Winter Coat: New Nautical

The fourth and final Winter Coat look for Ballantyne Magazine features this adorable naval meets varsity style coat by Coach.  

If you've kept up with me on Instagram and in various publications this past fall you might have heard me say more than once how much I am loving the direction Coach has been heading with their new head designer, Stuart Vevers.  Instead of the drug store or deli or Coach store on every other corner in NYC as in the early 2000's, Coach's current design mentality seems to have returned to that of its time of inception.  There's a focus on less is more, quality vs. quantity, and amazing Ready-To-Wear designs.

Paired with a bag in a poppy shade of red, caramel colored boots, great shades and a cashmere pom beanie cap, and you've got one darling sailor ready to command!  Shop the entire look below or click HERE if you cannot see the below images. 

Winter Coat: Gray Day

The second of four Winter Coat looks for Ballantyne Magazine comes to you with inspiration from a combination of images in my head.  I love great airport style.  I also think of something comfortable, monochromatic and chic for the business gal on the go. And then for some reason I have an image of model Rosie Huntington Whiteley in my head.  I think perhaps because she is so long and tall and somewhere I must have seen a picture of her dressed in all over gray.. or maybe it was over the knee boots.

I can't recall exactly, but this look is one that was permanently fixated in my head as one that must be part of the editorial.  Call in TRC W for this understated look of class.  Pair with the ever popular Stuart Weitzman Lowland Over The Knee Boot and a few other fav accessories, and I'm not sure there is a better under the radar, nonchalant, less is more look of style I'd like to emulate. 

See the full story HERE, and shop the entire look below (or HERE if you cannot see the below images).

Speaking of coats, you do NOT want to miss the Largest Fur Sale of the year at Douglas Hertzberg Montaldo's Furs going on this week!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Sunglasses

It is hotter than Hades here in the QC, and so I thought for today's edition of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I would share with you my favorite sunglasses that are included in the sale.  If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I have really enjoyed my Illesteva sunglasses I found last year at Innovative Eye Care in Dilworth.  At the time I got them, I had never heard of the brand, and no one else in Charlotte carried them.  Since then, I have seen them pop up in a few stores, including Nordstrom (at least on line) and Monkee's of Charlotte.  

I won't lie, it pains me a little, but as someone said to me, "It's hard to stay ahead of the trend!"  I thought that was cute, but let's be honest, it's always better sharing your joy with others, even if it's in a pair of sunglasses.  And with that, there just happens to be a groovy pair of Illesteva shades included in the sale.  I LOVE the tortoise and frames with red mirrored lens and the pink frames are super chic for summer.  Shop all my top picks below and HERE.  I also dig the frames on these Tory Burch shades.  Gotta beat the heat in style, y'all, but hurry!  Prices go up August 8!

Also shop my Nordstrom Anniversary Boots, Booties and Fall Stacked Heels HERE

Your Head Looks Weird

If you live in the Charlotte area, next time you are at SouthPark Mall or in the area, be sure to snag a copy of SouthPark Magazine.  I very worked hard on this one, along with an amazing team of individuals, businesses and boutiques, and I am flattered, humbled and excited to be a part the May issue.  The below picture is one in the series of images where I get to show off some really amazing clothes from a few of my favorite local boutiques.  My oldest son, Hank, now 7, saw the below image come up on my facebook page.  I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction to seeing me dressed up like this.  (Let's be honest, I am a working mom of two active boys, the only time I look like this is for a photo shoot.  The next closest I come is on Sunday for church, date night or when I am meeting clients, but it is a loooong way off from this.

Hank: Mommy, is that you?
Me: (Excitedly) Yes!  What do you think? 
Hank: I don't get it.  it's weird.  Your head looks weird.  You look like you are someone else.
Me: Okay, well, does the rest of my body look like me?
Hank: Yea.
Me: Well, then do you at least like my outfit?
Hank: Why would I like it?!  I'm not a girl! (Runs upstairs to yell at little brother Worth for singing Let It Go again).

Ahh.  The honesty of a child.

Photography: Zach Alston. Hair and Makeup: Deme Fourtounis. Jumpsuit: Yoana Baraschi (from ChezElle), here in black. Kimono: Tracy Reese (from ChezElle), and here. Wedges: Jimmy Choo (from Coplon's) or here. Earrings: Kenneth J Lane (from Coplon's), similar here. Ring: Available at ChezElle. Necklace: by boe.