A Day in Charleston

Charleston, 1865

My mother is from Charleston.  For Southerners, we know the importance of this statement.  Charleston has always been and will always remain the Grande Dame of the South - though it's known as The Holy City to South Carolinians.  It embodies the elegance of the South while continuing to grow and stay modern - this is something that most cities, no matter how great, struggle with.  That alone is a reason to put a trip to Charleston on your list.  That and two other reasons: Ben Silver and RTW.

Since before the 1960s Ben Silver was making men's overcoats - that is, until John F. Kennedy dared to walk coatless into the White House.  Mr. Kennedy was apparently not the only trend setter in the family, for the sales of men's overcoats took a nose dive.  Mr. Silver rallied by creating a line of stylish blazers with personal buttons of family crests, University insignia, etc.

These buttons and blazers began a prestigious reputation for the brand, and like Charleston, that reputation continued to grow and modernize.

Though Mr. Silver died in 1978, his son-in-law, Bob Prenner, has created an even bigger business that includes the most beautiful silk neckwear from English silk mills and bespoke suits and tuxedoes that rival those in Savile Row.

Walking into the store is like walking into a gentleman's library.  Located on historical King Street, the store's antiques and dark furnishings are adorned with merchandise, begging you to open drawers, look through bookshelves and wander around in exploration.  Of course, the eyewear could be my favorite component.  Though I am a sucker for a man in tortoise.

Diagonally across the street is a gem of a boutique.  RTW was opened in 1978, and the owner Janyce McMenamin is a dynamo at buying and building a boutique.

Gaultier RTW Spring 2012

You had me at Gaultier.  I have a new love for Jean Paul Gaultier, most likely due to witnessing the Spring Couture show in January.  I find his clothes not only beautiful and sexy but odd and thought-provoking.  And here, in the middle of downtown Historic Charleston was Gaultier staring me in the face.

RTW carries more than Gaultier.  There was also Lanvin - I have been coveting the snake dress for months now.  And I'm always curious to see what prints Dries Van Noten has come up with.  They also carry Jason Wu, Peter Cohen and more - all lines that are hard to find and special to carry.

And I just missed one of their great trunk shows, and one of my fave wardrobe building lines, The Row.
With standard poodles watching over the racks, and turtles from the back garden making a rare appearance, this is a store not to miss.  If you go in, ask for the charming and knowledgeable Jeffery to assist you.

Spending a day in Charleston is full of surprises and scenes of beauty.  A dinner out that night is a necessity for all.  And the culinary arts of Charleston rival that of any city I've personally ever visited.

This night friends and family dined at Hall's Chophouse on the infamous King Street.

The atmosphere reminds me of a sleek New York restaurant served with Southern charm on the side.  A sweet-playing piano welcomes you at the door, and the modern decor inside the old building is a juxtaposition that I always enjoy.

The menu is modern as well.  Creating dishes that are truly Southern yet thrust into 2012 is what to expect. And the bar makes a mean cocktail.

There is no other way to get home from a night on the town other than a black cab - wearing my new Gaultier as a dress, with friend Adrienne in Michael Kors.  Just like Charleston herself: traditional to the roots, beautiful and a transport to another place.

The Gold Bug

Sullivan's Island, SC is a place of the real South.  Located at the entrance to the Charleston Harbor and just a bridge ride over to Charleston, this small island remains true to what it once was.  The houses remind you of the past, yet invite you to a comforting and hospitable setting.  Walking the streets here, you just want to knock on a door to come in for a sweet tea or bloody mary and sit for a spell.

Built during WWII, bunkers like this are dotted along the island,
some being turned into houses

Edgar Allan Poe lived here for a little over a year in 1827 after the Army assigned him to Fort Moultrie, located on Sullivan's.

Poe's Tavern, a local pub named in honor of E.A. Poe

It was on this magical island that he wrote his most famous and widely read short story (at the time), The Gold Bug, along with two others.  The story takes place on Sullivan's Island and is a detective sort of read, as the main character hunts for a buried treasure after being bitten by a gold-colored bug.  I like to think that he was inspired by the beautiful golden sun that pours itself on the Atlantic waters, the sand and rooftops.

Being on this Island could be as close to Heaven as we can get.

Fore Fashion

As an Augusta, GA native, I grew up walking the golf course of the Augusta National every year at the Masters Tournament.  And though I do love watching the golf, I sometimes get distracted or delighted by the fashion that's walking the fairway.

The all time legend.  Bobby Jones.  A southern gentleman, he not only was a world class record making golfer, but he also helped design the Augusta National Golf Club and co-founded the Masters Tournament.  

No one has worn a tie on the golf course better.

Obviously, Mr. Jones had a huge impact on golf in many ways.  Including on the late great golfer, Payne Stewart.

No one will ever for get Stewart's consistently striking outfits, from caps to his pants (some interesting hybrid of plus fours and knickerbockers).

As a child of the 1970s, Jack Nicklaus will always remain a favorite of mine and a stand out in the world of golf.

Giving Lief Garrett a run for his money, Nicklaus' locks sometimes stole the show.

Plaid pants were his signature.  Along with winning the most Masters tournaments in history.  Wearing plaid and winning the Masters:  not things that most people can get away with.

Apparently, it's not just the ladies who like their shoes.  Freddie Couples is the best shoe dresser on the course these days, sporting his Ecco Street shoes.  My favorite were the pair with the red soles - much like the beloved Christian Louboutin shoes.

Winning the Masters in 1992, Freddie is a favorite on the golf course, I'm sure because of his excellent golf skills.  With nicknames like Boom Boom and Mr. Skins, what's not to love?

He's controversial.  And always has been, before and after the scandal.  He is a risk-taker on and off the golf course, and I believe he changed the way men started dressing for golf.  Tiger Woods.

Winning, winning, winning.  It didn't seem he could ever be stopped.  But with more wins came a change. His shirts were more fitted and sleek.  Gone were the pleated trousers and loose preppy golf shirt.  Golf started looking like an actual sport.  And Tiger certainly like an athlete.

And of course, the iconic Sunday Tiger Red.  Somehow it worked with Masters Green...

Once Tiger had sprung, those young golfers took it to the next level.  Kyle Stanley is the Johnny Cash of golfers today, wearing all black and having a bad boy look.

Definitely not your typical golf attire.

Ian Poulter: an expert at mixing the tacky with the avant garde with the fabulous, Poulter certainly makes a statement out on the golf course.

Taking risks with pink, plaid and punk, he seems to have no fear - which I respect.  I wonder what Bobby Jones would have thought of him?

Best dressed caddy in the world must go to the Augusta National. You see those white and green jumpsuits and you know Spring has officially arrived.

Cute!  I'm adding to my shopping list...