Fashion

store2In early October, I attended an event at SURFACE in Charlotte, NC, celebrating the opening of their new fragrance bar, provided by Jeffre Scott Apothecary. Appropriately named, Making Scents carries only exclusive fragrances such as Tous, Costume National, Babette and many more.

One year ago, Kendra Surface and her mom, Kerry, revealed a new clothing concept to accompany their successful boutique of 17 years, Perris. SURFACE carries exclusive European contemporary lines that you won't find anywhere else in Charlotte. Truly unique apparel that is exciting and fresh.

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So exciting ... that I spent far too much time in the dressing room trying on the whole store and almost made myself late to a client meeting. The staff is incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, and the experience is one of a kind. SURFACE clients are clients for life ... and you'll see why when you visit. Kendra, who initially set out to be a school teacher, is full of energy and is truly in her element. Kerry is witty, exuberant and makes you feel right at home. And Jeffre, well you know how I feel about Jeffre ... it was inevitable that these three would create an incredible venture together that just made scents.
 
For men, fit is everything. And if you are tall, clothes should fit flawlessly. Looser garments will only appear sloppy. This means, those dress shirts should not bag out at your waist. To give the illusion of mass, layer slim cut shirts. Your tops should always fit comfortably around your chest and shoulders. Due to your height, wear a few different colors in your outfit to break things up - and avoid monochromatic looks from head to toe. Lighter colors, such as soft whites, light grays, light blues and pastels, add visual bulk. And spice up your patterns. Instead of always reaching for stripes, try horizontal glen checks.

For blazers, adjust them so they fit properly throughout your entire body, whether single or double-breasted. Avoid bagginess in the arm and shoulder area - and no big shoulder pads in your blazers and jackets. Your blazers and jackets should fall right under your bottom.

Look for a higher rise pant and wear your pants over your hips. Stay away from skinny jeans. Instead, go for a straight cut or boot cut jean with a long inseam in a medium to dark wash. If you are both tall and thin, pleated pants add bulk (as much as I dislike pleats ...). Another option would be cuffed pants. As for length, dress pants should be one inch from the ground and have one break at the top of your shoe. The back should be a tad bit longer.

Opt for squared-toe or pointy shoes. Round-toe shoes tend to make tall men look disproportionate. We'll talk more about men's shoes in the upcoming months, but in general, you should know that women notice your shoes (not just me). Shoes are such an important fashion item, so invest. Stay tuned for more style tips for men!
 
christy-turlington-escadaEarlier this year, Christy Turlington Burns signed a contract with Escada to represent their line. And since then, has breathed new life into the label. For one, I am head-over-heels in love with this dress. But then again, look who's wearing it. Christy happens to be one of my all time favorite models. ctbShe has a very natural way of expressing herself, making fashion beautiful. And has she even aged?

I am really excited by what I am seeing in Escada's Fall collection. Take a look at these two looks. Let's start with the bottom and go up. I have always had a thing for over-the-knee boots (unfortunately, I don't have the legs). These boots rock! Then there's the simple, yet beautiful dress (featured left) which is owned by the neck piece (another one of my obsessions). And talk about gorgeous detail and color - the ruffle blouse (featured right) is amazing. Look at the sleeves!

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I grew up very close to Escada, as it was one of my mother's favorite lines. I remember touching every single piece while my mom was trying garments on, admiring them all the while. For the longest time, I associated the line with my mom (classic and sophisticated). However, over the last several years, the line hasn't been one to write home about. And now - I never imagined desiring the line at my age. But here I am! Kudos to you, Escada (and Christy).
 
It's always fun to stumble upon something unique and fresh. And that something is Alison Muskat's line of shoes, oh…DEER!. Since its launch in 2006, oh…DEER! has become a contemporary brand known for its unexpected, new twists on trends. Fashionable and stylish, the line incorporates textures and materials such as sequins, hounds tooth, animal print, plaid and patent — sometimes all mixed together — for a whimsical and truly unique look.

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alisonBorn and bred in New York, Alison Muskat grew up in the footwear industry. Her father and uncles formed a successful shoe company over thirty years ago that continues to thrive today. It was Alison’s work experience at this company, which inspired her to launch oh…DEER!. Each collection pays homage to her New York City roots, while infusing trends adopted from her extensive travels in Europe.

 

 

 

 
In case you missed the hype and hoopla from Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs, without a doubt, stole the show. And as such, I have saved the best for last. While I didn't have the opportunity to view the collection under the tent, the live streaming video from the waiting area left me awe struck. Heralded as a fashion genius, Jacobs, by far, had the most creative mind for the Spring season. Even the music he chose, “Rhapsody in Blue,” made the perfect backdrop for showcasing his collection, as the song is one of combination. Incredulous mixes of plaids, tweeds, leather and macramé with look-at-me jewelry and handbags - once considered to collide - came together in beautiful marriage. This collection was stunning and dynamic ... true eye candy. The rich fabrics and brilliant layering among cinched waists catapulted Jacobs into a category all to his own.

Marc Jacobs pulled the largest celebrity audience. Those in attendance: Victoria Beckham, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Lopez, Elijah Wood, Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Lauren Hutton, Kanye West, Jay-Z and Helena Christensen, to name a few.

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Note: Images above are for commenting purposes only, from Getty Images.
 
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