La Roque Original Fashions: Modern Southern Elegance

Elizabeth McKay fans beware; there's a new boss in town!

I stumbled upon La Roque the other day when I was browsing through one of my favorite online stores, and I instantly fell in love!

The woman behind the fashion genius is AnnaBelle LaRoque, and it all started when she quit her corporate gig in pharmaseutical sales to focus full-time on making and designing cute skirts using an antique sewing machine.  She was an overnight success, and soon rented a space in upscale downtown Columbia, SC: LaRoque Studio Boutique was born!

Her concept was to create elegant and classic designs with a modern twist, and she definitely succeeded in creating a niche in the market.  All of her designs have a decidely "Southern" and "Charlestonian" flair to them.... one of my favorite details being the oversize silk sashes that she accents most of her outfits with.  And just like everything else Southern, you're never too far from a monogram--- the sashes and bows can be monogrammed to order!

Customers visiting her boutique will find her 12 classic silhouettes available in a variety of prints and fabrics, all of which she can custom-fit and make for you in 2 weeks.  AnnaBelle spent the first 2 years sewing EVERYTHING herself (incredible, right!), but now she has a small staff and warehouse to help fill the custom orders.



Custom southern elegance doesn't come cheap:  Annabelle's La Roque line ranges from $125 - $400, and that doesn't include her bridal line.  Add in custom fabrics, special orders, and fittings, and you're looking at the $300 - $500 range.

The styles featured here are from her website wholesale featured collection for Summer.  Her fabrics change every season, and I've already seen a preview of some of what's coming for Fall....super cute!

She has since expanded from her original custom-concept, and now some of her wholesale collection is available at select boutique retailers across the south. 

If you're not close to her home base in Columbia, SC, don't worry.  Some of her closest locations (if you live the NC area) are:

Preppy Poodle
113 N Wall St
Clinton, NC 28328

M Christopher's Clothier
111 Reynolda Village #B
Winston Salem, NC 27106

The Julia
7220 Wrightsville Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403

Finley House Couture
1121 Main St
Blowing Rock, NC 28605













I had a hard time finding ready-made pieces to buy online, but there are several online-retailers that carry the La Roque line now too.  If you are having a hard time finding Annabelle's designs, visit the official website here:

Shop La Roque Original

La Roque Carly Dress, on sale for $148

La Roque Clover Skirt, $128

But P.S., I was able to find a few pieces at a really cute boutique/website called SC Sugar.  They had a few things from La Roque that were actually on SALE!!  

Here's the link:  SC Sugar La Roque Sale

Bargain Hunting --- Designer Sales!!

I've been really busy getting ready for my trip to Italy, so I haven't been able to write many posts :(  But I'm VERY excited about this one.....because it's about one of my favorite things: shopping!  Any not just any kind of shopping --- shopping for designer pieces at the best prices!

I have been doing a lot of shopping lately.  A LOT.  Even though everything that I've purchased lately is "designer", I've gotten all of it on sale at incredible prices.


Tracy Negoshian
I bought these cute Tracy Negoshian dresses online from the sale section on her website (her link is under Luxe Favs at the far right hand side of this page).  And p.s., they arrived super fast!!

Ria Wrap Dress - $50.00
(original retail: $124.00)

Bevin Braided Silk Trim Shift - $53.60
(original retail: $134.00)

Deanna Wrap Dress - $49.99
(original retail: $124.00)

If you're not familiar with Tracy Negoshian's stuff, you've been missing out.  I love the fun bright patterns of all of Tracy's stuff, but I especially love her lightweight and easy-to-pack fabrics; they're perfect for taking to Italy!  I decided to have the sleeves on my wrap dresses tailored and made a little shorter, but even with that extra expense, these dresses were still a steal at more than 50% off.


Elizabeth McKay
I can't tell you how many times I have googled "Elizabeth McKay Sale".  I'm a big fan of EMCKay's preppy and classy line, but her prices are a bit steep.  Her classic Elizabeth Ruffle blouse (what started her empire) retails for $175, and most of her dresses are in the $250-$330 range.  I've had my heart set on getting one of her ruffle blouses for a while now, but I just couldn't bring myself to pay full price for it. 

Then I found this cute site called Red Dress Boutique (I already added their site to my link list, on the right hand side of this page under LUXE FAVS).
This site is beyond cute.  The girl who runs it is based in Atlanta, and she hand-picks everything.  You can find lots of great things, like trendy little $20 tops, all the way to Elizabeth McKay dresses.  I found these 2 EMCKay ruffle blouses---- and the best part, they each had an $86 price tag!

Did I mention that Red Dress Boutique has free shipping when you spend over $100?  Nice.  They haven't arrived yet, but I'll be sure to post a pic of how they blouses look when they do.


Skirtin Around
I was poking around Charlotte's in Cameron Village the other day with my friend Christy, and I discovered a new brand!

I LOVE the fact that Skirtin Around is based out of New Canaan, CT--- not too far from where I grew up.  It was started by a woman named Lisa who used to make skirts for all of her friends using fun fabrics, and the demand grew so much that she opened a store.  Her modern fabrics and classic style made her so popular that she has since expanded her line, and now makes gorgeous dresses, blouses, and jackets.  I tried on this jacket:

Stock photo from her online catalog
MSRP: $303.00

You can wear it open or closed!!

Don't pay attention to the "oompa loompa" arms--
sleeves are always too long on me.  That's why
I made friends with my tailor!

Very "ladies who lunch", if you ask me.  The construction and quality were impeccable, and the retro inspiration seems very similar to Kate Spade.  Charlotte's at Cameron Village had a size XS in this jacket, and it was on sale for $242.00 with an additional 30% off, making it $170.  Not too shabby--- more than 50% off retail price!  And I also happen to know that if you sign up for Charlotte's e-mail list, then send you a 20% off coupon for your birthday. :)


Tory Burch
If you have spent any time around me, you know that I have an addiction to Tory Burch.  I gave up fighting it a long time ago.  So anyways, I've been on the hunt for over 2 months trying to find a shoe that would be comfortable walking around on the cobblestone streets of Rome.  I didn't feel like I was asking much, I just wanted something cute!  But let me tell you, finding a practical sandal/shoe that didn't look like it belonged to an 80yr old orthopedic patient is more difficult than you think.

Then I received an email from Tory Burch about their summer sale. I stumbled across the leather Amanda Thong sandal, and I fell in love.

Originally $250, now they were on sale for $175!  My size was sold out online, so I got on the phone with their extremely helpful customer service department.  Less than 45 minutes later, one of their representatives had located a pair in the size that I needed in Atlanta, and they processed my order right over the phone.  Two days later, I have my shoes in hand!

They really do fit perfectly (I'm normally a 7, but I got a 6.5).  The wide leather strap across the top of the foot provides more stability than rainbows, and the cushioning and leather sole are far more comfortable than my Tory Burch Miller thongs.


Lilly Pulitzer
I think that Lilly is sort of like air.... I don't really think that you can have too much of it. 

Normally Lilly Pulitzer sales are "ok".  Like most high-end designers, the mark-downs stop at 40% off.... usually.  In the past, I don't wait for the stuff to go on sale, but after I paid $268 a few weeks a go for a pair of her sandals and then they went on sale for $139 eight days later, I decided that I'm no longer paying full price for Lilly.  You think I would've come to this conclusion sooner, right?

I love the light-weight stretch jersey and the flouncy sleeves of the Mariposa dress, but I'm not about to pay $268 for it.  Really, Lilly?  Almost three-hundred dollars for 4 feet of jersey fabric?  Get real.

The cotton jersey Lilly Mariposa Dress - $268.00

But then I happened to be in Belk at Crabtree the other week during their Private Sale event, lucky me!  I strolled through the Lilly sale section and tried on a bunch of stuff.  I lucked out when I found the Mariposa dress in this super cute navy, white, and pink tulips pattern.  DONE!!

It was marked down twice (online return maybe??), and then I got an additional 20% off for the Private Sale event, so I only paid $89 for it!  It is so comfortable, and the best part is that I can roll it up in a suitcase and it won't wrinkle.  I decided to buy it in a Small so that it would cover my knees so that I can wear it when we tour the churches in Florence.


I found this cotton sateen floral shift from the Spring '12 collection at Palm Avenue in Cameron Village two weeks ago.  I almost didn't even try it on since it has elbow-length sleeves.  But it is SO cute on!  You can't tell from the picture, but the sleeves have a 2 inch ruffle along the edge, and the material has a slight sheen to it.  This dress has the floral pattern on the front and the back, which I really like.  It's normally $248, but I got this for only $118 :)  I wore it the other day, and I must've gotten a dozen compliments on it.

Cliche bathroom mirror pic--- don't judge.

I love the signature Lilly Elsa and Alima silk blouses, and I already have a few in my closet.  They are breezy and classy, and are fab for Spring/Fall, as well as mild Summer weather. 

Silk Alima Poppy Top

I found this Alima blouse (white and pink floral at left) at Palm Ave. as well.  It was a steal at $82!








Hopefully I can get a post up this weekend about all the rest of the deals my friends and I have been finding..... stay tuned, consignment goodies are up next!

Fabulous Summer Finds for $100 or Less

I'm a big believer that things don't have to be expensive in order to be cute.   Even though I was born with disproportionately expensive tastes, I love finding adorable designer look-a-likes almost as much as I love the real thing.  

I regularly wear my favorite designers right next to things like a  $4.99 ring that I bought at H&M.   I guess in my head, the inexpensive item balances out the other when it comes to the overall budget of the whole outfit!   It sounds funny, but if you think about it, mixing the "cheap" with the "chic" does make sense.   Saving money by carefully integrating some more affordable pieces into your wardrobe gives you more money to spend on the rest of your look!  

$100 should be MORE than enough when it comes to a single piece of fashion--- although judging by a lot of high-end price tags, I don't think designers got the memo.   You should be able to strike a balance between style, fashion trends, and quality in the >$100 price range.   Sometimes you have to search beyond Forever21 and H&M, but if you look hard enough, you can find stylish additions for your wardrobe for less than $100.  

Here are some of my favorites for Summer:

Bracelets

1. Black & White Harlequin Bangle, $15 (available at amazon.com)
2. Gold Stud Stretch Bracelet, $59 (available at stelladot.com)
3. Yellow Leather Wrap Bracelet, $59 (available at styleserver.de)
4. Navy and White Enamel Stripe Bangle, $30 (available at jcrew.com)
5. Faux Tortoise-Shell Stretch Bracelet, $4.88 (available at debenhams.com)
6. Anabel's Chunky Pink Acrylic Cuff, $23 (available at fantasyjewelrybox.com)
7. Horseshoe Clap Woven Leather Bracelet, $32 (available at susanb.com)

Dresses

1. Pleated Ivory Strap Dress, $56 (available at romwe.com)
2. Floral Belted Dress, $90 (available at oasis-stores.com)
3. Taupe Ruffle Strap Sun Dress, $56 (available at misselfridge.com)
4. Strapless Blue & White Floral Dress, $40 (available at hm.com)
5. Coral Bandeau Dippy Hem Maxi, $65 (available at misselfridge.com)
6. Bohemian Floral Chiffon Maxi, $43 (available at sheinside.com)
7. Pale Yellow Tuxedo Ruffle Sun Dress, $20 (available at allyfashion.com)
8. Monrow Maxi Tank Dress, $74 (available at farfetch.com)
9. 2 in 1 White & Coral Criss Cross Dress, $35 (available at allyfashion.com)
10. Striped Corset Top Clover Dress, $63 (available at bankfashion.co.uk)

Earrings

1. Khloe's Crystal Blue Pear Earrings, $23 (available at fantasyjewelrybox.com)
2. Alvina Abramova Blue Opal Earrings, $50 (available at maxandchloe.com)
3. Crystal Beaded Gold Hoop Earrings, $38 (available at fantasyjewelrybox.com)
4. Peach Caviar Stud Earrings, $12 (available at modcloth.com)
5. Pink Seedbead Knot Earrings, $9.09 (available at asos.com)
6. Vanessa Mooney Bright Multi Wafer Disc Hoops, $42 (available at stefanibags.com)
7. Moschitto Filigree Resin Earrings
8. Friis & Co Gold Fly Earrings, $23 (available at welikefashion.com)

Tops

1. White Bow-Front Blouse, $24 (available at janenorman.co.uk)
2. Aqua V-back Sun Tank, $46 (available at topshop.com)
3. French Connection Matelot Tank Top, $52 (available at welikefashion.com)
4. Element Kaleidescope Tank, $24 (available at tillys.com)
5. Mustard Yellow Bow-tie Open Back Tank, $44 (available at misselfridge.com)
6. Navy Cotton Button Camisole with Bow, $50 (available at hollisterco.com)
7. Teal Tanager Tank, $49 (available at patagonia.com)
8. Cotton Colorblock Tee, $45 (available at oasis-stores.com)
9. Polka Dot Chiffon Bow-neck Blouse, $21 (available at hm.com)

Necklaces

1. Stella & Dot Turquoise Rope Necklace, $59 (available at stelladot.com)
2. Sakdidet Road Feather Necklace, $49 (available at harveynichols.com)
3. Haberdash House Resin Chain Necklace, $40 (available at hannahzakari.co.uk)
4. Chunky Stone Necklace, $40 (available at talbots.com)
5. Pow Pendant Necklace, $11 (available at asos.com)
6. Miso Nude Acrylic Bead Necklace, $19 (available at republic.co.uk)
7. Green Tessellate Necklace, $85 (available at jcrew.com)
8. Kenneth Jay Lane Red Spike Necklace, $80 (available at charmandchain.com)
9. Brass Little Bird Necklace, $24 (available at peopletree.co.uk)

Shorts

1. 3" Pink Chino Cotton Short, $45 (available at jcrew.com)
2. DVF 1974 Miggy Shorts, $57 (available at boutique1.com)
3. Lipsy Lace Shorts, $57 (available at bankfashion.co.uk)
4. Yellow Chino Cotton Short, $45 (available at jcrew.com)
5. Paul & Joe High Waist Yellow Shorts, $60 (available at boutique1.com)
6. Mini Delicious Apple Shorts, $55 (available at jcrew.com)
7. White Cotton Sateen Bermuda Shorts, $29 (available at mango.com)
8. Green Bungalow Stripe Shorts, $60 (available at jcrew.com)
9. Purple Stretch Twill Short, $50 (available at jcrew.com)

Shoes

1. DVF Lush Rubber Flip Flops, $50 (available at theoutnet.com)
2. DV by Dolce Vita Archer, $69 (available at zappos.com)
3. Nine West "Laffnplay" Wedge Sandals, $89 (available at macys.com)
4. France Leather Link Flat Sandal, $64 (available at asos.com)
5. Nine West Nancita Flip Flop, $45 (available at endless.com)
6. Steve Madden Tampaa Wedge, $90 (available at stevemadden.com)
7. Metallic Trimmed Thong Sandal, $15 (available at forever21.com)
8. Harley Plaited Gold Sandals, $44 (available at topshop.com)
9. Tassle T-Strap Thong Sandal, $13 (available at myhotshoes.com)
10. Seychelles Midas Touch, $95 (available at zappos.com)

Bags

1. Urban Expressions Wood-handled Cloth Bag, $45 (available at dsw.com)
2. Warehouse Straw Shopper, $51 (available at asos.com)
3. Yellow Stripe Beach Shopper, $39 (available at wallisfashion.com)
4. Kelly & Kate Two-Toned Straw Tote, $40 (available at dsw.com)
5. Coral Double-Pocket Clutch, $50 (available at oasis-stores.com)
6. Bird Print Chain Clutch, $23 (available at asos.com)
7. Color Block Cross Body Bag, $25 (available at wallisfashion.com)
8. G. Corazon6 Patent Top Handle Bag, $80 (available at mango.com)
9. Sailor Tote, $20 (available at forever21.com)
10. Hard-Framed Straw Satchel, $40 (available at dsw.com)


The time to get the best selection for Summer is NOW---- so get shopping!