Fox 46 Good Day Charlotte – Fashion Segment – Poolside Fashion

Very excited to be back on FOX 46 Good Day Charlotte with Peter Carey from PAC public relations, and Fashion D’ Lux  Peter and I were featured in two segments.  One to highlight poolside bites, and the other to highlight poolside fashion, while promoting Fashion D’Lux’s Fashion Industry Night on July 30th. 

Peter and I make a tremendous team! We have so much fun working together. He has a great eye for fashion, and is a great partner. Together, Peter and I, courtesy of Nordstrom Southpark styled the models for our fashion show. The models were courtesy of Bridge Talent Group and Laura Starling. 

We had so much fun at the Show! Thank you Felicia Lawrence and the cast and crew of FOX 46. My two-piece outfit came from Vestique in Blakeney. Check them out!

Thank you to Ben Clark for capturing these moments.

 

Boardroom Advisory Group, LLC

I was so very honored and grateful to become a member of Boardroom Advisory Group, LLC this past week. As quoted on their website, “Boardroom Advisory Group, LLC is a global, independent advisor network of CXO’s, business owners, and industry leaders specializing in a wide array of business disciplines who share a core focus; provide customers with innovative, comprehensive and high-quality solutions at a level of service exceeding expectations.” Take a moment and visit their website to learn more about how you can become part of this amazing network.

I received my MBA from Waynesburg University in 1995 and had a lengthy 16-year career at Waynesburg University as an Accounting Professor.  

I launched my own company, Charlotte Fashion Plate in September of 2015 to showcase my passion for both fashion and food.  I am very pleased by its success and strive on a daily basis to build my brand.  The work is very rewarding and fun.  I keep my focus positive and love the relationships I have built with my fellow entrepreneurs, local businesses, and social media followers. 

Thanks to Steve Driben of Boardroom Advisory Group, LLC , for the fabulous profile highlighting my career and for believing in me and my company and the direction I am heading in the future.  

My Executive Profile is available by clicking here. 

 

Fox 46 Good Day Charlotte Food Segment – Poolside Bites

Peter Carey and myself were featured on Fox 46 Good Day Charlotte on July 23rd. Peter Carey is a lifestyle guru and my partner in Fashion and Food.  Peter’s businesses include, PAC public relations, and Fashion D’ Lux. In this segment, we highlighted poolside bites and poolside fashion.  Peter and I make a tremendous team! We have so much fun working together. He has a great eye for fashion, and is a great partner.  

Pictured above, are my Oyster Shooters. My inspiration for these shooters came from Pearlz Oyster Bar.

You will need shucked oysters (Carolina Fish Market can do this for you), Black Pepper vodka, cocktail sauce, horseradish, Old Bay Seasoning, lemon, and hot sauce. 

Rim the shot glass with lemon, dip in Old Bay Seasoning and garnish with lemon. Place shucked oyster in shot glass (use plastic if you are going poolside). Pour 1 oz. of Black Pepper Vodka into each glass. Mix Cocktail sauce, horseradish and hot sauce to taste in a bowl.  Spice level can be adjusted up or down depending on your taste. Spoon about 1 oz of the cocktail sauce mixture into each shot glass shot and serve. I like to make these ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator.

Next, I prepared Wine Soaked Frozen Grapes.

All you need is 1 bunch of white grapes, 1 bottle White Wine (I use Sauvignon Blanc), and sugar for coating.

Soak the grapes in white wine overnight. Then toss in sugar and freeze for about 2 to 3 hours. Place on a pedestal to serve or you can load them on individual skewers.

Lastly, here is my recipe for Shrimp Ceviche. It’s easy to make, light and refreshing.

You will need 1 to 1 1/2 lb. 16/20 count uncooked deveined shrimp (you can use cooked shrimp and just skip the cooking process), one jalapeno diced (optional, depending on your taste), 1 each red & green pepper diced, ½ small red onion diced, 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup seafood stock, 2 plum tomatoes (seeded and diced), 1 bunch cilantro chopped, juice of 8 to 10 limes, juice of 3 to 4 lemons, juice of 1 orange, Olive oil and Salt/Pepper to taste. You can serve your ceviche in bowls, in endive leaves, or with tortilla chips.

First, heat the coconut milk and seafood stock in a pot almost to a boil, add shrimp and cook until they just turn pink. Remove shrimp and allow to cool. In a bowl, combine the diced vegetables, lemon, lime and orange juice, and chopped cilantro.  Add a touch of olive oil for texture. Gently mix in cooked shrimp that has been cut into three pieces per shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can prepare this and all of the other recipes above, a day in advance. 

All of these cute little plastic party plates and serving dishes were found at The Party Store

 

 

NCFA Style Week Night 3

Night 3 of Style Week was awesome! Check out these 3 handsome gentlemen as my Fashion Squad. I wore this black halter neck jumpsuit that I got for a steal at $15 from Forever 21

Joshua Anglero, Peter Carey and Michael Munshi are my friends pictured who accompanied me.

The third night of Style Week showcased Enemy to Fashion, Pixton Design Group, Evolve & Rebel, Alicia Patricia, Cherry Bomb Swimwear, ,Jerrick Grey, and Stevie Boi.

 

I met the wonderful Shartiera Wilkerson from Level 21 Magazine

This is Gabe Harrison designer of Evolve + Rebel another great brand featured in the show. Style Week was so amazing this year! I can’t wait for next year. Thank you to all the wonderful people that made this event possible for the Charlotte Fashion Community. Please click and explore all the wonderfully creative local designers that I’ve shared here.

 

NCFA Style Week Night 2

The night is young and I headed to Style Week Night 2 at the Le Meridien Hotel.  I wore this White Deep V neck Romper from Forever 21 and a custom tailored jacket by Manigance that I found in Las Vegas.

The second night of Style Week was headlined by fashion designer, actor Stevie Boi. Who is also the founder and designer of luxury eye wear brand SBS shades. SBS Shades have been worn by celebrities from Lady Gaga, and Beyonce to Madonna. He showcased his new collection entitled CABIN. 

Night 2 also showcased local Charlotte designers; Fashion & Compassion, Aubrey BusekMack Couture, Koko Nanga,  2twentyceven, and Priya Saluja.

All of their collections were vibrant, chic, sexy, and beautifully crafted! Check them out by clicking their links above.

Special thank you to Tasha McClarrin and Tempestt Sunshine Harris from Level 21 Magazine and Lorri Ashley and Brandon Winston from Prosocialite.

 

Finding Fashion in The Carolina Fish Market (Oh Yes We Did!)

Just because it’s a tee doesn’t mean you have to wear it like one. I’m always finding new ways to shake things up with casual style.

Charlotte Fashion Plate is always finding creative ways to bring food and fashion together while supporting local business. For two years, I have made The Carolina Fish Market my home for seafood, beef, fish, and local grown produce and eggs. This is my passion. ‪#‎supportlocal‬ ‪#‎buylocal‬ ‪#‎freshfood‬ ‪#‎wholefoods‬

What I’m Wearing: Carolina Fish Market tee paired with black leggings and Stuart Weitzman wedge booties with a black leather jacket by Trouvé. Necklace by Stella & Dot courtesy of Peyton Maynard

NCFA Style Week Night 1

North Carolina Fashion Association kicked off Style Week with a blast.  The theme for the first night was emerging fashion designers.  NCFA Style Week is a once annual, week long, fashion event. This year Style Week was held at Le Meridien Hotel in Uptown Charlotte.

I wore this gorgeous Nicholas gown.  It was a tea-length ponte ball gown, sleeveless with a deep v-neck that fit me like a glove. I was lucky enough to sit front row VIP all three nights and witness the magic!

 The “Emerging Artist” theme, showcased work from The Art Institute Of Charlotte, and upcoming and local designers;  Starr SuttonTerrence Henderson,  and Tygerian Lace.  It was a fabulous collection of creative, sexy, vibrant gowns. If your looking for beautiful design click on the designers above and go check them out!

I met this lovely lady, Dania Alshafei from the blog Always Two Fabulous. Always Two Fabulous is another Charlotte based blog created by Dania and her sister Aya. They have gorgeous visuals on their blog and Instagram accounts, check them out.

Hunter Brookes was also there showcasing their wonderful beauty products. You can read more about them here.

The show was produced by Spectrum Creative Group , Erica Arcilesi and  Logan Curtis put together a really outstanding show.

Stay tuned for the rest of my Style Week adventure.

 

My New Favorite Face, Body, and Lip Scrub

I had the pleasure of meeting Chandler Gongloff who represents Hunter Brookes last week at NCFA Style Week.  I received Hunter Brookes Skin Dirt and Lip service in my swag bag, both of which I immediately started using. The results have been amazing. 

Don’t let the name fool you, this product and it’s catchy name are going to be your new favorite too. Skin Dirt is a face and body sugar scrub handmade by Hunter Brookes a company in Charleston, South Carolina.  Hunter Brookes and their products were created by a group of women battling with skincare issues. Hunter Brookes makes skincare products from activated charcoal and Bentonite clay. 

Skin Dirt is made with active charcoal which is amazing for exfoliating the skin, clearing acne, lightening blemishes, detoxifying the skin, and removing blackheads.  I’ve notice my own skin is softer, smoother, and brighter.  My skin feels refreshed and really great to the touch. I’ve even noticed my makeup goes on better. Another great product from Hunter Brookes is their Lip Service lip scrub. It’s gentle enough for everyday use and help chapped lips and fine lines. 

It’s very important to me to support our local businesses. I only share products that I use and believe in. If you would like more information about Hunter Brookes and their products including a great discount of 10% OFF, use this CFPSCRUB coupon code at check out. 

 

Seafood Pasta Fra Diavolo

Good evening friends, tonight’s dinner was a breeze thanks to one of my favorite go-to spots, The Carolina Fish Market. All this beautiful fresh seafood; scallops, mussels, North Carolina shrimp, lobster, and even the pasta remind me of the summer nights in Italy. 

I know I’ve mentioned it before but, The Carolina Fish Market is a locally owned Fish Market, Chop Shop Meat Market, and Organic Grocery Store here in Ballantyne off Ardrey Kell and Marvin Road. I think it’s so important to support local businesses, and when it’s this kind of quality I’m all in.

Beside the fresh seafood, meat and organic groceries, Carolina Fish Market happens to carry fresh pasta and all kinds of marinara sauce from another favorite spot of mine,  Pasta & Provisions, another locally owned South Charlotte business. They make the best fresh pasta and sauces. Using the freshest ingredients you can procure is one of my secrets to an authentic full-flavored gourmet meal. 

Dinner was fabulous! Quick one stop shopping, one pan cooking, the freshest ingredients you can find, and an easy summer dinner. My Seafood Pasta Fra Diavolo, delicious and spicy!