In a previous post, I mentioned that I was participating in a wonderful event here in Chicago called the Leading Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show in order to help raise money for a Mother’s Day Makeover Event sponsored by A Better Day With Julie and the Daisie Foundation. I’m so happy to report that it was a fantastic event and we successfully raised enough funds and support to provide Mother’s Day Makeovers to over 150 moms in Chicago!

The Derby Day – themed Leading Ladies Luncheon and fashion show was an absolute delight to be a part of! The hats — omg THE HATS! Everyone was dressed to the nines and looked fantastic! And hats came in every shape and size. My southern, dress-wearing, fancy party-loving self had a ball!

The event was held at Chez event space in downtown Chicago. It was such a light and airy space — and when decked out in pink tablecloths and beautiful flower arrangements, it was a spring-time heaven!

Julie Hightower from A Better Day With Julie is one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met. She spearheaded this effort and because of her hard work, and the generosity of so many sponsors and supporters, we were able to bless so many women with makeovers.

I was overwhelmed at the way she pulled together this event and had so many wonderful, empowering women show up!

Michelle Relerford, Weekend Anchor for NBC 5 Chicago News was a wonderful host, and Lourdes Duarte, WGN Morning News Anchor, graciously hosted our fashion show. Dr. Jeannine Turner, reminded us of the importance of knowing our health numbers and avoiding heart disease; while Katy Lynch, Former CEO of Techweek, shared her entrepreneurial story and inspired us to tackle our goals, no matter how big they seem. We also heard from Bela Gandhi about dating in this modern age and Dress For Success representative Wendy Wilkins.

Everything was amazing — from the derby-inspired drinks, to the food (loved that mac and cheese!) to the desserts (they better have those bourbon chocolate brownies in heaven!) that were catered by Beyond Events Chicago Catering — this party was rockin’!

Spotted: Dani from Once Upon A Dollhouse. Thanks for coming to support the event!!! xoxoxoxo

We came dressed in derby attire, and this yellow and white ensemble just screamed Kentucky Derby to me!

We are waiting for the show to begin! Michelle Swoons did my makeup — which was absolutely FLAWLESS!!! 

And of course…we had a fashion show! I love that it was so size inclusive, and Lane Bryant was one of the main sponsors of the event! Lane Bryant sponsored a 5 looks for the fashion show, and donated dozens of additional dresses for the makeover Mother’s Day effort.

That’s ME, WERKIN’ that runway!!! And here are my other gorgeous Lane Bryant repping babes!

I can’t forget to mention our segment’s stylist, Dafna Tal Thomas from Look and Feel Sensational by Dafna (IG: sensationbydafna8  @dafna_talthomas), who worked with each of us and Lane Bryant to put together the perfect spring, derby-worthy look for the runway!

It was one of the best events I’ve attended, and I can’t wait to do it again next year! Thank you to everyone who came and supported the Leading Ladies Luncheon!