For the second time this month I made my way to SouthPark Mall for a Women’s Month Celebration.

Catering by Babe & Butcher made a presentation truly too beautiful to eat!

But of course it ate it anyway!!!!

I was excited to hear Liz Hilliard speak again and it’s always great to hear Jacinda Jacobs!

Susu Bear, Sydney Cummings and Dr. Katie Kaney were also on the panel adding to my inspiration.

The event was hosted by real life besties Celia Smart and Leah Vasquez and and part of their Podcast, Girl Chat.

Vasquez opens the show with “Let’s Go!”, and the entire audience immediately channeled their inner Shania Twain!

We were then treated to a fashion presentation by SouthPark Mall Lifestyle Specialist Suzanne Libfraind!

Models were real life employees of stores from the mall wearing fashions that can be found right there in the mall!

Jewel Toned florals are popular this season.

Fun pieces and unique styling by Suzanne gave me some great outfit ideas.

You can book your own complimentary, three hour Personal Shopping experience with Suzanne!

Simply call 919-270-0250 or

Email Suzanne@Suzannelibfraind.com

Shania sang “The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun.”

And we did just that!

By Designer Diva & Careese Vault Magazine

When I think of hiring a Personal Shopper I immediately picture multiple dollar signs.

I was skeptical about the experience being for the average person.

Southpark is known as a luxury mall. I assumed it would be very expensive.

Suzanne Libfraind, the Lifestyle Specialist at Southpark Mall, and her client Debbie Henry allowed me to tag along on their shopping excursion.

The mall covers the cost for the first three hours.

STYLE CONSULTATION:

We began with a consultation in Suzanne’s office. Since Debbie is a return customer, Suzanne is aware of the clothing she already owns. She actually comes from out of state for these services.

PERSONAL SHOPPING:

Up next we hit the sales floor and Suzanne, with her trained eye, finds just the right looks for her client.

Many things come into play in her clothing choices. Budget, how these items will mix and match and coordinate with her existing wardrobe and their ability to transition from one season to another.

WARDROBE PLANNING:

Every item is chosen with purpose. The client has to like it and feel comfortable wearing it.

The material must be quality and last from season to season.

Everything is chosen to mix and match with each other.

Suzanne will take a look and find the best pieces for whatever budget her client has.

We also learned styling secrets along the way.

Sleeve lengths, pocket placements and necklines all come into play when creating a flattering look.

All of my skepticism flew out of the window.

I learned so much throughout this experience.

The Personal Shopping experience can benefit everyone and is more affordable than you think.

Neiman Marcus celebrated Women’s History Month with a panel of some of the most powerful women in Charlotte.

The store itself is female owned and a majority of its employees are female. From the boardroom to the sales floor, women are the majority

It was co-founded in 1907 by Carrie Marcus Neiman, 13 years before she even had the right to vote.

A large number of designers they carry are also female owned.

So it’s only fitting that they host something for Women’s Month.

The OHmazing Ohavia Phillips moderated as the three panelist spoke about Women Writing Their Own Stories.

These Queens of the Queen City covered four main points:

1. Driving passions

2. Biggest Risk

3. Setbacks

4. What women need to thrive

Bailey believes in Passion in Purpose. Love what you do. Her biggest risk came when she gave up her law license and took on a philanthropic role.

When she encounters setbacks she suggests you should have a tribe to keep you grounded and hold you accountable. Meditation is also key.

She believes what women need to thrive is more women together, networking in the same room.

Nurture the relationships with women

Diane Bailey ended with these words, “Save space for grace”.

Sonya’s driving passion is lifting women up and helping them grow.

Her biggest risk came after quitting her corporate job and becoming an image consultant.

She then Rebranded to her current position as a Life and Wellness Coach.

During any setback she also recommends you have a tribe of supportive women around you.

She believes what women need to thrive is each one reach one teach one. We should all help other women grow.

She left us with these powerful words, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable”.

That is the key to growing.

Her driving passion was Fueled by insecurity. She took her weakness and turned it into success.

When asked what was her greatest risk she replied “Every risk is a learning tool. Love your own passion. Own yourself.”

She overcomes obstacles by changing ‘I can’t’ to ‘I’ll do what I can you improve.’

Attack them head on.

Empowerment is key to women thriving.

So many of the things these ladies said really struck a cord with me.

The room was full of inspiration. Girls really do run the world!

We were left with an OHmazing message from Ohavia, who has long been my personal Spiritual Gangster:

You’re not what you do, you’re valuable for who you are,

You are the head and not the tail

You are above and not beneath

You are the lender and not the borrower

It’s just who you are….

I first learned about the amazing designs of Art Pop last summer during The Charlotte Shout Festival

I was mesmerized by art being up cycled and transformed into fashion.

Neiman Marcus recently hosted an Art Pop exhibit where we were treated to champagne and lite bites, as well as a fashion exhibit, an artist working on his painting and information about their non profit.

Their store windows welcome shoppers into the store where a portion of the weeks sales went directly to Art Pop.

ArtPop Street Gallery is an arts nonprofit organization focused on showcasing local artists, fostering creative success, and making art accessible to all.

It’s hard to believe that all of these beautiful pieces were once billboards!

You can make a donation directly to this incredible organization Here

Be sure to follow them on social media and don’t miss their next exhibit!

After many years of wanting to go, I finally got to see the performance, Shen Yun.

It is presented by the Falun Gong of New York which is banned in Communist China.

Imagine if you will, a book full of short stories, played our before your eyes on stage.

Where history meets fantasy.

Equal parts of inspiration from Russian ballet, Irish River dance, Cirque du Soleil and Imax Theater.

Before each story, two narrators came out and explained what we would see, in both English and Chinese.

Shen Yun’s artists tell of a time when divine beings walked upon the earth, leaving behind a culture that inspired generations.

We weren’t allowed to take photos or video so I grabbed a couple of pictures from online. However, pictures just cannot do it justice.

Some stories were sad, some were funny, and all were awe inspiring.

With little to no props, we were sucked into a fantasy world with their Innovative 3D projection.

A seamless interaction between performers on stage and the scene behind them wowed the audience.

My favorite scenes involved the ‘Water Sleeve’ outfits. The dancers sleeves seemed to take flight with each movement.

I also was blown away by the ‘water in the balance dance’

Dancers balanced large porcelain water vases on their heads while dancing.

Each year the production changes so you can see something new every year.

They also have a shop where you can support the productions with you purchase of items ranching from T-shirt’s and bookmarks to purses and scarves.

You can also shop Online

I highly recommend you check it out if you get the chance!

Tiffany And Co. Has A Nike Air Force 1 Collaboration Coming on March 7, 2023.

The Nike Air Force 1 isn’t going away anytime soon after the silhouette celebrated its 40th Anniversary last year.

There are more releases on the way, including this pair designed in collaboration with jewelry maker Tiffany & Co.

Luxury jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. recently joined forces with sneaker expert Nike for their fresh take on the timeless Nike Air Force 1 silhouette.

Not long ago, some early images of the sneakers surfaced on the internet.

Extremely limited pairs of the Tiffany & Co. x Nike Air Force 1 Low “1837” are expected to be made available on this coming Tuesday March 7th.

They retail for $400 and will be made available through Tiffany & Co., Nike, and a few other retail outlets.

The construction of this AF-1 seems to stay true to the original, with black nubuck uppers and tumbled leather at the Swoosh.

The real charm lies within the chrome appliques at the heel and the etched tongue labels.

The shoelaces are not your classic sport laces, but rather the thick roped kind typically found on Tiffany And Co. pouch cords and bag handles. A variety of shoelaces will come attached, with a bright golden yellow being at least one of the options.

I can definitely picture Holly Golightly wearing a pair of these with a little black dress and pearls. Just because she can DO IT.