Southern Arrondissement

3.23.2012

CFW Thursday Night

So my first experience with Charleston Fashion Week was certainly interesting. The tents are set up in Marion Square, which is in the middle of everything in Charleston. I spent a lot of time trying to decide what to wear-I wasn't really certain how "fashiony" it was going to be. Thanks to some really helpful advice from Liza of Bon Vivant here in town, I managed to pull it together with a sequined Tibi t-shirt dress, my drapey cream Shoshanna blazer, and 6-inch Rachel Zoe heels. (Huge mistake. Bless her, they're really pretty but I thought I'd broken my ankle for a large part of the evening. Alright, back to the action, right off the bat I'll say that I could totally do without the local store shows. Not that I don't think it's awesome that they are supporting and engaged with Fashion Week, it's just that I don't want to pay to see a Nanette Leopore dress that I saw at Bloomingdales a month ago strutting down the runway. The most exciting part of the night was when I realized that Cynthia from Real Housewives of ATL was sitting across the runway from me. (Yes, I do.) The emerging designer competition was super interesting. There was a design duo from Raleigh featured as well as a few others; apparently the crowd favorite was the children's designer (Nancy Faw Crowell) who really did present a cute collection, but obviously not what I was really looking for. I was most impressed with Jordan Lee Brooks, he had some great, clean and classic shapes and a nice palette. Overall I think it's a really well-produced show, very nicely done, and while I think there is probably some room for improvement content-wise it's a great thing for the Charleston fashion community. I'd love to have the same in Raleigh!

Jordan Lee Brooks

Emerging designer Hazel Bae

Photos by Ed Kavishe, Paul Zoeller

3.22.2012

Heading South!

I am heading down to one of my favorite places, Charleston, SC today! I will be checking out Charleston Fashion Week for the first time, which I have long been curious about. There are 3 designers from the Raleigh area in the top 20 this year, and I'm excited to see what these ladies have produced. I'll also be stopping by to chat with some of my most favorite fashionable Charlestonians, so expect some fun updates. It should be an altogether lovely weekend!

3.21.2012

Lela Rose At Vermillion

Bless sweet Karla of Vermillion for letting me post this (although it's super hard to really feel bad for someone that looks like this and fits in a sample size). This is one of the absolutely stunning pieces in at Vermillion today for the Fall '12 Lela Rose trunk show. I will tell you whole-heartedly that this picture does not come close to capturing how gorgeous this dress is in person. Get on over there and see the rest!

3.20.2012

Caroline Reehl Ceramics

Allow me to introduce you to this beautiful hand-made pottery line, dancing out of Birmingham, Alabama. All of these pieces are made by Caroline Reehl, an Alabama native and full-time potter (and style lover). A Fine Arts major at Mississippi, she's strongly influenced by her Southern roots, and especially by the strong women that she sees around her. She uses the flowers (roses and lillies-my faves) as metaphors for both inner strength and external beauty and light. There is a lovely optimism and, indeed, femininity to her work. I love the piece above, it reminds me of a living rose bush creeping into unintended spaces over time. But I was also really taken by the "golden roses" directly below; the gold is such a shock-a very strong statement on the white canvas of the vase and other flowers. Really beautiful and unique. Visit Caroline's website for more background, but I would also highly reccomend both her blog for a fun perspective into Caroline's style as well as the Facebook page for more pictures of her most recent work. Charlotte's in Raleigh will be having a trunk show of her full collection in April (April 26 & 27) so stay tuned for more on that!

3.19.2012

Southern Style Road Trip!

Ugggghhh, it seems like I've been so behind with my blogging lately. It's just the time of year-Spring has sprung-and there just always seems to be something pressing to do! So, while this is a little late, you should still see this bounty of Spring goodies! Last week (and this week), the ladies of Marysia Swim and Jane Pope/Balboa jewelry are doing a Southern tour, hitting up, literally some of my favorite boutiques in 3 states to showcase their gorgeous creations and enjoy a little Southern hospitality (and pollen, unfortunately). But both Marysia Reeves and Jane Pope Cooper (I'm sure you can guess which line is which) were in Raleigh at Fleur last week, lovely as can be, with their current lines in tow. I snapped a few shots of some of my favorites but there was so much fabulousness it was hard to narrow down. Above and below are from Marysia's Bumby line, for the lil bits; as you can see it is so cute your heart can hardly stand it. I almost wish I had a little person to outfit in Bumby. (Almost.) Just darling. And I've added shots of someone far more fetching in my fave Marysia suits, a much better sell; the high-waisted Tiki bikini is possibly life changing. The fit flatters and hides little imperfections while still being totally wearable and comfortable. Jane Pope Cooper has both Jane Pope Collection and Balboa. Jane Pope Collection-delicate, beautiful, and modern pieces; super sophisticated-and she'll also do custom work. Balboa is more of a casual look, adorable necklaces and earrings in so many different colors and textures; you can find something to complete any outfit. The girls are still on the road (for another 2 days), check their blogs to see if they're stopping near you!!!

The Tiki

Jane Pope Collection

Great scarves/sarongs and beach/pool bags from Fleur

Awwwwww

Balboa

Literally, a necklace for every outfit.

3.16.2012

Friday Faves

I'm crazy about these new cuffs from Hyla Dewitt. Super statement jewelry for a great price! I love how unique all of her pieces are, and her use of mixed media.

I'm frickin freaking out about Katie Ermilio. I literally melt for her Spring collection. The only place I know that is currently carrying the line is Morgan Kylee in ATL. I'm not going for overkill here, but these clothes make me weepy. Huge fan, I'm hope hope hoping that someone around here will pick it up!!

Love this Shoshanna Natasha dress. So good looking.

Tibi's Ultra poplin blazer. Throw on over just about anything, color is perfect for Spring!

Tibi's Regent basketweave jacket. Another wardrobe staple. Color and shape will go with a billion things. Great wardrobe investment. Tibi is killing it with their outerwear. Killing it I say!

Don't laugh. I'm into the overalls look, obviously you have to pay attention to time and place. BUT, for daytime margaritas or general casual fabulousness. I love these NSF overalls with some fun sandals.