The latest news in fashion and shopping around Charleston
"Seer" Genius
Bridesmaids dress line LulaKate, featuring fun and flirty looks from the local designer behind Kate McDonald Bridal, has debuted a sweet new collection of American-made dresses and skirts. Word to the wise: they’d look as perfect at Sunday brunch as they would on a stroll down the aisle. "We took some of our most popular LulaKate styles and re-launched them in various colors of seersucker," says Katherine McDonald. "These dresses can be worn year after year." Shop online, or make an appointment to visit the showroom. [lulakate.com]
Uncommon Ground
Last summer, workmen digging at the country house of London-based rug designer Luke Irwin—whose clientele ranges from the Obamas to the British Royal family to members of The Rolling Stones—uncovered a surprising swath of ancient mosaic flooring. Experts determined that it was the remains of a Roman villa built between A.D. 175 and 220. The discovery not only made news internationally, it inspired Irwin to create a rug collection (his largest and most luxurious yet) dubbed "Mosaic." Just this spring, the Luke Irwin line arrived at Fine Rugs of Charleston, so you can admire the artistry for yourself. [1523 Meeting St., finerugsofcharleston.com]
Natural Beauty
Organic skin care devotees, listen up: there’s a fresh brand on the market, and it’s made right here in Mount Pleasant. Natalie Shultz White—who has already seen success as cofounder of the Healthy Human brand of stainless-steel water bottles, tumblers, and pints—launched Be Well Company in May, stocking an online shop with cleansing oils, toners, face creams, body butters, and more. "I believe what we feed our skin is just as important as what we feed our bellies," says White, whose products are free of parabens, preservatives, alcohol, man-made fragrances, and dyes. [bewellcompany.com]
New for the Nest
Furniture hailing from Amish wood shops in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana is now making its way to West Ashley via the newly opened Charleston Amish Furniture. Owners Matt and Beth Troyer—who ran Foothills Amish Furniture in Landrum, South Carolina, for 12 years—focus on solid-wood pieces, including tables, chairs, dressers, and beds, but they also stock upholstered pieces from 90-year-old firm Smith Brothers of Berne. [1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., charlestonamishfurniture.com]
