Olson used Marimekko fabrics mixed with high-waisted denim pants and skirts. The best part? The bright patterned tops and dresses. The denim skirts were adorable and a great counterpoint to the patterns. However, true to form, the high-waisted denim pants proved to be a tough style to make flattering.

Marimekko has been inspiring designers for decades, including the team at H&M. One can’t help but think of the new Marimekko line at H&M. It seems Marimekko is the new black!

The four dudes of Zibra Zibra wore Ivan Idland’s inspired onesies for grown-ups, which also featured his signature patchwork– but more like patchwork on 100 shots of espresso.

Annie Larson and Erin Smith are quite a team. Annie’s clothes (Swank Dollar) will be seen on the runway with Erin’s jewelry (Sisbro).

Last night, Annie wore one sweater from Everyday People, a second sweater (red) from Unique Thrift Store and Erin Fetherston for Target pants. Erin wore a fuzzy vest from a thrift store (originally from the Children’s Place). Her blue shirt is from Target’s new Go International private label collection.

As for Voltage 2008, per Annie, here’s the short version of the Swank Dollar collection: It looks like after-dinner dinner mints.

Erin’s VIP necklaces in metal are $75 and the plastic versions are $35 each.

You can buy the bling along with Annie’s collection at the duo’s joint open studio (Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., 501 Cedar Av. S., mpls, second level of Nomad Pub) as part of MN Fashion Weekend (full schedule here). I suspect there will be dancing, lots of merriment.

That’s it until the big show… don’t forget, live blogging right here begins at around 8:30 p.m.. TTFN!

Meet two of the Voltage 2008 designers: Amanda Christine (of Amanda Christine) and Brianne Jones (of Belle).

Here, in just a few words what they said about their Voltage 2008 collections:

Amanda Christine: Very rock and roll with a more edgy side. Very textural and more tailored.

Belle: Urban safari– batiks, silks and leather with asym collars. (Asym = asymmetrical.)

As for their outfits at last night’s bash:

Amanda: Agent Orange dress from Cliche.

Brianne: Belle plaid shirt and L.A.M.B. skirt.

See you on the runway!

Tonight’s Voltage show will be all business. Sure there’s plenty of music and fashion, but everyone is focused. However, last night at a vita.mn-sponsored event at Nick & Eddie, designers got to enjoy the moment…and a lot of potato pancakes with whitefish salad.

Anyway,  here’s a shot of Sarah Holm and Tony Boyorquez. The two have been dating for five months, since meeting at Grumpy’s. Sarah works at Via’s Vintage (you might remember her from Retrorama). For the Voltage warm-up, she wore a 1950’s vintage dress from Via’s. The color of her hair and dress looked great next to Tony, in a shirt from Rewind. (He works at Pizza Luce.)

The party-goers were so well dressed…I can only imagine what they’ll wear to Voltage.

If you have an outfit ready and no tickets to Voltage, it’s not too late–feel free to buy them at the door. See you there!

There are 51 hours left until Voltage. Who’s counting? That’s designer Brianne Jones of Belle. Check here (stylepoints, that is) for full-coverage before, after, and DURING Wednesday night’s big event. That’s right, we’ll be live-blogging again. If you don’t have tickets, please enjoy the view from front row with me. Event starts at 8 p.m. and posts will start around 8:30 p.m. and will continue into the wee hours. If you’re too busy watching “America’s Next Top Model,” please don’t tell me what happens to Kenneth and check here Thursday morning for the full scoop. It’s almost like being there, I promise.

In the mean time, read Tom Horgen’s profile of Voltage founder Anna Lee.