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 […]
Charleston Women in Style
Effortless Elevation: The Art of Accessories
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, […]
Fall in Love with Louise: A Women’s Boutique
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 […]
Fashion is Passion: The Evolution of Charleston Fashion Week
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 […]
Welcome to the Tour of Boutiques
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. […]
Charleston Style: A visual history through fashion
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 & […]
Summer is Hot Business: Dress for Success
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 […]
Find Your Happy Place: The Girl House
When Vanessa Hapka, an entrepreneur and mother of four, moved to Summerville, she discovered that one important component was missing: a full-service salon that she could fall in love with. Having worked in the industry for sixteen years, Hapka decided that she would create the space she longed for – for both herself and other […]
Lounge With Us: It’s a Great Fit
For Erin Yates, founder of Lounge With Us on James Island, bra-fitting has been an art form since she started that line of work in 2011. Because every woman has her own story and feelings about her body, Yates guides her clients with patience and empathy, and yes, fun, to find the perfect bra for […]
Mount Pleasant Towne Centre: Shop, Dine, Stay and Give Back
Since 1999 — that is almost 25 years now — the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre has served millions of shoppers. This 510,000-square-foot, open-air shopping destination has over 65 national and local retail stores and restaurants. Many of the stores are well-known brands such as Belk, Buckle, Chico’s, GAP, LOFT, lululemon, LUSH, Versona and Victoria’s Secret, […]









