FASHION RECAP: STAY SASSY, STAY CHIC

The O Report Publisher Olivia Fortson talks with guests at the Stay Sassy, Stay Chic fashion seminar April 5 in Circle Court of SouthPark Mall. All photos by Daniel Coston.

The O Report recently presented Stay Sassy, Stay Chic: A Fashion Seminar for Women 50 and Up. Thank you to all the guests who attended! We are so appreciative of your support. We especially loved Living La Vida Diva blogger Vikee Koh's take on the event (click here to read it). Thanks, Vikee!

We're happy to report it was a hit! It was held April 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Circle Court in the luxury wing of SouthPark Mall, which sponsored the event. 

Event hosts were fashion expert Suzanne Libfraind, the exclusive personal shopper for SouthPark Mall; and Olivia Fortson, Publisher of The O Report. Suzanne chose an outfit from Nordstrom and styled Olivia in clothing from Dillard's. Nordstrom and Dillard's were two of the event sponsors.

Limited to 100 guests, tickets sold out in three days and there were over 100 on the waiting list. It was hosted by Suzanne Libfraind, SouthPark Mall's personal shopper with sass; and Olivia Fortson, publisher of The O Report. (Click here for an interesting profile on Suzanne that's in the People section of this website.)

Guests raved about the fabulous luncheon menu from Reid's Fine Foods & Wine Bar at SouthPark: kale detox salad, mixed fruit and a variety of sandwiches.

The event began with a fabulous luncheon menu from Reid's Fine Foods & Wine Bar at SouthPark: kale detox salad, mixed fruit and a variety of sandwiches.

Reid's created a speciality cocktail, the Sassy Suzanne, in honor of star Suzanne Libfraind. The recipe is below. It's strong, sweet and pretty - just like Suzanne!

They also created a speciality cocktail in honor of program star Suzanne Libfraind - the Sassy Suzanne! It's made with 2 parts vodka, 1 part Jack Ruby Sweet Tea Syrup, 1 part lime juice, 1 part Hibiscus tea and 1/2 part simple syrup. 

To get the party started, Olivia and Suzanne gave a toast - "Cheers to staying sassy and staying chic!"

You're never too old for a beautiful braid! Jenn at Carmen! Carmen! Salon created this braided hairstyle for Olivia Fortson.

Suzanne and Olivia shared their tips for staying sassy and chic no matter your age. Models 50 and up showed off Spring looks from Nordstrom and Dillard's. Carmen! Carmen! Salon at Belk styled the hair of the hosts and model; and bareMinerals at SouthPark did their makeup. 

Models at the event were (from left): Darla Desiderio, Sandra McCaslin, Suzanne Walker, Dianne Roth and Francene Marie Morris.

The models were Darla Desiderio, the author of Gage the Whippet series of children's books; artist Sandra McCaskill, owner of Alexandra's Accents, who creates luxury throw blankets that are in fine homes around the world; Francene Marie Morris, an award-winning radio host with Beasley Media Group, whose talk show can be heard on six different stations around the Charlotte area; Dianne Roth, the recently retired Director of Development for the American Diabetes Association Central Carolinas Chapter; and Suzanne Walker, office manager at SouthPark Mall. 

Three of the models have been featured on The O Report - Dianne, Darla and Francene (to read their interviews, click on their names). 

Francene in an outfit from Dillard's.

Darla's outfit, including Vince Camuto heels and a two-tone Longchamp bag, were from Nordstrom.

Suzanne Walker in pieces from Dillard's including a pink sweater/poncho from Peter Nygard and multicolor straw sandals from Donald J. Pliner.

Sandra loved this Lewitt plaid and eyelet jacket from Nordstrom.

Dianne in a fuchsia Halston top, Preston & York white pants, Patricia Nash navy bag and Sam Edelman blue straw heeled sandals - all from Dillard's.

Francene's look from Dillard's featured a printed headscarf from Masai, olive suede block heels from A&D and a laser cut tote bag from Kate Landry.

Darla in a look from Nordstrom: a poppy red Eliza J dress, multicolored Louis et Cie heels and a gray Tory Burch bag.

Suzanne Libfraind showed off her fashion expertise by styling the models in different outfits at various price points and using each look as a way to share great information with guests about what they should be thinking about in regards to 50 & up fashion. The end of the program was a Q&A so guests could ask questions. 

Suzanne looked amazing in her Elizabeth & James bronze pleated palazzo pants from Nordstrom paired with an A.L.C. top and Halogen shoes.

Suzanne Walker in an embellished wrap from Karl Lagerfeld and a silver Kate Landry clutch, both from Dillard's.

Dianne in a stunning Caroline Rose floral jacquard coat from Dillard's.

The final look was Sandra in a gorgeous sequined navy gown from JS Collections at Nordstrom accessorized with an iridescent clutch.

Three different looks - from casual to cocktail and formal - on models Dianne, Francene and Sandra.

During the program, SouthPark Mall gave away five raffle prizes: Jewelry from Kendra Scott, a bareMinerals gift set, a scarf from the new Johnny Was store at the mall, and two gift cards valued at $50 each. 

Dominica of Nona's Sweets & Bakery with her sweet - not scandalouos - naked cupcakes. Guests loved

Then guests enjoyed Naked Cupcakes from Nona's Sweets & Bakery (naked means they could choose their flavor of cupcake and then decorate it themselves). 

Guests left with a Stay Chic gift bag from The O Report filled with gifts from Reid's, Dillards, SouthPark Mall, Nona's Sweets & Bakery, and bareMinerals. The new Matte Liquid Lipcolor that bareMinerals gave away was so popular with guests, The O Report received numerous requests on how to purchase full-size lip colors.. To order more, contact the bareMinerals store at SouthPark Mall: 704-362-1228.

We also hope everyone who attended left with an extra sassy step to their walk and inspiration for how to stay chic! 

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