#MWIN Style Lounge

Photo c/o Grayward Entertainment

The Midwest Influencer Network Style Lounge is one of the most spirited events for St. Louis bloggers, and last week's event was definitely worthy of my waited-months-to-wear-it vintage blouse. Presented by the Missouri Eating Disorders Council, the festivities took place at Ballpark Village. In addition to chilling with some of my favorite people in the fashion industry (AKA the Blogger Babes), I met lots of cool local brands that I'm excited to share with you:

Fauxgerty: I am definitely a carnivore, but after meeting with the team behind Fauxgerty, I have a new appreciation for vegan garments. Their specialty is vegan leather outerwear with intricate, hand-crafted symbols and details. I fell in love with a red Michael Jackson-ish jacket that felt so soft to the touch. I'll definitely have to check out the brand-spanking-new boutique in the near future.

The Normal Brand: Although most of the bloggers present were women, the lounge featured another new company, The Normal Brand. This men's apparel company features eponymous Midwest-inspired, classic-but-kinda-rugged garments.

Collections by Joya: Isn't it fun getting a package in the mail, especially when you don't know what's in it? Collections by Joya has membership packages where subscribers receive 3-4 handmade pieces from all over the world each month for a flat fee. The neatest part is that the jewelry in the boxes is a surprise - the company's designers pick the pieces for you. The styles range from dainty to boho.

STL Style: I dig local businesses that aren't afraid to go against the grain, and STL Style creates custom t-shirts and accessories that celebrate St. Louis in an edgy, tongue-in-cheek manner. The company also has an awesome tagline: you can't spell style without STL. Word.

GarbShare: I had another chance to chat with the delightful team behind the closet organizer app and learned that they are furiously working out the kinks so the app runs smoothly. I suggested that they pitch their product on Shark Tank, but they have another plan up their sleeves. I see positive things in the future for this start-up. . .

And now for the evening's outfit. Lacy, fringed, puff-sleeved, vintage goodness. (Unlike my beautiful daughter, who is in that phase where she has to have everything right now, I displayed oodles of patience with my outfit. I bought the blouse several months ago, but it was worth the wait. Rave reviews - thanks, Parsimonia!)