Style Syllabus

Stella & Dot is an incredible collection from an even more...

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:01:00 -0400

Capri Chandelier Earrings; $49

Emerson Bangle; $59

Lillith Fringe Necklace; $138

Zoe Lariat; $98

Luna Wrap Bracelet; $89

Pyramid Studs; $29

Secret Garden Cuff; $98

Waverly Three Way Bag; $258

Starstruck Ring; $59

Serenity Stone Drops; $49

Stella & Dot is an incredible collection from an even more incredible company. We all know and love them, but now, the fall collections are hot on our heels. We want to give you the opportunity to shop the summer collection (and a little bit of fall exclusively with Style Syllabus) … for … drum roll … 40% off. Yeah, we love you that much.

Shop here with Crissy Rowell, one of our favorite Stella & Dot reps. This lady knows her jewels, and she’s sharing this little extra tid bit with Style Syllabus readers: Every person who shops via that link will receive an entry to win the hostess rewards! Discounted jewelry and free jewelry from the new design team with members like Lizzie Fortunato and Maya Brenner.

Start shopping, ladies! Click here. Sale ends August 1!

Capri Chandelier Earrings, $49: Featured in Celebrity Style Magazine, these chandeliers are adorned with handset coral acrylic beads on a 12k gold plated zinc casting. Actress Nina Dobrev loves to rock these.

Emerson Bangle, $59: Here’s our brand new introduction piece for Fall 2012. An elegant gold plated bangle with blue leather inlay will go great with your cool new leather shorts.

Lillith Fringe Necklace, $138: This is the “Statement Necklace” for Fall 2012. This is the tribal trend we’re all coveting with dramatic tassels of mixed steel and faceted oval brass rings that shine elegantly from shiny gold and blackened plated brass chains.

Zoe Lariat Necklace, $98. #2 Seller. Each end of this versatile, easy wearing mixed chain lariat, is capped with white bronze plated brass finials. A mixed of gold, rose gold, and hematitite plated faceted brass beads are hand woven through a white bronze plated brass chain and accented with czech stones.

Luna Wrap Bracelet, $89. This is the #1 seller. A triple wrap bracelet of woven faceted glass beads in white bronze and satin gold finishes suspended on a brass box chain creates instant layering. This can double as a necklace.

Pyramid Studs, $29: These geometric rose gold plated brass pyramids studded with Czach stones strikes a perfect balance of chic and edgy.

Secret Garden Cuff, $98: A luxe bronze cuff cast in an elegant leaf motif makes an excellent staple.

Waverly Three Way Bag, $258. A versatile genuine lambskin with removable curbchain strap converts from a full length crossbody to a fold over crossbody, to a fold over clutch. Signature hardware with gold plated finish, tassel zipper pull, and teal signature clover lining arrives in our signature clover dust bag.

Starstruck Ring, $59. A cocktail ring of Czech glass stones set in a two-tone shiny gold hematite plated bronze makes an incredible statement.

Serenity Stone Drops, $49: Hand cut polished semi-precious dyed jade drops are handset in a shiny 12k gold plated hammered brass bezel. Brooke Burke is a celebrity model of these.

A Day in the Life of … Suzanne Allen

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:49:00 -0400

By Suzanne Allen

Decorative Artist, focusing on interiors

Breakfast: glass of chocolate almond milk

Lunch: yogurt, fruit, local honey and wheat germ

Dinner: homemade ratatouille with local veggies, local sausages from Burbages, and local lettuces

Morning: My day started at 7:45 a.m. with Pilates at my friend Nicole’s studio Mt. Pleasant Pilates. My neighbor, Courtney, teaches, and Louis from Louis’ Kids practices with me providing me my morning entertainment. Then I meet with a local restaurateur about finishing his walls – in the beginning stages here, but Angie Hranowsky is involved. Exciting!

Afternoon: From there, I meet with designer Jenny Keenan about several projects in a private residence on Sullivan’s Island – lots of limed wood finishes and painted floors – awesome! She is so talented and we have worked together for years on things. Afterwards I went to a local sushi restaurant for the REV group to work on decoupage walls, which are so cool. I love working with them!!

Night: Monday night is date with my husband doing yoga at Charleston Power Yoga – Beth’s Monday class is very cleansing and detoxifying. After a healthy light dinner, it’s back to work for me. Into the studio to work on two light fixtures for Jenny – one which was shipped with a gold finish and should be antique copper, one which is white and is going to be glossy heritage red. I am also silver foiling two side chests and layering a custom finish on a large credenza for a clients dining room. Finally I shower to calm me down and a bit of light reading before bed.

So tell us …

What is the number one trend you’re seeing in interiors this summer?

Hmmm, it’s a tie between resurfacing/painting custom finishes things like furniture, light fixtures, and various pieces my clients already own and patterned anything, especially floors.

What is the one wall needed by everyone?

Well, metaphorically speaking I am more of a door person than a wall. But, again, I have two answers. The foyer/entryway and the master bedroom should both be special. The foyer is your welcome and gift to others, and your bedroom is your gift to yourself.

What is your most prized possession?

My most prized possession in my life isn’t necessarily a possession. It’s the bond I have with my husband after 19 years together and the happiness we share with our two rescue dogs.

Bachelorette Emily Maynard: Top 3 Trendy Moments

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:06:00 -0400

By Style Syllabus Staff

Bachelorette Emily Maynard is a real-life trend setter. Here are the top 3 reasons why:

Emily nailed the newest trend, and one of our personal favorites, on her trip to Prague. As you may or may not know, a white blazer is a must have in every woman’s closet. Now, the statement/embellished short is a must have too thanks to Emily Maynard.

Belting a dress, thanks to overuse, can be pretty gauche. Emily handles it well by proper accessorizing (ie: clean and simple), which she does with pretty much every ensemble she dons. She now makes belting a dress a complete and total ‘do.’

It’s pretty clear that winter wear is anything but sexy. Bulky sweater, baggy jackets and turtlenecks pretty much take your figure from fab to drab. Emily said, “Screw that.” Her statement sherling-lined jacket and simple turtleneck highlighted by a delicate chain means that winter wear can be sexy again. Monochromatic on top, with a sassy skirt on bottom, and you’ll be taking a cue from Emily Maynard.

Lindsay Fleege is a staple in the Charleston Social Scene. As...

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:54:00 -0400

Spoleto Billy Reid Party

Spoleto Halsey Party

Heading Home

Strolling For Coffee

Workin' Cynthia

Lindsay Fleege is a staple in the Charleston Social Scene. As the Retail and Events Manager at Cynthia Rowley, Lindsay has carved a name for herself here in Charleston, South Carolina. Always effortlessly stylish and bubbly, Style Syllabus could not resist chronicling her 5 looks in 5 days.

Check it out:

Spoleto Billy Reid Party: For one of Spoleto’s early SCENE events I wore a Cynthia Rowley lace dress worn with pink denim Forever21 vest with necklace vintage from Jess James Style Girl. Love this stacked ring set by Jane Pope Jewelry. CHANEL metallic quilted leather chain handbag adds a pop of luxe to the look. And my KORS platforms as a summer must.

Spoleto Halsey Party: Wearing this fun Cynthia Rowley printed tank, I decided to make a Madwell pleated dress into a skirt. My jewelry consists of an African bead necklace, vintage Pulsar watch, VanH Design stacking gold rings. The shoes are Target kids. And then I added my CHANEL metallic leather zip clutch.

Strolling For Coffee: This is one of my favorite looks. It really feels closest to my style, because I love collared shirts, high-waisted anything and an espadrille wedge in the summer. The top is a bargain by Forever21, and the shorts are a vintage score from Jess James Style Girl. The necklaces are ProudMary. I love wearing these all together and alone, and I do almost everyday. I have been wearing a single one to the beach with my bathing suit — love an accessory like that! I added a CHANEL chain and leather bracelet, vintage Pulsar watch, Eddie Bargo ‘spiked’ ring, Cana Flecha cuff.

Heading Home: I love that this Madewell dress is a modern take on animal prints by adding color. I paired it with a JewelMint statement necklace for a unique combo. Invited to the arm party were CHANEL chain and leather bracelet, vintage Pulsar watch, Eddie Bargo ‘spiked’ ring. My bag is a CHANEL navy quilted classic worn as clutch. And the shoes are Chie Mihara found Bergdorf Goodman years ago, but I wear them all year. They look great in the fall with tights and are so comfortable.

Workin’ Cynthia: At work at Cynthia Rowley, I threw on these cotton printed leggings and top worn with tribal necklace. I’m really loving these tribal prints this spring/summer season. I’ve always loved tribal trends that seem to make a come back every other season. I accessorized with my CHANEL chain and leather bracelet, vintage Pulsar watch, Eddie Bargo ‘spiked’ ring. The shoes are unisa. I just love the neon pink trim for a pop of color.

Taking the Dirty Out of Pole Dancing

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:58:43 -0400

By Alexandra Giannetto

Photographs by Alexandra Giannetto

Elizabeth and fellow studio owner Michelle Gafford demonstrate aspects of a fitness routine.

Elizabeth Pike lived an active lifestyle as a child participating in numerous dance classes and sports activities that were both entertaining and healthy. As she got older she found that she was bored with her typical gym routine and was tired of being another number scanned into a large gym’s computer.

Frustrated, she reached out to her mother-in-law and got this advice: You have to find a niche and make it work for you. Thus the creation of Goddess Dance Studios, a dance studio focused on pole dancing as an exercise routine.

The first studio was opened in Summerville in 2008, and at the time there were only a dozen or so pole dance studios worldwide. Elizabeth used her extensive background in dance and contacted nutritionists and general practitioners in order to create the routines and levels of dancing from scratch; she always tested the difficulty of the routines on her well trained staff first. As a local girl, Elizabeth basked in the idea of making people blush when they heard about her pole dancing studio, but despite the connotations of the practice, there are very stringent rules that keep the girls and the routines clean. There is a strict dress code enforced, and the three levels of dance moves, while they do encourage sensuality, stray away from the raunchy and obscene while remaining both current and challenging.

Elizabeth welcomes all patrons with eagerness and friendliness that makes exercise enjoyable.

Goddess Dance Studio provides not only a fun way to exercise, it instills a sense of camaraderie among the girls who take classes together. As Elizabeth points out, group exercise is proven to show more results than individual workouts. Due to the closeness of the staff and their clients, Goddess Dance Studio provides extra outside field trips to clubs and bars, always chauffeured by limousines.

Elizabeth explained that these outings provide the staff and clients with a way to meet up outside of the studio but keep their relationships all business. The reason behind this is that each woman who joins Goddess Dance Studio sets a goal before they start classes, and the instructors’ job is to inspire and sometimes push the girls to reach their goals. If the instructors and students became too friendly, the motivation would be less than it was before. Elizabeth says the reason Goddess Dance Studio is so successful is that the results of the individual are what make the company, not the amount of people showing up to the classes.

Last Week's Top 7

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:55:49 -0400

By Style Syllabus Staff

Last week was full of unique and interesting people, places and ideas. Combining all of those elements creates a week of stylish stories. Let’s review, shall we?

Charles Williams is showing the world why art and emotion are meant for each other. Read his compelling story here.

Style Syllabus was fortunate enough to break the story of A.Moet. That’s right, you can read it here first. Allegra Moet Brantly’s gorgeous luxury robe line is about to hit stores, and you wont want to miss being one of the first to own an A.Moet original. Read her story here.

From working on Vogue and Vanity Fair covers to speaking to Style Syllabus readers directly, Gina Viviano has the nail tips you’ll need to looking fresh this summer. Read the word here.

In an everlasting economic recession, we find it harder to budget fashion into our paychecks. But, by investing in one very savvy stylist, we promise you’ll triple the value of the dollars you put into your closet. Read about the importance of closet editing here.

Embracing the maturity and grace that comes with age, Alber Elbaz has launched a riveting new ad campaign that we just can’t get enough of. See how he was inspired by Wes Anderson here.

The Palette and Palate Stroll is one of Charleston, South Carolina’s most anticipated art events. With a sold out crowd, the CFADA hit a home run this year. Pretend as if you were there with our society photos.

Our Sunday quote series has proven to be very popular, and this week was no exception. Pin our photos, and enjoy the visuals paired with the words, here.

Mercy, Mercy Me

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 14:45:00 -0400

By Anna West

Feeling like a champ this morning? Well, allow us to let you in on a little secret that will help you bypass the Sunday-morning wine headache and actually enjoy your precious day off.

The secret is “Mercy,” a new anti-hangover elixir that lives us to its name, offering you a bit of forgiveness after a night of a little too much imbibing. A miracle in a can, it is a lightly-carbonated drink that is packed with amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that detoxify your body as you drink. The makers of Mercy have spent the past seven years concocting this unique blend of nutrients that help boost your body’s natural defenses and rid your body of acetaldehyde, the harmful chemical your body produces when you consume alcohol.

The trick is to treat Mercy as a first line of defense. Instead of waiting until the next morning to deal with your hangover, keep this concoction at hand and drink it either while you’re out enjoying yourself, or before you go to bed.

Mercy will also help you get a better night sleep — and not just because you won’t be dreading your post-wine-night hangover. Alcohol depletes your body of glutamine, causing you to sleep poorly. Mercy helps you retain this chemical and sleep peacefully through the night.

Mercy should be showing up in local grocery stores soon, but until then, you can order a case online on the Mercy website.

We know that you don’t want to spend your Saturday with a pounding headache, so why not give this merciful concoction a try?

Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 11:00:31 -0400

By Alexandra Giannetto

Photographs by Alexandra Giannetto

This sign has become something of a modern-day legend in the South Carolina Lowcountry: A land where bar be cue is religion.

Owner and founder of Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ, Aaron Siegel, did not intend on becoming a barbeque restaurant owner. In fact, the well trained chef studied at the University of Georgia and then went on to train at the Culinary Institute of America where he specialized in high end cuisine. He then became a chef at Pinions in Aspen, Colorado and later a French bistro called Cache Cache, all the while Aaron would dabble in barbequing at home and with friends. During his time at Pinions, Aaron also worked at a burrito joint and the idea of quick service imbedded itself in his mind. Missing home yet not wanting to join the rat race that is the Atlanta scene, Aaron opted to come to familiar Charleston and settled in as the executive chef for the restaurant Blossom.

But, once an addict, always an addict.

Aaron was still smoking meats and testing out sauces that he learned at UGA and some rubs and other recipes he created along the way. The journey led him to his friends Lindsay Nevins, a local builder, and Sean Litton, a local realtor, and the two of them found an old gas station abandoned on Highway 61 from its days as a dirt road, and converted it into a down home barbeque joint. Friends and family gathered their funds to make the restaurant a reality. Aaron asked a cult organization based out of Athens, GA if he could use their name “Home Team” due to this being a home team effort. After he received their approval, he added to the “Home Team” his nickname “Fiery Ron,” a moniker he received while in Colorado. Thus the old gas station cum barbeque joint had a name. In 2006 that store, thanks to family and friends, became a huge success and something different, even a little high end, within the barbeque rich community of the South.

Order at the counter and wait for a little plate of heaven.

Along with the food, Aaron wanted to have a music feel and asked his fraternity brother from UGA to help him model the store into a classic Mississippi-esque juke joint with the characteristic music of the South. Aaron’s goal was to appeal to all demographics and make the place a “comfort food joint” with good tunes for the masses.

With the wild popularity of the store, it was only a matter of time before they expanded to a second location on Sullivan’s Island, which only differs from the original store a little. Aaron decided that the second store would include more table service and have a much more extensive menu that includes items that you cannot get at the original store. Fiery Ron loves what he does, and while he did not plan on being the owner and founder of a barbeque joint, he enjoys the lifestyle that accompanies it: The more relaxed hours compared to fine dining restaurants and the fun loving crowd. Nevertheless, if you have the fortune of becoming his friend, Aaron is always up for cooking some high end cuisine.

Fiery Ron’s tasting menus leaves nothing to be desired.

Experience Fiery Ron’s collards for yourself in your own kitchen:

Home Team BBQ Collards

Ingredients

1 gallon water
3 cups cider vinegar
1/4 hot sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup kosher salt
2 to 3 shoulder bones or smoked ham hocks
1/2 pound smoked pork shoulder, chopped or pulled
2 pound collard greens, cut in 2” strips

Directions

Bring water to a simmer.

Add cider vinegar, hot sauce, brown sugar, and kosher salt.

Add bones or ham hocks for flavor and simmer for 25 minutes.

Add greens and smoked pork.

Simmer lightly for 2 to 3 hours or until tender.

Servings: 8-10. Total Time: 3 hours

Scene and Herd: PALETTE AND PALATE STROLL

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 08:39:00 -0400

By Alexandra Giannetto

The Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association, CFADA, touted the 7th Annual Palette and Palate event to be a collection of the finest art galleries in Charleston mixed with the finest food, and they did not disappoint. The event began at 5:30 p.m. on Friday the 13th, and lucky for strollers, the sold-out event offered the freedom of choosing your own route for visiting the galleries. This not only cut down on crowds in each gallery it also gave everyone a chance to meet new people and progress through an interesting tasting menu provided by eight different restaurants. Horton Hayes Fine Art was paired with Oak Steakhouse, Corrigan Gallery teamed up with Barsa Tapas, Wells Gallery was fed by Social Wine Bar, The Sylvan Gallery coupled with neighboring Eli’s Table, Smith-Killian Fine Art had McCrady’s provide gourmet givings to their patrons, Helena Fox Fine Art paired with Anson, Ella Richardson Fine Art hosted Blu, and Dog and Horse Fine Art’s stroll was catered by Circa 1886. The level of fine food, fine art, and refreshing, unique beverages made the entire event worth so much more than the ticket price. The stroll between each venue was as beautiful and scenic as the art contained in the gallery. A word to the wise for anyone planning on attending this event next year, buy tickets sooner than later because it sells out every year.

Candace Abel, Leslie Hartley, Betsey Bidwell, Lolly Ihrke and Nancy Marsden make a stylish group while enjoying the art at Horton Hayes Fine Art.

A perk at the Corrigan Gallery was not only the food by Barsa Tapas, but it was also nice to enjoy the air conditioning on that muggy July evening.

Each gallery on the stroll was marked by a CFADA orange flag as seen outside of Horton Hayes Fine Art (above) and Smith Killan Fine Art (below).

Food and beverages at Horton Hayes Fine Art were provided by Charleston’s famous Oak Steakhouse.

McCrady’s delicious Charleston shrimp, corn kimchee on bibb lettuce fed the hungry crowd at Smith-Killian Fine Art Gallery.

This mother daughter duo took in some art and gourmet haute cuisine at the Palette and Palate Stroll.

Susan Harp, art expert, discusses the meaning behind the art at the Corrigan Gallery.

The waiting crowd at the Wells Gallery was eager to experience the amazing combination of food and art.

True to it’s name, Dog and Horse Fine Art was filled with portraits and paintings of our favorite equine and canine friends.

Gorgeous people, food, and art, but comfortable surroundings made an elite event as you can see at the Wells Gallery, though it was a sold out crowd for the CFADA.

Friday Giveaway: ESSENCE OF VALI

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:55:23 -0400

We love Friday giveaways! Style Syllabus wants to fill your beauty closet with gorgeous fragrances … and handcrafted ones at that!

Essence of Vali is an amazing collection of fragrances made in NYC. From the bath oils, massage oils, eau de parfum, and elixirs, we at Style Syllabus have totally fallen in love with this collection. Read our review here.

Now we’re pleased to giveaway a bottle of eau de parfum ($60 value) and their bath and massage oil ($24 value) in their signature fragrance EOV.

To enter email info@stylesyllabus.us! Be sure to like us on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe for extra entries! You must be 18 to enter! The winner will be announced on Friday, July 27 at 5 p.m. Please include the best way to get in touch with you in your email!

Good luck!

Healthy Pasta This Weekend

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:00:19 -0400

By Ashley Pelley

We’re all looking for a sensational and healthy way to eat those carbs. Our gluten-free guru Ashley Pelley is full of answers and solutions to adding a healthy dose of … health … to your pasta dish.

Photographs by Ashley Pelley

Bet you can’t wait to dig in.

Ingredients

1 lb. bay scallops

1 zucchini

10 grape or cherry tomatoes

10 - 15 medium size asparagus

2 cloves garlic

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup of butter

1 package pasta (totally up to you which kind of pasta)

Freshly chopped basil to taste

Parmesean cheese to taste

These sensational ingredients make an even better dish.

Directions:

Cook pasta according to instructions. Retain about a cup of pasta water before draining.

Quarter the zucchini and slice into 1/2 inch slices

Slice tomatoes in half

Take off ends of asparagus and chop into 2 inch pieces

Steam asparagus (or you can grill it)

Mince garlic

In a frying pan, take a small amount of butter and melt it down (on medium heat)

Add half the minced garlic and let cook about 1 min

Add zucchini and cook until softened (about 3 min). Add in pasta water (probably just about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup)

Add tomatoes and let cook another 2 min

Add steamed or grilled asparagus and cook 1 more minute

In another frying pan melt the remainder of the butter (on medium heat again) and add the rest of the garlic. Cook about a minute.

Add the scallops, cook about 1 min

Add the wine and lemon zest, cook about 2 more minutes (or until scallops are done. Scallops should be opaque)

Combine with zucchini and pasta

Serve with basil and cheese to taste on top

It’s the Dawning of the Age of Seersucker [Revived]

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:59:03 -0400

By Gould B. Hagler II

Gould B. Hagler explains why rules are meant to be broken.

Photograph via

Seersucker is a Southern summer staple. Here’s why we’re changing that.

It’s summertime in the South. That means it’s hot. And muggy. And sometimes it’s just plain unbearable. But Southerners have a secret weapon; mint juleps … I mean, seersucker. Though a traditional blue seersucker suit is hard to beat, I also own seersucker in all kinds of colors … red, blue, even spearmint green. The different colored pants look great with a navy blazer and get lots of compliments. I wear them to work, horse races, church, garden parties, cocktails, any event as long as it is hot outside.

Gentlemen, want to feel like you’re wearing pajama pants to work yet still get the respect you worked so hard to earn? Ladies, want to know how to turn my head? Seersucker.

But the fact of the matter remains that there is a science behind this quintessential Southern trend. The fabric works in two ways; the cotton is light and airy and the ridges in the fabric actually mean less of the material comes in contact with your skin thus keeping your body cooler than traditional cotton trousers. No wonder even your grandfather wore it to work.

I’ve always been told that ‘no white after labor day’ includes seersucker. This is one rule I am happy to say I just don’t bend, I flat out break it to pieces. In the South, our temperatures go from mild to muggy … nowhere in between. And the muggy season lasts March to October. When you say no seersucker or white during those months, we just hack our wardrobe to some awful degree. What the world must understand is sometimes the temperature can still be in the 90s after Labor Day down in these parts. I’ve also read that one should not don seersucker after dark for some reason. This must be a rule some Yankee made up. We all know down here it can still be in the mid-90s after dark too. If I had it my way, seersucker-season would last from March ‘til October, along with the muggy season. Being that it is mid-July there is plenty of time to wear the most Southern of all the Southern-staple fabrics. Yet, there is not nearly enough time it seems. October to March is quite a while to go without sporting those “Southern stripes.” Get to it and be comfortable. Comfort, after all, is what we are all about here south of the Mason-Dixon. Comfort and impeccable style.

Your Week Ahead

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 07:46:32 -0400

By Alexandra Giannetto

Get out your trusty calendars, folks. You have a week to plan!

Find out more on Atlanta and Miami Fashion Weeks here with Style Syllabus.

5 Reasons to Watch Downton Abbey

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:41:49 -0400

By Style Syllabus Staff

Besides their slew of recent Emmy noms, the gut-wrenching romance between Matthew and Mary, the witty British accents, and exquisite imagery, there is one other reason to watch Downtown Abbey. The fashion. Perhaps the most important reason.

Allow us to count down the top 5 reasons why we love Downton style.

From their hats to headbands, the women of Downton know how to rock some pretty badass head gear. The bejeweled head pieces top our list though. A call to something not quite so prim and proper leaves us on the edges of our seats about the era to come.

We all operate under the assumption that being of the utmost buttoned-up creates the dowdiest looks. Lady Mary Crawley is a testament to the fact that the top button can and should be used not only to accentuate the collar but to leave one wondering what is beneath the coat.

But it’s the hunting attire that really has this Style Syllabus staff swooning. With their trousers tucked ever so handsomely into their rich leather riding boots, the men of Downton are fit for a preppy calendar series. Mary’s elegant wrap skirt and coat is another story entirely. If this image isn’t made for a Ralph Lauren ad, then we don’t want to know what is.

When dressing for dinner (a practice we fear is lost), each lady of Downton adorns her neck, ears, wrists and fingers with carefully delicate heirlooms. Be they one or two soft, long chains or statement chokers, the pieces are timeless reminding us that the vintage family finds are often better than the Cartier Juste un Clou (we said often, not always … please note).

Finally, Lady Mary Crawley’s bold use of a top hat (add veil … yeah that’s hot) is something that makes Downton Abbey a must watch. Her sporting gear is made for the Burberry Prorsum runway … and if we don’t see at least ten top hats this September then we’re boycotting fall fashion (and this is one of our favorite seasons, so don’t make us do that).

The Dos and Don'ts of a Traveling House Guest

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:46:04 -0400

By Lawson Roberts

It’s that time of year. You’ve worked all year just to have this one-week of well-deserved vacation. You’ve been counting the days until you can get out of town and finally kick back and relax. You have the perfect invitation to stay with one of your best friends.

Now comes the hard part.

While very economical, staying with friends comes with some unspoken rules. Here’s a fun list to keep you ahead of the curve.

DO:

Take care of your hostess’ morning coffee.

1. Always bring a hostess gift with you. A bottle of wine is the perfect go to gift.

2. Always make up your bed every day. You’re not at a hotel so you don’t want to act like you’re waiting for room service. It’s also a very easy way to show that you respect the host.

3. Take your host to dinner one night during your stay and take care of the entire bill. You can also volunteer to cook dinner at the house as well.

4. Pick up after yourself. Don’t leave beer bottles or glassware around. I know this sounds very elementary to some, however you would so be surprised.

5. After your stay, write a very heart felt thank you note.

DON’T

Too many guests stayed too long.

1. Never out stay your welcome. Remember you’re on vacation you’re not moving in

2. Don’t make yourself at home, even if they ask you to. By this, you must remember you’re a guest. You’re not in your normal, everyday routine. You might for instance have a certain way of stacking dirty clothes. Just don’t.

3. Don’t hog a bathroom. Nothing is worse when you’re not on vacation to have someone who is all of a sudden want to take a two hour shower especially if you have to get to work.

4. Don’t bring strangers back to the house. I don’t care if you have met the new love of your life … bad idea!

5. Finally if you’re staying with your significant other at your hosts’ house and you’re in the throws of reenacting 50 Shades Of Grey, don’t be vocal about it!

Enjoy Vaca!!! You deserve it

Ed Kavishe is the founder and CEO of Fashion Wire Press, a...

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:05:00 -0400

Valentino: Photo by Xandra M. Linsin

Lanvin: Photo by Leah McQueen

Jil Sander: Photo by Elena Braghieri

Louis Vuitton: Photo by Emanuel D'Angelo

Prada: Photo by Mario Villanueva

Ed Kavishe is the founder and CEO of Fashion Wire Press, a company for which he photographs the most esteemed designer’s runways every Fashion Week in every city. A true Renaissance man, he is always on the runways — fashion or airport. This lover of Manchester United and life lives by one motton, ““You only live twice, once when you are born, and the second time when you are about to face death.”

This summer, as he journeyed around Europe to scout the hottest runways, he chronicled his looks for Style Syllabus. Here are his 5 looks in 5 days between Milan and Paris.

Valentino: I was at Valentino Haute couture during the couture shows in Paris. At this point, menswear was over, so toned it down a bit with the looks. I decided to go with a Ben Sherman hat and shirt, a pocket square of my own design, a Valentino jacket, Commune Jeans, RetroSuperFuture glasses, and Alessandro Dell’ Acqua shoes.

Lanvin: Here, I was at the Lanvin Menswear show in Paris (one of my favorite shows), and I decided to wear a suit that I had personally designed this year. I paired it with a shirt from Hugo Boss, tie and shades from Paul Smith, Swiss Legend watch, and Cole Haan shoes.

Jil Sander: I wore this to Milan Menswear Fashion Week, and I decided to wear a G Star jacket, DIESEL jeans, a Calvin Klein Shirt with Ben Sherman suspenders paired with a Calvin Kelin bag, Persol sunglasses, a pocket square of my own design, and Puma shoes by Alexander McQueen. Since it was an extremely hot and humid day, I opted for lighter colors.

Louis Vuitton: This was at Paris Fashion Week at one of my favorite shows of the year Louis Vuitton (the others being Prada and Lanvin), and I decided to wear a John Varvatos jacket and vest, DKNY shirt, a bow tie and pocket square of my own design, G Star jeans, John Varvatos shoes, and a Louis Vuitton bag.

Prada: I attended the Prada show in Milan, and the weather was a bit cooler, so I decided to wear a John Varvatos jacket, a Lacoste shirt, Commune jeans, my go-to summer sunglasses from RetroSuperFuture, a pocket square of my own design, all accented with Prada shoes.

The Essence of the All Natural

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:07:00 -0400

By Style Syllabus Staff

Photographs provided by Essence of Vali

The EOV collection

When you hear handmade, you think quality, beauty, a passionately designed product. That’s what you get with Essence of Vali. This artfully crafted line of perfumes, massage oils and beauty products are100% natural, predominately vegan, and handmade in New York City. The collection is fragrant, and potent – and it works in every element for which it is designed.

The Sleep collection is one of our favorites at Style Syllabus. The primo choice in this collection is the travel-sized mini vials of the sleep concentrate. Found in an accessible little envelope, this elixir can be tossed into your cosmetic bag or train case. We can personally attest to the fact that this soothing blend of lavender flowers, marjoram leaves, ylang/ylang petals, and cedar wood induces a peaceful nights’ sleep. When uprooted from the comfort of your bed, out of the tranquility of your home, this all-natural sleep aid offers peace of mind.

Sleep Collection

We also cannot forget their EOV collection, which we’re obsessed with. The eau de parfum, bath and body oil, and botanical perfume oil are made with 8 essential oils … and … bonus … soon you will be able to find it in a room mist. This is their signature fragrance, and we always say you can’t have too many fragrances.

This company casts a wide net in the products they offer, which is what makes them one of our favorites, bountiful with gorgeous fragrances. We all know that certain scents harken back to certain moments in our lives. Whether it is fried chicken at grandmother’s house reminding you of your childhood, or the smell of the mountains reminding you of the fabulous summers at camp. We all have something that brings us back around. With such a plethora of scents, Essence of Vali’s fragrances are sure to bring you glorious memories. Like the summer you started wearing EOV for the first time. Or bath time soaking in the Relief bath oil. Or the sleep oil, dotting the edge of your pillow case, inducing sweet dreams. Essence of Vali is a guarantee to become part of your beauty regime. Softening your skin, and giving your home an aroma of fresh botanicals.

To order an Essence of Vali products visit their website at www.essenceofvali.com

5 Pounds Lighter, 5 Days Later?

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:49:00 -0400

By Courtney Mims

Photographs provided by Courtney Mims

When choosing vegetables, get a wide array of colors because they carry different nutritional benefits.

Recently I was asked to write a piece about how to lose 5 pounds in 5 days. As someone who is pursuing an education in human nutrition, I get this question a lot.

“You know the secrets, don’t you?”

“Seriously, how can I get rid of this tummy and quick?”

And sometimes I jokingly suggest, “Well, stop eating.” Then I realized that someone might take me seriously. That is a trend, right? Not eating to lose weight?

For a light and refreshing salad, try garbanzo beans with red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and italian dressing. Don’t be afraid to throw in some cucumber and lemon juice.

So, I’ve now come to approach the subject with two options: Healthy or unhealthy?

If you’re looking to lose weight in a hurry and aren’t concerned with potential health and lifestyle consequences, then here’s your list:

1. Cut your caloric intake drastically. Like to 1000 calories/day.

2. Eat A LOT of celery. It takes more energy for your body to break down celery than the energy it can pull to use it elsewhere in your body.

3. Go to bed really early so you don’t have the chance to eat anymore that day.

4. Take diuretic and enema type pills.

5. Get really stressed out. Stress has been known to cause weight loss (but I won’t mention the other issues).

That list seems absurd, doesn’t it? Well that’s the point. Losing five pounds in five days isn’t normal (unless you’re doing very rigorous athletic training; but even in that case, your caloric intake should be such that you won’t be losing weight).

Let’s do some math here: One pound of fat is equal to roughly 3500 calories. So if you want to lose one pound each day for five days, you need to burn 17,500 calories in five days. If you consume the normal recommended caloric intake of 2,000 calories per day, in five days you will have consumed only 10,000 calories.

Here’s something else to take into account: It’s normal to have weight fluctuations between 1-5 pounds every day. There are many factors that cause this such as how much water you’ve consumed, whether you’ve worked out recently, or if your scale is broken. Seriously, people have hated themselves over their weight when it was really just a broken scale.

I think what people are really striving for is to feel lighter as opposed to losing those five pounds. Because really, you won’t notice that those five pounds are gone unless a scale tells you that. So you want tips on how to feel better? Now we’re talking!

1. Eat refreshing and lighter foods. This includes lots of fruits and vegetables because they have lower calorie values. And since it’s summer, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes are excellent at having this effect.

2. Drink plenty of water. Especially before a workout. This will help you fight water retention.

3. Workout! Make time for it. Getting your adrenaline pumping and endorphins boosting gives you a natural high. If you want that extra boost to squeeze into a cute mini, workout before you go out on Friday.

4. Now here is an actual nutrition secret: Eat your biggest meal at breakfast and your smallest meal at dinner. The theory behind this is your body needs the most energy first thing in the morning because it’s waking up and needs a jumpstart to begin running all day. In the evening, your body is winding down and preparing for sleep so it doesn’t need as much fuel.

And that’s it.

Little Fish is a curated children’s boutique founded by...

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:00:00 -0400

Blue Sailboat Art: starting at $20

El & Ann Designs Dress and Baby shoes

Hand Stitched Lion: $32

Giraffe Bib & Burp Cloth Set: $26

Blue & Yellow Paisley Dress: $32

Grey Elephant Small Tote: $17

Organic Cotton Surf's Up Tee: $18

Floral Peasant Dress: $36

Vintage Pink Bib Dress: $35

Vintage Stripe Balloon Dress: $36

Little Fish is a curated children’s boutique founded by mommy Brook Griffin. Always having gifted unique baby shower presents, her friends kept inquiring as to where she found her clever treasures. This prompted Brook to pull together her favorite Charleston, South Carolina based designers to create the ultimate easy and stylish boutique for mothers just like her (busy, busy, busy). We don’t want to give away too behind Little Fish, as the full blown story runs on Style Syllabus tomorrow, but the products speak for themselves.

Shop Little Fish with Style Syllabus and get 10% off by plugging in the code STYLESYLLABUS10 when checking out.

Blue Sailboat by Sandcastle Studio: starting at $20

Owl Baby Shoes by El & Ann Design: $30

Hand Stitched Lion by Finkelstein’s Center: $32

Giraffe Bib & Burp Cloth Set by The Fresh Stitch: $26

Blue & Yellow Paisley Dress by El & Ann Design: $32

Grey Elephant Small Tote by Blue Chickadee: $17

Organic Cotton Surf’s Up Tee by Lollipop Kids Clothing: $18

Floral Peasant Dress by The Fresh Stitch: $36

Vintage Pink Bib Dress by Library Littles: $35

Vintage Stripe Balloon Dress by Library Littles: $36

A Day in the Life of ... Elizabeth Gumb

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:58:00 -0400

By Elizabeth Gumb

Special Events Coordinator of Spoleto Festival USA

Breakfast: Whoops! Skipped it!

Lunch: Baja Style wrap from Black Bean Co.

Dinner: Salmon, pearl couscous and asparagus

Morning: I hear my little boy, Jack, calling my name so I start the morning with hugs and kisses from him, and so begins my mad dash to get ready and out the door. I’m in the middle of Spoleto Festival this morning, so I am headed to The Bridge at 105.5’s studio to talk about the fabulous events during the festival. I didn’t realize how nervous I’d be for this! But how fun to see how a morning show runs in action! Then I’m on my way to Starbucks for my iced latte. I think my nerves already did the job of waking me up, but nevertheless I still mentally need my coffee.

Afternoon: For lunch, which I didn’t mean to forget, I call in my favorite Baja Style wrap at Black Bean Co. Planning Spoleto is such a busy task, as it is once a year, so I am swamped!

Night: For dinner, there are no events this evening so I am going home to unwind with my family and catch up on Mad Men – 5 days later. My husband Jack is a wonderful cook so I was thrilled to come home to dinner already made. And then I try to get as much sleep before another unknown day presents itself.

So tell us …

As the special events coordinator of an international festival, how do you think Charleston serves as the best host for such a Festival?

We here in Charleston have long known that this city was the Best City in the World, the most stylish city in America with the best looking people, the best restaurants, and every other element attesting to all the awards we have received in the past two years. It has always been our secret, and it is why we all live here. We are in love with Charleston — or at least I am. I love everything about it. The piazzas, the beach, the styles, the originality, the architecture, the hospitality. There is not one day that goes by that I don’t think — “I love this City! I am so lucky to be here!” But the reason I think this city is the perfect host of Spoleto Festival USA is because of its beauty. Long before we had the best restaurants, long before the city is what it is today, the city’s beauty is what made Spoleto and Charleston such a perfect fit. I personally don’t know but I would think her beauty is a major reason why Menotti decided to have his sister Festival here. You can walk out of a performance at the Dock Street, look straight ahead at the French Huguenot Church, or walk down Queen Street and see the homes and their gardens and the children in their bonnets, and you are still in a visual art performance. It’s almost too much for your eyes. And it’s still that way today.

What’s your most prized possession?

My most prized material possession has to be my wedding ring because of everything it means: My marriage, my son, my home, my family, and all the many things to come. It’s something I feel naked without, and every time I glance at it, I realize how much I cherish it.

What does every stylish woman need to attend Spoleto?

That’s easy — stylish flats or wedges. There are many performances and parties to attend each night, and you have to be quick and light on your feet amongst cobblestones and cocktails. My go-to is the Michael Kors Vivan wedge in both black and cream. I have also discovered a newfound love for wristlet purses that hold everything you need (phone, lippy, cards, tickets, and cash) and double as a bracelet and freehand purse you don’t have to lug around or worry about leaving. I’m carrying the Louis Vuitton classic wristlet these days. Last year it was a little white leather wristlet with a silver bracelet. And of course you can’t have enough fun fabulous dresses. The best thing is that because it is an international Festival, you have so many people from all around the world coming together, so you get to see so many new and interesting styles.