The IT List 2020: 1-5/26

If you keep up with me on the Instagram, I hope you’ve been enjoying so far seeing this year’s stylish set on The IT List, as seen in SouthPark Magazine. If you don’t do the Instagram thing, that’s quite alright; I’m excited to also introduce you to each of this year’s featured men and women here! You can also go grab a copy of your own at just about any Harris Teeter and Auto Bell in the Queen City, as well as the mall or Reid’s Fine Foods! Introducing the very stylish first five on this year’s list…

Natalie Frazier Allen

Growing up in New York City influenced Natalie Frazier Allen’s love of high-low styling. “I am accustomed to valuing everything from Bergdorf’s and Bloomingdale’s to styles you see on the street and subway,” says Frazier Allen, 54. The former attoreny and founder and CEO of The Arts Empowerment Project loves pairing everything from NYC and her travels with items she finds in pop-up shops around Charlotte.

Yele Aluko

“I consider myself a modern-day Renaissance man,” says Yele Aluko, chief medical officer at Ernst & Young. Aluko is inspired by nostalgia and things that tell a story, including a vintage pocket watch he is currently eyeing. “I enjoy being distinct from the mainstream,” Aluko says. “Style is not a fad or fast fashion; it’s about who you are and who you represent.”

Sonya Barnes

Sonya Barnes’ signature color is red, including her favorite pair of signed Sarah Jessica Parker heels that the actor encouraged her to wear often. The life and style strategist for women has her eye on a Gucci caftan to add to her closet. “I love modern elegance with a bit of visual interest. I love timeless pieces that have been reimagined“, says Barnes, 52. 

Troy M. Barnes, Jr.

As a style advisor for Neiman Marcus, Troy M. Barnes Jr. knows style when he sees it. He believes your mood works in tandem with what you wear. “My favorite pieces are my hats. They’re the bridge between generations and all people,” says Barnes, 34. “ A good hat will start a conversation between strangers and develop a friendship that lasts a lifetime.”

Lashawnda Becoats

Not putting style in a box is how life coach, model and Pride Magazine editor Lashawnda Becoats puts her fashion foot forward. “ I love remixing traditional womenswear with a touch of masculinity. It allows me to express my love for both men’s and women’s wear unapologetically, says Becoats, 49, Who calls her style tomboy chic. “ in fact, if you see me in a dress, look down — I’m usually rocking a pair a fly kicks on my feet.”

Written: Shameika Rhymes
Photography: Richard Israel
On location: Johnson C. Smith
On location hair and makeup touch ups: Josiah Reed
Production Assistant: Isabelle Pringle

Dress + Cape of Dreams

I recently had the, shall I say, EXPERIENCE, of wearing one too fabulous for words dress and cape by Chicago-born designer Peter Soronen. The dress, on loan to me, was purchased from Charlotte’s own, Capitol, at least 10 years ago. I really think I have never seen anything like it. Certainly I have never worn anything like it.

Dress: Peter Soronen c/o Pam Stowe from Capitol // Photo: Richard Israel // Hair and Makeup: Cali Stott

Barbara Tfank at Capitol

This Wednesday, May 7th, American fashion designer Barbara Tfank will be visiting the Queen City at Capitol from 10am-6pm. Known for her elegant designs using exquisite textiles, Ms. Tfank holds a background of experience in costume design.  More recently, her designs have been worn by First Lady Michelle Obama, singer Adele and actress Nicole Kidman, to name a few.

I first learned of Barbara Fank's designs via Capitol.  I quickly found myself repeatedly gravitating toward her dresses and suits because of the amazing quality and unique patterns and designs of her fabrics.  To me, many of them seem to have a high quality vintage type character similar to my earliest influences; clothing that belonged to my Grandmother and Great Grandmother.  It was an exciting experience to style and see one of her designs from Capitol used for a cover of Carolina Bride last summer.  Not your traditional white, cream or ivory wedding dress, the editorial was a nod to encourage brides to wear whatever makes them feel prettiest...

If you love gorgeous fashion, I encourage you to pop into Capitol tomorrow to meet Barbara Tfank.  It is because of this one of a kind store right in our backyard that all of these amazing designers want to come to Charlotte!   Hope to see you there!

Winter Coat 1: Camo Chic

If you're ever in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte on business or pleasure (golf, spa amazing spa, anyone?), or perhaps you reside in the area, be sure to pick up the current issue of Ballantyne Magazine and learn a little more about this bustling area of the QC. What was once developed as a geographic area on the south side of town has since grown into a community, if not a self sustaining city within a city.  There was a time when this very topic was one of the year's biggest, most controversial ones for our progressively, perhaps more accurately stated aggressively, growing city.  Etc etc etc etc.... back to the fashion...I had a blast putting together a fun outfit editorial built around the four most fab winter coats I could lay my hands on in our great city.  All very different, I hope you will enjoy, starting with this Camo Chic look inspired by my all time fav for street style, the incomparable Kate Moss.  

I'm thinking hard about these Free People Moto Boots, and these look a lot like Kate's!

Want to make your downtown utility look a little more uptown?  I love the lines on this utility inspired jacket.

Could Chloe BE any better??  I love the grommets on the Kurtis bag we used for this project.

Shop the entire look below to recreate this look for yourself!  Can't see the below images?  Click HERE.

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.

Ultimate Guide To Charlotte Boutique Shopping

I recently was asked by my friend and genius jewelry designer, Chelsea Charles, to share my personal picks for boutique shopping in Charlotte in conjunction with her partnership with Marriott Hotels.  Chelsea has been engaged by Marriott to help them highlight all of the amazing things Charlotte, NC has to offer, and I am delighted to be able to share my favorites with Chelsea's fans and the team at Marriott.  To learn more about it and for a chance to win a trip anywhere in the country, click here for details. When shopping, make sure to photo your finds for Instagram and use hashtag #DesignCharlotte. So, HERE'S my list!  Did I include your favorites?