sri Racha, homemade chili), to the adventurous (cranberry chutney, pineapple, homemade habanero sauce).

endless toppings for the hot dogs

And I can’t resist adding an activity or station, so I created a “Happy Fall, Y’all! photo wall, complete with furniture, pumpkins, colored leaves and stringed lights. 

Ryan scores the epic photo of the night

Though the kids enjoyed the outdoor ball pit, hammock, tree swing and toys, the night marched on and the air got chilly. I called to the kids out back that we would play a Christmas movie in the living room. They tore across the yard and fell stone silent in front of Stick Man, curling up on the furniture.Ā 

a nod to Anchorman’s Ron Burgundy, guests cozied up in fresh blankets

As the crowds dwindled, so did the fire. The last few friends wandered into the living room, and the conversations went deeper. Bonfires are great because they can be woven in between major holidays, like Halloween or Christmas. Plus. people have to cook their own dinner (hot dogs) and dessert (s’mores). But then you reward them with an elaborate topping bar because the late and great Nora Ephron is still in your head reminding you that people love to play with their food. Almost as much as you love to serve it to them.Ā 

Happy holidays.

Without the 3 on the right: Xenia, Sylvester & Nabeela, I’d have been in the kitchen all night
no matter the party, the kitchen gets cowded
devil is in the detail (or tangled in our grape vines)

RVA Fashion Week – Glam that Gives Back

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As the city lights twinkled below us, we were on top of the world for RVA Fashion Week. City Hall’s Observation Deck was packed with Richmond’s fashion luminaries, models and chic vendors. Before the show we sipped Belle Isle MoonshineĀ cocktails and perused the tables, laden with handmade jewelry, men’s ties repurposed from vintage clothing and more.

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KIKA MUFFS – upscale muffs. IG: @kikamuffs

The show itself was modern, with street style and high-end sportswear (which people have dubbed the “new street style”). It was also modern in its diversity, with models of all shapes, sizes and color, taking style from the esoteric to the accessible. India Laposh was a standout, as was Destiny Howard.

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RVA Fashion Week joined forces with Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond, Inc., whom have launched the initiative “Create a Home for Our Heroes.” This initiative provides temporary housing for homeless and disabled veterans as they transition back to civilian life. NSHR also rehabilitates blighted buildings for veterans, which beautifies the city and improves neighborhoods, doubling down on the positive effects.

Liberatus Jewelry (pictured above) features versatile, one-of-a-kind pieces by Ginny Crane. John Crutchfield, the psychedelic rockabilly artist was holding court with his brass and fiberglass pieces, inspired by pop culture and art deco. His creations can be found at Artemis Gallery.Ā Marla ReneĀ was on site, allowing guests to sample her luxurious skin care line.

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Happy Haven provided gorgeous hand-beaded pieces, leather cuffs and statement accessories. Miranda Classic Ties brought preppy chic to the event, with ties and accessories meant for the modern Southern gentleman, and accessories for the ladies too. Always ahead of the curve, they repurposed vintage textiles and clothes for these stand-out pieces.Ā Nina ZabalĀ (pictured below) featured avant garde geometric pieces reminiscent of Catherine O’Hara in Beetlejuice.

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In all, it was a night that inspired. I was inspired to take fashion risks, dig deeper into some of the arts and culture I was exposed to, and it inspired me to give back to this wonderful city, just like RVA Fashion Week did.

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John teal Crutchfield