Friday evening I attended the Lulus Style Studio Event at the monOrchid. The night’s festivities were co-hosted by Erin from Calivintage and Mara from M Loves M and included numerous giveaways, a style contest, a fall favorites report, shopping, and plenty of local fashionistas.  It was a fun evening and a great opportunity to meet some new people and reconnect with others I had not seen in a while.  More importantly, it was so awesome to see such a big turn out for a fashion event in downtown Phoenix.  Slowly, but surely, Phoenix is staking a claim on the fashion map! Be sure to scroll through to see what I wore to the event!

When it came time to get ready for the event, I knew I wanted to go with something on trend for fall but also something super comfortable as I was coming off of a full day at work, so I didn’t want to deal with a lot of fuss or something that would require a lot of work (sucking in of various body parts) throughout the evening.

This outfit ranks high in ease of wear, but it also manages to remain super stylish…something every woman can get behind, especially when your work clothes need to carry over into the evening.  The leather tuxedo piping down the leg of these pants is spot on for fall and is an appropriate way to incorporate the leather trend without veering too far into the realm of dominatrix.

 The pant’s leather trim also helps to add a masculine twist to the overall look, so to further draw out the contrasts between the masculine pants and the feminine details of the sweater  I opted for some accessories that would accentuate the glittery sleeves.

 And last, but certainly not least, I could not resist an opportunity to wear my beloved Kate Spade heels.  While adorable, they are not practical for periods of extended wear, but they are just special enough to don for fashionable soirees. (I may have spent the rest of my weekend in flats after a few hours standing around in these shoes!)  Oh the things we ladies are willing to suffer for fashion!

Style Notes: The Limited sweater (summer 2012; currently on sale w/ an additional 25% off) / Ann Taylor pant (summer 2012; currently 30% off) / Kate Spade shoes via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012) / Banana Republic statement ring (fall 2011; similar style) /Forever 21 bracelet (fall 2011; similar style) and Macy’s bracelet (fall 2005; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)