Charleston Shop Curator

Father’s Day Gift Guide at Vieuxtemps

Father’s Day is just around the corner and why not treat dad with a token of your love.  So many dad’s do so much for their family and can be under appreciated.  It’s always important to acknowledge their love, effort, and the little things that they do everyday. I rounded up some of my favorite gifts from Vieuxtemps, the charming gift boutique located on lower King Street.  Whether he’s into fishing, cocktailing, or leisurely reads, there’s something for every deserving dad out there.

Alexa Pulitzer Pads $18 Each

Rosewood Jigger $20 , Match Pewter Double Old Fashioned Glass $70 each , Whiskey Stones

Ice Mallet and Bag $36

Bar Tool $36

Rosewood Flask $38 , Gold Flask $38 , Louis Sherry 2 piece Chocolate Tins $8.50 each

The Essential Oyster Book $35 , Pewter Oyster Shell $18

Photography by Clifford Pate

Pearls of Wisdom

The family owned Croghan’s Jewel Box keep busy all year with their trunk shows featuring designers from around the globe.  The next one featuring Mizuki Jewels will feature pearls and diamonds in modern and unique settings by Japanese designer Mizuki Goltz.  Pearls have been a mainstay in traditional jewelry, but this unique and minimalist collection will make you view pearls in a whole new light.  Whether your pairing this jewelry with a cocktail dress or a t-shirt and jeans, Mizuki Jewels makes a bold statement that transcends style and time.

Mizuki Goltz has received many accolades including the prestigious award for Town and Country’s 2017 Pearls of The Year award.  In 2016, she won both the Pearl Design award at Centurion and the Pearl Design award at the Couture show in Las Vegas. Her collection has been recognized in many magazines such as Oprah,  Veranda and In Style.

Join Croghan’s Jewel Box  tomorrow, June 8th from 10 until 3 and Saturday June 9th from 10 until 5 to view and shop this beautiful collection.

14k diamond baroque pearl collar necklace $2,935, 14k pearl marquis hoop earrings $635, 14k Tahitian floating pearl hoop earrings all by Mizuki from Croghan’s Jewel Box // Zac Zac Posen Janey dress $343 from Farfetch // Zac Zac Posen Leona polarized sunglasses $95 from Nordstrom // Similar shoes here.

Photography by Clifford Pate

Everybody Loves the Sunshine

Summer weather is finally here to stay and I’m looking forward to more excuses to be outside.  I love visiting the gems in Charleston like Hampton Park.

I’m always a fan of a white dress, and this one from Magnifique is both pretty and practical.  Pockets should be mandatory in all dresses and skirts, and this one nails it.  Located on Market Street where tourists usually frequent, there are a few retail spots that locals just might be surprised to find.

Gold Creations is one of Charleston’s other local gems that’s located on the Market too.  Family owned for over 40 years, you’ll find a stunning selection of cocktail rings and lowcountry inspired jewelry.

Dress from Magnifique // Jewelry from Gold Creations // Fedora from Goorin Brothers $80 // Shoes by Pikolinos from Zappos $170

Photography by Kim Graham

Memorial Weekend Ready

Memorial Day is just around the corner and I’m so looking forward to that 3 day weekend.  A couple of weeks ago I had the chance to explore Seabrook Island and fell in love with The Beach Club.  Conveniently located near Freshfields Village me and the fam did some shopping to make sure we were ready for some pool and beach action.

We stopped by Vineyard Vines to deck out the family in swimsuits.  You can’t go wrong with gingham and I love the retro high waisted look.  I picked up this scarf from Beija Flor to wear as a sarong, but turned it into this turban.  I’m trying to grow out my bangs so this is the perfect solution for that awkward growing out phase.

Black & White Gingham Tie Front Bikini Top $65 from Vineyard Vines,  Black & White High Waisted Gingham Bottom $60 from Vineyard Vines // Scarf worn as turban from Beija Flor at Freshfields Village // Sunglasses from Sunglass L.A.

Boys Marlin Out Of Water Chappy Trunks $34.99 from Vineyard Vines

Boys Pieced Chappy Trunks $55 from Vineyard Vines

My boys favorite shop in Freshfields Village is of course Wonder Works Toys. They can spend hours in there testing out all of the toys.  The shop was fully stocked up on water toys and pool floats like this watermelon.  Sebastian enjoyed his slice of heaven.

Sebastian was also loving this surfer girl from Wonder Works Toys.  It doesn’t matter how you flip her, she always lands on her board and floats right side up.

These super light weight pants from Tina Stephens are perfect for throwing on after the beach or pool.  They just opened up in in Freshfields Village  and carry both their signature seamless shirts and other brands.

Follow Freshfields Village for their summer events because they always have something going on.  Every Friday this summer is Music on the Green from 6-9pm, and this Friday is Java Band. They play party favorites from R&B, Hip Hop,Rock, and Motown.  I know I’ll be spending a lot of time out there this summer, and I hope you get to explore the John’s Island, Kiawah, and Seabrook area too!

Mother’s Day Gratitude

As a decade of being a mom quickly approaches, I look back reflecting on how much this experience has impacted me.  Raising two tiny humans, hoping that I’m making the right decisions, and making it my mission that they are living the best life. Don’t get me wrong, being a mom isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.  It’s a lot of hard work and frequently on the edge of losing it.  But I wouldn’t trade it all for the world.

This week I’ve come across so many personal stories of mother’s who have experienced the loss of their partner, the loss of their child, abuse, breast cancer, and near death experiences.  These are the living heroes.  Strong women who sacrifice it all so they can provide a good life for their family.  Life is precious and I never take it for granted, not for one second.

Speaking of amazing mothers, I love supporting local mompreneurs who know how to juggle it all while running a successful business.  I’m wearing this dress from Style Dwell, which is owned by Christie Bishop and she runs it with her daughter Ashley by her side. They carry the cutest clothes & accessories and recently just moved into the Citadel Mall. The jewelry is from Porter Conrad, and the owner Kelly Sigg and her husband have made many trips to Bali with their son to get their jewelry custom made by the same family they’ve been working with for several years.  Katie Shields of Mylk Bar, opened up Charleston’s first eco-friendly nail salon last year while she was juggling a new born. I love getting fun nail art for my gel manis in her ultra cool salon.

The other two ladies that were a part of this shoot might not have kids yet, but they love their mommas!  Ashleigh Hover of Microblading Charleston just opened up last year and business has been booming.  Thanks to her I don’t have to worry about filling in my eyebrows for a long time.  Yes, perfectly shaped brows and I didn’t have to do anything in the morning.  Thank you Ashleigh!  If you’ve seen a lot of flowers popping up in my Instagram feed it’s because of Lori DeNicola of Petaloso.  My talented floral designer friend can whip up a floral skirt quicker than you can say Ranunculus. Which is my new favorite flower by the way.

And the last momma shot out goes to Nicole Mickle my photographer for this shoot.  I love the energy that she always brings to the shoots and her passion for her family runs deep.  So lucky to work with such talented and creative women right here in Charleston!

Tu Good to be True

Tucked away on the busy Upper Meeting Street is the oasis called Tu.  Innovation and concept melt together in this new restaurant brought to you by the owners of Xiao Bao Biscuit.  Joey Ryan, Josh Walker, and Josh’s wife Duolan Li are always one step ahead of giving Charleston what it’s been lacking in flavor.  They’re always on the cutting edge with bringing bold ethnic flavors together in an ultra hip setting.

If your expecting more Asian infused dishes at Tu, you’ll be surprised.  Their menu is all about multicultural influences and unexpected pairings.  Duolan Li describes it as “New American” which means it’s a melting pot of flavors from South America to the Middle East.  Of course presentation is everything, just look at this Fennel Salad topped with edible flowers.

After living in New York I was spoiled with access to any ethnic food I wanted and it’s so nice to see a place that embraces many cultures and celebrates it.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the food in Charleston, but there’s always room for another quality restaurant, especially one that offers diversity.

I’m not a strict vegetarian, but I always gravitate towards the veggie focused dishes.  This beet dripping with chimmichurri and griddled provolone had my name written all over it!

The other surprise at Tu that I’m obsessed with is it’s decor and overall vibe.  First off they have parking in their courtyard, and to the left of the parking is a traditional Charleston home with two dining rooms downstairs.  One room is their private party room, ready for a karaoke sing off or a dance party, or both.  The blush walls paired with the glossy green ceilings would make any interior designer drool.

The other dining room is painted a matte black, lit by only a few dim sconces and a neon light.  The mood is sexy date night.

Adjacent to the traditional house is the modern building that they custom built.  The orange velvet banquettes set against the pink plastered walls have a 60’s throwback (my favorite era in design).  Every detail is so well thought out and so unique to Charleston.  It’s what we’ve been wanting, but didn’t know it until it arrived.  This place is perfect for a date night, girls’ night, or when you want to impress your friends or family who are coming into town.  Thank you team Tu and Xiao Bao Biscuit for continuing to elevate the southern dining experience and always bringing the flava!

Green jumpsuit and red floral jumpsuit from Traffic People // Annabelle circle crossbody $105 from Duex Lux // Jewelry from Jtv

Photography by Libby Williams of Plate South

Practical PJ’s

Now that spring is finally here we can fully enjoy the beautiful weather!  What seems to be the longest winter in the history of me living here for 14 years, I’m so happy we can finally shed those layers.  I do love me some clothes that are so comfy you feel like your wearing pj’s like this outfit from The Resort Shop .  Yes, the pajama trend is still going strong and I’m so excited that they brought Tretorn sneakers back.  You can find these slick silver ones at Holly & Brooks for only $85!

If your looking for a place to enjoy the beautiful weather this week, then come out to the Freshfields Village Sip & Stroll on Thursday from 4-7pm.  There’s nothing like being out in Kiawah while you get your shop on while you enjoy drinks and food.  Most of the shops will be offering sales and drinks for the stroll, and for a full list of participating businesses click here.

I’m also so excited to partner up with Freshfields Village to donate a shopping package to the Make a Wish Foundation for their Wishes in Bloom fundraising event next month. This amazing organization grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions.  I’ve teamed up with Freshfields Village for a shopping package to be auctioned off at the event to raise funds for a child in need.  They have donated a $1,000 gift certificate and I will be volunteering my time to shop and style the lucky winning bidder!

Get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Top by Lavendar Brown $245, Pants by Lilla P $198 from The Resort Shop // Tretorn sneakers $85, backpack by Rebecca Minkoff $245, sunglasses, ring $58.50 and necklace by House of Harlow $38 all from Holly & Brooks all at Freshfields Village

Photography by Libby Williams