Prada, Marc Jacobs, and Von Dutch are some of America’s favorite designer labels. But the prices of these items can hurt the average American pockets. Luckily, I found a place where you can get these designer items without going broke. The event is called the Fashion Day Soiree, which is held 2-3 times a year in Los Angeles where vendors showcase the latest denim, accessories, jewelry, and beauty products for up to 50% off. This is the perfect shopping day for any fashion enthusiast who likes to keep up with the hottest trends without having to max out their Visa.

I had the pleasure of attending the Fashion Day Soiree at The Highlands in April. Everyone was greeted with complimentary Go Girl energy drinks and plenty of smiles. Racks of gorgeous dresses and designer jeans were in every corner of the club. As I walked from vendor to vendor I came across some great products. My first stop was Sharon Bolton Scents who gave out sample perfumes called Soul, Luv, and Truth. The scents were enticing and lasted throughout the day. I also dropped by Carolyn’s Kitchen who offered vintage aprons to spice up your cooking experience. This is perfect for any person who loves to cook and look fabulous while doing it.

I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous model that stood two feet away from me in a stunning one-piece polka dot swimsuit by Kami Shade’. These eye-catching swimsuits would turn heads on any beach. Beauty products from Butterfly Kisses Botanicals also caught my interest. Their motto is “free of chemicals…full of soul.” Butterfly offers natural, chemical-free, plant based, beauty products.

UNiCO, who turns trash into fashion, stood out amongst all of the vendors. UNiCO recycles and turns non-biodegradable materials into artwork. Candy wrappers and potato chip bags that were once considered trash have been transformed into accessories. This may sound a bit too avant-garde for some of your liking, but UNiCO products are truly artistic. They are great accessories for any lady who requires a little edge to their wardrobe.

If you love jeans, you would appreciate vendor Girlfoolish, who sold True Religion and Joe's Jeans 30% off the retail value. They also had cocktail dresses, handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses for downtown prices, minus the piracy. And although most of the items at the event geared towards women, there were a few vendors that offered items for men as well. My Little Pretty has a men’s line of accessories and Storm has a great line of men’s watches.

Aside from the mid-day cocktails and mini-massages, the best part of this event is that a portion of the admission proceeds goes to the P.S. I Love You Foundation. This foundation encourages at-risk youth to look beyond the walls of their environment. P.S. inspires these children through educational and inspirational programs. Every year, Fashion Day Soiree chooses a charity beneficiary which makes this event even more momentous.

Keep posted to the La2Day calendar for Fashion Day Soiree’s next event this fall. You won’t be disappointed.

By Dorielle Hammonds

Product Contacts:
*Butterfly Kisses Botanicals
Website: www.BKBstore.com
*UNiCO
Website: www.turningtrashintofashion.com
*Girlfoolish
Website: www.girlfoolish.com
*Kami Shade’
Website: www.kamishade.com
*Carolyn’s Kitchen
Website: www.carolynskitchenonline.com
*Sharon Bolton Scents
Website: www.sharonboltonscents.com
*Storm
Website: www.stormwatches.com
*My Little Pretty
Website: www.mylittlepretty.com
*P.S. I Love You Foundation
Website: www.psiloveyoufoundation.org