It can be easy to get caught up in all the glitz and glamour associated with the fashion world and lose sight of the true meaning of community…which is helping each other and supporting those less fortunate than ourselves when we are able. That’s why I was thrilled when Cha’rron of CChicChicago invited me to the Fashion for A Cause event last week to honor the Maryville Crisis Nursery.

The Maryville Crisis Nursery provides short term care for children who are experiencing a severe disruptive crisis in their family and/or are challenged with an urgent family matter.

It is so important to give back to organizations like this one that do so much good! The Fashion for a Cause event brought together artists, designers, jewelry designers, and leaders in the fashion community to raise money for the Maryville Crisis Nursery. It was a fantastic event and celebrated fashion and the true meaning of the word “community.”

Here’s a few pictures from this fantastic event.

This “Empress Gown” by Oscar’s Design Challenge 2011 Winner Borris Powell was auctioned off during the event and the proceeds (or a portion of them) goes to Maryville Crisis Nursery.

The Foundation Room at the House of Blues was an unbelievably luxe and detailed Indian-themed palace. It was a sumptuous backdrop for the night’s festivities.

What an amazing night…for such a worthy cause! I’ll definitely attend more of these events in the future.

OK, apparently there are no Zebras in the Sahara…but a girl can dream, right??? This outfit is one of my favorites. It was an experiment at first, and when I walked in front of my mirror, I was like, “YES!” and gave myself a high five. lol. I debuted it at the Chicago Fashion Connect February Mixer, and I got a ton of compliments on it! It’s definitely not a run-of-the-mill outfit…and I felt strong and confident and pretty in it. 🙂

I ordered this fab Zebra print shrug from LucieLu (it’s still available on their website!), and wore it with a black tank from Lane Bryant with a rust/sandy colored skirt from Old Navy. My jewelry is from all over…the necklace is from Dots (if you can believe it!). I can’t remember where I bought the gold bangle bracelets or the earrings…but the bigger gold bracelet is from the Ravenswood Antique Mart, as is the rhinestone ring. And the stone bracelet was a gift from my sis Julie. 🙂

Of course, this shrug would spice up an all black outfit too…but I think it’s so much more unexpected and fun to wear it with a bright, colorful skirt!

Hope you love this one as much as I do! 🙂

I’ve become a regular at the mixers put on by Chicago Fashion Connect, and at every event, I meet more amazing, talented gorgeous people in the fashion industry in Chicago!

No, I don’t wear glasses, but I this outfit made me feel all academic and librarian-ish, so I decided to go along with the theme and pull out some old black frames.

Remember years and years ago when most plus-size clothes consisted of flowy semi-sheer tops that you would pair with a tank? Well, this is one of them…it’s from Lane Bryant circa 2000! It’s the old LB Venezia line. Remember that?!? Well, I keep things FOREVER and am not a fan of the whole “if you haven’t worn it in a year, throw it out” theory. I just stick things away in suitcases and rediscover them years later! The sweater that I pulled over the top is also over 8 years old, from Old Navy! I added a short black skirt from Forever 21, some black tights and low heels…and of course the glasses…and thus, my librarian chic look was born. 🙂

Now…pardon me, while I get back to my fine, high-brow reading material, Buckhorn Rising. 🙂

What? Doesn’t everyone wear zebra print skirts to construction sites? And who doesn’t use plastic sheeting as a backdrop to strike a pose??

Animal Print Skirt and black tights: Lane Bryant, Black Cowl-neck Sweater: Sushi Flowers via TJ Maxx, Obi Belt: Forever 21, Black Heels: Sofft, Brass Metal necklace: Dots

“What exactly do you expect me to do with this broom?”

“Give me something to caulk. I’m a caulking queen!”

“My work here is done.”

This Lane Bryant zebra print skirt is bold enough to carry the whole outfit, so I recommend going neutral above and below it. The skirt is soft, warm, and has a nice faux wrap/tulip hemline, and the details are meant to be shown off. Leaving a top loose over it does not do it justice, so go ahead and tuck in the top (here I’m wearing a light cowl-neck sweater), and add a belt to the wide waistband. Add some big jewelry and presto, you have an outfit that makes you feel like striking a pose…even in a construction zone. lol.