Author: Sophorn Kuoy

Fave Finds – Branigan Brooke Designs by Sandy Moore

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date September 24, 2015

Jewelry artist Sandy Moore wanders through antique stores with a loving eye for worn pieces of metal and architectural trinkets. Along with old keys and chandelier prisms, these objects find new life from adornments for a space to adornments for the body. The peeling paint on the surface are preserved in the final jewelry piece to honor its previous use.

“I have always been crafty and I needed a pair of earrings for an outfit and did not want to spend $100 for the pair so I made a pair that looked like them. I was hooked after that and I started buying jewelry parts from Hobby Lobby and turning them into pieces that I liked. I finally attended a class that showed me how to use architectural pieces in jewelry and Branigan Brooke was born.” Sandy Moore explains her start in jewelry making.

In a special glass case in South Front Antiques downtown, Branigan Brooke Designs are displayed. Like charm bracelets, the necklace chains are strung with many found objects within the store. Sandy has added bracelets and earrings to her collection along the way.

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Photo by dirk olsen.

These last two images show one of the necklaces I was particularly drawn to and tried on for the photo. An elegantly chunky chain works nicely to hold the old door key plate, chandelier prism, and hotel key tag. She has also incorporated some objects with particular sentimental value such as dog tags and medals in several custom pieces.

“The most recent was for a reunion of three friends from Ole Miss. We incorporated a matching memento from Ole Miss in the three pieces and used keys to symbolize how they met living in the dorm, ” she further explains.

Her collection can also be found at MUSE Inspired Fashion, Memphis and Nashville. She is also set up for The Hope Presbyterian Market at Hope September 24th till 8 pm.

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Special thanks to South Front Antiques (shoot location) and dirk olsen for the portrait.

To see more great architectural and art finds at South Front Antiques, visit City Chic Living and look out for my guest post this week.

Tags Branigan Brooke, Sandy Moore, South Front Antiques

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The Ivory Closet Moves to Overton Square

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date September 18, 2015

CREDIT: Photo by Dirk Olsen

Photo by Dirk Olsen

After opening The Attic boutique in Overton Square two years ago, Alexandra Nicole has seen the success of the district grow firsthand. Overton Square has leased a diverse mix of businesses to bring in activity day and night. The increasing foot traffic has been an asset for small retail such as clothing boutiques, especially if they weren’t the first or primary destination for visitors. Sandwiched between busy restaurants, these stores become welcoming ways to pass time as people wait for a table to open at nearby Babalu’s or Lafayette’s.

With her confidence in the great synergy of Overton Square, Alexandra Nicole has leased the 27th and final space for relocation of her first boutique The Ivory Closet from Harbor Town. It became official news last week that Overton Square reached full tenant occupancy. Alexandra, with feedback from her customers, confirmed that the move would not likely lose any business from customers who were Harbor Town residents. Also with this move, The Cedar Room merchandise will merge with the men’s items at the Attic. The Ivory Closet will continue to carry the same lines that vary from the Attic classic women’s apparel but in the new space adjacent to Golden India will take advantage of a larger footprint. They hope to open this location at 2095 Madison this November.

As a side note, Ivory Closet fans can soon find other store locations outside of Memphis. Alexandra is franchising two locations in Mississippi. Details have yet to be revealed.

Special thanks to dirk olsen. Alexandra is photographed in an outfit from The Attic just behind her new location in Overton Square.

Tags Alexandra Nicole, Overton Square, The Ivory Closet

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Sneak Peek: Junior League of Memphis Repeat Boutique’s 70th Birthday Sidewalk Sale

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date August 28, 2015

This Saturday, August 29th, the Repeat Boutique will hold a special sale to celebrate its 70th birthday, bringing in many new items donated from local companies in addition to their large stock of gently used merchandise. The thrift shop has been operated since the early 1940s by the Junior League of Memphis (JLM), one of the largest volunteer groups in the Mid-South. Aligning with the mission of the JLM to improve the Memphis community, the Repeat Boutique offers affordable clothing and housewares and reinvests the proceeds from their sales into services, projects, and programs that impact the community.

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“I witnessed the dual mission of the Repeat Boutique firsthand during my first-ever volunteer shift at the store. As I was straightening up a clothes rack, a customer came up to me and shared that she was starting a brand new job at an office and needed help putting together some business professional outfits. What a fun time we had talking about her new job, how hard she had worked to get the opportunity, and we found some great bargains that made her feel like a million bucks and ready to take the professional world by storm! The funds the JLM raises through the Repeat Boutique are so critical to our work in the community, but the quality merchandise at affordable prices are also a great service to our customers and patrons. It’s truly a win-win.”

– Amy Stack, JLM President, about her experience with Repeat Boutique

The Repeat Boutique prides itself in this level of customer service. “It’s more than a thrift shop. It’s a place to enjoy shopping,” says Jackie Jefferson, the boutique assistant manager, who helps make sure customers enjoy their experience. She and Gracie Tuten, boutique manager, has been there for over 10 years. Whether it’s helping pull together special items or alerting customers on that one item they’ve been searching for has arrived.

The regular stock includes gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages; small home furnishings; housewares; and children’s items. Some of the women’s items vary from casual wear to formal wear including wedding dresses. For the sidewalk sale, IO Metro has donated new furniture including sectionals, occasional chairs and dressers. In the photos here, some of the new clothing pieces saved for tomorrow are fall jackets, sweaters, and jewelry.

Sale starts at 10 a.m. Find them at 3586 Summer Avenue.

Anniversary Sidewalk Sale: this Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular store hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special thanks to boutique assistant manager Jackie Jefferson for the product displays and regular customer Angela Davidson for modeling the pieces shown here.

Tags Junior League of Memphis, Repeat Boutique, Thrift Store

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A Day to Night Look with Sarah Stramel

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date August 24, 2015

Welcome back to the work week.

For public relations and social media consultant Sarah Stramel, a typical work day often bleeds into her nightlife. With a hectic schedule, a complete outfit change isn’t so convenient. Here, Sarah shares a few tips on changing your look easily from a business suitable “9 to 5” to a more relaxed night out.

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“A typical day includes heading to a radio or TV appearance – sometimes for my business and other times for my clients. For example, I will be going to WREG this Monday morning to promote Tuesday’s video shoot at Belly Acres, which is celebrating its victory in the James Beard Foundation’s Better Burger Project. Then I will head to East Memphis to meet a new client to work on our PR campaign for her new interior design firm. After we meet I will grab lunch at Cosmic Coconut, Whole Foods, or Belly Acres and head back home to answer emails and work on my current campaigns. Before I know it I have to head to a networking event or a meeting over dinner and drinks,” describes Sarah.

“That’s why this Lysee shirt from The Attic is the perfect day-to-night accessory. Wearing the Tahari jacket keeps it professional during the day. At night, I can shed the jacket and my white Lysee blouse gets the attention it deserves. Super comfortable yet fitted, this sleeveless shirt really stands out thanks to its shape and silver zippers, which go perfectly with metallic bracelets and shoes.”

Outfit Details
Day Outfit
Jacket: Tahari
Shirt: Lysee’ (French)
Skirt: Vince Camuto (Dillard’s)
Shoes: Anne Michelle
Purse: Mighty Purse
Earrings and Bracelet: The Attic
Shoot location: Belly Acres in Overton Square

Night Outfit
Shirt: Lysee’ (French)
Skirt: Vince Camuto (Dillard’s)
Bracelets: Target
Shoes: Steve Madden
Purse: Mighty Purse
Shoot location: Zebra Lounge in Overton Square

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Sarah is also involved with Femfessionals, connecting professional women in the city. The next Femfessionals event is September 15, 2015 offering headshot sessions by photographer and business branding specialist Stephanie Norwood. Only 10 appointments are available.

Purchase tickets here – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fabulous-fem-shots-tickets-18277524568

Photo sessions are $75 for Femfessionals business members and $99 for community members and include wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a quick hair and makeup touchup. Full hair and makeup will NOT be provided, so please arrive camera ready. To help ensure your headshot represents you, your business, and your brand, you will receive your own branding information booklet when you register.

Tags Day to Night, Femfessionals, Sarah Stramel

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A Look Inside the New H&M at Carriage Crossing

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date August 14, 2015

Yesterday, hundreds of Mid-South residents gathered to celebrate the opening of their very own H&M store in Collierville’s Carriage Crossing shopping center.

Since the first H&M store opened in New York City 15 years ago, the fashion retailer has opened over 3,600 H&M stores worldwide and is still expanding. The Carriage Crossing location is the third in Tennessee, serving a customer base that they knew wanted more options for trendsetting yet affordable clothing. The H&M brand is recognizable and sought after for both of these things.

“Absolutely a big fan,” says Tonia Hailey, one of customers waiting in one of four lines wrapping the building. “The clothes are stylish, trendy, and inexpensive.”

The H&M brand which initially catered to women’s fashion also carries items for men, teens, and kids. They carry many basics like t-shirts and jeans but also basic items for business attire – “business casual with a modern twist.” Other items include accessories such as hats and purses. There is also a section devoted to just shoes such as boots and flats in various colors and patterns. Complementing the basics are their more fashion-forward pieces for women, men and kids. Keeping an in-house staff of about 260 designers help keep the trends affordable.

What also distinguishes H&M is their effort in making sustainability their main goal. Customers are able to donate their old clothes at any H&M store, and they will receive 15% off their next purchase. The old garments can then be recycled into a special clothing collection they call the “Conscious Collection.”

See more photos of the store offerings and grand opening in the slideshow below.

H&M, Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) at Carriage Crossing
4674 Merchants Park Circle, Collierville, TN 38017
(855) 466-7467
Store hours will be Monday through Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm

[slideshow-1]

Tags Carriage Crossing, H&M

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Katie Kalsi – Beyond Handbags

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date July 31, 2015

With a background in painting, Katie Kalsi injects a distinct personality into her handbag designs, making them as collectible as art.

The concept of her line is rethinking the traditional canvas. In this case, the straps become the canvas, creating a “wearable piece of art.” Every strap is unique because each one is hand painted.

“All of the straps are made to be interchangeable, so in a sense you are able to create your own handbag customized to your style! Whether you want a funky colorful strap that fits your personality or a collegiate strap to rep your favorite sports team, there are numerous styles to choose from!” she says.

With all the customizable style, the bags still speak strongly to the root of her style. “I have one rule when I dress: be stylish, but be comfortable. I love jeans with boots or Converses with a great top. I love hats and big, dangly earrings. I make a great modern-day hippie!”

Combined with the quality leather and the “modern-day hippie” vibe of the bag itself, Katie Kalsi bags have become a sought-after brand. Style-savvy celebrities including Faith Hill, Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears, and Lisa Maria Presley own at least one of her bags.

“It’s all about research and planning and whose path you cross. For instance, Faith Hill was a early fan of my bags and still carries them today . Referrals also play a large part growing my brand. Most of the time people know me through word-of-mouth, which I love because that means my bags are marketing themselves. I constantly get compliments about their quality and uniqueness. I’ve been blessed with a very strong fan base and through that I continue to meet other entertainers and professionals.” – Katie Kalsi about the celebrity clients.

Yet, there is more to the Katie Kalsi brand than just handbags and more to Katie than just being an artist and designer. The future of the brand will embrace more of a designed lifestyle approach by expanding into bedding, jewelry, and shoes. The current collection already includes more specific leather encasements such as iPad covers and the ultimate wallet for organizing.

“I’ve always believed in moving forward slowly and deliberately as the best way to maintain my quality and differentiation. For instance, I’m now designing and producing wallets and iPad covers as part of my line. I’m constantly designing and expanding new styles. My next major project will be footwear. I feel shoes are a natural progression of my line because of my extensive experience with leather goods. My business goal is to be a lifestyle brand within the next three to five years,” she explains.

As important as her role as a designer and artist is her role as a mom to her two daughters — Sophie, age 12 and Sadie, age 7. Though she rarely has spoken so personally on media platforms, she shares a glimpse to how her business and family life balances out and how they interweave.

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“I am very fortunate because my girls’ dad Carle, and I have developed a very mature relationship in regards to our daughters. Everyone’s lives can get hectic; however, we make sure our girls are our primary focus and make ourselves available whenever they need us. Finding balance between work and home is a must because we want them to have the best influence and values.”

Katie has the flexibility to plan her meetings around her girls’ schedules. At this point, she has gained a support team that helps with her business, especially during her frequent travels.

“They will always be first and foremost in my life. I can sketch at any time or any place, so that part of my business is easy and does not interfere with spending time with them. We do travel a lot because I want them to experience many aspects of life.” 

“Presently, they are too young to understand the business aspects of Katie Kalsi. However, I do share with them my sketches and ask for strap ideas. I like to keep them involved. They are very interested in the design process and love contributing to the creative side of the business.”

When asked what important lesson, Katie hopes Sophie and Sadie learn from her, she says,“Follow your heart, Life is too short. If someone tells you that you can’t, say ‘Watch me’!“

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The items above are some of her signature and most recent pieces. Product photos by Terry Sweeney. Context photos above of Katie’s studio by Sophorn.

UPCOMING EVENTS and SALES
Currently on KatieKalsi.com there is a Virtual Barn Sale (while supplies last) of discontinued colors and styles of the signature collection. There’s a back-to-school website sale August. 7-16th.

August 15th and 16th, there will be a Barn Sale held at a location to be announced on Katie Kalsi social media soon. Go to katiekalsi.com to connect with all social media for upcoming events and giveaways.

katiekalsi.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/katiekalsillc

Tags accessories, handbags, katie kalsi, moms with style

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Lauren Carlson of Question the Answer Launches New Jewelry Collection

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date July 24, 2015

Memphis artist Lauren Carlson began her jewelry line Question the Answer in 2011 exploring materiality and creating artistic adornments with incredible detail. Lauren began hand painting skull pendants she shaped from wood and detailed with ink. A statement piece, she calls the “sugar skull,” can be considered her signature design after catching the attention of many in the local fashion community.

The name Question the Answer is her nod to material exploration as a means to unveil new perspectives. Continuing to question the answer, she has produced various collections of wood and metal – intricate yet simple in form. Now Lauren is launching a new collection using gemstones that is meant to be minimal as well as versatile.

“The gemstone collection is very minimal; simple pastel stones are set without any type of ornamentation or pattern. I really love the versatility of this type of design; it works for so many different women,” she says.

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“I’m still learning different techniques and finding what works for me. Some of the methods I’m trying for the first time, so staying minimal is key. This collection is my first step towards the inclusion of gemstones. The next step will be to acquire a couple more tools to quicken the production process, thus allowing me to launch new designs.”

To keep acquiring new techniques, Lauren will be launching a crowd-funding campaign in late August to add these new tools to her studio.

“Within the campaign I will be completing the evolution of my original design, the sugar skull, by casting it in metal. The sugar skulls represent the idea of inanimate desire and frivolity, in which sparked my journey into jewelry making. I am so excited to come full circle and to see how this design has changed over the years.“

Memphis is Lauren’s home. She’s surrounded by most of her family — being here is comforting. “It is my constant,” she says. Her Midtown studio is within her neighborhood and is in a building she shares with other artists.

“My Memphis consists of a tightly knit and incredibly encouraging creative community. I love seeing other artists thrive here and it helps me to know that the life I’m trying to make is possible. It’s really affordable to live here and that’s incredibly beneficial to me, start-ups cost money, and in the beginning it’s really nice to know you can at least have your rent paid.”

Seeing the style of her jewelry, it would be fair to assume that it relates to her own personal style, which she describes as functional and simplistic. Her clothing is almost the stage where jewelry can shine. “When I’m dressing up, I gravitate towards solid colors to show off my jewelry — that way I can layer lots of pieces without looking too loud or overdone.”

“I love the basics; most of my closet is filled with neutral colored tees and high waist jeans. That’s not to say that I do not own extravagant pieces. I’m a New Years Eve baby, so I know the importance of breaking out that sequined mermaid skirt from time to time. Occasionally, a girl just needs to feel a bit luxurious,” she adds.

A place like Memphis has the natural ability to influence one’s personal style. “I’ve always been attracted to highly patterned pieces and bright hues, but I’ve just now found ways to balance those complexities. Memphis radiates a similar liveliness and I think that aspect of my style is deeply rooted to this city.”

You can order from her line on her website or at local shops such as City & State and Menage.

Outfit Details
Dress, Elizabeth Suzann, a Nashville-based designer / Sandals, Madewell Sightseer Slide Sandal / Jewelry, Question the Answer (“of course”) & heirloom pieces from her grandmother

Gem collection photos by Annabella Charles Photography and courtesy of Annabella Brandon and Lauren Carlson.

Crowd-funding Campaign Details
Find updates on her campaign on her website: www.questiontheanswer.com & follow along on her Instagram page: @questntheanswr

Tags art, Jewelry, Lauren Carlson, Question the Answer, Studio Tour