Outfit details:  Tulle skirt // White Top // White Druzy Bracelet // Gemstone Cuff // Cream Faux Fur Jacket

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to shoot a few items with the amazing Tosha Gaines of Tosha Gaines Photography.  It was a mere 30-ish degrees during our 10am meet up, but nonetheless, managed to get some amazing shots!

A couple of the items worn in this photo shoot come from locally-owned and/or women-owned businesses.  The first item – a unique, vintage-feel statement necklace comes from My Red Bead owned and operated by Beth Menke.  Her pieces are one of a kind and sold locally at a variety of stores and boutiques, including Harper Lane at The Galleria in Hoover, AL.  I love the beaded detailing juxtaposed with the silk tassel detail.

A while back, I collaborated with another local, woman-owned business – Chic Society Boutique  – and had a ring that I had not yet worn.  I was going for a white/champagne color scheme for this outfit, but wanted a pop of color that wouldn’t be too overwhelming.  Subsequently, I decided to wear the pink druzy statement ring from SCS; which, in my opinion, added a subtle hint of color.

To complete one of the looks, I wore a faux fur wrap from Royal Scout and Company.  RSandCo is another woman-owned business and one that is quickly gaining a reputation for high-quality, luxe items.  I recently received a wrap and a pair of faux fur boot cuffs.  I wore the boot cuffs immediately (see them styled on Instagram here and here), and wore the wrap during the shoot.  It is insanely soft and oh, so warm.  The wrap prices at about $60, which is not bad considering the quality.  RSandCo carries a variety of faux fur items, many of which I am coveting!!

The final item I wanted to feature in these looks was a pair of earrings from Mark Edge Jewelry.  I have now worn several Mark Edge pieces and styled them on Instagram, but hadn’t had the opportunity to wear the earrings I wore in this shoot.  His pieces are all unique, also have somewhat of a vintage feel, and ultimately stand the test of time.  They aren’t pieces that look like jewelry you’ll find at the mall.  These are hand-made, creative pieces made from reclaimed/recycled pieces of jewelry scouted from all over the country and abroad.  He reinvents these pieces to make truly artistic pieces.  See some of the other pieces I have styled in the past on Instagram here, here, here, and here.

One of my goals for Chic in Academia this year is to support more locally-owned, women-owned, and small businesses in general.  I am happy to lend my voice and platform to increase visibility for the business featured in this post, as well as others I will partner with this coming year as best as I am able.  I hope you will support them as well!!  Thank you as always for supporting me as well and continuing to visit my blog and other social media platforms.  You enable my ability to keep the right side of my brain engaged and alive!  For that, my sanity thanks you as well. 😉

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!