Last week I listed my top five picks for the ladies on your holiday shopping list. Now it’s time for the men in your life!
1. A Perky Collar:
This item was invented and Patented by my friend David Frankel.
Collar support system for dress shirts. It lifts up the top button region of the dress shirt to give you a high collar, professional look every time. Nothing feels better than wearing a brand new shirt. This product gives your collar the look it had the 1st time you wore it. People will notice the difference and you will definitely feel more confident.
He also has a kiosk at Southpark Mall and online store providing all the things men need to stay dapper!
Skincare, Shaving, fragrance, shower and bath and grooming.
From a daily exfoliating cleanser to a purifying charcoal mask—aromas that invigorate his senses to formulas that soothe his skin, they have what he needs to put his best face forward.
3. Hex Tie:
Unique luxury ties and belts.
I guarantee he has NOTHING like these pieces in his wardrobe!
So I’m here to help with those hard to buy for ladies in your life.
Here’s my top five picks for the holiday season!
1. Natasha Denona Glam Face Palette:
Create a complete, ultra-glam look with one limited edition palette.
2. Jo Malone Travel Candle Trio:
Create a sensual atmosphere with Orange Bitters, boost the celebrations with Pine & Eucalyptus and add a warm, inviting mood with Roasted Chestnut. Presented in a gingerbread house gift box.
3. Kendra Scott The Elisa Necklace:
Their #1 Best Seller comes in so many varieties one can never keep count! Check out their festive new designs!
4. Michael Kors Empire Medium Patent Chain-Link Pochette:
Silver Bells meets Y2K Fashion with the perfect holiday bag!
5. L’occitane Almond and Flowers Duo:
Limited Edition Shower Oil and Hand Cream duo for soft skin with a delicately warm, floral scent.
These are all items I love and also give as gifts. I hope you found some ideas to complete your holiday shopping!
It showcases the remarkable moments of a designer who fell in love with fashion at 4 years old while living in Ridgeway, South Carolina, and has become one of the biggest names in the industry today.
“When I was 5 years old, I said this is what I’m going to do,”
In 2013, he was the first person to win Bravo’s reality TV series “Styled to Rock,” hosted by Rihanna. Following this win, he came back to Columbia to continue working on his brand and made a name for himself by styling clients and creating custom designs for his all-women’s clothing line.
“Focused on the Fit,” features nine garments from Hudson’s career, as well as 43 fashion illustrations and four items of memorabilia, ranging from the beginning of his career to current day.
Visitors can preview Keke Palmer’s ethereal 2023 Met Gala look, a suit ensemble worn by Beyoncé in 2019 and a custom suit made for Issa Rae in 2018.
We then entered the private area for Sweets and Sips.
Hudson took the stage to accept The Key to the City from Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.
We were then treated to the story of his life from the man himself.
Megan Pinckney Rutherford moderated as Hudson spoke.
As images flashed on the screen beside the stage, the designer spoke about pivotal moments in his life and career.
He recalled his leap of faith to move to L.A., and the challenges faced in his first undersized studio.
“We would have to cut the fabric because at night mice would come in and they would leave whatever they left over the silk and everything. It was an episode. it. I never complained about it because I always knew it.”
“I made the pattern for Kamala Harris’ dress from that place,” he revealed. “We made Michelle Obama’s from that place. So, it is a part of the journey. It was tough, tough, tough. Anybody who knows me knows I pushed myself to be positive. Even though it isn’t a part of my nature, I learned to be a positive person.”
His team, Co-Owner Inga Beckham and Co-Creative Director Charles Lynch, later joined the stage.
He considers them family and they are the backbone of his brand.
He spoke about a mural the street from his studio in LA he watched being painted. Each day he saw the progress. On the day it was completed he had had one of the worst days of his career. Filled with doubt. And then he saw the completed project. Believe…you got this.
He never gave up. He went full steam ahead from that point on.
To pay homage to the painter, artist Jason Naylor, he created a dress based up on that mural. He included the artist to the point of matching the colors exactly.
Family is most important to him. He spoke fondly of his mother, siblings, husband and children. As well as his beloved grandmother.
Hudson’s philosophy is that fashion should be for everyone and include everyone. He designs to empower the wearer and often includes a nod to the ’90s of his youth. Focused on the Fit features eight signature garments from key moments in his career alongside more than 20 sketches and drawings exploring his career from the early days winning Bravo’s Styled to Rock in 2013 up through the present day.
Cheers to one of the most memorable moments of my life.
Alexander McQueen. There’s so much I can say about this designer.
But pictures are worth a thousand words.
I recently headed down to Columbia Museum Of Art for a viewing of some of his most notable designs.
This exhibit was brought to the public by his longtime friend and photographer Ann Ray.
Her photos dotted the walls along with his designs. Almost as a love letter to her beloved friend.
From the dark eras to his final moments, she was there.
The chronological displays showed the journey of designs and emotions of McQueen through the years.
The juxtaposition of the dark, against the playful spring dresses was jarring. It reminded me of my own mental ebbs and flows.
The use of contrasting colors and textures is genius.
From darkness to light, then back again.
Gothic Elegance.
From sketches to patterns, we got to see his actual work.
These pieces remind me of nature in all its glory.
This blue is one of my favorite pieces.
I took in the beauty of this breathtaking piece for quite awhile.
This coat with the Edger Allen Poe poem Annabel Lee stitched into it(yes, those are actually words on the coat) was a tribute to his dear friend Annabelle Neilson. It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.
Again his grief took over.
And soon he gained the closure he’d been seeking since the passing of a close friend and then his mother.
McQueen was a troubled soul, as most creatives are. He never felt he belonged in the world of fashion amongst the beautiful people.
His dear friend Ann Ray proved that he indeed did belong.
“Darkness falls across the land / The midnight hour is close at hand”- Vincent Price.
This weeks production of Charlotte Seen’s Charlotte Fashion Week is probably one of my top 5 favorite shows.
I’ve decided to break up the blogs according to the vibes.
Since Halloween is approaching, I’m focusing on the Dark Mode.
Snarkeez is one of my favorite designers.
This year, in addition to their amazing pieces, they introduced their kids line.
I loved every bit of it!
I adore Kitty & Rhodes(as well as the designer Jasmine!)
Picture Barbie meets Morticia Addams.
Classic and mysterious.
Another Fav of mine, Brian James brought us Usurper.
Classic and Goth collide in this collection.
Hemline brought us the look which can only be described as Madonna meets Beyoncé.
I love this look and plan to try an inspired look based on it.
Madonna vibes also popped up in the collection by DeLuca By T’Shun. And XVII- The Custom Experience.
Bones and Honey confirmed leather and lace is definitely hot for Fall/Winter ‘23.
Distress Signals gave us the Signal that Darkness is upon us.
The Angel of Darkness spread her Wings.
Vincent Price is also quoted as saying “I sometimes feel that I’m impersonating the dark unconscious of the whole human race. I know this sounds sick, but I love it.”
And like Vincent, when it comes to Charlotte Fashion Weeks Dark Mode. I love it.
Living La Vida Diva 