Closet Solutions Florida
Read moreVirtual Styling is here!
Have you ever stood in your closet needing a little guidance on what to wear with what? Virtual Styling by Amy Giles might be just what you need to help you with your styling dilemmas!
Read moreDerby Day Chic
You may not be traveling to Churchill Downs for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.... but it's always good to be prepared for a fun Derby party with friends... and know what to wear! It isn't all about the horses, right?!? When I think of the Derby..... Big hats and Mint Juleps come to mind. Kentucky Derby fashion has become as much about the race event as the horse racing. And.... HATS ARE DEFINITELY A MUST!!!
Below, I put together 3 Kentucky Derby outfits for the Ladies and 1 bonus outfit for the Guys to help inspire you to dress your best for the race weekend!
The Derby Hat.
Like I said, it's a MUST! Whether simple or extravagant, you must make sure you have one perched atop your head! Fascinators are the hot new trend from across the pond - smaller headpieces worn on a headband or a comb. Princess Kate made this unique style "chic" a few years ago. If you choose a simple large brimmed hat.... consider adding fresh flowers, feathers, or netting... to make it your own.
The Dress.
In my opinion, all ladies need to be in a dress. I feel like it's a Southern Lady TRADITION! Feel free to Show your unique style, but try to keep the silhouette simple and ladylike.... you would never want to distract from the THE HAT. If choosing a floral dress or print, keep your hat simple by choosing one color. If your dress is a solid color, feel free to go wild with several different colors!
The Accessories.
Keep it simple. Your Hat needs to be the "STAR" of your outfit. Stay away from big statement pieces and choose understated and delicate pieces instead, ie: simple cross or diamond necklace, or classic pearls and dainty earrings like studs or simple hoops. Also, your handbag needs to be small and simple - like a clutch. Make sure it can hold the following: phone, ID, credit cards, lipstick and lots of cash for placing those bets!!
The Shoes.
Chic summer open toe sandals, mules, classic wedges or an espadrille will be perfect with any dress. Make sure they are comfortable!! Even though the race is quick, the entire Derby event you attend might be an all day affair!
The Guys.
Think classic preppy attire for the men. Traditional seersucker suits, or pants in different eye catching colors with a crisp white button up on top. Or classic khaki or navy pants and beautiful bright colored shirts. If your guy doesn't mind neck wear.... you can pull it all together with a bright colored necktie. Also, don't be afraid to let him don a 1920s style fedora style hat as well.... just as long as it doesn't take away from yours!
I hope this has inspired you to wear your "Derby Best" with confidence on May 5th!! Don't forget to place your bets!!
A Weekend of Wine & Fashion
The 7th Annual 30A Wine Festival was an amazing event at Alys Beach! The weather thankfully cooperated and it was a beautiful weekend filled with wine, spirits, food, fashion & beautiful people! It is always a special event, especially to me, because of the beneficiary, Children's Volunteer Health Network. I have been involved with this wonderful local nonprofit organization for many years. It is heartwarming to see so many locals and out of towners support them and their cause to provide access to health services for children in Walton & Okaloosa counties in Florida.
The fashion at the event is always on point, and I felt so perfectly dressed in everything I was wearing from The Alys Shoppe. It was the perfect place to find beautiful pieces for the entire weekend of festivities!
I am sharing the highlights below from this fabulous fashion and wine filled weekend. Enjoy!
The beautiful storefront of The Alys Shoppe.
We kicked off our Friday evening February 23rd, at Bourbon, Beer and Butts and enjoyed live music, yummy food and.... obviously lots of delicious beer and bourbon!
I think I have the best looking date - my sweet husband, John. Sweater, black denim, necklace, bracelets & handbag all available at The Alys Shoppe
I stopped by to see the lovely ladies at The Alys Shoppe before the Grand Wine Tasting on Saturday, February 24th. These sweet, stylish women are always super helpful and ready to help find the perfect pieces for you!
It was a glorious day to stroll the quaint streets of Alys Beach, tasting wine and food. My Dress, jewelry and handbag all from The Alys Shoppe.
There is no other place quite like Alys Beach.
Lastly, Sunday, February 25th was Rosè and Croquet in the afternoon. This is such a classic, chic & stylish event. Everyone wore shades of white (the traditional color for croquet) and enjoyed a delicious brunch accompanied by rosè, champagne and creative cocktails .
The place to see and be seen on 30A is Rosè and Croquet on Sunday!
Feeling blessed to have been part of such a wonderful, chic event benefiting Children's Volunteer Heath Network... in such a breathtaking place, Alys Beach. Thanks again to The Alys Shoppe for making be feel super stylish and confident during all of the weekend festivities!
Until next year..... Cheers everyone!
7th Annual 30A Wine Festival Fashion at Alys Beach
For more information on Amy Giles and her styling & closet services, visit Wardrobe Made Simple.
Read moreKicking Off Summer in Style
We are kicking off Memorial Day Weekend - Rosemary Beach Style! I'm sure everyone will attend at least one BBQ this weekend! You want to look stylish and put together, but comfortable too. Here are some looks that we have chosen to help you look your best at a BBQ - whether it's at the beach, lake or in your backyard. All photography by The Southern Atelier
A flirty dress is always a good choice for the ladies with simple beaded tassel earrings (that everyone must own) and cute lace up flats. The colorful straw bag is the perfect pop of color to make this classic navy & cream dress stand out.
A man in khaki shorts and a long sleeve button up with rolled up sleeves is everything Southern. The blue and white check pattern to this Billy Reid shirt is the right choice for a "Beach BBQ" for sure.
Have a safe and super fun weekend with your friends and families! Give thanks for this great country of ours and remember those men and women who died to keep us safe! God Bless!!
Alys Beach 30A Wine Festival Weekend
The 5th Annual 30A Wine Festival was this past weekend at Alys Beach. It was a fabulous weekend filled with wine, food, trunk shows, shopping, croquet, fashion and beautiful people.
Read more30A Wine Festival Fashion at Alys Beach
The 30A Wine Festival is one of the most stylish and chic wine & culinary events on the gulf coast.... due to the breathtaking location at Alys Beach. This year marks the fifth year of this exciting event which benefits Children's Volunteer Health Network, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to health services for children in Walton and Okaloosa counties. I have been involved with CVHN for several years and these people and children hold a special place in my heart.
The weekend festivities are set for March 11 - 13th.
I am super excited to be teaming up with the The Alys Shoppe to help you decide what to wear to all of the weekend festivities! All of the following looks are from the Alys Shoppe.
Ladies and Gents, get ready to take notes...
Kick off the weekend at the Bourbon, Beer & Butts on Friday, March 11th, from 6:00-9:00 pm at Kelly Green. Dress code is casual "southern" chic. These looks are perfect to sip a cocktail, eat some awesome BBQ and enjoy the live music from Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars.
Swirl, sip and learn from some of the countries best vintners on Saturday from 1:00-3:30pm at Fonville Park. Then, from 3:30-7:00 join everyone for a wine walkabout at the North Sea Garden Walk at Alys Beach for the Grand Tasting.
Be sure to pick up your stylish Swell bottles to hydrate, hydrate hydrate!!!
Finally, Rose and Croquet is a highlight of the 30A Wine Festival on Sunday 11:30-3:30 pm at Kelly Green at Alys Beach. You must wear your traditional croquet whites for this tournament! Enjoy a boozy brunch and biscuit bar prior to the match, complete with elegant Rosés and Bloody Mary bar. This is one of my favorite events during this festival....Super chic!
I encourage you to attend the 30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach this year and experience one of the most stylish and unique wine festivals along our gulf coast, while supporting Children's Volunteer Health Network and helping our local community and its uninsured and underinsured children.
Buy your wine festival tickets here. Shop the Alys Shoppe for your weekend attire to be the best dressed of the wine festival! I will see you there!!
Watersound Ladies Soiree Event
A few weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to co-host a late afternoon soiree with St. Joe Club & Resorts for a group of lovely ladies at the Watersound Origins Cafe. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while enjoying a non-traditional fashion show. We were lucky to have two local boutiques there, Willow and Beachfolly, showing off their latest summer fashions. Two models from each boutique dressed in a beautiful day time look, floating around the room discussing their outfit details with the guests. We also had the honor of having Shelly Brown Jewelry there, showcasing her beautiful line of bohemian chic inspired cuffs and gorgeous jewels.
This event would not have been possible without many many people making it all come together and beautiful! I would like to thank the following people: Photography by Jacqueline Ward Images, Morgan King (makeup) and Rachel King (hair), Flowers by Milk and Honey (gorgeous arrangements of flowers), Willow Boutique, Beachfolly, St. Joe Club & Resorts staff (Carly, Carolyn and Curtis) at Origins and my loved ones (my husband)!
Of course, fashion shows require hair and make up!!! What fun to host all of the models in my home pre-event! We had two amazing & talented ladies doing hair and makeup... Rachel Nelson on hair and Morgan King doing makeup. We were so blessed to have these ladies helping us to look event ready!
I had the opportunity talk to our guests about my business, Wardrobe Made Simple, as well as discuss how we turned the model's day outfits into evening!
Grand Opening of Mason in Seaside
The chic town square of Seaside, Florida is lined with beautiful boutiques, delicious eateries & those famous airstream restaurants. It's a special place where locals and tourists mingle together. What better place than this to open a new men's store..... Mason- Goods for Men. The talented, "Willow Girls" (as they are locally known), Celia Tucker and Cindy Krutz, have done it again with this cool, beach side shop.
I was excited to attend the grand opening party this week of Mason, the new addition to the Willow family. I always love celebrating my friends' accomplishments and talents!
Mason carries men's goods, ie, apparel & accessories, swimwear, shoes, sunglasses, bar ware, shaving kits and more! Lines include Billy Reid, Vince, Original Penguin, Vela & Krewe, Peter Millar, Collard Greens, Hudson Denim, Rodd & Gunn.... just to name a few.
This space is so cozy and chic!
Loved mingling with our local, chic friends also. Jami Ray, of 30A Street Style and Christie Casillo & Megan Trent of Coastal Road leather goods, were also celebrating Cindy and Celia's new addition to the Willow family.
I had to bring "my Man" to this grand opening of course! What a fun night!
Mason is located at 2236 East County Hwy 30A, Seaside, FL 32459, opens tomorrow at Noon until 7pm in Seaside, FL. Mason will open seven days a week, from 10am-9pm this spring and summer.
Valerie & Matt's Santa Rosa Beach Wedding
Weddings are one of my favorite events to style! I was thrilled to be able to celebrate with our friends Valerie & Matt Walker yesterday at Celebration Hall in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I was excited to wear my new Joie suede heels (available at Willow Boutique). Also, my new Coastal Road Sundance clutch was perfect with my dress!
A beautiful day in Santa Rosa Beach for a wedding..... catching up with sweet friends. I'm wearing a BCBG dress from last year's collection from Willow Boutique. This dress always puts me in a good mood because of the fun, bright color! My jewels are my own LOVE necklace from Willow Boutique, druzy and gold layering necklaces.
Weddings are always a good reminder of how blessed I am to have been married to this handsome guy for fifteen years!
Congratulations to Valerie and Matt Walker! Thank you for sharing your special day with us in such a beautiful place. Cheers!
Chic New Jewels
I couldn't resist stopping by Willow Boutique to meet Founder and Designer of the chic new jewelry line, Shelly Brown. Her American Made jewelry is self described as being "Bohemian Luxury". Her cuffs are fabulous and are made with Swarovski crystals with an array of mixed metals. Her collection is comprised of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
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