This past Saturday may have been the most stylish Saturday I have ever experienced in my entire life. Top to bottom, every minute, every hour was full of fashion, beauty, and the best people. If you were under the impression that I just waltzed up to the San Antonio Fashion Awards having just showered and walked out the door though, you are sadly mistaken. It took a whole team to get me ready, and I have so many people to thank! First off, the incredibly talented Yvonne at Hair and Makeup Couture hosted us at her salon to begin our transformations. She brought in her glam squad, Tori brought wine, and it was a party.
I told them my vision for hair and beauty, and they absolutely nailed it. Even when I told them my hair ALWAYS falls flat when I try updos, they promised me I would have nothing to worry about. And they were right! If anything I think my hair kept getting bigger as the night went on! Good thing it was a Texas event where they say, “the higher the hair, the closer to God.” Seriously though, Yvonne and Callie perfectly executed the look I was going for, and if you need a hairstylist or a makeup artist for your next event I can’t sing their praises enough. Find more about them on their Facebook and Instagram.
The biggest question mark in my entire outfit was how the birdcage veil would end up working with my hair. We waited until the very last minute to put it on, but I’m so happy with how it turned out! As I kept telling everyone throughout the night, how many chances do you get in life to wear something extravagant and a little out there? You have to take advantage when these moments arise! Huge thanks to Staci Rizner Costume Design for creating exactly the veil I was searching for. I literally called her on Tuesday in a state of desperation and she said she would not only make it for me, she would deliver it to my house! Staci even positioned the crystals to mimic the gradient beading of my dress! I believe this would be an appropriate time to say, “I can’t even.” Right?! 😉 You can also find more of Staci’s work on her Instagram here.
After we wrapped at Hair and Makeup Couture, it only took us a few hours to rush home, change, and put on some final touches before we were on our way! Poor Gabrielle was stuck riding in the back with me and my enormous dress! As always, my friend Tori was an amazing hostess and offered to drive us to the Tobin, so not only did we get to spend the morning together for hair and makeup, we essentially made an entire girls’ day of the Awards! And of course when she took the award for Fashion Blogger of the Year (which we all KNEW she would) I was completely, 100% thrilled for her. How can you not be happy for a genuinely kind and giving person to take home a well-deserved recognition for a TON of hard work that only a few people see? Congratulations Tori, and all the winners for that matter, I admire you all!
The arrival at the Tobin felt a bit like we were on our way to Prom, ha! Ballet attendees were filtering around our group as we made our way to the red carpet and would offer up the occasional compliment to all of us. I kept halfway expecting an awkward teenage boy to approach and put a corsage on my wrist. Anticipation was building and I instantly started to feel my knees going a bit weak. This, however, is where all those hours of watching Oscars red carpet coverage REALLY came in handy! So there, Dad, I WAS learning something educational! 😉
Thank you to one of San Antonio’s finest photographers, Semon Tam, for capturing this moment on the red carpet! It was such a thrill to see our fashion community all out together for one fabulous night. It’s so rare that you have hair, makeup, art, blogging, retail, and media professionals all gathered for a common cause. Speaking of which, the evening benefited Zero Limits which gives scholarships to creative youth. It’s something that is near and dear to the hearts of those folks like us who are years down the road from that moment when we decided to pursue our passion. And it’s a sentiment I heard echoed in many of the acceptance speeches that night. Go for your dreams, don’t give up on what makes you happy, and never let anyone take that away from you. Bravo!
Another amazing and STUNNING friend of mine, Ria Rivers, attended the Awards in a gorgeous Angelina Mata gown and then accepted the award for Womenswear Designer of the Year on Angelina’s behalf. Ria has also just opened her own modeling school and is doing big things in the San Antonio community. You go girl, I’m behind you all the way! My dress was actually from another fab female entrepreneur in our city, Grace Garay of Gautier Dresses. Thank you for finding this Sherri Hill number for me, you guys are the best!
As the evening drew to a close, we headed to Hotel Valencia for the after party and I began to feel the mama fatigue set in. I just can’t hang like I used to! Ok, let’s be honest, I could never really hang even before I had kids. 😉 But luckily I was with a group of gals who understood and we passed around hugs before I called it a night. There is certainly a special feeling that comes over me every time I’m out and about without my little ladies. As much fun as I had being away for a little while, it never fails that when I’m home and cuddled up next to them asleep I finally feel complete. And then I woke up the next morning to this:
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who helped make this most stylish of Saturdays possible for me. I may not have won an award, but I am blessed beyond measure. I went to church that Sunday morning to hear my pastor say, “I live my life not to prove myself, but to express myself.” That summed up the entire night for me. Fashion is a form of expression, it’s how I present myself to the world. But I do it because I love it, not because I’m seeking a voice of approval. Awards are lovely, of course, but I’m happy simply sharing my perspective with the world. And I thank you all for giving me that opportunity.
XO,
A
