This Thursday, Dress For Success Memphis hosts their Little Black Dress Event at Lexus of Memphis (2600 Ridgeway Road). An annual event benefiting the local chapter (proceeds go towards providing assistance to disadvantaged women trying to enter the workforce), the Little Black Dress Event is a fun night of music, food, charity, and my favorite, fashion!
Andrea Fenise, a dear friend, stylist, and mutual fashion fiend, is coordinating the fashion show portion of the event. She gave us a little info on the night’s festivities, her involvement with Dress For Success, and how she rocks her LBD.
Give us a little insight about The Little Black Dress Event.
The Little Black Dress Event is a night of fashion, entertainment, wine tasting, and silent auction. The event is a one-part campaign to raise awareness and funds for Dress for Success Memphis.
How did you become involved?
I became involved as the fashion stylist for the event through my involvement and relationship with the organization and Ms. Susan Kyles, the Executive Director of the organization locally. I covered the event last year and really enjoyed myself. Ms. Kyles called me and asked to partner and I instantly said yes because Dress for Success is such a phenomenal organization.
You’re also the Ambassador of the Say Y.E.S. campaign. Can you tell us a little about the campaign and what your role entails?
I partnered with Dress for Success to launch Y.E.S. which is an auxiliary program designed for Young Executives for Success to host networking and fundraising events for Dress for Success Memphis.
This is not your first time producing a fashion show; what’s something that people may not know about the process?
No actually it’s not. I started in the (fashion) industry by producing fashion shows with a good friend of mine, Alexis Moore who will be modeling in the LBD event…
Something people may not know but should know is that it’s a lot of work and planning. Those 15 minutes are a sigh of relief for weeks of planning and preparation. Production has so many aspects so you have to be willing to work hard to execute a great show.
How many looks will you be displaying during the fashion show?
We will be showcasing 10-20 looks.
Can you name any of the boutiques you did pulls from?
Yes: Josephs, James Davis, Charm Boutique (an upscale consignment boutique), K’PreSha, Strut and Runway, Peria, and we also have some fabulous vintage pieces.
As a stylist, you know the importance of having a LBD in your closet. For those that may need a little help when shopping for one, can you recommend a universally flattering style?
The LBD is one of the most essential pieces in your wardrobe. I think the most universally flattering style would have to be an empire waist LBD; it’s flattering on petite women, curvaceous, and by far the best fit even for pregnant women.
Personal style question: how would you accessorize your LBD?
I am definitely an accessory girl and my favorite accessory is a gorgeous shoe and unique earrings. So, I would have a very edgy and eye catching shoe-the higher the heel the better-to pair with a simple LBD and an eclectic pair of earrings.
Where can people learn more about the event and DFS?
To learn more about the event, visit dfsmemphis.org/memphis
Where can people learn more about you?
Visit my blog http://www.andreafenise.com and follow me on Twitter @AStyleJunkie
Tickets for the Little Black Dress Event are $50; to purchase, click here.
Will you be attending? How do you wear your LBD? Let us know!