Austin Fashion Week starts this Saturday

It's hard to believe it's already that time again! Austin Fashion Week starts in just two days! I went to a lot of event last year, but Adored Austin was just a little baby, and I was still shy about telling people about my site. This year is a whole new ballgame. Austin Fashion Week is back and bigger than ever, and I'll be covering events for Adored Austin and Do512.com.

VOTING
You can vote for your favorite retailer, salon & spa, designer, photographer, hair stylist, makeup artist, model, and mash-up team by going here. You don't have to live in Austin to vote, and you don't have to register or give up any of your personal information to cast your vote, either. Easy! Award winners will be announced at next Saturday's Austin Fashion Week awards show. Several of my friends are up for awards, and I'd love to see them win!

EVENTS
There are TONS. You can literally fill every night with fun things to do. And the good news? Most of the Monday- Friday events are free and offer free drinks and free foodstuffs! Check out the full schedule here.

These are the events I know for sure I'll be attending:
1. This Saturday: Kick-off Party. 6 p.m. GSD&M Idea City.
Cynthia Vincent on the runway and 80's pop icon Tiffany on the stage? I'm so there, and I really hope Tiffany sings "I Think We're Alone Now". I may even bring my hairbrush and sing along so I can reimagine my entire second grade existence.
Tickets: $75 (save $10 with promo code NEWS8)

2. Sunday, August 15th. Keep Austin Beautiful. 2 p.m. AMOA.
Recycled fashion at Austin's Museum of Art.
Tickets: $10 but SOLD OUT (I missed my opportunity to get tickets, too!) but not to fret, there's a free after party at The Marq (422 Congress Ave) at 3:30 p.m. All the models and designers will be there, mixing and mingling.

3. Sunday, August 15th. Fashion's Most Wanted. 8 p.m. The Belmont.
Put on by renowned model Brianna Fleet and designer Amanda Fey, this is going to be a fancy, red-carpet affair with high production value and good, live music.
Tickets: $7 - $40

4. Saturday, August 22nd: Austin Fashion Week Awards Show. 5:30 p.m. The Long Center.
This is pretty much the academy awards for local fashion 'round these parts. Golden Boot trophies become next year's bragging rights, and the show is chop-full of acceptance speeches, live music, runway offerings, and glamor and glitz. This event benefits Dress For Success and Austin Involved.
Tickets: $30- $60 (save $10 with promo code NEWS8).

I also plan to be at:
Girls Night Out. Fashion Wonderland. Eye Candy Photography Cocktail Party. Garden of Style on Second. Fashion with Compassion.

Per your advice, I did end up purchasing the Demeter Maxi dress from ModCloth to wear to the awards show next Saturday. I also got a sassy leopard print frock from Motherhood Maternity to wear this Saturday. I just need to round up another dress for Sunday, and I'll feel like I'm good to go!

I'll be flying solo to these events as Hubs tries to finish the rest of our home renovations. Let me know if you plan on being at any of the Austin Fashion Week events! I'd love to meet up with you and hang out with you. We can even belt out some Tiffany tunes together at the top of our lungs!