Get Your Green On (My Client On The Today Show!)

So yesterday was a very exciting day for one of my awesome brainy babe clients, and because it was exciting for her, naturally, it was exciting for me.  Michelle Icard is THE expert on providing guidance and resources to tweens and their parents during those difficult, sometimes downright excruciating, middle school years.  Strapped with a cape, AKA her namesake business, Michelle In The Middle, she speaks to adults in order to help ease adolescent social stress. Um HELLO!!! Where was this Glenda The Good Witch when I was in middle school??!

Anyway, Michelle nailed her segment, and represented the 704 like nobody's business.  The opportunity to help her choose the perfect dressing was great fun.  We had several winners, but when she put on this emerald green "house dress for the 21st century working mom" (I just made that up), her entire bedroom suite lit up like Oz.  We wanted something brainy and sophisticated, like Michelle.  A solid to stay it on the conservative, more business than fashion side, but still possessing head turning qualities. I think we hit the jackpot!

If you have children of any age (in other words your spouse acts like a child at times), this segment is for YOU.  And just because it is St. Patty's Day, I've selected a few green numbers for you.  Shop them all HERE if you are unable to see the below dresses!

Spend A Little....

Spend A Lot... 

Oscars Kind Of Breakfast

Photography:  Brennan Booker Dress: ASOS, love this one. Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Earrings c/o Kristin Hayes Jewelry, Gold Cuff Bracelets c/o: Chloe + Isabel

Ready, Jet, Go!

Every project becomes my favorite to date, but this one is so good my eyes burn. For anyone that thinks this work is glamorous let me just tell you it is anything but!  I am a freaking work horse.  Blue collar to shame.  That is a small exaggeration but not really.  It all just goes back to perception.  We think everything looks good from the outside, but there is always a story.  Okay Jody and Amy DO look good.  Maybe that's why my eyes burn.  Anyway, the amount of blood sweat and tears that went into these Louboutin corset boots, but it was all worth it.  

Joseph Bradley Photography Models Amy Lee Whero of Marilyn's Agency and Jody Lee Petty.  Hair and Makeup by Jami Svay.

Dirty Laundry

Photography by: Brennan Booker. Fox Fur from Douglas Hertzberg Montaldo's Furs, Skirt: Zara (old), Shoes: J.Crew, similar here here and here, Vintage Patchwork Skirt from Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage at Sleepy Poet, similar here and here and here

Step MOB Attire

Today's post is a grouping of dresses I have sourced for a very special client who is looking for a dress for her step-daughter's wedding.  The wedding will be held at a sweet and lovely farm here in Charlotte, NC. Looking at the location website, I envision understated elegance.

Since my client is not the mother of the bride, but her role is obviously of high importance on this special day, I've searched for dresses that will be a fit to her playful, beautiful and sweet spirit.  My client has the most gorgeous head of thick long blonde hair and gams to match.  We want to be more conservative up top, so I have kept this in mind with the neckline of the dresses chosen.  I am stickler for etiquette, so where the dress does not cover the shoulders, I will suggest a caplet or pashmina and brooch type of situation for the ceremony.  

Most of these dresses are short as you will see.  That's because we want to accentuate the best parts of our body, always in a tasteful manner.  My own mother wore a short bright lavender dress with a matching jacket for our wedding.  It was perfect. Such a sophisticated look that was perfect for her.  Mom loves to boogie and she's got the stems for it.  As you can see, she starts out sophisticated MOB then moves to Boogie Woogie MOB as we dance away the night...

My message when dressing for a special occasion is to always er on the side of conservative.  Stay within respectable parameters for proper etiquette for the occasion, and beyond that, do YOU.  If you can't see all the gorgeous dresses below, click HERE. 

Sparkle And Slim

Poolside Gossip print by Slim Aarons or Poolside Party and Desert House Party
Photography by: Brennan Booker. Sequin Romper: French Connection (old) similar, and this one or this one, Cut Out Shoulder Sweater: Yigel Azrouel, Glitter Corset Belt: Raina Belts from KK Bloom, Boots: J.Crew, Flower cuff: Blydesign, Cleo Cuff in Rutilated Quartz: Thanks to eb jewelry studio, Pearl and Brass Necklace: Thanks to Kristin Hayes Jewelry, Earrings: Lauren Kingsley's Stella & Dot. Hair: Aurora Casteen at Borealis

Best Yet

I think this is my best editorial work yet.  It is a collective effort... photography, models, location, hair and makeup, clothes, props, weather, etc that make a package complete.  I've always struggled to feel the "styling" is relevant when you are looking at, simply, a $5,000 couture gown on a beautiful model.  I think the credit there should go to the clothing designer. The styling in this photo shoot is much more restrained and clean than my usual expression of art and creativity, but for this particular shoot, I believe it was necessary to let the designer wardrobe do the talking and the models wear the clothes versus the styling itself be at the forefront. Alyn and Matt wowed in SouthPark Magazine

Photography: Joseph Bradley, Hair and Makeup: Jami Svay, On Location: Ritz-Carlton Charlotte

Twirl

Photography: Brennan Booker, Dress: (On super sale):  Alice + Olivia, Bendall Cuff:  Addison Weeks, Belt: My Grandmother's, Earrings: Melinda Maria

Dissecting the Bride: Avant-Garde

My first bridal editorial is in the books.  A big thanks to Carolina Bride for asking me to be a part of their 25th Anniversary Issue in which I was given the opportunity to style and source the wardrobe for a story on Fabulous Furs. It was such fun working with the editor to come up with a neat story about how to incorporate fur into your winter wedding, no matter your personal style.  We came up with six styles.  The editorial opened with probably my favorite look, Avant-Garde.  Is there any surprise?  Night time was upon us, and the location- a park of dense woods located in Myers Park just across from the Duke Mansion, served as the perfectly dark and moody location for a daring look.

Model: Kady McKenzie, Photography: Emby Taylor, Flowers: Flowers by Lingky, Hair and Makeup: Jami Svay, Dress: Winnie Couture, Fur: Pre-Owned Cuerulean Mink Stole from Douglas Hertzberg Montaldo's Furs, Fascinator: Nordstrom, Earrings and Bracelets: Kristin Hayes Jewelry

Warm Coats On Sale

Baby it's cold outside!  Yesterday the winter temps finally arrived in Charlotte, and boy oh boy am I glad I've got my Carolina Blue Fox Fur from Douglas Hertzberg Montaldo's Furs to keep me warm!  I wear it as Mystery Reader at my son's school, to the grocer with cowgirl boots and with my running tights and sneaks to the Y.  Got to stay warm people!  On that note, now that the holiday shopping has come and gone, here's some fantastic finds on sale to keep you warm all winter long.  Click HERE if you are unable to view in your browser...

Fabulous Furs For Your Winter Wedding

Y'all!  I'm EXCITED!  My first bridal editorial ever!  If you are looking for High Style for your winter wedding, go check out the 25th Anniversary Issue of Carolina Bride on news stands now!  Our featured editorial is about how to incorporate fur (real or faux) into your winter wedding, no matter your personal style!  The six looks include Glamorous, Classic, Bohemian, Minimalist, Vintage and Avante Garde.  Thank you to Carolina Bride for including me on this super fun project with a stellar team!

Street Style: Plaza Midwood

We are closing into Christmas, and I am slowly but surely getting close to have shared all of the photos from the Southpark Magazine's FALL FASHION Issue.  Despite the fact that it is definitely too cold to still wear the below dress, at least if you are in Charlotte, I hope you are still enjoying the outstanding fashion.  This truly was my favorite photo shoot to date.  I loved moving from one neighborhood to the next around the Queen City.  At the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Ballantyne, Plaza Midwood is one of Charlotte's most eclectic and a favorite for many.  Outside of the one photographed in the below image, I'm having a hard time to think of another Dairy Queen located in Charlotte. If there is, this one is definitely a fan favorite.  In a city where everything seems to keep getting torn down for "bigger, newer and better" (I call hogwash on better), this DQ is the OG.  We kept Chelsea styled down and totally fun for this shot, just like the neighborhood. 

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Nicholas K Dress and assorted Thakoor silver jewelry from ChezElle Boutique

Street Style: Midtown + Kristin Hayes Jewelry

This was my Madonna shot.  I think it all came together in my head that this Midtown needed an outfit like this.  It is thrown together with this sorta gaudy, sorta cool 80's mixed mashed type of style.  I think about the old Midtown Mall, which previously served the community for decades, right where Chelsea is riding up the escalator by Best Buy at what became today's Metropolitan. Chelsea looks very late 80's/early 90's sexy and hot yet demure behind those red lips, side swiped hair and gobbed on mix and matched accessories.  Basically, I cannot ever get enough of my special friend Kristin Hayes' vintage caviar for jewelry.  QC Exclusive  just included her in their current issue.  Check it out on news stands all over the QC.  I can't help but wonder if they secret shopped my Instagram in order to further popularize my not for long hidden gem soon to be super star.  Having two young boys, I knew just what to expect on an escalator, but Zach capturing this photo was so impressive to watch.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Keepsake Subtract Dress and Miss Mochilla bag from KK Bloom, Vivetta Botanica Shirt from Capitol, BCBGeneration Carnival Dress Sandals from Sloan Boutique.

Click HERE to shop Chelsea's outfit.  Also, be sure to nab the current issue of Southpark Magazine to see lots more of Kristin Hayes Jewelry, as well as Carolina Bride in January.  Your bridesmaids will covet your taste and style.

Mad For Plaid On Plaid

I have the tendency sometimes (often/all times) to go all out or go home with my dress, meaning you'll either find me completely unaffected in jeans or jean shorts, cowgirl boots and a sweatshirt or running gear OR I feel like making the effort that day.  If I'm making the effort, it's usually at least at 95%.  I went to an annual Oyster Roast last night, and prior to, I had intentions of dropping by Charlotte's finest men's clothing store, Taylor Richards & Conger, for a quick hello and holiday special delivery.  Haberdashery and style was on my mind. Alas, who was I kidding? Even I can't get dressed at 95%+ in 15 minutes.  So my effort was not in vain, it's the perfect opportunity to share some of my plaid favorites...

I quick Pinterest search proves I'm not totally crazy or alone, not that I would have a problem with either...

Now do you want to hop on the Plaid On Plaid train? Think you like it but not sure you are ready for head to toe plaid?  Start with a simple scarf in alternating plaid patterns...

Gift Guide For The Style Obsessed Coffee Table Book Collector

A few clients and friends have texted and emailed to ask if I'll be sharing my top Gift Guide picks for this holiday season. You ask and you shall receive.  SO.... here is my first of the season; Coffee Table Books For The Style Obsessed!  My own coffee tables, chairs, radiator box covers and side tables are piled high with them, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you.  Since I'm equally in love with one of a kind fashion, emerald shiny interiors and impeccable manners, none of which ever go out of style, there's a little bit of all three here.  I hope you enjoy, and stay tuned for me in His, Hers, Wee Ones, Hostess Gifts and more!

Street Style: Myers Park

The Winter Style Issue of Southpark Magazine is fresh out on the news stands now, but that won't stop me from not sharing the last few looks created for the Fall Fashion Guide in September.  This fashion forward interpretation of Street Style in nine popular Charlotte neighborhoods was one of my all time favorites.  The image below was taken in my own neighborhood of the Myers Park area at my home away from home, Park Road Shopping Center (Blackhawk Hardware popcorn anyone?)

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Sundry Madras Plaid Basic Shirt at Denim House, Keepsake Cream Midi Skirt at KK Bloom (similar),  My Grandmother's Vintage Purse, J.Crew Ankle-Strap Leather Heels (similar here and here), Kristin Hayes Jewelry Vintage Brooch, Target Oversized Black Sunglasses.

Street Style: Uptown Funk You Up

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
The Row Zip Front Long Sleeve Mini Dress at Neiman Marcus, Hermes Vintage Silk Scarf from J.T. Posh, J. Crew Ankle Strap Leather Heels, GiGi New York Clutch from Monkee's of Charlotte, Kate Spade Sunglasses. 

Because I can't get enough of Russian "princess" Miroslava Duma.  That's pretty much it.  Oh, and I really ladies would DRESS to impress uptown.  That, and this photo opp was another chance to put my Hermes Silk Scarf (purchased at a fraction of retail at J.T. Posh) to befitting use.  That was my inspiration for the Uptown Street Style look for SouthPark Magazine's Fall Fashion issue...

noteworthy.

I am very excited to share with you the launch of my friend, Emily's, new digital magazine and website, noteworthy.  As the title states, Emily is sharing a little bit about a lot of things stylish, only which however, she views as "noteworthy."  I'm tickled she asked me to be a part of her launch!  I sat down with Emily to give her my two cents on one of the season's hottest trends, the flare denim jean.  I appreciate Emily speaking accurately on my behalf in that, while I do love the flare jean, a trend is personal and should never be forced.  Without further adieu, if you've had those bell bottom blues since the last (not so) fair attempt with boot cut jeans in the late 1990's, I'm excited to share with you my top picks for this season.  See the entire list and more over at noteworthy...

 Citizens of Humanity Fleetwood High Rise Flare Jeans 

Street Style: SouthPark II

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Alice + Olivia Luisa A-Line Midi Skirt at Neiman Marcus, Enza Costa Printed Cashmere Sweater from Denim House, Joie Paxton Laser-Cut Bootie, Ceri Hoover Pony Hair (also here) and Heather Benjamin Antique Tusk Ring from Sloan, Vintage Chanel Chain Necklace at Monkee's of Charlotte (also these earrings), Kristin Hayes Jewelry Vintage Brooch, Chain and Stone Necklace, Earrings from ChezElle, Blydesign Brass and Floral Cuff, Alexis Bittar Assorted Lucite Braclets from Denim House (also here and here), eb jewelry Studio Green Quartz Cleo Cuff

The Making Of A Photo Shoot About Trains

A little diversion from the SouthPark Magazine Fall Fashion pictures to share with you a few photos from the making of the Our State Magazine story about The Allure of Trains.  If you love romance, travel and nostalgia as much as I do, you will love this story.  This was my first time working with Our State Magazine, and I was absolutely taken by the beauty of these machines located at the North Carolina Transportation Museum.  I wanted to share a few images taken by husband and wife photography duo, Brett & Jessica, out of Raleigh. As you can see it was a grey day, but you never would have known it looking at the cover of the magazine...