StyleWeek Day 5: Karen Sabag, Candice Wu and Toni Lyn Spaziano

Last night’s Providence StyleWeek shows featured something for everyone. From curve-hugging evening dresses and bigger than life ball gowns to military meets biker-girl designs and “Mad Men”-like looks, each show had a personality of its own.

Last night’s Providence StyleWeek shows featured something for everyone. From curve-hugging evening dresses and bigger than life ball gowns to military meets biker-girl designs and “Mad Men”-like looks, each show had a personality of its own.

Karen Sabag

If I were lucky enough to attend the Oscars, I would choose one of these gowns by Karen Sabag (top row). Her evening wear ranged from hip-hugging crystal beaded dresses to the show-stopping wedding ball gown, which had layers and layers of ruffles and a gemstone-embellished corset-like bodice. The runway transformed into a wedding aisle as the model glided across the stage; every onlooker worshipped its beauty. I said I’d get married again (to my current husband, of course), just to wear the dress pictured in the middle of the bottom row.

 

Candice Wu "Esoteric"

For the bad girl in all of us, there’s Candice Wu’s “Esoteric” line. She featured black faux leather leggings with mesh cutouts around the thighs and calves for which showing a little skin becomes a fashion statement. I loved how she paired edgy elements with buttoned-up military-inspired coats and furry boots. Again juxtaposing gentle and tough elements, she teamed one black and tan chiffon gown with a structured leather bolero vest and leather gloves that stretched past the elbows, which would be perfect for a bridesmaid gone badass.

Chances R by Toni Lyn Spaziano

Now this is a line I can see myself wearing on a daily basis, since I am a nine-to-five gal, working in an office setting. Spaziano's line featured professional looks in tweed, wool and lace with a soft and sexy vibe. Pencil skirts, bow blouses, shift dresses and blazers channeled Chanel and Tory Burch. She even included two endearing “mommy and me” looks that gave her show a fun and carefree feel, so as not to take ourselves too seriously. The looks are ageless and they’re flattering to all shapes and sizes. Spaziano also featured evening wear in emerald green, adorned with black feathers. My favorite is the short blue and black feather cocktail dress.

After last night's show, I attended the post event at the Biltmore's L'Apogee, where I got the chance to chat with Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen from "The Real Housewives of New York," who came in from the Big Apple to support Providence StyleWeek. McCord met StyleWeek founder and President Rosanna Ortiz Sinel at New York Fashion Week, and now she comes to the events to support her work and the city of Providence. The couple plans to visit restaurants all over the city this weekend, so be on the lookout!

Tonight's show will feature an accessory showcase presented by Blue Suede (free and open to the public), a fashion installation by Marchesa, and runway shows by Karla Marie, Brianna Moon and Harpy by Jennifer Greeke. Visit styleweekprovidence.com for more information.