Wearing Two of my Favorite Charleston-Based Fashion Brands to Support Local Small Businesses

During the downturn of COVID-19, I’m being extra thoughtful about everything I do, wear, and support. So, today, I’m wearing two of my favorite Charleston-based fashion brands to support local small businesses! The best part is that these items are either comfortable enough to wear when working from home and/or these items will be perfect for summer when our lives hopefully go back to a more normal way of living. Cheers to supporting small! It’s been so long since I last posted an outfit I’ve been wearing so I hope you welcome the return of outfits with this whimsical springtime look!

P.S. You can support those in the fashion community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the Vogue x CFDA ‘A Common Thread’ Fashion Fund here.

Dress / Purse / Shoes / Scarf (last seen here)

Wearing Two of my Favorite Charleston-Based Fashion Brands to Support Local Small Businesses

That’s right! Two of my favorite Charleston-based fashion brands are getting the spotlight on Rhyme & Reason today because there has never been a better time to support local small businesses than now, during Coronavirus. I’m shining a spotlight on Gal Meets Glam Collection and Beau & Ro! GMG Collection designed my beautiful blue and white smocked dress while Beau & Ro designed my unique Charleston woven palm bag and raffia slides. I even have an extra small business plug for y’all today. The scarf tied around my purse is by small business owner Cynthia of Darling Down South (last seen here).

Beau & Ro Handwoven Raffia Shoes

If you’re a fan of that effortless, cool girl style that so many ladies pull off with ease, then these shoes will become your new best friend! I fell in love with this raffia crossover design the minute I saw these shoes. These beautiful shoes are all handwoven in Morocco and are extremely comfortable featuring a leather sole and suede toe. Day-to-night, these shoes work for every spring and summer occasion from daytime outings to dinner parties to beach visits. They are also an incredible affordable alternative to Carrie Forbes shoes!

P.S. reference the sizing chart on Beau & Ro’s site because they run small.

01Beau & Ro Raffia Slide Midi

These are the beautiful shoes I’m wearing in this post! I just adore them as they are classic, chic, natural, and the perfect heel height for day-to-night.

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02Beau & Ro Raffia Flat Slides

Meet your new favorite easy breezy slides. Wear these with midi skirts, shorts, or a bathing suit + sarong. You can’t go wrong!

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03Beau & Ro Raffia Ballet Flats

Raffia ballet flats… so brilliant! I have these and just love them as a closed toe but casual shoe option.

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04Beau & Ro Raffia Slides Tall

These are a slightly taller version of the ‘Midi Slides’ but otherwise they are the same as the crossover slides I’m wearing in these photos.

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Beau & Ro Raffia, Palm, & Rattan Bags

Beau & Ro has an incredible selection of artisan-made raffia, palm, and rattan bags. I honestly could take one of each! However, I really adore my Charleston woven palm bag. It has so much character and is a beautiful nod to Charleston’s coastal experience.

01Beau & Ro Charleston Tote

Each ‘Charleston’ bag is handmade in Colombia, South America. The process begins with the harvesting of Iraca palm leaves that are dried and then dyed vibrant colors. Artisans intricately weave the colorful palm leaves into the gorgeous bags… so special!

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02Beau & Ro Satchel Handbag

Add a playfulness to any outfit with the intricate flowers and airy design of this palm satchel handbag. The detailing and design of this bag is oh so dreamy!

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03Beau & Ro Palm Mini Circles Tote

Give your look movement with the intricate circles and breezy design of this natural Palm Bucket Tote. Bonus: the 5-inch handles are big enough to fit any wrist to be hands-free for any activity.

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04Beau & Ro Customized Palm Bag

How adorable is this!? You can customize your own woven palm bag with your initials. There is also a version that allows you to do you whole name. So clever!

https://bit.ly/32FEtom

05Beau & Ro Palm Panera Tote

My favorite aspect about this beautiful woven bag is the rounded sphere-like shape of the purse. It is so different and gives the purse endless personality!

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06Beau & Ro Palm Rectangle Handbag

I’m all for bags with unique touches, which is why I like the rectangle shape of this bag. I actually don’t own that many rectangular bags so I wouldn’t mind adding this one to my closet.

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Gal Meets Glam Collection Blue & White Spring Dresses

The most recent springtime designs from GMG Collection are some of my most favorite from the brand since its launch two years ago. The use of so many natural fabrics, the fresh + airy silhouettes, the beautiful prints, and the lovely soft colors make for some seriously gorgeous dresses! There are so many I have my eye on. I’m a sucker for smocked dresses. So this blue and white smocked beauty instantly shot to the top of my wish list and then into my shopping cart. I know I’ll wear it all spring and summer and for years to come. It is so effortless and dreamy! All of these dresses are comfortable enough to slip into while working from home during COVID-19. (I find that getting dressed during the day helps get my day off on the right note)

What small businesses are you supporting during Coronavirus? For more on how to help (big & small ways!) during the wake of COVID-19, read my post on my take on Coronavirus. Remember, if you’re working from home, I highly suggest getting dressed as though you’re going to work at least a few days a week to help your brain adjust to the drastic changes. Little things like that can make a big different! Thinking of all the small businesses owners out there!

Photography by Edwin Eversole