Physically, I’m at Sorella Coffee in downtown Monroe, North Carolina.
They launched their Gilmore Girls themed menu just in time for Fall and I cannot resist it!
Last week I had the Sookie’s Oatmeal Cookie.
This week, a cream cheese filled croissant topped with everything bagel seasoning and and iced Al’s Pancake World, a maple pecan latte topped with maple cold foam.
I decided to check out the Gilmore Girls gift section as well.
What a perfect gift for your GG loving friend. Or yourself!!!
Themed candles and matchsticks invoke Autumn, no matter the temperature.
This week I enjoyed my treats on the beautiful patio.
I rewatch Gilmore Girls every Fall and I’m always down for Coffee, Coffee, Coffee!
Head down to quaint, historic Monroe and check it out.
ArtPop Street Gallery is a staple in the Charlotte art community.
It was founded in 2014 by Wendy Hickey.
ArtPop transforms everyday places and creates immersive experiences, amplifying the region’s creative spirit.
One of their biggest events of the year is always their Upcycled Fashion Show.
Designers take what used to be art displayed on billboards and create elaborate fashion pieces.
Spoken word artist Dasia Hood was the Emcee and did a wonderful job of describing each piece of art and design.
Designer Brandon Hilton modeled his own creation by artist Margaret Fleeman. He took inspiration from Alexander McQueen, who we both share a love of.
Terrell Milton Jr. created this funky pants and jacket combo from a Melissa D. Johnston piece.
Barbara Curry’s garden piece was transformed beautifully by Hope Gottsching.
Designer Shekinah Williams created a truly wearable piece from artist Natalie Daratony.
One of my longtime favorite upcycled designers Darrell Anderson turned this beautiful floral piece from Ann J. Travis into this impressive multi piece ensemble. This look truly shows his incredible talent.
After all the colorful pieces, I couldn’t imagine what Sarah Grace Simas would create from this artwork by Krystallin Loudermilk.
I was blown away by what would be one of my favorite pieces from the night.
Alexander Lieberman created a kaleidoscope look with this billboard by artist Claire Keister.
Brehon Williams transformed the simplicity of this elegant rendition by art student Elsie Ebrahimi into a statement! He also kept the piece on theme.
Another long time favorite designer of mine, Luko Marion, did not disappoint with his creation made from the work of artist Aba Hutchiso.
Marion is known for his use of black and metal. He can create a texture like no other.
Artist Janet Croog and designer Jennifer Gilomen brought out the eye of the tiger with this look.
Designer Rachel Malasky turned this jewel toned masterpiece into a floral beauty.
Designer Jamie Lykes II took inspiration from church stained glass windows for this look by artist Lori Schember.
His vision was perfection. I first saw his work during a fashion presentation at Charlotte Shout and I’ve followed his career since.
The incredibly talented Menia Paige brought us a fun, colorful, streetwear look made from this gorgeous art piece by Malaysha Belton. The texture she created was fabulous.
Anise Augustin really stepped it up a notch with this adaptation from artist Lily Roman.
We were encouraged to use our flash while taking pics, resulting in an out of this world look!
The show was closed out by the amazing Will White Jr.
He presented a look, made for a queen.
Artist Joann C. McDaniel created a work of art and her canvas became this beautiful train attached by the designer himself.
This was such a moving show. Seeing the beautiful pieces I’ve admired on signs all over the city turn into fashion.
There was so much talent at this show. From the artist to the designer, stylists and models.
If you would like to help ArtPop keep the Art in ChARloTte you can donate Here
The fashion world suffered a huge loss this week with the passing of Giorgio Armani.
Armani brought power suits into the American fashion realm in the 1980s and has dressed many A Listers on the red carpet.
His mother made most of the families clothes when he was growing up,
Still, he was the envy of his classmates.
He looked wealthy even though his family was poor.
After leaving the army, he found work as a window dresser at the famous Milanese department store, La Rinascente, and was eventually hired in the menswear department as a sales associate.
He trained under Nino Cerruti as a menswear designer. In 1975, along with his friend and business partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani launched his namesake menswear and womenswear line.
Richard Gere sported an array of soft gray Armani suits in the movie American Gigolo in 1980.
Ten years later, Julia Roberts accepted her Golden Globes award in a charcoal two-piece of his design.
Her iconic outfit popularized androgynous dressing for women everywhere. Armani has said of his approach: “I was the first to soften the image of men and harden the image of women. I dressed men in women’s fabrics, and stole from men what women wanted and needed—the power suit.”
In 2005 armani added couture to his collections.
Up until his death at age 91 this week, he remained sole shareholder of the Armani company.
He brought tailoring and elevating red carpet looks for men and women alike
Living La Vida Diva 