Announcing the "What's Your Lehigh Valley Style" contest. Silk jumper courtesy Loose Threads Boutique, Bethlehem.

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of announcing a very special contest after each of the Lehigh Valley Mall’s Fall Fashion Shows alongside my Friday afternoon co-host, B104’s Eric Chase.

If you were there, thanks for coming! The chairs were filled and it was standing room only along the runway’s perimeter. There were even onlookers from the second level peering down below at the upcoming season’s best fashion statements as modeled by the Mall’s Teen Board.

After each show, I (nervously) announced the “What’s Your Lehigh Valley Style” contest where you have a chance to win a $5,000 Lehigh Valley Mall shopping spree in addition to gift cards, concerts, and more.

Here with Eric Chase.

The best part is, entering is easy as one, two, three. All you have to do is update your wardrobe with a new piece, upload the photo to lehighvalleymall.com, and vote for your favorite looks.

If I were allowed, I would totally enter this contest! The show went off without a hitch, and everyone involved came together to produce a great afternoon event.

Style’s Pam Deller stayed behind the lens to capture some of the runway show. Check out the gallery here:

Thanks again, Shannon and Amanda from the Lehigh Valley Mall, for inviting me to announce this fall’s biggest contest! I’m flattered and had a blast. Thanks, also, to my great friends at Loose Threads Boutique for outfitting me in the gorgeous blue strapless, 100 percent silk jumper. It was stunning!

Get shopping and good luck!

I’m truly not a material girl, but every now and again I fall in love with a hot pair of heels or a show-stopping shirt that I just absolutely adore. As the story would have it, those must-haves are normally out of my budget or I just seem to pass them up. Last summer, a pair of Chinese Laundry black gladiator platform sandals at Shuze in Bethlehem caught my eye, but they were the kind of heels that could only be worn with complete confidence because of their piercing 4-inch heel.

I tried them on and thought, “Wow, these look great, but what would I wear them with?” or “What would mom think if she saw me wearing these?” and “Hmm, do I really need another pair of black heels?” My sub-conscious mind quickly talked me out of purchasing them.

When they went on sale, I hesitantly weighed my options and again passed on the opportunity. The platforms were out of sight out of mind until just last Thursday when Pam, Style’s associate publisher, asked me if I ever bought those darn shoes. Sadly, I replied with a “no” and quickly text messaged my friend Becca, a part-time shoe girl extraordinaire at Shuze, who in turn told me they didn’t have that style available any longer. I instantly envied all of the girls in the Valley who owned those Chinese Laundry’s, but tried not to let it bother me that they would look perfect with an outfit I had planned for an event that very night.

On my way home from the office, I quickly stopped by Shuze to say hello to Becca and browse the selection then hurried home to get ready for my event. As I toiled over what shoes to wear, I missed a call from Becca only a half hour after leaving the store. Then a text message appeared reading, “Am at TJ Maxx and they have those Chinese Laundry shoes, size 7. Want them?” It was meant to be! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was destined to own those Chinese Laundry’s and yes, I told Becca to pick them up for me.

Talk about making heads turn, these platforms mean serious business. Now, what to wear with them?

Headbands are the accessory-essential this spring. Dive in early with styles that feature florals, feathers, and even edgy looks like bold, exposed zippers. Headbands, head wraps, and hair accessories can add just the right touch to any outfit adding glamour, sophistication, or pizzazz, depending on which style you choose.

Capture the essence of Valentine’s Day with the warm, romantic feel of a carnation pink and fuchsia lily hairpin. A bit of fun and whimsy is added with the bead and curled wire in the center. Add it to a sexy up-do or to pull back the sides of your hair in a soft style.

Wrap things up with a tea rose pink, hot pink, and deep purple open flower hair band. The soft elastic allows you to wear it as a headband with zero pressure added to your scalp or even wrap it around a perky ponytail for fun. This is a great versatile accessory that works with every hair color.

Absolutely elegant, a vintage rose-colored flower is perfect for an evening on the town.  With its pin perfectly positioned you simply slide it in your hair and the flawless flower is good to go. The gorgeous metallic beadwork in the center provides a hint of understated elegance.

The accessories above are available at Eskandalo and Loose Threads or by contacting LOLY DESIGNS, 484.554.0281, Lolymosaics@yahoo.com.

Taking a step in an edgier direction, this headband features a gold exposed zipper detail. Choose this accessory if you choose to exude a confident vibe with a bit of shine.

This “Scorsese-red” headband couldn’t be more perfect for February. The woven design on the side looks stunning no matter what shade your hair is. It also adds some vintage flair with its simplistic design. Dress up a comfy pair of jeans and cute t-shirt, with this unique accessory.

Both of these handmade headbands are available at STEP in 4 MOR, located at 1823 Allen St., Allentown, 610.432.1183.