Max and Cleo Sleeveless Textured Dress

PONO Jewelry by Joan Goodman

Mr. Kate Custom Designed Cereal 'Food for Love' Necklace

Dolce Vita Teal Damask Sandal

NYC Fashion Week is just around the corner…and I’m in it. In a white dress. You heard me. It’s no secret that my M.O. has always been as a behind-the-camera girl, but when asked to participate in the Electrolux event hosted by Kelly Ripa to benefit The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, I just couldn’t refuse. To kick off fashion week and demonstrate how the Electrolux Perfect Steam washer and dryer can transform your outfit from Rumpled to Runway, ten fashion bloggers (including me, obvy) have been challenged to wear white one last time before fall; we’ve also been asked to accessorize our outfits with teal, the official color of ovarian cancer awareness…and you can help!

Beginning September 8th, you can visit the Wash ‘n Care lounge at Kelly Confidential to support the cause and enter for a chance to win a daily shopping spree as well as the grand prize, a Perfect Steam washer and dryer from Electrolux! They’ll donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund each time you enter by simply pressing the Perfect Steam button at Kelly Confidential. Electrolux is also making a donation for each Perfect Steam washer and dryer purchased, as part of its $750,000 commitment to OCRF.

The fashion show will take place on September 8th at 1:00 PM, EST, and you can RSVP to watch the live stream on line at Kelly Confidential, or at Kelly’s Facebook page. I’ve included some of the looks I’m thinking of wearing on the runway, but you’ll have to tune in to see my final picks – see you there!

(My participation in the ‘Rumpled to Runway’ Campaign was sponsored by Electrolux, who provided me with a $150 stipend to style my look as well as travel arrangements to and accommodations in New York to participate.)

M rules it, hands down. She’s significantly younger than I am and an attorney, which for whatever reason blows me away. Come to think of it, my doctor is also younger than I am. I’ll reevaluate on my own time…moving on. Not only is she crazy smart and ah-mazing with my kids, she is a dear family friend who has traveled as part of our extended ‘vacation posse’ for some years now.

This past beach getaway was no exception, and as we readied ourselves for dinner (and by ‘readied’ I mean slapped my hair into a wet ponytail), this is how M emerged from her room, as adorable as ever in an easy and affordable ensemble. I’m sure she was stoked when I accosted her, demanding grainy iPhone pics to the tune of “Will you be in my Real Life Fashion Series…?!” culminating in her proximity at dinner to my three year old, who promptly had a meltdown about four seconds in. She handled it stylishly, with grace and kindness, like she always does. And this is why we love M… (Oh and P.S. she had these Goody Spin Pins that make the cutest bun and are cuh-razy easy!)

(Forever 21 Silk Shirt Dress $24.99, Nicole Miller Alana Jakarta Satchel $162.50 – M scored hers at RueLaLa for $112, Shoes from ‘some random store for cheap,’ similar pair here, Fossil Chronograph Champagne Dial Watch $125, gifted earrings similar to these, Forever 21 Dainty Floral Connector Ring $4.80)

(Click to Polyvore for pricing and details!)

Fiorentini & Baker 'Eternity' Boot in Brown $525

So I’ve been seeing these around for a while, but have only now decidedly fallen deeply in love. I spotted them across a crowded room (okay a kid party next to the bounce house) at my friend D’s, and promptly ran over to accost the very kind woman who was wearing them. She told me she had gotten them at Madison, and my heart sank – they would be a skillion dollars. Although $525 isn’t exactly a skillion, it can feel like it in this economic climate, which is why I immediately set out to find a decent facsimile. I managed to dig up these ‘Buck’ Calf Length Buckle Boots for a hundred and twenty bucks. Facsimile? Yes. Decent? Maybe, but I am so blinded by my love for the F & B pair, that I’m not even entertaining them. Probably not. Okay, perhaps…

Steve Madden 'Vanishh' Wedge Sandal in Brown-Multi $33.85

No doubt about it, the wedge is the shoe for spring. With so many to choose from – wood, straw, leather, suede, python – these caught my eye for both their price tag and originality. I love the girlie-ness of the satin, and that they have a groovy ‘Studio 54′ vibe yet still feel relevant. You can’t beat thirty-three bucks either, especially when they’re at Zappos for seventy!

1. Lavender: That deep, winter-y, purple, has loosened its choke hold to make way for its lighter counterpart.

2. Skins: On everything from headbands to gowns, this is the season for python, ostrich, stingray and more!

3. Jumpsuits: Although no one can do them quite like Pam Grier, they’re a fresh take for a dinner party or an evening out.

4. Neutrals: Despite the fact that it’s not particularly groundbreaking, the good news is that this ‘trend’ is already in your closet.

5. Cutout Shoes: Spring takes the ‘cutout’ to the next level, with gerbil-worthy, cage-esque heels, as well as more user friendly versions.

6. Embellishment: From accessories to t-shirts, this season is loaded with beads, studs, grommets and sequins.

7. Pendant Necklaces: Store your statement pieces in the back of the jewelry box, to make way for a more subtle look.

8. Slouchy Pants: Keep your eyes open for this more relaxed and fluid cut, but be forewarned; It’s a fine line between slouchy and sloppy.

9. Metallics: Yes still, and on everything.

10. Neon: *SIGH*

(Disclaimer: While I am forever grateful for each and every comment you make, please remember that these are only EXAMPLES of trends, as I do not expect you to run out and drop 2600 bucks on a lavender Fendi gown.)