Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

Rungolee Spring 2013 Runway Show

Last night, I attended the spring runway show of Rungolee, a St. Louis-based clothing line that epitomizes global chic. Launched in 2007 by designer Anjali Kamra, Rungolee is known for its detailed embroidery and bead work, delightful mix of modern and old, and its colorful infusion of global inspiration.

A few pieces from the Rungolee spring collection on display

Rungolee designer, Anjali, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, describes the Rungolee woman as a style maven who is drawn to unique pieces and can mix and match items whether they are from the bins of a flea market to a high-end boutique in Milan.

Anjali Kamra designs her own fabrics for Rungolee pieces.

Rungolee clothing on display at the event

The Rungolee story is rooted in family and cultural history.  Anjali’s aunt, Swaran, has 50 years experience in the fashion industry, once producing for some of the leading export houses. Aunt Swaran currently oversees Rungolee’s operations in Mumbai.  Anjali’s daughter, Veda, also styled the models for the runway show.

Anjali Kamra, Rungolee designer, with her aunt Swaran. 

Since its inception, Rungolee has primarily reached its clients via trunk shows and private sales.  The newly launched e-commerce site, Rungolee.com, however, is expected to expand the line’s reach.

Here are a few of my favorite selections currently on the shop site:
Capri blouse, Prado jacket, Sophie dress

It was a pleasure exploring the Rungolee spring collection and meeting the designer.  I look forward to what’s on the horizon for Rungolee.  The Fall collection, projected to be filled with graphic embroidery, black and white, golds, grey mirror details, corals, and yellows, is sure to draw interest.

Pronto Fashion Show 2013

Last Saturday, I attended Pronto Fashion Show, an annual event that supports and showcases up-and-coming fashion designers in the Saint Louis area.  This year’s event featured 6 designers—Fouche, LB, Trang Nguyen, Demarqui, Ola Style, and Panache—each bringing a unique take on fashion.

Here are a few highlights from the show:

The Fouche collection was feminine and ladylike.  If you are a fan of classic styles with an
artsy twist, then Fouche has your name on it.

The LB collection was dramatic.  The signature draping in the line was
impeccable.  These are the kinds of designs you rock when you want to enter a room and
be noticed.

The Trang Nguyen collection was feminine chic with lots of edge.  Her designs were classic
with a muted color palette.  The architectural details and fabric choices were standouts. 

The Demarqui collection was eclectic, masterfully blending classic chic,
urban flavor, and safari-esque details. 

The Ola Style collection was red carpet chic.  The creative designs would be perfect
for any major ball to the Academy Awards.

The Panache Collection was like a St. Louis version of DVF.  The fabric choices, silhouettes,
and prints would look fabulous on every woman.

Move over big cities, the St. Louis fashion scene is sizzling haute.  If you missed this year’s Pronto Fashion show, be sure to ‘like’ the Pronto Fashion Show Facebook page to stay in the know about future events.


Thanks for the invitation, Pronto!  I look forward to next year’s event.

Saint Louis Fashion Week: Glow Runway Show

Related: Navigating Saint Louis Fashion Week as a Blogger

The grand finale of Spring Saint Louis Fashion Week was the Glow runway show featuring St. Louis boutiques and designers—Blush, 10Denza, Devil City, KayOss Designs, Paulie Gibson, and Michael Drummond.

For the first time during Saint Louis Fashion Week, fashion bloggers sat in the front row, giving us the perfect vantage point from which to cover the event.

Fashion bloggers: Carol, me, Rachael, Lorena, and Kelsey



Review of the Show:

The final show was electric and exciting from the designs to the intensity in the eyes of our local models.

Live dog handbag by Kay Oss Designs.  Photo credit: Alive Magazine

Blush Boutique kicked off the show, distinguishing itself from other presenters by showcasing a Spring collection featuring stripes, chevron, and color-blocking.

The 10Denza collection was a crowd-pleaser.  The first model stepped out to the tune of “Welcome to Jamrock” immediately signaling that something irie was about to go down.  It was a red checked men’s suit paired with a polka dot top that got the crowd revved up and ready to go.  The entire collection was print-astic.

KayOss Designs sent shockwaves throughout the crowd when one of her models strutted the runway with a live dog handbag.  Her convertible cowl neck/hoodies and intricate lace pieces may have been upstaged by the pooch bag, but they didn’t go unnoticed.

Devil City rocked the runway with a retro collection that used houndstooth prints, stars, and stripes.  The look of the pieces evoked post modern chic, though some of the styling (shoe and other accessory choices) seemed to detract a bit from the look of the pieces.

Paulie Gibson’s line may have been for men, but everyone (men and women) was taking note of how he masterfully played with blue hues and prints.  Emerald may be the color of the year, but Paulie Gibson’s collection made you think it was blue.

Michael Drummond’s collection, rightfully dubbed “The Exquisite Corpse,” offered a dramatic end to the show.  The pieces were dark and detailed.  The collection kept you at the edge of your seat wondering how some pieces were draped and how long it would be before you could get into one of the jumpsuits.

For images of the entire runway show, see professional shots on Alive magazine.

Blogger Event at Soft Surroundings in St. Louis

Yesterday, I attended a blogger event hosted by Danyelle of The Cubicle Chick at Soft Surroundings, a store committed to making you look and feel your best.  Soft Surroundings is a retailer of fine quality clothing, shoes, jewelry, beauty products, and home decor.  The flagship store we visited, located at The Boulevard in St. Louis, recently opened The Renewal Room, a spa that provides customized treatments from fabulous facials to full body massages.

Bloggers at Soft Surroundings event:
Back (L to R): Kesha, Yokasta, Roshini, Danyelle, Me
Front (L to R):  Jennifer, Makeba (getting her hand treatment)

Ellen of Soft Surroundings and Danyelle kicking off the event.


Spa Services

After touring the store and spa, we all got to experience a Renewal Room spa service.  As someone with extremely sensitive skin, I was especially impressed by the customized services offered at the spa.  I left feeling confident that the estheticians there could make any necessary accommodation to make your spa experience comfortable and effective.  Seriously, I already booked a customized facial for next week.

Jennifer receiving a hand treatment by skin therapist, Terri.

Skin Therapist, Joy, prepping for a brow wax.

A satisfied Kesha after her brow wax by Joy.

Joy treating my chapped lips.  My lips felt so soft and smooth after this treatment that I purchased
the products she used (Bliss fabulips)


Clothing & Accessories

Soft Surroundings strives to provide soft, comforting clothing.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the clothing is also quite chic.  Here are some of my favorite sightings in-store.

The store houses an extensive jewelry and accessories collection

I was especially drawn to the classic pieces in neutral hues all around the store.

Disclosure:  I was invited to attend the blogger event at Soft Surroundings and received a gift card and discount.  No monetary compensation was received for writing this post.  As always, all the ideas and opinions expressed are my own.