Trend Alert: Denim Shorts

Some may argue that denim shorts are the latest trend, others say they're a classic style that never went away. Either way, they are a MUST HAVE summer staple! Celebs alike have been seen all over Hollywood sporting their jorts (dare I call them that) and showing off those gams that they have worked so hard on. I can agree, denim shorts in the spring and summer are my go-to item. I love that you can dress them up or down so easily. Pair them with an over sized tank, bandeau, some rad sandals and voila, super easy and chic. Or...dress them up with a blazer and funky heels! I probably have 15 different pairs of jean shorts but I definitely have my favorite pair. I can usually rely on my Levi cutoffs to give me the shortness I like with a looseness that's comfortable and not restricting. Denim shorts are something that aren't going away anytime soon, so invest in a pair or two for the summer...or same some dough $$$ and make your own pair by cutting up an old pair of jeans. Which ever way you decide, you'll definitely be looking effortless and chic this summer!

Some Cheap & Chic Options.....

American Eagle - $34.50

Blank Denim - $68

Forever 21 - $15.80

Forever 21 - $18.90

Blank Denim - $78

American Eagle - $34.50

Deal of the Week: Forever 21

Pair these adorable boots with a simple white summer dress, a navy blazer belted with a skinny brown belt and a long gold locket OR.... a white tee, navy boyfriend blazer and a pair of vintage denim cutoffs...either way, these boots need to be a staple in your spring/summer wardrobe!

Forever 21: Floral Lace-up boots

Only $29.80!!

Buy me.

Fashionista Find: RENT the RUNWAY

Did you ever have a special event to go to and had nothing to wear??...sounds too familiar! Usually, instead of wearing something from our closet we make a plethora of excuses of why we NEED to buy something new.... Whether it be that we don't have anything that fits, risk of a fashion repeat, or that we are just plain bored with our clothing selection. With the help of this genius service, Rent the Runway, there will be no more excuses! Just think, you can have amazing dresses from top designers like Doo Ri, Proenza Schouler, Badgley Mischka,

Alica + Olivia, and Tibi ...starting at just $50!!

So here's the deal...Sign-up on their website (**currently there is a waiting list),browse their amazing selection and pick out the perfect dress for your perfect occasion to rent. Rental periods are 4 or 8 days long, your choosing. Concerned about designer sizing?? No worries, Rent The Runway has thought of everything! They will send you two sizes of your choice so your not second guessing. Also, for and additional $25 they will send a back-up style just in case your first choice turns out to be a bust! Once you have shown off your designer duds and made all of your friends jealous simply pop the dress back in the box using the pre-paid shipping label and viola! Another added bonus...they take care of the dry cleaning!! Could it be any easier? From Runway to Real life, Rent the Runway is the perfect vehicle to getting designer style with budget fashionista prices!

**Skip the waiting list....Send me your email address and I will give you the invitation link!

Email me here.

CFW Emerging Designer Competition: Top 3

Charleston Fashion Week kicked off Tuesday night with the Emerging Designer Competition, where eight designers from the Southeast battled it out Project-Runway-style. Each of them worked diligently for months making sure that their collection was runway ready, and most didn't disappoint. Out of eight designers, three were chosen to move on in the competition. Each are being forced to take on one final design challenge before a winner is decided. The three remaining designers include Barbara Beach Children's Ready-to-wear, Jamie Lin Snyder Women's Ready-to-wear, and Larika Page Women's Ready-to-wear.

Runway Re-cap - (Tuesday night at Charleston Fashion Week)

Barbara Beach presented a collection filled with simple, sweet, and stylish frocks and separates that any little girl would want to covet. The audience filled the tent with oohs and awws as the adorable munchkin models strutted on the runway.

Jamie Lin Snider presented a collection of dresses, rompers, and jackets that exuded sophistication and glamour. I really fancied the one legged dress/romper, and the raised collar coat. I thought her designs were innovative and fresh, she showed a great balance between modern and feminine.

Larika Page showed us looks inspired by Miami Beach in the 40's. I loved her use of fun bold colors and great spring prints in addition to pieces with tulle overlays that created a soft and feminine touch.

The Emerging Designer Competition is nothing to write off, the success from past CFW ED has proven itself times over. Carol Hannah Whitfield, competed in the Emerging Designer Competition in 2008. She recently went on to compete in the hit reality show Project Runway, almost winning it! She is now back in the low country, showcasing her latest Bridal collection today at CFW. Marysia Reeves swimsuit designer, won the CFW ED competition last year, and she too has had great things come from it. Her swimsuit line Marysia was recently picked up by Urban Outfitters and one of her bathing suits was featured in the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue (2010). Maryisa is also back in Charleston as CFW show-ender tonight under the tents.

The 3 lovely ladies will be duking it out as the winner is revealed tonight at the last night of Charleston Fashion Week. I wish them all the best of luck! Winner or not I am sure great things will come of this, for all of them!

[ Photo credit: King Street Studios]

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!!