Spring '24 Retail Round Up
Charleston, South Carolina April ‘24
Spring '24 Retail Round Up-Charleston
Capsule 1 of 2
After what seemed like a NY winter that would not end, we loaded up the car and headed south. We found ourselves in Charleston, South Carolina, where history, lots of pink, blown out hair, day drinking and modernity intertwine. While I filed this trip under vacay, I couldn’t help but snap a few pics for y’all. So without further ado let’s get right up in there with the most glaring trend spot — RAFFIA!
Raffia Down South
The raffia fashion trend is aptly blooming as Charleston’s signature look; Lily Pulitzer-chic, lays the foundation for this look. Versions of raffia were ubiquitous; Loeffler Randall’s new shop on King St. got it right. Styles ranged from braided mid heels to sportier footbed styles and my personal favorite….the raffia fisherman!
More Metallic Please
Where have you been all my life; Metallic Orange? The Charleston audience has a way of attracting anything colorful, and rainbow metallics are no exception. These bright, bold and joyful colors are just plain delightful — which is why they sell.
Hot Pink Metallic, Acid Green Metallic, and Yellow Metallic are all over-performing based on internal insights…
More is More…Less is a Bore
As the late great, Iris Apfel said, “More is more and less is a bore…” When it comes to footwear ornamentation, Iris had it right. While I did not see a plethora of colored bling on accessories or footwear… costume jewelry leads trends in shoes. Colored. Rhinestones. In my search I stumbled upon lots of of colored resin. Heart shapes, too. Very junior — but very sweet.
Sweet Slides
For a truly luxe look I would go for a sandal slide. A cuban heel hight (30-40 mm) elevates the shoe (both metaphorically and physically). I also love the idea of playing with upper shapes — it adds flare as it branches from the typical single band across the toes. As you scroll through you will notice a Dr. Scholls wedge slide “accidentally” snuck in there. Yes — meant to do that. Love this look and I will sneak it in elsewhere at a later date. Ha.
