AN ELEGANT EVENING OF FASHION & BEAUTY

Photos by Brandon Scott

The O Report presented Spring Trend Report: An Elegant Evening of Fashion & Beauty for Women 50 & Up. hosted by St. John Boutique at SouthPark Mall.

Guests learned about fashion trends for Spring 2019 and how to wear them. Models of different ages including 50 & up showed off Spring looks from the classic American luxury fashion brand St. John.

Plus, award-winning surgeon Dr. Kevin Smith of Charlotte Plastic Surgery shared the newest surgical and non-surgical procedures and products that are revolutionizing the beauty industry.

Along with the talk and informal modeling, guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, Champagne cocktails, door prizes, gift bags and everyone received the newest edition of The O Report magazine.

YOU'RE INVITED TO A SPRING TREND REPORT

Please join The O Report for the Spring Trend Report: An Elegant Evening of Fashion & Beauty for Women 50 & Up.

Hosted By St. John Boutique in The Luxury Wing Of SouthPark Mall, it’s a chance to learn about fashion trends for Spring 2019 and how to wear them. Models 50 & up will show off Spring looks from the classic American luxury fashion brand St. John.

Dr. Kevin Smith of Charlotte Plastic Surgery will discuss revolutionary new trends in beauty during a Spring Trend Report on March 14 at the St. John Boutique at SouthPark Mall.

Plus, award-winning surgeon Dr. Kevin Smith of Charlotte Plastic Surgery will share the newest surgical and non-surgical procedures and products that are revolutionizing the beauty industry.

Bring your questions, and your friends, to this fun and informative evening of tips and trends. 

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, Champagne cocktails, door prizes and gift bags. Guests will be among the first to receive the newest edition of The O Report magazine.

Free. Seating is Limited. Registration Required. RSVP here.

FASHION RECAP: STAY SASSY, STAY CHIC

The O Report Publisher Olivia Fortson talks with guests at the Stay Sassy, Stay Chic fashion seminar April 5 in Circle Court of SouthPark Mall. All photos by Daniel Coston.

The O Report recently presented Stay Sassy, Stay Chic: A Fashion Seminar for Women 50 and Up. Thank you to all the guests who attended! We are so appreciative of your support. We especially loved Living La Vida Diva blogger Vikee Koh's take on the event (click here to read it). Thanks, Vikee!

We're happy to report it was a hit! It was held April 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Circle Court in the luxury wing of SouthPark Mall, which sponsored the event. 

Event hosts were fashion expert Suzanne Libfraind, the exclusive personal shopper for SouthPark Mall; and Olivia Fortson, Publisher of The O Report. Suzanne chose an outfit from Nordstrom and styled Olivia in clothing from Dillard's. Nordstrom and Dillard's were two of the event sponsors.

Limited to 100 guests, tickets sold out in three days and there were over 100 on the waiting list. It was hosted by Suzanne Libfraind, SouthPark Mall's personal shopper with sass; and Olivia Fortson, publisher of The O Report. (Click here for an interesting profile on Suzanne that's in the People section of this website.)

Guests raved about the fabulous luncheon menu from Reid's Fine Foods & Wine Bar at SouthPark: kale detox salad, mixed fruit and a variety of sandwiches.

The event began with a fabulous luncheon menu from Reid's Fine Foods & Wine Bar at SouthPark: kale detox salad, mixed fruit and a variety of sandwiches.

Reid's created a speciality cocktail, the Sassy Suzanne, in honor of star Suzanne Libfraind. The recipe is below. It's strong, sweet and pretty - just like Suzanne!

They also created a speciality cocktail in honor of program star Suzanne Libfraind - the Sassy Suzanne! It's made with 2 parts vodka, 1 part Jack Ruby Sweet Tea Syrup, 1 part lime juice, 1 part Hibiscus tea and 1/2 part simple syrup. 

To get the party started, Olivia and Suzanne gave a toast - "Cheers to staying sassy and staying chic!"

You're never too old for a beautiful braid! Jenn at Carmen! Carmen! Salon created this braided hairstyle for Olivia Fortson.

Suzanne and Olivia shared their tips for staying sassy and chic no matter your age. Models 50 and up showed off Spring looks from Nordstrom and Dillard's. Carmen! Carmen! Salon at Belk styled the hair of the hosts and model; and bareMinerals at SouthPark did their makeup. 

Models at the event were (from left): Darla Desiderio, Sandra McCaslin, Suzanne Walker, Dianne Roth and Francene Marie Morris.

The models were Darla Desiderio, the author of Gage the Whippet series of children's books; artist Sandra McCaskill, owner of Alexandra's Accents, who creates luxury throw blankets that are in fine homes around the world; Francene Marie Morris, an award-winning radio host with Beasley Media Group, whose talk show can be heard on six different stations around the Charlotte area; Dianne Roth, the recently retired Director of Development for the American Diabetes Association Central Carolinas Chapter; and Suzanne Walker, office manager at SouthPark Mall. 

Three of the models have been featured on The O Report - Dianne, Darla and Francene (to read their interviews, click on their names). 

Francene in an outfit from Dillard's.

Darla's outfit, including Vince Camuto heels and a two-tone Longchamp bag, were from Nordstrom.

Suzanne Walker in pieces from Dillard's including a pink sweater/poncho from Peter Nygard and multicolor straw sandals from Donald J. Pliner.

Sandra loved this Lewitt plaid and eyelet jacket from Nordstrom.

Dianne in a fuchsia Halston top, Preston & York white pants, Patricia Nash navy bag and Sam Edelman blue straw heeled sandals - all from Dillard's.

Francene's look from Dillard's featured a printed headscarf from Masai, olive suede block heels from A&D and a laser cut tote bag from Kate Landry.

Darla in a look from Nordstrom: a poppy red Eliza J dress, multicolored Louis et Cie heels and a gray Tory Burch bag.

Suzanne Libfraind showed off her fashion expertise by styling the models in different outfits at various price points and using each look as a way to share great information with guests about what they should be thinking about in regards to 50 & up fashion. The end of the program was a Q&A so guests could ask questions. 

Suzanne looked amazing in her Elizabeth & James bronze pleated palazzo pants from Nordstrom paired with an A.L.C. top and Halogen shoes.

Suzanne Walker in an embellished wrap from Karl Lagerfeld and a silver Kate Landry clutch, both from Dillard's.

Dianne in a stunning Caroline Rose floral jacquard coat from Dillard's.

The final look was Sandra in a gorgeous sequined navy gown from JS Collections at Nordstrom accessorized with an iridescent clutch.

Three different looks - from casual to cocktail and formal - on models Dianne, Francene and Sandra.

During the program, SouthPark Mall gave away five raffle prizes: Jewelry from Kendra Scott, a bareMinerals gift set, a scarf from the new Johnny Was store at the mall, and two gift cards valued at $50 each. 

Dominica of Nona's Sweets & Bakery with her sweet - not scandalouos - naked cupcakes. Guests loved

Then guests enjoyed Naked Cupcakes from Nona's Sweets & Bakery (naked means they could choose their flavor of cupcake and then decorate it themselves). 

Guests left with a Stay Chic gift bag from The O Report filled with gifts from Reid's, Dillards, SouthPark Mall, Nona's Sweets & Bakery, and bareMinerals. The new Matte Liquid Lipcolor that bareMinerals gave away was so popular with guests, The O Report received numerous requests on how to purchase full-size lip colors.. To order more, contact the bareMinerals store at SouthPark Mall: 704-362-1228.

We also hope everyone who attended left with an extra sassy step to their walk and inspiration for how to stay chic! 

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STAY SASSY, STAY CHIC: A FASHION SEMINAR

The O Report is excited to announce this collaboration between author and wardrobe expert Suzanne Libfraind, SouthPark Mall's personal shopper; and Olivia Fortson, publisher of The O Report.

During Stay Sassy, Stay Chic, their fashion seminar from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 5 in the luxury wing of SouthPark Mall, they'll share their fashion tips for women 50 and up, answer questions and moderate a fashion presentation featuring 50 and up models showing off Spring looks from Dillard's and Nordstrom.

Reid's Fine Foods And Wine Bar is putting together a delicious luncheon menu for the event, and Nona's Sweets Bakery Cafe will serve naked cupcakes - a fun twist on the classic dessert. And don't miss the Sassy Suzanne cocktail! Guests will also enjoy raffle prizes and gift bags. 

Sponsors are SouthPark Mall, bareMinerals and Carmen! Carmen! Salon at Belk. 

Seating is limited for this free, fun and fabulous afternoon and an RSVP is required. To register, click here. 

MIMOSAS AND MERRIMENT

The O Report was one of the social media influencers invited to attend Merriment & Mimosas: A Blogger Brunch held at Circle Court in the luxury wing of SouthPark Mall. It was hosted by Simon, owner of SouthPark Mall, Concord Mills Mall and Charlotte Premium Outlets. 

Something Classic Catering put together a delicious menu of breakfast food along with mimosas and a Bloody Mary Bar.

The festive decorations included a beautiful Christmas stocking from Frontgate at each blogger's chair with their name embroidered in gold thread. It was stuffed with goodies gifted by the three malls. 

Beautiqued blogger Shauntel Green (www.beautiqued.com) was not only The O Report's pick for best dressed blogger at the brunch, she was also the event's Social Media Challenge winner and walked away with a prize of a $200 Simon gift card for herself and a $500 Simon gift card to give away to her favorite charity. 

Suzanne Libfraind, the personal shopper for SouthPark Mall. 

A highlight was a fashion presentation by Suzanne Libfraind, the personal shopper for SouthPark Mall. Her services include style consultations, wardrobe planning and personal shopping. (To schedule an appointment, email her at suzanne@wardrobeconsulting.biz.) She shopped the three malls and put together displays of her favorite fashion looks right now. 

Here are Suzanne's on trend tips and the fashion examples she used from the three malls. 

Layering your necklaces updates your look. 

Instead of a blazer, throw on a moto jacket. Especially if it's a stylish shade such as burgundy. 

A glitzy clutch is a fun must-have.

Body suits are back in style. This one from Dress Barn at Concord Mills is extra stylish because it's in velvet, has a ruffle at the neckline and can be worn off the shoulders. 

A chunky sweater is a Winter wardrobe essential.

This Kate Spade bag from Charlotte Premium Outlets is large enough to be a work bag and only costs around $160.  

This blue hue takes a faux fur vest to a new level.

Pants with embellishments - in this case lace overlays - can go from a day at the office to a night on the town. 

Looking ahead to Resort/Spring, Suzanne loves the look of this white jumpsuit ($298) from Lilly Pulitzer at SouthPark Mall. 

BRAHMIN REQUIRED

Rows of classic Brahmin bags in navy, brown and black line a wall at the famous American brand's sleek new store in the luxury wing of SouthPark mall. 

Brahmin is one of America's great fashion brands. Based in Massachusetts, its handbags and accessories are made of luxurious leathers and fine materials with a signature use of exotic embossing and mixed media touches. The company says it takes more than two dozen skilled artisans over 100 steps to create each bag. We appreciate that if you find a style you like it comes in an array of colors and materials. 

Its new arrivals for Autumn are beautifully displayed in Brahmin's sleek new store in the luxury wing of SouthPark mall. The store recently hosted a Fall Fashion Event to show off its offerings - both classic and new styles - along with the debut of its monogram shop (select bags and accessories come with an option to add your own personal monogram). The brand's new tagline is "Brahmin Required" to reflect its belief that every stylish woman should have at least one Brahmin bag in her collection. 

We couldn't agree more. The problem is, we want them all. Here are a few of our favorite bags and accessories we fell in love with during our visit to the store.

Chic accessories: Journals with an option to add your personal monogram, $65; wine tote, $75; set of six coasters, $65; and iPhone cases, $58.

A Fall fashion must-have, the Sonny Savannah Crossbody Saddle Bag, $285.

Make a statement with the mixed materials in the Priscilla Satchel Rooksbury, $435.

Travel in style with one of these Weekender bags, $495. 

All of Autumns colors in one bag. Prices vary by style. 

From the Southeast collection, this black Blair Charleston bucket shoulder bag with tassels is from Brahmin's Seacoast collection with its signature gold schooner logo.

If you're mad for plaid, the Canterbury style is for you. Prices are around $395.