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 

As if I needed another reason to love Vivienne Westwood.

Westwood’s FW25 collection brings us back to the late 90’s when Clueless brought us Cher Horowitz and her famous black and yellow checkered outfit.

Westwood was always a fan of tartan plaids.

We can’t look at this particular color combo without thinking of Clueless.

Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood’s husband and creative partner, is the designer for the Vivienne Westwood brand now, continuing her legacy after her passing. He was also her design partner for many years.

You can see how in tuned they were. He has woven his love for her in every piece.

Vivienne Westwood sent these words, along with this dress, to Carrie Bradshaw for her ill fated wedding to Big in the first Sex And The City movie.

We all remember this incredible creation.

However, this wasn’t the only time Carrie wore Westwood.

Vivienne was mad for plaid.

Carrie was the perfect Muse for her plaid pieces.

Getting drunk at Vogue wearing Westwood is every girls dream!

Girly looks were also part of Carrie’s closet.

Carrie recently pulled out her infamous wedding dress to wear to the Met Gala during an episode of And Just Like That. She added a teal cape, gloves and shoes.

The bird head piece made a reappearance. But the most notable accessory was a pin cushion as a bracelet.

She repurposed her pain.

This was my all time favorite outfit.

The skirt is a green velvet bustle skirt from Vivienne Westwood’s Fall/Winter ’91 collection.

I’ve recently been getting inspiration from these pieces.

And just like that, I’ve entered my Vivienne Westwood Era.

It’s my time to shine!

The ‘BER months are approaching fast and I, for one, couldn’t be happier.

I love the cool, brisk air, pumpkin spice anything and of course the clothing and accessories!

Here’s my top five picks for fall trends that I already have!

1. Chocolate Brown:

I spotted these chocolate brown suede kitten heels at Walmart and snatched them up immediately.

The next week I read that chocolate was the color of the season! I was ahead of the trend.

2. Snake Print:

Once again, I was ahead of the trend. I’ve had this little snake print bucket bag for a few years now.

3. Wide Belts:

I love a wide belt to add shape to oversized tops. Animal print is a plus!

This stretchy option is from Amazon. It’s being added to my vast leopard print collection.

4. Chunky Jewelry:

Perfect season to wear my Paris themed, oversized Yochi NY charm necklace from Nina’s Boutique

5. Woven Bags/

My new Wine colored Hollace Tote: Woven Mini Edition has entered the chat.

This Anthropologie find is so buttery soft! And it includes a pouch and TWO straps!

Are you and Autumn like me? If so, what’s your favorite trend this year?

Literally the most obvious collab ever!!

This week was the launch of LoveShackFancy X Pink!

I went into the store to check it out.

There’s romantic ruffled mini dresses,  skirts, hats and  bags.

My favorite is the Jacket with classic LoveShackFancy bows printed all over it.

There’s the cutest leisure wear you’ve ever seen. 

It wouldn’t be PINK without a set of  floral  panties with lace and  little rosettes with  cheeky sayings like “truly in love with myself” and “a little bit dramatic” embroidered on the front.

Let’s not forget the stuffed dog!

This is such a girly collab! What item are you wanting most from this collection???

I’m loving that recently, the events I’m attending have made me expect the unexpected.

On Saturday I attended one of the most incredible events! 

Iesha Foxworth brought together a group of ladies for a day of beauty, style and lifting each other up.

The event was held at Folia in Southend and was hosted by my favorite Queen, International Miss USA Shelby Brown.  

We were greeted with a rose and a glass of champagne. 

Dior Beauty and Dillards at Southpark Mall sponsored the immersive styling experience.

We were treated to beauty makeovers and a fashion show while we enjoyed curated drinks and menu items. 

The fashions were specially structured to help us identify our own Style ID.

Artist Ali Loncar was on site painting beautiful floral pictures and engraving our gifted compact mirrors in the VIP Lounge.

Pick Your Feels Florals was also in the VIP Lounge putting together personalized bouquets based upon our personal style. 

We networked, had a great time and left with some great swag!

Thank you again Iesha for being a true ‘Girls Girl’ and making us all Bloom💕

Pixton Design Group hit the Charlotte Seen runway last week in what can only be described as Breakfast At Tiffany’s meets Swim Week.

Pixton is known for her custom luxury resort wear and I was accustomed to seeing her luxe bikinis.

As a matter of fact, I had been back of house prior to the show and caught a glimpse of some of her pieces.

However, I was not prepared for this presentation.

The first model came out à la Holly Golightly, sporting dark sunglasses, pearls, black opera gloves, a tiara and a fur wrap.

I knew an iconic moment was about to happen.

As Model Virginia Penland stopped on point at the end of the runway, she dropped the fur exposing a black velvet bikini.

It was truly one of the best runway moments I’ve ever witnessed.

It didn’t stop there. 

Pearls and velvet were prevalent in the first few models.

Each model with their signature Holly look.

The colors suddenly shifted.

Models donned bikinis and coverups in the signature Tiffany Blue color. 

White bows accessorized some pieces, paying homage to that little blue box we all covet.

This was one of my all time favorite Charlotte Seen runway shows.

If you want to bring back the Old Hollywood vibe you will love one of these custom pieces.

Pixton Design Group services are available for swimwear, activewear, dancewear, costumes and resort.

I’ve never experienced ‘shopping’ like this before.

Angel and Deanna Sargent invite you into their cozy, intimate A-part[meant].

Formally Roam and Dwell, the Sargents decided once they moved to their current location, a name change was a must. It fits the vibe more. 

It’s like apartment life meets fashion, decor and art. 

This boutique is designed to feel like you’re visiting someone’s home.

Classic, yet unique, clothing options great you when you enter thru the intricately carved arch.

Work from featured artists line the walls.

An intimate ‘living room’ is in the back of the ‘apartment’.

Guests are offered coffee or cocktails while they admire knick knacks that were perhaps collected during the hosts travels.

Jazz plays at a soothing level while conversations flow.

If you’re looking for shopping that’s more of an experience, then look no further. You are ‘meant’ to be here.

A-part[meant]

On June 26th, after 37 years, Anna Wintour announced she is stepping down as editor-in-chief of Vogue.

The British-American fashion icon began her career as an editorial assistant at London’s Harpers & Queen magazine. She worked her way up, landing editorial roles at Harper’s Bazaar and Viva in the 70’s.

 As editor of Vogue, she has held the role for longer than any of her predecessors.

Wintour transformed Vogue into a powerhouse among fashion magazines.

She was the first editor to mix affordable fashion with designer clothes in photoshoots.

Wintour took over the Met Gala in 1995, transforming it from a local fundraiser into a highly anticipated, fashion event.

“Florals?? For Spring?? Groundbreaking…”

Yes, Wintour was the inspiration for Miranda Priestly from  The Devil Wears Prada.

Here are some of my favorite Wintour fashion moments.

I adore her early looks!

Three things have remained consistent through the years. The Bob, sunglasses in the front row, and style!

So does this mean she’s given up fashion forever??

No way. She will remain as the magazine’s global editorial director as well as the company’s chief content officer.