What I Wore to Nashville Fashion Week 2017

It's been an eventful year so far. If you've been following me on social media you know that I've spent the bulk of the last four months having a lot of damage to my eyes fixed by the amazing staff at Toyos Clinic. More on that - because it has forever changed my life for the better - soon.

This time it's all about how to look fabulous for all six days of Nashville Fashion Week 2017 without breaking the bank to do it.

The secret to surviving Nashville Fashion Week on a budget is to shop smart year-round. Almost everything you see in these photos has been in my possession for at least six months and many are far older than that. Likewise, everything was bought on sale, clearance or at a thrift store. Fourteen items were made locally (along with the mens' jackets and shirt) and most of the rest were purchased here in Nashville.

The only way this strategy is effective is if you have the confidence to stay away from trends that don't work for you and the wisdom to wear the ones that do beyond their trendiness. Don't be afraid to mix retro with modern, vintage with trendy. What's important is how it makes you look and feel. I managed to put together six different looks that all speak my fashion language in very different ways.

Of course, I lean heavily towards buying local whenever I can and encourage you to shop the Nashville brands I've listed above. Nashville can look good on you, too.

Speaking of which, you can see photos of every runway and event from Nashville Fashion Week 2017 on my Facebook page.