For the second time this year, I had the privilege of modeling in a customer fashion show at Kismet, a boutique in Los Gatos. Kismet is my go-to shop for affordable, comfortable, stylish, and special-occasion clothes. I wandered in one day several years ago and found the perfect dress. I’ve been a fan ever since.

Jennifer opened Kismet in 2002, fulfilling her dream of owning a clothing store, but it’s more than that. It’s a place where you feel like part of a family, with excellent customer service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The fact that my friend Andrea works there only adds to the personal connection I feel. It’s kismet, indeed.

Saturday’s sold-out fashion show, featuring Liverpool’s fall line, was a unique event. All ticket sales from the show, hosted by Kismet, benefited the non-profit Unchained. This partnership between Kismet and Unchained is a testament to the boutique’s commitment to supporting meaningful causes. Marlo, the organization’s executive director, spoke at the event and joined us on ‘the runway.’

Unchained’s mission is “Achieved through our flagship program, Canines Teaching Compassion (CTC), uniting at-risk youth with homeless dogs in a purposeful bond of learning and healing. Each carefully structured CTC session involves small groups of youth working intimately with dogs, guided by our skilled trainers, to nurture empathy, master new skills, and build a positive future outlook.” Source

Liverpool jeans are renowned for their inclusive sizing, fitting all types of bodies. Their recent addition of jeans with longer inseams further emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity. I had the opportunity to model a pair and then purchase them (of course) with a generous discount. Jeans, often considered among the least eco-friendly garments, are being redefined by Liverpool’s focus on better alternatives, including sustainable trims, chemical-free closures, recyclable fabrics, processes that use less water, and organic cotton.

Pictured above: My friend Andrea and store manager, Hannah. Most of all, we had fun. We modeled jeans with a top, then returned for a second round and added a warm layer. Our third pass featured a second outfit. In my case, I wore a black knit sweater, black trousers, and a fuzzy white bolero. 

Kismet provided models and guests with a bistro box lunch from Bleu Fig and a delicious and fashion-forward shortbread cookie by Love Vero Sugar Co. that tasted as good as it looked.

We rounded out the morning with a fun shopping atmosphere before the boutique opened to the public, then headed home with a bag of swag. Jen and Hannah know how to bring the fun.

Kismet produced a video of the thirty-minute fashion show. You can watch it here.