Watching the models strut their stuff Monday night at “Catharsis” an Aaron White fashion show – made me realize that I couldn’t do it. I could not walk that entire way with a serious face. Something would make me laugh and I’d loose it. I just know that I would.

Good thing they let the professionals do all the modeling Monday night because they did a great job! I so enjoyed a night out with my friend Avi (pictured) and noted a thing or two for future fashion inspiration that I want to share with you…

Note how the bold shoe modernized this vintage polka dot dress.

The first designer to show was Teri Clark who is a wardrobe specialist and brought these pieces as part of a vintage collection. So this dress is vintage, but fooled us into thinking it was current simply because of the shoes.

Lesson One: If you want to update your wardrobe – start with your shoes.

Next was this stunning dress (still apart of the Teri Clark collection). It was another round of polka dots (which is to be read in an excited tone, not a whine) BUT the thing I loved most about this dress is that it included a subtle detail that set me to exclaiming out loud – “There are stripes!”

See the up close picture? Isn’t that so cool!? The subtle stripes done in the gorgeous blue was a perfect answer to the playful cut of this dress. The whole thing was just perfection. It showed me that I needn’t pass over something just because it’s not in my black and white wheelhouse.

Lesson Two: If you often buy the same pattern, try it in other colors.

A bold color paired with a bold color isn’t something I’m used to doing, unless by the first bold color you mean black and the second one white.

But when I saw this color combo it was energizing. And it works. If you think about it – the green of a stem is paired with all kinds of beautiful flower colors and we never question it or wince at it. Because IT WORKS.

Lesson Three: Try an unexpected color combination this spring.

Another designer of the evening was Elite Pour La Vie with a bevy of gowns worth swooning over. You can see more in the story highlights on my Instagram profile under “spiffy fashion”.

I wanted to point this number out…

This sparkly jumpsuit is a BEAUTIFUL answer to a cocktail dress. And think of how versatile it is… Because it’s pants you could wear it to a less formal event like a wedding or a dinner party, but because it’s all sequins and cut so beautifully it could also work at a black tie affair. Nice.

Lesson Four: Stop reaching for the same cocktail dress.

Finally, are some fun shots from back stage. Uh those baggies are a great way to organize jewelry for a fashion show AND when packing for a trip (bonus lesson number 5).

Special thanks to Claire Queisser for the tickets and my hot friend Avi for joining me ;)