Charleston Women in Style

Natalie Holst was working in fashion during the day and in restaurants at night when a stylist working for designer brands commissioned some of her accessories and she suddenly found herself thrust into the world of business. Soon after, she created Holst + Lee with a vision to empower individuals to express their boldest selves […]

Ashley Jackson started her journey after surviving sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare feat that turned her biggest insecurity of epilepsy into her biggest strength. Learning about her inner beauty and resilience gave her the courage to break into the beauty industry, and when she had the opportunity to buy a bright pink […]

  Finding a comfortable bra that offers adequate nipple coverage is a challenge every female faces, from preteens to adults. Padded bras can feel hot and bulky, while bralettes can be a hassle due to foam inserts that crease, lose shape or get misplaced in the wash. This struggle inspired Becky Connelly, founder of Non […]

Inspired by her lifelong love for the classic Southern style and her desire to create something both beautiful and meaningful, Kim Lolley of Kim Lolley Designs began the transition from nurse to fashion designer. Working 25 years as a nurse instilled in Lolley a deep appreciation for care, precision and service, values she carries into […]

If fashion is the language of personal expression, then accessories are the exclamation points. They have the power to take a simple outfit from forgettable to fabulous, infusing confidence, individuality and flair. Whether it’s a bold necklace, a statement bag or a perfectly stacked arm of bangles, accessories can help women feel polished and empowered, […]

  Jennie Crosby and Jennifer Limehouse recently set out to pour into the Summerville community by opening a women’s boutique which enhances both the customer’s confidence and the small business scene in quaint downtown Summerville. Louise is “a reflection of us,” according to the duo, meaning they refuse to stock anything they don’t fully endorse […]

As style director of Charleston Magazine from 1997-2007, Ayoka Lucas had her finger on the pulse of the fashion industry for a decade. Soon came a massive vision to put Charleston on the map of the fashion world. Backed by the owners of Charleston Magazine and Misty Lister, the marketing director, Lucas followed her dream […]

What is fashion? Fashion encompasses more than just clothing and accessories. It reflects a person’s cultural, social and personal identity, and can even highlight an individual’s values and beliefs. Many use fashion as a tool for self-expression. It can be an avenue for driving home important political statements or a means to promote social activism. […]

You’ve come a long way, baby. That phrase has a variety of connotations. It implies dramatic change or development, particularly regarding women’s rights issues. Women’s fashions have come a long way, too. They often visually represent social, political and economic norms of the eras, the changing styles illustrating the evolution of woman herself. ELITE & […]

Fashion has been celebrated by women since the beginning of time, taking a sharp upward turn during the Gilded Age. During this era, it was evident who was in high society and who was not, based on their wardrobe. It only grew from there, leading up to the more modern era. In the 1950’s, women’s […]