Style Girl’s intern Michael Deininger-Bell with his Fresh & Precious blog partner Courtney McGovern showing off their Americana style.   Even when Memorial Day was a few months away, did you notice stars and stripes are having a bit of a moment? Separately (stars. stripes.), that’s not all that surprising. Same goes with the red, white and blue combination. Every year when the sunshine calls, we see the “summer on the French Riveria” type of vibe, but I’m talking about in-your-face America. Get this. It’s actually kind of in style to be patriotic.   (Click HERE to see “60 Hot Hipster Girls Wearing American Flags”) In the past, it was something your neighbor’s parents “did.” You know, wearing their flag t-shirts, accessorizing with fanny packs and heading into town for the fourth of July parade. It’s kind of like wearing a band t-shirt of the band you’re at the show to see (my parents insist on doing this groupie faux pas all the time).   When I studied abroad in England my last semester of college, I was all about the Union Jack. Announcing the arrival of my Anglophile status, it was English breakfast tea, English humor (Coupling and Are You Being Served?) and my trusty Union Jack sequin sleeveless jumper (recently sold via the Style Girl Collection).   I can remember going to TopShop with my English friend Elsie where we discovered a cool tank top with a hint of an American flag on the top half. Elsie suggested we both get it, but I passed, preferring to keep my flag fashion limited to the Union Jack (whereas, she wouldn’t have been caught dead in my sequin Union Jack jumper).   It seems times have changed. Although the US of A might not be in fashion in the rest of the world right about now, ‘Merika is experiencing a bit of sartorial self-love, at least from the outside. Go on, mix star-spangled prints with wild abandon!  Since my intern Michael Deininger-Bell is often seen around town in stars and stripes (with a denim collar, of course!), I thought it only fitting to address the Americana / flag fashion trend while re-capping his first fashion show (featuring several vintage Americana looks) held last Thursday at Sputnik downtown (below under Social Chic).   God Bless America the Beautiful.       FOLLOW Hair Stylist Cheryl Kent’s Hair-spirations

 

 
Zannie and Madeline are both wearing clothing from Charleston’s Lori Wyatt Vintage
 
with He & Me accessories from Avenue East at Tickled Pink

 
 
L: Katie Kirk wearing a vintage swimsuit from Lori Wyatt Vintage with He&Me Silhouette in
kelly green with Drifted leather earrings available at Avenue East inside Tickled Pink

R: Cassie Hunter in a floral high/low dress and Jeffrey Campbells from Edge of Urge
 

 
Fashion Statement: Models remind guests to vote against Amendment 1.
 

 
Sputnik bar co-owner DJ Edie Senter with Shannon Dunne
 
 
 
L: Vintage polka dot dress from Style Girl Collection

R: Jess (wearing new bird print dress from Hallelu) with Juliana
 
 
 
L: Madeline wears a He&Me handmade turquoise breastplate necklace with
He&Me chartreuse wrap worn as a maxi skirt from Tickled Pink

R:Model Madison Hatch in a vintage Navajo print shirt
 

 
Post-show, Michael gets a smooch from his proud aunt, Missy Bell
 
Photos: Jess James
To see more photos from the Fresh & Precious
Fashion Show, click HERE.

 

The Junior League’s Mint Julep Jubilee
May 5.2012 – Derby Day
Poplar Grove Plantation

 

 
Southern belles in their Derby hats
 
 
 
Event Styling by Khalilah of A Boxed Event
(those poor flowers melted in the heat. It was a hot one!)
 

What I Wore:
Miguelina lace dress from Gilt Groupe with silk lace-trimmed jacket from Oliver Boutique,
vintage butterfly belt, hat embellished with vintage scarf from The Bargain Box, vintage bag
from Lori Wyatt – Vintage, Jewelmint earrings, vintage bracelet from Candy Shop Vintage
 
 
 
L: Excited Damien Buchanan is back in Wilmington!
R: My favorite dress on Derby Day – butterfly print from Anthropologie
 

 

 
Harrison Sasser of Gentlemen’s Corner with WWAY’s Katie Harden
 

My favorite outfit for the guys – suspenders? check. bowtie? check. straw fedora?
oh yes. And, classic Wayfarers.
 
 
 
L: Megan Everette in a monogrammed Derby hat.
R: Misty Miller Marston wearing a homemade Derby hat, her mother-in-law’s
Mikimoto Jackie O pearls and an embroidered dress from the Junior League’s
Bargain Sale ($3!) said she’s  ”in it to win it.”
And, indeed she took home the prize for Best Derby Hat!
 
 
 
Wide brim hats are not the only party on Derby Day. Fascinators made
several appearances (Elena Masters on right).
 
 
 
Jonny Everette looking every bit the Southern gentleman
in a classic seersucker suit and straw hat.
 

 

 

Photos: Jess James
To see more coverage from the
Mint Julep Jubilee, click HERE.
 

HEAVY METAL
 
    
 
L: My absolute favorite look of the night from head-to-toe was Model Karolina Kurkova
wearing a glittering turban and gown from the Rachel Zoe Collection.

R: Camilla Belle was pure perfection in her Ralph Lauren metallic dress and dark pout.

NOT-SO-MELLOW YELLOW
 
 
 
L: Model Coco Rocha wore a neon yellow-and-pink Givenchy pantsuit once owned by
Elizabeth Taylor, which she purchaed at auction in December, accessorized with her pink
ombre hair.  She claims the jumpsuit still has a red wine stain on it courtesy of Ms. Taylor.

R: Solange Knowles blew her sister out of the water in this custom-made Rachel Roy bold,
bright stunner complete with one of this season’s must-have flourishes, the peplum.

CAPED CRUSADERS

 
 
L: Lana Del Rey wore a custom Joseph Altuzarra dress and cape with
dark lips and nails to complement her darker hair

R:Bianca Brandolini D’Adda in Dolce & Gabbana

LADIES WHO LAYER

 
 
L: Alexa Chung wearing a Marc Jacobs dress and buttoned-up white blouse
(with model Karen Elson)

R: Always a bit of a rogue stylemaven, J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons did not disappoint.
Love how she  incorporated her signature style (denim jacket, crisp white blouse)
into her red carpet evening attire and chose to accessorize her pink satin skirt
with a lighter shade of pink suede heels.
 
WHAT THE FROCK?

L: Florence Welch’s swirling layers of Valentino is sure to end up on a number of
“Worst Dressed” lists, but my take is if anyone can pull it off, it’s her.

R: Model Anja Rubik tops Angelina’s slit from the Oscars in a ridiculously
revealing Anthony Vaccarello gown. Isn’t this the same dress
Gwyneth wore on the Harper’s Bazaar cover? At the Met Gala, Gwyneth
opted to show off her side-boob instead in a little Prada frock.

THAT’S THE TICKET.
 

 
Something for the guys! Decades owner Cameron Silver turned up the fun factor with designer Nicole Miller wearing a suit designed by Miller with a cheeky vintage “ticket print” fabric. As if his suit wasn’t enough of a conversation starter, he accessorized with an original Elsa Schiaparelli blowfish walking stick that he snagged at auction in New Hope, Pennsylvania,  where he was being filmed for his Bravo show, Decades, that premieres this fall.
 

 

2nd Location –  NOW at Tickled Pink in Lumina Station!

April 20 – May 11 Positions Red Barn Studio Theatre WILMINGTON   WHAT: “Positions,” written by local Owen Dunne (husband of my BFF Shannon Dunne of James + Dunne Styling), directed by Red Barn co-founder Steve Bakunas and presented by the Red Barn Studio Theatre, Positions is the theater’s first original play. See what happens when Leo proposes to his wife of 15 years, Hillary, to fool around more often (she’s more focused on the kids than sex), by trying a new position every week for a year – 52 positions in all.   WHEN: April 20-21, 25-28, May 2-5 and May 9-11 at 8pm and April 22, 29 and May 6 at 3 p.m.   WHERE: Red Barn Studio Theatre at 1122 South Third Street   WANNA GO?: $20 cash or check only. For more info, call 910.762.0955 or visit www.RedBarnStudioTheatre.com

For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals?   Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more!   Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.

 

Style Girl Jess James | Fashion Fix

Philippe Matignon “Melodie Bas Jarretiere” thigh high with two-toned iridescent lace. $62   Although I’m pretty sure you don’t need reminding, Valentine’s Day is upon us. Whether you are sending smoke signals to your special someone, searching for someone who seems to have it all, or just need some retail therapy romance this time of the year, I’ve got a few gifties to share that are sure to sollicit some swooning.       All girls love a bit of sparkle in their life! The druzy stone is sure to mesmerize.   L: Namesake braided druzy bracelet $154 handmade by Heather Long from Oliver R: Marcia Moran druzy jewelry starting at $88 from Blue Hand Home            Seen on the likes of Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Madonna, this is a bra  that is begging to see the light of day.  With all the sheer blouses on the runway right now, I’m declaring this the IT bra.   L: Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris bra $99 from thelittleflirt.com   As you know, diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Paired with  a little customization, you are golden for at least a month. R: Diamond Initial Pendants made by local Jewelry Designer Vanessa Jenik  exclusively for Beanie + Cecil       Thought I’d share with you my V-day gift for Joel. He’s nearly impossible to shop for since he never truly wants anything. But, since the time of his sixteenth birthday and I surprised him with GAP flannel boxers and a crystal, he’s always had an infinity for rocks and most recently discovered he’s got a bit of a green thumb. Hence, the perfect combination I discovered via Instagram.   Amethyst with air plant $75 created by Blogger Chloe Touran     And, I just found out that Joel has surprised me by sharing our love story in Old Books “Vicious Valentine” edition. There are only 50 copies (free to Old Books customers) so you better hurry if you want to read how we knew “we must have loved long before this life.”   Vicious Valentine from Old Books on Front   And, I leave you with James Joyce’s Ulysses (read at our wedding by my dear friend Jane):   And yes when I put the rose in my hair or shall I wear red yes and how he kissed me under the Moorish wall and I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I say yes to say yes my mountain flower first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down to me yes so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes.     HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY             TICKETS: ON SALE NOW! $15 online: Click HERE to get yours NOW! / $25 cash at the door The first 25 women to purchase tickets online receive VIP Swapping Status (aka: you get to shop 10 minutes before everyone else) + first 50 will receive exclusive gift bags filled with goodies courtesy of Cos Bar!   WIN IT at STYLE SWAP!       L: Lightweight, leather bifold tiny wallet/cardholder with vintage lining.  Completely sewn and designed by RUBYASSATA in Wilmington, North Carolina. Value: $24   R: Serenity Stone Drop Earrings. Hand cut polished semi-precious dyed jade drops are handset in a shiny 12k gold plated hammered brass bezel $49 from Crissy Rowell, Stella & Dot www.stelladot.com/crissyrowell       L: Gorgeous sweetheart neckline, blush polka dot tiered dress from Cynthia Rowley, size 4 $89 R: Vintage Diane Freis green dot blouse with flutter sleeves from Rogue Vintage  $68 www.roguevintage.com       Mamie Ruth outfit from Fashion Designer Emily Bargeron. You can meet Emily at Style Swap + shop her collection BEFORE Mamie Ruth hits the runway at CFW in March! www.mamieruth.com   Latte Silk Dress $68 from NEW website www.shopbones.com   The Boomerang Sarong (no ties necessary!) Size Small , Value: $38 www.boomerangskirts.com     L: Bonham tassel drop earrings from Harper Vintage Modern So MAD MEN! Value: $42 www.harpervintagemodern.com R: A custom garment (shirt/top) designed by The Rose Knot. Design something to reflect your personal style (valued at $100). www.theroseknot.com     To see MORE Style Swap sponsored swap outfits + raffle items to benefit ART FOR CHARITY, Click HERE. Spring Fashion Preview is back! Space is Limited. Click HERE to get your Ticket. “Like” Blue Hand Home for a chance to WIN 2 FREE tickets to the Spring Fashion Preview! To WIN: “Like” Blue Hand Home on Facebook Winner will be announced on the style girl “FASHION FIX” Facebook page by Noon TODAY!       Photographer Harry Taylor (pictured left with his beautiful wife Sonia) hosted his “Rio Jordan” opening last Friday at 621 North 4th Gallery. A collection of photographic artifacts from the Cape Fear region, Taylor has “found his voice” through historic photographic processes (Tintypes) that examine the memory of a river. According to Taylor, “…through its long, Zen-like exposures, bulky cameras and onsite processing, wet-plate makes ‘a thing,’ a reflection of a different time and space. The wet-plate process comes from a time when the understanding of light was thought to provide insight to the mind of God.”     Shannon Dunne, Jess James, Leilani Balaban, Sonia Taylor   L: Artist Sullivan Dunn and Matt Hosmer getting the giggles R: Their combined tribe – the cutest art patrons of the night     L: Vanessa Lacer’s engaging ear candy. She told me she got it “at the mall”(stated as a four-letter-word). R: One of Harry’s tintypes worn as a necklace.     L: Fan-tabulous! R: Artist Gayle Tustin wearing a sharp vintage tuxedo jacket  with a sculpture brooch made by her late friend Marcia Macdonald.   To see more photos from Harry Taylor’s opening, please visit the style girl FASHION FIX album.       2nd Location –  NOW at Tickled Pink in Lumina Station!         February 11 Bones Launch Party Satellite Bar and Lounge WILMINGTON   WHAT: Long-time Hallelu shopgirl, stylista and model Maddie Allen Clothes (men & women), is celebrating the launch of her own online boutique SHOPBONES.COM and you’re invited! Everything will be 20% off the night of the event. Live music by local band Rio Bravo.   WHEN: Saturday, Feb 11th from 7-9 pm   WHERE: Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield Street Downtown Wilmington       February 15 Local Author Book Club Old Books on Front Street WILMINGTON WHAT: Joel Finsel, local writer, one of Playboy’s Top 10 Mixologists in 2010 who works his magic at Manna four nights a week (and Style Girl’s husband), is Old Books on Front Street’s featured local author in their book club series this month. Come out to hear Joel read excerpts from his novel Cocktails & Conversations at The Astral Plane along with cocktail demos of classic cocktails and a few of his originals mixed in for good measure. WHEN: Feb 15th at 7pm   WHERE: Old Books 249 N. Front Street For more info, call 910.76.BOOKS (26657)         February 18 1st Annual Indie Pop-Up Shop Projekte WILMINGTON WHAT: Projekte hosts the the 1st Annual Indie Pop-Up Shop for ONE NIGHT ONLY featuring locally made art, photographs,vinyls, records, CD, unique jewelry, scarves, hats along with men’s & women’s clothing and more from Gravity Records, GEMS4U by Mary Sedcieski, Just Like Honey by Lesley Tamaev, Tiletechnics by Channing Duke, CNVS DESIGN by CN Stewart, Drifted by Dan & Lisa Nez, Designer Ashley Jane Sargent, Sewn To The Bone by Sergey Tamaev, Craftystuffs by Kris Lefler, Homoground by Lynn Casper and Half United. Wine tasting and live music with DJ W.A.M and Bradley White. WHEN: Saturday Feb 18th from 6-10pm   WHERE: Projekte / 523 South 3rd Street & Castle WANNA GO?: Entry is FREE.   For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX  Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals?   Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more!   Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.       Contact Jess James and subscribe to the Fashion Fix Newsletter at www.stylegirljessjames.com

Copyright © 2011 Style Girl Jess James, All rights reserved.

Style Girl Jess James | Fashion Fix

Since the Style Girl Vintage Collection now has a home both downtown at aMuse Artisanal Finery (19 South 2nd Street) and at Tickled Pink at Lumina Station, my intern (sometimes referred to as Brad to my Rachel) Michael Deininger-Bell texted me over the holidays, “Pleasssse can we take some pictures?” So, the Style Girl / FASHION FIX team (Michael, a talented emerging photographer and Juliana, my trusted do-it-all girl Friday) invaded Tayloe Gray’s new office space downtown, which was once akin to a Madame Tussaud’s take on the African safari now in transition from former owner and Architect Tom Ballard, whose passions include skydiving and big game hunting. Armed with props from Gay Adair’s in the 9th House (now at Projekte) and tchotchke from Michael’s bedroom, we began our day surrounded by hyenas, antelope and friends while we waited for our gorgeous models, Madeline and Gretchen, to arrive from Groove Jet Salon. Madeline Cimone, who started her modeling career at my “She Wore Blue Velvet” Fashion Show (thanks to Matt Dols), will be representing Wilmington (along with local model Peter Clarkson) at Charleston Fashion Week in March while Gretchen Stevens has graced the pages of Focus on the Coast and walked the runway at the Fall Fashion Preview as well as the Blue Velvet Fashion Show.   All featured items from The Style Girl Collection are available for sale at Tickled Pink or aMuse.

The first 25 women to purchase tickets online receive VIP Swapping Status (aka: you get to shop 10 minutes before everyone else) + first 50 will receive exclusive gift bags filled with goodies courtesy of Cos Bar!

Heartsapart.org, an amazing non-profit developed by Wilmington-based Photographers Brett Martin and Brownie Harris, was just selected by The White House as one of 20 finalists nationwide for the Joining Forces Community Challenge. HeartsApart.org keeps military families connected by providing soon-to-be deployed servicemen and women with pictures of their spouses and children. The pictures, designed to fit in a breast pocket, are absolutely free and virtually indestructible and are taken by some of the finest photographers in the country.

With only two months remaining until the kick-off of the 2012 Charleston Fashion Week®; the buzz is in the air, reserved seats are going fast, and the finishing touches are being made on this nationally recognized annual fashion event. Held March 20-24th in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, Condé Nast Traveler’s Top U.S. Destination, the runway schedule includes nightly entertainment, more than 45 runway shows, new daytime shopping, a charity luncheon, and various design competitions. With local and national sponsors proudly on board, the Emerging Designer semifinalists producing their debut collections, and fashion royalty confirmed to attend, all that’s left to roll out this spring is the red carpet!

Charleston Fashion Week® 2012 celebrity guests and fashion panel judges include Cynthia Bailey, Karen Lee Grybowski, Vanessa Lachey, Fern Mallis, Molly O’Connell, Cameron Silver, and Anne Slowey.  2012 Featured Designers showing their collections on the runway nightly include Emily Bargeron (featured sponsor at STYLE SWAP Charleston Feb 23rd), Chris Benz, Rachel Gordon, Charlotte Hess, Mychael Knight, Faith Thornburg, and Michael Wiernicki.

2nd Location –  NOW at Tickled Pink in Lumina Station!             February 11 Bones Launch Party Satellite Bar and Lounge WILMINGTON   WHAT: Long-time Hallelu shopgirl, stylista and model Maddie Allen Clothes (men & women), is celebrating the launch of her own online boutique SHOPBONES.COM and you’re invited! Everything will be 20% off the night of the event. Live music by local band Rio Bravo.   WHEN: Saturday, Feb 11th from 7-9 pm   WHERE: Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield Street Downtown Wilmington     For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals?Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more!Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.     Copyright © 2011 Style Girl Jess James, All rights reserved.

Style Girl Jess James | Fashion Fix

Even if you’ve never met my dad, chances are if we’re friends on Facebook, you may have noticed a reliable “Dave James like this” under a variety of my posts. This isn’t surprising from a dad who once took a half of day off from work to surprise me at a live radio remote with Q102 at the Cherry Hill Mall - just in time to see me escort the Camden Aquarium’s shark mascot as part of my internship duties. A self-professed “Daddy’s girl,” my dad and I agree on a few key points - that Ocean City’s Mack-n-Manco’s (now renamed Manco-n-Manco’s after 50+ years) is the best pizza in the world, that The Natural is one of the all-time great sports films and lemon is the business when it comes to Tastykakes’ pies. As for matters of style, not so much. This is a man who actually hangs his running t-shirts in his closet and has been known to buy jeans at the Dollar Store. Le sigh…. Since it’s Friday and you might just need a bit of comic relief, I thought I’d share with you a recent Facebook exchange where my dad weighs in on street style swagger (see photo above).

January 29 Brooklyn Arts Center Winter Wedding Show WILMINGTON   WHAT: Don’t miss BAC’s 2nd interactive wedding show hosted by Zach Hanner and Jess James. The first 75 brides to purchase a ticket will receive a swag bag filled with local goodies, and everyone will have a chance to win great giveaways, sip lovely liquid refreshments from the BAC cash bar, hear live music, see wedding photo shoots, taste fabulous food, and find all the latest wedding fashions, trends and styles presented as actual weddings throughout the venue.   WHEN: Sunday Jan 29th from 1-4pm   WHERE: 516 North 4th Street, Downtown Wilmington   WANNA GO? Tickets are $10 advance online. Get yours by clicking HERE.

For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals? Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more!    Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.

Style Girl Jess James | Fashion Fix

Pour la Victoire handbags featured in Gilt Groupe’s sale.    I’ve never been one to subscribe to the whole IT bag obsession. There are the classics – the Louis, Coach and the quilted Chanel. Or for some style girls, it’s all about the latest Balenciaga or Alexander Wang. Handbags, along with coats and shoes, are typically seen as investment items since you get the most cost-per-wear out of them. And if you find “the one,” it may just become one of your signature staples. Hell, there’s even a website ( Bag, Borrow 0r Steal) dedicated to renting your handbag of choice. I have my fair share of vintage bags (including a Coach and Chanel – that may or may not be real – from Bargain Box) along with a few favorite crossbody styles from newer designers like the Rebecca Minkoff MAC from Oliver and my silver plated mini from Hayden Harnett. But once in awhile a bag really speaks to you. Leading up to Christmas day, one of my best friends from home had a buzzed-about  love affair with a Michael Kors bag she spotted at Macy’s. She came in the store almost daily to “visit” until she saved up enough to take her home for the holidays. In the past few months, I had the feeling I was being “chatted up” by a newer handbag line called Pour La Victoire. Originally known for their handcrafted premium leather shoe line, they launched their handbag line in 2010. I’ve spotted several styles (colorblock totes and fur-trimmed leather bags) on Liz Cherkasova of Late Afternoon, whose effortless style is always inspired.   Liz of Late Afternoon toting her Pour la Victoire bags Even though I told Joel I would heed his advice to hold onto my Gilt Groupe gift card (a Christmas gift from my parents that was much appreciated) till the darkest days of my spending freeze, those words were a distant memory as I saw the Pour la Victoire flash sale alert pop up in my daily email from Gilt Groupe. My heart began to pulse as I scanned the page taking note of the “Reserved” items that had already been snatched up only a few minutes after the start of the sale at noon. Luckily, the Bordeaux Clutch that originally sent my heart racing was still available, and will make her triumphant appearance soon. Since I just saw that Pour la Victoire is offering the same amazing discounted prices as Gilt Groupe on their own website’s sale, thought I’d share the love. Hope you find a smooth talker.

Mark your Calendar, my sweets! Jason Wu’s collection for Target is hitting stores February 5th with prices ranging from $20 to $60. Click HERE for a sneak peek at his Look Book courtesy of The Cut. These two sherbet hued pieces are my favorites. What’s yours?           2nd Location –  NOW at Tickled Pink in Lumina Station!

January 29 Brooklyn Arts Center Winter Wedding Show WILMINGTON WHAT: Don’t miss BAC’s 2nd interactive wedding show hosted by Zach Hanner and Jess James. The first 75 brides to purchase a ticket will receive a swag bag filled with local goodies, and everyone will have a chance to win great giveaways, sip lovely liquid refreshments from the BAC cash bar, hear live music, see wedding photo shoots, taste fabulous food, and find all the latest wedding fashions, trends and styles presented as actual weddings throughout the venue.WHEN: Sunday Jan 29th from 1-4pm   WHERE: 516 North 4th Street, Downtown Wilmington   WANNA GO? Tickets are $10 advance online. Get yours by clicking HERE.

For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals? Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more! Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.

Style Girl Jess James | Fashion Fix

Outside Barney’s “Lady Gaga’s Workshop” entrance I spontaneously made my way to NYC a few days before New Year’s after receiving an urgent message from Alisa, a NYC-based styling client I worked with while I was in the city in September during Fashion Week, thanks to my dear friend Rachel Mcpherson. Alisa wanted to surprise her fiance Vic with a Style Girl shopping package for Christmas so I packed my bags, booked my ticket on the Bolt bus from Jersey and spent the next five days ringing in the New Year.   Here’s the Top 10 from my first few days of 2012 as a temporary New Yorker:      1. Shopping John Varvatos and Billy Reid with Vic at Bloomies where he came home with his first vest!     2. Meeting up with Wilmington design darling Gay Adair and her daughter Flannery to see Johanna Hickey’s “Candy Canyon” exhibit at 108 Leonard + climbing to the roof to admire the view.       3. Monopolizing the photo booth at The Ace Hotel and serendipitiously finding our way to the El Quijote, Patti Smith  and Robert Mapplethorpe’s haunt during the heyday of The Chelsea Hotel (next door).   4. Ever since visiting Malin Landaeus’ vintage boutique in Williamsburg two years ago, I’ve been dying to go back. On this visit, I picked out a reversible jacket Malin hand-dyed.  Her equally gorgeous daughter Nova demonstrated that not only is my new jacket reversible but if I turn the sleeves upside down,  it can also be worn as a bolero!   Find me on their tumblr blog by clicking HERE.   5. Yummy pizza and margueritas at Serafina at 55th & Broadway before a nightcap at The London Hotel NYC     6. Finally made it to Aritzia after coveting several of their poncho sweaters featured on Chloe Touran’s Instagram. 7. Visiting UK-based All Saints Spitalfields  always makes me long for London. Scored an oatmeal cashmere “jumper” with “Rebels” emblazoned on the back for 50% off.   8.  Photographer Jason Riffe graciously invited me to join him to view emerging designer Omar Salam’s brand-new collection at Omar’s beautiful home off Central Park West. Omar says, “It’s too early to say what my signature is but I’m focused on movement and (the clothing’s) relationship with the wind as a woman moves.” His exquisite work speaks for itself. So excited to see what’s next from Omar!     9.  Must-See: My Week with Marilyn (watched it at the 42nd Street AMC, near the circus of Times Square).   10. After bunking with my friend Rachel’s mom, her mom’s best friend and Rachel’s sister in a studio apartment, I spent several nights  in my own apartment on the Upper West Side (thanks to Wayne Adams, who happened to be spending the week at our house in Wilmington). +  As I was checking out at another of my favorites Comptoir des Cotonniers, the shop girl said she loved my style and wondered if I was the owner of Jessie James, a cherished boutique of hers in The Village. Of course, I had to go so I braved the blistery winds on my last day to meet another “outlaw.” Turns out it’s a husband-wife team named Jessie and James  with law breaking style to spare.

2nd Location –  NOW at Tickled Pink in Lumina Station!

January 14 Gabriel Kelley & Hogslop String BandCalico Room WILMINGTON   WHAT: Nashville’s Gabriel Kelley and The Hogslop String Band make their way back to Wilmington! Bring your square dancing shoes.   WHEN: January 14th. Doors open at 6:30pm.   WHERE: The Calico Room 107 South Front Street   To watch their last Wilmington show at City Stage, click HERE. For more info, contact wilmington.unplugged@gmail.com

January 29   Brooklyn Arts Center Winter Wedding Show WILMINGTON WHAT: Don’t miss BAC’s 2nd interactive wedding show hosted by Zach Hanner and Jess James. The first 75 brides to purchase a ticket will receive a swag bag filled with local goodies, and everyone will have a chance to win great giveaways, sip lovely liquid refreshments from the BAC cash bar, hear live music, see wedding photo shoots, taste fabulous food, and find all the latest wedding fashions, trends and styles presented as actual weddings throughout the venue.         WHEN: Sunday Jan 29th from 1-4pm   WHERE: 516 North 4th Street, Downtown Wilmington   WANNA GO? Tickets are $10 advance online. Get yours by clicking HERE.

For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals?         Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more!       Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.

Style Girl Jess James | Fashion Fix

Spending the day after Christmas with my parents in Jim Thorpe, PA, we came across The Emporium of Curious Goods. A frequent haunt during time spent at my Nana’s as a teenager, the shop shrouded in mystery and magic never failed in delivering “curiousities” – crystals, wicca spell books, incense and mystic potions.   Since then, it’s taken a turn towards touristy tchotchke, but I still managed to find a few gems in the “Egyptian section” of the store. Having an almost subconscious affinity for Egyptian aesthetics (particularly triangles and pyramids), I was drawn to their jewelry case showcasing pieces handmade in Egypt from “mummy beads” or “SHA” in ancient Egypt. The glazed quartzite was once used to beautify the shrouds covering the outer linen of the mummies and is now used in creating replica jewelry worn by the likes of Cleopatra. In the Egyptians’ typical holistic fashion, jewelry was valued not only for beauty but also for the magical and spiritual protection it provided for its wearer.   If you take a look at the runway and current trends in design,  you will see their influence is heading into a resurgence. There may not be much relevance for walking like an Egyptian (thank you anyway, Bangles) but  there’s a lot to be said or sung for wearing it like an Egyptian.       Top: Triangle Collective Earrings $19 from Hallelu Middle: Gold choker with earrings $35 from A Second Time Around  Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra Bottom: Vanessa Jenik Oxidized Silver Snake Bracelet w/ White Diamond eyes $328 + 14k Gold Snake Hoops with White and Chocolate Diamond Eyes $1,392 from Beanie + Cecil

 

 

Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra also served as a point of reference for the P.S. – I Made This latest DIY

collaboration with WhoWhat Wear on creating your very own pair of fabulous embellished “glovettes”

inspired by Alexander McQueen’s original version.

 

For 3 easy steps for getting your glove groove on, click HERE.

 

THIS IS IT — Time is Running Out! Deadline on 80% off Membership: Dec 30, 2011     2nd Location –  NOW at Tickled Pink in Lumina Station!

January 29Brooklyn Arts Center Winter Wedding Show WILMINGTON WHAT: Don’t miss BAC’s 2nd interactive wedding show hosted by Zach Hanner and Jess James. The first 75 brides to purchase a ticket will receive a swag bag filled with local goodies, and everyone will have a chance to win great giveaways, sip lovely liquid refreshments from the BAC cash bar, hear live music, see wedding photo shoots, taste fabulous food, and find all the latest wedding fashions, trends and styles presented as actual weddings throughout the venue.   WHEN: Sunday Jan 29th from 1-4pm WHERE: 516 North 4th Street, Downtown Wilmington   WANNA GO? Tickets are $10 advance online. Get yours by clicking HERE.

For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals?     Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more!   Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.   Contact Jess James and subscribe to the Fashion Fix Newsletter at www.stylegirljessjames.com

Style Girl Jess James | Fashion Fix

At home, wearing my new Barton Perreira glasses     I was in sixth grade at the height of my middle school popularity (pre-”Zit City” as my sister christened my most awkward years) and saw my “social life” flash before my eyes. I cried as we drove away from my eye doctor’s office clutching my eyeglass case, which held the dreaded maroon Sally Jessy Rapheal-style glasses. I couldn’t believe I had crossed over to the other side. I was now a kid with glasses. My mom stressed that I should wear them whenever my teacher writes on the blackboard and possibly even while playing softball. The horror! I slyly snuck my glasses on and off under my desk (till at least eight grade) until my parents gave in to the idea of contacts. “I’ll never be able to slide, Dad, if I have to worry about my glasses.” I never did quite master the bravado slide into home plate, but I have finally found a pair of glasses that I love. A year or so ago, I picked up a pair of Oliver People wheat-colored tortoise glasses with a slight cateye from Port City Eye. They were a stylish step up from my last pair but I still typically saved them for late-night dates with my laptop or a rainy day for running errands. I recently went to Port City Eye Associates to see Dr. Hendrix for my annual eye exam and couldn’t resist trying on some of his newest frames from Barton Perreira and Leasure Society. Since the “geek chic” aesthetic has yet to wane, I figured I would try a few larger, bolder frames to add a bit of drama. I slipped on the Barton Perreira “Brookes,” glanced in the mirror and instinctively knew I had met my match. Seeing the look of confirmation on PCE associate Grey Pascal’s face, I smiled and said, “This is it.” It’s amazing how one accessory can set a change into effect. Since “the moment,” I have gotten up each morning wondering what I can wear that best suits my “Brookes” and even more shocking, I have worn them on more than one occassion for a night on the town! No more Sally Jessy here. Just Jess. (cue the Zooey Deschanel “New Girl” theme song, if you must!)     Barton Perreira glasses and sunglasses at Port City Eye.     The Box Office (high-end vintage) is now open inside The Bargain Box!

Tickled Pink Grand Opening Soiree at Lumina Station 12.9.2011     Tickled Pink co-owner Shanda West with A Boxed Event owner Khalilah Olokunola, who provided the event floral arrangements.       Style Girl Shop with Charlie (my hot pink mannequin named by the FASHION FIX readers two years ago)  and fabulous starburst mirror for sale from Paysage           L: Model Georgia Smith with friends shopping the Style Girl Collection R: Juliana Williams arrives with pink champagne in hand.       Dee Ann Carpenter of Adore Designs (center) with daughter Erin Kornegay-Ring and friend.         L: Lynne Jones modeling a Tenderlane dress (made from a vintage pattern) R: Tenderlane owner Joan Allisen and friend       Wearing my glasses AGAIN!   Photos: Michael Deininger-Bell and Jess James           Time is Running Out! Deadline on 80% off Membership: Dec 30, 2011   2nd Location –  NOW at Tickled Pink in Lumina Station!

December 17It’s a WRAP!Clothing & Wardrobe Sale The Joe Dunton Building WILMINGTON     WHAT: Filmaker Erica Dunton hosts Wilmington’s first “It’s a WRAP! Clothing & Wardrobe Sale” featuring contemporary, designer, vintage clothing, shoes and accessories from the movies and our own wardrobes for sale at very reasonable prices.     WHEN: Saturday, December 17th from  10am to 4pm.  (Date was changed from last Sunday due to unforseen events)     WHERE: Joe Dunton Building located at 905 North 23rd St.     WANT TO SELL? Contact Erica by clicking HERE.

For more style-related events and details, visit FASHION FIX Events Calendar. About FASHION FIX Everyone needs a fashionable friend who knows the best places to shop. Looking for the insider scoop on the most sought-after deals?   Once a week (FASHION FRIDAYS), get your fashion fix with Style Girl’s style tips, style on the street + more!   Please forward on to your oh-so-fashionable friends.