Pre-Fashion Week Party featuring Cavortress

This past weekend I attended the Pre-Fashion Week Party at Aloft hotels. This was a pre-kickoff party to get us local Charleston folk pumped for Charleston Fashion Week (March 16th-20th). Julie Wheat of Cavortress, was the highlight of the night as she debuted her newest collection. Check out some of the rockin' Rockabilly looks that graced the runway.

Julie Wheat - The FASHIONista responsible for Cavortress

The Style Scene

Wow. That's a good looking group.

Justin McKay: balazer (Crowley), bow tie and hat (Exchange Factor), jeans (Uniqlo), high-tops(Diesel), button-down (Efor NYC)

Joe Giant: tee (Drifter), blazer (Modern Amusement ), jeans ( Citizens of Humanity)

Erin Abagnale: dress (Rachel Pally), fringe purse (H&M), shoes (Nine West), bangles (Diana Warner)


Here is what I wore: dress (H&M), jewelry and purse (vintage), shoes (Aldo)

Deal of the Week: Chelsea Flowers

Was: $275

NOW: $137.50 (50% off)

Charleston Fashion Week 2010 Inside Scoop w/ Ayoka Lucas

Deal of the Week: WGACA Vintage Vest

WAS: $350

NOW: $105 (70% off)

buy here.

Don't be scared by the dark denim and harsh gromments. This vest isn't just for you rocker fashionistas! Paired with the right floral dress and gladiator sandals, you can turn "rocker chic" into "feminie with an edge"...a look that you will want to try this spring!

What a Girl Wants: HOT PINK SHOES!

I AM OBSESSED!! Check out these amazing hot pink leather wedges by Dolce Vita!! These little hotties are $166, and are selling out fast!! Perfect addition to your red hot Valentine's Dress!! They are available online at Edge of Urge (Wilmington, NC based boutique).

God Save McQueen

At the height of Fashion Week, the fashion world is rocked by the shocking news of the suicide of acclaimed Brit designer Alexander McQueen. He has been so influential in fashion, music, and culture, he will be missed. Here is a look back at some of his greatest fashion moments on and off the runway.

McQueen was fearless when it came to his fashion shows. His designs evoked fantasy. They were elaborate and interesting as were the runways that he showed them on.

Alexander was no stranger to the stars. He designed numerous gowns for the hottest celebs and their many red-carpet appearances.

From daring to demure....his intricate and thoughtful aesthetic carried on into the design of his shoes. Last year he gave us budget fashionistas something to be excited about, when he launched McQueen for Target.

Some famous fashion fans pay tribute to McQueen:

Naomi Campbell: I am truly devastated to lose my close friend. His talent had no boundaries and he was an inspiration to everyone who worked with him and knew him. This is a sad day to all who loved him around the world and my condolences are with his family. I will miss him so much, he will never be forgotten.

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief, Vogue: We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen's influence was astonishing—from street style to music culture and the world's museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.

Sarah Jessica Parker: I am shocked and overcome with grief upon learning about the untimely death of the quiet genius Alexander McQueen. My heart goes out to his family and all those who worked for and with him. In his atelier, his showroom, his stores and various business interests that were so rapidly growing, he was beloved. By all of them. He was talented well beyond his years and the seriousness and unrivaled talent which he applied to his work is in bountiful display year after year and collection after collection. Every single inspired, original, lofty, whimsical, stunning, brilliant and jaw dropping detail was Alexander Mcqueen. There has never been anyone like him. And there simply never will be. What is more devastating is that despite all his success thus far, creatively, critically and commercially, his greatest achievements lay ahead of him. The future would be whatever he hoped to make of it. His independence, his skill, his quiet fortitude, his devotion, his love of his work, family and friends will be an unthinkable loss. And the vigilance with which he protected his work and those he loved was both incredibly powerful and quietly heart rending. In my brief but honored time spent with him I learned he would never let even the tiniest and seemingly inconsequential detail be unfinished. That's why his death is so haunting. God speed Lee. It has been a privilege for all of us to know you. You will be indescribably missed.

Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel designer): I found his work very interesting and never banal. There was always some attraction to death, his designs were sometimes dehumanized. Who knows, perhaps after flirting with death too often, death attracts you.

Joe Zee (Creative Director of Elle): R.I.P. Alexander McQueen, a kind soul and brilliant creative genius. Sad and shocking. You've touched us all.

Sandra Bullock: A brilliant artist has left the building. My thoughts go out to those who love and care for him, and who are now experiencing the great void he left behind.

GOD SAVE MCQUEEN!!

Karl Lagerfeld Shoots Plus-size Model for V Magazine

COCO A NO-GO...
Recently Karl Lagerfeld -fashion God behind Chanel- shot a spread for V Magazine highlighting Miss Dirty Martini, a"Plus-size" Burlesque performer. I am totally one for plus-size modeling, but really?... This is a bit much. Girls read fashion mags for inspiration. I don't know anyone who would want to aspire to such an unhealthy size as Miss Martini. But, in a world of emaciated wafer-thin models, I shouldn't be so surprised by the extreme contrary. Well Mr. Lagerfeld is a super-genius, so maybe he's on to something...???

[Picture: Courtesy of V Magazine]

Everything's Coming Up Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy for Rachel went-to-work on her Spring collection, and she didn't disappoint! Expect bright colors , fun silhouettes, and great prints! I am a big fan of Rachel - Rachel Roy, as any budget fashionista would be!! Think designer looks for not-so-designer prices. Check out a preview of the collection, set to debut next month at Macy's.

($38)

($99 Jacket, $69 Shorts)

($99-$109)

($129)

($50)

[Photos: Melissa Hom]