MACHICAO COUTURE GRAND OPENING

Luis Machicao, the creative director and designer at Machicao Couture, recently celebrated the opening of his new design studio in the Myers Park area with a guest list of clients and friends. When he's not traveling the world, he creates gowns for an international clientele including some of Charlotte's loveliest ladies, and he has his own line of fragrances. 

Pam Stowe and Luis. 

Patti Tracey 

Berhan Nebioglu in one of the designer's creations. 

Effie Loukas and Christina Melissaris with Alexandra and Alex Myrick.

Claire Talley, Keith Alyea and Alexandra Myrick.

Luis surrounded by friends and clients. 

Where the design process begins. 

CHARITY LEAGUE FASHION SHOW

Tricia Jetton, Fashion Show and Silent Auction Chair, left, with Elizabeth Phillips, president of Charity League of Charlotte. Photos by Daniel Coston

The Charity League's 30th Annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction Luncheon at Carmel Country Club started on a perfect note: Quail Hollow Middle School String Quartet performed as guests mingled and viewed the hundreds of items up for bid. All proceeds from the event benefit Charity League, a historic nonprofit founded in Charlotte in 1921 to address the needs of area children. Details: www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org. 

During the luncheon, the Quail Hollow Middle School Chorus sang and WBTV anchor Molly Grantham emceed the fashion show. Perry's Fine, Antique & Estate Jewelry was among the businesses supporting the event and Diamonds Direct donated a gorgeous piece of jewelry for the raffle prize. 

WBTV anchor Molly Grantham was emcee of the fashion show. 

Models showed off clothes from Chico's at StoneCrest and adorable children's fashions from Matilda Jane. Tammy Schumacher and her stylists at Carmen! Carmen! salon at Belk at SouthPark mall did the hair and the makeup was from Laura Mercier. 

All the models gather after walking the runway. 

The adult models were friends or family members of Charity League members including Marshalle Peay, president of the Pine Valley community where Charity League operates a library and reading program for the neighborhood's children.

Some of the children from the library walked the runway along with children and grandchildren of Charity League members. 

HALSBROOK.COM HAS QUALITY CLOTHES FOR 50 & UP

Halsbrook.com founder and CEO Halsey Schroeder in her New York City office. Her beautifully curated online shopping site is filled with unique, high-quality pieces for women 50 and up. As a special gift to readers of The O Report, she's offering a 20% discount sitewide from April 7-April 21. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. To get this special discount, please use code OLIVIA20 at checkout. 

How did Halsey Schroeder, 32, become founder and CEO of Halsbrook.com, an online retailer focusing on unique, high-quality clothing for the 50 plus market?

"I was shopping online with my mom - we were going through all the usual suspects - and she told me that she would love to shop more online but all the sites seemed to cater to fast fashion and overly trendy clothes," Halsey says. "I decided I wanted to create something that fills that void."

In 2012 the Harvard Business School graduate with a love for fashion launched Halsbrook.com, which focuses on timeless pieces that are wearable and can be the basis of a fabulous wardrobe for years to come.

The site's beautifully curated collections have been a hit with shoppers. "Fifty percent of the designers we offer can only be found online with us, not in department stores," Halsey says. "A huge part of what we do is scour the market and find European and American designers with unique products."  

One of the reasons Halsbrook.com has continued to grow is that its price points are in a range that's a good relationship between price and quality. It now carries 100 brands and is getting ready to launch a shoe selection.

Shoppers also love the site's Style Guide that focuses on trends and tips for putting a look together. "We try on every single item and we're always thinking about where our customers can wear it and how it might fit with pieces they already own."

Also popular is the site's Travel Guide that's filled with dreamy destinations (Charleston, S.C. was recently featured). It showcases where to stay, eat, shop and visit in each city along with suggestions for what to wear. "Travel is important to our customers, so this is a fun resource," Halsey says.

Halsbrook.com offers free shipping and free returns, plus a brilliant On Approval policy that allows customers to order up to three full-priced items and try them out at home for seven days. Only the items they keep will be charged to their credit card (there is a temporary $1 charge for each item; click here for full details). "It encourages people to take more risks - to try that silhouette they might feel unsure about," Halsey says.

If you're intrigued, here's one more reason to go to Halsbrook.com: The O Report readers get a 20% off discount sitewide April 7-April 21. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. To get this special discount, please use code OLIVIA20 at checkout. To start shopping, click here.

The O Report asked Halsey for her top spring picks. Here are a few of her favorites: 

Rachel blue rose print cotton boatneck dress by Samantha Sung, $695. To order, click here.

Denim stretch linen-cotton overcoat by Amina Rubinacci, $715. To order, click here.

Dark navy off the shoulder dress by Paule Ka, $865. To order, click here.

Amandine white stretch cotton wide leg pant by Piazza Sempione, $595. To order, click here.

Arlequin lightweight wool scarf by Heart Heart Heart, $315. To order, click here.

Ivory embellished bug Merino wool shawl by Janavi, $390. To order, click here.

Flamingo cuff from Evocateur, $325. To order, click here.

Polka dot beaded clip earrings from Oscar de la Renta, $475. To order, click here.

Camelia buntal black and white minaudière by Serpui, $200. To order, click here.

SPICE UP YOUR WARDROBE

Spice up your spring and summer wardrobe with affordable pieces from British designer Victoria Beckham's hotly anticipated new collection for Target debuting April 9 online and at stores. 

It's divided into five different themes: circus scallops, pressed English flowers; English lace; clever bunny and pop floral. There are also finds for girls, toddlers and babies in case you want to spoil the grandchildren in style without spending a lot of money.

And just like Victoria's bunny prints, you need to be clever and quick because the collection, which includes more than 200 pieces, is expected to sell-out. Here are a few of The O Report's favorites:

Black and white stripe scallop sleeve top, $28.

White scallop midi skirt, $35.

Black calla lily top, $30.

Black satin calla lily wide leg pant, $40.

Bee print button-down top, $30.

White button-down top, $30.

Dark floral scallop trim top, $26.

Mint green lace bomber jacket, $35.

Navy and white floral appliqué sweat top, $30.

White poplin gathered waist top, $28.

Black collared dress with bunnies on the collar (also available in blush), $35.

Blue and white gingham twill peplum top, $30.

Blue and white gingham twill peplum pants, $30.

Fuchsia twill flared trouser (also in black), $40.

Bee print scarf with marigold trim, $20. 

Girls' clear floral appliqué raincoat, $40.

Girls' light blue gingham drop waist dress, $25.

Girls' light blue gingham twill jacket, $30.

Toddler blush tea party printed top and short set, $20.

Toddler mauve dress with asymmetric scallop trim, $23.

Toddler pressed floral satin ruffle hem dress, $23. 

Baby blush bee collar body suit, $13.

Baby dark gray bunny jacket and pant sweater set, $35.

Baby lilac pleated romper, $35.

ART WITH HEART

Artist Sharon Dowell at Safe Alliance's annual Art With Heart fundraiser at Founder's Hall. Photos by Daniel Coston.

Art With Heart, the signature annual fundraiser for Safe Alliance, raises money for the nonprofit's mission of helping victims of domestic violence. 

The heart of the party is all the generous guests who bid on works of art in silent and live auctions, and the talented artists and gallery owners who make it all possible through their donations. 

Safe Alliance CEO Karen Parker, emcee and WBTV anchor Maureen O'Boyle, and volunteer Joy Widener. 

Kathy Rorie.

Artist Anne Hartness with her prize-winning painting.

Jonathan and Eliza Liles.

Auctioneer Ernest Perry with Elder Gallery owner Larry Elder. 

PRIDE AWARDS GALA GUESTS NAIL THE DRESS CODE

THE O REPORT LOVED THE WAY TIFFANY CAPERS MELDED BOTH FORMAL AND CASUAL LOOKS THAT SUITED THE GALA'S FUN DRESS CODE PERFECTLY. PHOTOS BY PAUL WILLIAMS III.

The Pride Awards, an annual gala hosted by Pride magazine, is always a stylish evening that includes a dinner and awards ceremony. In keeping with this year's theme, Building Communities - Changing Lives, a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, the gala organizers really had fun with the dress code. Normally it's a black tie event, but this year guests were told to either stick with formal wear or opt for "Jeans and Other Creative Things." As you can see from the photos, the partygoers reached into their fashionable tool boxes and pulled out an array of chic outfits. 

Besides watching how everyone interpreted the dress code, other highlights were seeing honorees take the stage including the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, Reid Park Neighborhood Association president Rickey Hall and Mallard Creek High School senior Taye Martin; and Raising The Roof, the After Glow party featuring DJ Kool. 

Nepherterra Estrada Best

Pride Magazine editor Lashawnda Becoats and syndicated radio journalist Francene Marie Morris. 

Francene nailed the fun mix of evening glam and casual chic. 

The evening's hostess, Dee Dixon, center, the president and CEO of Pride Communications.

Janine Davis, left, and Sonja Gantt, right, executive director of the nonprofit Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Public Schools Foundation. 

Sharon Holm, left, of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. 

Dana Davis and Mary C. Curtis. 

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. 

FASHION TO THE RESCUE

Fashion to the Rescue host Olivia Cohen, left, with Cary Bernstein, the founder and executive director of Spay Neuter Charlotte. 

Stylish looks were unleashed at Fashion to the Rescue. Hosted by Olivia Cohen outdoors at her gorgeous home, the fundraiser was sponsored by Charlotte Plastic Surgery. Proceeds benefitted the nonprofit Spay Neuter Charlotte, which provides high quality, low cost spay/neuter and animal wellness services to fulfill its mission of reducing the number of unwanted pets in the Charlotte area. 

All the models gather with the fashion show stylist and emcees. 

The models were Edwin Gil and Daniel Gonzalez, Terri and Mark Beattie, Kristen and Al Guarnieri, Dr. Jarrod Daniel, Zoe Kronovet, Catherine and Chris Manley, Toni Martin, Marcia Savage and Anna Cait Welch. The men wore clothing from Tabor and the women were dressed by Sloan and Our Place Boutique. Hair was by Varji & Varji Salon and Spa; the makeup was by Belda Carter.

Model Dr. Jarrod Daniel of Charlotte Plastic Surgery in an outfit from Tabor. 

Strutting down the runway were dog models up for adoption. The runway show was styled by Kevin Rice and emceed by Laronn McCraw and Amy Korta. Music for the fashion show was by Peggy and Chris Hicks of A&C Entertainment.

Mark and Terri Beattie walk the runway with one of the adoptable dog models. 

The fashion show was held in the morning so guests enjoyed a fabulous breakfast buffet courtesy of Chef Anthony. Guests were also able to shop for stunning pieces from Ellis Jewelers with 50 percent of the proceeds going back to Spay Neuter Charlotte. Raffle prizes were provided by Charlotte Plastic Surgery, Sloan, makeup artist Rudolph III, Jamie Scott from the Spa at Nordstrom, Pet Paradise and I.C. London Lingerie. 

Guests at art unleashed.

Fashion to the Rescue was just one of three fundraisers for Spay Neuter Charlotte held this Fall. The other two were Art Unleashed, an annual art sale, and Bone Appetite, a festive dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse.

Bone appetit at sullivan's steakhouse.

FASHION + ART + DESIGN

Photos from left: Hosts Aundrea and Stephen Wilson with their baby daughter in the stunning foyer of their historic home; Irina Toshkova, director of the New Gallery of Modern Art, with acclaimed artist Hunt Slonem and Alex Holleman, chair of the upcoming Bella Notte, Opera Carolina's gala; bestselling author Kathy Reichs and her husband, Paul; Regine and Andreas Bechtler. Photos by Dianna Augustine.

Fashion, art and design met during a celebration of the 5th anniversary of the New Gallery of Modern Art during a vernissage at the gorgeous home of Aundrea and Stephen Wilson. A stylish group of guests where there to fete the extraordinary artist Hunt Slonem. He signed copies of his newest book, When Art Meets Design, surrounded by some of his most famous works.

The next night, he was the special guest at a reception at the gallery for his must-see solo exhibit, The Worlds of Hunt Slonem, on view at the gallery through Nov. 15. The New Gallery of Modern Art is at 435 S. Tryon St. Details: 704-373-1464; www.newgalleryofmodernart.com. 

Hunt ended his Charlotte stay by attending The Salon: An Opera Carolina Conversation at the home of Charlotte Wickham. Hunt and Opera Carolina's Maestro James Meena discussed art, music and culture during the Age of Enlightenment in anticipation of Opera Carolina's production of The Barber of Seville Oct. 22, Oct. 27 and Oct. 30 at Belk Theater uptown. For tickets, click here.

Here are more photos from the vernissage at the Wilsons' historic home.

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.

CHARLOTTE'S HOTTEST NEW BOUTIQUE

Items at Goodwill's new GW boutique are organized by color in chic displays. 

Charlotte's hot new boutique, GW, just opened June 8 and it's destined to be a hit. Although it looks like it could be in a high-end shopping center, it's on Wilkinson Boulevard at Goodwill's shiny new Opportunity Campus, hence the name GW. 

GW boutique sells the best clothing, accessories and home decor donated to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. 

Tonya Nations, vice president of store operations, gave us a tour and we were impressed with the merchandise and the mission. It's filled with some of the best clothing and home decor items donated to Goodwill displayed in a color-block style similar to the popular chain store Charming Charlie. 

Clipboards with sheet music make a clever display for jewelry at the new GW boutique.

The prices generally range from $3 to $24, but some top designer items can be $50 and up. The boutique is run by a team of professionals with a retail background that includes Belk and Nordstrom. It's also a job training site where those who are helped by Goodwill can learn about working in retail. 

True bargain hunters will also be interested to know that the space next to GW is devoted to a new outlet store called Second Editions. It has bins of deeply discounted clothing, plus shoes, jewelry, books and items for the home that are pulled from other Goodwill stores because they weren't snapped up within three weeks. 

GW Boutique and Second Editions are at 5301 Wilkinson Boulevard. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. For details, click here.

COLORFUL WORDS OF WISDOM

SHEPHERD MCMILLAN POOLE, LEFT, WITH ROBERTA FREYMANN AT THE ROBERTA ROLLER RABBIT TRUNK SHOW IN CHARLOTTE

Roberta Freymann, the designer behind the Roberta Roller Rabbit label, made an appearance in Charlotte recently. She was here for a trunk show of her summer collection that included her signature women's tunics and dresses made of superfine cotton and handcrafted by artisans in India. It was hosted by Shepherd McMillan Poole, the exclusive sales representative for the brand in Charlotte. (Shepherd hosts two trunk show a year - one in the spring and one in the fall; for updates contact her at 704-578-0226 or smpoole@me.com.)

a look from the roberta roller rabbit collection

The designer launched Roberta Roller Rabbit in 2003 after sensing women were craving more relaxed, bohemian-inspired clothing that was chic and looked good on a variety of body types. It's no wonder she hit the kurta on the head. A look into her past success at predicting fashion's next big thing is pretty amazing.

A New York Times article from 2010 credits her with being a "pashmina pioneer" in the mid-1990s and more recently for popularizing the jeweled bib necklace trend by creating a sensation with her bold necklaces made of multicolored stones.

Roberta is a native of London whose mother was a famous model and muse for Balenciaga and Jaques Fath. During the trunk show, she shared some musings of her own about Charlotte women and the one color you should keep away from your face.

Why do you think Roberta Roller Rabbit has been such a success?

"Because it's comfortable and it's very feminine, but it's not frumpy."

You've lived and traveled all over the world. What do you think about women in Charlotte?

"I love Charlotte women. They are so charming and like me, they love color."

What's one of the main things you learned about fashion from your mother?

"My mother was extremely elegant. She died at 101. She told me to never wear black - it's no good for the face."

FASHION ADVICE FROM THE FOUNDER OF LISETTE L MONTREAL

Lisette Limoges, the co-founder and creative director of the Lisette L Montréal clothing line, was in Charlotte recently for a trunk show of her fall collection at Paul Simon Women at the Village at South Park. Accompanied by her new rescue puppy, a Maltese named Jupiter, Lisette and her daughter, Kathryne, assisted a steady flow of customers - so many that there was a waiting line for the dressing rooms. (The photo above is of Kathryne, Jupiter and Lisette at Paul Simon Women.)

The brand's rise to popularity began with one item on the top of almost every woman's wardrobe wish list: A great fitting pair of pants. A built-in mesh panel for tummy control and a variety of on-trend styles and patterns to choose from keep customers coming back for more. Now the line also features skirts, tops, dresses, blazers, accessories and the athletic-inspired Lisette L Sport. 

Limoges, 66, was in Charlotte following a business trip to Charleston as one of the sponsors of the Family Circle Volvo Cup Classic tennis tournament where she met two famous fans of her designs - South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Martha Stewart. 

While at Paul Simon Women, she was kind enough to answer our fashion questions in her beautiful French-Canadian accent: 

Q: Why do you think women of all ages have responded to your designs?

A: Every woman is on the go and they want to look good and feel comfortable. Whether you're traveling or staying at home, the clothes feel good and they're wash and wear so they're easy.

Q: Are there certain ways to wear the collection depending on your age?

You have to take the pieces you love and adapt them to your body. Kathryne is wearing her pants with a fitted, shorter top. I'm wearing mine with a tunic top (the Adele 31-Inch Tunic Pull-On Blouse). It's a wardrobe staple. I have it in white and black. 

Q: What is one of the biggest trends for fall?

A: Gauchos are still coming on strong. And wearing a matching top and bottom. Kathryne is wearing that look today with her matching blazer and pants. But then she'll also break them up and wear them with other pieces. 

Q: What is your best fashion advice?

A: You have to feel good to look good. It all starts inside.

SPRING FASHIONS FROM TALBOTS & POPPY WHITAKER

Charity League of Charlotte, one of our city's longest-operating nonprofits, has helped children in the community since 1921. Its biggest annual fundraiser is a Fashion Show and Silent Auction Luncheon at Carmel Country Club. This year's event took place on St. Patrick's Day, so guests were lucky to see a performance by Rince na h'Eireann School of Irish Dance. WBTV anchor Molly Grantham was emcee of the fashion show that featured spring and summer essentials from Talbots at Specialty Shops on the Park and adorable cotton dresses for girls from Poppy Whitaker.

Classic pieces for spring and summer from Talbots at Specialty Shops on the Park.

Pretty little dresses with clever details from Poppy Whitaker.

A FRESH TAKE ON HALSTON'S DESIGNS

We've always admired the work of legendary American fashion designer Halston (1932-1990), and now we're also wild about the designs coming from the Halston Heritage brand that carries on his name. The current owners of Halston Heritage have managed to keep Halston's vision of relaxed luxury and 1970s glamour, but recreate it for our modern lives. 

Just like the disco anthem from Halston's Studio 54 heyday, we just keep wanting to buy "more, more, more" of the collection. Here are some of our favorite looks. To view all the offerings, click here.

Cashmere Blend Poncho Cardigan, $375. Slim Boot Linen Pant in white or black with a side slit at the hem that can be worn opened or closed, $275. Jacqueline Suede D'Orsay Shoe, $295 (also in silver metallic leather, $245). Sequined Cover Up (also in black), $295.

Silk Faile Structured Evening Skirt, $595. Organic Minaudière (one side is black, the other is white), $345. Rectangular Minaudière, $395. Lucite and Metal Large Box Minaudière, $495.

 Printed Draped Blouse, $275. Georgette Insert Poncho (also in black), $275. Pleated Poncho Top (also in black), $325. Cape Trench Coat, $495.

Wide Plaque Belk, $155. Elsa Large Slouchy Hobo Bag, $550.

MEET FRANCES VALENTINE

It's here, and it's more fabulous than we imagined.

Kate Spade, the real woman who built the Kate Spade New York brand (and then sold it), and her husband, Andy Spade, have started over fresh with a new line of Italian-made shoes and handbags called Frances Valentine. It just launched March 1 - perfect timing since there are plenty of brightly colored patent leathers, floral fabrics and gorgeous metallics to choose from. Her mix of modern whimsy rooted in classic design has us seriously crushing on this collection. 

Right now there is only one store in North Carolina selling the line (Monkee's of the Village at Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem). Go to Frances Valentine to view the glorious offerings. We want them all, but here are our favorites (prices range from $295-$595):

EXPERT EYE, EXPERT ADVICE

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Bajra shawls, $895 each, bring light to your face.

Charlotte is on the international fashion map thanks to Capitol boutique owner Laura Vinroot Poole. Her expert eye and knack for discovering new designers fuel the fashion dreams of her impressive list of customers. They adore her and her staff for their talent and wonderfully obsessive attention to customer service. 

Poole and her team attend A-list fashion shows at home and abroad to bring the best back to their chic clientele. So when she talks style for the 50 and older set, we listen. 

Most surprising confession: "I don't follow trends. I never have. I have no idea what the color or style of the moment is. I just don't think that way."

Biggest misconception about Capitol: "Throughout my career, I've had some women walk in and say that it's a young person's store and there won't be anything that will fit them. Mainly young women work here, but It's not that kind of a store. Most of my customers are in their 50s and 60s. A salesperson doesn't have to be your age to be able to help you. Working with someone who's not in your age group can help you get out of a rut."

A great fit: "Find someone to help you who's not a friend or a relative. A great salesperson can help make you look more like your true self. They can help you navigate all the styles and give you the confidence to update your look."

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Handcrafted Yaser Shaw shawl, $1200.

European inspiration: "Especially in Paris, the women all have shawls. It's amazing how a great shawl can keep you comfortable in all sorts of climates. I wear one almost every day. It sounds weird, but even in the summer a shawl can help shield you when it's hot. And I love a shawl for evening. It adds a little mystery."

Best tip: "Always think about bringing light to your face. Pearls are famous for that. It's also part of the beauty of a shawl or a great pair of earrings - to bring color near your face."

Aquazurra Lace Up Flats, $685.

Flats are where it's at: "A great flat will change your life. No one is going to be tricked into thinking you're taller because you wear uncomfortable high heels. When you're comfortable, you look more like yourself."

Biggest change: "Women buying jewelry for themselves has become a big part of my business. The old-fashioned idea was that men buy jewelry for you. Now women buy it for themselves."

A COZY CHIC SOLUTION

Deborah Williams, president of Professional Consultant Group, is out and about a lot while meeting with clients or attending events. But for those days she's at home working on her computer, she shared her solution for being cozy and chic: UGG Australia's Isla cardigan and Andrie pants. 

"They're both so soft and warm," she says. "And you can run out to the mailbox in them and still feel stylish."

"The Isla cardigan ($98) is made of soft fleece and comes in two colors. The Andrie pant is no longer available online, but try the Oralyn pant ($75) which is made of cotton jersey lined with fleece and comes in four colors; or the Farah legging ($78) that's made of fleece and comes in three colors.

The Isla cardigan, from left, Farah legging and Oralyn pant:

FAST FASHION WITH A FRENCH FLAIR

Carine Roitfeld, 61, is a Parisian-born former model who has become one of the fashion world's most influential tastemakers. On Feb. 11, she launched her second collection forJapanese fast fashion label Uniglo. Titled Uniglo X Carine Roitfeld, it features dresses, pants, tops, jackets and accessories with Roitfeld's mix of feminine and edgy flair. 

Standouts are military blouson jackets along with elegant knee-grazing skirts in three different styles: pencil, wrap and ruffle. 

If you want to order, hurry. Less than 24 hours after launching, the site is already low on stock: Uniglo.

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MILITARY BLOUSON IN OLIVE, 69.90. ALSO AVAILABLE IN OTHER MATERIAL AND COLORS. 

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RUFFLE SKIRT IN BLACK, $49.90.

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WRAP SKIRT IN KHAKI (SHOWN); ALSO AVAILABLE IN NATURAL AND OLIVE. $49.90.

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BLACK JACQUARD PENCIL SKIRT WITH A CROCODILE DESIGN, $49.90.

SPRING STYLE FROM DONCASTER

Doncaster is known for its beautiful, quality clothing worn by sophisticated women around the country. It's also one of North Carolina's great family-owned businesses that has thrived since it was founded in 1931 in Rutherfordton. Its business model is to sell directly to consumers through a nationwide network of wardrobe stylists.

The stylists will be showing Doncaster's Spring line through Feb. 12. Marguerite Rupar, one of Charlotte's Doncaster stylists, invited us to her Dilworth studio for a look at the new offerings of custom-fit pants and jeans along with elegant dresses, jackets and tops. Details: 704-370-0433; www.doncastercharlotte.com.

Here are five of our favorite styles: 

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The classic blazer gets an update with notched lapels and origami-like folds that add interest, not bulk. In Twine (shown) and Navy. $450.

A "bubble" pattern adds fun to this coat that looks equally great dressed up or down. In Sunset (shown) and Twine. $795.

An inverted pleat on the blouse and the flare of the skirt are modern yet forgiving. In Navy (shown), White, Black and Crimson. Blouse, $225; skirt, $250.

This silk blouse can be worn three different ways. In White and Black. $275. (Silver and crystal pin, $95, sold separately.)

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A subtle zebra print in gold and white adds style to this elegant, and versatile, jacket ($650) and dress ($395). The jacket is also stunning with white pants.