Steppin' Out

Every once in a while, I have to step out of my 100andSouth "comfort zone" and totally immerse myself in the world of lavish, luxurious fashion. For me, it's like getting a massage or a facial - I can't do it all the time, but when I can, it's heavenly and it's WORTH IT!

Lucky for me, I have an adorable, kind, sweet and amazingly-chic sister-in-law, Ashley, who owns an equally incredible boutique Vermillion at North Hills in Raleigh, NC.

That's Ashley, on the right, with Vermillion associate and stylist Julia Kerr!
Last Thursday, Ashley and her Vermillion team showcased their latest fall fashions for customers. Transforming the floor of the store into a runway, gorgeous models presented even more gorgeous ensembles for customers, like me, to drool over...

Since we're all fans of fashion here - no matter the price tag - I wanted to feature some of my favorite pieces from Ashley's presentation. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you enjoyed!

This 3.1 Phillip Lim suit paired with an AKA New York blouse (coming in just over $100, I might add) would be the perfect addition to my work wardrobe:

Alexander Wang, the king of comfy cocktail, shows us how to decorate the neckline with a dramatic sash. And that necklace by Subversive? Such a conversation piece!:

Another updated "suit" for the workplace by Loeffler Randall. The back of this jacket had a sassy ruffle:

I just love how extremely wearable Tory Burch's pieces are. Her printed blouse pairs perfectly under this leather vest, but I could also see it beneath a cute grey jumper dress for a more grown-up look!:

One of my favorite pieces of the day was this long sleeved white Derek Lam dress paired with a Gabrielle Frantzen necklace and Anya Hindmarch coat. Wouldn't it be the most gorgeous wedding dress for a fall or winter low-key wedding?:

Megan Park's designs continue to wow me - she can combine glitz and glamour with the bohemian nod that I desire. And how versatile are those Loeffler Randall pumps?!:

Here's another one of Megan Park's designs. The jeweled wrap has pockets - how functional and fabulous!

In my opinion, this Matthew Williamson coat was the show-stopper, paired with over-the-knee Loeffler Randall boots. Everyone gasped when this look came around the corner!:

Of course, following the fashion show, my sister and I had to play a little dress up. I fell in love with a white Tucker blouse (yes, same company from my previous post!) and these silk, army green Loeffler Randall pants! Doesn't Linds look like a movie star in that AKA top with 3.1 Phillip Lim leather shorts and Loeffler Randall booties?

The family fashions continue - check out my sister-in-law Fleming in her Lela Rose tunic and Lela Rose necklace. The necklace was right up my Mom's alley too.

Vermillion has become an extremely important piece of my family history...I even found my wedding dress there during a Lela Rose trunk show. Thank you Ashley for always including me and bringing amazing fashion to North Carolina!

Check out the Photobucket album for full coverage of each look sent down the runway! See something you like? Call Vermillion at 919.787.9780 or visit their website for more details.

Run, Don't Walk! Tucker for Target

Target's collaboration with designers perks my interest with each new addition. Remember those first Luella Bartley designs with jade green accents and bright red cherry prints? Or how about the recent designs of Zac Posen...even celebs and socialites on New York Social Diary were proudly sporting his designs for Target at the finest of soirees.

But perhaps my most favorite collection ever came in the form of Tucker for Target, landing in stores across the country on Sept. 12.

The line is precisely what you'd expect to see out of Tucker in upscale boutiques nationwide. Billowy tops, lightweight dresses with bold, colorful patterns - the perfect compliment to any outfit (in my eyes, particularly suitable for the work place!) Yet the material doesn't feel quite as expensive and the price tag is much easier to swallow.

I hit Target 2 Sundays ago to be first in line to snag my piece of the Tucker pie. I first tried to take a bite when Gilt previewed the line, about 2 weeks before the Target launch. I missed my chance due to a Gilt iPhone app malfunction (grrrrr!), but my friend Meredith got lucky and bought the cutest butterfly print camisole dress. It was love at first sight when she came to visit me in Atlanta and sported the piece on our Sunday outings.

After trying on several Tucker for Target items - a gold tweed skirt, a long sleeve maroon and orange print dress, and a bell-sleeved, hooded jacket - I settled on the cutest prairie-flower print dress you ever did see.



Meredith and I sported our styles at a friend's wedding day luncheon this past weekend, neither of our dresses weighing in over $35. I styled mine with a neon pink J. Crew cardigan ($29.99 on sale) and some Hunter campus boots for a school-girl meets farm-girl aesthetic.

I'm hoping to get back in stores to get my hands on more Tucker for Target goodies before they sell out! Would love to hear if any of you have made Tucker for Target purchases!