Scarves: the coolest accessory!

Scarves are the perfect mix of fashion meets function as we settle into a cold January! They're the coolest accessory of the season and bound to keep you warm while you're looking hot.

Whether dyed to match a sweater or created in a bold checked pattern, the scarf is a must-have! Recently, I stumbled onto a great mix of scarves at the High Country Boutique in Lewisburg.

From Akihiko Izakuro and Randall Darwall to Giselle Shepatin and Marcia Phillips brands- they have everything you would ever need to look stylishly wrapped.

The focus at High Country Boutique & Gallery is clothing and accessories for women who want a functional wardrobe with an artistic flare.

Owner, Donna R. Toney, sells mostly Eileen Fisher because the designs meet her intention: basic clothing shapes that can be personalized with accessories. There is an ever changing selection of American Art jewelry, jackets, as well as, antique African beads.

The gallery is a unique collection of art, fine crafts, art jewelry and clothing, and home accessories. Donna has a great selection of African fine craft and Shona stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, resulting from trips with her husband, John Francis, a native of South Africa.

“Each time I travel, the world gets smaller. Wherever I am, I look up and realize that everything I purchase for the shop is ‘from under the same moon."

The High Country Boutique is located at 122 West Washington Street in Lewisburg. To find out more visit, http://www.highcountrylewisburg.com/index.html

Leggings, a global phenomenon!

I just returned from London with a new-found love for leggings. Sure, I can be easily pursuaded and have been know to give into peer pressure a time or two but this trip caused me to fall in love with the leggings trend.

The women of London are incredibly fashionable, wearing the trends so well. They embrace the archetectural designs of the top designers with ease and typically leave the basics for others while they embrace the latest fads.

The leggings were everywhere and on everyone! From 16 to 60, the trend was unescapable! Now, as a fashion designer myself, I've been working and reworking this trend for two years, searching for the perfect fabric with the right amount of coverage for me to feel good in this trend.

So now I challenge everyone to give the trend a try. At first, you might feel a little exposed, but by the end of the day you'll be searching for more leggings in various colors and patterns.

Jessi Pierson, Miss WV USA, wearing leggings from the Kim Parrish Collection and a top from Express.

PARRISH TO KICK OFF ‘KIDS CLUB’ AT TRANS ALLEGHENY BOOKS

Parkersburg, WV, September 2009---Trans Allegheny Books located at 725 Green Street in Parkersburg, West Virginia will kick off their monthly “Kids Club” event with former resident, Kim Parrish, and her newly released children’s book called The Snapdragon Princess on Saturday, September 26th. The event will start at 1:00 PM with a reading of the book followed by an opportunity to have the book signed by the local author. The event is open to the public.

“I’m excited to launch the book at my favorite bookstore in my hometown,” said Parrish. “I’m looking forward to meeting children in the area and introducing them to a story that was inspired by my grandmother while growing up in the Mid Ohio Valley.”

National television host Kim Parrish and best-selling children’s book author Deb Landry came together on this project to explore how role models can be found in our ordinary, everyday lives. The Snapdragon Princess (Bryson Taylor Publishing, ISBN 978-0-9773738-6-4) is available nationwide.

The Snapdragon Princess, for ages 6-11, revives the legacy of a real princess in a delightful intergenerational story of family treasures, enchantment and cherished times gone by. McKenzie is an astonishing young girl who dreams of becoming a princess. With the help of her grandmother, she embarks on a journey and discovers that being a real princess is much more than crowns and dress-up.

Each month, Trans Allegheny will host a “Kids Club” featuring a reading from a local author as well as an autograph signing event. Among the 500,000 titles of used books and 1,000 new West Virginia titles, vintage wooden cases located throughout the building hold rare and collectible items.

The Snapdragon Princess will be available at numerous local bookstores including Trans Allegheny in Parkersburg as well as other online retailers. More information can be found at BrysonTaylorPublishing.com.

Excited!

Why is everyone so excited? ....The next issue of WV LIVING is coming soon!!!



http://www.wvlivingmagazine.com/ Subscribe today and don't miss the fun!

Snakeskin can't escape my closet

Snakeskin shoes from BCBG available at http://www.zappos.com/

Snakeskin inspired shirt from Nanette Lepore available at Shetown Divas in Shepherstown.

Snakeskin inspired bag and belt available at the Greenbrier in Lewisburg.

Spring 2010

I've just completed a whirlwind traveling schedule visiting Manhattan's Garment District several times preparing for spring fashions. Yes- I said spring. I know, we've barely worn our current spring fashions and haven't even purchased for fall and yet designers, stylists and buyers are all searching for the hottest looks. What can we learn from this early planning? We can learn that many of the styles from this spring will continue into fall and still remain strong in 2010.

So what's in style in 2010? The 1940's will still remain an influence in the early part of spring. We'll see fitted, structured suits and a definite menswear influence continuing through fall and into the early part of the new year. We'll also see the Greek Goddess style consistant in this year as well so don't throw out your draped tops and gladiator shoes. Another trend I absolutely love is the Global Influence and it will transition slightly into an Exotic flair with rich colors and an island influence for summer 2010.

So what can we gain with this knowledge for fall 2009? Well, it's safe to wear your fitted suits, harem pants, draping tops and rich, bold colors. They will be right on trend! If you haven't purchased gladiator sandals, maxi dresses and beaded tunics- run, don't walk to the sales rack and stock up for spring 2010!

(TOP AND SCARF AVAILABLE AT VANCE'S BLUES IN MORGANTOWN)

(TOP AND SKIRT AVAILABLE AT CONI AND FRANC IN MORGANTOWN)

SALE!!

I love a sale! I just noticed that She-Town Divas, in Shepardstown, is having a HUGE sale on their JENNIFER REALE DESIGN apparel. It's up to 40% off. This brand is so cute, boasting a mixture of bold colors and classic 60's prints in styles that are fit for a woman's figure.

At these prices you can easily stock up on tank tops and sleeveless blouses that normally scream spring. The trick is layering them under blazers and cardigan for a transitional look.

Now run, don't walk to the sales racks and collect these fantastic layering pieces and make that bold statement in your wardrobe.

A peek at Fall Fashions

Check out Miss WV USA Jessi Pierson sporting a summer top from Vance's Blues in Morgantown. She paired it with a simple blazer and scarf.

By coupling a few layering pieces with the tank it allows us to wear our flirty lightweight tops year round.

More fabulous photos from our fall fashion shoot coming out in the next issue of WV LIVING.

So Mod- So Now

The 60's have left their mark on Summer 2009 and we can't get enough of their modern prints, bold colors and structured styles.

Check out this top I found at She-town Divas in Shepherdstown! Jennifer Reale is one hot designer and you can visit http://www.jenniferreale.com/ to see the collection. You can find quite a few of her designs at She-town Divas!

The easiest way to wear this look with with a hint of minimalism. If you're going bold on top then keep the bottoms classic. A simple black pencil skirt or white pant will work perfectly to allow the top to do the talking.

Enjoy!

WV LIVING FALL PHOTO SHOOT

The team got together once again this past June to shoot fall fashions for the upcoming issue. What fun we had as we welcomed Miss WV USA, Jessi Pierson, to the studio in Morgantown. Jessi was voted the Miss Photogenic winner in the Miss USA Pageant so we knew we were going to get some great photos.

Taking the lead was photographer Rebecca Devono. Also working to create magic was Jane Engelke-stylist, and Jessica Schueler-assistant style editor. Jane was able to create 7 different looks by changing out the hair and makeup styles on the model effortlessly. She also had a hand in styling the clothing supplied by various vendors, manufacturers, stores and boutiques.

All in all, it was a successful day. Keep an eye out for the next issue to hit the stands.

No Stress Searching for Distressed Jeans

I can't get enough of distressed denim this summer. Call me a rebel- but I love the ragged look of these lived-in, washed-out classics. Every denim brand is showcasing their style, but I found some cool denim capris in Shepherstown. I was pleased to see this refreshing take on an edgy new style.

Check them out at She-town Divas!

It's a Fashion Battle Zone

.....and in any good battle you must be properly attired in Gladiator Sandals- the hottest footwear this season!

Through all my fashion travels from New York to London, the one look that seems to be holding steady is the Gladiator Sandal. I've seen variations of this style, from a watered down version available at Banana Republic to a trend-embracing look available at THE FINERY in Morgantown. In fact, WV LIVING's editor Nikki Bowman recently welcomed this trend into her closet with the purchase of a metallic gold pair of Gladiator Sandals she purchased at THE FINERY located at the Seneca Center and she couldn't be more pleased.

If you're looking for a new pair of sandlas this year and you want to step out of the box, then try this look. Visit, http://www.thefinery.com/ for directions, style stips and more information about this wonderful boutique loaded with style.

Fab Jewelry Find!

I stopped into an "old favorite" yesterday. It's been a few years since I've shopped at Hornor and Harrison on Grand Central Avenue in Parkersburg. I've always enjoyed their selection and service.

While shopping, feilding emails, texts and phone calls I managed to focus on finding some fantastic jewelry. I picked up some metallic bronze and green bangles and two necklaces! The prices were unbelievable and I couldn't say no!

I also noticed they had several wardrobe fixers like the Hollywood Tape. I'm an avid collector so I bought extra for our shoot on Saturday.

I started talking with a very friendly staff member and she let me know they're the only retailer in the area that carries Seven for All Mankind jeans and they're quite popular. I also noticed an interesting pair of jeans that guarantee to give you an instant tummy tuck! Love it!

When I asked the salesperson what the hot seller was this month she replied "the sweaters on sale!" I agreed, it's still too early to think about spring fashions.

Are you on My List?

Calling All Stores!

I want to know what fashionable women in the mountain state are buying. Tell me the must-have items you can't keep in stock. Send me photos of your favorite shoes, bags and clothing!
Make sure you include your name, store name, and location in your email. Please send all emails to Kim@WVLIVINGmagazine.com

I'd love to feature your items in the next blog or article.... I'd even love to shop in your store. Tell me about it!!!

Look for Vance's Blues of Morgantown, Elizabeth Michaels and Hornor and Harrison of Parkersburg and Geranium of Charleston in my style article in the next issue of WV LIVING.

Not a subscriber? We can fix that! Log onto http://www.wvlivingmagazine.com/ to get your subscription!

See you in WV STYLE!

Can't Get Enough Scarves!

It's official- the word is out! Scarves will remain popular through Spring of 2009. I guess it doesn't take a rocket scientist or fashion forecaster to predict this news. All you have to do is look around. They're in every store, in every price range!

I recently visited Tamarack, a fabulous store boasting a compilation of various items all made in the mountain state, and came across a rack of handmade scarves. They were fabulous! Some had been knitted while other were woven but each and every one had its own distinct personality. That's the beauty of a handmade item. Prices ranged from $30-$50; well worth it since it also comes with a great story of it's origins!

Stop into Tamarack on I77 and see what you can find! Also, ask for your copy of WV LIVING magazine. They carry it!


Items on the model are from the Kim Parrish Collection available at HSN and HSN.com.

Congratulations Miss WV!

I had a chance to visit with Miss West Virginia during the recent Miss America Pageant. Kayla Lynam looked so beautiful and represented the state well at the competition in Las Vegas.

Numerous clothing sponsors from across the mountain state donate gowns and cocktail dresses to the winner each year as part of the prize package to prepare her for the national pageant. If you're interested in donating to the scholarship program, please visit http://www.misswestvirginia.org/ for more information.

I love shopping for cocktail dresses and have found numerous boutiques across the state with fabulous finds. Of course, we all know I love to shop at Elizabeth Michaels in Parkersburg. Leah Lasker Summers, Miss West Virginia 1991, tells me she's found some fabulous dresses at Coni and Franc in Morgantown for numerous cocktail parties.

Other sponsors who have helped wardrobe Kayla for her competition and year of service are The Bridal Suite, business/interview wear from Coni & Franc's, casual wear/rockin jeans from Vance's Blues, and swimwear from The Queen's Choice.

Pictured (above) are former Miss West Virginias Candy Reid, Leah Summers, and Kim Parrish along with Kayla.