Charleston Shop Curator

Peachy Keen

Summertime is pretty much here and my favorite place to chill is definitely the beach.  My go to beach is Folly, but when I want to switch it up Kiawah is always on the top of my list.  After an afternoon of shopping or lunch at Freshfields Village, the beach is just minutes away.

Memorial weekend is going to be jumping at Freshfields Village with their Official Kickoff to Summer events. Friday and Saturday nights will be Music on the Green and Sunday will be an art show featuring Lowcountry inspired art.  For more details click here.

If that isn’t enough reason to come out to Kiawah, you can catch a fitness class by Studio 33 on Saturday the 27th. Yes, finally you can get your fitness on at Freshfields Village with Studio 33 where they’ll be practicing yoga, pilates, and barre!

Dress by Ali & Jay $170 from Scout & Molly’s Kiawah, Beaded bracelet $74, and sunglasses from Las Olas at Freshfields Village // Necklace by Kate Davis

Photography by Libby Williams

The Ruffled LBD

That little black dress could be a dime a dozen, but this one is definitely stands out.  It’s from the online store Tobi, which offers a deep variety of clothes for an amazingly affordable price.  This little neoprene number right here was $60 and is now only $12!  I scooped up a 3 dresses and a swimsuit for under $150.  When you go through clothes like me it’s always good to have options.

I love these chalcedony earrings, cuff, and rings from Croghan’s Jewel Box.  They always have the perfect accents to top any outfit.

The Harper Clutch by Taxidermy is one of my favorite styles and this one is the ideal neutral tone to go with anything.  If your going to invest in a Taxidermy bag, it’s always good to go with the natural python.

 Soleil Bodycon Dress from Tobi $12 // 18k Vermeil chalcedony earrings $165, gold plated 19k Aqua chrysoberyl ring $3,075, gold plated Solin cuff and gold plated Solin ring $115 by Elizabeth & James from Croghan’s Jewel Box // Sunglasses by Quay at Germain Dermotology // Harper Clutch by Taxidermy $895 // Similar shoes by Vince Camuto at DSW $59.95

Photography by Clifford Pate, Lash extensions by Simply Smitten Beauty Bar

Maris & Morgan Loves Mom

  As working mom’s we strive to make that work life balance an everyday goal. Our days are long – sometimes waking up at 4am, coaching our kids tennis matches, and back to work on the computer until 12am.  Some of us are juggling multiples kids schedules with their after school activities, and switching gears to try to look glamorous at work events later in the evening.  I think all moms can agree that being a mom can be the most challenging job in the world but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today I’m featuring a handful of local working moms who balance a successful career and family life.  Jenny Dennis of Skirt! Magazine is the publisher of the monthly women’s magazine, Erin Kienzle is the co-host of Lowcountry Live, Katherine Hanson is the creator of grip start baby leggings – Moda Baby, Meghan Walker is the founder of Pink Dot Beauty Bar, and Deirdre Zahl is the brains behind the brand Candy Shop Vintage.

I’ve also teamed up with Maris DeHart and Morgan Cole Art for a Mother’s Day giveaway on Instagram to win a $200 gift card from Maris DeHart and an original Morgan Cole Art 19″x24″ oil painting by tagging a mom that inspires you.  Follow @CharlestonShopCurator, @MarisDehart and @MorganColeAart on Instagram to enter to win. The winner will be announced Monday morning (5/15/2017).

Jenny Dennis of Skirt! Magazine

Erin Kienzle of Lowcountry Live

Katherine Hanson of Moda Baby

Meghan Walker of Pink Dot Beauty Bar

Deirdre Zahl of Candy Shop Vintage

View more to read about these incredible working mom’s and their inspiring stories.

Photography by Taylor Jarvis of Pale Girl Photography, Makeup by Rebecca Wash at Pink Dot Beauty Bar, Wardrobe from Maris DeHart

Grey Area

Spring time is usually about color, but there’s something about a neutral, like grey to make that tan pop.  I’m all about a bargain too, and this dress from Tobi is only $11!  I mean, you can’t even eat lunch for $11.  So why not scoop up a dress that’ll take you from the beach to the street.  I know this will be one of my favorite cover ups this summer.

If you live in Charleston, then most people know about Germain Dermotology for specialized skincare.  But what most people don’t know if that you can also shop makeup by Jane Iredale, sun hats, and accessories like these Quay sunglasses.  If it has to do with sun protection, then Germain is all about it.

My favorite earrings that I’ve been wearing lately are these by Ash Hoffman.  Made with sterling silver and diamonds, they are perfect for that mom that deserves to be treated with something special.

You really can’t go wrong with jewelry for a Mother’s Day gift, especially when you can find it for under $250.  This collar necklace and cuff are both from Croghan’s Jewel Box, and no you won’t break the bank.  I always like to raid their Elizabeth & James section because it’s modern and the price point is attainable.

The bright silver rings I scooped up from Naked Eyes at Maris DeHart.  There’s nothing like supporting gifted local artisans in this town.

Gigi Maxi Dress $11 from Tobi // Sunglasses by Quay at Germain Dermotology // Sage earrings with diamonds $175 by Ash Hoffman // Rhodium plate Inez ring $95, Selena collar necklace $195, Leo Cuff $225 by Elizabeth & James from Croghan’s Jewel Box // Bar ring $150 and Silver ring by Naked Eyes from Maris DeHart // Marisol sandals by Corso Como $124 from Zappos

Photography by Clifford Pate

Queen for a Day at Cottage Aroma Bella Day Spa

The pampering continued at  Cottage Aromabella Day Spa with a mani and pedi fit for a queen.  The custom made throne for the pedicure was the most luxurious setting for an experience to remember. Hope gave me the royal treatment with a soothing foot massage using the Deep Steep Candy Mint Foot Scrub and finishing up with the Candy Mint Foot Cream.  The products are the perfect blend of a candy cane scent with a therapeutic menthol tingle.

Manicures are a luxury for me because I’m a mom on the go and I’m constantly working with my hands.  When I do get a mani, I savor the moment and appreciate when my cuticles get some extra love and attention.

I love the intimate setting of their mani and pedi room.  It’s so nice to sit in a room for an hour getting my nails done, and not have to inhale harsh chemicals like you usually do at the nail salon.  Like my facial and massage experience, this was just as relaxing and peaceful.

Cottage Aromabella Day Spa has raised my standards in the spa experience, and now I’m spoiled.  I feel like I discovered Charleston’s best kept secret, but I want to spread the word so other people can have the same experience as me.  Everyone at the spa makes it a point to make you feel like your at home.  They only take 1 -2 clients in at a time so you really feel like you have the entire space to yourself.  They encourage you continue your relaxation by lounging in the living room or have a tea in their garden. I can’t wait to come back and try some of their other treatments like the Vibrational Therapy, Chakra Balancing, and the Lavender De-Stress.  Mom’s have the hardest job – whether your a stay at home mom or a working mom, we all need some pampering and an escape to Cottage Aromabella Day Spa is just what the doctor ordered.

PPLA dress from House of Sage //  Floral gate ring $55, Coral reef gate ring $45, Gate set necklace $75 all from Gold Creations

Photography by Clifford Pate

Escape to Cottage Aroma Bella Day Spa

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of experiencing a day of pampering at The Cottage Aromabella Day Spa in Johns Island.  Tucked away next to the Johns Island Executive Airport, sits a cottage surrounded by beautiful gardens resembling something that you would find in the English Countryside. When you reach the spa you know that you have retreated to a special place for an experience that’s unparalleled.

The story begins in 1983 when husband and wife team Paul and Peggy Lieber started their all natural skincare company Royal Labs.  Seeing a void in the market of products that were free of chemicals, preservatives, and animal testing, they decided to embark on a journey that would forever revolutionize the skincare industry.  They have manufactured products for brands like Kiss My Face and Burt’s Bees, as well as their own line Deep Steep and the exclusive Aromabella line that can be found in their spa.  Looking for ways to perfect their products on clients, Peggy Lieber became an esthetician and started her path as a spa owner.  With 25 years of practice, she opened up The Cottage Aromabella Day Spa in 2010 ago right next to Royal Labs.

My facial with Peggy was the most relaxing experience I’ve ever had and my skin was glowing for days. As she was doing her treatments and massaging my face I fell into a deep sleep, which every mom needs in the middle of the day.   My facial was tailored to my skin’s needs and included a deep exfoliation, penetration of nutrients, facial and neck acupressure, enzymatic extraction, skin toning, cell nourishment, balancing hydration and of course a lot of TLC.  You can tell that Peggy puts her heart and soul into what she does.  She also took her time after the facial to explain what she did and suggested what my skin needs to keep it healthy and fresh.  

Afterwards I received a massage by Hope, their main therapist who also does facials, manicures, and pedicures.  She had a great firm touch, but relaxing at the same time.  Hope worked on my problem areas with such finesse, I didn’t want our session to end.

With over 20 treatments to choose from – skin peels, custom facials, massages, vibrational healing, waxing, mani’s and pedi’s;  there’s plenty of reasons to come back again.  Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and this is the perfect gift.  Whether you know a stay at home mom or working mom, she will definitely enjoy the escape, even if it’s for just an hour.  They’re running a special in honor of mom and their gift certificates will be 20% off along with a shopping spree on May 27^th with sales up to 75% off.

I’m excited to share more about my experience at Cottage Aromabella Day Spa on Lowcountry Live this Friday as part of my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.  You don’t want to miss out on my segment because I’ll be giving away a basket full of Deep Steep products worth $230!

View more for my Q & A with Peggy Lieber, the founder of Cottage Aromabella Day Spa and stay tuned for my Mani & Pedi experience.

PPLA dress from House of Sage //  Floral gate ring $55, Coral reef gate ring $45, Gate set necklace $75 all from Gold Creations // Similar nude wedges by Jeffrey Campbell $96.25 from ShopBop

Photography by Clifford Pate

Keeping Up With Kiawah

Freshfields Village is definitely popping these days, with new restaurants set to be debuting this summer and new stores opening up there is no stopping the growth at the Kiawah shopping dining destination.  The newest store Beija Flor, is offering a little bit more diversity in the denim department.  The Greenville based brand was started by mother and daughter team, Kathy Moça and Emilie Whitaker with the mission of developing a denim line that caters to all body types.

The Audrey style jeans that I’m wearing here are some of the softest pants I’ve ever worn.  You can’t deny the quality and the fit when you try on a pair of jeans from Beija Flor.  They’re jeans are made in Brazil, hence the name which means Hummingbird, and they pride themselves in being a sustainable and socially conscious company.  Fair labor and eco friendly practices are an important component of their business.  By eliminating waste, creating socially progressive working conditions and initiating long-term sustainable growth Beija Flor creates clothes that not only look good but feel good when you wear them.

Las Olas is of the newer kids on the block at Freshfields Village.  Opening up last year and bringing a young surfer vibe to Kiawah, they carry the most fun swimsuits, clothes, and accessories for men and women.  This is the second location for the locally owned store and I heard that they’ll be opening up a 3rd location in Towne Centre in June.  I love that the retail scene is thriving in the Lowcountry!

“Audrey” jeans in Ice Blue by Beija Flor $168 // Show Me Your Mumu blouse $128, Vitamin A bikini top $95, Beaded bracelet $74, Handwoven bag $125, Sunglasses $160 all from Las Olas // Necklace by Kate Davis

Photography by Libby Williams