Sandhills Sojourn

Clubs Optional:

Picturesque Pinehurst is a classic choice for an enchanting weekend getaway.

The above image is my most favorite from this month's @pinehurstresort fashion + style feature in @southparkmagazine. It is my favorite, because it is a natural organic and honest telling of the day in its natural state. It was the last shot of the day for us, taken at the famed Cradle in Pinehurst. We timed it just so as all of the golfers were enjoying themselves as the sun started its descent back into the earth. We positioned the models, and naturally, many surrounding golfers were interested in what was going on in our little pocket. A few gawkers, a little bit of friendly calling across the lawn, and lots of curious smiles; the only natural thing to do was invite them over to join our fun. Our new friends from New Jersey and Asheville assembled themselves one by one into the photo. And, to me, this is what MAKES the photo. With little formation and posing, five new stars were born! Link to the article here for wardrobe credits.
📸 @miraadwell_photo
📖 @southparkmagazine
👄 @thedavisha
👩🏼👩🏽 @elaine.reagin @itscarmenyork @ursulawiedmannmodels

They're The Millers!

Rappelling from the yard’s tallest tree in a silk vintage caftan… sailing in the backyard pool in an inherited vintage one piece suit… Oscar (de la Renta, that is) for an afternoon snack with the family? Oh my… YES! Thank you to this darling, adventure-seeking, life loving, fun, aring, most stylish family and to the entire creative team for making all of my fashion meets interiors photo shoot dreams come true!

Scroll for ALL of the out of this world images captured by Chris Edwards for this month’s SouthPark Magazine cover feature. Husband Wade’s Copper Builders company brings to life the family’s outstanding personal style by way of a home impressed upon by their appreciateion for travel and the people they meet and friends they make along the way. Carolina Portillo’s delightful story-telling of the family’s three years at sea, and beyond, is a must read!

The IT List 2020

To me, personal style is how you carry yourself, the consisitency of your dress, how you evolve through life’s various stages; but most of all it is how you behave and treat others. What you wear is telling, but how you wear it is more so. Fashion is just one piece of the personal-style pie.

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I couldn’t be more excited about this year’s IT List published in SouthPark Magazine. The series of events that have taken place since March have rocked our country. Production time for this year’s IT List came in the midst of very intentional and purposeful conversations I was having with a handful of my closest Black friends. It was during one of those conversations when it occurred to me that this year’s list should be focused entirely on some of the most sylish Black women and men of our Charlotte, NC community. While the list is by no means comprehensive, as with each year’s list, the overarching goal is always ALWAYS to positively showcase some of the most stylish indivituals in our city while leaving room for next year’s group to hold its own.

In determining the location for the photo shoot, there was no question that the campus of Charlotte’s own Johnson C. Smith University would make a befitting and impeccable stage for this year’s stylish set. On a personal note, I was filled with pride and delight for the perfect opportunity to partner with my close pal since elementary school, entertainment and lifestyle writer Shameika Rhymes. As always, it is nothing but a joy working with Richard Israel and Josiah Reed. A special thanks to my SouthPark Magazine editor, Cathy Martin, for believing in me and to one of the most amazing Rock Star interns, Isabelle Pringle, I could only IMAGE having! I hope you will pick up your own copy of SouthPark Magazine to read and learn more about each of this year’s stylish individuals and tap into some of their inspiration for your very own. I hope you will look forward to seeing and reading more about each of this year’s most stylish IT Listers!

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.

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

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.

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...

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

Street Style: SouthPark I

The third look for SouthPark Magazine's Street Style photo shoot was one of two we granted to the SouthPark, given the neighborhood is the magazine's namesake.  This was the first time I have worked with Paul Simon or Paul Simon Women on a project.  I haven't been in the store in years, and to be quite honest, I had the stereotype in my head that this was a place for only my Mom to shop.  Not so.  I look at Chelsea's chic modern look, and I don't think "my Mom's clothes" for one second.  I always tell my client that the fit is the very most important thing with your clothes.  Secondly, the styling is what personalizes an outfit.  The three pieces; the pants, sleeveless turtleneck sweater and cape, all from Paul Simon Women, are the base pieces to this outfit. It's no secret that fringe might be the fall season's single most popular trend, so the cape was my starter piece. The end result could have gone in a number of directions.  The hat, one of my most prized pieces from my personal collection, is a total statement maker. For whatever reason, Chelsea's makeup, hair and hat, (Kudos to HMU Artist Chelsea Kimrey) remind me of a Parisian Nancy Sinatra.  The Loeffler Randall Rider Bag is also my own. After hours and hours of souring boutiques all over Charlotte and coming back to the studio with an arsenal of options, I still found this one to be the best fit for the overall look.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Rani Cashmere Fringe Cape, Autumn Cashmere Cotton Cable-Knit Sleeveless Sweater and Lisette Same Plaid Stretch Pants from Paul Simon Women Cole Haan Boots, Eugenia Kim Hat, Loeffler Randall Medium Rider Bag, Double Happiness Necklace at Sloan Boutique. 

Street Style: Ballantyne

Last week I shared outfit credits for the look that made the cover of SouthPark Magazine's Fall Fashion issue. The Dilworth outfit may have been my favorite, because it is very true to my own personal style. Today's neighborhood Street Style outfit comes to you from the south side, Ballantyne.  I was easily inspired by the neighborhood's many opulent surroundings for this outfit.  The golf course, the resort, shopping centers, the neighborhood built around a country club... for me, while I would now categorize Ballanytne as one of Charlotte's oldest new neighborhoods, everything in the area still has a very clean, new, rich and elegant feeling about it.  And so, Chelsea's outfit.  I think you could call Ballanytne Charlotte's 'New Beverly Hills'.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Etro Coloblock Twisted Weave and Fur Vest from Neiman Marcus, Parker Ribbed Bodycon Dress, Joie Taupe Suede Boots, Heather Benjamin Ocean Jasper Stone Necklace at Sloan Boutique. JJ Winters Bree Clutch at KK Bloom, Jan Michaels Brass and Orange Stone Ring at ChezElle, Prada Sunglasses.

SouthPark Mag: How It Went Down & Get It

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Adrienne Landau Fur from Denim House, MinkPink Crop Top from KK Bloom, Alice + Olivia Loran floral jacquard skirt from Neiman Marcus, Eugenia Kim hat, Joie taupe suede boots and Nima jeweled clutch from Sloan, Twine & Twig Cowrie Collar, Chakoor silver bracelet from ChezElle.

I shared this photo last week at the bottom of a previous post.  This project is one of my favorites to date, if not my favorite.  A big thank you to SouthPark Magazine for putting their trust in me and giving me so much creative freedom for this shoot.  When I met with the Editor to discuss ideas for their Fall Fashion editorial, she asked me for my ideas.  My first question was "Do you have any parameters?"  Her answer?  "Fall Fashion".  Okay. Well, let's play ball!  I had not given it any forethought, because I was just so excited for a second opportunity to express my love of fashion on the pages of this great magazine.  But goodness, the proverbial flood gates were wide open.  No trends. No boring catalog sales pictures. Just straight up art, created with an amazing team and the intent to showcase the fall fashions available at some of Charlotte's hottest boutiques.  

The cover shot, taken in Dilworth, is one of my favorites. Just about every single items the model, Chelsea, is wearing, comes from a different store.  If you are interested in how the outfits came together, the crew came to my house; my basement transformed into a studio.  I mixed up some Buffalo Trace and Coke, along with fresh muddled cherries. We turned up the music, and suddenly I was that little girl at my Grandmother's house. Mixing and matching her clothes with my Great-Grandmother's.  This skirt, that hat, these shoes, that shirt, no this one, these earrings, this necklace, another necklace, oh wait one more.  Oh hell, just put 'em all on.  And so the outfits were born.  Not too much time, not a great deal of thought, but certainly a fair amount of discretion. If you live in the Queen City, be sure to visit these stores, or you may shop the post straight from this page, below the above image. 

My Week Behind The Scenes

I am coming off of one crazy busy work weekend.  As you may recall from a previous post, this weekend I was a presenter at the Southern Women's Show.  I shared my tips for Fall and Winter Teacher Style on a budget that will not break the bank.  A HUGE shout out to my lovely assistant, Phanta.  I would have been in over my head in preparations without her.  Thursday afternoon and evening was a full one of creating outfits for the upcoming weekend's eight outfit changes for 12 models.  Thank you Phanta and Prosecco.

Earlier in the day I took an almost four hour bicycle adventure with Wild Nugget Worth over to Park Road Shopping Center, onto the Greenway, through Freedom Park, UP East Boulevard to Carolina Smoothie, back down East Blvd to the playground at Freedom Park and back on the Greenway through Park Road Shopping Center back home to meet Phanta, as well as a client, to give her this cool Free People jacket in time for Fall.

Back to that bike ride.... Most of our tours start with a visit at Black Hawk Hardware for some popcorn.  Like all the rest, this one did too.  Almost always, Willie is outside helping a customer, and we stop to say hello. I was trailing Worth, and as he approached Willie he put on his breaks.  With little reaction time, so did I.  And then I Super Womaned it over the handlebars, arms out wide flat on the concrete.  No idea how I was saved from a face brake... it must have been the Southern Women's Show Angels... I managed to make it out with only a handful of major bruises and a sore neck.  Willie came to our rescue with popcorn and a water for me and Sprite for Worth.  Needless to say, our next stop was to the bike shop for a new helmet for me.

Friday morning, clad in my DVF Supa Star Wrap dress, I loaded up my trusty rolling rack, and I was off to the show.  Thanks again to Phanta, to all the models, Marcia, The Southern Women's Show, The Charlotte Observer and everyone else involved.  We had a great first day.  If you missed it but want to know my top Teacher Fashion pics, do not dismay!  Pick up this Sunday's paper, where you'll find it all in the Style section. 

Bright and early Saturday morning I was off to High Point for a quick shoot with my friends at Julie Lopez Shoes.  We always have a great time on set, and I got to work with two of my favorite hotties, Jillian and Amy.

I've told you about them before, but if you haven't checked out Julie's shoes and you are on the market for a good looking, comfortable, Italian-made luxury shoe at a less than luxury shoe price, take a look. I LOVE my Layla nude python pump.  By noon, I was back down I-85 to Charlotte for another round of Teacher Style dialogue with the adorable Cristina Bolling, staff writer for The Charlotte Observer, followed by an IMMEDIATE crash in my bed before two more rounds on Sunday.

I hope YOU had a wonderful weekend.  One last thing, if you are over at Southpark Mall, be sure to grab the September Fall Fashion issue where we captured some pretty fantastic street style looks covering nine Charlotte neighborhoods.  Thanks to SouthPark Magazine for putting their trust in me.  One of my absolute most favorite projects to date!

Alice + Olivia On Sale!

One of my very favorite modern day designers is Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director the fashion house of Alice and Olivia.  The global brand launched at Barneys in 2001 and is currently sold in over fifty countries. In the Queen City, you can shop Alice and Olivia at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.  I adore this three piece suit of shorts, top and jacket I used in one of the looks in the May issue of SouthPark Magazine.

Shop my favorite current Alice + Olivia items below on Sale up to 75% Off!  Now is the time to do it ladies, because these are the best prices you'll ever see for these one of a kind pieces, and once their gone, their gone! 

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.