BFW was founded on the ideals of bringing unity to our community through fashion. Local and national designers, alongside local and national boutiques, will gather together to promote and inspire our rising stars. Models, make-up and hair stylists will showcase their talents on the runway, while encouraging locals and visitors to explore the creative talents of Birmingham. 

Heidi Elnora (Project Runway, season 2) and her friend Jeana Lee Fleming started Birmingham Fashion Week in 2011. Both are fashion designers with boutiques in Birmingham who thought, why can't "high fashion" have a southern spotlight?  I agree!

Last night, Mikaela and I attended the first leg of Birmingham Fashion Week.  Our local Saks Fifth Avenue sponsored an "Emerging Designers" reveal.  Here's a peek at a few of the designs that grabbed my attention:

My faux leather leggings have become a major wardrobe staple for this winter.  They keep me warm, they're black and manage to go with everything!

Today, I'm hanging in the sewing room, but I'll be under the tent on tomorrow and hopefully I'll have some great fashionable pictures to share!

• I lengthened the body of the jacket by 1 inch.
• I lengthened the sleeves by 1 inch.
• I decided to omit the inseam unusable pockets.
• I plan on trying to refine the fit of the back of the jacket, by tapering a little more at the waist.
• And I'm going to decide if I really like this two-button style or if I should modify it to a single-button closure.
• And also, I'm going to add a fourth button to the sleeve vent.  I have long arms so there's plenty of room.

My tip for not looking dated in these types of patterns (even though I think this jacket is pretty chic and timeless) is by mixing it with current styles and trends.  This way it will look modern and fresh.