By: Kirby Morris, Brooke Williams, Stephanie Ferguson, Just Ferriss – A collaboration of Asheville area style bloggers
This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.
Hi, Asheville! Local fashion enthusiasts here.
Asheville celebrates individuality and self-expression in so many forms while promoting creativity and collaboration within its community.
In this spirit we came together, united in our love for fashion and roles as style influencers + #fashionbloggers, to share what personal style means to us and how Asheville influences it.
As we (omg, finally!) step into summer, we are excited to shop our favorite local spots + boutiques to dress for the warmer months ahead. While we each characterize style and trends differently, we collectively endorse that style is more than the clothes we wear - it’s who we are and how we connect with people, places and things!
We are inspired by fashion + style to experience life’s everyday moments, life’s greatest moments and everything in between the place we call home. So whether it’s trying a new trend, finding a new place to shop or gaining a new perspective on your own personal style, we hope that you feel inspired by this form of art that gives us purpose and fills our hearts with joy. –Stephanie, Brooke, Ferriss, Kirby
kirby morris / luxe basics + trendy pieces from work to play
As a blogger with a full-time job I am always looking for pieces that are easy and versatile for a life on the go. I love pairing trendy, bold pieces with great basics that I can wear from work to play. My spot for scooping up luxe basics is Nest Boutique in Biltmore Village; they always have the softest fabrics in everyday styles with a twist, like this suede lace-up tee. Minx boutique in downtown is a great shop for scooping up a fun, printed piece like my kimono.
They get new items in a couple times a week and in short supply, so there is always something exciting and whimsical to find there to separate you from the crowd. I am a serial layerer and as we transition to warmer months kimonos are my go-to piece for adding a little something extra. Their versatility from layering with jeans and a t-shirt to pairing over a mini dress make them a great trend right piece to have in your closet this season! You may see me running around town in this exact look, because this will be my go-to outfit for spring!
Shop: Top available at Nest Boutique + DIY Studio / Kimono available at Minx Boutique
@kirbymorris // fashionbyday.com
brooke williams / elevated mom style from day to night
As a wardrobe stylist, my eye gravitates towards pieces with color, print and texture. But as a mom, I value wearability and versatility in my wardrobe. I love shopping at Nest Boutique for their thoughtfully curated selection of basics, feminine dresses and on-trend separates. This striped dress is the perfect piece for me to style with a denim jacket and sneakers for daytime mom duty, then to (literally) elevate with stacked sandals and a fun bag for grabbing drinks with the girls. My go-to accessory line is Twine & Twig, a North Carolina-based company specializing in rustic-inspired designs using ethically sourced natural materials. The variety of materials and textures in each piece adds dimension to even the simplest look, while the iconic suede strap stands up to even the grabbiest of little hands (mamas know what I mean!). I love shopping their jewelry at local purveyor of all things pretty, Porter & Prince.
Shop: Dress and Denim Jacket available at Nest Boutique + DIY Studio / Necklaces and Bracelets available at Porter & Prince
thetonytownie.com // @brooklync82
stephanie ferguson / enhance capsule pieces
As a blogger with a full-time job saving for my first home, I made a conscious decision to begin making my closet a capsule wardrobe with investment pieces, including pieces I love and versatile pieces that will stand the test of time and reduce my shopping. Though this makes putting an outfit together easy and helps out the planet a little, most pieces are very simple in both shape and color so I keep my wardrobe fresh and on trend with unique accessories.
My favorite spot to find unique and personal touches are at Embellish in downtown Asheville. Everything carried is handmade or ethical, unique (most times there is only one of each), great quality and for the more budget-minded shopper. This little choker is an everyday staple in my wardrobe and this new metal choker and fun earrings are perfect for spring when naturally the neckline of clothing gets a little lower; and this bag is perfect for the amount of things I carry on a daily basis. On any given day around town you will find me rocking some Embellish goodies or might even find me hanging out in the shop trying to find my one of a kind piece!
Shop: Jewelry and Bag Available at Embellish
30shadesofstephanie.com // @30shadesofstephanie
just ferriss / classic style with an edge
I wore this blazer/corset to my wedding in the 80s. Just kidding! But someone sure did. I rarely plan my outfits, I just wear what I’m in the mood for when I wake up/get ready. Sometimes I feel like being simple; others, I like to take it up a notch (I work full-time in a very corporate environment – there aren’t any opportunities to wear lacey, peek-a-boo button corset blazers). I like to keep a mix in my closet of reliable staple pieces, and statement pieces for occasional appearances. If I spend too long picking out an outfit, it means I should just wear the same thing I wore yesterday (outfitting repeating is efficient, my friends!). In the spring and summer, I opt for two-piece sets that can easily mix and match (to minimize decision-making), or lightweight pants (exhibit A) or denim (exhibit B) that I can switch tops with easily. I love these loose/neutral/minimal-detail pants because I can dress them up or throw on a white tank and go, using one piece to have a completely different look. It’s all about options and pulling the outfit together – my goal is always for each piece of my outfit to complement each other, not compete with each other. Sometimes it’s as simple as jeans and tee, and sometimes it’s as simple as your earrings matching your clutch. My style is classic with an edge and always conveys my individuality, and my No. 1 tip is for everyone to always do the same! If it makes you feel good – wear it. Respect a given dress code, but I don’t believe in being under- or over-dressed. Asheville is the perfect place for that rule to apply.
photos: Joseph Dix Photography
Shop: pants, earrings and clutch (old): Scout Boutique (my favorite in Asheville!) / vintage blazer and sunnies: Twice Round Vintage / jeans: Nest Boutique + DIY Studio
@justferriss // justferriss.com