Author: Sophorn Kuoy

Looking back at all the style sessions this past year, I’m struck by how every person I highlighted elevated the topic of style. Their personal style confidently embraced their identity, and their optimistic outlook on style often reflected their outlook on life, which for me became very inspiring. I’m grateful to have gotten to meet them, and it’s truly a pleasure to be able to showcase them to all of Memphis.

In the New Year, I want to build on that dialogue and connect further, so I’ve invited a few of Memphis’ most avid style bloggers to share their advice to take into 2014.

[jump]

Bloggers also share their style forecasts and tips to wearing this year’s trends.

Stylist Kim Thomas of KP Fusion emphasizes using your uniqueness as a strength: “Be the best version of yourself. While trends come and go, true style lasts forever. Wear what looks and feels good to YOU; look to trends for inspiration but always find a way to rock it YOUR WAY. That being said, I personally plan to experiment with more color, texture, and prints in the upcoming seasons. Whether with accessories or with your foundation pieces, it’s the easiest way to refresh your closet without buying a whole new wardrobe.”

As a stylist/fashion designer, Andrea Fenise of By Andrea Fenise extends her view of style as a way of living. Her fashion pieces encourage woman to take it as their own to create their own story. ”Design a balanced and stylish life. Create what you want to see.”

Laura Boswell of her personal style blog Walking in Memphis in High Heels. “Less is more. It seems so simple, and sometimes it is easy to get caught up in all the trends, but it is so easy to go overboard whether that is too much makeup, too many trends all at once. Sometimes it is best to just keep it simple and just add two pops of color or prints to make the outfit stand out. Though I’m sure everyone has heard this time and time again, I always believe in dressing for job you want to have.”

Ariane Patrice of the lifestyle blog That’s So Chic spreads her love for vintage. “I adore the feel and look of well-designed decor. Buying vintage and thrifted pieces is a great way to own some beautiful yet inexpensive vintage and designer pieces. Additionally, to ensure you are getting a solid quality pieces, it is important to have some basic understanding of logo, styles, and patterns of high fashion houses. Another thing to keep in mind is fabric quality and stitching. High fashion designers use the best materials and pay close attention to detail. Also knowing how labels are supposed to look is important. If you’re not all that familiar with a designer, do not be afraid to Google while in the store.”

Bekah McDuffie of her personal style blog Matters of Merrymaking echoes Laura’s idea of simplicity “Keep it SIMPLE! Looking to spring, I am so thrilled fun prints are hanging around. I’m a huge advocate of pattern mixing and I love a good graphic pattern. I can’t wait to see how the runway trends filter in to the stores and boutiques where I shop! I’m a bit weary of pastels, but they’re going to be everywhere. My best advice is to try that one trend you think you cannot pull off and give it a try. Experimentation is my favorite aspect of style.”

///

To everyone reading or who has read this blog, thank you. I invite you to take part in the dialogue. Suggestions about any features or particular topic? Send them my way.

Happy New Year.

For 4-year-old fashionista Makayla, putting on high heel boots and a party dress is more than playing dress-up. It’s part of her role as stylist and sales girl at the South Main boutique K’PreSha. Her vibrant personality and love for style made her natural for the role. “The Lord gave me the absolute perfect child for the environment that I am in,” says her mom and boutique owner Kimberly Taylor.

[jump]

At the age of 1, Makayla stood outside the boutique doors handing out business cards. From that point, she continued to show an interest in the business by learning merchandizing, learning how to work the cash register, selecting clothes for customers, and “being absolutely honest about what she thinks of them in those said clothes,” observes Kimberly. The honesty is refreshing when you know your sales girl is only making sure you look your absolute best.

Makayla wants to start a store with her selection of girls’ fashion items. Seeing this as another chance to teach her responsibility, discipline, and work ethics, Kimberly agreed to give a portion of K’PreSha’s space for Makayla to launch “Makayla’s Corner” this spring.

Makayla didn’t give away much in what she’ll carry in her mini-store, but knowing her potential customers well, she guarantees it will be “sparkly!”

//

Also coming up this new year, K’PreSha will carry new brands such as Designs by Terial Lee and Genius, a local designer featured as one of the emerging designers in the last Memphis Fashion Week.

Wanting to connect with the local fashion industry further, Kimberly also has several projects she hopes will come to fruition this year, including events such as the second annual “Noir” Fashion Show and the inaugural “Battle of Beauty and Fashion” which would bring together designers, make-up artists, stylists, and photographers for networking and collaboration.

Kimberly also has plans for a non-profit organization called “Memphis Fashion Foundation” geared toward helping the local fashion industry — and setting a great example not only for her daughter Makayla.

///

K’PreSha Boutique

Women and Men’s Fashion

323 South Main Street

Details

Makayla dresses up in a dress by Jessica Simpson, Charles David “Tory” boots, and a clutch from Quistt.

Available Now

Local Brands – Handbags/Accessories: TexStyles, Quistt, Beadtique, Don’t Blink, Kari Fleskes jewelry, Skunktagious

Body: Mi-Me and Gifts from Nature

Clothing: Rough Feathers, No Love Get Money, Brand Name, Flight of Fancy, Heartless Clothing Co. Select from: G.Ink, First Place Logic, Team You are Bless, and Yachts and Treasures

Coming Soon

Designs by Terial Lee and Genius

Makayla’s Corner launches Spring 2014

Behind the Five in One’s deep red-facade on Broad Avenue, owners Alice Laskey-Castle and Michael Andrews provide Memphis artists and creatives a space to collaborate and share their work with each other and to the public. Essentially an art studio and gift shop, Five in One Social Club (also known as vini) hosts several art socials, including the upcoming holiday events such as the W(rappin) Party tonight at 9 p.m., and Soda Can Cookie Cutters social tomorrow. The purpose is to go home with a completed art project you’d want to show off to your friends. Think their tagline: “Kindergarten for Grown Folks!”

The retail shop carries products and art pieces from all local artists and vendors — everything from note cards to posters, jewelry to hats, including the Made in Memphis brand made by vini. Consider this the ultimate gift guide for virtually everyone on your list.

View the slideshow to see what caught my eye. The Made in Memphis trucker hat topped my list that, sure, may be perfect for your bearded man, but one of the vini friends Chelsey, a hair and make up artist, shows that authentic Memphis attitude can be paired with a good pair of boots and a classy bib necklace.

There will be special holiday hours until Monday, December 23rd – noon to 9 p.m.

You can also shop the online store: fiveinone.org/shop.

Five In One Social Club

2535 Broad Avenue

[slideshow-1]

Today we get a rare glimpse of food/lifestyle blogger Cheryl Hurley’s kitchen as she prepares chocolate vegan cupcakes.

Fittingly, Cheryl is dressed for comfort to whip up this comfort food — hair tied back, ballet flats, and thick-framed eyeglasses unintentionally masking her other persona of certified vixen. (She’s a burlesque performer and pin-up instructor.)

Her at-home look exudes a sense of intrigue and, with the right apron, the type of allure that is completely charming.

[jump]

Cheryl shares her love for cooking through her blog The Stylist Quo. She learned to cook while in college. “It was the combination of art, science, and instant gratification. It soon became my greatest love and hobby, as I discovered myself making four-course authentic Indian meals the night before an exam as stellar procrastination in the form of a legitimate human excuse,” she says.

College was also when she bought her first apron, a “cutesy” half apron that launched an obsession. Among her 20 aprons are those that came as welcomed gifts; the latest are vintage aprons passed down from her grandmother. Styles range from the full chef’s apron to the feminine half aprons.

On this day, a patterned apron from the Trolley Stop Market guards her chambray button-down and black cigarette pants. Luckily, all of the chocolate batter makes it safely to the cupcake tray except for a few tastings off the spoon.

In regards to her overall style, Cheryl focuses on a few flattering classic pieces in neutrals and uses pops of color for interest, also suggesting anything in camel or cognac leather will “break up traditional neutrals beautifully.”

“I work at home, so I won’t lie: I rock a lot of yoga pants and T-shirts! However, I still try to keep it pretty stylish, because, no matter how guilty you might feel for caring about your appearance, it changes how others feel about you and how you feel about yourself.”

///

Click here to see her chocolate vegan cupcake photos and recipe she created especially for the Tofutti milk-free cream cheese brand.

The Stylist Quo

“They’re still here!” exclaimed a couple of enthusiastic women jogging past the CrazyBeautiful downtown storefront yesterday, echoing my own delight after discovering the pop-up shop’s extended stay. As it turns out, shop owner Eryka Smith didn’t expect it either.

The ground floor of a previously vacant building on South Main next to Spindini was transformed into the CrazyBeautiful pop-up for the RiverArts Fest in October. Eryka only planned on being open for the three-day length of the festival.

The pop-up drew such a great response that it was re-opened in mid-November in the same location and will be open through January 10th.

[jump]

After successfully running one of Memphis’ most popular clothing boutiques for nearly 10 years in the University of Memphis area, Eryka is still looking for ways to increase brand awareness and exposure, particularly to new areas of the city.

“The South Main district has so much diversity, both with the businesses that operate there and the residents that support them,” she said.

“We are excited to be a part of the South Main District and are so appreciative of the support that we have already received by surrounding businesses and the great people we have encountered since we opened our doors.”

The South Main CrazyBeautiful goes beyond the expected pop-up shop notion of temporality with comfortable seating areas, built-in dressing stations, and fantastic window displays.

“The space went from literally an empty shell, to a fully-functioning store in a matter of only days,” said Eryka, adding she feels blessed to have had her hard-working team during the countless hours of work. Chad West, operations coordinator, is a major part of the creative execution and Eryka’s source of moral support. “I can honestly say I could not have pulled this off without him,” she said.

Both the Walker and South Main stores predominantly carry the same merchandise, though there are several styles that are ordered specifically for each location. New items and previews of any special items that are available only at the downtown location are posted daily on the @CBpopup Instagram.

Both locations have in-house stylists, including Eryka herself who selected a few items from the downtown location you’ll want to check out before they sell out. Her top picks, featured in the accompanying slideshow, include the Jagger Studded Tote ($58.50), Geometric Earth Leggings ($19.50), Dawn Cutout Ankle Bootie in Black ($42.50), and Tribal Dawn Necklace ($18).

Make sure to play their weekly $25 Name Game Contest on their blog, and look out for several holiday promotions later in the month. All events and promotions are posted daily on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/crazybeautifulclothing

CrazyBeautiful Pop-up Shop
387 South Main

Open Tuesday-Saturday: 11-8 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Closed Mondays

crazybeautifulclothing.com
www.facebook.com/crazybeautifulclothing
Instagram @CBpopup

[slideshow-1]

Well-known milliner Amy Downs is foremost a hat enthusiast and is actually curious why one wouldn’t wear a hat. She’s confident she could make someone a convert just by having them try the right one on.

Last week, Downs traveled by train from New York City, where she resides, to Memphis, the second stop on her trunk show tour. Hosted by Bar DKDC, this special pop up shop was my first introduction to the esteemed Amy Downs collection. Thankfully, Downs’ husband Gary Rudy was also there eager to entertain my 7-year-old with magic tricks while I perused the vast assortment of hats.

The wide range of hat styles confirmed her notion that one could really find that perfect hat and become a hat enthusiast just as she was. Festive straw hats topped the tables while winter hats reminiscent of many eras filled the racks.

Both men and women delight in her collection, not only to adorn their heads but to also boast that they own an Amy Downs original.

// /

Currently, the only way purchase an Amy Downs hat is through her trunk show. Her next stop is Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday, November 23rd.

amydownshats.com

[slideshow-1]

Designer Irina McGuire lends her creative skills to St. Jude Children’s Hospital full time as their lead web designer and developer, but her eye for design also finds its expression in her personal style. “I tend to go for classical pieces and pair them with quirky accessories,” Irina explains as she tugs on her scarf and looks down to her incredibly patterned stockings.

Originally from Kazakhstan, Irina explains her affinity for scarves and unique stockings are a cultural influence. Owning over 20 scarves, she admits a slight obsession but suggests it’s the smartest purchase you can make. We both agree that one great scarf can change your whole outfit.

[jump]

Her chic but cozy outfit is complete with the bright colored coat in an energetic but sophisticated shade of red. Though a young working mom, Irina holds to her love for great style as way to liven her spirits and enjoy being out and on the go.

Outfit Details:
Boots: Nine West; Stockings: gift; Skirt: The Limited; Sweater/Scarf: Banana Republic; Glasses: Juicy Couture; Earrings: Vintage/gift; Coat: Fossil; Bag: Michael Kors.

///

irinamcguire.com
Photographed at Bluff City Coffee and South Main. Special thanks to Bluff City Coffee.

Public relations manager Sarah Stramel is battling the cold weather in style with her colorful scarf, wool coat, patterned tights, and ankle boots. But nothing cuts through the dreary air like her warm smile, something Sarah describes as one’s most important accessory, particularly as a professional woman.

[jump]

Describing her style as driven by finding quality that lasts, she also broadened that thinking to include her professional pursuits. Speaking as a mentor, she suggests that one’s success takes the act of surrounding yourself with people you admire and simply believing in yourself.

With the passion to collaborate and build a community that empowers women, Sarah is launching the first event in Memphis for Femfessionals, a community of ambitious professional women, to connect with each other and build relationships that as an end goal strengthens Memphis communities.

The first FemCity Memphis event is tonight, November 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Alchemy. Open to member and non-members, you can register here.

Outfit Details
Coat, Calvin Klein. Dress, Isabella. Scarf, gift. Shoes, Aldo. Watch, Michael Kors.

Last Thursday, it was fashion for a good cause at the annual Strut! Memphis fashion show to benefit the Community Legal Center, which provides legal assistance to those who can’t afford it. The runway styles were provided by the shops of Laurelwood, while Mercedes-Benz of Memphis provided the venue that quickly filled with more style mavens than I could photograph.

The night kicked off with a cocktail served by one of the celebrity bartenders, including Mayor Mark Luttrell, Fox 13’s Kontji Anthony, and the Flyer‘s own Jackson Baker and Bruce VanWyngarden.

Before long, the event’s energy heightened with what seemed like a flash mob of swing dancers raiding the runway. The music then leaped ahead 40 years with crowd-pleasing hits by Michael Jackson. Guests bopped in their seats as models in exquisite coats, leather boots, detailed skirts, and beautiful dresses whirled above the crowd on the runway.

Click the slideshow to see a few of the runway looks and stylish Memphians I met. You can visit the Strut! Memphis website for more photos.

[slideshow-1]

The Attic clothing boutique opened its doors over a month ago as the unique slice of retail in Overton Square’s main intersection of Cooper and Madison. It’s hard to miss, but since Yvonne Bobo recently installed her kinetic sculpture in the corner plaza right in front of the shop’s storefront, it’s even harder to miss. Just look for the 30 foot tall sculpture.

With their official grand opening party set for this Friday, owner Alexandra Rushing has filled the 1,300-square-foot space with an enticing array of men and women’s apparel and accessories. As I browsed all the clothing and jewelry, I added one item after another to my wish list elated. Some of the key items that are selling fast are the Lola jeans that slim your body, colorful scarves, simple cardigans, Chilly Jilly portable ultra soft pants, and fold away ballet flats.

The stand-out item I snagged right away is the Mighty Purse by Handbag Butler that is not only a sleek clutch but also charges your smartphone! Other than the red shown in the photos, they also come in black, silver, and gold. I can confidently say it will be my favorite purchase of the year.

[slideshow-1]