THE LATEST TALENT IN JEWELRY

One of my latest clients stated that fashion to him was 

"a way to break free from the mundane"

The designers behind the new jewelry line, MELVIN, certainly capture the essence of this statement.

Together, Martha Clifford, the designer who brought us M.Clifford Designs and Morgan Walker, the mastermind behind Capitol's creative and captivating windows, bring us Melvin. 

The designs are unique and incorporate bullets and various creatures in antique rose gold, antique gold, and antique silver. 

More and more I appreciate something that is unique and unexpected over something that is beautiful, yet easy. 

The world only continues to interest me by showing me there is plenty left to discover and see in new and interesting ways. 

The ladies of Melvin have made it clear there is.

-Stephanie

What is YOUR signature style?

CHIC . SOPHISTICATED . ENVIED

It was apparent these words described this young, professional woman during our first meeting, but now these qualities are easily exuded in every detail of her life

... including her wardrobe.

-Stephanie

WWW: Styling Tips

Thanks for the tips! WWW: Styling Tips

SHE SAID SHE WANTED RED POPE SHOES

First of all, I had NO idea what type of shoes the Pope wore.

So, the research began...

I was a bit concerned this would conflict with the SIMPLE/ELEGANT style mantra  she had selected.

WHAT IS A STYLIST TO DO?

I assured her that he would look fantastic in this velvet pair by French Sole

She was happy to have gotten her special red pope shoes and I was happy she had gotten a pair that were subtle, unique AND red.

Maybe we could even get the Pope a pair...

-Stephanie

Tuesday Reading

As someone who gets bored quite easily, this new magazine from Style.com is great.

Lots of photos

Brief descriptions

Opinionated

Reports straight from the runway

Street-style 

Its a nice break from your typical fashion magazine!

-Stephanie

SOMETIMES A GIRL HAS GOT TO TOUGHEN UP!

I have no idea why, but sometimes I just love to add a little ruggedness to my wardrobe.

 It seems to go in hand with the stage of life I'm in, or possibly my emotional state.

On the other hand, I could just be bored and need a change. 

Regardless, I'm loving these boots...

Boutique 9

Boutique 9

-Stephanie

GRANNY GOT THE GOODS

I was always told that my

"Nanny"

was quite the fashion maven in her day, but I never really appreciated this statement. 

That is, until she passed away and we began to go through her belongings...

The earrings and broach on the left could easily be on the latest Prada ad

clip-on earrings make a comeback

Perfect for Fall. It will give any outfit a touch of feminine darkness.

Then, of course, there is Vanessa. Nanny's beloved wig. Whom now resides with SELBY STYLE and is sure to always have the latest and greatest headscarf.


I have never been a fan of vintage, but after seeing some of the fantastic things I was able to inherit from my Nanny, I have become somewhat of a vintage lover.

I love finding new interests and evolving!

You never know what may happen in the world of your personal fashion.
 
Its an adventure.

-Stephanie

CHIC WEARS FOR MODEST FARES...

If you love fashion and style, yet hate spending the money it requires to buy brand-new designer items?
Look no further than... 

ELLE PALMER

Charlotte's 

URBAN GYPSY

These are examples from previous shows, but it just goes to show you its good to follow a traveling gypsy:

She is quite a fascinating character and its reflected in the pieces that she carries. Everything from Tory Burch to scruffy cowboy boots, all of which are moderately priced 

(usually below $50)

I'm super excited to get a preview before the merchandise is picked over at Saturday's event:

1-9pm behind Amelie's in Noda

-Stephanie

HER SMILE SAYS IT ALL

Its easy to wonder if I've made the "right" decisions in my life. 

I have surely made more than my share of mistakes, but when a client smiles like this at the end of our session, I know I'm on the "right" path...

Only this time I've let go of where the path leads.

-Stephanie

SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST...

People always tell you to "save the best for last", but as anyone who knows me will tell you, I do quite the opposite. I take more the approach of "take the best FIRST until its gone or you are sick of it 

...and worry about the rest later."

 Not exactly the best approach in some situations.

So, I'm in a constant battle with myself to practice this thing they call "delayed gratification". Well, needless to say its not happening tonight.

I was fortunate enough to spend some time this evening with one of the freshest faces at FRESH (superb boutique in the heart of Myers Park ), Brandee Dishner. She filled me in on the latest and greatest there. Don't worry, I have lots of photos to come, but I just HAD to share my favorites tonight...

I just couldn't SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST...

Heather Hawkins - simply the most amazing leather cuff I have seen.  The materials are so unique and the shimmer is fun, but subtle. Check her out! Apparently she's a local!

Need I say more?

Stay tuned for the full post coming next week from FRESH

-Stephanie

JEWELRY FOR THE SOUL

JEWELRY FOR THE SOUL

If you are looking for some fresh, new and unique jewelry (and much much more)... look no further than this amazing gallery near Park Road Shopping Center: 

CITI ART WORKS

"Jewelry and accessories that nourish the body and soul!"

They bring in jewelry from many different amazingly talented artists from all over... 

I simply love the little necklaces featured above with quotes written right beside them. 

My favorite:

 "Never Never Never Quit!" - Winston Churchill 

They are perfect for my jewelry mood right now, which is all about simplicity and meaning. For awhile, I couldn't get enough of the chunky necklaces, but now I've moved towards a "less is more approach".

My personal favorite is the work of the artist above, Yayoi Forest. 

Yayoi believes that her jewelry should be worn as a lucky charm. She will often use birds in flight or the tree of life to symbolize hope and happiness for the people that wear her jewelry...

Who knew a safety pin could be so chic?!

                                                            

Even her graphics are beautiful and unique!

A few others...

This is definitely where I will be going for my Holiday shopping. 

Much more personal than a gift card!

-Stephanie

RED

I can't get enough of this red trend....

Burgundy * Wine * Maroon * Brick

What a good example of how color can evoke a certain mood:

Red embodies excitement and passion, both positively and negatively, and is often nicknamed “the dynamo” because it has the greatest emotional impact.

One of the oldest associations for red is blood, life’s sustenance. In Chinese, the word for blood-red is older than the word for red. Red is the color that triggers the “fight or flight” 

Even more reason to wear this substantial color!

-Stephanie

Anne

She made me so proud this afternoon, which makes my job quite easy. 

Elegant and simple...that she is!

-Stephanie

You Never Know What You Might Find

Random day at The Buffalo Exchange spent waiting in line to consign client Wardrobe Purges, when all of the sudden I spotted these amazing Gucci loafers! ...for men. 

Oh well. 

No male clients.

Yet.

-Stephanie

Remembering London...

My time in London seems so long ago now, but the lessons I learned will remain in my very nature forever. It opened my eyes wider than I realized they could go. That's my favorite part about the world of fashion and style. It forever evolves and changes... just as I do.

However, I am pretty sentimental at heart. I am never without a piece of my history, such as my father's old braille watch or Asian-inspired jewelry from a boutique I worked for during college. I might consider letting go of my tendency toward "grunge" or 90's influenced pieces as I approach 30, but I probably won't.

-Stephanie

ANIMAL PRINT ... AND ... MORE ANIMAL PRINT!

Have you noticed a trend in animal prints this Fall? Its not a favorite of mine and can easily look just plain WRONG! However, these boots are simply perfect for this girl's taste. It gives it a rugged and unexpected twist.

Love!

-Stephanie

Passion is the only way...

This is my Fall PASSION PILE. It truly does capture how I feel inside: strong, fierce, vulnerable, empowered, and spiritual. 

If you want to uncover more layers of yourself and your style, try making one and then share it with us...

-Stephanie