High Fashion in South Carolina?!?!

YESSS... High fashion and South Carolina may have been distant strangers a few years ago. However, thanks to Ayoka Lucas, those words are becoming synonymous with the Southeast's premier fashion event; Charleston Fashion Week 2012!!!!

It's that time of year again! Charleston has been putting the South on the fashion map since 2007. Ms. Lucas; my personal shero, is the founder and brainpower behind all this hype.(And yes I'm proud to boast this is a young, Black, woman... Calling Essence, Ebony, Jet, BET; please do a feature on her; just sayin.) ...I've been privileged to be a part of the backstage excitement for two years; first as an intern (2010), second as MUA(2011) after a testy audition!!! This is the real deal people. Here in the heart of the low country, some of the biggest names in fashion come out to play; such as Fern Malis, creator of NYFW; Anne Slowey, fashion editor for Elle Magazine; and Mychael Knight, fashion designer.

Each year the event draws more attention and displays some of the best new talent in fashion; as well as some very well-known established designers and retailers. Check out the 2012 promo video! I hope to see you there in March!!!

2012 Charleston Fashion Week Promotional Video from PDA Video on Vimeo.

(Check me out at the 2:23 mark...With the ponytail doing makeup...don't blink...LOL)

D. I. Y.....(Do It Yourself)

All it takes is a little inspiration......

From top to bottom, left to right...(In)Decorous Taste Spiked Shoe Harness $695; Christian Louboutin Bridgette $3965; Lorissa Nude Spiked Pump $195, Christian Louboutin for Rodarte $2793, Patricia Field Studded Boots $3700

And creativity..... You can rock your own spiked heels without the hoopla of someone else's name and saving thousands on the dollar. The ones below should be called Dollard; after Shamika Dollard..... She is the creative mind behind these awesome pumps and booties. I was on assignment at a fashion show this past weekend and fell in love with these shoes. Actually I had multiple shoe-gasms... They put me in a trance... I was overly impressed with the quality and meticulously crafted embellishments. Ms. Dollard is a licenced hairstylist, but may need to add fashion stylist in her repertoire. She and Myrtle Verner did an awesome job in the detailing and planning of the wardrobe for their show. Kudos to you ladies!! Looking forward to working with them again. With that said I'm putting in an order for a pair of those booties...Happy Shopping

Spray It On!

I was a bit skeptical about paying $15 for a can of aerosol spray water. The concept is a bit simple. However, as a makeup artist, I was convinced to try it. Well, needless to say, I LOVE this stuff!!!! It's so cooling and gives your skin a luminescence glow on a hot day! The small cans should be staples in every woman's bag year round. In the cold, dry, winter months, a few puffs of mist will leave you feeling hydrated and awake during those long cold days. During the summer, it keeps you cool; replenishes your skin. It's not heavy and drippy like water in a personal spray bottle. The mists are so fine and delicate. It keeps your makeup fresh all day. Perfect for use in an office building. Also, a must-have for those of you that are outdoor sports buffs and/or workout divas. This is my new staple; and a must-have for any MUA to use on clients under hot studio lights and/or outdoor shoots.

The Look for Less...

The $54,000.00 Crocodile Birkin Bag.......(Which is only available by special order through Hermes and in-store direct at specialty upscale dept stores; i.e Bergdorf Goodman, etc; buyer beware if you see it for sale anywhere else; especially online, in Chinatown, and out of the back of trunks!!!!LOL)

OR...

The $75.00 Urban Expressions Tote!!!... I found this bag on Amazon.com! Those that know me well, know that I despise a knock off. But I will rock a designer inspired; which is not pretentious, all day!!! I had to have this!!!...It's available in other colors, but I love this red. And check out the size! It's enormous! Perfect size to handle all of my daily goodies and trinkets... I hope you enjoy. Happy Shopping!!!