Category Archives: Fashion

When Jeffrey Kalinsky graduated from George Washington University he had hopes of becoming an actor. But, what he realized from his days of selling shoes while in school was that he was actually really good at that. He loved the interaction with the customers and they loved him as well.  Having his own store became something he could really envision. He was living in New York and the cost to start up a retail store there was overwhelming, so he started looking at other major cities. He was from the South, knew the south, and his father had many many ladies driving from Atlanta to Charleston to buy shoes at Bob Ellis. So, seeing that Atlanta had a void to fill for a high end couture fashion destination, in 1990 Jeffrey came to be. He is truly passionate about what he does and bringing his client base what they want. Jeffrey is very much about women being able to dress for themselves and foster their individual style, not about being on trend.  I asked Jeffrey if he had plans for any other locations and what he hopes more than anything, is that in ten years he is still doing this and that his two current stores are known for being great.

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Jeffrey is also hugely philanthropic with his annual fundraiser called Jeffrey Fashion Cares (there are events in Atlanta and New York respectively). There is a great Time.com article from 2013 where Jeffrey talks more about why he started his foundation.

We asked out Tete-a-Tete questions and asked him to share with us some of his favorite pieces currently available in store.

Favorite drink before noon?

 Very strong Starbucks french roast – black!

Favorite drink at 6pm?

 Iced tea

Wine: red, white or champagne?

None- I don’t drink

Hors d’ouerve that is always in the cabinet or fridge?

 Pigs in a blanket are a fave

Music go to when friends are over…. i.e. Pandora station?

I still listen to old mixes on my Ipod

Where would you like to go on vacation?

Hotel du Cap in Antibes, France

Favorite flower?

If I could only look at one flower forever it would have to be Yellow tulips  

Dream guest to have over for dinner?

Barbara Streisand  

Favorite restaurant? 

 Balthazar in New York City

And favorite thing to eat at this restaurant?

Lately I’m ordering Roasted chicken with asparagus – but my all time favorite is their hamburger and french fries, they have the best fries in the City!

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Dress by Saint Laurent

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Love the mix of colors on these Celine totes

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Dior in the store

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Gorgeous Celine mules

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Dresses by Christian Dior

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Coral suede clutch by Saint Laurent- love

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Mannequins in Marc Jacobs

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Saint Laurent suede fringe bag

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Pops of color on the Saint Laurent vignette

4.14.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Fashion, New York, Shopping | 1 Comment

Finding unique and beautiful clothing for the children in weddings has always been a bit of a challenge for our brides. I found a local gal that I couldn’t keep a secret anymore, her stuff is beautiful and all handmade. I had her make my sweet Lila an easter dress (it had to be pink of course).

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Beth Garrett of Beth Garrett Designs grew up the granddaughter of a seamstress.  Her grandmother taught Beth to sew without a pattern and taught her all types of needlework.  Her love of finding a way to put her own creations together led Beth to become a mechanical engineer.  After she graduated from Vanderbilt and her college friends started to have babies, she wanted to make beautiful daygowns and gifts, but had difficulty finding what she wanted.  So, she created her own.  She learned to smock and sew in the style of French handsewing.  Over the years, the clothing that Beth made for her own children was noticed and her friends started to ask for heirlooms for their children.  She loves to positive attention that comes to children wearing beautiful and unique clothing.  Beth enjoys making classic, beautiful clothes that will be worn for generations.

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all photos by Ginger Howell.

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photos by Travis Dew
4.09.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Fashion | Comments >>

It’s official, spring wedding season has begun. We had a blast shoppeing the styles we think you should be wearing for all of your events. All items are available at Hampden Clothing here in Charleston (thanks for all of the help Stacy and Emily).

MSGM dress 1

MSGM dress 2

This maxi from MSGM dress is perfectly lightweight to stay comfy all night while looking graceful. The lower heel on the Acne nude suede shoes (they are super buttery) make it easy to last on the dance floor, and the bone Edie Parker clutch is gorgeous!

Sequin skirt

I’m a big Harvey Faircloth fan, (I want this shirt for myself), so light and feminine. This Malene Birger sequin maxi skirt is to die for in person- that slit makes a statement.  We paired it with some unexpected black, white, and nude cheetah pony haired D’Orsay pumps, and a snakeskin Alexander Wang clutch. Love the “animal” elements with the sequins.

stripe skirt

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I’m in love with the colors on this Suno skirt, and again the Harvey Faircloth blouse. Love the texture on the Tibi mules with the texture on the skirt, and the perforated Clare V cream clutch will go with anything you own. This could be perfect for a shower, engagement party, or bridal luncheon.

philip lim and black

philip lim and red shoes

Sorry for the blur on these, but this a must own dress by Philip Lim. The color and cut are classic and you will have it forever. There is a small quilt to the cloth which lets it lie perfectly on the body. The top one is a bit more traditional and girly  (this could be a great Mother of the Bride option) with a Lizzie Fortunado necklace and black suede Isa Tapia structured bow heels. The bottom one we  put some edge in with the gold studs and ruddy orange shoes by Isa Tapia. The brass lariat-esque “Inez”necklace is by Ca and Lou.

yellow dress

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This Novis yellow stunner is so lovely. The fabric drapes so beautifully and the color is gorgeous. Love the sleeves and the button detail at the cuff.  The black and white Philip Lim heels should be in everyone’s closet. Love the “rorschach” patterned clutch by Alexander Wang, and a Theodosia blue bead necklace is very delicate but the length adds some substance.

pink floral

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This was one of my favorite picks for a mother of the bride. The floral embroidery detail from Simone Rocha is impeccable on this ball skirted gown. We paired a navy suede and silver strappy heel and a Ca & Lou necklace for some sparkle.

black roksanda

Roksanda detail

Ok, this Roksanda dress is fabulous. It’s a black silk faille but the structured detail add a soft girly feel.  The ultra thick lucite bangle and the Rupert Sanderson fringe heel add a youthful modernism to this. You can wear this year round too.

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This lightweight beauty from MSGM pulls a color palette that will work in Spring and early fall here in Charleston.  So feminine and flattering. The crinkle gold Loeffler Randall sandals and the rose gold Clare V clutch formalize the outfit.

long white dress

So, for brides, we had a blast coming up with different friday night, and 2nd dress concepts. This Thakoon “high low” has everything- a bit of ruffle, a bit of sparkle, and a beautiful drapey fabric. Perfect for a friday night, day after brunch or going away dress. The Acne white patent and suede wedges are everything, and the Ca and Lou floral statement necklace gives you that final dazzle that says bride… Below is a close up of the necklace.

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long tibi 2

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The crisp cotton, cap sleeves, and full skirt on this Tibi frock have a bit of an Audrey Hepburn feel. Perfect again for a shower or rehearsal dinner dress. The Mother of Pearl clutch has rose and navy beading that make it work with this dress and  jeans and a white t shirt. The grey suede and silver platform mules are from Rupert Sanderson.

tibi dress

This off the shoulder, short, embroidered Tibi dress belongs on a bride! So amazing. The Edie Parker black and lucite clutch is fab, and those Philip Lim heels are a must! This as a departure ensemble/2nd dress for a bride has to happen.

4.02.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Accessories, Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Fashion, Shopping | 2 Comments