Category: Style Sessions

Spring Moods and A Salute to Motherhood

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date May 6, 2016

This past week has been bittersweet as I assemble this spread for my final Style Sessions post. Choosing to say farewell to this endeavor has developed from shifting priorities and reflecting on life as a whole.

Over the past 3 years, the blog has given me a chance to meet an amazing variety of people. It was my hope to tell their story and capture their genuine style. The greatest joy was giving them images they were proud of and seeing their excitement for being spotlighted, particularly on a well-regarded platform like the Memphis Flyer. The Flyer’s cool factor proved to be universally known. I would be remiss if I didn’t take get a chance to express how forever grateful I am for this experience.

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As I thought about what my last post would be, I naturally remembered my first post 3 years ago as a contributor to Style Sessions. The “Fresh Air” spring fashion post developed from a simple photo shoot that honestly had no other intention but to get some new photographs of myself. It turned out to be a rewarding day of collaborating with local designers, hair and make-up artist Jennifer Ralda, and the incredible talent that is Dirk Olsen. In some ways, I wanted to relive that first spread by again pulling in local talent to help me venture out a bit more from my typical style. Right off the Memphis Fashion Week runway, the modern-day cape by Andrea Fenise became the foremost representation of the sophistication and strength I wanted to represent. Pulling in more patterns and dramatic shapes became the theme.

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With Mother’s Day approaching, the post idea soon evolved into a photo shoot with my little one (but almost taller than me) Atticus and a few fellow style bloggers who also happen to be moms. Laura, Alexandra, and Andrea along with Leighton, Jack, and Amira shared an afternoon with us to play dress-up but mostly to celebrate the beauty of motherhood. They all exude their own unique sense of style and strong identities as both fearless leaders in style and moms to, dare I say, future leaders in style.

SPECIAL THANKS

Make-up for Sophorn, Alex, and Laura by Alexandra Nicole.
Make-up for Andrea by Marnelia Roy.
Styling for Andrea and Amira by Andrea Fenise.
Styling for Laura and Leighton by Laura Boswell.
Styling for Sophorn, Jack, and Alexandra in group photo by Alexandra Nicole.

“Spring Moods” and group photos by dirk olsen.
All other photos by Sophorn Kuoy.

OUTFIT DETAILS

Kimono, Crazy Beautiful; Jumpsuit, Anthropologie; Earrings, City & State.

Cape and sequin dress, by Andrea Fenise.

Tank, The Attic; Skirt, The Ivory Closet.

Tie-Dye Tank Dress, bracelet, and necklace on Sophorn, The Attic.

Top on Alexandra, The Attic.

Dress on Laura, Free People.

Lace top on Andrea, by Andrea Fenise.

Tags Alexandra Nicole, Andrea Fenise, CrazyBeautiful, Ivory Closet, Laura Boswell, Mother's Day, Sophorn Kuoy, Spring Fashion, The Attic

Style Sessions We Recommend

Memphis Fashion Week EMDP Show Highlights

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date April 15, 2016

Memphis College of Art was a fitting atmosphere for Saturday night’s Memphis Fashion Week runway show featuring designs filled with artful crafting and detailing from the city’s emerging designers. Collections from sixteen Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP) participants, with many debuting their work on the runway for the first time, were met with warm applause and supportive cheer from the audience. Two winners were chosen that night by judges Augusta Campbell and Andra Eggleston along with votes from the audience. Congratulations to Zoe Vu and Mary Ambrose, this year’s winners in the singles and mini collection categories respectively.

Concluding the night was the newest spring/summer collection by former EMDP designer and winner Tara Skelley of Dilettante Collection. Continuing her love for travel, the “Del Sol” collection draws inspiration from Central America elevating familiar native patterns and symbols tassel and sugar skull, all designed with absolute vibrancy.

See some highlights from this past Saturday after the jump.

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Left: Augusta Campbell (EMDP judge) and Bill Stearnes.

Left: Joey Miller (MFW photographer)

Right: Penelope Fisher

Kamesha Hervey Richard and Andrea Fenise (EMDP designer)

Former EMDP winner Tara Skelley with her design

Zoe Vu, 2016 winner in the EMDP Singles Collection category

Mary Ambrose, 2016 winner in the EMDP Mini Collection category, in a dress she handmade from bicycle tires.

See more photos of the night and other 2016 Memphis Fashion Week events at KP Fusion.

Tags Emerging Memphis Designer Project, Memphis College of Art, Memphis Fashion Week

Style Sessions We Recommend

2016 Memphis Fashion Week EMDP Emerging Designers

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date April 1, 2016

As Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) celebrates its 5th year, the Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP) continues the cultivation of local talent with more designers than any other year — 16 selected from almost double the submissions than last year.

“This year’s group has blown us away,” MFW director Abby Phillips says. “The age demographic is the most diverse that we’ve had, as is the experience level. All designers have worked hard to learn and become better at their designs and the sewing. The part that impresses me the most this year is how many designers are creating their own textiles through dying, painting, and weaving unconventional materials.”

These emerging designers will show their custom designs on the runway at the Memphis College of Art Saturday, April 9th at 8 p.m. Former EMDP designer/winner Tara Skelley of Dilettante Collection will also show her spring collection following the EMDP show.

MFW supporter and stylist Augusta Campbell will be this year’s guest judge along with designer Andra Eggleston of Electra Eggleston. They’ll decide which designers will receive a scholarship to the Memphis College of Art Continuing Education classes.

Tickets to this runway show and other MFW events can be purchased at www.memphisfashionweek.org.

Learn more about each designer below.

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ANDREA FENISE
Concrete Rose is a love story. It’s a visual expression of the process of love. Blending texture in sequin and soft flow-y crepe-back satin to visually express evolving and growing through love was the idea for my collections

The Andrea Fenise woman is modern, unconventional, and contemporary.

I want my designs to express what women love, what interests them — using personal style as an expression. It’s my hope to design clothes for the fashion industry that tell a story not just hang on a rack.

Years designing: 3 years

AVIANNE ROBINSON
My garment is a blend of the 1990s and 1800s fashion. I used elements of both eras to make a garment that pays tribute to history as well as incorporates some of the more modern-day looks.

I was designing for the modern-day online influencer. I could see a fashion editor or street style blogger wearing this.

I hope to bring a unique style of clothes that is able to incorporate elements of other time periods In a fashion-forward way.

Years designing: 5 years, but I have always done some form of art.

CASEY BECK
My pieces are simple, clean designs created from rich suede and silk. My pieces represent my personal design style which features simple, well-crafted staple pieces with sparks of intrigue and individuality.

I design for a woman who is on-trend but adds her own individuality to achieve a personal style. She is always growing, meeting new people, and traveling to different places. Her style is simple but strong, and her experiences help add a uniqueness to her wardrobe.

What I hopes to bring to the fashion industry? Staple pieces with hints of intrigue and individuality.

Years designing: 1 year

CHRISTINA DANG
I like cleanliness and structure. My mini collection has a lot of hard lines and color blocking, creating a nice pristine and crisp look. I like boldness and for things to make a bold statement because fashion is bold. It communicates with confidence. I played on hard and soft in textiles and color to maintain that spring/summer feel.

[I design for ] definitely someone who’s edgy. Someone who loves oxymorons and does not play safe. Spring/summer is often light and airy, and my collection is heavy with vinyls. There’s no reason to conform; I like to have fun.

Other than more originality, I hope to bring a new face to the industry. Especially within the ethnic community. Representation is so important to me, especially growing up in the U.S. from an immigrant family. It’s nice to be able to look up to someone who looks like you and can relate to you and it’s nice to be able to be that for someone.

Recently, in the past two years, I’ve been trying to expose myself to the industry more in attempt to spark something. Although I’ve been drawing for a long time, my sewing/design skills are not as developed. Other than a home economics class in high school, most of my skills are self taught through books and YouTube. EMDP has allowed a platform for me to expose myself to fashion design more and provided resources to grow and develop professionally.

DARA BRANSON
My inspiration came from a book of medieval fashions. I borrowed some of the shapes and the idea of embellishment as a form of armor and made the look more modern and feminine. The sheer materials and pastel pinks soften the overall look for an almost ethereal feel.

My designs are more formal, but elements can easily be taken and worn more casually. This woman is feminine and enjoys following trends. She loves dressing up for special occasions, but also needs pieces that are comfortable and versatile.

I think a lot of modern fashion is more gender neutral and focused on comfort rather than style. I want to make clothes that are just as comfortable as they are beautiful, and I want to embrace and celebrate femininity.

I began sketching clothes sometime in middle school, around 12-13 years ago, doodling in my class notes. In high school I began designing in earnest, learned to sew, and made my senior prom gown in 2009. I decided to study Apparel Design at Purdue and earned my B.S. In 2013.

DENISE BECKETT
My theme is young ladies having a night out in town.

The person who is wearing the outfit should have a bold, strong, and confident attitude. The ideal person would be around the age of 18-25. Someone who loves bold and bright colors.

I hope to bring a sense of confidence, that you don’t have to dress trashy to feel good about yourself and fit in.

I have been designing for 9 years going on 10.

KATHRYN HEARD
For EMDP 2016, I created custom, hand-dyed fabric and removable feather embellishments inspired by the Northern Lights.

I design for the sophisticated woman who appreciates one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

I hope to bring a positive light to the fashion industry.

Years designing: 3

LINDSAY CHASTAIN
Technique: bright, colorful embroidery

Theme: whimsy; based on woodcut designs found in the children’s book “Drummer Hoff”

Designing for a bold woman on a day about town.

I hope to bring playful and imaginative designs that draw from nature and art.

Years designing: 3 years

LINDSEY WIDICK
The piece is designed for a night out. It is bright, bold, and edgy. However, the train makes the design more formal and also adds softness and a touch of femininity to the piece

My design is for a woman who likes to take risks with her fashion and standout in a crowd.

I love designers like Mara Hoffman because of the bright and bold patterns she uses, and I love designers like Zuhair Murad because of the intricate and beautiful designs he puts on the runway. I could only hope my design falls somewhere in between.

This is my first year in design.

MARY AMBROSE
Each design in my collection was inspired by birds, specifically the woodpecker, the jay, cedar waxwing, grackle, and the tawny frogmouth. Each bird is interpreted in the garment design by use of feathers or reproducing the feather somewhere in the garment. I also use a signature feature in all the garments through the use of bicycle inner tubes. Some garments are completely made of inner tubes with some fabric accents. I enjoy proving that inner tubes can be crafted into a beautiful garment that looks as chic as leather.

This collection was designed for a confident woman. I like to incorporate elements of soft and hard, to create a sensual edgy look. She doesn’t mind being different and wants a one-of-a-kind garment.

I enjoy creating the wow factor, so at times I have to edit so it doesn’t go too costume. I really enjoy pulling out all the stops from the garment itself to the jewelry, shoes, hair, and make up. I love to see what Lady Gaga is wearing because it always has a wow factor. I love that the fashion industry is becoming more accepting of nontraditional materials. You see more and more designs using items such as pearls, drapery tassels, metal cuffs and eyelets, orange snow fencing, and even molded plastics.

My first designs where entered in Curb Couture and Trashion Shows two years ago. I have gradually incorporated more fabric into the design but using unconventional items really makes fashion fun and stretches the designers creativity. Just think outside the box. That’s what I try to do with the rubber inner tubes. I love to see how amazed people are when the see a garment created out of something unexpected.

MEGGY MULLER
The dress has many cutouts on the dress. The back has cutouts, as well as the side of the dress.

It’s a formal dress for a girl who wants a high-low dress.

I hope to bring something different and creative to the fashion industry.

This past summer when I went to Scad [Savannah College of Art and Design] and I learned more about fashion design. This is my first real year of designing and making dresses, since I am only a sophomore in high school. This summer I am going to Parsons to further learn more about fashion design.

MEREDITH OLINGER
All of my materials are either handmade or hand painted. I like to use recycled materials, when I can, and for this collection I used a lot of old t-shirts and recycled paper.

For this collection, I was thinking about a woman who is not afraid to be a little over the top. She always goes for one more accessory, one more print. She is comfortable with who she is and knows what she wants.

I’m really interested in how things get made, and I like to innovate with new materials and new processes.

I’ve been designing clothes since I started drawing. Fashion is my first love and it is what made me want to become an artist. But I’ve only been creating my designs for about two years now.

RACHEL KUPERMAN ECHNOZ
My singles collection is inspired by mosaics and bright colors. For all the looks, I hand-painted silk.

The girl I am designing for is someone who has a unique sense of style. She loves clothes that are classic with a modern twist.

I would love to bring a new perspective of design to the fashion industry.

I have been sewing and designing since I was 10 years old. I am so appreciative to Memphis Fashion Week for giving me the opportunity to showcase my designs on the runway.

SHAKIA COUCH
The theme that describes my collection is youthfulness.

I would be designing for a very fun and energetic person. Clothes that are not revealing, but where everyone can feel as equally beautiful covered.

TIENA GWIN
I am designing for the ultra-feminine woman who wants designs that expresses her true eclectic self.

I hope to bring to the industry clothes that create a positive emotional response. Clothes that pull at your heart strings.

I have been designing since 2011.

Zoe Vu
Theme or technique that identifies my design: geometric shapes and a nod towards athleisure.

I am designing for a girl who loves style and comfort equally.

In the future I hope to create a clothing line full of pieces that are made from hand-printed fabrics and that can seamlessly transition between athletic wear and everyday fashion.

 Years designing: 1 year

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Photos by Faith Pool and Sophorn Kuoy. Shoot location: Memphis Slim House.
Congratulations and good luck to all these emerging designers. See you at fashion week!

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Tags Abby Phillips, EMDP, Emerging designers, Memphis Fashion Week

Style Sessions We Recommend

Styling the Work Week with Mary Cashiola

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date March 21, 2016

“This may be paradoxical, but I’m always interested in a more-with-less approach. The people who have 16 pieces in their wardrobe and make it work? Or the woman who wears the same white blouse and the same cut of black trousers every day to work? I am humbled and fascinated by that.” Mary Cashiola on her style inspiration.

Mary Cashiola, creator of Style Sessions, returns. This time as our special guest.
Mary began the blog in 2009 while a senior editor at The Memphis Flyer, but in the years following has taken on several roles in Memphis, currently settling in as the managing editor of the Memphis Business Journal while taking on the special role as mom with ease. Here she shares her ingenious take on managing work wear for the busy working woman.

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Styling the Work Week
Professional, simple, and comfortable defines Mary’s take on work wear molded by her busy schedule and life as a mom to a young daughter (plus one on the way)

“I spend a lot of time editing articles for both our print and digital products. We produce both a morning and afternoon email with locally generated content five days a week, so we’re providing our readers with a lot of information.

Because of the news cycle, I’m sort of at the mercy of whatever is going on at the moment. I probably eat lunch at my desk roughly two to three times a week and working late, while not a daily occurrence, is not unheard-of,” explains Mary.

“I also spend a fair amount of time in meetings, both with our reporters and people in various industries.”

When planning a wardrobe, Mary tries to maintain a simple palette with minimal pattern which allows her to mix and match items easily.

“I know that it’s not the most exciting wardrobe, but I’ve tried to take lessons from the Steve Jobs of the world — those people who wear the same uniform each day — and apply them without having to wear exactly the same thing every day,” she says.

Her strategy for styling the work week?
Plan the outfits for the entire week and organize the pieces in your closet as complete outfits. The technique is a “fairly simple concept” she admits, but it’s not often something one would think to do.

“Before my daughter was born, I never thought about having pieces sort of semi-permanently matched. (Then again, before my daughter was born, I guess I was never in the time crunch I am these days!) But I realized, with her clothes coming in matched sets, that it made sense to keep the separate pieces folded together so I could just pull out a packet and have an outfit.

“So, I started doing that with my clothes. I use the hangers that stores use to merchandise clothing (plastic ones with little hooks so you can hang one hanger off another) and have all the pieces of each outfit hanging together. That way, I can just reach in my closet and pull one out and everything I need is there, from the cami to the blouse to the sweater to the pants.

“From time to time, I rotate the outfits so that different pieces can go together, but that happens on the weekends and while the laundry is being put away, rarely in the mornings. And then that becomes the outfit for a while.”

Monday Details
Classic Pencil Skirt / Patterned Blouse / Colorful Pumps / Stacks and stacks of Bangles

Tuesday Details
Full Leg Trousers / Dressy Sweater / Peep-toe Heels / Accent Jewelry / Layered Necklaces

Wednesday Details
Textured pants / Colorful Top / Black Flats / Drop Earrings

Thursday Details
Textured Trousers / Cowl Neck Top / Layered Necklaces / Vintage Style Shades / *Baby Lucia*

Friday Details
Flare Leg Jeans / Embellished Collar Top / Tuxedo Jacket / High Heel Sandals / Pulled Back Hair

Mary’s style changed with mother hood. “One other thing, it means being much more careful when picking out jewelry. We’re not doing a lot of chandelier earrings at my house, even though I still love them, b/c I like having earlobes. And I’ve lost so many necklaces in the past two years, just because of the odd yank here or there. But the trade-off is definitely worth it.“

The Origin of Style Sessions
Mary began the Style Sessions blog as a way to continue the coverage of fashion all year round beyond the seasonal fashion spreads by showcasing real people and their style more frequently.

“When we first started the blog, the incredible Justin Fox Burks and I would literally go out and stop people on the street and ask them about their outfits and take their pictures. It turned out to be a lot of work — you really want to choose your venue carefully because people aren’t always up for being photographed.” Mary recalls.

“But I met a lot of interesting people that way. I remember one woman, in particular, who was walking on the Main Street Mall one day and dressed head to toe in bubble-gum pink. Even her shoes. That takes a lot of dedication and a lot of coordination. Which is pretty amazing.“

Tags Mary Cashiola, Work Wear

Style Sessions We Recommend

Spring Fashion with Leah-Claire Friddle Grawemeyer

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date March 11, 2016

I’m so thankful to have worked on the cover feature story and fashion spread this week. To follow the spirit of many of the style sessions I’ve posted here, the spring fashion spread shows fashion through the portrait of a person and their true style. Twenty-something Memphian Leah-Claire Friddle Grawemeyer portrays herself in familiar and favorite places in Memphis, the places she grew up in. Here, we learn more about Leah with additional images to supplement the original spread.

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Leah and her family are no strangers to the world of fashion. In 2011, her family opened a few boutiques on South Main – Everleahs and Sir Samuels next to their restaurant Grawemeyers, which has now become South Main Sushi. The two boutiques have since transformed as well into a vintage store called Broken Arrow run by Leah’s sister Olivia Friddle. Growing up in the boutique business along with traveling to fashion meccas such as Paris, Milan, and Rome has broadened Leah’s style.

“I’ve seen so many different styles. I always remember them and their influences. Anyone from Brigitte Bardot to Cara Delevigne to Elizabeth Taylor are my influences. I always find something about each style that I like. Whether it’s a scarf or even their lipstick. Body language and confidence is all about style too. The way you present yourself is major. ‘Perception is reality,’” she says.

As far as her personal style favorites for spring, Leah talks tassels, leather, and looking naturally beautiful.

“One of my favorite things I’ve been seeing is wrap-around sandals with tassels. I always love a good western influence too. Modesty is back in. Mid length skirts with booties, half turtleneck shirts, and long sleeve chiffon tops. You don’t have to show a lot of skin to be sexy, but exposing your wrist and ankles are always good. Good leather bags are always a good staple and investment piece. Look for local leather makers and spend a little extra for one. I love lots and lots of rings. Put one on every finger and own it. Natural hair and makeup is always beautiful. Especially when you add a simple red lip. For spring, let your eyebrows go wild and bold. It’s a defining feature of your face and dark eyebrows are always slimming.”

Leah is an artist, musician, and student now working with the Lansky family in their various clothing store locations. With her love for music and recent focus on the banjo, Leah also volunteers her time at the Blues Foundation and Blues Hall of Fame.

“South Main is my community. My sense of belonging is here. Everyone knows everyone and that’s a great feeling,” Leah says.

Check out the issue on stands now and see the full outfit list with links below to the local shops and designers used in the feature.

Cover Photo at City & State
Shirt and Jeans – Lansky 126
Scarf – Local Designer Garner Blue, Stock & Belle

Rainy day with umbrella
Dress – Broken Arrow
Clutch – Lansky 126
Bracelet – Lesouque
Umbrella – American Apparel

Grand piano at South Main Sushi
Floral Dress – Stock & Belle
Cardigan – Lansky 126
Shoes (black pumps) – Lansky 126
Belt (Leather Tassel) – Lansky 126
Rings – Broken Arrow

At Broken Arrow
Graphic Top – Stock & Belle
Necklace – Local artist Nikkila Carroll, Stock & Belle
Jean skirt – Lansky 126
Bag – Lansky 126

On Stephanie
Shirt – Lansky 126
Jeans – Lansky 126

Under bridge at new mural in South Main
Shirt – local designer Tara Skelley of Dilettante Collection
Jeans – Lansky 126
Shoes (Brown strappy wedges) – Lansky 126
Purse – Broken Arrow

Blues Foundation Stairs
Top with Kimono Wrap – Stock & Belle
Shoes – Lansky 126
Scarf – Broken Arrow
Banjo – Model’s own

Blues Foundation Wall
Dress – 20twelve
Necklace – Lesouque
Shoes – Lansky 126
Kimono Top – Free People

Ernestine & Hazel’s upstairs
Top and Skirt – Stock & Belle
Necklaces – local designer Lauren Carlson of Question the Answer

Playing Pool at Ernestine & Hazel’s
Dress – Lansky 126
Hat – Model’s own

On Olivia
Dress – Stock & Belle

Bike and Flowers
Top – Broken Arrow
Skirt – Broken Arrow
Shoes – Lansky 126
Sunglasses – Lansky 126
Bag – Madewell
Bike – Midtown Bike

South Main intersection with trolley
Top (white fringe) – Lanky 126
Jeans – Lansky 126
Shoes (brown leather pumps) – Broken Arrow
Necklace – Lansky 126
Bag – City & State

Tags 20twelve, Broken Arrow, City & State, Dilettante Collection, Ernestine & Hazel's, Lansky 126, Lauren Carlson, Leah-Claire Friddle Grawemeyer, Lesouque, Midtown Bike, Olivia Friddle, Question the Answer, South Main, Stock & Belle, Tara Skelley

Style Sessions We Recommend

Office Style – Sam Tweddell of Sullivan Branding

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date February 19, 2016

This week, instead of scouring the streets for street style I look within the place I work in everyday to meet fellow creatives with a knack for effortless style. Meet Sam Tweddell, graphic designer with Sullivan Branding, a brand-development and advertising agency based in downtown Memphis. In Sullivan’s newly renovated space in Toyota Center, the non-traditionally designed office is more collaborative and energetic in order to cultivate creativity. Today, we get to know a little more about Sam as she shows real work wear in an environment where comfort, professionalism and creativity has to strike the right balance.

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What brought you to Memphis and to Sullivan Branding?
I’m originally from Arkansas, but my mother has been in the advertising business in Memphis for years, so coming back to Memphis (and advertising) was like coming home. I majored in graphic design and did everything but that after college. Basically, I took the scenic route.

Describe your typical day.
Coffee. It always starts with coffee. After that, it’s anyone’s guess! My day can consist of anything from hand-drawing posters where the words are made of hair (this takes ALL day. Actually SEVERAL days) to designing fake TV show logos for a commercial, to helping clients represent themselves consistently across any medium. Mostly, I spend my time trying not to laugh too loudly while working with hilarious coworkers to solve communication problems.

Describe your Memphis.
Vibrant and full of soul. After living in places like Dallas and New York, it’s easy to see the benefits of Memphis. There are truly incredible things happening around the city at any time of any given night and it’s accessible to most people. The Grizzlies, the concerts, the venues, the festivals—it’s all so rich in “realness” and regardless of income level, Memphians can experience a piece of it for themselves, whether through social media, free events, or the good work of places like the Carpenter Art Garden and the Church Health Center. The list goes on and on. I love Lafayette’s Music Room, Levitt Shell concerts, Brooks Museum events, Wing Fest, Burger Fest, BBQ Fest, any fest.

What sparks your creativity here in Memphis?
All of the above. And the people that come here — and choose to stay here — from all over the country. They truly love this city and let it love them back.

What’s your philosophy on work wear especially in a creative office?
Simple is best. I see design trends come and go in my daily work so, as far as my style goes, it’s timeless staples all the way. On a good day it’s a great pair of jeans — Gap has recently revamped their denim and I’m obsessed with the high rise skinny — a striped shirt and colorful necklace or scarf to keep it interesting. On a not-so-good day, it’s leggings-as-pants, an over-sized sweater and some Nike Blazers. Fortunately, creativity speaks louder than the wardrobe in our office, so I can be a little more casual.

Outfit Details
Scarf: Zara / Zara NYC
Sweater: Ann Taylor / TJ Maxx
Jeans: Paige Premium Denim / Online
Booties: Dolce Vita / Lansky Bros. Memphis

Other Credits
Coordination thanks to Amy Wolfe.
Sullivan Branding Mural in photos by Sullivan Branding staff.
Space design by archimania.

Tags Sam Tweddell, Sullivan Branding, Toyota Center

Style Sessions We Recommend

At Coco & Lola’s – Midtown’s Lingerie Boutique

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date February 12, 2016

“No one is really doing what we are doing,” says Glenna Rohrbacher about her Midtown lingerie boutique Coco & Lola’s. Even Glenna was surprised Memphis didn’t have a boutique that carried vintage-inspired lingerie or lingerie in “real-women size.” It was a discovery that helped launched her business in Cooper-Young.

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“I just walked around for days asking locals what they needed in Cooper-Young. Most could tell me what they didn’t need any more of. I was given lots of ideas but nothing spoke to me,” she says.

It was a trip to New Orleans with her husband on her 60th birthday that began the lingerie idea. They stumbled upon a shop on Royal Street. “Naturally being in the Quarter, the whole experience was quite nostalgic. The atmosphere was very shaded in burlesque and I had never seen anything like it.”

Glenna admitted that she had a hard time finding lingerie locally that suited her and discovered other women in Midtown had the same problem, noting how far the drive was for them just to buy a pair of panties. Not soon after, the store concept was developed. It was originally called the “Naughty Diva,” but after some neighborhood reactions, she and her husband with help from several other family members landed on a more discreet name, two names to be precise – Coco & Lola’s each representing two distinct personas.

Coco represents the sophisticated, vintage-loving woman, while Lola represents the edgier woman and likely for a more youthful audience. Glenna drives the persona of Coco within the shop and her daughter Parker Johnson, who also manages, helps drive the persona of Lola. It’s a melding of “sass and class” as their tagline suggests.

Stepping into the small and intimate boutique is like stepping into a luxurious closet of an undeniably confident woman. The room smells sweet and provocative from a scent they created themselves and packaged into a candle they sell exclusively.

Coco & Lola’s offers specialties such as vintage-inspired lingerie, bustiers, and corsets. A recommended brand for the corset and waist cincher is Rago, which Glenna believes is almost essential to making sure one looks their best in vintage-inspired dresses. They also carry the Cosa Bella line, a luxury lingerie brand from Italy, that is distinctly known and found nowhere else in Memphis. Other brands of note include Betty Page, Coquette, and Shirley of Hollywood. They even carry some jewelry by local artists. As far as lingerie sizes go, all women are accommodated. If they don’t have it, they will gladly order it for you.

“I want everyone to feel really comfortable here and we carry sizes that fit girls up to a 44 so they do!” says Glenna.

Visit them at 710 South Cox in Cooper Young.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30 – 7:00 pm
(901) 425-5912
www.cocoandlolas.com

Tags Coco & Lola's, Cooper-Young, Glenna Rohrbacher, Lingerie, Parker Johnson