Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Enter to Win Milly Cabana Giveaway Package on Facebook

By Laura Medina

Jaipur Paisley Barbados Bikini, $205, left. Right, Belle Sleeve Tunic Cover-Up, $275
Are you "eyelet over" by staid, stereotypical white sundresses cut in the same silhouette as everybody else. Can't bear to stand to spend money on another idential dress for all the upcoming Summer parties. Want something to do double-duty? Milly Cabana by Michelle Smith is Ms. Smith's resort line and resortwear is a great way to stretch that sunny-and hot days wardrobe.
Enter to win Milly's Cabana Contest and get a signature Milly paisley-print bandeau bikini for the poolside then wear her bohemian bell-sleeved cotton lace cover-up for socializing and clubbing as a snappy mini dress or with shorts as a tunic. It'll be a stand-out among the strapless cocktail sheaths.

Milly's luxe terry cloth tote and matching beach blanket with detachable pillow, not only carries what you need for the beach but the tote makes a great shopping bag.

Of course, celebrities beat general populace to the chase.
Beyonce is a big fan of Milly Cabana in cover-up and sarong.



Charlotte is, as always, conservative chic in the girls' trek to the Dubai in the recent "Sex and The City 2."
All these can be yours if you enter to win Milly Cabana Contest and you might win $1,200 worth of Cabana merchandise included in this piece: a signature Milly paisley-print bandeau bikini, cotton lace cover-up, luxe terry cloth tote and matching beach blanket with detachable pillow.
The contest ends on July 5th, just in time for the holiday weekend, when the lucky winner will be announced and also receive $1 toward Millyny.com for every Milly Facebook friend in their network.
Go to her Facebook page then you will and enter the giveaway contest form to win, http://www.facebook.com/MillyNY#!/MillyNY?v=app_125181694187638
The winner will be drawn on July 5th. Sorry, one entry is allowed.
Hurry up and enter!


Monday, June 28, 2010

Tumi teaches you how to pack, stuff, and tuck it all in

By Laura Medina
A Tumi representative shows the zippered pocket for the IPad from Alpha T-Pass Laptop Bag.

If jamming your clothes, your IPhone, your sneakers, your loafers, your socks, your underwear, and whatever what-nots into a jumbled mess into a duffel bag makes you not want to travel or get away, Tumi has the solutions for the traveling man.

For the techno guy on the go who needs his gear wherever whenever, Tumi redesigned its Alpha T-Pass Laptop into an office in a bag.

This TSA-friendly tote, not only has secured zippered compartments to protect your notebook. By unzippering it completely flat, you can shove the whole bag through the x-ray without taking out your notebook, making it easier on you, the other folks, and the TSA screeners.

The Alpha T-Pass Laptop Bag comes with this Slim Power Adaptor pack.

No need to pack extra and separate chargers for this and that so they can all lost in the deep recesses of your bag. Tumi thinks of everything. Their Alpha T-Pass Laptop Bag comes with this Slim Power Adaptor pack for all with multiple tips and plug-ins for all sorts of electronics. When times do change and your technology does change, Tumi will offer new tips, free with service. In fact, all the tips are free with service.

The front left pocket comes with a internet cable for your notebook while the smaller, front right pocket comes with a nifty umbrella.

If hauling this bag is still too much for you, you can carry Tumi's portable charger in your own pockets and carry Tumi's zippered pouch for your notebook and wallet as a impromptu briefcase. The chargers last for four to five charges before you need to juice it up.

The four-wheeling Vapor carry-on suitcase.

Where and how to carry your wardrobe?

Tumi's new light and tough Vapor collection makes you into 007 in this polycarbonate sleek, gray case.

This carry-on tilts and wheezes by on 360 degrees wheels.

Tumi suggests you use the left section for your wardrobe and the right compartment for your toiletries, accessories, and laundry.

This Tumi representative uses the mesh pouch to store his undergarments and socks. Other loyal fans use this as their laundry bag.

For a few extra bucks and for easier packing and organization, you can use Tumi's intriguing folding packs to store, organize, and protect your wardrobe.

This representative uses two, one for day wear and the second for eveningwear.

Unfold the pack flat until it's a cross. In the middle of the cross, following the guide book that comes with the pack, fold your jeans or slacks first into a square, then your shirt and top it off with one or two belts. Then take all four legs of the folding pack and overlap them into a neat cube. This way, your wardrobe is neatly pack and literally squared and tucked away.

Whenever an occasion calls, all you have to do is take out one of the folding packs and your entire outfit is already cooridnated and prepared.

Once squared away, pull out the extended handle, top the Alpha T-Pass Laptop Bag onto the Vapor Carry-On and you're ready for your tour or vacation.

Regardless if you're global trekker, a jet-setter, or hiker, Tumi makes sure you have everything at your hands.

Did this scribe mention Tumi monograms free of charge?!





Monday, June 21, 2010

Fashion Designers did "Toy Story 3" Tees for Revolve Clothing

By Laura Medina
It's Woody and Jessie in their respective toy boxes modeling their tee-shirts.
It's been almost a decade since the first "Toy Story" came out. A generation of designers have grown up watching the "Toy Story" triology. To show their love for the third and last tale, they and Disney came together to design a line of tees and tanks celebrating "Toy Story 3" for the hip retailer, Revolve Clothing this Summer.

"Dancing with the Stars" Cheryl Burke
Hollywood's fresh generation of emerging stars came on premiere night to check out the line and celebrate "Toy Story 3"'s transition from purely kids' fare into young adult hipster adoration.
Oh, the Chocolate Bar and Candy Buffet!
The adult guests love the innocently sweet Chocolate Bar and Candy Buffet, stocked full of retro favorites such as candy dots, gumballs, Necco Wafers, Gummi candies with delicious treats of milk chocolate-coated potato chips (they taste like wafers!) and Rocky Road marshmallows and peanuts drenched in creamy chocolate. "Toy Story 3" Limited Edition Gummi Candies made their debut here: blue raspberry Woody, strawberry cream Ham and watermelon-flavored toy soldiers.
The adults mixed it up with mini burgers and caviar on chips. Childhood treats interspared with sophisicated fare-yummy!

Supermodel, Agyness Deyn
Notable celebrities from tv, film, and fashion showed up for this fete.
International supermodel, Agyness Deyn mingled with the crowd.

Krysten Ritter of "Breaking Bad" & "Gossip Girl"

"Breaking Bad" and "Gossip Girl" star, Krysten Ritter, told this writer that her lovely "antique" cream lace dress was actually a 213 Industry dress she fell in love with on a photo shoot and had to have it; and she got it!

"Ham" Tees on the left; "Rex" on the right; & "Woody" tee & tank, bottom middle.

The real stars of the party were the graphic tees. Jonathan Saunders, Henry Holland, Victor Glemaud, Costello Tagliapietra, and Cassette Playa used Woody, Rex, and Ham as design muses for their cool tees. Costellos turned Hamm into metallic holographic graphic tee. Jonathan made into Rex a bold black and white pattern while Victor made Woody into a psychadelic swirl for a stylish drapey yet body-hugging tank.

On sale now on www.revolveclothing.com!

You can get your hands on these tees and tanks right now to celebrate "Toy Story 3" on www.revolveclothing.com. There is nothing "kiddish" about these tops. Better hurry up! These limited edition tees will only last as long as the movie is in theaters before they disappear like a childhood memory.







Saturday, June 19, 2010

Protect and Comfort with Caswell-Massey and Alford and Hoff Skincare

The world of Alford and Hoff Men's Skincare.

When Barry Alford met Jefferson Hoffman, a Minnesota native, they were Arizona State University football players constantly slathering on women's upscale lotions and balms for their suffering skin, boomeranging between extreme cold and dry desert Arizona heat.

It was rough at first, getting ribbed from fellow football players for stealing from the ladies. Then, when things quiet down, their teammates confided in them for product advice for their own problem skins and blemished faces.

Both health buffs and atheletes, these jocks figured there has to be a better way to take care of their skin than stealing women's skincare. Alford always equate smooth, clear skin with a body in top performance. His teammate, Hoffman share the same belief. Both recognized there is a gapping hole in men's skincare for high performing lotions and cleansers for men that doesn't reek of vanilla or florals. Knowing that men's skin is thicker and oilier, they know their products have to be durable and potent without being fussy. They had to wait for the right time and formula.

When a family member suffered a severe neurological-related illness, Alford stumbled upon Sirtuins and their ability to prolong cell longevity. Known as "youth proteins", they were also being researched for skin care products.

Now, that they found the right formula, Barry and Jefferson named their skincare line, Alford and Hoff then quickly built an all-male celebrity fan base. Name brand atheletes flock to them because Alford and Hoff understand an active man needs for his skin. Marcus Allen and Lawrence Taylor, to name a few, are fans.

You can find their entire line at their site, http://www.alfordandhoff.com/store/, as well as Fred Segal/Ron Robinson in West Hollywood.

In using their products, Barry and Jefferson offers clean-cut tips:


CLEANSE Use: Massage onto wet skin, lather for one minute, then rinse. Sensitive skin may experience slight tingling. Avoid contact with eyes. Key Ingredients: Exfoliating AHA, Calming Oat Extract, Soothing Cactus Extract and Sea FennelResults: Deep cleans, gently exfoliates, removes impurities, and activates cellular renewal clearing away dull and damaged skin

SHAVE Use: Massage cream onto warm wet skin to create a light lather. After shaving, rinse thoroughly. Key Ingredients: Allantoin (soothing) and Pro-Vitamin B5Results: Improves skin condition leaving it soft and hydrated

EYE Use: Morning and night, gently apply ultra light cream to area above and beneath the eyes.Key Ingredients: "SIR2stac Complex", Dipeptide-2 (firming), Tetrapeptide (elasticity)Results: Routine use delivers maximum penetration and eye lift

MICRODERMABRASION Use: Twice a week, after cleansing, massage evenly onto face and neck in a slow circular motion avoiding eye area. Rinse thoroughly. Key Ingredients: Exfoliating Magnesium Oxide Crystals, Aloe Extract, Oat ExtractResults: Evens tone, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles to deliver a younger more energetic complexion

MOISTURIZER & MOISTURIZER SPF 15 Use: In the morning (for SPF) and evening , following Serum application, gently massage moisturizer into face and neck area. Sensitive skin may experience slight tingling. SPF — For optimal performance reapply after extended sun exposure. Key Ingredients: "SIR2stac Complex", Natural Amino Acids, Bamboo Silica, Glucosamine, Phytosterols, Sodium Hyaluronate , Plankton Extract (SPF only)Results: Moisturizes for younger looking skin. Moisturizer SPF Protects from the sun’s rays

SERUM Use: Morning and night, after A & H Cleanse, gently massage a thin veil of intensive "SIR2stac COMPLEX" formula over entire face and allow to absorb. Key Ingredients: "SIR2stac Complex", Modulating Rice Extracts, Rice Botanicals, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Marine Lavender, Pea Extract, and Natural Amino AcidsResults: Breathes new life into skin and combats and reverses the skin’s aging process


Almond Oil Facial Set

For something more traditional, with more heritage, a person can't go wrong with Caswell-Massey.

Since its founding in 1752 in Newport, Rhode Island by Dr. William Hunter, Caswell-Massey has been privileged to serve a distinguished clientele including the Founding Fathers, the pioneers of Wall Street, and legends of art and film.

This all-American brand can be found at Fred Segal and on their site, www.caswellmassey.com.

Almond Pre-Shave Oil- $12
Moisturizing natural oils and extracts help to prepare the beard for shaving, and help protect from razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Almond shave cream- $16
Rich lathery cream leaves the skin smooth, soft and moisturized.

Greenbriar Skincare Set


Greenbriar Cologne spray- $30
With a blend of scents including Artemisia, sage, thyme, and a hint of lavender, seasoned with sandalwood, vetyver, and amber, it’s just the right amount of fragrance.

Greenbriar Shave Soap- $18
Leaves the face brisk and smooth and gives dad an incomparable close, comfortable shave.

Whether it's high tech or traditional, now you can give daddy something he can use. No more ties!






Friday, June 18, 2010

Make It a Real Treat for Dad, BBQing on Father's Day

By Laura Medina



Backyard Lanterns


Sunday is more than just Father's Day, it's Summer.

So, give him what he really wants because they're something he can use-without a second thought. Better yet, give him something that wouldn't have him scratching his head.

Most men can't wait to start grilling, from the East Coast to West Coast. Regardless if he's vegan grilling hardy veggie kabobs or an average Joe feeding a finicky family, this backyard gift has him covered.

In setting up Sunday evening, he can set out some lights with bug-repellant candles in these Pottery Barn lanterns, http://www.potterybarn.com/products/capri-lantern-select-items/?pkey=clights-lantern-outdoor, $39-$79.




Filson Tote Bag

He can bring out his grilling tools and gear in this nifty tote/tool bag/briefcase from Filson,

Filson Tote Bag with Zipper, http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092406&cp=2065674.2065687.2065708&view=all&parentPage=family, $135.



Packets of Seeds

Him and the kids can grow side dishes with these packets of seeds from Hudson Valley Seed Library, http://seedlibrary.org/catalog/?seed=art_packs__full_set, $52.


Wine Trivia Game


Obviously, this is for the organic, gourmet family or he needs something to entertain the neighbors and friends. Break out the wine and the bubbly then have the adults guess with
Wine Wars, http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,8191/path,1-8-54/title,Wine-Wars/, $19.95



Grill Charms

Here is the most important part of any BBQ, the food: the meats and the veggies, even hard fruits like melons, pineapples, apples, and peaches.

Since we're considerate to food allegries, sensitive tummies, picky palettes, and salty hypertension, mom inventor and breast cancer survivor, Leslie Haywood thoughtfully solved this mind-bending dilemmena with her cute Grill Charms.

Each distinctive design on each charm signifies which is spicy or not and how well done a meat is without cutting into it. Have guests pick which food is what then have them tell Mr. Dad if they like it spicy or clean, medium rare or well-done then have them pick a charm then insert the serrated charms into the meat then flip it on the grill. This cuts down on picking which one is whose and makes for a more peaceful night. Plus, these adorable charms make everything special. Too bad, they can't double as cuff links, sorry.

You can get your Grill Charms on http://www.grillcharms.com/. It's a cute solution to smoothing vexing tastes.

Now, your dad can BBQ to his heart's content.




Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The last Spoleto SCENE party but the first White Party of Summer

By Laura Medina

The underground wine cellar
Most folks know Sean John Combs' White Party in Southhampton up in New York or the more intimate soirees dotting the Hamptons on Labor Day.
What most junior art patrons of Spoleto consider the final hooray of the social/arts season is actually the first White Party of Summer, SCENE's infamous (White Parties are required to be infamouse. Who assumes white is virginal?) White Party signals the end of the social whirlwind of Spoleto USA, hidden from the garden variety tourists. Not to fun-loving philanthropists, who came far-flung and near.


Since this is the new and next generation of Spoletians driving the international arts festival forward, they established a new tradition of showcasing the premiere mansion on the market as the celebration site, on 8 Vanderhorst Street, off the main drag of King Street.
Sure, attendees said it was a dump abused by nearby College of Charleston students but the girl has great bones and assets. The main split-level, two story colonial house retained its eighteenth-century skin but the interior is thoroughly sleekly Danish Modern. Amorphous water closets and the upstairs master bathroom were clothed in curveous light, warm wood. The carriage house-turned-condos in the backyard were no less chicly renovated.
People (or prospective buyers) hunted for the elevator (for elderly but wealthy residents) and the mystical wine cellar. If you go to the living room then asked where is it, someone will tell you "You're standing on it." Glancing down, it's the trap door you're standing on. Pop it open, ta-dah, it's the cellar, thirty degrees below the surrounding temperature. The sweltering party-goers loved going down for a tour.

Another surprise in the living room was more sly until people advised taking a closer look. Oops, naughty framed wallpaper, "Perfect Fit" by Redux Contemporary Art Center's Executive Director, Karen Ann Myer. This is female empowerment with a "wink-wink" nod to female sensuality.
For all my Los Angeles readers, Karen will make a trip out here on July 3rd at Luis De Jesus and her exhibit will up and running there until August 7th. When she's not being an artist, she's Redux's straight-forward executive director. This scribe bumped into her unknowingly and found her very friendly and informative. Intrigued, you can see her work on Scoop Contemporary on http://www.scoopcontemporary.com/paintings.asp?artID=107 and http://www.luisdejesus.com/news.php for her Los Angeles visit and the opening party from
5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Karen Ann Myers's portraits.
Wafting from room to room, down the spiral staircase to the inner courtyard in the back, the usually ivory and cream party-goers quaffed blueberry-acai lemonade mojitos and nibbled on Caviar & Bananas' caviar resting on a dollop of sour cream on plantain chips then had melting ice cream sandwiches before hitting the hot club and bar scene on Upper King Street.
What a way to start off a night and end a fest.




Wednesday, June 9, 2010

'Tis the Season to Show Your Freak Flag"


By Laura Medina


Die Roten Punkte, the German punk bratty brother & sister duo, Astrid & Otto.

The trend of Victorian Burlesque or punk's angst maturing into art rock colliding into cabaret is a trend that will only gets stronger as mainstream pop becomes more predictable.

Meet the quirky comedy duo of Die Roten Punkte, the so-called misaligned siblings from Berlin scratching and cawling their way to be rock stars.

Yes, it sounds formal that before an afterparty starts, it must be started by the performance. This twisted version of theater (that gave birth to Hollywood's tradition of afterparties following movie premieres) preceding the one of three big parties of the year during Spoleto USA is anything but prime and proper.

The first one was an underground rave party underneath a law office thrown by Charleston Magazine's Larry James, in honor of avant-garde dance troupe, Gallim. Midtown Bar and Grill served a bounty of new Southern foods like stuffed meatballs and pimento cheese grilled sandwiches.

But everyone was buzzing about Die Roten Punkte's Circus Afterparty. People put some serious planning into this.

After playing a drinking game with Astrid and Otto, this writer discovered the real theme was Victorian Circus Sideshow Gone Goth.

Painted in either white paint or Victorian pallor with smudgy dark eyeshadows, blush, and lips, the genteel Charleston folks were waving their freak flags.

Here's the ringmaster putting on a harnass.

This scribe as a sultan then as a chicken.

Vance the Sultan was discussing the finer points of growing and farming olive trees in the Deep South between sips of beer and this deliciously deadly pink lemonade spiked with rum. Guzzling punch in the heat of Summer never goes out of style.

As you guessed it, it was the sexy Victorian garb in lacy corsets and voluminous hoopskirts ruling the night.

Strapless or with straps, corsets or tailored vests paired with petticoats or skorts in gold brocade

were big. But, hiking a hoopskirt as a babydoll dress-genius.

During the "Season," Spoleto makes Charleston burst at the seams with fashion.

Stayed for more designers and the White Party!









Shake, Rattle, & Roll. Handcrafted Soundsuits to the Extreme

By Laura Medina

Sculptor/Dancer/Fashion Designer, Nick Cave's Soundsuits
A night prior to the officially start to Spoleto USA, the Halsey Center for Contemporary Art throw a costume bash to welcome sculptor/dancer/fashion designer and instructor, Nick Cave, and his troupe of Soundsuits.
They paired with a photo exhibit of authentic African tribes in their ceremonial "Call and Response" costumes.
The parallel is uncanny. Both use discarded toys, fabrics, and trims where the outfit is both a musical instrument and a costume in one.
Loaded with spinning tops, sequins, spangles, and literally, bells and whistles, Mr. Cave sounded his Alvin Ailey dance training to synchronize the steps to compose music. A rattle and jiving human percussion.
On its earlier stops at UCLA and the LA Art Show, this flew under the radar but Charleston's Halsey Center did it right by asking attendees to respect the exhibit by flying their inner Seasame Street in costume.

The Audrey Hepburn in burgundy tulle ruffles pay homage to the Soundsuits. Another uses surrealism in head to toe black silhouette.
This wasn't restricted to the young. The more mature audience either came out as Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein or grannies as senior citizen Lady GaGas in face painted roses or Ziggy Stardust lighting bolts.
This is just a warm up to...

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

"Gossip Girl"s Jessica Szohr's and Ed Westwick's jet-setting clutches & globe-trotting totes

By Laura Medina


When they're not working as enemies on the "Gossip Girl" set, Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) and Jessica Szhor (Vanessa Abhrams) hang out together off the set.

Jessica carries Kara Ross NY clutches. Above, she totes the Melitta clutch in black crocodile at the Monte Carlo Television Festival.

Jessica holds onto her Prunella in matte gold python in the limo with Ed Westwick in London.


Her friend and castmate, Ed Westwick is lucky enough to have something most men want but rarely ever get or find, a sturdy, ruggedly, and functional tote that isn't girly enough to be mistaken for a "man's purse."
Out of his Chuck Bass' natty bowties and suit, casual chic Ed carries this exclusive Doctor Bag designed by Louis Vuitton for the Moods of Norway in Italian leather and Turkish brass.
Moods of Norway has always been about a group of guys who wanted to be stylish for any party at any time wherever they are on the globe.
Perfect for Ed Westwick and his alter ego, Chuck Bass.





Summer Party Dresses for both Day and Night

By Laura Medina


Taraji Henson in Tracy Reese.
If you're sick and tired with preppy stereotypes populating Summer parties, New York and Los Angeles have the freshest outfits that really worked their value for both day and night.

With Summer soirees ramping up from brunch soirees to afternoon events to evening galas, you need a wardrobe that will take you places-especially three parties in one day.

Taraji Henson rocks Tracy Reese's newest and latest dress for VH1's Hip Hop Awards, a light cocoa dress with black lace shoulders.

Michelle Smith in her own Milly Gown.
If your reliable maxi sundress isn't glamourous enough for the night but you still want something sexy, floral, yet elegant, copy Michelle Smith in own Milly gown like she did for the New York Botantical Conservatory Ball.
Amber Riley in Dalia MacPhee.
"Glee's" Amber Riley proves you can wear red during the day. If you want to stand out at the White parties or you surrendered on the idea of finding that white dress that doesn't resemble a bridal gown, pick up Amber's Dalis MacPhee ruffle dress at Nordstorm or Neiman Marcus. Try this scribe, if you're stylish and different, people will remember you for years.



David Beckham, Snoop Dog, & Ciara living out their "Star Wars" Fanasty

By Laura Medina

David Beckham upper left, Snoop Dog upper right, & Ciara middle bottom
To celebrate the United States versus United Kingdom World Cup match on June 12th, Adidas collaborated with Lucasfilms, Ltd. to create this one-of-kind spot where soccer's biggest stars and hip hop stars blend right in "Star Wars" infamous catina scene.
The spot's title pretty sums up Adida's mission statement "Celebrate Originality."
Thanks to Flame software, watch the celebrities living out their "Star Wars" fanasties. Snoop Dog playing Luke Skywalker, waving the light saber at the bar after being harassed. David Beckham being hired at gunpoint by Greedo. German soccer star, Franz Beckenbauer, fooling with a laser gun. Ciara hanging out at the bar.
This commercial will air on June 12th during the US vs. UK match.
To watch the whole "Adidas Original-Star Wars Catina 2010 ad, go to

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Not Your Grandpa's Seersucker, Cool Denim by Sucker Jeans

By Laura Medina

Fulton Skinny Women's Sucker Jeans

Due to Sucker Jeans' growth spurt and hungry demand, this article has been supplemented from notes and research from an in-depth article by Maggie Winterfeldt's "Sucker Punch," in the Charleston City Paper and a Question-and-Answer" interview, "Behind the Brand, Sucker Jeans," by Motto Agency, a trend-tracking branding agency; and this fashion journalist's very own interviews cobbled together from personal "fly-by-seat" interviews, impromptu phone tid-bits to finally doing a drop-by visit at Sucker Jeans' headquarters in the heart of Downtown Charleston's Fashion Design District on Upper King St. or go watch them in action, www.suckerjeans.com.



Shelby Men's Straight Leg in Action

With Sucker Jeans' phenomenal rise in the jeans industry, this cannot be a comprehensive end all or be all story on Sucker Jeans but a progressive story of a company busting everyone's expectations and assumptions.

Not bad for a two years old brand that had to jump through many a hurdles to becoming a regional fashion powerhouse and a prominent premium denim brand that had already dominated the Southeast and Caribbean and launching quietly on West Coast in San Francisco.

The birth of Sucker Jeans is compiled from research and a sit-down interview with Sucker Jeans' founder and CEO, Cary Weber, former psychologist and professor.

Savannah Bootcut in action.


Over a blurry-eyed business brunch in The Palm's Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, Mr. Weber personally told a story of an epiphany this ex-Californian/current Charlestonian experienced while driving on Pacific Coast Highway visiting back home on a summer break three years ago.

As he recounts to this scriber and to Charleston City Paper's Ms. Winterfeldt, driving, he pondered about the sunny, warm California climate and lifestyle and the sunny, warm South Carolina climate and lifestyle, which they have in common; and the distinctiveness between the two regions, California's image of trendiness and inventiveness and the South's respect of history and love of culture. Put them together, what comes out is Americana.

Knowing he is one of many recent emigrants into the South, bumping the upsurge in demographic and populace into millions, Cary knows there is a sizeable population of fashionistas living in the South seeking something comfortable and stylish to wear everyday, especially when the weather turns sweaty and wet during the Summer. More than ever during the Summer, they want to something that is just as hot, sultry, and sexy as the weather. This is where Sucker Jeans was conceived.

"The South is 100 million people, yet there are no brands saying, "We're inspired by the South."

Mystified why there was no brand targeting the modern, contemporary actual South, Cary figured it was up to him to do it. Having lived here for close to twenty years, he not only saw changes in the region but witnessed overall changes in American apparel industry years before.

Growing up as a kid in his hometown, Hermosa Beach, California, he saw the inception of Ocean Pacific and Body Glove and his childhood friends, Mossimo's then Modern Amusement's Alan Burdine and Volcom's Thom McElroy buck the Manhattan's dominance in fashion by selling the California lifestyle.

While his buddies marketed the California Dream, the adolescent Cary hit the emerging Downtown Los Angeles garment district for cheap and plentiful New Wave and Punk clothes.

Now as a long-time Charlestonian, he became acquainted with the history and the comfortable feel of seersucker.

Telling Ms. Winterfeldt, he liked the idea of elitist college students taking over a poor man's silk, seersucker, as their version of subversive "reverse snobbery," then transforming it into the cliche cloth of Olde Money and Old South. Cary called this irony, "conservative usurping."

"It's Americana," he states. "There are two American fabrics: denim and seersucker, and the seersucker story is better to me in that it was really the first punk fabric."

As a proud fourth-generation Californian and a new-found Southerner, he wondered...

"Why does the South keep looking to New York or L.A. for their fashion sensibility, when really the 'New South' has its own style?" Weber says. "(Our style) is not as pretentious as New York and not as relaxed as L.A. It's elegant yet casual, edgy without being ridiculous."

Cary's Sucker Jeans arrived at this particular moment in time where it's not only hip but encouraged to say "We're from the South."

Sucker Jeans is one of several denim brands riding Southern heritage and culture. If they represent the modern, affluent South then Justin Timberlake's William Rast showcases Southern laid-backness meets Hollywood hip in Nashville while Rag and Bone pays homage to Kentucky's long-lost textile mills and denim plants.

Trading on Southern heritage is a significant microcosm of the rise of Americana. A yearning for something tangible and authentic, armed with the knowledge it's locally grown and made (better for the environment) and quality in limited amount.

Freedman Clothing's Western Shirts is the West Coast representative of the Southwest, the other side of California Dreaming.

Regardless of which coast a person is on, as long the wheather is sizzling, nothing feels better than a pair of seersucker jeans bouncing from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami.

Tupelo Mens Bootcut
Armed with a medical degree, Cary also sought to correct the tailoring dilemma common to low-riding jeans, "plumber's crack" when sitting and bending.
His anatomy knowledge makes him better articulated in tailoring an angled, contoured waistband, dipping in front then tilting up in the flat area of the spine where the sacrum, coccyx, and the fleshy round buttocks meet, for a better contour, solving plumber's butt when sitting and squatting.
Monroe Women's Straight Leg
Once the lightbulb went off at that fork in the road, Cary literally drove down that unexpected path and never looked back. He admits there will be bumps in the road ahead in...
He sold his medical practice. Cary and his then girlfriend (now his wife) took a promise of frugality and focused tenacity in starting their company, started from scratch learning textiles in North Carolina, embarked on a trip to Japan to weave that first heavy-weight ten ounces seersucker then convincing Los Angeleno textile manufacturers this can be done then finally returning home to set up Sucker Jeans HQ. All the while proving cynical naysayers wrong.

Macon Womens Flare

On the transition returning home as a new-found Southerner, Cary commented on the garment industry as a whole. Twenty-years ago, New York was the industry standard. Now, it's shifting towards Los Angeles as the industry leader with the South as instigators and innovators.

Sure, it was tough having jaded textile veterans laugh in your face for something so different but the joke is on them.

Sucker Jeans is expanding on it's indigo-rinsed seersucker jeans, building blazers, jackets, and shirts upon them. Cary felt it was wrong using other brands' clothings outfitting his runway show for Charleston Fashion Week. In addition to the women's and mens wear, they're tackling infantwear, just in time for the birth of Cary's son, Van.

With a bustling company and family, Kevin, Vice President of Sales, is one of Cary's right-hand people.

He is the first people to tell you their seersucker is the same weight and durability as traditional denim. The only difference is the weave. The fiber thread is pulled to pucker the seersucker while the denim is twill-weaved on a bias direction., making it close to the body. It is the puckering, not the cotton, that wicks or removes the sweat off the skin for faster evaporation.

Traveling the country, Kevin amusedly cites regional tastes. Here in the Southeast, they prefer the classical straight leg from Alexandria, Virginia to Coconut Grove, Florida. In San Francisco, they are into flashier flare cut. They need something dressier for events, parties, and nightclubs. To meet the demands for eveningwear denim, Cary and company are planning on a creamy Winter White for Fall.

Smiling with bemusement, it will be interesting for Kevin to see what Hollywood wants when he and Cary land there for Los Angeles Market Week. Picking this L.A.-based fashion writer's brain, the first thing to come to mind is the skinny jean to fit into a girl's tall, sexy riding boots with silhouette heels.

Even though Winter White is not available yet, this fashionista is happy to pair her bootcut Sucker Jeans with her summer sandals and strappy heels for this current season of soirees and raves.