I love many things about Memphis but the weather is not one of them. Usually we get winter weather in January, it warms up in February and then gets cold again in March and this year is no exception – today is a cloudy day where the weather can’t decide if it should rain or not. With the funky weather and a low amount of social activities I find myself counting the days until spring and for me this year the fun and excitement of things to do begins in April and this year I’ll kick off the month with Memphis Fashion Week.
Last year I attended Memphis Fashion Week for the first time and wrote a brief post about my experience. And yes I realize my photos suck, this year I have a much better camera on my phone. Last year I attended one show and this year I have decided to spring for the VIP Package – which is a really great price IMO considering what’s included for $200 – kickoff party, preview party, two shows with a VIP lounge and front row seats and a goodie bag. I’m not saying that I’m just in it for the swag BUT last year’s VIP got a pretty sweet clutch I was very jealous of in addition to lots of other goodies so I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being a little excited to see what this year’s bag will hold.
The Friday night fashion show will feature designer collections sponsored by different stores in Memphis and the big name designer of the show will be Nicole Miller which I am very excited about! I remember Nicole Miller for her fun quirky prints in the 90s – my first NM items was a umbrella with a cats and dogs print (it’s raining cats and dogs . . . clever) and I still have a large tote with a fashion accessory print I’m going to use during the week. But since then although the designs are still fun they’ve gotten a little more sophisticated.
I’ve seen a lot of designs that indicate shoulders are the new “it” body part right now and the Nicole Miller line is certainly embracing that trend, here’s two looks from the current collection.
Sadly though, even if I wanted to spend $265 on a top these particular tops are not available in my size. But then I remembered that there’s also a line at JC Penny – Nicole by Nicole Miller. One thing I really appreciate about this department line is that it keeps similar style elements to the main collection. Here’s two tops currently available at JC Penny:
Obviously the JCP line is made of different materials and has less attention to detail but the look is very similar. At price points between $35 and $55 and size XS to XXL they are also more accessible and I plan to wear one to the Friday night show. Right now these are the two tops I like the most:
I’m really looking forward to some fashionable fun and can’t wait to see the Spring trends in person. If you’re in Memphis I hope I’ll see you there!