I Went to the 2016 AMAs and This Is What I Wore #KohlsVIPs

I attended the 2016 AMAs as one of the #KohlsVIPs. I still don’t know how it happened *pinch me*, but it did, and while I wasn’t asked to write this, I couldn’t not.

A few weeks ago, somehow, somewhere in Wisconsin, some magical people happened to surprise me with an invitation to attend the 2016 AMAs – the American Music Awards. I was sitting at DFW airport awaiting a flight, and I’m sure everyone around me thought I was having a seizure or nervous breakdown (or both) as the invitation came over the phone.

I had never been to any kind of awards show before, although I’d watched a lot on TV – along with plenty of red carpet coverage. When they told me that WE would get to walk that red carpet, too, images of Jennifer Lawrence’s infamous spill(s) popped into my head – because I am not known for my grace and agility. (I once broke my foot folding laundry. True story.) I also don’t often get to wear strappy heels any more, which could be a problem or a treat, depending on how you looked at it. However, the blind excitement of this great opportunity and the thought of getting gussied up temporarily blocked out the image of me nose planting in view of cameras.

And hey, did Kohl’s pull out all the stops to give us a full VIP treatment! We were treated to a styling session with none other than noted celeb stylist, Negar Ali Kline, who has worked with celebrities such as Jessica Lange, Will Smith, Naomi Watts, Eva Mendes and one of my fashion faves, Reese Witherspoon. She outfitted us for both the dress rehearsal, and the AMAs Red Carpet and live show, head-to-toe, all in Kohl’s fashions.

She knows her stuff, and we had a blast! She definitely got me out of my comfort zone and into some combinations that I might not have considered for myself previously. Check out what I got to wear:

Saturday: AMAs Dress Rehearsal and Bumper Filming for #KohlsVIPs

While there was nothing “low key” about the weekend, Saturday was the more casual in terms of dress. I was outfitted in something my 20s (wannabe) rock and roll self adored, while Michelle had a fun “boho” look.

We hung out in the Kohl’s VIP room, caught the pyrotechnics test for Green Day‘s set, along with their rehearsal performance, followed by Bruno Mars‘ rehearsal. fans self We met Dancing With The Stars legend Cheryl Burke, who was our “host” for the weekend – she is SO sweet! We walked the red carpet for the first time, then did some filming (and even staged our own Red Carpet Mannequin Challenge!) We rounded out the day by stepping on stage (awesome), and then watching Sting rehearse his set. (And swooning a bit.)

Everything – yes, everything – in this picture is direct from Kohl’s. I never would have guessed that the clutch was a Jessica McClintock, and these Jennifer Lopez jeans were incredibly comfortable, and fun with a great lace-up detail at the ankles. (And I’m totally digging Michelle’s over-the-knee boots.)

Apt. 9® Solid Fringe Vest | LC Lauren Conrad Metallic Pintucked Peasant Top | Women’s Jennifer Lopez Lace-Up Ankle Skinny Jeans | Simply Vera Vera Wang Women’s High Heel Ankle Boots | Apt. 9® Long Stick & Fringe Multi Strand Y Necklace | Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock Tiffany Fringed Clutch

Sunday: AMAs Red Carpet Viewing, Party on the Carpet & Live Event

Sunday was full-on glam and Kohl’s rolled out the red carpet for us (literally and metaphorically). After another hair and make-up session, we rolled up to the Microsoft Theater – in an atypical LA rainstorm. I confess, my poor body image did not make it easy for Negar and the team, but in the end I had the most amazing dress and killer silver heels. I do think I cleaned up pretty nicely. I also definitely grilled my hair and make-up team, Jenna Garagiola and Kelly Hunt about anything and everything they were doing, because ohmygoodness, they worked MAGIC (and I’m terrible with hair and make-up, and I really, really wish I had asked more questions.)

Simply Vera Vera Wang Beaded Cluster Necklace

Yes, I took a selfie with Cheryl Burke and she gave me pointers on getting a more natural smile. I also did NOT fall on the Red Carpet. I managed my heels quite nicely – I’m a sucker for an ankle strap.

Women’s Chaps Colorblock Pleated Sheath Dress | Candie’s Women’s High Heeled Sandals in Pewter | Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock Ashley Glitter Clutch | Apt. 9® Jet Mesh Bangle Bracelet Set

I’m pretty sure I abused the words “amazing” and “surreal” last weekend, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everyone who worked with us went above and beyond to make the entire weekend just incredible, and they were all so wonderful!!! And heck yeah, I felt amazing in the clothes I wore – and THAT is a gift, too.