Summer Style Points

Summer is upon us, and here in the South, there is no better way to beat the heat than to do it in style.  Be Foolproof Cool, and Beat Summer's Swelter with my style points here in the Summer issue of Ballantyne Magazine now on stands. Love these Pom Pom Drop Earrings?

How about the perfect raffia cowgirl hat at a price too good to be true?

Then I know you'll love this Neoprene Cutout Dress the Melvin threaded bar necklace, Paige Gamble Postcard Pouches and everything else on the list! Check them all out here!

Suit Up! (The Making Of A Coney Island Photo Shoot)

These pictures give me so much life and joy!  Once again, Joe Bradley on camera kills it. This shoot came together in a moment's notice.  Joe was travelling to NYC for some work there and decided it would be a great opportunity to shoot since we would have some gorgeous talent from the Big Apple with whom to work.  Oh to wear a bathing suit like our model Michelle. 

We originally planned to shoot at swimming pool, but who in NYC has an open pool in the middle of February?  Public beaches are great, but not just any beach, Coney Island!  The project all came together so quickly.  Once we had the location determined, Joe knew he wanted a bright, punchy and fun wardrobe. I sat down at my computer and scoured the internet for the brightest, punchiest and most fun product I could find on some of my favorite websites.  I shipped all the product straight to him in New York, and since I couldn't be there the day of, I sent him this little collage so he would know what went with what.

I am completely blown away by the photos.  I want to blow them up and frame them as art work in my home.  Look for this issue of SouthPark Magazine on news stands at the kiosks outside of Neiman Marcus, Belk and Nordstrom at SouthPark Mall.

Little Romper

Romper: Tory Burch, Shoes: Michael Kors (similar)

I'm a Sucker For A One Piece

I've always loved a one piece bathing suit.  Interestingly, sometimes I think they can be more difficult to wear, like they aren't as forgiving as two pieces at times.  But when I'm feeling fit, I do love a one piece bathing suit, like the one I wore below recreating a moment in time featuring my Grandmother (far right) and some of her friends.  Below are a few of my current favorites. Shop 'til you drop, because summer time starts this Memorial Day weekend!

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.