Tonight is the BIG night for the music industry as they award the annual Grammys to the best albums, songs, and performers of 2010. And while the music is key, fashion will be front and center on the red carpet. Choosing the right dress is critical for getting the kind of press coverage celebrities want and need. From coverage by the international press, to being victimized by Joan Rivers on E!’s Fashion Police, the cameras will be there to capture every move.

One Austin band has been getting camera-ready to walk the red carpet for the last two weeks with the help of local model and stylist Christian Ramirez. The members of Tortilla Factory need to be picture-perfect because they are nominated for Best Tejano Album of the Year!

Laura Guerrero is the lead singer and needed the perfect gown for this most momentus occasion. Christian helped her choose a red lace design by Helen Morley. Her bold black statement necklace and ring are the creation of Austin jewelry designer Ana Reign and completes the Grammy worthy look. Since the dress is strapless, Laura needed something to take off the chill but still look stylish so Christian choose a matching shawl to cover her shoulders and attached a vintage broach by Ester Gamez. The finishing touch are Laura’s shoes by Badgley Mischka.

Let’s all wish Tortilla Factory a big Austin “Good Luck” and we’ll be cheering them on during the Grammys tonight on CBS at 7 pm. Follow them on Facebook to be a part of the exciting evening.

Austin’s vintage fashion scene is a very intrical part of Austin’s eclectic fashion mix. Not only can you wear something that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg but you will step out in style depending on how you pull the look together. It’s all about recycling the old, putting a modern twist on the look and making it your own.

The latest looks in Austin’s vintage apparel choices were featured at Fashion Freakout 4, held at The Mohawk Friday night. The twenty-six degree temperature didn’t dampen the turnout for the outdoor show as it was standing room only (and a good way to stay warm!).  Local comedian Matt Bearden hosted the fashion event and kicked-off the show wearing a penguin costume…fitting for the recent polar temperatures!

Austin’s Prototype Vintage Design, New Bohemia and Laced With Romance showed off their latest collections with Avant Salon and Spa providing hair and make up for the models that strutted their stuff down the runway.

It’s one thing to experience the thrill of attending 40+ shows at New York Fashion Week, but truly one of my favorite collections every season is the Badgley Mischka show. Mark and James consistently create a cohesive collection that always has the WOW factor you’re looking for at Fashion Week. The Badgley Mischka Spring 2011 Collection did not disappoint.

Their New York Fashion Week collection featured their three lines; couture, ready-to-wear and their more contemporary line, Mark and James, which is available at Dress Shop in Austin, TX.

Many of the pieces were interchangeable and presented in a variety of outfits and order with a couture gown followed by a playful weekend outfit, demonstrating the versatility of their collection. The color palette was soft in dewey blues, pale glittery golds and in the hot color of the season, Honeysuckle Pink. The fabrics flowed down the catwalk with layers of chiffons for evening wear and soft off-the-shoulder overlay tops. Shiny chintz cottons and jersey knits completed a collection that certainly had something for every woman to love. Accessorizing was true to our NYFW expectations featuring abundant layers of bracelets and statement necklaces were plentiful on simple sheath dresses.

While the inspiration for the collection was from the 1988 movie, White Mischief,  the 1970′s influence was certainly apparent.  The collection featured a 70′s inspired large, floppy hat along with high-waisted shorts and pants, macrame belts, wedge shoes and wide headbands. For some, these are new looks, but for others of a later generation, the trends were very familiar.

As always, I left the Badgley Mischka show knowing, that once again I saw fashion at it’s best.

Thanks to fellow fashion week photographer Shannon Michelle who graciously supplied the pictures for this article. Shannon is truly a gifted photographer and I encourage you to visit her web site at www.shannon-michelle.com.

Also, many thanks to Dress Shop for their sponsorship of our coverage of New York Fashion Week. Owner Leslie Gandy keeps the selection at Dress Shop in line with her personal fashion philosophy:  classic over disposable, timeless over trendy. The clothes you’ll find at Dress Shop are classic pieces that won’t be out of fashion in a matter of months. Visit www.dressshopaustin.com to learn more.

Badgley Mischka 2011 Spring Collection – New York Fashion Week

Inspiration: The movie White Mischief/1988
Make up: Tom Pecheux – MAC Cosmetics
Hair: Peter Gray for Moroccanoil