Style Swap Wilmington

Homewood Suites at Mayfaire

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Ever wanted to raid the closets of Wilmington’s most fashionable women? If you want to look good without feeling the pinch on your pocketbook, come to Wilmington’s ultra stylish, eco-chic  STYLE SWAP, presented by Bijuju Jewelry and hosted by Wilmington’s “Style Girl” Jess James.

ENJOY:

* Comp Bites from Homewood Suites + Sweet Treats from Hot Pink Cake Stand

* Networking with Wilmington’s stylemavens + Music from DJ Fred Champion

* Massages with Hannah Simmons and Lash Dip from Seagrass Salon

* SHOP (before you swap) pop-up shops featuring Bijuju, Stella & Dot with Cindi Moore, He & Me silhouettes, Culinary Adventures with Liz Biro, Lumina Gem, Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth, Bargain Box and Style Girl Collection

* WIN Sponsored “swap” outfits + fabulous prizes from your favorite boutiques and emerging designers

BRING:

Fashionable (designer + vintage) items that have been hibernating in your closet.

1 gently worn item (on hanger) + 1 accessory

DONATIONS:

Additional and untagged items will be donated to Bargain Box to benefit The Good Shepherd Homeless Shelter.   All proceeds from raffle prizes will be donated to Good Shepherd. www.goodshepherdwilmington.org

WHEN: Thurday, June 9th 7-9pm

WHERE: Homewood Suites Hotel at Mayfaire


WANNA GO?: TICKETS: ON SALE NOW!

$15 online – Click HERE to get Your Tickets! / $25 cash at the door

The first 50 women to purchase tickets online receive VIP Swapping Status

(aka: you get to shop 10 minutes before everyone else!!)

June 11

STAN JAM III Benefit Concert and Art Auction

Projekte

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Bonnie England of Projekte is pleased to host “STAN JAM III Benefit Concert and Art Auction” a Stop Titan Benefit with musical performances (starring our talented friends Hope & Jamin of My Wonderful Machine) and an art auction by local musicians and artists. The artists and musicians who donate their talents are passionate about uniting their voices to raise awareness to produce vital change.

WHEN: Saturday June 11, 6-10pm

WHERE: Projekte – 523 South 3rd Street

On March 5th, Milliner Jan Wutkowski of aMuse hosted the 2nd annual Haute Hats Fashion Show at 128 South to a sold-out crowd, with each guest donning a carefully selected hat or headpiece for the Spring in Paris-inspired luncheon and fashion show.

 

Roxanne of Island Florals set the dining room in bloom with touches of pink, green and yellow while The Three Divas created a hat box cake with a view of The Eiffel Tower. The models, styled by Jess James, hair by Harbour Club Salon and makeup by Amy Kennison and Cynthia Pleger from MAC Cosmetics,
glided down the stairs in vintage jewelry from aMuse accessorized to complement handmade creations designed by Jan and two of her former students and fellow milliners from Atlanta Andre Baxter and Diane Fort Shagott. 

 

SEE THE SHOW! WATCH THE VIDEO – CLICK HERE.

Video filmed and produced by The Three Divas!

 

Collage (above) and Island Floral Display (left):

 

Bella Rose Photography

Behind the Scenes at Harbour Club Salon: indigosilver

 

 

I think Susan Gsell summed up the experience best when she shared
directly following the event, “The show was just so incredibly
beautiful and well-executed that the women at my table turned to my mom
and I and said, ‘Can you believe we’re in Wilmington??”

We sure are! And, to ensure we are looking fabulous at all the upcoming
hat-centric events (Garden Party, Kentucky Derby and the Fashion Fix
Royal Wedding Party April 29th at The City Club!) I interviewed
milliners Jan, Andre and Diane for tips on finding our “hattitude” for
Spring’s most stylish events:

 

Milliners Jan, Andre, Diane and stylist Jess James with the Haute Hats models backstage

 

Spring Trends for Hats – What do you find your clients looking for?

Jan: “Azalea Garden Party attendees usually want the traditional wide brimmed hats. I’m currently
getting requests for azalea shades, lime greens and royal blues.

This year, I am seeing a few more women choose the fascinator style
headpieces, which excites me as there is so much room for creativity
with these types of hats with a huge variety of straw colors, vintage
and designer fabrics, feathers, and ribbon.”

Diane: “The season’s trends for hats is simple… Kate, Kate and more Kate. Prince William
and Kate’s wedding will be a major influence in the education of
younger women on how to wear a fabulous hat. Notice will be taken of
not only what Kate is wearing for a headpiece (it was just announced
she is wearing Philip Treacy), but all the attendees to the Royal
wedding. It will be the style influence equivalent of the red carpet at
the Oscars!”

Andre: “Some of the big color trends I’m seeing this year are hues of oranges, purples, yellows
and greens. Seems like we’re hitting the 70′s all over again. I love
using feathers because they are so versatile. Milliners are cutting
patterns in larger feathers, curling them and dying them in very unique
ways and using them as the focal point in the adornment.”

Tips for Finding the Best Hat for You

Jan: “A hat is not just the finishing touch for a special occasion. It must be integrated into the ensemble.  Many times women wait until the
last minute to choose a hat.  Yes, usually the dress comes first, but the hat, jewelry, shoes and other accessories should balance the outfit for a beautiful and stiking effect. Just as we choose dresses that flatter our shapes, we should choose hats in the
same manner.  As a professional milliner I can offer
many tips (face shapes, hairstyles, glasses), but the bottom line is finding a style that becomes you, have it made to fit your headsize and wear it on your head properly.

Oh, and don’t be afraid of the hat!

Wear it with your head up and expect
some very nice attention from other women but especially from men…men
LOVE a woman in a hat.”

Asian-inspired hat by Diane with accessories from aMuse / Photo: Bella Rose

Diane: “I have a very
petite neighbor that I use as my test pilot during the creation of many hats. She USED to say “I don’t look good in hats.” All it took was trying on the correct style and more critical, proportion for her
frame; and now she is a hat lover. It is just like finding the perfect pair of jeans. You have to be ready to try on many pairs to find the
‘ones.’”

Andre: “Try on many and don’t be afraid of getting out of the box when it comes to wearing a
hat. It’s the attitude behind wearing the hat that gives you ‘hattitude!’”

What kind of impact do you see Kate Middleton having on the millinery industry?

Jan: “From the moment the engagement was announced she began having a very positive impact on the industry.  She is a beautiful, confident young woman with her own sense of style, and a
significant part of that is her passion for headwear. Kate loves fascinators and I see those types of headpieces becoming more
mainstream here in the US.  They’ve been very popular in England and Australia for many years and have only in the last few years
become popular here.  The young and young-at-heart will take her lead.”

Meet Jan at The Fashion Fix Royal Wedding Event April 29th at The City Club!

Milliner’s Choice: Best of Show

Jan:

“Favorite hat of mine in the show:  the burnt orange, embroidered
silk boater with the woven copper wire veiling.  Her lining is
aqua!  I fell in love with her throughout the creation process.
Nnenne was the perfect model for that hat…along with the golden
V-backed dress (available at aMuse) she wore with it in the show.”

Model Nnenne Terzian wearing a Jan Wutkowski hat, Debra Pyeatt beaded necklace with a dress, bracelet and earrings from aMuse / Photo: Bella Rose

Diane: “My favorite was my black and white large brim hat. I received the brim block from England shortly before the show and quickly made that hat. I’m crazy about the silhouette and it is a large hat that is quite airy, which all shapes of women can wear.”

Model Julie Blotzer (right) wears an oversized hat with sheer brim by Diane Shagott with a necklace from aMuse / Model Amy Kennison in a Jan Wutkowski mini top hat, jewelry and glovesfrom aMuse

Andre: “I think my favorite hat of my collection from the show was the brown feathered and blue disc, but my ultimate favorite was a toss up between the black and white wide brim that Diane Shagott did and the black, pink and white
that Jan did. They are amazing milliners and I’m honored to be connected to such talented and wonderful people!”

Model Melanie Smith in Andre’s favorite design with a one-shoulder dress and necklace
from aMuse / Model and MAC makeup artist Amy Kennison in a Jan
Wutkowski headpiece and accessories all from aMuse / Photo: Bella Rose

 

aMuse 2nd annual Haute Hats Show at 128 South

Melanie Smith kicks off the fashion show in a boudoir-inspired look

Marie Jo “Mary” Push up bustier $187 and Boyshort $71 from La Bella Forma, Miss Ferraday cape lace-trimmed cardi $174 from Oliver, Marcia Moran (Brazilian) pink druzy necklace $225 from Blue Hand Home, 1920′s inspired flapper headband $150 from aMuse

Orange is the IT color for Spring!

L: Cathy Raney in a Judith March knit crochet dress$110, Sergio Zelcer “Wilmot” heels in Whiskey $148, Milie Bianco “Madison Clock” orange bag $74 Miss B teal twist belt $30 all from Lula Balou with Wendy Mink turquoise and coral necklace $118 and Nick Mowers gold cuff $80 all from Ziabird

R: Shannon
Hussey in Wish orange halter ruffled maxi $191, House of Harlow tribal
orange + gold pendant necklace, HOH tribal stacked bracelet $176 for set with white patent platform heels all from Torri/Bell

* Makeup (note the orange-pink lip) by MAC Cosmetics

L: Event Sponsor Kristen Patton of Feel Better Now with Steve Gibbs of Art Soup serve some wine and bubbly R: The Three Divas bring out their delicious desserts!

L: Model and Interior Designer Gay Adair lounges backstage (enjoying her new ‘do by Steven Ward Hair) in a Weston Wear feather print dress $155 from Sole Searching and Loon Pocahontas Treasure necklace $120 from Ziabird, a look that sold from head-to-toe the day after the event! R: Feather time with Cheryl Kent Hair

The 70′s are back in a big way!

L:
Melanie wears a bohemian take on the trend in a Rebecca Taylor nude
eyelet halter dress $375, Cynthia Vincent “The August” crisscross heels
$298 and Goddess of Babylon “Casablanca Bag” $329 from Oliver, Floppy felt hat $15 from Hallelu, Marcia Moran (Brazilian) pink druzy necklace $225 from Blue Hand Home R: Carissa wears Floral jacket $32, Green silky top $28, Pink-purple long necklace $19 from Hallelu with J Brand “Kiki” high rise wide leg Jeans $203 from Beanie + Cecil

L: The beautiful girls of Oliver /   R: Budding fashion designer Lucille Bruno

Mixed Prints + Monochromatic Minimalism

L:
Megan Gorham shows us how to mix prints in Lulamari print top w/
embroidery $44, Aryn k. light blue polka dot pencil skirt $64, Ya gray
silky cropped jacket $45, Chandelier earrings $9, Abalone necklace $24,
Seed bead pink bangles $12 from Island Passage worn with Seychelles “The Best of” silver Grecian sandals from Sole Searching / R:
Brenda works the blazer & shorts look in Phillip Lim double
breasted peacoat $750,Phillip Lim ivory fringe pocket shorts $295,
Phillip Lim Bianca rope pearl crochet choker $225, Loeffler Randall
Paige zebra sandals $550 from Beanie + Cecil

L: Blue Hand Home owner Tracy Tang with Barbie Rogers / R: PYTs!

L: Presenting Sponsor Liz Fisher of Laser Hair Removal with Jess James – Thank You, Liz!  

R: Jenna McKnight, owner of Aqua Fedora with The Dessert Divas’ giveaway cake

L: Far Left: Gayle Van Velsor in Sonny B striped dress and Phillip Lim wedges from Beanie + Cecil / Right (blue): Ksenia in reworked vintage dress from Fashion Designer Launcelle of Vintagely New and pink heels from Sole Searching / Far Right: Margee Herring in Nicole Miller cut-out colorblock dress and blazer with sheer panel from Personal Touch



R: Ksenia wearing Mink Pink Aztec print dress $84, Something Else by Natalie Wood Stonewash Aztec print tote $92, EOU custom feather earrings $91, Maranon embroidered cubic bracelets $48, Mimic by Remnant bracelets $28 each from Edge of Urge

Top L: Mila Kunis in Elie Saab / Top R: Mark Ruffalo’s glamorous wife Sunrise Coigney in a Jean Paul Gaultier dress Bottom L: Cate Blanchett in a Givenchy gown / Bottom R: Emma Roberts’ Jenny Packham gunmetal dress (seen here with Best Actress winner Natalie Portman)

Charleston model Molly O’Connell is currently one of 14 models
competing for a contract with IMG Models, a fashion spread in Vogue
Italia, and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics on the newest
season of America’s Next Top Model.

Tune in to the CW Wednesday night to cheer her on!

Join Style Girl’s Fashion Fix on Facebook

by clicking HERE.

Back by popular demand! For my second installment of “Closet
Confessions,” I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend the afternoon
than getting a behind the seams tour of Charleston’s “Vintage Queen” Lori Wyatt’s
closet. Her extensive collection, from lavish silk Oriental robes,
embellished party frocks to a barrage of baubles, is enough to make
anyone with a penchant for vintage to go weak in the knees.

Watch the VIDEOS (below) to see Lori’s most precious vintage finds as she shares her
favorite style musings on the thrill of the hunt, styling tips and
tricks and her enduring love affair with vintage clothing along with
her stylish sidekick, Natalie Miller.

CLOSET CONFESSIONS: Vintage Queen Lori Wyatt (Part 1)

CLOSET CONFESSIONS: “Vintage Queen Lori Wyatt (Part 2)

* Click on photos above to watch the videos, please! *

Photography of Lori Wyatt’s Collection

by: Charleston Photographer Benjamin Williams

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

September 25

Fall Fashion with Flair Luncheon & Fashion Show

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

CHARLESTON

WHAT: The Jasmine Porch restaurant at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort will host the second annual fashion luncheon, emceed by Charleston Magazine Style Editor Ayoka Lucas and benefiting Charleston’s Center For Women, the only comprehensive women’s development center in South Carolina.

Models will display fashions from Charleston’s top fashion boutiques
and designers, Eden Boheme, Cose Belle, Cavortress , Monkee’s of Daniel Island and Lori Wyatt Vintage and accessories from Candy Shop Vintage and Tasshki Handbags. Jasmine Porch will provide a sumptuous three-course menu with bubbly during the show. Shopping pop-up style and gift bags will follow lunch.

WHEN: September 25 / Noon-2pm
WHERE: Jasmine Porch restaurant at The Sanctuary at Kiawah

WANNA GO?: Cost of the event is $45 (+ tax and gratuity) per person
with a portion of the lunch proceeds going to The Center for Women.
Luncheon guests will be offered a discount coupon on treatments at The
Sanctuary’s Spa, one of 13 Forbes 5-star spas in North America.
In addition, guests will receive complementary beach & pool access
at The Sanctuary.  For more information or reservations, call
843-768-6253.

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 9

Dock Side Fashion Show II

Charleston Maritime Center

CHARLESTON

WHAT:
Join 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 for a fashion show event to benefit Charleston Waterkeepers. Inventive Environments and Snyder have planned an event to remember under the stars on the harbor at Charleston Maritime Center. Hair by Salon Capelli and models from TOUT. Electric Friends will set the mood. Over 20 Vendors will be onsite in the STYLE LOUNGE, including “Style Girl” Jess James and “Vintage Queen” Lori Wyatt!

WHEN: Saturday October 9th / 5-9pm
WHERE: Charleston Maritime Center

WANNA GO?:  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door

For more info, contact: info@onecharleston.com

October 14

James + Dunne’s Fall Fashion Preview

Blue Hand Home / The Forum

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Jess James of  James + Dunne Styling is gearing up for the annual Fall Fashion Preview, presented by Cape Fear Jewelry and Antiques and J Nelson Designs Goldsmiths, 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 and Amy Kennison of MAC Cosmetics, jewelry trends and custom designs from Pait Skipper and Jonathan Nelson of Cape
Fear Jewelry, as well as de-lish bites from Private Chef Lori Eaton and The Dessert Divas and wine and bubbly courtesy of Art Soup.

MODELS:
Jess will select fall’s most fabulous pieces from your favorite local
boutiques and designers (Cape Fear Jewelry, Hallelu, Island Passage, J+D Collection, Lula Balou, Oliver, Paradise Yoga, Personal Touch, Taashki Handbags of Charleston, Torri/Bell, Vintagely New) 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 20s to 70+, we are looking for local women to “work it!” on the runway. If you would like to recommend a local model (age 25-80), 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.