Event Review and Photos: RAW Presents Illuminaire!

Last Thursday I was asked to attend the RAW presents Illuminaire event, held at the Mercy Lounge. This was the third RAW Nashville event, but other than the original meet and greet, it was my first.

When I arrived at the event, only a half and hour late, I was shocked at the mass number of individuals flocking towards Mercy Lounge. I was flabbergasted at the individuals tail gaiting for the event. I was even more surprised at the non-cocktail attire of the people heading towards the door. It wasn't until I waited in line,  dressed to the nines and surrounded by people in band t-shirts, ill-fitting denim, and kick-your-ass boots, that I realized a Sevendust concert was taking place at the Cannery Ballroom. Needless to say, it was an interesting mix of individuals outside. 

Upon arrival to RAW, I headed up the stairs to the Mercy Lounge, and was pleasantly greeted by RAW event coordinators (all wearing adorable sparkly dresses and mile-high heels). I made my way to the back room where artists and jewelry designers were showcasing their pieces, tacked to walls and merchandised on pool tables, and met up with my friend and RAW talent, Allison McEldoon from Blue Owl Designs. She had recently finished a series of paintings centered around body image and the ideal woman. I love the colors used to express the emotions of these images, and the silhouettes of the women. 

After chatting with Allison for a while, I strolled around the room, snapping a few photos of other artists and attendees.

I loved these huge abstract paintings. How perfect for an office or accent piece in your living room!

As simplistic looking as it may be, I LOVE this orange circle painting. This would be an excellent complement to my electric blue living room walls. 

I started exploring with new settings on my fancy camera that I don't know how to use. I like the artistic look of these crisp black and white photographs. 

Making the sell...

Guests mixing it up..

I LOVED this guests outfit. The low-cut jumpsuit flatters her body and hugs all the right curves. The simplistic gold jewelry punches up the ensemble without being overbearing. How absolutely appropriate and fun!

THIS is what I'm talking about! These ladies were classy, sassy, and super sweet. I can only hope that when I'm their age I'm still attending fashion events and hanging with the best of them!

Spoken word artist/musician.

I had some clearer photos of this live art demonstration, but the dark shadows creates an eerie mood I couldn't resist. 

Crowded around the designs of Blue Owl. The creator is on the left.

I had to snap a photo of these dancers warming up!

It's a little hard to tell with the dark lighting, but this is my see-through lace American Apparel dress I love. Paired with a black bandeau bra, simple gold jewelry, and black wedges, this ensemble was especially cool for a hot Nashville night. Additionally, some girl came up to me and said, "Oh my god! I love your dress! Man, you're ballsy." I responded, "Um... thanks?"

And the fashion show starts!

 Loved these thick black heels.

I loved the dark and surprising collection of Madness Is. The fashion forward womenswear and menswear featured a color pallet of neutral blacks and whites with a few pops of grey and beige. The collection was “inspired by a mix of the Romanticism era and the 1970’s British punk movement” and in essence, “embodies a hard edge style trimmed with lace.” The designer wanted to feature clothing spotlighting chaos, destruction, and madness. Love it!

Weekend Update: Five Points Flea & Agape Glitter & Glam Fashion Show

This past weekend was filled with friends and fashion; I wish it wasn't over.


On Saturday I attended a brunch at a friends and took my first stab at baking bread. I had recently purchased a Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook and have been obsessed with trying new recipes ever since. My homemade Cranberry Cinnamon Walnut bread was a hit, and accompanied the breakfast scramble and orange-pineapple refreshments nicely.

After scarfing down a few slices of this delicious treat, I headed over to the Five Points Flea Market with a girlfriend.  The event was held both Saturday and Sunday at Billups / The Building. We arrived around 2:00 and I was a little surprised there wasn't a larger turnout. About ten or so people browsed through predominately vintage clothing racks and eyed hand-made jewelry. I'm sure there were people in and out both days, but while my friend and I were there, it was a little slow. Despite that, the beats were kickin' and the clothes adorable. I fell in love with a few dresses, but nevertheless, they weren't my size. My friend made some good scores on a few items, but we decided to head out after a half hour. Here are some of the shots I took while I was there: 

 After the Flea Market, my friend and I headed to Marshall's in an attempt to find cheap barware. While I found a great book on 114 drinks (including my favorite cocktail- the French 75, and coincidently what I order every time I hit up Bar 308), no martini glasses were found. However, I did have to snap a picture of this ridiculous looking cookbook- somehow NOT on the clearance aisle- at the discount retailer. 1996, holler! 

The night capped off with a delicious gyro and feta cheese pizza from my local mom and pop pizza store, and cracking up to Mel Brooks' classic, Blazing Saddles. 

Sunday was spent reorganizing my kitchen cabinets in anticipation of the absurd amount of barware and serving dishes I just ordered from CB2, and attending the Agape Glitter & Glam Fashion Show. 

How cool (har, har, no pun intended) is this ice sculpture?

This was the third annual Glitter & Glam: A Wine Tasting and Fashion Show for the Animals hosted by the charity animal rescue group, and the first I have been able to attend. Sure, covering a doggie couture fashion show may be a little Veronica Corningston-ish, but this event was classy, tasteful, and most importantly, for an excellent cause.

Agape Animal Rescue’s mission is to “find forever homes for rescued or displaced dogs and educate people to be responsible pet owners.” I am a HUGE animal lover (I’m going to go ahead and admit it- I’m a total cat person), so I was thrilled to attend a charity fashion event where proceeds benefit a worthy cause. Agape Animal Rescue is always looking for dedicated people to foster or adopt dogs, or volunteer or donate to the rescue. If you’re interested in fostering, but don’t have the disposable income, don’t worry- Agape Animal Rescue has you covered. You supply the love and attention to a foster dog, and the rescue provides the rest! And if you’ve got some extra cash lying around, donate to Agape- its tax deductible!

Hosted by Better Nashville’s Kacy Hagerty, Glitter & Glam featured a variety of wines, tasty hors d’oeuvres, a live and silent auction of goods worth $15,000, and fashion show. I bid on a few silent auction items, including a $100 gift certificate to Wolford tights, but was outbid on all items. I guess I should have watched those closer! I also chatted with some guests, including the whimsical doggie couture fashion designer, Tennessee-based Linda Higgins. The designer was utterly hilarious and adorable in one of those I-have-no-idea-I’m-an-absolute-riot kind of ways, and I loved her extravagant ensemble and doggie designs. Also, O’More graduate Sarah Lindsey Mallory provided the people fashion designs. Here are some of the shots of the night:

Guests at the silent auction tables:

 I loved this Anthropolgie-ish idea of turning a vintage suitcase into a luxurious pet bed:

 Doggie couture designs by Linda Higgins:

 The tasty treats provided by Bake My Day. The chocolate mint squares were melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the cupcakes were perfection:

Doggie shots:

 I was told this dog has a Facebook page.

 The nights host: Better Nashville's Kacy Hagerty:

 Silent auction painting that sold for $700 to benefit the Rescue:

 Seconds after this picture of doggie couture designer Linda Higgins was taken, she let me hold that indescribably adorable 18-week old puppy for a half hour. The thing fell asleep in my arms immediately. I died a little.

And the fashion show kicks off!

 The dog was not impressed:

 Love this shot of the crowd and it pretty much sums up the reactions throughout the fashion show:

 This dog was BOSS. Everyone had to grab shots of the dog with the most personality:

 This dog was the king of the stare-off. I think he won:

 Your eyes are not deceiving you. Yes, the dog is wearing mini sunglasses:

 End of the night:

Sunday night winded down slowly, as I caught up on bad t.v. and chilled out with a glass of wine. I don't have too much planned for the week, but am looking forward to the RAW event on Thursday night. Hope to see you there!