When I travel to New York Fashion Week folks automatically think I am dressed to the nines, attending shows and hob-nobbing with who knows who.  That is far from reality as I am mostly hauling around camera equipment with my hair in a ponytail and running to shows in flats.  It’s really all about comfort and function.

But for one day during Fashion Week  I wanted to break out my of casual attire and get dressed up and walk the grounds of Lincoln Center in something that would turn heads.   This look had to be really something special for my dream to come true.  Wouldn’t it be great to strut my stuff from Austin designers?!!

Well, a few weeks ago I attended the grand opening of Design Lab.  It is a boutique located at the Oasis and stocks merchandise from local designers.  One of the designers who shows there is Daniel Esquivel.  A final four designer from the popular Project Runway Season 11 show and  Project Runway All-Stars.  Little did I know after being at the end of the runway at the final taping of his season at Fashion Week we would become such good  friends.

I was busy snapping pictures at the grand opening party and there on a rack was a black skirt with beautiful round leather-like cutouts. It stopped me in my tracks.   So much texture was on this skirt I couldn’t help myself but touch it.  I rarely get so excited over a piece and I said to myself I will do whatever it takes to wear it.

Daniel approached me and said, “don’t you just love it?”  I said I had to have it and wondered if could we work together so I could wear it to Fashion Week and prance around the Tents and at Lincoln Center for a photo shoot for my Fashionably Cheryl blog and share on Fashionably Austin. “Why of course!”,  replied Daniel.

I have never had a custom garment made for me before so I knew I  was in for a real fashion experience…a fashion dream or fairy tale.   Daniel did the first fitting and he made some adjustments, then on the second fitting he made sure the hip placement was perfect and the waist was fine.  Before I knew it I was picking up my custom skirt to be packed for my trip to New York.  I found the perfect shoes and a jacket that would also work to complete the look.  Almost done!

Making the first cut

Jamie Pope of Liz James Designs was so gracious to lend me some beautiful jewelry.  Daniel made some recommendations and we agreed on the earrings, bracelet and necklace.  I felt like Cinderella getting ready for the ball!

It was finally the day to wear the skirt and now what to do with my hair?  Thankfully the Tresemme Hair Team was styling in the Tents and  Tonya created the most beautiful updo to compliment my look…totally gorgeous!!

Gregg and I shot the pictures you see in this post at Lincoln Center amongst the most fashionably dressed and then we all headed to the party across the street to the Empire Hotel rooftop to see Austin designer Isabella Rose Taylor at her VIP reception.

After the party I thought, you can’t end the night all dressed up in New York  by going back home, so we celebrated Fashion Week with an amazing Italian dinner and then headed home.

My Cinderella day at Fashion Week had come to an end and it was back to jeans and a pony tail.  Thank you Daniel for being my fashion prince charming and Jamie Pope for being my fairy jewelry godmother and for Retreat Nail Bar & Beauty on the Go.  Who says fashion fairy tales don’t come true…Austin Style!!

With Daniel Esquivel

Black Skirt ~ Daniel Esquivel
Shoes ~ Nine West – DSW
Black & Leather Jacket – Stein Mart
Bracelet/Earrings/Necklace – Liz James Designs
Black Tank – TJ Maxx
Nails ~ Retreat Nail Salon
Make up ~ Beauty on the Go
Black Clutch ~ TJ Maxx

| Category: Fashionably Cheryl |