So, I got a call this week from a new client looking for just the right
“je ne sais quoi” for her upcoming solo trip to Paris. She’s leaving
her husband and precocious daughter behind (for 10 whole days) and has
a rendezvous planned with a certain Irishman who has an affinity for
sunglasses at all hours of the day…okay, not quite. But, she is attending the U2 concert in The City of Lights.

Suede wedge booties in Flint Gray $80 from The Gap

Loeffler Randall Georgia Mesh Booties, $625, from Loeffler Randall

After discussing her itinerary, we dove into her closet pulling all her
favorites pieces onto a rolling rack. Keeping wearability, wow
factor and the transitional nature of each item in mind, we edited the
selection down to the number of looks she can fit into her carry-on
luggage while consciously leaving room for any new finds she uncovers
on the streets of Paris.

We photographed a few variations of each look, accessorizing along the
way – bringing us to the most important question at hand – “What
shoes  to bring?” We settled on a pair of European-style black
sneakers with patent trim for all-day walking excursions hiking the
winding steps at Sacre-Coeur or touring the endless halls of The
Louvre, a potential pair of stacked heels (that work with or without
tights or ankle or over the knee socks) for an art opening or drinks at
The Buddha Bar, but decided we were still missing the besotted bootie.

That’s where the bootie call began! I’ve fallen madly for this season’s
lusted after lace-up bootie – some are made for walking and
others…not so much. What can I say? “J’adore.”

Top Left: Over the Moon Booties $198 from Anthropologie

Bottom Left: Barbara Briones “Boni” Woven Bootie $388 from Hayden Harnett

Right: Gray Lace-Up Boots $50 available in late September at H&M.

PSSTT….

If you want sure-thing comfort at night’s end and don’t want to sacrifice style, try these collapsible “City Flats”($40) from The Gap. In case you forget to plan ahead, I heard they are selling these puppies in vending machines in Paris!

For tips on “Jet Set” packing (less tourist, more troubadour), read Style Girl’s tips HERE.

August 27

Well Rehearsed

A Boxed Event

WILMINGTON

WHAT: A Boxed Event
(wedding planning & event design) hosts their first “Well
Rehearsed” event – an artistic exhibit of table top designs, florals
and unique statement pieces showcasing work from Port City Cakery,
Island Florals and Timeless Fotographie.

WHEN: Tonight! 6:30pm-9pm

WHERE: A Boxed Event’s showroom located at 130 North Front Street

For more info on A Boxed Event, where they “factor in our client’s
style, budget and cause – and then build their box,” please call:
910.319.3272.

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 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.

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 will be for sale SOON at jamesanddunne.com!

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.