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So there I was with my friend attempting to zip me into a dress that was admittedly a little on the snug size.  When the zipper suddenly stopped and felt like it might completely refuse to go up any farther, I held my breath and just said a little prayer to the fashion gods.

About a week ago I had the pleasure of being a judge for something called the “Black and Tan” fashion show, a fashion design challenge that took place during the beginning of Austin Fashion Week.  The dress I chose, and the one which ended up winning the challenge, was designed by local Austin designer Amanda Yilmaz.  I am so happy that the fashion challenge introduced me to her, because her work is beautiful.  Amanda graciously let me pretend to be important for a night, and I wore her fancy red carpet worthy black lace gown to the Austin Fashion Week Awards last weekend.  I lost count of how many compliments I received, and I was so happy to be able to introduce so many people to this lesser known Austin designer.  It’s time for Austin to know about Amanda!  I mean, just take a look at this other total couture gown she has made… pretty fantastic, no?

The cream cheese icing on top of the red velvet cake (my favorite kind of cake) was that I also got the star treatment at Mirror Mirror salon before the Awards. Martha Lynn hooked me up with a fabulous faux bob, and I got some art deco fancy nail work done by Jen.  I absolutely loved my look for the night, regardless of the fact that I realized once already in the bathroom that I wouldn’t be able to actually go to the bathroom without having a friend escort me into the stall to help me get out of the dress (and then back into it.)  It was definitely a red carpet night.

What do you think of my red carpet outfit?

 

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish