STUMBLES OF A STARVING STYLIST

Style Evolution

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 17:28:00 +0000

Many times a change in personal style begins with a change from within. Life experiences are the most influential when it comes to style evolution.

I, myself, have experienced yet another major shift since the last time I posted. My location has changed from the professional atmosphere of Charlotte, NC to the laid-back beach vibes of Charleston, SC...

Also, my size has changed from a stickily 0 to a curvaceous 6 (on a good day!).

My level of humility is much higher (I hope) due to the many mistakes I have made. And, my focus has shifted from style on the outside to the style within.

You cannot truly look good on the outside when your insides are in shambles.

So, how has this effected my own style?

In EVERY way! For starters, I've exchanged my pencil skirts and heels for beautiful, funky, laid-back dresses and stylish sandals. I also don't wear scarfs nearly as much, as I think they would be sopping wet within an hour from all the humidity. Instead, I pick out tops with a little more of a statement to them. I could go on, but, I have more exploring to do!

Here are some looks from the Spring '14 Fashion Weeks that I am eyeing while updating my wardrobe to fit the new and evolved ME...

ADEAM

10 Crosby Derek Lam

ADEAM

Alice + Olivia

10 Crosby Derek Lam

Alice + Olivia

Junya Watanabe

Dries Van Noten

Junya Watanabe

How has your own style evolved? What experiences influenced your evolution?

HOW TO UNLEASH YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:59:00 +0000

It starts with letting go and freeing yourself to be whoever it is you want to be.

Get dirty. Be imperfect. Constantly strive to improve from within.

Your wardrobe will follow.

-Stephanie

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: THE AMERICAN FASHIONISTA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

So many times in life I have gone out searching for some

BIG * FANTASTIC

THING.

this 'thing' was sure to make my life completely ....amazing!

When I was 12, I dreamed of living in the BIG city because at the time I was an urban sophisticate somehow trapped on a horse-farm in the south. Yet, when I did go to the BIG city, I found it... completely suffocating and entirely too intense. Instead, I fell in love with a city by the sea that proclaimed flip-flops the state shoe and decorated itself in colors so bright and tacky that they might have been illegal. I loved it!

When I was 19 and trying to find my way at the local community college, I dreamed of studying abroad or transferring to some prestigious institution, such as Harvard. Yet, again, I found my bliss and some of my fondest memories in a place much different than I had imagined. The little town of Greensboro, NC, with it's thriving local arts and music community.

I learn more and more that the parts of life that end up amazing me the most are usually a lot closer than I had ever imagined...

This is certainly what I experienced when I traveled to London in search of inspiration, fashion wisdom, etc... What I found was a special fashionista who was actually homegrown, Alyssa.

I met this little American fashionista while we were both interning in a showroom in London. I traveled thousands of miles to experience and learn from the amazing supremacy of European fashion, yet who's style did I take note of first? The tried and true American girl with an amazing way of surprising you with her sweet, chic, and fashion-forward style!

It amused me. At the time, I had a bad habit of automatically judging people or putting them into specific categories. What was this sweet, beautiful, sorority-like girl doing wearing black leather with studs? Then she would turn around and wear a fantastic cocktail dress the next day?
Interesting. I liked it. Isn't that what I had traveled so far to do - to be surprised, amused, and stretched?

London was not a bust in terms of fashion, by ANY means, don't get me wrong! It forever changed the way I see the world and my perception of it for the better. It gave me the gift of letting go of many of the 'rules' that I had held in my head and instead use fashion as freedom of expression and just pure fun. Individuality is coveted there, as it should be. There are no mistakes. The mistake is to NOT be yourself.

So, Alyssa was not only beautifully stylish, she was also unbelievably kind, helpful, and sincere. Aside from our lovely Italian, male co-workers, she was one of the best and most comforting parts of London.

Okay, so it turns out I am a homebody! It was cold and dark, you had to walk -EVERYWHERE, and I yearned for re-truns of Friends - I ADMIT IT. But, Alyssa seemed to transition quite stylishly. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know her and that we have stayed in touch. I decided to ask her my special questions and I knew her answers would be interesting. I hope they inspire you as much as they did me...

When I meet with clients the first thing we do is go through a questionnaire,

which is meant to help me get to know their personality, passions, uniqueness and quirks.

This is by far my favorite part in the whole process. I love to learn about

people, what drives them and what has made them who they are.

This is what Alyssa had to say...

1. What gives you passion and inspires you in life?

'" 1. Strong woman inspire me in life. For example, DVF and Tory Burch. Two beautiful strong entrepreneurs who have created a brand name for themselves. They are constantly being innovative and succeeding in the best they can to make women all around feel beautiful.
2. Passion comes with love. It's a love for being

independent, fashionable, and innovative."

"There is something so amazing about it because ideas are constantly flowing and the passion of it all is what inspires me."

Give me three words to describe your personal style.

"girly * chic with glamour * trendy / boho relax"

*that was about five words, what an over-achiever! ...but I still love her :)...

"It all depends on my mood. I believe a girl can portray a lot of different style depending on the way she is feeling. It goes up an down for me. If I'm in a good mood its very girly and chic. If I am frazzled and in a hurry you def. see a boho relax feel with me because it was put together in an effortless way and falls ever which way to keep me comfortable. Same goes with the weather. When the sun is out I get really fun with fabrics but during dreary days I like to work in some {POC} (pop of color). The POC turns my mood around and keeps me in spirits."

3. What experience have most defined your life and why?

"Starting off working in a boutique called Shangri-La, in high-school is when I believe my real experience started. It was me alone with the owner and that is when I found my true love for art and fashion. How you can create a work of art in your daily life with what you wear. From this, I was exposed to markets and the wonderful work I never knew about.

Later on in college, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in London and Paris. That is when it all truly came alive and I knew anything was possible as long as I kept dedicated and motivated. My exposure to fashion and different fashion companies really opened my eyes to what is all possible. Along the way great people have made it that much better. It keeps me working hard at what I love."

It seems like yesterday, but I actually haven't seen Alyssa in two years, so I also had to find out what this little go-getter had been up to in the world of fashion and otherwise....

"Since London I have been finishing up my studies at Colorado State University. I have become a personal blogger at heart and styled many family and friends, helping them feel fabulous and transitioning their wardrobes over.

I have also recently done a collaboration with an amazing designer out of Orange County, CA. Ashlee Hatcher, the designer of Raptor jewelry. We worked together to put a contest up for a winner to win a free pair of earrings based on the most fashion forward answer to help inspire the designer further in her line. She has recently just become really big and now you can see Steven Tyler from American Idol wearing her pieces he so loves!

I also asked her to share some of her favorite looks of the season...

Check out her blog, Glam and Fashionable

I love the constant reminders that there are amazing people right under my nose. I just have to remember to look! Thanks, Alyssa. Cheers!!

-Stephanie

PINK PASSION

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Nothing excites me more than fashion...

Silly, I know.

...yet I still get giggly with excitement when I find something I love - or have come to fall

back-in-love with...

PINK

JCREW pink suede heels - SO in love

My poor client got consumed by my pink parade!

...and so fun with the cobalt blue polish

I practically did a cartwheel over this amazingly colorful suede purse at Aldo!

my new 70's pastel pink desk from Clark's Antiques. A girl has got to work in style.

-Stephanie

ANTIQUING WITH STYLE: ITS ALL IN HOW YOU LOOK AT THINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:05:00 +0000

I love ANTIQUING.

CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING.

THRIFTING...

Whatever you would like to call it, I LOVE IT!

$55 for this pastel pink beauty!

It's like a game I play with my mind (and wallet!) to see how creative it can be. There is something about digging through a whole lot of 'stuff' only to find your UNIQUE treasure. For me, it's the challenge of finding something awesome that has probably been looked over by thousands of people, but maybe they just didn't picture what you could do with it. This happens a lot with my clients when they look at one piece of clothing instead of imagining what we will create with it. Last season I brought this vest-sweater-wrap thing (still unsure of what you would call it!) that was nude in color to a client. She did not get it because she was only looking at IT and not the possibilities. A piece like that turns the mundane into an outfit. To them, it is simple fact. It is what it is (I surely need their minds when budgeting or preparing documents!)

BLUE Egyptian chandelier. I am in love!

Anyway, I am a regular at The Buffalo Exchange in Plaza/Midwood where I take my client's wardrobe purges. It also happens to be situated right next to one of my favorite antique stores...

CLARK'S ANTIQUE MALL

le chic!

I have spent quite a bit of time there at this point, as there is usually a line at the Buffalo Exchange. Recently, I decided I would simply have to share my favorite finds with my lovely followers...

It is such an unusual piece and just so happens that the baby blue color goes with the flow
of the navy carpet that I have inherited.

$38 for these vintage wall lights - a little touch of vintage chic!

He has tons of these old shutters that you could do so many different things with!

$65 for this amazing mustardy velvet vintage chair
$28 for the mirror!

Given that I have been on a mission to decorate my patio, I spent quite a bit of time checking out the outside furniture options and there were a TON!!

I might be the only one who would use this outside, but regardless a vintage massage table is a cool find and a perfect place to practice Pilates in style!

$145 for the whole set

SO RETRO!

We might have found a friend for our super Selby Style mascot, Vanessa!

*Plus, Clark has quite a resume in fashion photography, so we have had plenty to talk about.
I just never know what I may stumble across.

Stay tuned for more stumbles I come across at CLARK'S during future outings!
Or, go visit him yourself at 1517 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC

-Stephanie

BUTTERFLIES OF EDUN

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:30:00 +0000

I love research.

Research of many kinds...

the science behind practically everything * effects of color on mood * anything regarding the human brain * the origin of Pilates * traits of the world's most influential people * etc

...but my favorite is the research I do for my clients.

For me, nothing trumps researching fashion. I'm a visual person and love flipping through images. Those work hours are when I have to ask myself,

'Is this really my job!?'

I look into the latest in trends, emerging designers, inspiration beyond fashion (musicians, home decor, etc), new websites or blogs, and industry news.

I am always cutting out ads and the latest one that I came across I loved so much that

I simply had to share it...

EDUN S'12

"BEAUTIFUL REBELS"

Edun's Spring/Summer 2012 debut ad campaign "Beautiful Rebels" tells the story of duality and transformation through the lens of photographer Ryan McGinley

I have a thing for butterflies, the symbol of change, but more than that they represent transformation...

To me, that is what life is all about.

The constant quest to become a better person.

To become a butterfly.

For me, it has been quite a journey. Two steps forward and like five backward, but those five steps inspire me to leap ten ahead.

Check out EDUN's spring collection: edun.com

-Stephanie

What is YOUR passion? WE WANT TO KNOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:46:00 +0000

Join the conversation: Fashion, Style, & the Creatively-Inclined Entrepreneur Community Forum

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: TO THE BEAT OF HER OWN DRUM

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:53:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: TREMONT MUSIC HALL'S WOMAN-IN-CHARGE

Each week I feature someone who stands tall and is always distinct from the rest.

There are those who set out to do this intentionally,

and then there are those who just...

ARE.

People come and go. This is a basic fact of life that you catch onto and grow accustomed to more and more as you get older. Some people you miss and wish were still a part of your life, but then there are the rare few that stay by your side.

Regardless.

I have come to find they are beyond a rare and precious find.

Especially, for someone like me who can be quite fiery, impulsive, and a touch opinionated.

For me, having Tremont Music Hall's front-runner, Lisa Barr, as a friend by my side through it all has meant the world to me.

Ever since the day we first shopped for old grunge-style T's at Goodwill while skipping Algebra class, she has been that rare and precious kind...

I can hardly believe this little lady has grown up to be the music industry maven that she is.

She has been responsible for keeping one of Charlotte, North Carolina's music venues alive and kicking with phenomenal indie-bands for nearly the past decade.

Lisa still loves her grunge T's

She has added quite the accessory - the sarcastic, charming and musically-gifted, lead singer from
the band The O'Getters.
Or, as we like to call him - KEVY.
I have grown quite fond of him, as well ...and do love to use him as an accessory too!

What strikes me about Lisa is her honesty, authenticity, open-mindedness, and compassion. She is always open to new people and places, where others might tear them down.

She has a tough side too.

You would have to, to manage the rocker boys that come in and out

of Tremont to play music.

...and she certainly does.

She will even give it to me when I need a good dose of reality (quite often, actually).

When I meet with clients the first thing we do is go through a questionnaire,

which is meant to help me get to know their personality, passions, uniqueness and quirks.

This is by far my favorite part in the whole process. I love to learn about

people, what drives them and what has made them who they are.

So, what might she answer to my special questions? She certainly has personal style. Part of what I love about her is that she makes no apologies for who she is.

She just is.

What gives you Passion and inspires you in life?

Music, first and foremost. Since I was a kid, music was more important to me than any other form of expression. Other inspirations: meaningful conversations and friendships.

Give me three words that describe your personal stye:

Eclectic, Brave, Genuine

What experiences in life have most shaped who you are?

First hearing Appetite For Destruction when I was 6.

Travelling to other countries.

Driving solo across the US at age 20.

It should be noted that Lisa is also quite the photographer and has been talent behind

most of Selby Style's photoshoots.

Scouting location for a photoshoot. This time she is in FRONT of the camera.
What a natural!

Lisa giving me a big smile on her 30th..

I can't wait to spend another 30 together.

-Stephanie

Inspiration from the QUEEN of Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Queen

Possibly we could do without the outfit on the far right and the kimonos

Sometimes I wonder if this is really my job. I was really excited to be reunited with Queen's music yesterday as I found them while doing some client research. I was even more ecstatic to see their stage ensembles! I hadn't taken notice when I was 12.

-Stephanie

The Streets Say it ALL! COLOR & PRINT GALORE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 06:36:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: THE QUEEN CITY'S QUEEN OF STYLE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:36:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: The Queen City's Queen of STYLE

Each week I feature someone who stands tall and is always distinct from the rest.

There are those who set out to do this intentionally,

and then there are those who just...

ARE.

SONYA BARNES

CEO of Harris & Barnes Image Consulting Firm,

CEO of The International Fashion Style Academy
AND my personal...

Hero * Life-Preserver * Mentor...

ALL-IN-ONE STYLISH PACKAGE!

When I first came up with the name of my blog, Stumbles of a Starving Stylist, little did I know how true this would turn out to be. I just thought it was a fun play on words and would be pretty true. Well, it has been quite true...

One major business decision that had been driving me mad and only another stylist in my local market could give me relevant advice, yet no one wanted to share?

I also had no boss to run to, so after sorting through books and

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: DOWN-HOME IN STYLE, BUT VOCALS FROM ANOTHER WORLD

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:59:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: Molly McGinn

Each week I feature someone who stands tall and is always distinct from the rest.

There are those who set out to do this intentionally,

and then there are those who just...

ARE.

Molly McGinn...

a breath of fresh air in a city that was made of commonalities and stereotypes

... in my head, anyway.

"In my head" being the key phrase.

I had just moved to Greensboro, NC to study Interior Architecture

However, I soon discovered that to truly flourish as an
interior architect one must possess

patience * high attention to detail * long attention span

Soooo, moving on...

turns out they also had a fantastic business school

THRIVING LOCAL ARTS & MUSIC COMMUNITY!

Molly was one one of the first people I met.

Tall. Beautiful. Kind. Genuine...

and I soon found out

amazingly talented

with a voice that will peel the layers off an onion that you

never knew you had.

When planning for the MY FASHIONABLE FRIEND clothing swap,

I realized this would be a great excuse to get her down here.

I crossed my fingers and it worked!

She sounded amazing, authentic, beautiful, care-free ...just as I had remembered.

Of course, you know I also used this as an opportunity to ask her my special questions...

When I meet with clients the first thing we do is go through a questionnaire,

which is meant to help me get to know their personality, passions, uniqueness and quirks.

This is by far my favorite part in the whole process. I love to learn about

people, what drives them and what has made them who they are.

What gives you passion and inspires you in life?

" It comes from many different places. In songwriting, it's usually something that I'm going through, some kind of life lesson sitting me down in a

chair and asking for my full attention.

Then I'll find myself thinking about something I'd heard at a Artists Talk at the Weatherspoon Museum, or one of the live lunch WUNC

broadcasts here at Triad Stage.

Most recently it was the concept of "Fantastical Realism,"

and I tried to write a song incorporating that concept.

Otherwise, North Carolina inspires me.

So does my first hometown, Dodge City, Kansas.

As for fashion, I've always been inspired by a handsome definition of femininity; a French-approach to effortless and classic dressing;

and the Irish tweed blazers and knits."

Molly has this on her website and a few of her other social media spots.
She truly radiates this phrase without saying a word.
I always feel lighter after being around her.

Give me three words that describe your

personal style.

" Irish. Tomboy. North Carolina. "

What experiences have most shaped who you are?

"The first would be learning to play guitar from my Dad. The second would be a heartbreak, 9 years ago. It changed everything. And the third would be today; I try to let today teach me what I need to be the person I'm supposed to become. It doesn't always work that way, but I try."

I hope to find another excuse to get her down again soon!

-Stephanie

MOZART MEETS MODERN ART?!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Possibly.

Eddie Vedder and Fleetwood Mac are options too.

Whatever your favorite song or sound, can quickly become your best wall decor!

Discover your signature soundwaves...

Discover your signature stars...

and frame them as modern artwork in magnificent colors!!

Exactly how will you do this, might you ask?

VAPOR SKY.com!!

"Modern canvas art with a personality and look as unique as you."

As soon as I came across the snippet about Vapor Sky on Facebook I was

intrigued & excited

...and felt that I definitely

NEEDED TO OWN A PIECE OF PERSONALIZED VAPOR!

How they make each and every piece of artwork personal to YOU, is that they will either depict the precise alignment of the stars and planets over a specific location, time, and date, that you choose,

and then get it onto canvas in amazing colors.

OR...

You can get their RESONANT DECOR, which displays the exact waveform of any sound you choose, in any vibrant color and size combination that speaks to YOU!

For someone like me, who could spend hours and hours navigating through color options, this was a

STYLE DREAM COME TRUE!

If I went with the STELLAR DECOR,

what date would I pick?

I decided I would choose the date of my very first meeting with my first client and then hang it in my studio - it definitely needs some wall decor anyway!

What SOUND would I give the fantastic Vapor Sky guys?

I had to think about that one.

I'm not much of a music buff, so I thought of other sounds that were meaningful to me.

I decided that when the time comes to order my special piece, I would give them the sound of car wheels rolling along the interstate. There is something so soothing about that.

Possibly, just the memory of being driven to school by Mom, looking out the window, dreaming of days to come without a care in the world. Well, aside from the MAJOR cares of my pre-teen life.

Such as...

Where the heck can I find a pair of purple Doc Martens?

...don't worry!

I have always been insanely persistent...

I got them in a deep plum.

Hey! They were cute at the time. I'd still rock 'em if they hadn't gotten swapped for Lisa's black pair.
One of my deeper regrets in life.

During all of this

color, star and sound research,

it suddenly dawned on me that Vapor Sky would be a PERFECT fit

for the arts portion of the

MY FASHIONABLE FRIEND CLOTHING SWAP

that myself and Tremont Music Hall will be hosting..

AT TREMONT!

It also gave me an excuse to meet the men behind the madness...

So, being curious about the story behind Vapor Sky, I took the opportunity

to ask David Inman (Director of Operations) some questions...

What fueled the creation of Vapor Sky?

"Unemployment, a desire to own our own business, love of art & science."

What has been your most highly requested item?

"Resonant decor (sound waves)."

What's one of the most unexpected sound requests you've recieved?

"Toddlers saying 'I love you Mommy and Daddy'".

Vapor Sky is simply amazing and sell their work all around the world. Given the focus on personalization and individuality, we decided their pieces would be a great compliment to my wardrobe styling services, which are also deeply committed to individuality.

Check out this link to see the details on our partner promotion:

MIRROR YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND ART

Be sure to check them out online and turn your favorite

tunes and special moments into FANTASTIC DECOR!!

-Stephanie

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: BELLA BAG'S FOUNDER & THE CHICEST BAG LADY EVER!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:42:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: CASEY CONNERS

Each week I feature someone who stands tall and is always distinct from the rest.

There are those who set out to do this intentionally,

and then there are those who just...

ARE.

This week's personal style post has a special place in my heart.

Throughout life there are people that you could spend decades with, but never truly connect with, and then there are those that only cross your path for a short stint, but that you resonate with right away.
Casey Conners, Director and Founder of Bella Bag, the second largest online seller of authentic, pre-owned luxury handbags and accessories, was just that for me.

Of course, at the time, she was simply Casey to me. I met her while we were both in our early 20's and living in sunny Florida. She was one of the most polite, well-spoken, and sharply dressed people I had ever met! Having not ventured too far from North Carolina at that point, this little lady (straight from the heart of New York City) was foreign territory to me, yet there was something so familiar about her.
It turned out to be a slight smirk and hint of sarcasm,
in addition to all of the poise and sophistication she possessed.

Smirks and sarcasm, though, I relate to!

She is one of those people you just know will go on to do great things,
you just aren't sure exactly what. There is

a fire, a passion, an eye, and an ability to influence others

that are all tell-tale signs of great success to come. She had these traits and more.
I would say that she has certainly gone on to achieve that success in many areas, but most notably with the remarkable success she has had as an entrepreneur.
It doesn't look like she is slowing down anytime soon either.

This little go-getter has taken her company, Bella Bag, from a one-person start-up to a global shopping leader boasting the world’s second largest private handbag collection. They have clients in more than 30 countries and a significant portion of limited-edition and discontinued pieces readily available for sale.

Bella Bag brings in more than a quarter million visitors to the site each year and is a leader in customer service and authenticity and is practically a household name.

Casey is now one of the leading Internet entrepreneurs under age 30 in the Atlanta area, and quite an inspiration to me!

When I meet with clients the first thing we do is go through a questionnaire,

which is meant to help me get to know their personality, passions, uniqueness and quirks.

This is by far my favorite part in the whole process. I love to learn about

people, what drives them and what has made them who they are.

I probably could have guessed Casey's answers ten years ago, but I was dying to know what they might have evolved into today. This is what I found out:

What gives you passion and inspires you in life?

"What gives me passion and inspires me is my family....brian (my fiancé), and my puppy!"

Give me three words that describe your personal style.

simple, classic, soft

What experiences have most shaped who you are?

"The experiences that have most shaped me have been my work at Bella Bag and the struggles and challenges to make a small business and a big dream become a reality-working hard each day on one project to make sure it happens, even when I'm sick and tired of it or bored, keeping my eye on the prize.

Bella Bag keeps me going everyday, and I try to stay focused on the creative and fun parts and not get too bogged down by the administrative pieces of it and the little chores, sometimes its easy to get lost in the daily grind and forget the big picture.I also just simply adore the bags. Watching new bags coming in and out everyday and getting to use them when possible isn't such a bad perk of the job either!"

However, when I think of Casey, I will always fondly remember our drives in the Florida sunshine in our SUPER cute & BRIGHT sundresses belting out (with not so much poise) Fleetwood Mac songs and laughing until we cried.

Now you know where to go when you need a good bag lady!

-Stephanie

THE HEART OF SELBY STYLE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:37:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is the perfect day to reflect on a beautiful event that occurred this past weekend...

The 2012 HEART BALL

The Heart Ball is the big annual fundraising event for The American Heart Association.

It was a blast to get to see the town out-and-about in their formal attire, but

often the best part is getting ready for the event with your girlfriends...

Of course, getting dressed up is always fun for me, but more than that,

The American Heart Association holds a special place in my own heart.

My father and grandfather both died suddenly in their early fifties from heart attacks. Unfortunately, I was never even able to meet my grandfather and it was devastating to lose my father at such an early age.

If he were here, I know he would insist on getting into the solution, rather than focusing on the problem. So, it felt good this year to be even just a small part of the movement towards

prevention of heart disease in others.

My father inspires me more than anyone else to this day. He was blind almost his entire life, but never let that stop him from any dream, achievement or accomplishment he might have otherwise had, and he certainly accomplished more than most ever will.

That is how I have started to try to live my life as well.

Though my limitations have been of a different nature,

they have still held me back from what could be and should be.

I have fallen flat on my face a million times in life. However, the thing I have come to realize is that after screwing up a whole lot, you become pretty fearless. I mean, it's not that frightening a notion when it's happened ten times already. I have also discovered that the things I once thought to be my biggest defects are actually my greatest assets. One of Dad's favorite things to say to me was-

"If there is a will, there is a way."

I think this may actually be the way to a healthy heart.

Pursue your dreams with reckless abandon, no matter what your circumstances are.

Get knocked down. Get back up. Get knocked down. Get back up. Get knocked down. Get back up...

...and then you will believe just how strong you actually are.

*Thanks, Dad!

-Stephanie

BE A GOOD SPORT THIS SPRING

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:13:00 +0000

Pedro Lourenco

Kenzo

Isabel Marant

Akris

Alexander Wang

*Photos courtesy Shopbop.com

-Stephanie

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: Eccentrically Talented & Authentically Stylish: Nadéah

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE

Each week I feature someone who stands tall and is always distinct from the rest.

There are those who set out to do this intentionally,

and then there are those who just...

ARE.

You can sense right away this woman is of a different world.
Her creativity and dramatical essence is radiated quietly through her
mannerisms and style.

I met her many years ago and was immediately intrigued.

Her attire was a perfect mismatch and didn't make sense on one-hand,

but on the other, she looked amazingly stylish!

Her look would be impossible to re-create.

It is a style all her own.

Nadéah is the definition of authentic.

What intrigues me most about this Paris-based Australian singer songwriter
is that when you talk to her one-on-one she is soft,
calm and laid-back, but this whole world of
VIGOR PASSION
&
EMOTION
releases from her vocal chords when she begins to sing...

When I meet with clients the first thing we do is go through a questionnaire,

which is meant to help me get to know their personality, passions, uniqueness and quirks.

This is by far my favorite part in the whole process. I love to learn about

people, what drives them and what has made them who they are.

I had no idea what Nadéah might answer

to some of my favorites from the questionnaire, which is exactly why I wanted to ask her...

What gives you passion and inspires you in life?

"Passion? I get passion from nature, from simple pleasures, cooking, eating, scrabble, dancing, yoga, from interactions with inspiring people, from great movies, the possibility of change and growth"

Give me three words that describe your personal style.

"eccentric, individual, classy"

What experiences have most shaped who you are?

"My spiritual path, my greatest disappointments and failures, my friendships,

the journey of making art my day job, my lovers, every single day that I pay attention
to the lessons and gifts within the moment."

Her next tour starts in a few months in Paris.
Keep your eye on her, she will certainly will keep you
entertained... and intrigued!

-Stephanie

Abs Abound for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:02:00 +0000

You do have to wonder about some trends...

Do the designers have fab abs or are they just mean?

Band of Outsiders

I do like the way they spun it, though.

This trend has potential to be borderline offensive.

Being a fairly modest person, I just can't imagine walking around town

this exposed. My interpretation would be to wear a sheer top and let a

little abdominal show. I would also need to move into the

HARD CORE Pilates classes at Iron Butterfly Pilates.

Emilio Pucci

That's just me, though, and I am fine with that.

However, I love seeing someone wear a trend, such as this, with no

reservations because that is just who they are.

Mugler

Nina Ricci

*photos courtesy of Style.com

-Stephanie

BORIS + NATASHA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:14:00 +0000

Somehow, I have managed to never look inside of one of Charlotte, NC's longest standing and successful boutiques, which is located in Plaza/Midwood. In my mind, I had put it in a store that was too 'alternative' for my fashion tastes. However, this was only through outside indicators that I had determined this status, but while in desperate need of stylish and current male fashion for a client, I was led through their doors and was soon regretting that I had never been inside before...

I have done this throughout my life, quickly made judgements (good and bad) before actually examining what it is I am judging. As I approach 30, I have somehow naturally begun to let go of this and I am amazed at what happens when you do...

Such as the amazing abundance of prints, color and jewelry in Boris & Natasha!

The plethora of pieces they had in from French Connection were particularly exciting to me!

The selection for male fashion was unreal too.

Believe me, I have searched to city high and low for male pieces and accessories

that are fresh, modern and have a little kick of EDGY to them...

They even had male rings! I am loving the one with a black stone.

Perfect for a guitarist who wants to make a statement as he plays...

The shoe collection was colorful and plentiful, as well. Another great thing about Boris and Natasha that I didn't realize was that their prices span a very wide range. There are items for $28 and then there are ones for above $200. There is a little something for everyone!

This is SUPER SALES-DUDE, Andrew. I asked him what his
3 word STYLE MANTRA is: "IT'S * JUST * ME'
I love it!!

The jewelry had to have been my FAVORITE!

FUNKY & CHUNKY

How cute is this little guy?!

I try to live my life with more of an open mind these days and it has allowed

me to discover a whole new world. I am constantly asking myself

"Are you sure you don't like this or that? Try it!"

Sometimes I still don't, but sometimes I find a whole new part of me.

I encourage clients to do the same with their wardrobes and to follow what they are drawn to NOW as opposed to following some set idea of who they labeled themselves as being years ago.

That's when fashion becomes fun and not some chore you have to get "right".

Things change and people evolve. I am simply there to help them express

that change through their wardrobes.

*Thank you to Boris and Natasha for letting me explore.

**I will definitely be back for my Spring jewelry desires!

-Stephanie

UPDATE YOUR SPRING WARDROBE AT TREMONT MUSIC HALL!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:01:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE: ANDREA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:10:00 +0000

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE

Each week I feature someone who stands tall and is always distinct from the rest.

There are those who set out to do this intentionally,

and then there are those who just...

ARE.

My first encounter with Andrea Moreno was while we were both working a "seasonal" retail gig that pretty much consisted of folding clothes and asking customers to open credit cards... not exactly one's dream job, but a melting pot of interesting people from all across the board.

Andrea stood out to me because of the huge smile and energy she had, each day while the rest of us moaned and groaned about customers leaving messes in dressing rooms,
and the un-ending rejection of our credit card pitches.

She stood out as...

VIBRANT , CONFIDENT

STYLISH

She did an awesome job at our first photoshoot together and even picked out a
few of her own outfits that radiate her personality to the outside world

Her style immediately registered to me as classic, preppy, but slightly different at the same time,
which is always intriguing to me.

It made me wonder where she had been and what had made up her life.

What is it that influences that little bit of "different"?

I got a chance to find the answers to some of my questions...

When I meet with clients the first thing we do is go through a questionnaire, which is meant to help me get to know their personality, passions, uniqueness and quirks.
This is by far my favorite part in the whole process.
I love to learn about people, what drives them
and what has made them who they are.

Andrea filled me in with the same
energy and enthusiasm
that she portrays in everything she does..

What gives you passion and inspires you in life?

I want to be happy, travel, be a professional and have a family.
To me, that is personal success.

Give me three words that describe your personal style.

CLASSY * UNIQUE * VIBRANT

What experiences have most shaped who you are?

Having the opportunity to travel the world has been one of the greatest experiences in defining my life. Traveling is such an amazing experience because it’s always a journey of self-discovery. With every trip you are faced with different challenges
and you truly learn so much about yourself and life.

* Look for this lovely lady in a lot of Selby Style photoshoots.

She definitely radiates what I have built the business upon.

-Stephanie

LOOK WHO IS STAYING TOGETHER FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

RUNWAY FOR THE BALLET

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:52:00 +0000

Runway for the Ballet is one of the most exciting

events that I have heard about so far this

year! Check out details about this awesome night of fashion and dance at http://ncdance.org/RunwayForTheBallet.asp!!

You could even win our exclusive
Signature Style Package

if you enter into the raffle!

All proceeds benefit NC Dance Theater!

North Carolina Dance Theatre

www.ncdance.org

North Carolina Dance Theatre and Opening Night Insiders are delighted to announce the fifth annual Runway for the Ballet, sponsored by sponsored by Carolinas Medical Center, Neiman Marcus and Shumaker, Look and Kendrick, LLC.

-Stephanie

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE - Veraciousness!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:03:00 +0000

I have decided to dedicate my Friday posts to

INDIVIDUALISTIC STYLE

Each week I will feature someone who stands tall and is always distinct from the rest.

There are those who set out to do this intentionally,
and then there are those who just...

ARE.

Vera Ventura immediately came to mind upon this decision.

Vera is one of the most creative, kind and fiercely individual spirits I have ever come across. I have been inspired by her VERACIOUSNESS in all things for years now,

but especially in her fearless approach to style.

More notably, she is an amazing videographer and photographer with an established

business of her own creation: Veracious Productions

When I meet with clients the first thing we do is go through a questionnaire, which is meant to help me get to know their personality, passions, uniqueness and quirks. This is by far my favorite part in the whole process. I love to learn about people, what drives them and what has made them who they are.

Selfishly, I chose to ask Vera the questions from the questionnaire I most

wanted to know the answers to...

What gives you passion and inspires you in life?

Growing spiritually and developing a larger capacity to love,

forgive, and accept. Continual growth and expansion of my mind academically and spirituality. Meditation. Deep friendships. Travel.

Give me three words that describe your personal style.

Eclectic, vintage, and colorful

What experience has most shaped who you are?

* Exposed to the arts at a young age--I took dancing, music, and acting lessons.

* I moved away from home when I was 14 in order to live with my sister in NYC. I had an incredible amount of freedom, but also had to become somewhat responsible financially.

*Joining a 12-step program 8 years ago and giving up mood altering drugs,

alcohol, flour and sugar.

*Meditation.

She is hard to keep up with, but I can't wait to see where she takes life next!

-Stephanie

WHO KNEW IT COULD BE SO CHIC TO RECYCLE?! CONSIGNMENT BEYOND YOUR STYLISH DREAMS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:58:00 +0000

Recycle Boutique

-a dreamland for me these days.

I can consign client's closet purges, shop for new pieces

and find amazing home decor for my new place!

They carry new, recycled and everything in-between!

The jewelry selection is eclectic: classy, funky and modern:

Something I discovered while shooting for the post is that one of the owners, Ginger Goff, has her own shoe line! The other owner being her husband, Gregg Goff. They are one of the sweetest couples ever and by themselves are worth the trip to the boutique.

These cute flats were designed by her and are on sale!

I am loving this little Coach bag!

Kenneth Cole

They even carry some beautiful and vibrant artwork...

Oil Painting by: Rebecca Denmark

Lately, my favorite section has been the home decor section...

They carry lots of these colorful lamps made of recycled
glass. Such a fantastic way to add color!

In case you hadn't heard LILAC is IN!
It is even invading faux fur pillows.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

Okay, so I am a huge fan of pillows.

CLEARLY.

They are fun and easy to switch around from season to season without a hefty investment.

This little pillow was my absolute favorite!
hand-painted by: Barbara Wood

They also carry an exquisite line of candles: Tyler Candle Company
Hmmm...lilac in color!

STOP BY TO SEE WHAT THEIR LATEST ADDITIONS ARE!