Let's Party

So I turned 20 recently. Well, almost a month ago and it was great! I got to go see my boyfriend, Jon, for the weekend. It was quite the birthday. He did everything he could to make my time there very special.

1. He baked me a cake. Not just a box cake. A cake from SCRATCH and that's pretty impressive. Not only did he bake me a cake, he also decorated it.

2. We went swimming with manatees! That was quite the experience. Manatees happen to be rather large.

Aren't goggles just so attractive?

3. He was so sweet and made me delicious dinners and made the whole weekend wonderful. Turning 20  was definitely memorable. I had a blast.

I really like this guy! He's pretty sweet!

A Backstage Pass

Now that I've shown off the collection, it's time to talk about the show. I don't think I've ever experienced more stress in my life then a few days before the show as I was finishing up all the last details, fitting models, and pulling everything together. I took every opportunity to sew as you can see in the picture below:

I never imagined I'd be lugging a heavy sewing machine around school and sewing at the booth in the cafeteria for everyone to stare and say, "what in the world is that crazy girl doing?" I was running on pretty much no sleep and coffee was the only way I kept my eyes open. 

My collection hanging backstage

Me backstage trying not to be too stressed before the show

The day of the fashion show was very busy and it all went by in a blur. The show started. I waited nervously behind the curtains to model for my friend Dionne, and then rushed off the stage and started getting all my models changed and ready. Before I knew it, suddenly all the time had expired and I watched as my models walked out on stage. It was so cool to see the garments that I had spent hours creating come to life on the runway. All my hard work was presented before an audience and that felt like such a wonderful accomplishment and a great relief to know that I was DONE! 

This is my friend Dionne's collection. I was one of her models for the show. 

My friend Claire showing off one of my outfits

Me and my models hanging out backstage

Me and some more of my models

My friend Dionne and I. Wouldn't have made it through the show without her. 

Overall it was a great success and a wonderful and valuable experience. As much as I wanted to just pull all my hair out most of the time, I'm so happy that I was able to pull it off and present a collection in the fashion show. 

The Collection

Here is my collection just a little bit closer:

This is a maxi dress with a one shoulder flower strap. 

Close-up of the strap. I also made the earrings to go along with the collection.

This is a gray suede dress with pockets. The flower necklace is removable.

Close-up of the necklace

It's a halter jumpsuit! I loved this fabric and was so happy I could incorporate it in my collection. 

v-neck maxi. Super simple, super comfortable, super elegant.

The back

Shorts, shirt and, vest combo.

Blouse with a polka dotted wrap skirt. It ties at the side, but it's hard to tell in the picture. 

Blouse and skirt

Close up of the collar and tie on the blouse. 

I Hit the Runway

I've been designing and constructing garments for the past couple months all in preparation for a fashion show at my college: JCCC. Last night I finally put down my needle and thread to watch as my 7 look collection walked down the runway. It's an incredible feeling to see something you've spent countless hours on be shown to a whole room full of people. It's also a big sigh of relief knowing that you are done and can now move on to the next collection. I'm very proud of the collection I produced and hope you like it too. I call my collection Lauren James in honor of a dear friend of mine and my Grandpa. This collection is sophisticated, wearable, and fun. Here is a video of it: (I will be posting more about the show soon complete with pictures so you can get a closer look at the collection)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YwtOSHft1bc

Sewing the day before the show at school. Oh the life of a fashion student.