Although I’m not a Fashion Group International member, more like a hangers-on,
I leaped at the opportunity when there was an opportunity for non-members to attend the 
Rising Star award ceremony in DC!
So in normal Naomi fashion, I rushed from work, was halted in DC traffic for an hr, searched for parking for 20 min, and did a non-fluid wardrobe change into a one-piece pant suit of all things!
So it was a chilly, 3 block walk to the event at the 
upscale venue of Kimpton Mason & Rock. Immediately greeted with champagne, as I perused the lobby, hoping my outfit was appropriate, and it was (phew!)
I had a fan girl moment when I met a prominent DC fashion blogger, Style MBA!
Although out of the FGI loop, I felt welcomed there, everyone was quite friendly. There was a lot of fun energy in the room. 
Of course the only seat left was near the front, so I nervously took it. Apparently I was at table of DC fashion superstars, Linda Lizzio (FGI District director), Martha Slagle (General Manager of Neiman Marcus, Chevy Chase), just to name a few… I sat next to a talented makeup artist and Beauty Nominee, Aleah Dorsey of Lipp Beautifully and her husband. Which is funny because I never wear lipstick because I feel like my lips are kinda big and I look like a clown. Well, even though it was her night to shine, she was nice enough to take the time to describe her hand-made lipsticks, how there’s a color for everyone, made me feel unashamed of one of my most dominant features. It was pretty cool.
Then there was the food!
Now for the moment we all were waiting for… the Awards Presentation!
The categories were womenwear, menswear, accessories, jewelry, photography, interior, new media , beauty and styling.
Rising Star Awards 2016
Womenswear
Nicole Alfieri, Pico Vela
Menswear
Kevin Hallums & Davin Gentry – Premium Co.
Accessories
Drew Graham, SwitchWood
Jewelry
Sarah Bayot – Kicheko Gooods
Photography
Kate Warren, GoKateShoot
Interiors
Kerra Michele Huerta, Apartment Envy
New Media
Monling Lee, Color Index
Beauty: Professional
Jeff Enriquez, Makeup Machine
Beauty: Products
Kitiya King, Mischo Beauty
Styling
Stara Pezeshkian, StaraGlam
This was such a great experience! It was awesome being amongst so much local greatness. I want to congratulate everyone, FGI-DC, the nominees and winners, it’s wonderful for your work to be recognized by esteemed colleagues. And it’s award ceremonies such as these that fuel the competitive spirit within to continue to stay driven, work hard and push fashion forward.
The BRENT & Naomi blog 
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