by Intern | Oct 9, 2017 | October 2017, Polish, Stuff
Raleigh fashion lovers love Keechii purses, totes and clutches from local designer and fashion blogger Marcia Spencer. Spencer’s bold-printed fabrics, layered leather purses, fringe trims and tassels, clean lines, iconic structures and 1970s-inspired styles top off an outfit any season, for any occasion.
Spencer learned to sew from her mother growing up and, as a student at N.C. State, she made her own clothes. In 2007, the designer launched a children’s clothing line called Small Beans. In the summer of 2014, Spencer launched her line of Keechii bags and clutches. The name “Keechii” is a is a blend of the Cherokee and Occaneechi tribe names, a reflection of Spencer’s parents’ Native American heritage.
This fall, the designer is showcasing a collection of sleek leather and calf hair earrings specially crafted to coordinate with Keechii’s new collection of fall bags to create a polished look. Spencer says she always intended for Keechii to grow to include a variety of accessories that pull together an outfit, and she started thinking about what to do with the leftover pieces from the leather she used to make her bags.
“I didn’t want to get rid of them,” Spencer says. “I thought, what can I do that’s creative to keep these unique pieces of leather and make them into something? It was time to branch out into jewelry, maybe earrings or bracelets, so I made some earrings for myself and they turned out great.”
She’s right: much like her bags, Spencer’s leather earrings are simple in design but colorful, quirky and fun to wear.
For an of-the-moment (and Wolfpack-friendly) fall look, pair the crimson leather “Twiggy” earrings with the Boss Lady “Fire” clutch, or with the funky, geometrically patterned “Savannah.” Or, pair the Mohair earrings with the “Cloned” clutch or the classic “Ying-Yang” leather purse for a work-ready take on neutrals.
Spencer says she would like to try her hand at making belts and bracelets in the near future, and says she’ll approach local boutiques with her jewelry designs likely early next year.
Now, you can find Keechii bags and accessories at keechiibags.com; bags cost $50—$160 and earrings cost $18—$20. Follow Spencer and @keechiibags on Instagram to keep up with the latest looks.
by Intern | Apr 3, 2017 | April 2017, Polish, Stuff
Ashley Carter of FabEllis
fabellis.com, @iamfabellis
Carter hoped to work for a magazine after graduating from Meredith College in 2008. But when she had trouble finding a job, a friend suggested she start a blog. After focusing on beauty, she has since incorporated style. Her blog is growing, and she has more than 12,000 Instagram followers.
Pass the mustard… My favorite trends this spring are printed and ruffled shirts. I’m also loving all the mustard colored pieces I’ve seen.
Classic must haves… I think everyone should own a denim jacket. It’s such a classic piece that never goes out of style.
Her style… Classic, girly and edgy.
One size doesn’t fit all… I just believe in making sure you are wearing the right size garments and undergarments. It makes a world of difference!
maketodayahollyday.com,
@maketodayahollyday
As a child, Boyd grew up in her grandmother’s beauty salon watching ladies get “dolled-up.” Her love of cosmetics and fashion continued into adulthood, and in 2014 she decided it was time to explore her fashion obsession through a blog. Today, she has more than 90,000 followers.
Take style risks… Don’t shy away from mixing and matching prints—whether a flirty floral or stripe mix—and match your patterns with a structured bag for date night!
Show a little skin… My favorite fashion trend in spring is off the shoulder tops! [They] made a huge comeback last year and this year are stronger than ever!
Her style… Trend-driven, feminine, modern.
Spring must have… A lightweight jacket that can take you from a warm day to a cool evening.
thesmallthingsblog.com, @k8_smallthings
A former hairstylist, Bryan started blogging in 2011 as a way to share her favorite things, from lipstick to recipes. Since, she’s added elements of fashion to her lineup. The Raleighite, who’s married to a real rocket scientist, has almost 150,000 followers.
Flirty and fun trend… I’m loving all the tassels on everything, from tops to earrings. It’s such a fun way to add a feminine touch.
Denim is a girl’s best friend… I think everyone needs a great pair of jeans that they feel amazing in. I’m a “jeans and t-shirt” kind of girl, so I get a ton of wear out of my favorite jeans.
Her style… Casual, easy and classic.
Not a fan… I’m beginning to see nail art come back, and I hope it doesn’t come back full force!
gracefulleemade.com, @bygracelee
Don’t let her age fool you. This stylish 22-year-old has been blogging for almost seven years, and appeared on countless national sites including Lauren Conrad, Lucky and Self. With more than 20,000 Instagram followers, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill senior has a bright future ahead.
Ring that bell… My favorite trend this spring is anything with bell-sleeves and the color—blush pink.
What should be in your closet… A leather jacket. It’s versatile to wear during the day and then an easy piece to transition for a night out.
Her style… Classic, unique, and chic.
Forget fur… A style don’t for spring is anything faux fur. It screams winter. Instead opt for suede or a trench coat.
by Intern | Feb 20, 2017 | February 2017, Polish, Stuff
It seems as though a new nail art trend floods the Internet daily, from nail caviar to tie-dye to mirror manicures. Nail stamping, a technique that looks fancy but only takes a few steps, is one that can be done at a salon or at home. It’s an easy way to add delicate nail art that will last as long as your manicure.
A dollop of polish is painted onto a small metal stencil. A rounded rubber stamp device is then pressed onto the stencil where it picks up the delicate polish design. The design is then applied to the nails just like a stamp on paper. The result is an intricate painted design that takes only a couple minutes and can be easily replicated for consistency of the design.
According to Monica Khov, the owner of The Nail Stop (thenailstop.com), the technique is best done using gel polish on already-painted gel polish as opposed to regular lacquer. If gel polish is used, the design is then set with a topcoat and cured with an ultraviolet lamp for longer wear that lasts as long as the lifespan of the manicure. The service costs $5 per nail.
Luckily for the budget conscious, nail stamping can also be done at home but unlikely to last as long. To try your hand at the technique; beauty supply stores sell stamping kits that can be used with any kind of polish. The results are symmetrical, detailed designs that require no artistic skill.
Essence Nail Art set, $3.99 at ulta.com
— Abby Cummings
by Intern | Sep 26, 2016 | Eat, September 2016
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your day off right at the best spots in
Raleigh. These eateries offer fare so delicious that you might just turn into a morning person.
Smoothest Coffee:
Sola Coffee cafe
Family-owned and operated, Sola is a quaint and rustic eatery offering Counter Culture coffee from around the world and delicious, health-oriented foods and beverages. The cafe’s cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy your favorite cup of joe with a home-baked scone or a slice of avocado toast. 7705 Lead Mine Road,
solacoffee.com
Most Unbelievable Biscuits:
Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant
I think it’s fair to say if you serve 8,000-10,000 biscuits a week you’re doing it right. They say there’s nothing unique about Big Ed’s famous homemade buttermilk biscuits, it’s all about the biscuit maker’s technique. Big Ed’s serves breakfast, brunch, comfort food and soul food, but most people go for the biscuit every time.
220 Wolfe St. bigedscitymarket.com
Quick Fix:
Person Street Pharmacy
Founded in 1910, this historic pharmacy houses the perfect cafe to swing by on those busy mornings when you need a quick bite. Muffins, parfaits and protein shakes will fill you up without slowing you down. If you have time, try the “Pedro” biscuit with house-made chorizo, avocado, egg, ranchero sauce and habanero cheddar. 702 North Person Street,
personstreetrx.com
Tastiest Pancakes: Barry’s Cafe
When you need a taste of traditional, home-style cooking, Barry’s serves everything a southerner could want for breakfast from grits to country-style ham. The cafe’s juicy blueberry, buttery pecan and sweet chocolate chip pancakes can’t be beat. 2851 Jones Franklin Rd, barryscafe.com
Bottomless Mimosas:
Coquette Brasserie
Head to this French brasserie for crepes, quiche and, most importantly, bottomless mimosas. Located in the heart of North Hills with open air patio and black and white tables, enjoy your drinks with a Parisian flair. 4351 The Circle at North Hills, coquetteraleigh.com
Best Bloody Mary:
NOFO @ the pig
Previously a Piggly Wiggly, NOFO is a favorite due to its quirky and unique charm, not to mention its amazing weekend brunch. An eclectic menu hosts a dish for everyone with cocktails to match; the Bloody Mary is a must-try! 2014 Fairview Rd., nofo.com
Best Un-brunch: Jose and Sons
Spice up your Sunday brunch with Mexican cuisine with a southern twist. Jose and Sons’ breakfast tacos, enfrijoladas and spicy omelets provide a delicious and unexpected take on the meal that will satisfy brunch-lovers as well as those who aren’t “breakfast people.” 327 W. Davie Street,
joseandsons.com
Most Unexpected Breakfast
Buffet: Whole Foods market
Have a sweet start to your morning with Whole Foods’ heavenly creme brûlée french toast. Rich, gooey and smothered in maple syrup, this take on the breakfast staple tastes more like a treat than breakfast. Opt for scrambled eggs, oatmeal or potato latke if you aren’t in a sugary mood. 8710 Six Forks Road or 3540 Wade Avenue, wholefoods.com
— Amy Robertson
