What to wear to Fashion Week!?!

We get this question quite often. Everyone wants to know what to wear to Fashion Week and more importantly where can you find it?

We recommend anything you feel comfortable and spectacular in; but, the lean is always towards cocktail attire for our events.

Going fancy takes some effort and sadly it is not the norm to get super dressed up in this town. But good news! If you aren't up for online shopping and road trips to the nearest shopping meccas Gainesville has a reasonable list of boutiques you should get to know.

One of them in particular is Mesh Boutique in Union Street Station downtown.

We met owner Muna Shadeed as a participant in the 2010 season, she joins us for another round this Spring. Muna gave us some great suggestions of pieces anyone can wear to GFW and beyond; because who likes forking out a ton of cash for a "one time only" dress?

She suggests this layered chiffon look; perfect for this warmer weather we're seeing. The dress is simple, but the silhouette is always stylish.

The rouching details (seen below) can cover up any "jiggly bits" you might be self conscious about. Plus the fun zebra pattern is flirty enough for evening, but not inappropriate for other occasions say...date night, brunch or a Spring/Summer wedding - we think it's a win!

Her other suggestion is this haltered, jeweled, lace number (you can see the detail in the top photo). This look is really effortless: the jeweled neckline eliminates dressing up that area, thicker black lace keeps it from being too sugary sweet. Pair with something sparkly on the feet and a great clutch (why not a bold red lip) and you're done!

Hope this gives you first-timers some direction. Check out this video on Muna and her store Mesh from our pals at CMC Apartments and catch them on the GFW runway Thursday April 7th at Villa East.

Designer Update: Calzatura

Simply described they are chic, unique and affordable and will also be showing in Thursday night's fashion show line-up.

After being in business for 10 years, Calzatura knows how to cater to its clients who are mostly students and young adults.  And what makes it so different is its limited pieces.

"We are known for carrying, on average, no more than three of each style," Robert said. " This is what makes it unique. Nobody wants to be caught wearing the same outfit."

Even though its clothing are inspired by L.A. and New York, the majority is taken from the nearest hot spot.

"Most of our styles have a Miami flare-- sexy, but not distasteful, very light and always fun colors and prints," Robert said.

To visit their boutique check visit them at 201 SE 2nd Place  Suite 109  Gainesville, FL 32608.  And for more details on their pieces give them a call at 352.336.7463.

Or check them out on Facebook.

Hours of Operation

Tues.-Thurs. noon- 9 p.m.

Fri-Sat. noon- 10 p.m.

Sun. noon-5p.m.

Sponsor Update: Mesh Boutique

Mesh Boutique offers apparel that is on the edge of the fashion forefront; a women's collection designed for the stylish, trendsetting woman. Pure allure is incorporated into everyday fashions with versatile selections that range from intricately detailed tops to luxury denim to glamourous party dresses! The collection offers a variety of mix-and-match pieces and brands that mesh together to create the perfect ensemble that will take you from morning brunch to cocktail hour in nothing but style. In addition to apparel, the boutique also offers accessories enriched with eye-catching crystals and gorgeous handbags that will compliment any outfit du jour or evening wear. Our key element at Mesh Boutique is to ensure our clientele create, set (and upkeep) stunning trends - not follow them!

Designer Spotlight: Wolfgang

More than a boutique, they create unique pieces too. They'll be showing pieces from their Spring/Summer 2010 collection on April 8th. Can't wait to see what will be strutting across that runway!

Since opening in 2007, Wolfgang has strived to provide the Gainesville community with the most unique collection of clothing possible.  As one of the few local, upscale clothing boutiques, Wolfgang caters to their customers’ every need. They believe if you shop in a specialty boutique, you should be treated EXTRA special and it should be an experience. The shop's design layout, music, lights and staff all play a part in creating an atmosphere unparallel to any other store in the city.  

Wolfgang has become a lifestyle for many; participating in charity events, throwing biweekly cocktail parties and hosting fashion and art shows. Most recently they have collaborated with Internet music engine Grooveshark (also based in Gainesville) in Modern Amusement Promotions, which takes Wolfgang into the Gainesville nightlife; creating weekly events and bringing in progressive musical acts from around the country.   

Wolfgang carries a national array of brands such as: Cheap Monday, Kid Dangerous, Ben Sherman, Nudie, Levis, French Connection, Corey Lynn Calter, Monserat de Luca, Insight, and Pleasure Doing Business. One can always be intrigued by the constantly changing array of clothing – even if on a budget.  

Drop by their store at 1127 W. University Ave, or find them on Facebook.