Category: Featured

Bow ties are everywhere. Check the logo on the Playboy bunny or an old can of Budweiser, this simple accessory denotes an essence of elevated style. Warren St. John, a writer for the New York Times once wrote “To its devotees the bow tie suggests iconoclasm of an Old World sort, a fusty adherence to a contrarian point of view. The bow tie hints at intellectualism, real or feigned, and sometimes suggests technical acumen, perhaps because it is so hard to tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers and professors and by people hoping to look like the above. But perhaps most of all, wearing a bow tie is a way of broadcasting an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think.”

In honor of High Cotton Ties 2011 Fall line, Pretty Southern presents to you Bow Tie History 101. The next time someone asks you gentlemen “Why do you wear a bow tie?” y’all can reply with the following historical lesson. Bow Ties were originally worn by French aristocrats and called “cravats”. This fashion flourished in the 1800s around the time France was investing in the newly formed United States of America.

Wealthy gents in Charleston and New Orleans quickly adopted this style to show they were just as intelligent as their French business partners. Plus they looked damn fine. High Cotton Ties has taken this style and colors fit for every collegiate occasion. North Carolina has got shades of blue for Duke, UNC and that other state school. Georgia Dawgs there are multiple bright red ties in different patterns so you won’t have to wear the same bow tie to every game (unless its a good luck charms). High Cotton ties has a bow tie for every school in the South. Check them out here and be sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Living in the South is about family, food and fun. We’ve focused a lot of Pretty Southern towards the fun and food aspects so for today’s post we’re focusing on family…one family in particular. The beautiful Bittner family and their amazing photo shoot at Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Comer, Ga.

These lovely images were captured by the Blume Photography husband & wife team of Phillip and Eileen Blume. Perhaps being family, the Blume’s know how to get those amazing shots every mom and dad wants of their kids. These glowing images will remind the Bittner family of the love they shared on this day for years to come.

There’s something so perfect about old trees in the South. It’s almost as if the oaks draped in Spanish moss contain the history of the South herself. Deep roots dive down into Southern soil almost three times longer than the towering limbs. This image taken by Blume Photography of Megan on her wedding day in Winder, Ga., captures the moments leading up to her marriage. This beautiful bride, sitting on a swing beneath these wonderful arbors, is another auspicious milestone in great Southern love stories.

We all know Southern girls have the best sense of style. Ladies love fashion and cute accessories. Now our style can be shared with girls’ best friend: her dog, all thanks to Poetic Paws.

Poetic Paws is a line of novelty dog accessories which includes supplements made of CBD oil for dogs inspired by the colorful and individual spirit of Poetic Licence, the British-influenced whimsical and eclectic footwear brand. These shoes are nothing short of fun, sassy, and the Poetic Paws collars are styled to mirror the key elements of the shoes. You and your fur baby can match! Putting a Poetic Paws collar on your pip is a sure fire way to get those heads turning in a good way.

The line was dreamed up by the women of Poetic Licence who not only share an obvious common love of shoes, but a deep devotion for dogs. Poetic Paws doesn’t just further fashion; its mission is also to make a difference eliminating the amount of abused, neglected and homeless pets while also improving the misunderstanding to bully breeds. That’s why the brand partnered with Best Friends Animal Society, which is striving to end animal euthanasia in the United States and bring about a time where there are no more homeless animals.

Poetic Paws has teamed up with amazing sponsors and retailers in Chicago to host Heels & Tails, a unique charitable fashion event supporting Best Friends Animal Society and Safe Humane Chicago.

Taking place on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7pm at Salvage One in Chicago, the fashion show will provide a glimpse at the upcoming shoe and collar collections for fall. The unforgettable night will be filled with fashion, music, art, dancing, food and drinks. General admission and VIP tickets can be purchased here. For more information, check out Poetic Licence and Poetic Paws. If you’re going to be in Chi-town next week, why not enjoy a night on the town for a good cause? If y’all can’t make it, purchase both shoes and collars by visiting Must Have Shoes.

Jessica & Joseph were married at Alcyone Plantation in Lake Park, G.A. near the Florida border on in this blessed year of our Lord. Their day was truly adorned in Southern elegance. From the lace details on Jessica’s dress right down to the Mason jars on the table…this was a perfect wedding in the Deep South.

Alcyone Plantation is a beautiful Antebellum mansion built in the 1850s and the house still has its original architectural features. Blume Photography did an excellent job capturing the natural Florida sunlight in their wedding day portraits. The Southern setting lent itself to aesthetics thanks to the plantation’s founders.

“Mr. Stapler and his wife, Caroline, had six children. Tradition says that John R. Stapler planted an oak tree in the front yard for each child and the six original oak trees still exist today. More magnificent oaks have been added through the years creating a picturesque canopy welcoming friends and guest to the main house.” Don’t these newlyweds look stunning beneath these same oak trees?

Y’all the truth is that it’s not about the house: it’s the memories made inside. This modern, Southern couple was sure to preserve the aesthetics of elegance and grace on their wedding day which made it albeit an homage to the Stapler family themselves. Great jewellery can make or break an amazing event such as a wedding! Make sure to find the best wedding rings in Australia. Make sure that the place can connect to the ring.

Yes, ladies and gents, the CEO of Bob Steele Salon is indeed named Hair. Call it fate, kismet or what-have-you this fabulous woman was born to coif.

When I sat down with Amanda Hair, co-owner and CEO of Bob Steele Salon, it was easy to forget that she runs one of the most successful salons in Georgia, that guided by her vision, the salon has expanded from one to three locations, and that Bob Steele was named one of the top salons to visit in Georgia by 101 Hairstyles Magazine. Perhaps I was expecting an icy, The Devil Wears Prada-type checking her blackberry while indulging my questions. Instead, I found myself talking to a woman who exudes warmth and energy. Amanda’s ease and friendliness is matched at Bob Steele, where her high-end salons have managed to keep a down-home feel.

There’s been a lot of buzz about your salon. What makes Bob Steele Salons special?

It starts with our stylists. Of course our stylists are among the best in their business at doing hair but they are also some of the warmest, nicest people you will meet. They are a part of our family, and they set the tone for any new clients.

We want everyone to feel at home in our salons. Even though we have the best stylists out there and offer premium services, we never want anyone to feel intimidated or undervalued when they walk through our doors.

This website is about being a Southerner in the 21st century. What is Southern beauty to you?

Southern beauty has come a long way, and I love it. Southern women used to love bleached out, highlighted blonde hair that was teased and shellacked into place. It was a great look at the time, but we’ve moved toward a more natural look. Modern Southern hair is now about shine instead of tease. While blonde, of course, is our most requested color, the blonde is warmer now. Make up has changed as well.

Right now, make up is all about enhancing natural beauty. We do a lot of bridal make up, and the brides always want to look glamorous without looking done. That’s what we strive for. We aren’t an edgy, over-the-top trendy salon, but we are absolutely modern and love to help the men and women that walk through our doors find that perfect look.

It’s getting chillier out. What look to you love for the fall?

I love to find a hairdo that is easy to create and gives you a polished look. I saw this look on Nina Ricci’s models during fashion week, but it’s a look that everyone can wear. It’s a half up/half down hairstyle that frames the face and can go from day to evening. Our stylists use Redken’s aerate 08 bodifying cream-mousse on damp hair and then blow-dry. Then they create a half-ponytail at the back of the head, leaving out the hair by the forehead for a casual feel. It’s a great way to look polished without seeming fussy and anyone can do it.

What makes Bob Steele different?

Our values and our stylist are what set us apart. We have several core values: Caring, Community, Continuous Improvement, Having Fun, Award Winning, Integrity (C3HAI). These core values aren’t just words on paper but are an ethos for the salon.

When we hire new stylists, we look at personality first and then technical skills.
We want people to find a home here at Bob Steele. There are a few stylists that have been with us forever. When we hire new talent, we partner them with seasoned stylists. It is important for new talent to see how our senior stylists work and maintain a balance between work and family.

We also hold our team members accountable for their own growth. We not only want to see advancing skills for hair care but also self-improvement and the development of skills to have a better quality of life.

What drives you?

My hairdressers have clients. My clients are my team members. I work for my stylists and my support staff. I am always looking to bring more like-minded people on to help the team grow. I love watching young stylists mature and become able to take care of their families. I like to see people who have the passion for doing hair. I can provide the business end so they can focus on doing what they love. I have a real admiration for hairdressers – their ability to be with someone one-on-one is fantastic and transforming how people feel is amazing.

My day is never the same, which is what I love about my job. I might be at one salon one day and another day in the office putting together a marketing campaign and designing an ad. I try to be present in every moment. When I’m at work, I focus on work. When I’m at home, I focus on home. I work hard to maintain that work life balance, but it’s always a work in progress.

Please visit Bob Steele Salons online to schedule your first appointment and learn more about Amanda Hair’s fabulous business.

[author] [author_info]Eun Jung Decker is a freelance writer for LiFt Consulting, Her work has appeared in the International Herald Tribune and The Honolulu Star-Bulletin.[/author]