When I took my seat, I was greeted with a gold cosmetic bag featuring the Macy's logo with a few Lancome samples inside. There was also a piece of paper letting us know about a website where we could post questions for Emme and answer poll questions that would happen throughout the show.
It wasn't too long before Emme appeared on the stage, wearing an Anne Klein dress that fit her body so amazingly. And those shoes! Emme was a lively presence on stage as she talked about fashion. She said that having a thirteen-year-old daughter really pushed her to get back out and reignite the discussion on diversity in fashion. She charged everyone to "Be brave and be bold".
"Show your arms!" Emme said with encouragement. Don't let sleeve options deter you from trying/wearing/rocking something you want to wear. "Let other people deal with it" - a lesson I need to keep reminding myself. Emme also reminded everyone to try things on no matter what!! Even if you think it looks shapeless on a hanger, instead of immediately writing it off - TRY IT ON! This is advice I give to my friends all the time. I cannot tell you how many times I have disliked something on the hanger only to try it on and love it. Try things on no matter what.
After some encouraging words and advice from Emme, the show began. The basic trends showcased included soft pants, moto styles, skirts, vests and cardigans, and dresses. Within these outfits, so many other trends emerged: mixing prints, patterned tights, booties, peep-toe heels and booties, ankle strap heels, lots of skinny pants and ponte knit, studded details, and interesting accessories.
I have included photos of every outfit below, as well as links to everything I could find on Macy's website after painstakingly combing through all the departments involved. I also tried on a few pieces and will feature those in a separate blog post this week.
Trend: Soft Pants
INC International Concepts Faux-Leather Trim Belted Jacket; Jessica Simpson Cayna Ankle Strap Pumps)
- The model above is the beautiful Gracey of Fashion For Giants.
Trend: Moto
- This jacket is a knit material and really, really cute in person. It is longer than most blazers and moto jackets and has the mixed prints going on with a gold zipper.
(INC International Concepts Draped Open-Knit Vest; Fossil Sydney Shopper Shoulder Bag;
- These are ponte knit pants, a great option instead of a jean. They have stretch and a nice weight that will keep you really comfortable while still providing structure and a put together look.
Trend: Skirts
(Karen Scott Plus Size Turtleneck Sweater; Betsey Johnson Blue Crab Necklace; Studio M Pencil Skirt;
- Emme supplied that a denim jacket is an important staple of any woman's wardrobe. Have them in multiple colors if at all possible!
(Grace Elements Printed Pencil Skirt; Steve Madden Raspy Platform Booties; Patricia Nash Tooled Toscano Tote)
Trend: Vests and Cardigans
- This vest was so soft; you just wanted to keep petting it. It has a pretty light marbling affect in person.
- This cardigan is found in the straight size department, which brings up another tip Emme mentioned. Don't be afraid to browse other departments for things that might work for you. Not all brands and sizes are made alike. Don't let the number on the tag keep you from finding the potential of a piece. As far as I've seen, a lot of straight size departments can go up to an XL or XXL, which usually translates to a 16/18 and sometimes up to a 20. More roomy styles will obviously have more room. So keep that in mind.
Trend: Dresses
(ABG Printed Roll-Tab-Sleeve Drawstring Shirtdress; Marc Fisher Tracey Tall Platform Wide Calf Dress Boot)
(Bar III Short-Sleeve High-Neck Tweed Flared Dress; INC International Concepts Saffi2 Bling Evening Booties)
- These shoes!! They were so incredibly sparkly on the runway and had everyone ooohing and aaahing. I kind of think they stole the show. They come in three different colors and I seriously would love to be able to walk on thin heels if only for these shoes!
After the show, everyone made their way to the Women's department for some shopping! Refreshments, like the delightful chocolate cheesecakes below, were served as people mingled and gathered items to try on. My friend Mary Jo joined me for the event, so we had an amazing time chatting and shopping together. I also met some other fantastic ladies during the event, like Toni of The Love Hanger and M'chel Bauxal. There was quite a long line for the dressing room, but from all the laughter I could tell all the ladies were having a great time. Emme was helping people shop for looks and giving them advice on silhouettes and pieces that were perfect for them.
I stayed later to try stuff on and caught Emme in action doing her own shopping. She was incredibly nice and just gorgeous in person. Most of the items she had heaped up in her arms were versatile black pieces. She joked, "Can you tell I live in New York?"
If you have the opportunity to attend an event like this at your local mall or department store, I highly recommend it! It was a fabulous evening!
What were your favorite looks from the show? What trend are you most looking forward to incorporating into your wardrobe?
I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided
me with compensation for this post about Macy's and Emme. However, all
thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.
