Style Matters Greenville

I associate seersucker with sweetened ice tea and garden weddings. When I see a man in a seersucker suit, I immediately think of my dad. Although he favored traditional blue seersucker suits, he paired them with imaginative shirt and bowtie combinations that definitely pushed the style envelope. The word seersucker comes from the Hindi word Sirsakar and the Persian word Shiroshakar, meaning milk and sugar. What a delicious way to think of this fabric. It’s light and airy, and comes in a rainbow of sweet stripes, from nautical navy to cotton candy pink.

Steamy summertime conditions call for breathable, comfortable and washable clothing. Seersucker certainly fits the bill in all three categories. This cotton fabric is woven in such a way that it allows for better heat dissipation and air circulation. It is no wonder why seersucker has remained a common hot weather fashion choice from pre-air conditioning days to the present.

A New Orleans tailor made sartorial history in 1907 when he created the first seersucker suit. Although originally worn by the poor in the U.S., seersucker suits became a signature item of the southern gentleman. The fabric caught on with college students during the 1920’s, and they started a seersucker trend.[1] Soon wealthy Northerners vacationing in the South began wearing seersucker suits. By the 1930’s there were seersucker sightings throughout the northeast. The institutionalization of seersucker started when the first female United States Marines chose it for their summer service uniform during World War II.[2] Now members of Congress simultaneously wear seersucker every year on the second or third Thursday in June. [3]  Republican Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi originated the idea in 1996 to “bring a little Southern charm to the Capitol” and to create an awareness of how Senators dressed before the luxury of indoor air conditioning.[4] Senator Diane Feinstein of California, an active proponent of Seersucker Thursday, encouraged female senators to join in the tradition.

As a personal shopper and wardrobe stylist, my day almost always includes expeditions to clothing stores. I see seersucker almost everywhere, and it is not just for the classic dresser anymore.  In fact, I just bought a seersucker blazer with a thoroughly modern twist at Express for one of my clients. Here are my three favorite runway worthy  seersucker picks for spring:

Loft Seersucker Mini Skirt – A grosgrain ribbon waistband adds flair to this black and white striped pencil skirt, which sells for $59.50. I can see it with a cobalt blue or mint ruffle front top.

Kate Spade New York “Nico” Striped Seersucker Shorts –  Stroll down the boardwalk in these head turning pleated front cuffed shorts with front pockets. They are available at Nordstrom for $198.

Express Striped Shawl Collar Two Button Jacket – This jacket received a five star customer rating, and my client looks smashing in it. At $98, it is priced well below what a similar jacket at Talbots runs.

Express Shawl Collar Jacket

Kate Spade Seersucker "Nico Short"

The Loft Seersucker Pencil Skirt

Share and Enjoy

I visited Pedal Chic Boutique in downtown Greenville for the first time last week. As soon as I stepped into this bike emporium and women’s athletic apparel store, I felt energized.  It could have been the large bold orange accent wall or the display of luscious shiny metallic touring bikes that animated me. In any event, I knew immediately that Pedal Chic spoke my language.  As a wardrobe stylist and personal shopper, I pay close attention to color, fabric, cut and style. The selection of athletic and lifestyle wear at Petal Chic deserves gold stars in all four areas. Take for example the Pucci inspired bike dress in an olive, mint and tangerine geometric print.  The only accessory you need with this little traffic stopper is attitude.  I like versatile wardrobe pieces, and this one fits the bill. You can bike to your favorite restaurant in it for lunch with friends, or take it on a weekend beach getaway. Speaking of the beach, Petal Chic also sells bathing suits. I adored the two piece lavender suit with a bandeau top and briefs that have a short sarong skirt overlay. This suit offers both strategic coverage and distinctive style. Carmen Miranda would give this one a “thumbs up”!  

I learned all about Pedal Chic from the owner, Robin Bylenga.  Early on in our conversation, it became clear to me that Robin loves what she does. She is also on a mission to introduce women to the joys of cycling and keeping fit.  A serious athlete herself, Robin understands the enormous health benefits associated with regular fitness activities. She also knows exactly what women need to feel comfortable and confident on a bike. Robin sells so much more than bikes and biking apparel.  First and foremost, she provides customized service, a rare commodity these days. Robin outfits individuals with well fitting clothes and foundation pieces keeping these concepts in mind: functionality, figure flattery, age appropriateness, and personal style. She also offers safe riding instruction, bike maintenance classes, personalized biking tips, and social support.  Every Tuesday evening starting at 6:00pm, Pedal Chic sponsors a “spin and sip”. Women of all levels take to their bikes and explore the neighboring trails. Afterwards, they share conversation over a glass of wine.  Pedal Chic finds many creative ways like this one to keep you motivated.

Admit it; we all want to look and feel good when we work out. Should you dare wear a floral print bike jersey with a color coordinated helmet instead of basic black when you ride?  Of course you should; “Roadways are the New Runways”. Whether you just decided to take up cycling or you’re looking for fashion forward athletic apparel, head to Pedal Chic for one stop shopping. By all means, have fun when you hop onto your bike and celebrate your personal power in style.

Pedal Chic is located at 651 B South Main Street. For more information, contact the Boutique at 864-242-CHIC(2442) or visit their website http://www.pedalchic.com. 

Pucci inspired geometric print bike dress

Pedal Chic's signature bike jersey

Pedal Chic's selection of stylish bike helmets

Take a spin in this shiny vanilla bike.

Share and Enjoy

Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performed at the Peace Center on March 14. What a rare treat it was to see and hear the best jazz musicians on the planet all under one roof. Wynton’s brilliance as a musician, band leader, composer, and teacher illuminated the house that night. The audience honored Marsalis and his orchestra with exuberant applause, and insistence on an encore. Known as “America’s classical music”, jazz originated in New Orleans in the early twentieth century and emerged from both African and classical European rhythms. I am not a student of jazz, but I do like listening to it. Sometimes it makes me extraordinarily happy, and other times it cuts me to the quick.  One thing I know is true about this home grown art form. Jazz always takes me for a ride, and I’m never quite sure of the destination. The road twists in unexpected places and detours to unfamiliar terrain. The best part about jazz for me is its element of surprise.

So how is jazz like style? Those who dress with panache do exactly what jazz does. They surprise you. During intermission at the March 14 concert, I engaged in people watching. I spied a young woman with a New York vibe and she carried a small black marabou feathered shoulder bag. I honed in on the bag immediately.  When I asked her if I could take a photo of her purse, she said that her coat was the best thing about her outfit. She graciously ran back to her seat and returned wearing a real show stopper of a coat. It had so many lovely surprising elements such as the black and white patterned piping against the rich red fabric. It also had gorgeous blousy sleeves. Designer An Ren of New York (how appropriate for the evening) created this beauty. Here is a photo of the label with the designer’s name in case you want one for yourself. Alas, the picture of the sweet little bag disappeared from my cell phone. Just imagine lightness and fullness at the same time. Something like a jazz note!

Wynton Marsalis concert goer wearing coat by designer An Ren

Coat by New York designer An Ren

Share and Enjoy

What would women do without jewelry? It makes no difference whether it is fake or fine. We just love to decorate ourselves in beads, bangles, hoops and brooches. Jewelry also provides us with an opportunity to express our unique fashion style. Whimsical dressers might go for the bright colored enameled floral and beaded necklaces that are blooming all over stores this spring. Take the fanciful multi strand beaded necklace with fuchsia orchids by Lucky designs. This piece adds just the right dose of attitude and color to any of your neutral outfits. Since it has an adjustable leather strap, it can instantaneously change from short to long.  You can find it at Belk for $79.  Do you walk on the wild side? Then you will love the exotic trend of accessorizing with animal prints, wooden beads and other natural fabrics.  Ameshia’s fashion jewelry in the Upstate sells jewelry for all fashion styles and pocketbooks.  If you’re after natural elements, Ameshia sells pieces like turquoise bracelets, and wood, porcelain and black onyx bead earrings. My personal favorite jewelry trend this season is crystal. Crystal beaded necklaces and earrings possess that classic old world charm, yet they are thoroughly current. My friend Mare Petras glows in the translucent blush colored drop necklace on a ribbon chain featured below. An author, life coach and motivational speaker, Mare presents keynotes and trainings on wellness across the country. Her necklace, like her personality, is vibrant and inspiring.  

There is a whole world of jewelry out there waiting for you to wear. Put on your favorite piece and go have fun. 

Safari statement earrings

Say hello to spring with beads and orchids

Share and Enjoy

If you haven’t been to the OOPS Company at Verdae Village in Greenville, then you need to add this store to your ”where to shop” list. As a personal wardrobe consultant and personal shopper, I frequent the store regularly, and always find one of a kind items for my clients there. Yesterday, I bought three soft, open weave pashminas in yummy colors for a grand total of $11. Don’t ask me why they were so deeply discounted; all I know is that they were on sale already, and even further reduced from the ticketed price. Plus, I took advantage of the current ”buy two and get a third for free”offer. At that unbelievable price, I kept one for myself in a buttery camel color. I wore it last night with a python print ruched sheath dress and a brown Nanette Lepore bolero jacket to a business networking event.

Pashminas are on my top ten wardrobe must haves list. When thrown over a jacket or sweater, they provide just the right amount of coverage for any spring evening in the Upstate.  Plus, pashminas and shawls elevate one’s appearance to a heightened style level. I always advise my personal wardrobe clients to purchase accessories such as these, that have both attitude and a high fun factor.

Some of my OOPS’ Store purchases include a Banana Republic wrap dress and several BR tops, active wear from L.L. Bean, and essential slimming foundation garments to wear under jersey or sheer fabrics.  The store specializes in women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as accessories from mail order catalogs. They also have novelty items and a few home goods. From Thursday, March 15 through Saturday, March 17, the store will hold a tent sale to clear out odds and ends from their warehouse in Roebuck, SC. Go to http://www.theoopsco.com for details on the sale. You can also get the latest store news on their blog at http://www.oopsco.blogspot.com.

Handy canvas bags in colorful spring prints

Bold scarves line the walls of the OOPS Store

Touches of red are perfect for a color blocked effect

Share and Enjoy

Perhaps the fashion gods have blessed me. Wherever I go lately, I find the most amazing bargains on clothing, shoes and more. Stores are practically paying you to take items off their hands. Yesterday at JC Penny(best kept secret of a store), I bought a MNG Mango sleeveless navy blue jersey ruched sheath dress with a sash tie for….drum roll…..$15. On the next rack over, I spied a Bisou Bisou blue and white multi print ruched tunic top with an asymetrical hem for $8. This will look gorgeous with a pair of black straight leg pants. Oh yes, I also bought those at another one of my favorite haunts, Stein Mart. How could I resist those elegant ponte knit slim Audrey Hepburn inspired ankle length pants with back zippers at the hem? Thanks Ellie Tahari for including this handy design feature. Now I won’t risk pulling a muscle just trying to take these gems off. Originally priced at $148, they were mine for $31.97. Of course before leaving Stein Mart, I visited the 50% off shoe section and tried on high black patent platform cork wedge sling backs with a peep toe and bow. To my amazement they felt pretty darn comfortable.  For a mere $25, I joined the extreme shoe wearing sport club. Follow me on this blog for updates on how my feet hold up. 

Sophisticated and feminine describe this beauty

My first pair of high platform wedge shoes

I can see it now with slim black knit ankle length pants

Share and Enjoy

Cupid has been putting himself through the paces at target practice in recent days so that he will be ready to work his magic on us. The crowds at Haywood Mall today suggest that Greenvillians were on a quest to find both clothing for themselves and gifts for loved ones. If you need some last minute fashion and gift suggestions, check out my latest article on Examiner.com.   I listed some terrific items about town that will certainly sweeten Tuesday’s celebration. My favorite is the ”Wake Me Up Sugar Scrub” from Melinda’s Marvels, a blend of sugar coffee grounds and five different oils. You must see the photos of Melinda’s scrumptous chocolate covered oreos and cake pops.

Polka dots are the perfect pic for Valentine's Day

Share and Enjoy

Are you searching for a distinctive and genuine style but you just don’t know how and where to find it? Do you consider yourself style challenged?  Don’t despair.  Style is innate.  It incubates in our self conscious and emerges under the right conditions.  Anyone can gain style clarity by following these basic steps: (more…)

Share and Enjoy

Is style on your mind in the new year?

It is not too late to amend your New Year’s resolution list. Enhancing your image goes hand in hand with other worthwhile personal improvement goals, such as losing weight, eating healthier and getting in shape. A favorite quotation of mine by Jim Rohn explains simply and powerfully the importance of self care. ” Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” Staying healthy, fit and attractive requires a daily dose of effort as well as a lifelong commitment to feel and look your best. When you are tempted to push the snooze alarm instead of keeping your appointment at the  gym, just think about the fact that your body houses you. Since you will hopefully reside in it for a very long time, does it make sense not to keep it in good condition? If you invest in your house, it will truly become your home.

I just wrote an article entitled “How to lead a charmed style life in 2012“. So, style has definitely been in the forefront of my mind more than usual. What does style mean? How does one capture one’s individuality through one’s image? What makes a style icon? I arrived at a formula called C.H.A.R.M. that incorporates the who’s who of wardrobe styling concepts: color, harmony, accessories, right fit and “my” style. I invite you to read it and would love to hear about how you plan to add charm to your style this year. (more…)

Share and Enjoy

If you are in panic mode because you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, then relax. Greenville is home to a  host of independent retailers that sell high quality and unique items. As the Greenville fashion trends writer for the Examiner.com, I recently wrote an article highlighting exciting local retail options. You can read more at: http://www.examiner.com/fashion-trends-in-greenville/inspiring-holiday-gift-ideas-for-greenville-shoppers. One of the companies that I referenced is Sevier skirts.  They custom make skirts for all ages, sizes, including toddlers, tweens and moms to be.  If you are a skirt lover as I am, then you will fall in love with  Sevier skirts and the over 200 fabrics that customers can choose from.  Read my article for more fabulous gift ideas.

Share and Enjoy