The PHS Fashion Awards for RWA 2017 - Are You A Winner?
Our roving reporter, Teri Wilson, is hot off the conference dance floor to give us an insider's view of the stunning fashions at RWA 2017.
The Romance Writers of America National Conference ended last night, and I already miss it! Or more accurately, I will miss it once I have a really long nap. RWA is exhausting, but oh-so-inspiring. It’s always my favorite week of the year, and it seems to get better and better every time.
One of my favorite things about RWA is the fashion. When 2,000 romance writers, editors and publishing professionals get together, there are definitely some swoon-worthy outfits.
This year, the conference was held in Orlando, Florida, home of Disney World. The special setting definitely influenced the fashion. It was magical! Here are our favorites:
Best Handbag
What writer doesn't need a handbag that looks like a book, in their life? Kristin Contino does, and she wins the award for her stunning Beauty and the Beast bag. The perfect complement to any writer's ensemble. We want it too. Green with envy is now our official color!
Best phone case
Phone cases are now a fashion item. What better phone case is there to have at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort , than bedazzled Mickey Mouse ears! RaeAnne Thayne’s cute case wins this prize, hands down.
Best day dress
Antonia Aquilante’s gorgeous swan skirt gave us major Swan Lake vibes, and also perfectly matched with the theme of Disney’s Swan & Dolphin resort. Conservative black, accented with that fabulous border print, makes a wonderful statement. Those peep toe heels with white accent finish off the outfit. Doesn't she look amazing?
Best use of pink
Here at PHS, we love pink. And so does Harlequin editor Flo Nicoll! Next to that limo, she's red carpet ready. The cotton-candy hued ballerina skirt Flo wore to the Harlequin party is about as dreamy and romantic as it comes. Looks like she'll be pirouetting en pointe at any moment.
Best cocktail dress
With champagne in hand and striking a perfect pose, author Elizabeth Michels wins for this black lace-over blush tulle look. Beyond fabulous.
Best party dress
Joanne Grant, Editorial Director of Harlequin Series, looked like a vintage, glam Minnie Mouse in her poodle skirt and feathered fascinator. I had to sneak into this picture too, so we could show off our matching petticoats. Joanne is an indisputable RWA fashion icon. Every. Single. Year.
Best shoes
Double RITA finalist Darcy Woods wins hands down with her retro-licious cherry shoes. The scalloped detail! The heels! Did we mention cherries? Let's mention them again. They look good enough to eat!
Best RITA awards ensemble
This award goes to author Patricia Walters Fischer for her absolutely wondrous, Wonder Woman-inspired look. The color wowed us. That gorgeous, lipstick red satin with gold accents. Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle too? From the dress, to the purse, to the shoes (and look at those shoes!) it was perfection.
So there you have it. Teri Wilson's winners in the RWA fashion stakes. Sensational! Makes you want to dress up in a gorgeous frock, throw on some party heels and dance the night away. Or sit at home in your pajamas and fluffy slippers, sipping on a hot chocolate. Either works a treat. Your style is yours. You choose!
Do you have a favorite outfit from the RWA conference? Did you take pictures too? We'd love hear from you! Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Teri's latest release, It Started with a Diamond, is out now. For more information about her and her writing check out her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
