GWEN RAWLS Italian Shoe Boutique Grand Opening Festivities

By: Staci Rutherford

I first featured GWEN RAWLS Italian Shoe Boutique after attending the soft launch in late August.  If you have not had a chance to visit yet, you’re in luck.  GWEN RAWLS Italian Shoe Boutique will celebrate its grand opening festivities on Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 at Trenholm Plaza, 4840 Forest Drive, Suite 17.  Each day from 10 am to 6 pm, boutique owner Gwen Rawls will welcome guests to view her latest collection of Italian shoes and handbags—couture originals direct from Milan—along with the chance to sample delicious Italian hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, and the chance to win several boutique gift certificates and coastal travel packages.

“I am thrilled with the gracious reception and enormous support we have received in the last two months,” said Rawls.  “Clearly, there was a demand for an upscale boutique in this market and I am so happy to give back to my growing customer base with our exciting Grand Opening celebration.”

After a September trip to Milan to complete her winter product line of fine Italian leather shoes, boots and handbags, the GWEN RAWLS collection now features more than ten designers including Roberto Cavalli, Baldan, Luciano Padoran, Luis Onofre, Gianna Meliani and Mario Zamagna.  “It’s been so much fun introducing Columbia shoppers to the Italian designers I’ve discovered,” said Rawls.  “They are already famous on the runways of Milan and in the pages of fashion magazines like Italian Vogue, but now they are gaining notoriety right here in Columbia.”  Rawls emphasizes that many of the shoes in her collection are made exclusively for the GWEN RAWLS label while others are only sold in Europe—meaning Columbia is the only place in the U.S. to offer many of her styles.

Gwen Rawls invites the women of the Midlands to her boutique to learn about the designers in her collection and to fully understand the old world craftsmanship found in her shoes.  “When you purchase a GWEN RAWLS shoe, you are making a long-term investment in a high-quality, stylish product that will stand the test of time,” said Rawls. “I am honored to bring these styles to the States and to add to the exciting retail metamorphosis that is taking place in our capital city.”

Columbia Welcomes GWEN RAWLS Italian Shoe Boutique

By: Staci Rutherford

Gwen Rawls

When I first discovered that a new accessories boutique was coming to town, I could not wait to share the news with all of the trendsetters and fashionistas of the Midlands!  GWEN RAWLS Italian Shoe Boutique opened on August 23, and of course, I had to stop by to check out all of the fabulous shoes imported straight from Italy.  I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Gwen Rawls, at Power of the Purse a few months prior to the opening, and instantly connected with her since we share a passion for beautiful accessories.

A South Carolina native with a love for European fashion, Gwen has traveled extensively throughout Europe, but she always returned to Milan to explore the world’s fashion capital.  Like many women living in Columbia, Gwen felt her shoe shopping options were limited, and typically went to boutiques in Charlotte, New York and Atlanta to find the stylish brands she loved.

Gwen began conceptualizing an Italian shoe boutique that could help women in Columbia—and throughout the southeast—find their own foundation for fashion right here in the capital city.  “At GWEN RAWLS, women will find elegant Italian shoes and bags that are limited in quantity to ensure a customer can build her own signature look.  I want my customers to feel empowered with their purchase and to give them a renewed sense of elegance.”

When I first stepped into the boutique, I didn’t know which way to turn.  There were beautiful shoes displayed everywhere.  The staff at GWEN RAWLS was warm and friendly, which is often rare when shopping at an upscale place. I can honestly say that Gwen really thought about her customers’ lifestyle when she personally selected each shoe.  Styles include embellished stilettos, knee high boots, booties and flats for women like me who find it difficult to stay graceful in a heel more than 3 inches.

 The next time you are out and about, stop by GWEN RAWLS and tell them Staci sent you.  It is located near Chipotle at 4840 Forest Drive, Suite 17.  Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  Also, be sure to connect with GWEN RAWLS via Facebook at www.facebook.com/GwenRawlsShoes or on Twitter @GwenRawls.  You can also visit the website at www.gwenrawls.com.

Women In Philanthropy’s 9th Annual Power of the Purse

By: Staci Rutherford

Last year I was invited to join the planning committee of “Power of the Purse,” a fun event with fabulous bags, fantastic women and fundraising for a wonderful cause.  “Power of the Purse” is in its 9th year that includes a silent and live auction of purses to benefit local women and children charities.  It is the signature fundraiser of Women In Philanthropy, a diverse group of professional women dedicated to investing in helping disadvantaged women and children in the Midlands.

I was excited to help with “Power of the Purse,” and made it my mission to find unique, handmade, and designer bags for the auctions.  Since I spend a majority of my time researching and networking with handbag designers and companies, I decided to contact them, along with anyone else I could think of, to donate a bag.  The experience was far more rewarding than I anticipated.  Everyone who attended enjoyed an evening of guilt free shopping, a martini luge and mingling with other dynamic women.  In the end, every handbag sold!  Check out a few pictures from last year’s “Power of the Purse” below:

Women In Philanthropy’s goal is to make this year’s “Power of the Purse” bigger and better than the last. Wink Magazine is the official digital media sponsor, and has offered me the opportunity to feature the “best of the best” bags in a future issue.  Proceeds from “Power of the Purse” are invested in Women in Philanthropy’s grants that benefit women and children in the Midlands.  In addition to community philanthropy, Women in Philanthropy stimulates positive change in community leadership by increasing women’s involvement in the community, increasing women’s community networks and increasing the personal development of all women involved.

“Power of the Purse” is expected to sell out, so visit www.womeninphilantropy.com to register in advance.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or donating to the gift bags (there will be 250 women attending), there are opportunities to do both!  Grab your girlfriends and come out to shop while supporting a fantastic cause!

Handbag Tips: How to Clean and Store Your Handbags

By:  Staci Rutherford

To Help Keep Your Handbags Clean, I’m Giving Away a Mia Cotone Dust Cover!

It should come as no surprise that I am writing another article about handbags.  While it’s fun to share my favorite picks of the season, this post is about cleaning and storing your bags.  It amazes me how many women spend hundreds of dollars on their handbags and don’t put forth any effort in taking care of them. Regardless of the amount of money spent on a bag, it’s good to know how to care for your bag properly to ensure that it has a long life and to keep them looking like new.

Tips on Cleaning Your Handbag

1.  Empty all the pockets of your handbag, and shake gently to remove dust, gum/candy wrappers, receipts and loose change.
2. Clean interior of bag by gently putting it inside out and using a lint roller.  If you can’t pull out the lining of your handbag, use the fabric brush attachment on your vacuum.
3.  Use alcohol free baby wipes to clean leather or leather-like bags.
4.  Keep your makeup in a separate cosmetic bag to prevent unexpected stains.

Tips on Storing Handbags

1.  Fill handbags loosely with tissue paper to help keep the original shape.
2. Keep your handbag in a dust cover.  If your bag didn’t come with a drawstring pouch, then consider purchasing a few that coordinate with your prized possessions or the bags you wear most often.
3. Most of us don’t have customized closets with a designated space for our bags. As an alternative, store them in baskets or bins made of plastic-coated wire. Stand bags upright or lay them down with a little space in between.  Your bags need to breathe, so avoid plastic bends with a tight-fitting lid.

If you are looking for a stylish storage solution for your handbags, I highly recommend Mia Cotone handbag dust covers.  They are thoughtfully designed to keep your handbags clean and organized.  By storing bags individually, it keeps leather soft and supple and prevents drying and fading.  There are 28 colors to choose from and they are available in several styles and sizes.  I hope my tips will save your bags from being thrown on the floor in your closet.

To show my appreciation to all of the readers of the Every Woman Blog, I am giving away one Mia Cotone zebra print Mia Clutch dust cover!  All you have to do is “like” Mia Cotone on Facebook and comment on this post with the following “I want a Mia Cotone dust cover!”  One lucky winner will be randomly selected on February 20^th.

Update Your Fall Wardrobe with a New Bag

By: Staci Rutherford

Now that fall is here, it’s time to update our wardrobe.  The easiest way to revamp your wardrobe without breaking the bank is to invest in new accessories.  Accessories are the key to transforming those items in your closet that start to become drab over time.  Accessories include jewelry, hosiery, scarves, hats, handbags, and shoes.  They will instantly bring an outfit to life.

Before you begin shopping for new accessories, take an hour (or two) to assess what is already in your closet.  If there is anything that you have not worn within the last year, get rid of it!  There is no point in holding on to clothes and accessories that are not being put to good use.  Organize your unwanted items into three piles – one for the church/Salvation Army/Goodwill; another for friends and family; and a pile of your almost new/designer items that you don’t want to give away.  I’m using the term “designer” loosely.  Clothes don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars to be considered valuable.  That pile will go to a consignment store.  Consigning is a great way to earn extra money for clothes that you no longer wear.  I recommend Roundabout Consignments.

Once you sort through your fall wardrobe to determine what to keep, take note of the color palette, what may be missing, and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.  Now, let the shopping begin!  My top two favorite accessories are scarves and handbags, of course.  Since I am constantly scouring the Internet for great deals, I have compiled a list of fabulous fall handbags that are under $150.00.  I have chosen a few evenings bags, everyday bags, and casual bags that are both stylish, functional and versatile.

Market Sequin Clutch, $44.00 at whitehouseblackmarket.com

Jeweled Crossbody Bag, $98.00 at bananarepublic.com

Deux Lux Sequin Tote, $39.50 at ae.com

R&J Handbags by Romeo & Juliet Couture Luggage Satchel, $63.00 at lastcall.com

Steve Madden Yale Convertible Satchel, $118.00 at zappos.com

Striped Messenger, $32.80 at forever21.com

Ivanka Trump Grace Satchel, $125.00 at dillards.com

R&Em Zippy Bowler, $88.00 at macys.com

If you have any questions about how to accessorize or want to share a new handbag you purchased recently to update your fall wardrobe, email me anytime!