Long Sleeve Mini Dress

Got the gift of gams but want some coverage up top?  Looking for your next night on the town outfit to be something out of the box?  Inspired by the runway by way of my style bible In Style Magazine, try a long sleeve mini dress paired with either a tall boot or high heel for a look that will keep heads turning.   Shop my top picks below or click HERE if you are unable to see the below images. 

This classic sophisticated black and white version is perfect to take from the office to drinks after work. 

I love the gold details on this one by DODO BAR OR.  It's boho with a splash of glam.

Here's a great casual version for day.. Perfect for an afternoon at the brewery, and I love the embroidery (and price!)

And this little lace number, since Self Portrait is ALL the rage right now.  Sexy town!

A Closer Look At The Fall Trend Edit + Town & Country Inspiration

Earlier this week I shared my Style Points contribution for the Fall/Winter Issue of Ballantyne Magazine.  I really enjoy this quarterly project, because it puts me in a seat where I sorta feel like the style editor of a magazine.  I can honestly say I see my work for these local and regional projects to be just as strong as the likes of InStyle Magzine, Allure, Town & Country.  I know I can do it.  I get to work with designers and their publicists to collect the proper images for my story and as a result I establish and work to build relationships with the fashion source direct.  This is a big part of being about to do my job.  I decide what the editorial piece is going to be about, I collect the images and information I need from the designers, I put it all together and then send it off to the magazine editor.  

Next, the talented art directors work their magic to put out a spread that I think looks quite impressive.  The first time I sent my work over to them I shared a similar piece from Town & Country Magazine.  Aside of my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, filing through the fashion pages of T&C is where the style obsession all began for me.  In the early 1980's, they used to dedicated pages and pages to showcasing runway looks each fashion season.  I would cut out my favorite looks, organize and paste them into my own fashion book.  

The Ballantyne Magazine Style Points edit has been such a fun project.  Below are links to some of the hottest trends you can expect for Fall.  

Tassel Mania!  I've included a swanky belt from the uber chic and talented twin sister designers, Lizzie Fortunato, and the accessible to everyone tassel earrings sold by one of my favorite design stores on the planet, Furbish Studio.

Velvet is going to EVERYWHERE.  I included an interesting dress from my first favorite designer, Cynthia Rowley.  Not sure when it will be available to the public, but here and here are lots of great Ready To Wear designs for Fall/Winter 2016. 

Metallics.  One thing I love LOVE, including this draped front mini dress, and this Caterina Lucchi sequin pailettes calfskin backpack you can find at Our Place Boutique in Charlotte. 

Local designer Regine Bechtler rocks the puff sleeves trend just like Jean Paul Gaultier would with her eclectic handmade Peace Jackets.

I LOOOOOOVVVEEE the guitar straps this season, especially Valentino's.

The Herno lightweight puffers are simply the best.  You can find the fur lined one pictured above over at TRC W.

Novis rocks the school girl jumper so chic layered over a turtleneck.  You can find Novis in Charlotte at Capitol.

Ballantyne Magazine: Fall Trends for Women And Men

If you live in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, be sure to pick up a copy of this quarter's edition of Ballantyne Magazine.  I had fun including not only women's but men's fashion and fall trends in this issue, featuring some of my favorite designers available at some of my favorite Queen City retailers and on line shops. Velvet, puffy sleeves and metallic... the 80's are officially back! Check out the entire article HERE.

Style Setter Feature: Pam Stowe

My friend Pam Stowe was recently featured in the Charlotte Observer Sunday Styles section, and I have to share it with you.  To me, Pam is one of the most stylish ladies I know, certainly in the Queen City.  Pam's dress is eclectic and fearless.  She is true to herself and never dresses to fit into a crowd.  Her southern gentility and elegant manners are what allows her personal style to shine even brighter.  She is sort of our own younger, softer, southern version of Iris Apfel.  I love seeing ladies express their personality through their dress.  Kindness and joy are the cherry on top!  Please read the Charlotte Observer article here, and watch the short videos of her talking about her personal style.  She mentions my vintage dress dealer, Mary Beth Paulson and House of Landor, as well as my first favorite designer, Cynthia Rowley.  You will see the decor in her home is also an extension of Pam's fabulous personal style. Enjoy!  

Get Pam's look HERE...

Don't Stop Til You Get Enough

Photography: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram.  Pants: ASOS. Blouse: Cynthia Rowley. Jacket: Vintage from summerbird. Shoes: Brian Atwood. Hat: Eugenia Kim. Square Ring: Melinda Maria. Cross Bracelet: Thanks to blydesign. Earrings: from ChezElle Boutique.

I call this one of my "train wreck" or "sh&t mess" outfits.  I love it.  I just keep going and going and going. Coco said take one off.  I put one on.  I love it so much I just can't stop.  Michael said it too.  Don't stop 'til you get enough.  On this day, I just could not get enough.

So Long, Farewell Piperlime

Ugh ugh ugh.  One of my favorite on line shopping sites, Piperlime, is closing their virtual doors. They also had a storefront in SoHo in Manhattan that, sadly, has closed doors too.  I went with Nic to their Grand Opening party.  It was so exciting to be able to step foot into the store that so quickly became one of my favorite on line destination go-to's for client shopping. Piperlime has masterfully carried (or at least I thought) a mix of everything from denim shorts to beaded sequin gowns in brands from 7 For All Mankind to Cynthia Rowley, at price points from $50 to $550.  Something for everyone.  Piperlime will close by the end of April, so get moving on the savings before the good stuff's all gone.  I've included a few of my current favorites here.