As many of you have probably heard, Iowa City is hosting its very FIRST Fashion Weekend next week! (May 8-10) As a small preview to this awesome event, this week some of our lovely contributing writers visited a few of the downtown stores participating in Fashion Weekend and are here to give you a sneak peek of what’s to come! But before we do that, we’re sure you’re wondering, what IS “Fashion Weekend”? Here’s a quick description from the Iowa City Downtown District:
Fashion Weekend will be a highlight of Downtown retailers that are focused on the art of fashion and the unique local fashion industry while showcasing emerging fashion trends and spring merchandise. This is a celebration of fashion that highlights the unique styles and personalities of downtown Iowa City retailers. Businesses will showcase emerging fashion trends and Spring merchandise by holding extraordinary events at their individual stores.
Fashion in Iowa?!? Why Here?
The Fashion Starts Here. Several stores carry products created by local Iowa City designers. These items are exclusive to our downtown making Iowa City the first step for fashion.
What to Look Forward to Most
At Friday’s Fashion After Hours admire the creative themes of each store and stay past closing time to meet with designers, enjoy refreshments, and purchase exclusive trunk show items and much more. Customers will be able to get their hands on limited edition items and coupons to their favorite stores. Fashion Weekend will transform each participating store into exciting motifs including Burlesque dancers, French Picnics, DJ sets, and cocktail parties.
The Party doesn’t stop at 8PM Friday night. All day Saturday will be a continuation of cocktail parties, styling classes, trunk shows, and mini spa treatments. All weekend Downtown Iowa City will be bustling with music, food, fashion, and fun.
May 9 Fashion After Hours: 4-8PM
May 10th The Party After the Party: All Day
::ICMB SNEAK PEEK::
::nori::
First up on our “sneak peek” fashion tour is nori. If you haven’t been into nori yet, put it on your to-do list today! Stevie (the owner) is a local mom herself, and when you stop by, she loves to chat! Plus, the two-story store has a staircase that the kiddos love to play on! ICMB Contributing Writer Kate visited nori and tried on these adorable outfits seen here. We are LOVING all of the comfortable, yet stylish, dresses this year! (P.S. Kate is also featured in this photo holding a Capri Blue Volcano Candle, which was one of the items on her must-have Mother’s Day gifts post this week on the blog!)
::Revival::
We absolutely love the unique feel of Revival, an Iowa City staple for sure! Specializing in new, vintage, and used clothing alike, Revival brings in new inventory every day and we guarantee you will find something you like in this store! (or should we say, too many things you like!) Contributing Writer Brook visited the store and tried on these two super cute outfits, complete with shoes, bag, and sunglasses to boot! Seriously, don’t these pics look like they came straight out of a magazine?! (P.S….in addition to their Fashion Weekend events, Revival will also be donating 10% of their sales Friday and Saturday to March of Dimes. What a great way to give back!)
::Textiles::
Another all-time favorite of the downtown shops, Textiles never ceases to amaze us with their beautiful clothing! In particular, if you are looking for some new Spring and Summer dresses, you definitely need to be following Textiles on their Facebook page! ICMB Contributor Mindy stopped by and tried on this beautiful top (plus leggings and shoes, too!), which looks perfect for the Spring weather that will be here soon! (It will be here soon, right?!)
Raygun
Who doesn’t love Raygun, right? With their snarky tees and their Iowa-love products (Raygun is based in Des Moines originally), it is definitely a favorite spot for our family! We love browsing the knick-knacks and touristy items, with the hilarious sayings and Midwest pride throughout the store! We were so happy to send our contributor Meghann to model some of their super awesome t-shirts!!
White Rabbit
White Rabbit Gallery is an art and apparel store located in downtown Iowa City, specializing in handmade goods. White Rabbit works with over a hundred consigners, and sells a variety of locally-made goods as well as super cool vintage items. They also carry screen printed t-shirts, jewelry, accessories, and more! Even onesies for your little ones! ICMB Contributor Lianna had the pleasure of trying on this adorable outfit, with accessories too! (Brass bunting necklace by Little Pancakes and handmade leather clutch by Palmoa of Cedar Falls) So cute!
Special thanks to ALL of our writers who did such a FABULOUS job modeling these outfits for us! And of course a HUGE thank you to all of the downtown stores who participated in this fun Sneak Peek at next week’s Fashion Weekend in Iowa City! Still have questions? Click here for more information and to see the list of participating stores!
->->->Oh, and did you think we would show you all of these super cute outfits and not offer you a GIVEAWAY?? Well, think again! Tune in to our Facebook page TOMORROW for multiple giveaways from these favorite downtown Iowa City stores!! You won’t want to miss it!<-<-<-
