Award winning gown

It was my very great honor to be asked to emcee the Charleston American Marketing Association Spark! Awards, recognizing the best creative work in our area. This year's gala had an Old Hollywood theme, which couldn't be more fun. Instantly, I had a vision of what I wanted to wear. Putting my outfit together would be as much fun as the event itself.

Thrifted head to toe and arriving in style in that divine Tesla.

This dress was very drab on on the hanger. It was marked 3 sizes larger than what I wear. The hem was stained … but the color and fabric were just what I was looking for. So into the dressing room it went with me.

Miraculously, it fit perfectly. Of course, it was several inches too long, because absolutely everything I buy has to be hemmed. I wouldn't have to worry about getting the stain out, because I would be cutting several inches off the bottom anyway.

Close up detail at waist

As I speculated at my reflection in the consignment store mirror, the deal was sealed. The sales lady spoke those magic words, "I'll give it to you for half off."

I'll take it!

As I turned this way and that, admiring the audacious shade of red, I thought, "This really needs a statement choker. Something bold and blingy."

After placing my new gown in the back of the car, I walked next door to Children's Cancer Society Thrift Store … and right there, in the front of the store, waiting for me in the display case, was the necklace I had imagined. 

The perfect outfit came together in less than 30 minutes. From seeing the dress on the rack to finding the perfect accessory.

Measure and mark with chalk before trimming off excess fabric.

Having fun getting ready. I've never had my makeup professional done before. I'm getting airbrushed!

Jack it to Jesus and spray it to hell, please.

My glam squad, Meg Workman Hair and Makeup, with the lovely Lyn.

The evening got even better when my writing won the award for Best Corporate Blog.

Having a little yoga fun accepting my award. Kelly Nelson, president of CAMA is a very good sport.

Perfect evening. The whole family was there. 

Red satin evening gown: Jessica McClintock, $24 from Reinvented Upscale Resale
Vintage rhinestone choker:, $7, from Children's Cancer Society Thrift Store
Black velvet/red satin stole: $17, from Waist Not Want Not
Black sequin evening bag: Momma's
Vintage rhinestone clip on earrings: My grandmother's
Black Suede shoes: Banana Republic, $3.99, Community Thrift
Hair and Makeup courtesy of Meg Workman Hair and Makeup. Huge Thank You Ladies.

As seen on TV

On the set – Mr. Mercedes

With the lovely Tina, on set. Micro-pleated cocktail dress $12 from Kia's Chic Kloset.

We all know the many advantages of wearing ReStyled – beautiful, high end outfits at a fraction of the cost, never seeing anyone else at an event wearing the same dress, the fun of shopping. Another bonus is building an eclectic wardrobe that will leave you ready for any occasion, at the drop of a hat.

Even the extras get their hair and makeup done. 

This week, I received a casting call to appear in the Stephen King TV series, Mr. Mercedes, which gave me the perfect opportunity to wear my newly acquired dress from Kia's Chic Kloset.

The makeup artist said my makeup already looked perfect. What a compliment. I don't even wear foundation.

My turn with the glam squad

Dinner provided by craft services.

The scenes were shot at the South Carolina Aquarium, here in Charleston. Being an extra is so much fun. You get the chance to hang out with glamorous actors, chat with the friendly crew, learn what really happens behind the scenes, and meet lots of friendly extras.

Interior at the South Carolina Aquarium.

Last year, The Hat Ladies of Charleston were invited to be brunch guests on Top Chef, filmed at beautiful Lowndes Grove Plantation. We were treated like royalty, with the opportunity to eat gourmet food all day while being served mimosas. 

Courtesy Lowndes Grove Plantation

Once again, thanks to ReStyling, I was able to come up with the perfect outfit, at the drop of a hat.

Vintage Betsey Johnson sundress from Waist Not Want Not.

Dressing for a rainy day

A Lowcountry Love Affair

Just because it's raining, doesn't mean you can't have fun with your wardrobe. A dreary day calls for bold color.

Celebrate the rain in red.

I attended the Lowcountry Love Affair event today on the grounds of The Magnolia Plantation. And look! More red.

What could be more atmospheric than fog and Spanish moss?

That darling bag on the floor is holding my high heels. On my feet, are Danskos for trekking the muddy grounds.

Having cocktails with these 2 lovelies. Hats & Hunter boots. They know how to dress for the weather.

Stunning floral arrangements by Seasonal Stems

They used the good china. Cru Catering. Delicious.

They served warm white chocolate cocoa with peppermint.

Two more colorful fellows spotted.

Original 1930s Art Deco necklace

Wardrobe

Raincoat: Chapter One, Reinvented Upscale Resale, $20

Leopard scarf: my mother's, 1980s

Shoes: Nina, Community Thrift $1.99

Dress: Ross, altered to remove corsetted neckline, $7

Quilted bag: Community Thrift $4

Watch: 1980s Lucien Piccard, homage to Cartier, gift from my parents

Political Style

The clothes we choose can make a statement. They can say, "I'm feeling bold and sassy." Or they can say, "I don't care what you think; I'm wearing my sweat pants to the store." Our clothing can project confidence or help us blend into the background.

Our clothing choices can also make a political statement – the term I just read in Vogue – Protest Fashion.

Photo from https://www.pussyhatproject.com/

I was fortunate enough to attend The Women's March on Washington in Charleston, SC last year, and wouldn't dream of missing the one year anniversary. As I walked through the crowd in Brittlebank Park today, with my friend Kelly, I was moved to tears. To be in the midst of a grassroots political movement is energizing and humbling. 

Yes, the world is turned upside down; morals and courtesy are considered an inconvenience and making a profit is more important than caring for the planet. Yet walking through a sea of pink pussy hats and handmade banners lifted my spirits, and I left today's event convinced that society is headed to a greater awareness for caring and compassion. 

Fashion, which can be superficial and potentially divisive, is playing a major political role right now. From the pink pussy hats to raise awareness for women's issues and human rights – to wearing black to bring attention to #TimesUp legal defense fund. I saw it all today.

Smashing skirt

The wall behind us is covered entirely in buttons.

Metallic herringbone? I'd never heard of it, let alone seen it before. So, of course it came home with me. Never mind it was more than 2 sizes too big. A pencil skirt is the easiest type of skirt to alter.

Start by putting your skirt on inside outwards. Then pin to the desired fit. This skirt was reduced by almost 4 inches.

Way too much wiggle room in this skirt.

Invest in a good pair of sewing scissors. Never let anyone else use them
and only use them for fabric and thread. This pair is 30 years old.

You will need to snip the thread that attaches the lining to the skirt.

Sew the waistband first, then flip up the lining, and start stitching from waistband to hem.

Try the skirt on again. This skirt needed to be taken in even more.

Trim excess fabric outside of new stitching.

Iron the seams flat to prevent bunching.

The occasion: Restaurant Week in Charleston, 492 on King Street

The outfit: 

faux sheepskin jacket: $10 Goodwill

black turtleneck: $3.99 Salvation Army

skirt: Alex Marie, shopped my friend's closet

shoes: Madden Girl, $3.99 Community Thrift

Fuzzy sweater kinda night

One of the stunning back staircases at the Gaillard.
Do you think they would let me come in to take selfies when I'm not attending a show?

My Man About Town invited me to join him at the Gaillard to see Riverdance. The weather has been crazy here in Charleston. Five inches of snow. Seven days of below freezing weather. Then daytime highs are back up to 70. How does one dress for a night at the theatre? Layers. 

The most energetic cast I've ever watched perform. Amazing talent.

Layer a tank under a sweater for rapidly changing temps.

The sweater, trousers and shoes are all from shopping my friend's closet. Not only do we wear the same dress size, but we wear the same shoe size, too. We both have Barbie-size feet.

"Get the shoes in the picture. Can you see the shoes? Are you sure?

Sure I was watching the fabulous production, but I couldn't help but notice this wonderful photo op on the low wall. The Man About Town was gracious enough to wait until the seats emptied after the performance to act as my personal photographer. I think he secretly enjoys hamming it up with me.

Sequins! 

I walked around all evening looking for just the right floor covering to photograph these shoes. The ladies room at Halls was perfect. I checked to make sure no one was waiting to get in before I whipped out my phone.

Sweater: Lisa International, friend's closet
Tank top with silver trim: New York and Co. $3.99
Trousers: White House Black Market, friend's closet
Shoes: Nina, friends closet

Thank you Man About Town for a great evening and your photographic skills.