Honorary Model for Shop. Sell. Strut! Season 2

On June 9, 2018, I was given the thrill of being the Honorary Model for Shop. Sell. Strut! Season 2, held at Pure Event Space in South Amboy, NJ. Shop. Sell. Strut! is the fundraising event created by founders Alyssa Lego and Amanda Witkowski to raise money and awareness for autism-related causes. This year’s event raised money for the Morgan, Marie, Michael Foundation, and their iCan iPad Learning Experience Gift Program.

Shop. Sell. Strut! features fashion shows as part of an afternoon of fun, vendors, a silent auction, and entertainment. I had the pleasure of walking in three of the runway shows, as well as participating in the opening number and closing presentation. I was also thrilled and surprised to receive my very own pageant crown by Alyssa and Amanda as a thank you for all of my work on behalf of Shop. Sell. Strut! Perhaps my most important role for the evening was a speech that I gave talking about the important mission that drew everyone together. You can read the text of the speech on this post I published on LinkedIn.

Before I show off the great photos from this amazing afternoon, I want to take a moment to thank Alyssa and Amanda, as well as Dawn Lego, Maria Witkowski, the members of the event committee, and the volunteers, for giving me this wonderful honor and coming together to raise money for this important cause.

My opening look, that I wore when welcoming guests to the venue, was from Bebe. Bebe loved the look so much that they made me one of their #bebebabe Women of the Week for June 15, 2018 on Instagram.

The lovely Amanda Witkowski and I are comparing fascinators before the show begins. Amanda is a world-class figure skater, who is going to be a pediatrician, in addition to her modeling and fashion merchandising. A truly multi-faceted and talented young woman.

There aren’t enough words to describe my feelings for the brilliant and beautiful Alyssa Lego. She has founded several charities, a fashion line, and a fundraising organization. Plus, she is an inspirational speaker, pageant queen, tap dancer, as well as a writer. She’s also getting ready to debut her own radio show. She inspires the heck out of me and it’s always so much fun when we get together.

Me and Dawn Lego, who did so much behind the scenes to make things happen. Thank you so much, Dawn, for letting me part of this experience.

My next look for the evening was this custom couture gown from one of my favorite designers, John Leon. This stunning pink outfit was designed specifically for Shop. Sell. Strut! and I loved the chance to represent a good friend and fabulous designer on stage.

My view from the stage a few moments before the opening number kicked off.

Front and center giving my speech about the mission of Shop. Sell. Strut!

One of my runway looks, from Mona’s Boutique & Tailoring. I loved working with Mona and her boutique is a perfect stop for weddings, proms and other formal attire.

I especially enjoyed strutting the runway in this outfit from Brand A. It’s called the Myra, and it’s named after me! Brand A is the fashion line created by Alyssa and Amanda and this runway show was the line’s debut.

The fashion was international! This was my first time wearing a traditional Indian saree. This beautiful and elegant outfit is golden, with the Shop. Sell. Strut! colors of fuchsia and mango. The jewelry was amazing and I felt so beautiful and special wearing it. This was one of the highlights of the show.

My own pageant crown! I was so surprised and happy to receive this special gift from wonderful people.

My final look is a second stunning custom couture gown from John Leon. The pageant crown is the perfect accessory, don’t you think?

With designer and blogger Ava Holly Lewis-Korth.

Me and media personality Shefik, who was the co-host of the afternoon.

When I wore my Brand A look on the runway, it included an amazing piece of jewelry from Kellene Kulas.

Bebe’s New Manhattan Store Grand Opening Party

Anyone who’s followed my social media for a while knows that I love Bebe. I was so sad when they announced last year that they were closing all of their stores and going online only. I actually worked for Bebe a while back, and have lots of friends there, not to mention closets full of their clothes!

I was super excited when my new friend Christine told me she was working at the new Bebe location in Manhattan and invited me to the exclusive grand opening party! New Bebe stores! I’m told they are going to have fewer stores in more upscale, exclusive locations and will be rolling them out slowly across the country. The store at 34th and 5th (1 West 34th Street, New York, NY) is wonderful and I’m so happy that I can shop at Bebe stores again! I hope this flagship store is huge hit and leads to great things for the new Bebe brand! Stop by and say hi to Christine!

The invite-only grand opening party was held on March 15, and featured a dope DJ, lots of bling, new Bebe styles, photographers, videographers, VIP guests, drinks by Sparkling Nuvo, and lots of fashionable people hanging out and having fun.

Loved the beats laid down by DJ Vashtie Kola, who kept things moving all night on the 1s and 2s. Downtown’s Sweetheart is not only a musician, but a director, designer, and model. It was a pleasure to meet her and everyone should follow her on Instagram @vashtie.

The very special guest for the night was Jasmine Sanders (a/k/a Golden Barbie), the face of Bebe’s latest campaign. She’s an accomplished model and actor, who’s become a viral Instagram star with over 2.8 million followers. I loved meeting her and her photos for Bebe are amazing. It was also fun standing and talking with her while her video was playing on the big screen. Go follow her on Instagram at @golden_barbie.

I want this jacket so bad!

Me and Christine at the party!

I’m a #bebebabe!

First Day At My New Job!

A new opportunity has come into my life. I am really excited to be working with this great company and making a contribution. I am so happy to have the new position and be part of a dynamic executive team.

I started my new job today with a new outfit of the day, natch! It is important to dress for success. It helps me feel good and be more productive every day.

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Wearing this striking top in a unique gingham block check. Faux leather inset waist adds an edgy, downtown touch.

Gingham Block Racer Top by bebe

Gingham Blocked Pencil Skirt by bebe

Flawlessly fabulous pencil skirt in a bold gingham block check. Clean shaped waist and lean silhouette add uptown polish.

Final Touches Before New York Fashion Week

Getting some final touches before New York Fashion Week!

New Christian Louboutin shoes!

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Along with some new Christian Louboutin red nail polish! How cool is the black stiletto packaging?

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A new clutch from TOUS (love the animal print!)

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And a beautiful teddy bear logo TOUS bracelet.

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Bebe Going To Brooklyn

I love this idyllic blouse! It is so right-now with a chic folkloric print mix, delicate filet crochet accenting and dreamy trumpet sleeves. Empire design and hi-lo hem finish the look. Back stretch waist. Hidden side zip closure. Partially lined.

Fanciful crepe de chine shorts in an exotic tapestry print, featuring complementary-hued underlining that accents leg hems. Stretch-smock waist.

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Glam Night Out

What a special find at my most recent trip to bebe.

Hi-Lo Surplice Top – Style # 252861 by bebe.

Macrame Detail Midi Skirt – Style # 249365 by bebe.

Accessories by bebe.

Jacie Shoe by Sole Society.

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Excited to purchase my first custom skirt from my favorite New Jersey fashion designer Robert Greco. Stop by his boutique in Montclair for really special pieces.

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This skirt is toooooo cute!

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I can’t wait to wear my designer skirt at Robert Greco’s next fashion event.

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