Charleston Shop Curator

Fall Sip & Stroll at Freshfields Village

Today is the kick off to the Sip & Stroll season at Freshfields Village that will happen every 3rd Thursday of the month from now until December.  What better way to get ready for the weekend than an excursion to Kiawah filled with shopping, drinking, and entertainment from 4-7pm. Click here to see the full list of participating stores and restaurants.  

Stop by FortyEight – A Wine Bar for 15% off all wine and beer purchases to-go from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  If you like tapas, then this is a great place to share bites with your date or friends.  They also host a Sunday Brunch including a Bloody Mary Bar from 10:30 am to 1:30pm. The menu includes cheese plates, salads and brunch favorites like french toast and shrimp & grits. Their Sunday Funday continues with live music each Sunday from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

If you want to get some Mexican flavor then swing by Cantina 76 for half-off house margaritas.  If your looking to satisfy your sweet tooth then Ben & Jerry’s  is offering 10% off purchases from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  Or if you just want a good old fashion banana split like this one then you have to go by Vincent’s Drug Store and Soda Fountain.

Palmetto Scent Studio is one of my favorite places to stock up on sweet smelling candles and they are hosting their Wicks & Woodland Workshop on Sept. 30th.  The workshop begins with creating your own custom-scented 8oz soy candle by choosing from 120 fragrances.  While your candle cools, Soil and Savvy will help you create a woodland masterpiece by planting beautiful succulents into a one-of-a-kind cedarwood planter. Accents of acorns, lichen and shells will make this a special arrangement that you can enjoy inside or out. Space is limited so make sure you register here.

See you at Freshfields!

Dress and bag from Las Olas, Jewelry from GDC Home

Photography by Libby Williams 

The Toast of the Town at Edmund’s Oast

I know it’s only September, but I’m already looking forward to being a part of the Charleston Wine and Food Festival Street Team again in March 2019.  What better way to get prepped and wet our palates than to join the newest #CHSWFFStreetTeam members Michael Stettner and Ian Palacios of  I Love That For You and Libby Williams of Plate South for a wine tasting at Edmund’s Oast Exchange and dinner next door at The Library at Edmund’s Oast.

If you drink beer and wine and you don’t know about Edmund’s Oast Exchange then your living under a rock.  Apparently I was one of those people because I had no idea that it has been there for a year, right next to one of my favorite restaurants – Edmund’s Oast.  The gorgeous two-story shop offers over 1,000 different varieties of beer and wine sold in cans, bottles, growlers, and even kegs. Edmund’s Oast is legendary when it comes to their in-house beers on tap and now you can purchase it next door to go.  I’m not a beer drinker but I have sipped the peanut butter and jelly beer and they nailed it with the authentic taste.

Seasoned Sommelier Sarah O’Kelley schooled us on wines with her blind tasting of 3 different varieties.  Most of you might not know this but I’m not a big drinker because I get the Asian Flush.  Yes, it’s a real thing guys.  My Filipino side does not mix well with alcohol and I get hot and my face turns bright red.   But I do love me some red wine, especially with cheese and a baguette.   Luckily a wine tasting is the perfect portion for me so I was up for this game of guessing.  We learned so much about wines and where they come, and for someone who doesn’t drink a lot I guessed a few answers right.  Also, apparently there’s a description for wines that have stronger tannins in them.  It feels like tiny sweaters on your teeth when your sipping certain wine.

We hopped right next door for dinner at Edmund’s Oast in their newly unveiled Library.  This private room is old world romantic and the perfect place for an intimate event or just a dinner for 4 of course.   I was excited to wear my new jumper from World Ink Project by Carrie Beth Waghorn.  She just launched her line of sustainable, season-less, one of a kind clothes and she donates a portion of her sales to local women’s shelters.  My jewelry is by Naked Eyes and Emily Hill, the co-designer,  is a major team member at Edmund’s Oast.  She juggles the high demand events and inner workings at the restaurant by day (and probably night too) while juggling her wildly successful jewelry line with boyfriend Alex Klaes.

How cute are these boys Michael and Ian from I Love That For You ?  4 hours of drinking and eating flew by way too fast!

We sampled everything from the charcuterie plate, pork belly + peaches, a tomato salad, mouthwatering mushrooms, and a grilled veggie plate.  The Salt Chicken and the Red Curry Eggplant were my all time favorites.  I don’t do red meat, but I know the boys were all over the burger.

Just when I thought I couldn’t stuff my face anymore, our lovely server April threw some New Orleans flavor our way with the Beignets, Benne Seed Wafers and Ice Cream.

In honor of Pride Week in Charleston I interviewed Michael and Ian for my #PrideTV IGTV series on Instagram.  It was more of a conversation than an interview and their fun facts at the end cracked me up.  Their blog I Love That For You started organically because they love sharing their recommendations on what to do and where to eat in the lowcountry.  I might start my own fan page called I Love Them for That because their spirit is contagious!

Photography by Libby Williams of Plate South

Step Up Your Game at The Riley Park Club

Just when you think you’ve seen all the beautiful venues in Charleston, the people from the Indigo Road Group have wowed us again with The Riley Park Club.   Situated on the second floor club level at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, this scenic view has everything you would want for a private party.  The obvious would be an exclusive gathering to watch a RiverDogs game, or think outside the box by hosting a rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, corporate event, or a swanky holiday party with the stadium all to yourself.

I had the opportunity to take a tour of the The Riley Park Club and sampled the delicious tasting menu from Mercantile and Mash, the exclusive caterers to the club.  Keeping up with the Indigo Road Group ethos, all of the food is sourced from local farmers and everything is fresh.  The menu also includes some of the most popular dishes from their other restaurants like O-Ku and Oak Steakhouse, and all of the food is made on site.

These tuna bites with an avocado puree was so delectable, I could’ve easily inhaled all of them myself.

The hors d’oeuvres kept on coming and these oysters did not disappoint!

The other perks of hosting your event at The Riley Park Club is on-site parking,  in-house rental items, built-in A/V equipment, banquet seating for up to 100 guests,  and reception space for up to 200 guests.  Perfect for any medium size event, which can be hard to find in Charleston.  

The floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the RiverDog’s field, as well as the Ashley River marsh.  Where else can you experience a view like this at a swanky soiree?

Want to pretend like your Bill Murray and have free range of the ball park?  You can use the scoreboard for non-game day events, have cocktails on the field then dinner in the club.  Now that’s what I call ballin’.

 So if your looking to step your game up (pun intended) and want to host an event that’s unique and unexpected, then The Riley Park Club  is your venue.  

Dress by Mason Hosker, Earrings and rings from Gold Creations, Bangles from Croghans Jewel Box,

Photography by Nicole Mickle, Makeup by Bellelina Studio, Hair by Drybar Charleston,  Rentals by Event Haus, Florals by Stephanie Gibbs Events

Sunset Session with the Aylyst

The fashion community in Charleston is growing by the day, including fashion designers.  I recently met with Aysha Louise of The Aylyst, a contemporary women’s clothing line that transcends style and accessibility.   Aysha is a Charleston native and her background in design and styling spans from New York to L.A.   American made clothing with outfits under $100?  Double win!  We mixed clothing and accessories from local shops to show you how you can be on the Aylyst no matter how you wear it.

Aylyst Vest Dress $65 // White dress from Beckett Boutique // Jewelry from Gold Creations

Aylyst Striped Wide Leg Pants $53 // T-shirt and bag from Hampden Clothing

Stay tuned for The Aylyst Resort 2019 preview with swimsuits that pop!

Swimsuits by The Aylyst Resort 2019 preview, striped pants by The Aylyst  // Shorts from Hampden Clothing // Earrings from Moon & Lola / Bangle and rings from Gold Creations

Photography by Paul King, Shot on location with Handsome Properties at 76 On the Harbor Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC  Click here for more information on property

Bespoke Sandals by Michael Grey

In this world of “fast fashion” it’s refreshing to experience a new take on it.  Footwear designer Michael Grey is making custom sandals under an hour’s time and I witnessed his whole process in the beginning of sandal season this summer here in Charleston.  He set up his sandal making shop in the window display at Shoes on King and fitted women’s feet while they picked out leather and suede straps.  For the same price of an off the shelf brand shoe, you could have a custom sandal that fits your foot perfectly and a style that you pretty much get to design yourself.

Hailing from Goose Creek and current dweller in NYC, Michael Grey packed up his sandal factory to come to Charleston for his pop up shop. He usually sets up shop in his sandal truck in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where he bangs out sandals all day long, even in the winter time.  Picture a food truck, but instead of serving food on the go, he’s making sandals on the go.

I first met Michael Grey a couple of years ago at Charleston Fashion Week where he was showing as an Emerging Designer. His collection of military inspired women’s clothing was bold and graphic, and celebrated women in a strong and powerful light.  He paired the clothing with his custom sky high wooden wedge boots, which might have stole the show.

I’m also wearing another Charleston Fashion Week alum, Heather Rose Johnson who showed this past year.  Her runway show was a beautiful mix of vintage details and hand knitted pieces that came together for a modern, eclectic chic collection.  These outfits were a perfect match for Michael’s bespoke sandals.

Stay tuned for Michael Grey‘s website and another pop up in Charleston before the end of summer. Getting a custom pair of shoes made is something that everyone should treat themselves to.

Photography by Nicole Mickle, Jewelry from Jtv and Goldbug Sullivan’s Island, Sunglasses from Blue Planet Eyewear and Sunglass.LA

Summer in the City

With summer in full swing and 4th of July a week away there are plenty of soirees to get decked out for.  Beckett Boutique is definitely the place to find the perfect statement dress, cool separates, and even swimsuits that are exclusive to Charleston.  The ladies at Beckett always know how to hand select the most beautiful clothing and accessories that you can’t find anywhere else.

I’m obsessed with this Alexis dress from Beckett Boutique, it’s the perfect amount of flirty feminine with the print and ruffles, but unexpected with the body con fit.  This brand Alexis is known for their wow factor, and this one does not fall short.

If Stevie Nicks lived in Charleston she would definitely rock this PS The Label dress from Beckett Boutique. It’s total peach perfection!

So if your looking for that show stopping outfit, check out  Beckett Boutique on Upper King.  And if you can’t make it into the store then follow them on Instagram @beckettboutique, they’re always posting the latest and greatest.  They have shoppable links on IG and their online store is open 24/7.  It doesn’t get any better than supporting a local Charleston boutique from the comforts of your home!

Jewelry from Porter Conrad // Zac Zac Posen sunglasses from Nordstrom $85 // Shoes by Serverde

Photography by Clifford Pate

Staycation at The Restoration

Having a staycation with my family is just as fun as hopping on a plane and experiencing a new city.  The beauty of jumping in your car and driving a few miles to your destination just means you have more time to experience your vacation, and less time traveling.  We do after all, live in one of the top travel destinations in the world.  Me and my crew had the opportunity to stay at The Restoration Hotel downtown, one of the most dynamic boutique hotels in Charleston, offering everything from vintage car rentals, shopping, dining, baby sitting services, and grocery delivery to your room.

 You can rent a vintage car at The Restoration Hotel by the hour or by the day from Dream Classic Rentals.  It was so much fun riding in this 1966 Mustang over the James Island connector to Folly Beach.  I didn’t realize how much attention we would get, everyone loves a vintage convertible, especially in this bright turquoise.

Hat by San Diego Hat Co. from Shoes.com $44.95 // Bag by San Diego Hat company from Zappos $32.99 // Romper by L’Atiste from Toss Designs $48 // Sunglasses from Sunglass LA $12 // Jewelry by Barracuda Moon  // shoes by Serverde

It doesn’t get anymore convenient than The Curated Coastal Package which is a great service The Restoration Hotel offers to make your trip to the beach extra easy.  They packed a yummy picnic for all of us which included sandwiches, cheese, crackers, fruit and water. Plus they throw in beach chairs and a game of paddle board.   As you can see here we throughly enjoyed our care-free day at the beach thanks to The Restoration.

Turkish towels by The Charleston Weekender from Cannonborough Collective // sunglasses from Sunglass LA // and swimsuit from Citrine Swim 

After all of the saltwater and sand we were ready to get back to The Restoration Hotel and take a dip in the pool.  The 5th floor private pool has the most amazing views of Charleston in an intimate setting.  We lucked out and got the pool all to ourselves.  You really feel like your in another city when you get to experience all of the amenities of a boutique hotel.

Sun wrap worn as a head wrap by Zags x Goldbug Collection from Croghans Jewel Box // Goldbug Collection Bee Mine earrings $85 from Croghans Jewel Box // ZAc Zac Posen sunglasses from Nordstrom $85 // Swimsuit from Old Navy $44.99

View more to check out the rest of our hotel stay including the incredibly delicious dinner at The Watch restaurant, cooking breakfast in our suite, and squeezing out the last moments of our staycation at The Restoration Hotel. If your looking for an escape this summer, I’ve teamed up with The Restoration for 15% off a hotel booking with promo code FAMILY now through August.  Click here to book and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Straw from Cannonborough Collective

Photography by Clifford Pate