You may have noticed me hyping this event over the last month if you follow Left Coast Fashion. Fashion Destination Orange County by Fashion Destination Group was billed as a high octane fashion extravaganza with the glitz, glamour and money that only Orange County, California can attract.

It did not disappoint.

In the warm afternoon light that only summer can radiate I drove leisurely and soaked up the breath-taking views of Pacific Coast Highway. As I wound my way up to the St. Regis Monarch Beach I was greeted by an rather cheery (unusually) valet staff who didn’t make me feel too out of place amongst the long line of saliva-inducing exotic cars. From that point on I was no longer on Earth, I was at Fashion Destination…and it was a glam world to the max.

All pomp and circumstance. Hot gowns on the runway, even hotter swimwear on the catwalk. More bling and botox than you can imagine (literally). For a first time show, even though I wasn’t crazy (honesty is the best policy) about everything I saw, I thought it had the polish necessary to be taken seriously as an up-and-coming event that could one day be world class.

This was my time there, surrounded by luxury and design, in Instagrams:

I wasn’t actually grumpy, just being a goof and showing off my new Brooks Brothers bow tie

I wish I was taking her home tonight…

The poolside runway where most of the swimwear was exhibited. The St. Regis Monarch Beach was absolutely stunning! @StRegisMB

I got MANY compliments on my Brooks Brothers bow tie…and of course on the arm candy.

The lovely Rina modeling some of the accessories found at the Fashion Destination event vendor exhibit.

Catt Sadler was a riot of a host @IamCattSadler

IM5 were young, but packed powerful voices and stage presence. I was actually impressed with these guys on the come up!