The Ageless Influencer

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Whether you’re into fashion or not, you recognize this phenomenal lady and her unique take on fashion.

Iris Apfel recently turned 102.

She’s been a fashion influencer long before we all achieved to become one.

With her giant round spectacles, signature red lipstick and statement necklaces layered over vintage jackets, she leave us expecting the unexpected.

She is the complete antithesis of Coco Chanel’s simplicity.

Although she does have some classic moments. These outfits are classic with an Apfel twist.

She even had a collaborated on a collection for H&M that included everything from brightly coloured brocade shoes to a sea green Jacquard weave appliqué blazer.

To quote Clairee Belcher from Steel Magnolias: The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.

And accessorize is what Iris Apfel does best.

She’s been quoted as saying “More is More and Less is a Bore.”

In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute honored her with an exhibit displaying her decades’ worth of personal style.

She even had her own Barbie!!!

When asked about the difference between style and fashion, she’s always been clear: “Style is something you inherit, I think it’s in your DNA … Style is attitude and comes from within. Fashion comes from without.”

And she truly defines Style.

The Lyons Queen

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Most people know Jenna Lyons because of her appearance on this season’s Real Housewives Of New York.

However, she’s been one of my Fashion Icons for years now!

Jenna is the queen of mixing and matching patterns that shouldn’t go together. Yet somehow, she makes it look amazing!

Lyons has been described by The New York Times as “geek-chic quirkiness, which mixed camouflage and sequins for day, and denim and taffeta for evening, all of it layered with big costume jewelry”

Mixing prints, Mixing textures, Statement earrings and Glasses all come to mind when I think of Jenna’s Style.

Lyons was the executive creative director and president of retailer J.Crew from 2010 until April 2017.

Her style is reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, another fashion icon to me.

There’s not a JCrew girl alive that doesn’t pile on the pearls because of her.

My favorite look from her current Real Housewives show so far is the layering of a men’s necktie and a string of pearls. I’ll be recreating this look this Fall!

I’m loving at the looks on RHONY and I’m happy more people are learning to love her style.

Style It Saturday With Michael Kors: Get Groovin’

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Tie dye is back! The ’70’s fashion statement is popping up everywhere.

This Tie Dye Cotton Terry Sleeveless Hoodie is perfect for everyday wear or a beach coverup.

I paired it with the Whitney Large Logo and Embossed Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag in Buttercup.

The Oversized Ryder Embossed Silicone and Blue Tone Watch matches perfectly with the blue in the shirt.

Some days may call for you to be more polished and put together than others.

So carrying the Small Tie Dye Wallet in your purse will keep you Groovy, even if No one can see your Groove!

Shop this look:

Michael Kors at SouthPark Mall will ship anywhere in the US for FREE for KORSVIP members!

Not a member? Give them a call at (704) 362-7000 and they will sign you up!!! It’s fast, free, and there’s a lot of perks!!!

Or shop online Here

Style It Saturday With Michael Kors: Lazy Day

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January has always been my chill month. My time to relax after a hectic holiday season.

Basically, 31 lazy days.

But just because I’m taking it easy, that’s not an excuse to not be fashionable.

It’s Hoodie Season!!!

I practically live in hoodies three seasons out of the year.

This zippered Logo hoodie is perfect.

Sometimes you want to go out with no makeup on.

The oversized Berkshires are big enough to get by without mascara as well as carrying on the Logo theme.

The Georgie trainers with the Wedge heel give a touch of lux to the sporty look.

This pairing is a perfect example of balancing comfort and style.

To shop this look:

Michael Kors at SouthPark Mall will ship anywhere in the US for FREE for KORSVIP members.

Not a member? They can sign you up over the phone! It’s fast, free and there are a ton of benefits!!!

(704) 362-7000

Or shop online Here

Let’s Play: Coach Play Store Atlanta

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Coach recently opened a Play Store at Ponce City Market in Atlanta.

There are only three of these in the country.

What makes the play stores unique is that we are given the chance to truly personalize our bags.

From chains and charms to actual pins, rosettes and monograms that are permanent additions to your bags.

I was invited down for their grand opening and let me tell you, a TIME was had!

We were greeted by this dapper fella!

First we chose our bag.

I had a bag in mind before I came, but once I got there there were so many beautiful options.

I almost took this retro cutie home.

There was also a history of the Coach Tabby.

Once we chose our bag it was time to play!

After we played around with our bags and chose our ‘flair’, we got to chose a tag!

This is the best souvenir you could ever want from a visit to Atlanta!

Guys, Coach loves y’all too!

These are so cute!!!

They also carry fragrances for men and women.

As well as a selection of shoes and clothing.

DJ Silver Knight got the party started.

They had the cutest snacks!

Artist Katherine Boggs was on hand with her fun prints and she was also painting tags.

So what bag did I end up choosing???

Drumroll please….

I got the one I came after! I just loved the magenta Plaza bag so much. I added the cherries and this cutie patootie little bat!

I finished the look with my ATL tag!

This is such a fun store and the ONLY way to shop for your new Coach bag!

Thank you so much for having me down to play!

Coach Play Store-

Ponce City Market

675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Phone: 770-627-7507

DIORable

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When Dior comes to Atlanta, the Diva had to go check it out.

SCAD brings the best fashion and they did not disappoint with this Dior Crafting Fashion Exhibit.

Sketches and patterns come to life.

This collection shows how a piece comes together, from start to finish.

We see the inspiration turn into the most magnificent pieces.

This tie dye piece from 2012 has always had a chokehold on me.

Sketches, flowers and bits of fabric represent the details of some of the most iconic pieces to ever walk the Dior runways.

The history of each creative director was highlighted.

These pieces are like an enchanted field where fairies roam.

We saw the pieces in various forms of deconstruction side by side with the finished look.

The rooms flowed from unfinished to a fantasyland of florals.

Blossoms hung from the ceiling like clouds.

The next room was just as magical.

I swooned over the accessories room.

Hats, bags, gloves, shoes and even fans were at home next to miniature versions of couture gowns.

This needs to be a framed photo hanging in my home!

This room was a tease for what we were about to see.

NOTHING could have prepared me for Lady Dior Bag room.

We were then transported to Paris where we were surrounded by full on couture.

The meticulous beadwork and attention to detail took my breath away.

It’s one thing to see them in magazines, but actually seeing them up close was such a treasured experience.

I could have stared at this piece all day.

This is just…so Dior to me.

As an antique doll collector, I really loved seeing the scaled down gowns.

Fun fact, designers used to use dolls as mini mannequins to show their creations.

My favorite piece from the entire exhibit has to be this gown is from the Christian Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2004 collection designed by John Galliano.

The design was inspired by Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” of Austria, featuring a pooling skirt and defined hourglass silhouette.

This visit was truly a fashion lovers dream come true.

Thank you SCAD for always bringing us the best of fashion.

Summer Blooms

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In case you haven’t noticed, pink is my favorite color.

Baby pink, bubblegum pink, hot pink…if it’s pink, I’m wearing it!

As a child I wasn’t allowed to wear it because “Redheads can’t wear pink. It clashes with their hair color.”

Of course this caused me to rebel and now it’s a staple in my wardrobe.

I’m getting my cost per wear out of some recent luxury finds from Ross.

My pink Gucci shades perfectly match my Marc Jacobs bag. Right down to the silver hardware.

I added this pink tank top from Walmart and flowy floral pants, another Ross find.

They have various shades of pink in them.

The finishing touch was the flower pin, ala Carrie Bradshaw.

Of course, in pink!

I guess you could say pink is my signature color.

I Put The ‘Fest’ is Festival

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Last week I showed some fun, summer festival outfits from Nina’s Boutique

This week I want to share what I wore to her Ninachella Event.

I started with this Graphic Tshirt featuring my Queen Dolly Parton.

I had originally planned to wear a different skirt I had ordered, but it didn’t arrive on time.

I knew wanted to wear my butterfly belt I’d previously purchase from Nina’s.

If you know anything about me or Dolly, you know we love butterflies.

I also wanted to wear my western booties.

Then it came to me! This satin cream skirt with feather trim I had purchased from Reclectic was perfect for my festival look.

It also was a better back ground for my butterfly belt!

I’ve had this sequined scarf for years so I decided to tie it around my head.

I also added these pink heart glasses!

Now for the hardest part. The bag.

I had to message the Fashion Girly Group chat for this one.

I had narrowed it down to two bags.

A chocolate suede fringed bag or a coral net bag.

The girls came thru on this one. The coral bag gifted from Neiman Marcus a few years back won!

It’s always good when you have options in your wardrobe for any themed event or any occasion.

This is why I never get rid of anything. You never know when you need to be Festive!

Summer Festival Season

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Summer is for fun, fashionable music festivals!

You will never have to decide what to wear to them.

Nina’s Boutique has carefully curated outfits and accessories, sure to make you stand out in the crowd.

This boutique, located in Downtown Cornelius, always has the best themed events.

This was Coachella, but with a Nina’s Boutique twist!

The Biebs was even there! Well, sort of.

Fun red and white gingham checks or fringe and rhinestone bandanas are perfect choices.

Belts are a huge accessory for the festival season.

From bags to bangles, you will find the finishing touch you’re looking for.

This pink bag may find its way home with me one day.

If you know me, you KNOW I’m obsessed with Yochi New York Jewelry.

She has some beautiful new statement pieces in and I already have a wish list going.

These pieces will easily take you from the desert to the beaches.

Today’s event was so much fun!

Vendors offered handmade pottery and design your own ball cap!

Shopping with good friends, delicious drinks and a Taco Bar!

You could even have a Rosé Snow Cone!

I had to made a stop at the candy station on the way out the door.

This floral necklace followed me home!

If you want unique looks that not everyone is wearing, this is your spot!

Marc Jacobs: Four Minutes In Millennial Heaven

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Marc Jacobs just took us all back to the early 2000’s with a runway show lasting only four minutes.

This 2027 collection features trompe-l’œil, transparent pieces that are a modern versions of stained glass.

Jacobs showed multilayered looks with strong Millennial throwback accessories like triple-chain belts, stilettos, and statement necklaces.

Layering and bold pops of color are a Marc Jacobs signature.

Metallics act a neutral here with these looks.

Did Marc Jacobs do what he does best??

Yes!

Did he do it in four minutes??

Also yes!

Jacobs reminded those that may have forgotten, he is the king of color.

Life’s a Beach…

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Pharrell has once again left us speechless with his Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring/Summer 2027 show.

The Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director transformed the runway into an immersive beach scape.

It featured a monumental tidal wave installation to celebrate global surf culture and his Virginia Beach coastal roots.

The collection channeled  “dandy surfer” and even featured a monogrammed surfboard!

The show blended relaxed beach aesthetics with Louis Vuitton’s signature luxury tailoring and luggage.

For those concerned  about sustainability, Pharrell kept in line with the brand’s Regeneration 2030 roadmap.

The show utilized a closed-loop water system for the wave feature. 

All sand was donated to beach volleyball courts in Paris, and LV announced support for reef restoration in French Polynesia.

Pharrell continues to catapult the Louis Vuitton brand into the limelight.

Bubble Gum

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I love all shades of pink.

My favorite is bubblegum pink!

When I found all of these pieces separately I knew each time, they were meant to be mine!

My first find was this Marc Jacobs bag from Ross Dress For Less.

Also from Ross, these fun Gucci shades

I like that both the Marc Jacobs bag and the Gucci sunglasses have silver hardware. And they both were great deals.

I had originally found this Steve Madden blazer in the Bealls in Columbia South Carolina, but they only had one and it was a size small.

As soon as I got to Charlotte I checked the local Bealls and there she was, just waiting for me to buy her!

I love black and pink together so I paired all my pink finds with this black Lucky Brand dress that was also from Ross.

I finished the look with another boujee on a budget purchase.

These Adidas sneakers were trending on TikTok for $32 from Costco but my Costco had them for $22!

This outfit is fun and a great example of finding designer items on a budget!

Summer Lovin’ At Belk

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I did a little window shopping today at Belk in Southpark Mall.

They have everything you need for any occasion this summer!

These Michael Kors bags are so cute and colorful!

Coach scarves add the perfect touch to any outfit.

Nothing says GLAMOUR like an oversized hat. The leopard trim just makes me want it even more!!

Summer citrus, but make it a shoe! These Steve Madden kitten heels are a must for sundresses.

Speaking of sundresses…

Florals and ruffles make this Ralph Lauren dress a go to for summer events.

You can’t think of sunny days without thinking of Lilly Pulitzer.

Colorful and classic.

What about a more formal summer occasion?

The sleeves on this DKNY blazer are so unique it immediately caught my eye.

You can see Karl Lagerfeld’s time at Chanel reflected in these separates.

No matter the occasion, Belk Southpark has you covered!!

Charlotte Seen-From Broadway to Paris

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How does one go from New York to Paris without leaving Charlotte?

On the Charlotte Seen runway of course!

Two shows with two themes happened in one day.

Show tunes were sang as models strolled by during the afternoon show, while the runway turned into Springtime in Paris during the evening.

Here are some highlights from both shows.

I loved the Phantom of the Opera theme.

The romantic, Victorian looks were some of my favorites. So much so that I bought this jacket from the designer right off the runway!

The Devil Wears Prada recreation was fun!

Oh the pearls!!! The tulle!!! And of course, the cerulean blue!!

Bollywood meets Y2K! These sassy looks were a crowd favorite.

Paris makes me think of flowers and romance. These looks nailed it!

Let’s not forget the guys! From formal attire to strolling on the beach, there were plenty of looks for men.

Fun and flirty looks were popular with the audience.

As well as the sultry, sexy designs.

Of course I loved the street styled pieces.

We had a throwback to the ‘70s collection that was Groovy!

Make sure and follow Charlotte Seen for upcoming shows!