Spring is here, and in true fashion, we have been getting plenty of rain. But you know what they say — April showers bring May flowers! And our social calendars are blossoming with fun already. There is so much to do around Memphis in April, so don’t let a fashion faux pas rain on your parade. Our stylist Alexandra Nicole of City Chic Living pulled some of the hottest fashions from Lori James Contemporary Boutique, Sachi and Ivory Closet to set your spring social outings up for style success!

In honor of Art by Design, the fabulous design-centric event shared some of their lovely featured designers and design assistants with us, and they graciously agreed to be our models! Allyson James of Allyson James Design, Fashion Consultant Augusta Campbell of A. Shaw Style, Cameron Howell of Cameron Howell Interior Design, Carmeon Hamilton of Nubi Interiors, Elizabeth Malmo of Elizabeth Malmo ID, Sarah Spinosa of Sarah Spinosa Design and Jacquelyn Sappenfield and Lana Zepponi of Kitchens Unlimited were kind enough to spend the afternoon with us, and they absolutely rocked their looks.

An active supporter of ArtsMemphis offered up their impeccably curated downtown loft for our photo shoot. Greg Baudoin designed this urban retreat, and every inch is pure perfection. We were swooning all afternoon long! We know you will, too.

Without further ado, here is our April edition of What to Wear!

These fabulous ladies are some of the featured designers and design assistants that are making Art By Design possible!
These fabulous ladies are some of the featured designers and design assistants who are making Art by Design possible!

The Event: Art by Design

  • April 5-8, 2018
  • Tickets start at $20.
  • For more information, visit artsmemphis.org.

This interior design showcase is like no other! Teams of talented designers create vignettes featuring glimpses into their artistic talents and unique styles, while benefiting more than 80 arts organizations through ArtsMemphis! The fun doesn’t stop there, though — this multi-day festival features a VIP dinner on Thursday, Cambria Cocktail Party on Friday and all-day lineups of impressive demonstrations and presentations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What to Wear? Let your artsy side show! The events range from cocktail attire to more casual dress, but don’t dress down. Dress it up! Go bold with fun colors, patterns and textures.

Look #1:

On Elizabeth, from Ivory Closet: Molly Bracken top, $; Molly Bracken Esperanza skirt, $58; Hat, $20; Necklace, $20.
On Elizabeth Malmo, from Ivory Closet: Molly Bracken top, $42; Molly Bracken Esperanza skirt, $58; hat, $20; necklace, $20
"Choosing a full circle style skirt with vibrant prints makes for the perfect feminine cocktail attire," says Alexandra.
“Choosing a full circle-style skirt with vibrant prints makes for the perfect feminine cocktail attire,” says stylist Alexandra Nicole of City Chic Living.

Look #2:

On Allyson: Frayed pant from Sachi, $74; Kerisma Knits top from Sachi, $74; Clutch from Lori James, $218; Larisa Loden necklace from Sachi, $64; Gray Fringe earrings from Sachi, $52; India Hicks bracelet, $165.
On Allyson James from Sachi: frayed pant, $74; Kerisma Knits top, $74; Larisa Loden necklace, $64; gray fringe earrings, $52. From Lori James: clutch, $218; India Hicks bracelet, $165
Bold jewelry and frayed hems add a splash of fun to an otherwise conservative look.
Bold jewelry and frayed hems add a splash of fun to an otherwise conservative look. “If you are a minimalist in your wardrobe choices, spice up your look with a statement necklace for a special event,” says stylist Alexandra.

Look #3:

On Sarah: White pant from Lori James, $132; Cropped sweater tank from Lori James, $159; Love's Affect necklace from Sachi, $78; bracelet from Sachi, $40.
On Sarah Spinosa from Lori James: white pant, $132; cropped sweater tank, $159. From Sachi: necklace, $78; bracelet, $40

The Event: 4th Annual Spring for Forrest Cocktail Party and Auction

  • April 6, 2018
  • Tickets are $75.
  • 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • For more information, visit forrestspencefund.org.

Who doesn’t love to cocktail for a cause? Enjoy live music, dancing, local food, beer and wine and a fantastic silent auction at Spring for Forrest. The auction has pretty stellar offerings up for grabs this year — from Hamilton tickets to private dinners with local chefs! But the best part of the evening is that all the proceeds will support the Forrest Spence Fund as they seek to meet the non-medical needs of families with critically or chronically ill children here in the Mid-South. That alone is worth showing up for!

What to Wear? Cocktail attire can be fun and festive. Throw a vest over a classic cocktail dress, or spring for a jumper instead. Have a little fun with the basics!

Look #1:

On Lana, from Lori James: Fur vest, $350; White dress, $262; Pearl necklace, $175; Gold bracelet, $175.
On Lana Zepponi, from Lori James: Fur vest, $350; white dress, $262; pearl necklace, $175; gold bracelet, $175
This pure gold bangle bracelet is a simple, stunning and sophisticated addition to any look.
This pure gold bangle bracelet from Lori James is a simple, stunning and sophisticated addition to any look.

Look #2:

On Carmeon: Lucca jumpsuit from Sachi, $106; Bell sleeved top from Sachi, $56; Cuff from Lori James, $78.
On Carmeon Hamilton, from Sachi: Lucca jumpsuit, $106; bell-sleeved top, $56. From Lori James: cuff, $78
We love to mix and match neutrals! Go bright this spring.
“Choose a jumper for a unique party look that is sure to turn heads,” says Alexandra. “You can dress it up with over-the-top jewelry pieces.”

The Event: Memphis Fashion Week

  • April 11-14, 2018
  • Tickets range from $60 to $800.
  • For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Calling all fashionistas and local business lovers! During Memphis Fashion Week, fashion becomes the focal point of Memphis’ social calendar. Enjoy a free designer talk at the Brooks Museum on Wednesday followed by the ticketed Fashion Night Out & Trunk Show on Thursday. Find yourself mesmerized by featured and headlining designers’ runway shows on Friday, and then finish the weekend off in style with The Emerging Designer Runway Show at Memphis College of Art on Saturday. We are so excited for this week of stylish soirées!

What to Wear? Bring your A-game to Memphis Fashion Week! Don’t be afraid to dress to the nines and express your inner fashionista. There is no such thing as too stylish!

Look #1:

On Augusta: Black sequin moto jacket from Lori James, $378; Payslyn dress from Sachi, $118.
On Augusta Campbell, from Lori James: Black sequin moto jacket, $378. From Sachi: Payslyn dress, $118
We love Augusta's local accessories! Her striking statement necklace is from Brave designs, and her yellow and white gold earrings with diamonds and pearls are from designer Mary Beth Harris. Not to mention that vintage Gucci purse... picture perfect!
We love Augusta’s local accessories! Her striking statement necklace is from Brave Design, and her yellow and white gold earrings with diamonds and pearls are from designer Mary Beth Harris. Not to mention that vintage Gucci purse … absolute perfection!

Look #2:

On Cameron: Velvet moto jacket from Lori James, $378; Suede v-neck from Lori James, $78; Long skirt from Lori James, $98; Necklace from Sachi, $60.
On Cameron Howell, From Lori James: Velvet moto jacket, $378; suede v-neck, $78; long skirt, $98. From Sachi: necklace, $60
"Velvet pieces have made their way into spring collections in the form of bombers and heels," says Alexandra. "Add the trend to your party look with a velour jacket!"
“Velvet pieces have made their way into spring collections in the form of bombers and heels,” says stylist Alexandra. “Add the trend to your party look with a velour jacket!”

Look #3:

On Jacquelyn: Vegan leather top from Lori James, $187; Patterned skirt from Lori James, $130; Clutch from Sachi, $52; Necklace from Lori James, $145.
On Jacquelyn Sappenfield, from Lori James: Vegan leather top, $187; patterned skirt, $130; necklace, $145. From Sachi: clutch, $52
“Not a gal who loves frills and lace? Keep your edgy style by incorporating a leather top,” says Alexandra.

Catch a glimpse behind the scenes!

Alexandra coaches our lovely models so Mary Kate could capture the perfect group shot.
Alexandra coaches our lovely models so Mary Kate could capture the perfect group shot.
"Sparkle and shine in a sequined party outfit! Feel like a sequined dress could be too young? Choose a jacket or clutch to get with the trend." We love Alexandra's practical fashion advice.
“Sparkle and shine in a sequined party outfit! Feel like a sequined dress could be too young? Choose a jacket or clutch to get with the trend.” We love Alexandra’s practical fashion advice.

Thanks to Alexandra Nicole of City Chic Living for styling the looks, and Sachi, Lori James Contemporary Boutique and Ivory Closet for providing the clothes.

Thanks to ArtsMemphis and Art by Design for providing the models and location, designed by Greg Baudoin, for our shoot.

And lastly, thanks to Mary Kate Steele for her stunning photography.

Have a stylish spring, Memphians!

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Martha Davis