SPRING FASHIONS FROM TALBOTS & POPPY WHITAKER

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Charity League of Charlotte, one of our city's longest-operating nonprofits, has helped children in the community since 1921. Its biggest annual fundraiser is a Fashion Show and Silent Auction Luncheon at Carmel Country Club. This year's event took place on St. Patrick's Day, so guests were lucky to see a performance by Rince na h'Eireann School of Irish Dance. WBTV anchor Molly Grantham was emcee of the fashion show that featured spring and summer essentials from Talbots at Specialty Shops on the Park and adorable cotton dresses for girls from Poppy Whitaker.

Classic pieces for spring and summer from Talbots at Specialty Shops on the Park.

Pretty little dresses with clever details from Poppy Whitaker.

A FRESH TAKE ON HALSTON'S DESIGNS

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We've always admired the work of legendary American fashion designer Halston (1932-1990), and now we're also wild about the designs coming from the Halston Heritage brand that carries on his name. The current owners of Halston Heritage have managed to keep Halston's vision of relaxed luxury and 1970s glamour, but recreate it for our modern lives. 

Just like the disco anthem from Halston's Studio 54 heyday, we just keep wanting to buy "more, more, more" of the collection. Here are some of our favorite looks. To view all the offerings, click here.

Cashmere Blend Poncho Cardigan, $375. Slim Boot Linen Pant in white or black with a side slit at the hem that can be worn opened or closed, $275. Jacqueline Suede D'Orsay Shoe, $295 (also in silver metallic leather, $245). Sequined Cover Up (also in black), $295.

Silk Faile Structured Evening Skirt, $595. Organic Minaudière (one side is black, the other is white), $345. Rectangular Minaudière, $395. Lucite and Metal Large Box Minaudière, $495.

 Printed Draped Blouse, $275. Georgette Insert Poncho (also in black), $275. Pleated Poncho Top (also in black), $325. Cape Trench Coat, $495.

Wide Plaque Belk, $155. Elsa Large Slouchy Hobo Bag, $550.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEET FRANCES VALENTINE

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It's here, and it's more fabulous than we imagined.

Kate Spade, the real woman who built the Kate Spade New York brand (and then sold it), and her husband, Andy Spade, have started over fresh with a new line of Italian-made shoes and handbags called Frances Valentine. It just launched March 1 - perfect timing since there are plenty of brightly colored patent leathers, floral fabrics and gorgeous metallics to choose from. Her mix of modern whimsy rooted in classic design has us seriously crushing on this collection. 

Right now there is only one store in North Carolina selling the line (Monkee's of the Village at Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem). Go to Frances Valentine to view the glorious offerings. We want them all, but here are our favorites (prices range from $295-$595):




EXPERT EYE, EXPERT ADVICE

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Bajra shawls, $895 each, bring light to your face.

Charlotte is on the international fashion map thanks to Capitol boutique owner Laura Vinroot Poole. Her expert eye and knack for discovering new designers fuel the fashion dreams of her impressive list of customers. They adore her and her staff for their talent and wonderfully obsessive attention to customer service. 

Poole and her team attend A-list fashion shows at home and abroad to bring the best back to their chic clientele. So when she talks style for the 50 and older set, we listen. 

Most surprising confession: "I don't follow trends. I never have. I have no idea what the color or style of the moment is. I just don't think that way."

Biggest misconception about Capitol: "Throughout my career, I've had some women walk in and say that it's a young person's store and there won't be anything that will fit them. Mainly young women work here, but It's not that kind of a store. Most of my customers are in their 50s and 60s. A salesperson doesn't have to be your age to be able to help you. Working with someone who's not in your age group can help you get out of a rut."

A great fit: "Find someone to help you who's not a friend or a relative. A great salesperson can help make you look more like your true self. They can help you navigate all the styles and give you the confidence to update your look."

Handcrafted Yaser Shaw shawl, $1200.

European inspiration: "Especially in Paris, the women all have shawls. It's amazing how a great shawl can keep you comfortable in all sorts of climates. I wear one almost every day. It sounds weird, but even in the summer a shawl can help shield you when it's hot. And I love a shawl for evening. It adds a little mystery."

Best tip: "Always think about bringing light to your face. Pearls are famous for that. It's also part of the beauty of a shawl or a great pair of earrings - to bring color near your face."

Aquazurra Lace Up Flats, $685.

Aquazurra Lace Up Flats, $685.

Flats are where it's at: "A great flat will change your life. No one is going to be tricked into thinking you're taller because you wear uncomfortable high heels. When you're comfortable, you look more like yourself."

Biggest change: "Women buying jewelry for themselves has become a big part of my business. The old-fashioned idea was that men buy jewelry for you. Now women buy it for themselves."


A COZY CHIC SOLUTION

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Deborah Williams, president of Professional Consultant Group, is out and about a lot while meeting with clients or attending events. But for those days she's at home working on her computer, she shared her solution for being cozy and chic: UGG Australia's Isla cardigan and Andrie pants. 

"They're both so soft and warm," she says. "And you can run out to the mailbox in them and still feel stylish."

"The Isla cardigan ($98) is made of soft fleece and comes in two colors. The Andrie pant is no longer available online, but try the Oralyn pant ($75) which is made of cotton jersey lined with fleece and comes in four colors; or the Farah legging ($78) that's made of fleece and comes in three colors.

The Isla cardigan, from left, Farah legging and Oralyn pant:


FAST FASHION WITH A FRENCH FLAIR

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Carine Roitfeld, 61, is a Parisian-born former model who has become one of the fashion world's most influential tastemakers. On Feb. 11, she launched her second collection forJapanese fast fashion label Uniglo. Titled Uniglo X Carine Roitfeld, it features dresses, pants, tops, jackets and accessories with Roitfeld's mix of feminine and edgy flair. 

Standouts are military blouson jackets along with elegant knee-grazing skirts in three different styles: pencil, wrap and ruffle. 

If you want to order, hurry. Less than 24 hours after launching, the site is already low on stock: Uniglo.

MILITARY BLOUSON IN OLIVE, 69.90. ALSO AVAILABLE IN OTHER MATERIAL AND COLORS. 

RUFFLE SKIRT IN BLACK, $49.90.

WRAP SKIRT IN KHAKI (SHOWN); ALSO AVAILABLE IN NATURAL AND OLIVE. $49.90.

BLACK JACQUARD PENCIL SKIRT WITH A CROCODILE DESIGN, $49.90.





SPRING STYLE FROM DONCASTER

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Doncaster is known for its beautiful, quality clothing worn by sophisticated women around the country. It's also one of North Carolina's great family-owned businesses that has thrived since it was founded in 1931 in Rutherfordton. Its business model is to sell directly to consumers through a nationwide network of wardrobe stylists.

The stylists will be showing Doncaster's Spring line through Feb. 12. Marguerite Rupar, one of Charlotte's Doncaster stylists, invited us to her Dilworth studio for a look at the new offerings of custom-fit pants and jeans along with elegant dresses, jackets and tops. Details: 704-370-0433; www.doncastercharlotte.com.

Here are five of our favorite styles: 

The classic blazer gets an update with notched lapels and origami-like folds that add interest, not bulk. In Twine (shown) and Navy. $450.

A "bubble" pattern adds fun to this coat that looks equally great dressed up or down. In Sunset (shown) and Twine. $795.

A "bubble" pattern adds fun to this coat that looks equally great dressed up or down. In Sunset (shown) and Twine. $795.

An inverted pleat on the blouse and the flare of the skirt are modern yet forgiving. In Navy (shown), White, Black and Crimson. Blouse, $225; skirt, $250.

An inverted pleat on the blouse and the flare of the skirt are modern yet forgiving. In Navy (shown), White, Black and Crimson. Blouse, $225; skirt, $250.

This silk blouse can be worn three different ways. In White and Black. $275. (Silver and crystal pin, $95, sold separately.)

This silk blouse can be worn three different ways. In White and Black. $275. (Silver and crystal pin, $95, sold separately.)

A subtle zebra print in gold and white adds style to this elegant, and versatile, jacket ($650) and dress ($395). The jacket is also stunning with white pants.



THE LOW DOWN ON HIGH HEELS

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It seems the lower the heel, the more in step with modern fashion you are. Taking a cue from fashion runways, retailers are offering more stylish options for lower-heeled, and flat, shoes than in recent memory. That’s great news for those of us who either need a break from our higher heels, or have shunned them altogether. Here are five that work day or night.