What I Wore: Neiman Marcus Cusp Fashion Show

Last week I had the fun pleasure of co-moderating, along with Scoop Charlotte's very own Susu Bear, the Neiman Marcus Cusp Fall Trend Fashion Show.  Susu and I had such a great time carrying on an upbeat dialogue with Neiman Marcus' Fine Apparel and CUSP sales manager, Kristen Leone, and Public Relations Manager, Kristin Jackson.  Neiman Marcus ALWAYS puts on a good show.  I was able to grab something from the CUSP department for the evening and after close consideration to a few items, I decided on a timeless DVF cheetah print wrap dress.

While this dress is classic and timeless, of course I had to make it my own.  After several iterations, including styling it as an open kimono over pants or a skirt or another dress (jeans would have been to casual for this event) and wearing it as a blouse under a long skirt, I ultimately decided to layer it under another dress.  One to always opt for maximalism over the alternative, I find layering to be a great way to achieve a high impact look that is all your own. If you recall in another recent post, Fairy Girl Lydia does too.  Here's where my look landed...

I layered a 1960's Lillie Rubin/Don Luis de Espana dress over the DVF wrap and tied it off with a striped fabric belt from the FOUND Collection.

This summer has certainly been a big one for the season's "IT" Bag by Cult Gaia.  Shop all of the current styles and colors HERE.  

My J.Crew electric blue pumps are always a fun choice.

I love this Don Luis de Espana dress currently for sale on Etsy.  Or this one and this one. 

Shop my picks below to recreate a similar look for yourself.  Click HERE if you are unable to see the below images. 

One other thing that didn't hurt was the fact that Andre made my face into a new one.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am, at best, very uncomfortable wearing makeup.  I think Andre did an absolutely amazing job.  I felt I looked different when I saw myself in the mirror, but I did not feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.  I highly recommend you go see Andre at the Chanel counter at Neiman Marcus in Charlotte for your next event or makeup needs. 

SouthPark Magazine Garden Graces

Earlier this summer I worked with two blonde bombshells + Scott Clinton on photography + Jami Svay on hair and makeup to capture some fun summer looks on location at the always beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.  It was so fun to pair one of the season's hottest trends, All Over Floral, with such a harmoniously coordinated background.  Minus the oppressive thick summer in the south heat, the pictures make me want summer to go on forever... I think they are so romantic and dreamy!  See more at SouthPark Magazine, as well as a full run of talent and wardrobe credits. 

Get gorgeous all over floral in your closet before it's gone.  Many of these items are on SALE!

This Temperley London dress seemed to bring the most oohs and aahs from readers.

I'd like to have this dress, or my dining room wallpapered in the print, or a couch covered in it!

Do you dare don this groovy floral power pant suit?  Yes, please!

I love this short and top pair, affordable luxe at J.Crew.

Shop all my last minute summer finds.  Click HERE if you are unable to see the below images. 

Put A Belt On It

Everyone knows the way to put the cherry on your sundae when it comes to dressing is by way of great accessories.  I've been really lucky to inherit some great vintage dresses that may not fit me just right.  While I'm working to make a trip to my seamstress (if you are in Charlotte, you need to be going to Christie's), I've been known to band aid my dress with a belt until I do. I also have dresses in my closet that I love as they are, but they just need something more or something else.  I'll put a belt on, and viola!  The look goes in a completely new direction.  Last but not least, sometimes an outfit just calls for a unique addition to give it some ooph.  If you keep up with my Outfit of the Day posts on the Instagram, you already know my appreciation for the magic of a waist cinching belt...

I've been belt shopping for a few clients this week, and after all the hunting and pecking for great options, I thought I'd share my findings with you!  Click HERE if you are unable to see the below images.  How about you?  Do you reach for your belt to change, enhance or cinch an outfit?

This is what editorial photo shoot belt dreams are made of.

My last belt purchase was the above pictured wrap knot belt I'm currently wearing on repeat.

Definitely one day I need a bad @$$ statement belt in my collection. This Gucci snake will do.

This leather wrap obi belt is your wardrobe must have.  Goes. With. Everything.

Sundance is kinda the jam place for laid back, denim style, hippie, cool belts like this one.

Shop the FOUND Collection

Hello Everyone!  I am very excited to share this one with you today... you know how I love one of a kind... the curated capsule collection of FOUND treasures is just that. Operated by sisters Tracy Dart + Christi Pringle, each collection is sourced and edited with limited quantities available providing clients with the opportunity to be an individual.  Jewelry, bags, home accessories and more, this show includes fab finds from 43+ designers from all over the world!

Grab your friends and join Christi and Tracy at the home of their gracious host Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 3, from 9am-7pm, 2131 Sedley Road.

Catch an Instagram sneak peak of some of their treasures HERE.  

I WANT this necklace!!!