Carlynne Morrison Holtzinger is one busy lady. Her business card reads model, fashion designer, stylist, blogger and event planner, but she juggled a whole lot more than that in coordinating this event. She also took time for a sunrise photo shoot promo for the event covered by NW Source.
Photos by Kristina Krug
Carly is the beauty and brains behind aLive Fashion Show celebrating a couple of wonderful charitable organizations "through a FUSION of Fashion, Photography, Music, Theatre & Art" held at 415 Westlake. The venue is gorgeous and even the weather cooperated. If you haven't been to the Westlake area recently, that little neighborhood is really coming along.
Carly managed to get some pretty amazing local boutiques involved to dress the models for the fashion show and stage pop-up shops in the venue. The list of sponsors, designers, contributors and production team members is a long one, including CRAVEseattle, Dry Soda Co., kakao, E. PIKE VINTAGE, cuoco and the dahlia WORK SHOP. They all came together to help raise money and awareness for Dress for Success Seattle and the local branch of World Relief. And, of course, to throw a little fashion party.
The evening delivered on all its promises with multiple tableaus of beautiful models styled in the latest clothing and accessories, interludes of local independent music, choreographed theatrics and even artwork...
Artwork by Baidaa Weli & Pietro
The first segment of the fashion show included actual items that will be available for sale at Dress For Success Seattle's annual Closet Treasures Sale coming up in October. The models dressed each other on stage to symbolize the work that Dress for Success does every day, helping women get back on their feet and back in the workplace.
If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know how much I love, love, LOVE vintage. The second segment of the show included gorgeous party dresses and a pair of jodhpurs from E. Pike Vintage, accessorized by The Linnet Bird. Don't you just love a tableau?
That blue tulle number was so cute, I had to get a close up. The model looks like a marionette or a porcelain doll with that hat on.
Following a brief talk from Andrew Hays of World Relief who introduced the crowd to one of his organization's recent success stories, the In-Kind Donations coordinator invited all attendees to stop at their booth and learn more about what they do and how you can help. "We don't just want your money" he told the audience. I encourage you to go to their web site and find out if there's some way you can help with their efforts.
Queen Anne Dispatch is so much more than a place to ship packages. They are a full fledged boutique with gorgeous dresses and to-die-for shoes, and it just so happens you can also ship your packages. This segment of the show proves that the owner's eye for fashion is very sharp. Accessorized by Moorea Seal Jewelry.
Perhaps the most interesting pairing of the evening was the segment that included Tarboo, Inc. shirts and Baby & Co. headscarves, along with C. Mor. Threads vintage items. I've seen a lot of headscarves lately, and I'm wondering if I could pull off a look like this...
Live musical performances are not something you see at a fashion show every day, but for aLive Carly enlisted the help of local musician, Zach Fleury, to entertain the audience while the models changed into their next looks.
Carly, above, looking on as the models walk the runway. She's wearing a strapless jersey maxi dress from Queen Anne Dispatch and necklace by Pariscope Studios, and crowned with Moorea Seal's Boho Twist Headpiece.
For the last segment of the show, the models returned to the simple white undergarments they wore at the top of the show, and gathered on stage for the finale. Apparently, she didn't have enough to do, because Carly also created a finale look for herself to model incorporating her C. Mor. Threads line with items fram Nakate.
The models' hair was styled by Gene Juarez with makeup by the team at Sephora.
Handling herself like a pro, Carly joked her way through trying to keep her cue cards straight and a couple of unplanned silences, charming the crowd all evening. She then invited everyone to stay after the show for dancing and shopping.
Last but not least, a giveaway!
Since I bought a VIP ticket for the show, there was a SWAG bag of goodies waiting for me at my seat. To explain why I started buying VIP tickets - front row is much better for taking photos, and you often get in early to the venues. When it's a charitable event, it's even easier to justify. As far as why I keep buying them, well, I love getting free stuff! However, I've decided that a few items from this bag should go to someone else, so I'm going to host a little giveaway and spread the freebies all around.
Who doesn't need another pair of sunglasses? Well, since I only wear prescription sunnies these days, you get a chance to win this purple and tortoise shell pair by a A.J. Morgan, contributed by Queen Anne Dispatch.
Without fail, every time I get a pedicure, I go for one of 3 shades. It's either a deep red, brown or black on my toes. This Pink Bouquet from Sally Hansen is just too sweet for me. How about you?
The last item in the giveaway is a pair of handmade earrings by The Nakate Project. Through selling handmade products from the small African village of Kakooge, they are increasing awareness of the plight of AIDS that still impacts many people there. When I read this quote on the back of the postcard, I knew what I had to do:
"Whether you're someone who wants to buy a necklace, or you're a designer, a photographer or a woman with a book group, blog or fashion show, we're asking - where will you take Africa with you today?"
Leave a comment on this post if you'd like to enter the giveaway. I'll pick a winner on August 8th. And please spread the word about these worthwhile charitable organizations and local businesses.
