Imagine this:

You walk into the local grocery to pick up some necessities, run into a few people you know, and find new products you’ve never seen before. Of course, you are going to need to get food for dinner, dessert, makeup, coffee, flowers, etc. You are pushing your cart down the aisles, there is light music playing and bright lights.

Now imagine:

You walk into a party to dance to some music, see your friends, and meet some new people. Of course, you are going to go get some food and dessert, maybe a drink, and dance to the DJ\band that is playing. You walk around the party listening to loud music and bright lights.

Finally, imagine all of this combined:

A huge party that is designed like a grocery store. Learning about several different vendors, meeting a ton of new people, and dancing to the amazing music. You get handed a Pringle can with chicken tenders in it, you walk over to the pharmacy and grab a drink, and finally you go and get your makeup done by the friendliest makeup team.

This is exactly what Party Slate did.

At On The Levee, we had a full party grocery store experience. The entire experience was envisioned and created by the spectacular Macy from Social Llama Events. There was a DJ Nate Nelson playing music, and eventually the Stratosphere Band came on, to which both livened the party. Everyone was dancing and having such a fun time.

There were several different vendors providing different drinks, food, desserts, photos, flowers, and so much more! Really anything that you can think of, they had it, and they did it all in style! We, Brite Beauty, were invited to be the “beauty aisle” of the grocery store. We applied “eye-cing” (our version of the most fun glittery glamorous eyeshadow) and lovely blush to each shopper.

Each person’s reaction to their wonderfully extravagant makeup was priceless. This left them all with huge smiles on their faces and ready to go and party for the rest of the night. Party Slate did an amazing job at putting all of this together and all the vendors did a great job at making sure everyone had a fun time. We sure did!

-Emma at Brite Beauty

We recently attended the FGI Rising Stars Awards and hosted our own mini-glam pOpUp at the Statler where our very own Marsi Hubbard was nominated (and WON) in the Beauty category. It was a celebration of fashion, beauty, art, blogging, accessories and all things creative! Electrifying, vibrant, exciting and inspiring are just a few of the words we can use to describe it. It was exciting and inspiring to be surrounded by so many creative minds and entrepreneurs who are making their dreams a reality!

THE SCENE

We walked into the beautifully set up Statler Ballroom. With the fashion show catwalk set up, the lights down low, music thumping and cocktails flowing - the energy was undeniable! While a few nominees set up their pop-ups we walked around and marveled at all of the beautiful creations. From art to clothes and accessories, it was amazing to see how much hard work and dedication these designers and artists put into their craft and it reminded us how much talent Dallas really beholds! We are one lucky city. We stopped by Wyld Empyre to view her amazing purse collection and found out she’s officially going into wholesale! Then took a look at the Jack Retro collection and we may have found a new favorite vintage store.

Once we had our mini-glam pOpUp set up and ready to roll, it was time to help ladies get glammed! Though most people already came ready to walk the catwalk, we were happy to provide some touch ups to add that little something extra pOp.

Pro-tip: bold and bright colors are IN. Don’t be afraid to brighten your look with some colored eyeliner, eyeshadow or a bold lip!

THE FASHION

One thing we obviously have to mention is the FASHION! Honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect but wow, talk about FIERCE! Bright colors, animal print, sequins, elaborate sleeves and mix matched prints were a few of the trends we noticed, but honestly, no one person was the same and that’s the beauty of fashion!

One of the most fun aspects of this event was the fashion shows! Everyone took their seats along the catwalk and got a glimpse at FERRAH, LIZVT and Sai Sankoh's latest collections. Now we have a sudden need to revamp our entire closet for the spring and summer (RIP bank account). There were a few trends that seemed to be reoccurring in every collection...Here’s our takeaway:

Bright yellow, orange, hot pink royal blue and a little lime green.
Bold power prints.
Bold two-piece sets.
Metallic leather.
Sheer layers (time to really start working on our summer body...or maybe we’ll just skip this trend).
Prominent and puffed sleeves.

Disclaimer* We are definitely not fashion experts (like, at all) but these were just the common themes we noticed and can’t wait to see what this summer will bring us!

THE AWARDS

Though the ambiance and fashion were captivating, the main and most important reason for everyone being there was to celebrate those who were nominated as Rising Stars in their industry by Fashion Group International Dallas!

Short history on FGI

It all started in 1928 when 17 women, gathered by Enda Woolman Chase, Editor-in-Cheif of Vogue (yes, Vogue), met for lunch in a midtown NYC restaurant and knew they had three things in common: Each held a job in the business of fashion, each held all the others in high regard and together they held a belief that fashion needed a forum, a stage, or a force to express and enhance a widening awareness of the American fashion business and of women’s roles in that business. And in 1930, they officially became a recognized organization. (FGI website)

So, for 92 years this organization has been giving that stage to those who earn it in the Fashion industry, an industry that has grown to so much more than clothes. Once you're nominated, the members of your chapter take a vote on who they believe represents their category the very best. Only 3 professionals are nominated in each category, hence why it is such a huge honor to even be nominated much less chosen as the winner!

In between fashion shows is when the awards took place, Courtney Kerr (hilariously) kicked it off as the emcee of the night as each award was presented by prominent Dallas socialites and professionals and we’d like to personally congratulate ALL of those who were nominated and who won! As Marsi said in her speech, you’re doing the damn thing and that alone is amazing and inspirational!

List of 2020 Rising Star Winners

Fashion Blogging: Natalie Keinan - The Fashion Hour

Retail: Matt Alexandar - Neighborhood Goods

Art/Design : Lea Fisher

Fashion : Lela Orr - FERRAH

Beauty: Marsi Hubbard - Founder of Brite Beauty (YAS QUEEN)

Once again, congratulations to EVERYONE. We can’t wait to see who will be strutting their stuff on that stage next year!

Want to add some pOp to your next party or event? We’re kind of the queens of on-demand beauty now. Book here.