Hey Akron, thanks for bringing your best!
Akron Life’s Best of the City Sept. 23 event is over, but your fashion deserves a second look. It was great to see you at House Three Thirty and to have a night of networking and celebrating all those businesses that make our city so great!
Throughout the evening, I found myself taking in what everyone was wearing. Some of us went casual, others dressed up! For me, I did a mixture of both. Mostly though, I honed in on the styles that were fresh or unique — and also some that repeated on more than one guest.
Here are a few of the looks that caught my eye — and proved that style in the 330 is anything but predictable.
Julie Holiday
The Statement Boot
Julie in Front of Akron Life Magazine Cover
I went with a long-sleeved white Express dress from my most recent trip to Best Bib and Tucker in Hartville. It was a dress that just kept calling for my attention, and although I thought I’d go with something a little more flashy, I am so glad this is the one that made it home to me. It was a chilly September day, and it allowed me to dress up my accessories.
The gold boots I picked up at a Swap League clothing swap. (Follow them immediately and come to one of their FREE clothing events.) But the real credit needs to go to the knee-high socks pulled *well* over the boots. The exaggerated look was a way to bring extra attention to the fall trend of wearing socks with all kinds of shoes. Exaggerate a popular look? Now that’s a fashion tip I can get behind!
Ruby Rabbit of Divine Harmony Entertainment
I was especially tickled when I spotted a version of the trend walking into the party on Ruby Rabbit of Divine Harmony Entertainment, who was performing near the entrance of House Three Thirty on stilts. When I asked what it was like performing that high above the crowd, she told me the challenge was navigating around and having fun. Me too, girl. Me too.
Nicole Hagy and Tim Baxter
The Scarf
The next look was popular even before I made it through the door. I walked in with my friend and expert networker Nicole Hagy, who was wearing a light, elegant scarf. What a reminder that one simple piece of fabric can instantly elevate a look! She snapped a pic with Andrea Hartman of Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa. Imagine my surprise when I spotted one of the most stylish people I know, Timothy Baxter, of Baxter’s Speakeasy and Circle of 5ths in downtown Akron, also wearing a classy scarf that instantly upgraded his look.
Nicole Hagy Scarf (pictured with Andrea Hartman with Gervasi and Olinda)
Timothy Baxter
Oh my gosh, by the way — Timothy is going to be taking over the cool spot behind Leaf Home and Blooms on West Market Street. With the darling name House in the Garden, it will be a new destination for tea with the girlfriends, and eventually, lunch and grab-and-go options. I can’t wait to see how he decorates the space — he’s an interior design expert!
And congratulations to Timothy and Circle of 5ths on winning Best Cocktail Bar!
Lauren Wigington and Caitlin Conley
Power Pants
The third and final look is stunning in person — and really commands a room. I spotted both of these beauties from across the room, and while pants might not be the first thing you’d think of for an evening like this, Lauren Wigington of Good Co. salon and Caitlyn Conley of the Akron-Summit County Public Library and the Akron History Center proved that a great pair of pants can absolutely hold their own. Both stood out beautifully among the crowd.
Added style here is the pointed pumps on both ladies. They look great with that flare bottom.
Lauren Wigington
Caitlyn Conley
Congratulations to Akron Life magazine for a very successful first Best of the City event! I can’t wait to attend more in the future!
