Style Matters Greenville

As soon as the thermometer rises, comfort minded women take to wearing skirts. Pencil skirts remain extremely popular this spring, especially in prints and bold colors. Because this lovely impressionistic skirt by Nic and Zoe grazes the knee, it has work appropriate written all over it. I also love the blue body suit because it helps to create a seamless look. Say goodbye to shirts that don’t stay tucked in.

I’ve always loved vests. I purchased my all time favorite one back in 1992 at Nordstrom. I still wear this black suede number with black leather trim, and patch pockets. I always feel sharp and put together in it. Besides that, the vest provides extra warmth in the winter when worn over a sweater.

Last week I checked out the Derek Lam’s DesigNation Collection at Kohl’s in advance of my writing about it for the Examiner.com. Included in the collection is a streamlined black crepe vest that drapes beautifully and looks expensive. I especially like the way it skims the torso. I’ve been on the lookout for a vest that exactly matches the design and weight of this one. Since it fit perfectly and cost $38 with a Kohl’s coupon, I bought it.

Lam’s designs speak to contemporary women who want stylish clothes that are also functional. Many of the pieces in his collection, like the black vest, could be dressed up or down. Inspired by my vest purchase and this season’s black and white trend, I created an outfit that showcases this versatile wardrobe piece.

An online reviewer gave this item 4 stars and has these words to say about it: “…..this vest is the kind of piece that I can see wearing for years to come”. Nicely said.

Vintage Chanel and memories of New York in spring inspire this ultra feminine ensemble. Mix a little Chanel with a little White House Black Market, and you get an outfit with a whole lot of class!

Atlanta based designer Afriyie Poku won the coveted title of Emerging Designer East and the People’s Choice award at Charleston Fashion Week. Poku stood out at CFW for several reasons. His ebony skin, chiseled features, and tall hair captured the attention of nightly CFW audiences. He was also the only menswear designer among twenty featured semi-finalists. Most importantly, Poku masterly succeeded in accomplishing his goal of modernizing 18th and 19th century menswear clothing, and making his designs totally wearable for the here and now.

This sensational rising star lives to design. I had the pleasure of interviewing him a few hours before he unveiled his stunning collection. He had these words to say about his relationship with his work: “The day I stop designing is the day I cease to exit.” See his designs at http://www.oberimaafriyie.com.

A $30 skirt from Kohl’s serves as the cornerstone for this feminine and business like look. Soft spring colors bring the skirt alive, and accessories make the outfit runway ready.

Look around you. Men have stepped up their style in a big way. Gone are the baggy trousers and oversized shirts. This working wardrobe reflects the contemporary man..smart, stylish and with it.

Do you have any of these basics in your closet?

I arrived in Charleston this afternoon, and plan to spend a few days of r&r before the work of fashion week begins. What a week it’s going to be! Since its inception in 2007, Charleston Fashion Week (CFW) has grown into a formidable fashion force in the Southeast. CFW’s unique focus on emerging designers and model talent distinguishes it from other events of this kind. The fashion world converges on Charleston’s Marion Square from March 19-23 for five whirlwind days of 35 runway shoes, competitions, and nightly entertainment.

The emerging designer competition, CFW’s cornerstone event, provides career launching exposure for rising young designers. Models on the cat walk at “Rock the Runway” contest will have a rare opportunity to showcase themselves and not the couture fashions they wear.

The guest panel represents a who’s who of fashion notables such as the following: designers Antonio Azzuolo, Johnson Hartig, and Christian Siriano, Arlene Goldstein, Belk’s Vice President of Merchandising and Trend Direction, and international fashion consultant and architect of New York Fashion Week, Fern Mallis.

Belk, the largest privately owned department store chain, is a major sponsor of the 2013 CFW. For event information and tickets, go to: http://charlestonmag.com/fashionweek/main.

Stay tuned for more on this week’s events.

Bright, thoughtful and creative describe LaToya Letmon

I met LaToya Letmon several months ago. Her mom, a therapist, also pet sits for my black lab Roscoe. LaToya’s style left an impression on me. A theater major at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, she defines her fashion sensibility as “bold, not afraid of colors or patterns, and very eclectic”. Admittedly a shy person, “she uses her clothing to speak loudly for her and express her individuality.” Her favorite colors are turquoise and aquamarine because they calm as well as invigorate. As far as style icons go, LaToya admires Emma Watson’s simple and seemingly effortless image.

LaToya studies Korean and also loves Korean culture and music. She credits the current Korean music trend for removing language boundaries, and bringing the world a little closer together.

I created the above collection for LaToya. I think she could really carry this look off with swagger!

Pack your pastels, totes and sandals and head somewhere warm for rest and relaxation.