Charleston magazine style blog

Project Runway Calling!

Two days ago I received a phone call from Project Runway. Turns out that they heard a bit about Charleston Fashion Week and the local design night. They are full speed ahead casting (already) for Season 6 which will air on their new station, Lifetime! So they have asked that I spread the word. Did I just say Project Runway asked me to spread the word? Wow. Now that Charleston is on their radar…perhaps they will consider making us a casting location for future seasons!!! One can only wish!

Designers, make me proud! (So Tim Gunn of me!)
Click here to find out how to apply but remember…deadline is July 9th!!!

Charleston loves a good auction! I think it’s the thrill of the chase. The idea of bidding and out bidding. Perhaps this is why I’m addicted to eBay!

Mary Norton Hat

Right now the hottest auction in town is centered around a very special one-of-a-kind item! The Spa at Charleston Place is accepting bids for an exclusive hat created by our famed local designer Mary Norton in efforts to donate funds to skin cancer research. The initiative includes several features aimed at encouraging local residents to better protect their skin from the area’s famously intense sun. “I was really drawn to this campaign and am excited about the opportunity to contribute,” Norton said. “Taking the right steps to protect our skin is a fashionable thing to do, and a wide-brimmed hat protects the face and skin, helping prevent skin cancer and premature aging.” The hat will be auctioned off as a way to support the “I Will Reflect” campaign launched in May by The Spa at Charleston Place and endorsed by the Medical University of South Carolina. Bids will be accepted until 9pm on July 3rd. You can also support the cause by purchasing an “I Will Reflect” bracelet that glows purple when your skin is exposed to the sun for $2 each at The Spa! One hundred percent of money raised from the silent auction will go to the MUSC Foundation’s Department of Dermatology to fund basic, translational, and clinical research into the cause and treatment of skin cancer.

Seriously with this crazy global warming crisis, you could fry an egg on the sidewalk! If you have ever been outside and thought you smelled something burning…well it could be you! It’s that serious!

To place your bid call The Spa at Charleston Place at 843-937-8522!

So I’m finally in between shoots and I sat down to search through the happenings to write this blog and…WOW…the Charleston fashion world is on the fast track and packed with SHOWS! So here is the rundown for all of you glamtastic girls and guys: (Sorry I’m a little late on a couple of these…so get going!)

TONIGHT…

Carol Hannah Whitfield’s Collection At CFW

Remember those fashion savvy emerging designers from Charleston Fashion Week? Well tonight, at Elysium Salon in Mt. Pleasant, from 6 -9pm Carol Hannah Whitfield and Rachel Gordon will be presenting their collections with shoes by Susan Michelle and accessories designed by Angela Hall during a wine tasting and fashion show event to benefit the Center For Women. I hear that there will be some special auction items available as well. Get your fashion on!

Jane Pope Collection Gold Twig Necklace

Marysia Swim

If you missed it last night, DON’T miss it today! The Jane Pope collection and Balboa Jewelry presents their Trunk Show and Summer Sale located at the studio on 54 b Chapel Street (above Soiree)! They will also have a special sample sale for the Marysia Charleston Swim collection (recently featured in Domino Magazine). It’s hot enough to make you want to wear swimwear all day and everyday, right? Hurry, it’s over at 5pm.

BUZZ….

Dries van Noten’s Spring Summer ‘08

This one is a biggie! RTW is having a major sale…like maybe the biggest designer sale of the year… at the old Metropolitan Deluxe space next to Vickery’s downtown! Let me just get right to the names: Dries Van Noten, Tuleh, Monique Lhuillier, Moschino, Alberta Feretti. Robert Danes (amazing eveningwear!), Peter Cohen, Megan Park, 3 Dot and Majestic t-shirts, and so much more! I’m crossing my fingers that they will some Lanvin included! This dream sale will take place Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday ONLY from 10-6pm! I am counting down the days because from what I understand clothing will be marked down up to 90%!!! (I hope you were sitting down for that!) RTW’s goal is to get rid of it all to make room for all of the new designers and arrivals! I’m talking t-shirts to designer ballgowns!
To the Charleston Glameratti and label lovers, this is the shopping moment of your life…well at least of 2008!

Rick Owen Jacket Spring Collection

Speaking of designers…did I mention that Worthwhile is getting Rick Owens for fall? This is just too much style for one blog!

It is an ongoing tradition here on the Charleston Style Blog to give you a little behind the scenes action from the current fashion feature. Check out the June issue of Charleston Magazine to see the full fashion story in all of its glamour and glory! Now for the things you didn’t see…

Our Glamorous Set

You expected more? No luxurious set here folks…we are in the sticks! I am literally working out of a van down by the river.

Frank Works Out The Shot

A Touch Up

The umbrella was a nice touch. Later in the day I made good use of it while standing in heat. I won’t even get started on the bugs!

Roach And I On The Set

This is Roach (long story) and he is like the MacGyver of photo shoots. He can make anything you desire by using the items found in the back of his pick up and whatever nature leaves lying around. He has an 8-track stereo and that’s not all! He also has a portable 8-track player that is so ancient it looks like something from the future. I can’t even remember the last time I heard The Ink Spots!

Ashley Get’s Some Roach Action

Frank Models SEE Eyewear

These glasses by SEE possess some magic power. Whenever Frank tried them on he would go into a strange trance followed by the appearance of a 2nd personality who was a combination of Steve Urkel and Revenge of the Nerds.

Josh And I Checking Out The Wreckage

Subway Style

A lunch break at Subway proved to be a crazy idea! As you can see this is what an outdoor shoot will do to a person. Ashley can’t control herself. This is your brain on fashion overdose…

Style Intern, Danielle and the boss!

Tara Working The Machetti

Tara was given a Mechetti to pose with. Now that’s killer!

The Crew

It’s Stylist Love

Ahhhhhhh! We may be delirious in the mist of nature (Nature and I don’t mix well) but the love never dies! Keep in mind we are covered in bugspray and sweat. Now that’s love.

Group Shot

Last shot of the day! Yes, I am about to pass out!

All photos provided by Danielle Darragh 

Johnny Beyer

As a last note: I have received many emails inquiring and gushing about our male model featured in this issue! All I can say is, ladies, just google him. Johnny Beyer! All of your questions will be answered!

Have you been counting down? I know I have! Just think…tomorrow Sex And The City opens and I for one can’t contain my excitement in anticipation for what the Fashion Stylist guru, Patricia Fields, has put together. Ok so why totally wait? How about just a bit of a fashion spoiler? Below are 10 fashion finds spotted in the SATC Movie: (Did I mention there were 300 wardrobe changes and 81 outfits for Carrie alone?) Strap on your Manolo’s and here we go…

Carrie Style

1. White Ankle Boots paired with ultra mini party dress.

2. Dior Leather Sandals in every color … Carrie wears a metallic pair with her wedding dress (Vivienne Westwood).

3. Timmy Woods Eiffel Tower Hand Bag. Homage to the series finale in Paris.

4. House of Field Tote by Patricia Fields as seen one of the posters for the film. Only $38 and I guarantee the least expensive fashion item in the film.

5. Carrie’s petrol grey hue gladiator Jimmy Choo Atlas Patent Sandals over black patterned tights!

6. Zac Posen Cloud Mini-dress with massive fabric cloud details asymmetrically surrounding the bodice. (Pictured above.)

7. Bold colors and geometric prints from designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Blumarine, Chanel, Prada and Roberto Cavalli.

8. Lots of waist cinching belts!

Jennifer Fisher Gold Hoops

9. Jennifer Fisher Gold Hoop Earrings adorned with sparkling diamonds!

10. In the Carrie Bradshaw Wedding Scene, she wears a stunning pair of Fred Leighton, 19th Century Diamond and Natural Pearl Cluster Earrings and a Fred Leighton, 19th Century Diamond Feather Brooch.

And lots and lots of Manolo’s!

Sex And The City Style

Now let the Knock-off hunting begin!

SEX AND THE CITY AFTER PARTY!

Friday night after the movie don’t miss the (possibly the only) Sex And The City After Party at Torch Velvet Lounge. Specials to all the girls so bring your SATC entourage! See you there!

Ayoka Jersey Dress

OMG! Can it be true that the designer extraordinaire Diane von Furstenberg has a dress in her Spring ’08 line named after muah? Ok…I am overreacting. I have never met the designer in my life. However, I am still so beside myself that she is offering this Ayoka Jersey Dress, as seen on pinkmascara.com, in her collection. What are the odds?

Dear DVF,

It is with great dramatic appreciation that I say thank you! I personally have met only one other Ayoka in my life. I am so touched that you too are a fan of the name. I love the beautiful abstract print and triangle keyhole detail! The fashion angels are truly on my side!

Wait…oh yes…again this is not about me! Regardless, check out the Spring ’08 collection and be inspired. I am!

San Frediano Wedges

Deeeeeelicious! These smoking hot red patent San Frediano wedges is just what the doctor ordered for spring/summer! This collection has just arrived from Italy and is now available at Farushga only! With only 6 pairs of each style, this exclusive line will be gone before you can say stiletto! If you miss out on this collection don’t fret! Farushga, located at 377 King Street, carries a number of exclusive handmade Italian shoe lines! They take the trip to Italy so you don’t have to (you can just look like you did.)

Candace Romeo Maggie Foldover Clutch

Maggie Clutch

I love a great Trunk Show! On Wednesday May 7th, The Sitting Room (a very charming home décor store cleverly designed as an actual living space) will host a handbag and jewelry party! That just sounds right, doesn’t it? The best part is that it features local designers! Got to support our native fashionista’s! There will be a handbag collection by Candace Romeo, who I am a massive fan of (it was her Ayoka bag that caught the attention of the Fashion Paparazzi a few seasons back at NY Fashion Week!) Also, as seen in the March issue of Vogue, Jane Pope will be on hand with her latest jewelry line! From 5-8pm you can socialize with the beautiful ones while getting an accessory fix! What more could a girl want? Call 843-849-8969 for more info!

Is one trunk show really enough? Nah, why not make it two! Tuesday, May 6th through Wednesday, May 7t h from 5:30- 8:30, It Fitz Jewelry will hold their spring collection Mother’s Day Jewelry Trunk Show with handmade pieces by Nikki Fitzgerald. The festivities will take place at the Hunter Lake Commons Clubhouse in Mt. Pleasant. While you are there don’t skip out on the winter collection, as everything is half off! Now if you are still wrapping your brain around what to get for Mom you will love this! Earrings are buy one get one free and necklaces are buy two get one free! Mom is racking up this year!

Yes! I am a fan of Kulture Klash (along with around 500 others), if anything for the incredible merging of art, music, and or course FASHION! B’zar along with Big Hair Productions delivered an action packed event that went a little like this… Fabulous people everywhere, visual art covering all walls, inside for break-dance performance, outside for Robert Palmer inspired act with blue girls, inside for the show by the girls in a million grocery bags (ARC Experiments In Dance), then back outside for Dub Island! Whew! ! I will admit that it’s not the best flow for a person with a short span of attention (like myself) because it can be difficult to keep up with what performance is happening when and where but it’s so worth it to be amongst the cool kids (young and old)! Speaking of…check out the hotness:

Kulture Klash

Charlotte and Gustavo

Get ready! Savage T’s featuring above model Charlotte Savage will be available at B’zar very soon! (See I’m not the local face plastered on garments!) I will be rockin’ one for sure!

Group Shot

Matthew Big Pimpin’

The Act!

Hotnesssss!

Gustavo (right) owner of B’zar was wearing this amazing Ronald McDonald shirt that read “I want your soul”. I love how he cleverly matched his entire outfit with the infamous clowns colors! Hysterical!

I love giving props to another fly fashionista!

The night ended with the reggae sounds of Dub Island who took over six mics performing while spinning the hottest cuts and a few original Dub crowd favorites that sent the party into definite dance mode! Wha Gwan…Rewind selecta…Come again!

PS. Karmaloop TV, an online street wear web TV site spotlights fashion,music and culture based out of LA, was in the house capturing all of the Street Wear fashion fiends at Kulture Klash. Ben Ricciardi was kind enough to snag me as co-host here and there. This will be a first for Charleston so let’s cross our fingers that it airs!

All Photos provided by Walter Pinkney. More photos available at www.shopbzar.com.

Tim Quinn (left), Myself, and Jamie Biering at the Armani Beauty Counter in Saks

I heart Tim Quinn! Really! Celebrity Face Designer, Tim Quinn, returned to Saks last week for consultations at the Georgio Armani Cosmetic’s Counter. He has worked with such celebs as Kate Beckinsale, Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Lynda Carter, and more! During my visit with Tim, he had me in tears, as he is part Make-up guru and part comedian, in my opinion! He was telling me this hilarious story about spiders and then goes on to say “all this talk of spiders…I feel like one is on me now.” I just assumed it was a case of the creepy-crawlies until he reaches over to his neck and then opens his hand and sure enough it was a tiny arachnid creature. Ha! What are the odds! What I love about him is that he really gives you easy to understand explanations of the products and their uses peppered with hysterical commentary in between! Jamie Biering, who works the Armani counter, joined us for a few laughs and somehow we managed to actually talk about the new Armani products! Tim introduced me to the highly coveted Armani Face Fabrics foundation line, which boasts a very unique Micro-fil™ technology that allows a lightness and fluidity to the texture of the make-up. This is ideal when it comes to enhancing the natural glow of the skin without feeling too layered in make-up, which is one of my issues with (and why I often don’t wear) foundation.

Giorgio Armani Crema Nera

Since I am all about skin care these days, Tim walked me through their line as Jamie tested the Crema Nera on my right hand. Instantly the change was dramatic as we compared where it was applied to my untouched left hand. I was hooked! The real seller was the black curved stone that is used to apply the cream. It has many uses and can even be heated an applied to the head to sooth headaches or just as a stress reliever! LOVE! Let me also say that the Crema Nara is designed to regenerate skin cells, which means diminished wrinkles, ladies!!! Later Liz Michaelis, Saks Store Events Coordinator, popped in and snapped a few pictures and we spent some time chatting and reminiscing over this amazingly fashion event-filled past couple of months. They sent me away with smooches and my very own jar of Crema Nera which by the way I have used for a weekend and have noticed tremendous moisture in my chronically dry skin! Beauty rocks!