By TAYLOR RAO
[email protected]
It’s about time the Capital District started taking fashion seriously, and luckily I’m not the only one involved in the pursuit of a more fashion-forward 518. On Saturday, Sept. 28, Mike Schinnerer Creative Services and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region present Stitched: The Capital’s Fashion Experience, a fashion show featuring 16 designers, 120 models and a ton of creative talent.
As the resident fashionista (AKA, buttonista) at the company I co-founded, Two Buttons Deep, I’d be happy to tell you the proper next step after purchasing your tickets for this one-of-a-kind event at the Times Union Center. Hint: it also has to do with fashion — it’s time to pick out an outfit.
What does one wear to the most fashion-focused event to ever happen in this area? To put it simply, something fabulous. And if following the latest trends isn’t your thing, that’s no excuse. I’ve got your back.
This event will take place during the prime fall season, so I’d start your search by taking a walk through some local boutiques and shopping malls to get inspired. My favorites? ZARA at Crossgates Mall (they have a great men, women and children’s section), or Circles Shop in Stuyvesant Plaza for the ladies, or Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel for the guys. Many stores have started filtering in some of the most loved looks from the runway at New York Fashion Week — adapted to an affordable, fast fashion price point, of course.
This fall we’re seeing some amazing, unique color trends for both men and women, including shades of orange as well as deep green tones, like emerald or forest. I’ve always been a huge fan of color blocking — where you take one color and incorporate it throughout your entire look, and I bet the Stitched team would approve of that, too.
Once you’ve got your color palette, I recommend playing up your layers — quilted coats, colored denim or corduroy, and a tasteful touch of faux fur will all play well for you this fall. Coats and jackets are one of the best ways to take your outfit to the next level without fully committing to that look for an entire night.
For the ladies, I’d accessorize with gold jewelry for a warmer look, and listen — feel free to channel your 90s vibe and throw some gold or pearl barrettes in your hair while they’re having their back-in-style moment. Guys, you can use this opportunity to break in your new fall desert or Chelsea boots and take advantage of being able to wear them before there’s snow on the streets of downtown Albany.
A fashion show is an expression of creativity, from the designers to the models, to the hosts and DJs, to the people in attendance. It’s not often you get to be in a room filled with so many inspiring and non-judgemental people. That’s right — this is a safe space where almost any fashion choice will be appreciated, not criticized. As long as it’s thoughtful, you really can’t go wrong.
Taylor Rao is co-founder and personality on the online pop culture website Two Buttons Deep. As a writer, her work has appeared in the Times Union. Rao also serves on the Stitched advisory board.
