Once upon a time, there was a ballerina (mini Style Girl, age 5) driven to dance by the pristine pink ballet slippers and the mysterious powers of the tutu. Shortly after exploring the contents of her garden fountain, we’d enter the elegant Miss Nan’s ballet studio. Meeting our reflection in the mirror, hair twisted in a sharp bun, we held our balance in first position at the barre as we awaited her instruction -“and plies, and point and…”

I soon lost interest (beyond the fantastic costumes for the year-end rehearsal) and ended a short-lived career as a ballerina (and a new interest in tap and gymnastics). Alas, at first sight of Natalie Portman’s star turn in Black Swan, I was once again sucked into the ballet pinkworld of Miss Nan.

On closer inspection seeing that the film was directed by Darren Aronofsky, one of my husband’s favorite decidedly dark directors, I had a feeling there would be something more sinister than feathers lurking under Rodarte’s Degas-inspired costumes.

Whether you love it or hate it (and there will be no in between), the ballerina (whether you are a white swan or black) will raise the barre for fashion this spring.

Here are a few dancer off-duty essentials:

Collage by: Jess James / Design: Jeni Lane Moser

1. bodysuit / feather skirt / feather headband

bodysuit + feather skirt from Hallelu

To learn how to make your own DIY Feather Skirt, click HERE to see a tutorial from P.S. I Made This (featured on WhoWhatWear.com)

feather headband

Teal $32 from Ziabird

* Or, try feather hair extensions from Cheryl Kent at Ward Hair Salon

2. dance shrug

Sense shrug from Paradise Yoga

3. pink lips

MAC lipstick in Speed Dial $14.50 from MAC Cosmetics

4. wings

Maison Martin Margiela Peacock feather cape $2,765  from Net-a-Porter.com

5. ballet flats

studded Capezio ballet slippers from www.bonadrag.com

6. moody nails

Chanel metallic hologram nail polish in Black Pearl $36 from Amazon.com

7. gray sweatshirt

3.1 Phillip Lim fishtail sweater $350 from Net-a-porter.com

8. bustier

Parker peplum bustier from Oliver

9. feminine black maxi

L’Agence black maxi dress with ruffle and pleated detail from Beanie + Cecil

10. boudoir

Marchesa bustier dress with one-shouldered lace strap and feather skirt

Photo from Camilla W. on LookBook.nu

Collage from BeachChic18 on Polyvore

Tearsheet from Marie Claire

Swan Lake-esque couture featured at Chanel’s Spring Show at The Grand Palais in Paris

covered in Andre Leon Talley in VOGUE’s December 2010 issue

Edge of Urge just got in the shoes that have been causing a commotion among the glitter-happy goddesses. Jeffrey Campbell’s Gold Glitter & Multi Glittery Litas are now available at Edge of Urge. According to their Facebook page, seven pairs were sold within the first hour they hit the sales floor/online store. Get ‘em while you still can!

If you wake up with Foz and Jocelyn on “Foz in the Morning” on Z107.5,
chances are you’ve heard our weekly “chic chat” every Thursday right
before the nine o’clock hour. Due to his “world famous” cheekbones, I
decided to recruit Foz as my “IRL” model showcasing three versatile
looks from Bloke (located at 1427 Military Cutoff Rd) to break the mold in 2011.

Instead of having one set “uniform” (how borrr-ing!), let’s mix it up a
bit, guys. With Bloke owner Michael Vinson as my sartorial accomplice,
we started with a pair of straight leg dark denim jeans (Davis Straight
Leg by LTB $87) and put together three distinct looks based on a
trifecta of style personas portrayed by the one-and-only FOZ:

Jeans - Davis Straight Leg by LTB – $87

Button Down – Blue/Black Gingham by French Connection – $78

Tie – Navy Stripe by French Connection – $48

Blazer – Projek Raw – $118

Jeans - Davis Straight Leg by LTB – $87

Tee – No Star – $27

Military Jacket - Commander by Jedidiah – $110

Shoes – Hightops by Bensimon – $78

Fedora Hat – San Diego Hat – $32

Jeans - Davis Straight Leg by LTB – $87

Henley – Alternative Apparel – $48

Plaid button down – Projek Raw – $55

Coat – Plaid Bomber w/ Removable Fur Collar by Projek Raw – $180

All Clothing – Available at Bloke – 1427 Military Cutoff Rd

Photography: Jess James

Absolutely love this just-released video from Tom Ford’s “top secret womenswear collection debut” Fashion Show featuring model / singer Karen Elson’s (who walked in the show) song “Pretty Babies.”  Beyonce, Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks’ wife) and Julianne Moore also walked in the show this past September. To watch, click HERE.

“Americatown,” the quirky shot-in-Wilmington feature directed by Kenneth Price and starring “Superkiiids” Cory Howard and Jonathan Guggenheim is getting some national attention from The Wall Street Journal – “manic comedic brainstorming,” The Village Voice – a bit of a harsher review but noting the film (or the Kiiids) “shruggable, huggable amiability” while the Journal concludes, it’s “so low-budget you want to give it a quarter.”

“Americatown,” which debuted as a work-in-progress at the Cucalorus Film Festival in 2009, went on to win the best feature prize at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival. Starting today, it’ll have a week-long run at the reRun Gastropub Theater in Brooklyn.

To watch the trailer, click HERE.

Party like it’s 2011!

Photos from Manna +

Mandy & Anghus’s Roaring 20′s NYE Party

L: Nashville singer Rayland Baxter performing a dinner show on New Years in Manna’s dining room

R: Manna co-owner Billy Mellon uncorks the champagne

Sara Hardy flashes her dazzling floral bracelet from Island Passage at Manna’s bar

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM NYE, VISIT THE

STYLE GIRL ” FASHION FIX” FACEBOOK PAGE BY

CLICKING HERE.

November 27

Holiday Hat Trick

aMuse

WILMINGTON

WHAT:
Milliner Jan Wutkowski and Jess James are hosting “Holiday Hat Trick” in honor of “Small Business Saturday,” a nationwide initiative encouraging folks to do their post-Black Friday shopping at local businesses. Jess and Jan will help you style your head-to-toe holiday
look from new sparkly arrivals from the James + Dunne Collection, aMuse’s new holiday dresses and of course, vintage accessories and hats! Enjoy wine, cheese, warm apple cider and cookies before pulling a magic number out of Jan’s hats to determine your discount for the day!

WHEN: Saturday November 27th / 1-4pm

WHERE: aMuse located at 19 South 2nd Street

December 4

Local Jewelry Designers Trunk Show

Ziabird at Lumina Station

WHAT: Ziabird
is hosting a trunk show featuring three local jewelry designers: Beth Zink, Bailey Katherine and Betty McKim just in time for stocking stuffers!

WHEN: Saturday, December 4

Noon – 5pm

WHERE: Ziabird at Lumina Station

Last Thursday, Blue Hand Home hosted a full house of fashionistas for Style Girl’s Fall Fashion Preview presented by Cape Fear Jewelry and J Nelson Designs. For a short list on fall’s top trends, essentials and style tips, find inspiration from this fun-filled evening of style
and beauty.

Photography by: Melissa Hebert

Jonathan Nelson of J Nelson Designs and Goldsmiths with Pait Skipper, owner of Cape Fear Jewelry

L: Our movie-star gorgeous 80-year-old model Paula Farraday works the room
wearing a tan cinched dress and leopard print fur coat from Torri/Bell with jewelry from Cape Fear Jewelry



R: Beautiful inside-and-out Heather Thornton, a breast cancer survivor, wears a snakeskin print dress and fur trimmed jacket from Oliver, a Taashki clutch and jewelry from Cape Fear Jewelry

ESSENTIALS: fur, animal print, antique mourning jewelry and adding gold and turquoise for a pop of color

Top: Steve Gibbs of Art Soup pouring wine and Jennifer and Deborah of The Three Divas prepare their tasty treats.

Bottom: Yummy Bites from Private Chef Lori Eaton

L: Tamatha Lundy wears a winter white flower print dress restyled from a vintage
blanket by local Fashion Designer Launcelle Bustamante of Vintagely New
with a shearling jacket and suede over-the-knee boots from Island Passage

R: Dr. Mary Price wears a gray sheath dress, a plaid buckled blazer, buckled leather boots and a crossbody bag from Island Passage

ESSENTIALS: Country Cool look – shearling, plaid, over the knee socks and boots, lots of texture, crossbody bag

1 Essential / 2 different looks:

Mother and daughter duo Pat and Paige Lowry both donned a black t-shirt dress from Paradise Yoga’s Sense line.

Paige (in the foreground) is wearing hers with a textured military jacket from Hallelu with over-the-knee boots from Island Passage and jewelry from Cape Fear Jewelry. Her mom, Pat, is wearing hers tucked into a striped maxi skirt from Lula Balou, a faux-leather trimmed jacket and red leather fringe piece from Hallelu, a Taashki clutch and Cape Fear Jewelry

ESSENTIALS: key layering piece, military influence, maxi skirts, leather (or faux
leather) red accents, chevron and stripes, long necklaces

L: Head turner Lori Harris wears a blue sheath with an asymmetrical neckline, a
long fur vest, obi belt and black fold-over booties all from Torri/Bell with Cape Fear Jewelry

R: Cindy Vach defines sophistication in a winter white coat layered over an asymmetrical black dress and statement belt all from Personal Touch with lace-up heels from Oliver and Cape Fear Jewelry

ESSENTIALS: Minimal Moment – Strike a smart, city look with understated neutral separates with clean lines. Pair with bold, modern, structural accessories. Belts, winter white, lace-up and zipper booties

L: Runway look from Isabel Marant

R: Kelly Musselwhite ignites the room in a sheer printed blouse and feather gillet from Torri/Bell with jeggings from Oliver, heels and clutch from Personal Touch

L: Hallelu owner Catherine Yearwood (right) and Carissa during their “Style Tips & Tricks” demo on wearing shorts into the fall.

R: Jess styling Paula’s wrap-around belt

To see photos of all your favorite participating stores and designers, click HERE to view the slideshow.

Sweaty Chic

Want to work out but don’t have time to change? Stylish yoga wear is the ticket!

L: LJ Woodard wears a cowl neck top from Paradise Yoga’s Sense yoga/lifestyle line to show a post-yoga class look while Amy Burnett (R), owner of Paradise Yoga, wears a head-to-toe look from Sense.

Amy Kennison of MAC Cosmetics and Frank Potter, co-owner of Bangz Hair Salon and Spa share this season’s beauty secrets and feedback on the models’ looks

Gift basket of spa products and “A Day at The Spa” from Bangz, Taashki  “InsideOut” clutch from Charleston Handbag Designer Natasha Madan, Sense Clothing’s Lace-Back Cami, Tunic Pant and Dance Shrug from Paradise Yoga, Massage and Acupuncture from Hannah Simmons and Style Consultation with Style Girl “Jess James” (Value: $550+)

Special Thanks to Tracy of Blue Hand Home and Pait of Cape Fear Jewelry  for making this event a success!

And last but not least, Style Girl LLC Event Coordinator Juliana Williams, Bridget Rose, Kristen Canizaro, my husband Joel and my mom! (seen here with Deborah of The Three Divas)

Dockside Fashion Show

On October 9th, Charleston fashion designers Sarah Maxwell, Rachel
Gordon of O.N.E., Ashley Reid of Clewis Reid, Anna Lassiter and Lucinda
Robinson of Eden Boheme, and Julie Wheat of Cavortress held a fashion
show at the Charleston Maritime Center to benefit Charleston
Waterkeepers. “Style Girl” joined Charleston’s “Vintage Queen” Lori
Wyatt in the Style Lounge, debuting the James + Dunne Collection in
Charleston for the very first time while snapping photos of some of the
evening’s most memorable looks.

L: Karen Briggs showing us how to do a pop of color with panache.

R: Professor Lynne Riding from The Art Institute showing us how to wear some snakeskin.

L: Former Ambassador Robin Duke looking so classic chic! And yes, she is wearing white after Labor Day. Rebel.

R: These leather panel leggings are made for her!

L: Anna Stahl looking fabulous in a vintage fur from Lori Wyatt’s Collection

R: Angharad Chester-Jones looking every bit like Sienna Miller

L: Dalia looking fabulous in black and gold. Don’t you love those fun tights? (American Apparel).

R: Jess James, Lori Wyatt, Isa Metz

L: Olivia Pool wearing a birdie headpiece from Leigh Magar Hatworks

R: Fashion Designer Chelsie Ravenell (wearing Kenneth Beatrice) with little London.

October 22 + 23

Fashion Greenville

GREENVILLE

WHAT: Fashion Greenville, presented by G Magazine,
will be held October 22 and 23, 2010, in downtown Greenville, South
Carolina. There will be eight runway shows each night showcasing local
retailers and designers. A VIP party at Devereaux’s hosted by Lynne
Curtin of Real Housewives of Orange County will wrap up the glamorous weekend on Saturday evening.

WHEN: Fri October 22 + Sat October 23

WHERE: Downtown Greenville, SC

WANNA GO?: To secure your tickets now, visit http://www.fashiongreenville.com/tickets

October 30

“Take the Lake” Music Festival

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Winoca Records & Creative Wilmington in conjunction with Wilmington Unplugged is hosting the 1st Annual “Take The Lake” Music Festival.

Featuring:

Holy Ghost Tent Revival (Greensboro, NC)

Mandolin Orange (Chapel Hill)

Onward, Soldiers (ILM)

Dirty Bourbon River Show (New Orleans)

Rayland Baxter (Nashville)

Charlie the Horse (ILM)

The Kingston Springs (Nashville)

This all-day festival focuses on cultivating Wilmington’s creative
community, as well as amazing live music, delicious organic food, cold
beer from Mother Earth Brewing (kinston, nc)and wonderfully creative people highlighting local projects which improve the lives of all Wilmingtonians.

WHEN: Saturday October 30th Noon-10pm

WHERE: Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

WANNA GO?: $20 in advance/$25 (at the gate). Kids are FREE.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

November 11-14

Cucalorus Film Festival

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Cucalorus , one Movie Maker Magazine’s
“25 Coolest Film Festivals” Wilmington’s film festival ‘that could,’
greets its 16th year with 120 films from around the world ranging from searing documentaries to groundbreaking features, building on the festival’s mission to present new, challenging works from both
established and emerging artists. This is one Wilmington experience you won’t want to miss!  Time Magazine concurs,  “A Film Festival For the Rest of Us.”

WHEN: Thurs Nov 11 – Sun Nov 14

WHERE: Thalian Hall, Jengo’s Playhouse, Screen Gems Studio (screening room), City Stage

WANNA GO?: To get your tickets, click HERE.

“Hey Miss Jess,



OK…here is the question of
the day…is it a fashion faux pas to wear white pants after Labor Day?
I had picked out my outfit for GNO (Focus on the Coast’s Girls Nite Out
event) …that includes white pants…and realized it is after Labor
Day!!!

Thanks, Fashion Guru!



Hope you are well:)”

Tracey

Tracey M. Kellogg

Special Events Officer / NHRMC Foundation

Photo: Rodarte Fall 2010 Collection

Well, Miss Kellogg -

As you may have guessed, I am not a fan of rules – particularly in fashion. Rules are made for breaking, are they not?

Winter White is a color of choice for Fall and since the event is only
one day after Labor Day, I say – Wear your white pants! I ran into this
same dilemma at my September wedding almost six years ago. While we
were searching for the ever-elusive seersucker suit with flat-front
pants for the groomsmen, the sales associate at Jos A. Bank told us,
“You can’t wear seersucker after Labor Day.” Needless to say, we went
with J.Crew. C’est la vie.

Winter White looks on the runway for Fall 2010

Here’s some tips for wearing white this winter:

* Shelf the white linen and try to stay away from tissue-thin white
dresses and tank tops – unless you are going for a more avant garde
look. If so, try a summery white dress with black opaque tights and
black booties.

* Several head-to-toe monochrome looks in white have popped up during
Rodarte and Chanel’s Fall 2010 runway shows. To get a similar feeling
without being mistaken for the White Witch of Narnia, try mixing white
with light-colored neutrals like gray and nude tones.

* Ground this summery shade with heavy, fall accessories – white skinny
jeans with over-the-knee black equestrian boots, a white or cream
blazer with a structured shoulder layered over a black top and chunky
choker.

* With separates, white or cream is more forgiving for all figures when
it’s worn on top with a darker bottom to eliminate accumulating too
much volume.

* Mind your texture. A rich fabric makes all the difference when you’re
wearing winter white. Cashmere, wool, angora, denim and corduroy all
have enough texture and weight to warm up your white wardrobe options
into the fall.

* White can generate a fashion “moment” in the winter as an unexpected
choice from a powder fresh white wool trench coat to a white cascading
gown on the red carpet.

Thankfully, my super sweet brother-in-law’s wife just picked me up an
amazing winter white knit sweater dress at a yard sale for $2. Can’t
wait to to wear it with a pair of nubby tights and boots as soon as the
temperature starts to dip!

I think Samantha White from Charleston (whom I met at the wonderful Seeking Indigo Hollistic Wellness Center) sums it up perfectly (in her Facebook post):

“Sorry Labor Day, but I plan on
wearing plenty of white after you’ve come and gone. It’s Charleston.
It’s the beach. Get over it.”

On Tuesday, September 7th, women dressed in playful prints, white dresses and white pants (those rebels!) took to The Forum for Focus on the Coast’s
Girls Nite Out event. Savoring in the sugar rush from wine and
cupcakes, women of all ages indulged in a bit of shopping before
heading to the big white tent for the raffle prize award ceremony.

Jewelry Designer Kelly Shatat of Moon & Lola (love her!) creating custom necklaces using vintage initial pendants at Charlotte’s

Charlotte’s boutique owner Charlotte Harris with daughter Stephanie Sneeden

L: Tracey Kellogg (who opted for black pants) with her

slightly-more-brave friend Amy Zabriski (in white jeans).

R: Cindy Vach, who recently moved to Wilmington from Miami,

discusses the merits of Heidi Klum’s haircut with her friend

L: Event emcee and GNO Coordinator Tessa Young wearing a white dress from Torri/Bell

R: Marketing associate Lauren Scobel at Blue Hand Home wearing my favorite look of the night – a blush colored Grecian dress from TopShop with complementing belt and sandals.

So, you need a gift for the girl who has it all. Something stylish,
functional and within your budget.  I’ve got two no-fail options
for you! I’m sure you’ve seen purse hooks before, but this one is
actually stylin’. Stick it in your handbag and pull it out at your
favorite bar in order to keep your bag in view and off the sticky
floor. And as far as gadgets, you can’t get more tech chic than with
this studded USB. I would happily let my “geek flag” fly with this
keychain, thank you very much.

Purse hook $26 and studded USB $40 from Torri/Bell

September 10

Bargain Box Bop Fun-raiser

Church of the Servant

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Bargain Box of Wilmington,
located at 4213 Princess Place Drive, celebrates 10 years of sharing
with a night of fun and fashion. Come dressed in threads from your
favorite decade (and get your vintage gear at the Bargain Box, natch),
dance and sing along with DJ and Karaoke master Jerry Surprise, enjoy
light refreshments and fun for the entire family as well as a prize for
“Best Dressed,” chosen by “Style Girl” Jess James of “Fashion Fix” as judge.

WHEN: September 10 / 7-10pm

WHERE: Church of the Servant / 4925 Oriole Drive

WANNA GO?

Tickets
are $10/person or $25/family. All net proceeds provide “Gift Bargain
Bucks” to help those in need. Call 910.362.0603 for more details.

September 10

Art Soup Conglomeration

Bottega Gallery

WILMINGTON

WHAT:
Art Soup,  a local nonprofit arts organization presents:
Conglomeration an evening of music, art and poetry. Enjoy live poetry
readings from accomplished poets as well as live music from local six
stringed sophisticants Lucian & Jules, Steven Gibbs and Perry Smith
and Friends. Live artists and an evening drum circle, open to the
public. This is an event in collaboration with Artblast, an annual arts
festival in downtown Wilmington September 8-12, 2010. Free. www.artblastwilmington.com

WHEN: Friday September 10th / 8pm

WHERE: Bottega Gallery at 208 North Front Street / Downtown Wilmington

September 16

128 South Fall Preview Open House

128 South Front Street

WILMINGTON

WHAT:
Local vendors are collaborating to create a holiday-inspired experience
in a unique downtown venue!  “Signature” Bites and Beverages
provided by 128 South.
Featuring: DJ Brian Hood and Active Entertainment, Fiore Fine Flowers,
A Boxed Event, KMI Photography, Matt McGraw Photography, Indigo Silver
Studio, and more… Open to the Public.

WHEN: Thursday September 16th / 5pm to 9pm

WHERE: 128 South Front located at 128 S. Front Street Downtown Wilmington

For more information, call 910.399.1709 or email info@128southevents.com

September 17

FashionSPARK

RALEIGH

WHAT: The fashionSPARK
Fashion Show, now in its 5th year, showcases the area’s top local
fashion talent with fashion shows featuring 25 fashion designers.

WHEN: Friday, September 17th 8pm

WHERE: City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh

WANNA
GO? General admission to the fashionSPARK Fashion Show is free &
open to the public. Standing room is limited. Arrive early.

September 18

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

WHAT:
The international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender
violence, is coming to Wilmington! Calling all boyfriends, husbands,
fathers, brothers and sons  – we need YOU to walk a mile in
downtown Wilmington – while donning a pair of high-heeled shoes!

WHEN: September 18

WHERE:
Starts at Elijah’s (2 Ann Street in Downtown Wilmington) and ends at
Elijah’s with a reception, awards, refreshments and live music.

WANNA WALK?: Contact Ashley Garner at agarner@intracoastalrealty.com today!

More details coming soon at www.walkamilewilmington.com. Need some style tips on where to wear with your heels? Style Girl’s got ya covered. Give me a holler.

September 23

Fun in the Fall Runway & Trunk Show

Sonny B / Landfall Center

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Sonny B Boutique
presents “Fun in the Fall,” a red carpet event featuring A to Z
Clothing, Runway & Trunk Show, Wine, Fun, Friends and Raffle Prizes
benefitting DREAMS Center for Arts Education

WHEN: Thursday September 23rd at 6:3opm

WHERE: Sonny B Boutique at Landfall Center

Paysage presents “Week of Wow” – October 5, 6, and 7th

October 5

SPOIL YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME

Complimentary yoga & LULULEMON ATHLETICA trunk show, followed by
CAMEO 1900 healthy brunch cooking class, and an afternoon of trunk
shows, classes, and workshops offered by PAYSAGE, HARBOUR CLUB DAY SPA,
AIRLIE MOON, ZIABIRD, and many more.

October 6

TARA SHAW LUNCHEON

Join New Orleans’ designer, Tara Shaw
at the Landfall Country Club for a luncheon while Tara shares her
antiquing sagas! Shaw specializes in French, Swedish, and Italian
antiques, and will introduce her new furniture line, Maison.

11:30am – 2pm: TARA SHAW luncheon and fashions by MONKEES, BEANIE + CECIL, ALLIGATOR PIE, ZIABIRD, and ISLAND PASSAGE

3pm – 6pm: TARA SHAW
antique collection in the Paysage tent, and a vintage fashions trunk
show with “Style Girl” Jess James featuring one-of-a-kind vintage finds
from the James + Dunne Collection and pieces from Lori Wyatt,
“The Vintage Queen of Charleston.” End the day with the fabulous sounds
of The Doug Irving Trio, while sipping a glass of wine, compliments of
Paysage.

October 7

HIGH STYLE HOLIDAY PREVIEW

11:30am – 2pm: Eric Gebhart cooking class, learn how to make delicious and festive fall dishes from “Wilmington Top Chef.”

2:30pm – 6:30pm: Holiday Gift Preview, trunk shows galore.

6:30pm – 8pm: Holiday decorating and floral class with Jane from Paysage

Please call Paysage for ticket requirements, schedule, and more information. 910.256.6050 or visit www.paysage.com/events

October 14

James + Dunne’s Fall Fashion Preview

Blue Hand Home / The Forum

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Fall is right around the corner so “Style Girl” Jess James and Shannon Dunne of  James + Dunne Styling
are gearing up for their annual Fall Fashion Preview, featuring
must-have looks for fall, style secrets, age-appropriate essentials
& deals you won’t wanna miss!  Beauty tips & tricks from Bangz Hair Salon & Spa owner Frank Potter as well as de-lish bites from Private Chef Lori Eaton.

MODELS:
J+D will select fall’s most fabulous pieces from your favorite local
boutiques to create fashion forward, age appropriate “looks” for every
age group with favorite features such as “1 Fall Essential, 3 Different
Ways and “Runway to Real Way.” From 30 and thriving to 70+ and
sensational, we are looking for local women to “work it!” If you would
like to recommend a local model (age 30-80), please post a photo and
contact info on the James + Dunne Facebook page. Click HERE.

WANNA GO?: Tickets are on sale NOW at www.jamesanddunne.com

First 50 guests to get tickets are registed to win the “Fall Fabulous” package!

To watch the video (produced by CapeFearTours.com) from the Spring Fashion Preview, please click HERE.

October 15

4th Annual Rock for the Cure

The Reel Cafe

WILMINGTON

WHAT:
The fourth annual Rock for the Cure breast cancer benefit concert
presented by the UNCW Communication Studies Society will feature The
Schoolboys, a local classic and modern rock band. The event is held to
support the Pink Ribbon Project and recognize breast cancer awareness
month, which is October.

WHEN: Friday, October 15 from 7-10pm

WHERE: The Reel Café in Downtown Wilmington / 2nd floor

WANNA
GO?: $5 and all proceeds benefit the New Hanover Regional Medical
Center Foundation’s Pink Ribbon Project. For more information, please
visit student.uncw.edu/rockforthecure.

Since I’m still in the midst of planning the FASHION FIX’s Sex and the City
Premiere Party and women across the country are getting ready to see
their favorite foursome on the silver screen again, the question of the
week is still lingering in the air, “What are you going to wear?”

Whether you are channeling Carrie, Samantha, Miranda or Charlotte, chances are
you’ve considered some incarnation of a maxi dress – a sexy and drapey
number, a bohemian caftan style or even a belted shirtdress style.

In a recent interview with E!, Sarah Jessica Parker said that the long, maxi dress, or “Desert Chic” look would be one of the hottest trends from the Sex and the City The Movie 2.

As always, stylist extraordinaire Patricia Field meets the style challenge of dressing the stars in bold, dynamic color and sexy silhouettes while keeping the peace in Abu Dhabi.

Being that SJP was recently appointed Creative Director for Halston’s Heritage label (available in Wilmington at Beanie + Cecil), it’s only fitting that Carrie is seen in a variety of Halston Heritage dresses, including the “Iconic” pleated maxi in orange, which harkens back the disco days of Studio 54.

When you’re not heating up the dance floor, maxi dresses are also a great
choice to beat the heat during the day for a more breezy, bohemian
look. In order to exude maximum style in your maxi dress, keep the
following tips in mind:

• The maxi dress should not overwhelm your frame. Pick a style that has some flow to it, but that fits in all the right places.

• Since you are opting for a longer hemline, balance out the silhouette by showing some skin up top with a strapless style, off-the-shoulder or a peekabo lace t-back.

• Avoid too-clingy jersey fabrics that spotlight “problem areas.” And, remember to wear seamless undergarments.

• Accessorize.
  Add a few delicate long, layered necklaces, hammered bangles or a belt
  - low-slung for a a boho look or cinched for a more polished take.

• Simplify your beauty routine
  by sticking with minimal makeup and an effortless, slightly tousled
  hairstyle to complement the easy, breezy vibe of the maxi dress.
  Try a messy side braid or loose, low bun.

• The biggest style challenge with a maxi? Choosing the right pair of shoes. Typically,  flat sandals, gladiators or a chunky wedge platform look best.

• The hem should fall somewhere between your ankles and the top of your shoe. If your maxi is a bit short, try an espadrille style sandal to balance the silhouette.

• Avoid anything too glitzy. The dress length creates enough glamour on its own. Keep it simple & chic!

Maxi dress from Torri/Bell

Photo: Leslie Koehn of Gloss Photographic

Charlie Mars Show

Soapbox & The Pour House

WILMINGTON / CHARLESTON

WHAT: Singer Charlie Mars is coming through town for the Southeastern leg of his tour. If you missed Charlie’s FASHION FIX article on matters of style, click HERE.

WHEN & WHERE:

Friday May 28th at The Pour House in Charleston at 10pm

WANNA GO?

I’ll meet you there! For tickets to The Pour House show, click HERE.

May 28 + 29

Thread Social Trunk Show

Beanie + Cecil

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Beanie + Cecil will host a special Thread Social Trunk Show featuring fashionable frocks
and cocktail dresses perfect for a summer soiree, wedding or girl about town look.

WHEN: Friday May 28 and Saturday May 29 10am-6pm

WHERE: Beanie + Cecil at Lumina Station

May 28 – May 31

Cynthia Rowley Memorial Day Sale

CHARLESTON

WHAT: Enjoy up to 70% off

WHEN: Friday May 28 to Monday May 31

WHERE: 341 King Street / Charleston

June 2

Caster and Cocktails Trunk Show

412 Nun Street

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Interior Designer Debby Gomulka presents a Caster and Cocktails Trunk Show featuring Doncaster’s Summer
2010 Collection. Discover Doncaster’s luxurious fabrics, flattering fit and stylish looks for all ages and all sizes (up to 22), along with
cocktails and light refreshments. Get your “new look” for Summer styled by “Style Girl” Jess James and Shannon Dunne of James + Dunne Styling.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 2nd from 7:00-9:00pm

WHERE: 412 Nun Street / Downtown Wilmington

For more info, visit www.debbygomulkadesigns.com/blog or call Debby at 910.352.7339.

June 8

Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids Launch

CHARLESTON

WHAT:Shoppers are invited to celebrate the launch of Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids collection, with dress fitting by Bella Bridesmaid Shop. Bring your bridesmaids!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 8 / 4 – 6:30PM

WHERE: STEMS /  208 Coming Street  Charleston

RSVP: charlestonevents@cynthiarowley.com or 843-577-8013

June 25-26

Alice & Olivia / Monkee’s Trunk Show & Fashion Show

Lumina Station

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Alice & Olivia’s nationwide traveling trunk show is setting up shop at Monkee’s at Lumina Station. Even better, they are joining forces to present a high-style runway fashion show.

More details coming soon!