Style Swap

  • BY ELIZABETH BOWERS
    Special to The Post and Courier
  • Posted: Thursday, April 7, 2011 12:01 a.m.
    UPDATED: Friday, March 23, 2012 6:17 p.m.
  • Text size: A A A
Julie Montgomery (from left), Lindsey Carter, Amanda DeLeon and Elli Klein at the last Style Swap Charleston at Eye Level Art.
Photo by Jess James/Julie Montgomery (from left), Lindsey Carter, Amanda DeLeon and Elli Klein at the last Style Swap Charleston at Eye Level Art.

Tuesday's Style Swap at The Renaissance Hotel on Wentworth gives women the chance to trade in some of their tired duds for a new fashion piece or two.

You know those garments: the ones you've worn on the scene one too many times. Swap them out for a designer piece from the closet from another stylish local. Katie Kern of Crica PR teamed up with Wilmington's "Style Girl" Jess James to create the recurring event in the Lowcountry.

James is publisher of "The Fashion Fix," a contributing Focus on the Coast Fashion Editor, and style columnist for the Star-News. Her fashion card is full, and she is quickly becoming a style staple in Charleston.

Next week's Style Swap is her fifth here. The gist of the evening is fashionable women swapping out clothes they barely wore and never wear anymore for a couple of pieces in the room they can't leave without. For $15, it's a steal.

The event also gives guests a chance to shop before they swap.

Participating vendors include Candy Shop Vintage, Taashki handbags, Berlins for Women and Crissy Rowell of Stella and Dot. All locals. James also brought along some of her favorites from Wilmington: Loon Jewelry and RubyAssata.

James describes the two designers: "They are so excited to come to Charleston! This will be their first opportunity for exposure in this market. Emily Jones of Loon makes the most incredible feather necklaces and earrings with one-of-a-kind detailing. Alisha Payne, the designer behind RubyAssata, is the handmade queen! She creates gorgeous leather handbags, bowties, wallets and screen-printe scarves."

A new component has been added to Style Swap's lineup, a Style Off Competition. Before the swapping begins Karen Briggs, Cyle Suesz, and Chelsie Ravenell will all style a look from the clothes provided by guests.

James says, "We chose local style stars to participate. Karen, Cyle and Chelsie are all very active in the Charleston fashion community. We love their style, and they each have their own following."

Guests can win these looks by purchasing a $5 raffle ticket. Proceeds will be donated to Women Making a Difference.

Another edition is Charleston Magazine Style Editor Ayoka Lucas' presence. In the first hour of the event, Lucas will flip through the style racks and tag clothes that she thinks are must-haves for the season.

Then, as James puts it, "guests already have some hints on where to look!"

In the aftermath of the city's fifth Charleston Fashion Week, style is really solidifying its place, and Charleston is becoming known as a fashion capital of the Southeast.

"I've been very fortunate to work with Katie Kern of Circa PR for the past four Style Swaps," James says. "She has played an integral role in making this event a success in addition to our amazing group of style ambassadors. I chose Charleston because I can't get enough of it! I have wonderful friends here, and I'm always looking forward to my next visit."

With baked goods from Sugar and WildFlour and a cocktail concocted by the mixologist at The Renaissance Hotel, Charleston's fifth Style Swap is sure to feed off the lingering buzz from fashion week.