Our annual list of Charlotte creatives, trend-setters and leaders who embrace personal style.
created and produced by Whitley Adkins
photographs by Richard Israel
on-site hair and makeup touch-ups by Josiah Reed
profiles edited by Lexi Amedio and Cathy Martin
production assistant: Sydney Gallagher
set assistant: Pressley Jonas
on location at Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Through the common denominator of incredible personal style, for the last nine years The IT List has showcased participants from across the Queen City. As a child, I welcomed every chance to be around my impeccably stylish grandmother. Fast forward to adulthood when, five years into my styling career in Charlotte, I had the idea for creating this feature. Immersed in our city’s thriving arts, culture and style arena, I found myself surrounded by top-tier talent and creativity, feeling the same kinetic draw I did as a child. Surely, I wasn’t the only one noticing the level of style on display in our rapidly growing city. Current and former boutiques like Coplon’s, Capitol, Our Place, Sloan, Taylor, Richards & Conger, Bruce Julian, Paul Simon, Perris, ChezElle, Boris & Natasha and others became part of Charlotte’s fashion footprint. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and droves of luxury designers — along with a growing number of vintage and resale shops — arrived to the party, elevating Charlotte’s position among most stylish cities.
If nothing else, for participants and readers alike, I hope The IT List presents a joyful means for encouraging all of us to be confident in expressing ourselves through clothing. And, I hope it fosters appreciation for individuality and positive relationships with people across our city’s many vibrant neighborhoods. — Whitley Adkins
About the venue: The Sullenberger Aviation Museum collects military, commercial and civilian aircraft significant to aviation history in the Carolinas. Learn more at sullenbergeraviation.org.
Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
Brett Wagner, 45, apparel designer
Personal style: Classic, American, masculine. Fashion era: Today — there’s so much access to every era thanks to the internet. It might be wishful thinking, but I think the idea of the “fashion era” may be going extinct! Favorite piece: My dad gave me his Rolex GMT-Master watch back in 2000. His father bought it for him in 1969. I have a lot of really cool stuff, but that watch means more to me than all of it put together. Where he shops: Belk and Japan. These days, I’m probably on eBay hunting down a vintage something or other. Make it stop: Not everything has to be stretch (men). Washed-out, high-waisted, baggy denim with white sneakers (women) is just not something I’ve ever understood. Who’s in your designer hot tub? How about we say designer dinner table instead? Then there’s only one answer — Ralph Lauren.
Melissa Herriott, 45, interior stylist, artist and owner of M. Herriott Designs, TV personality on HGTV’s “Renovation Resort Showdown”
Personal style: Eclectic, ever-changing, age-defying. Fashion era: The ’70s — disco-inspired glamour, hot pants and minidresses, platform shoes, bell bottoms, maxi dresses, scarves, and ponchos! Superpower: I know more Grateful Dead lore than most. They are also a big influence in my fashion choices. Style icon: Stevie Nicks. Fashion formula: As a designer, I’m moving furniture, hauling massive area rugs, packing up trucks, lifting boxes and bags, so I wear an obscene amount of athletic gear. But when I get dressed with intention, it’s anyone’s guess what I’ll come out in. Where she shops: Give me a thrift shop or vintage haul over any store or mall. Common denominator: Two considerations: Does it make the little girl in me who loved to play dress-up happy? Will it make the 80-year old woman I hope to become smile with nostalgia? Make it stop: Golf clothing as their entire wardrobe (men). Sneakers with formal dresses (women).
Denise Shirley, 37, store manager at La Vie Style House, owner and personal stylist at The Prism Effect
Personal style: Edgy, polished, whimsical. Fashion era: The 1920s for its bold departure from convention and its reflection of broader societal shifts. Superpower: I know the value of grit — and how to turn being underestimated into fuel. Style icons: Debbie Harry, Linda Evangelista, Kelly Osbourne, Veruschka Von Lehndorff and Kate Moss. Favorite pieces: My shoes or jeans. I have a lavender Givenchy mini Pandora crossbody I will always cherish. Where she shops: Boris & Natasha, Boem, La Vie Style House and Dillard’s at SouthPark Mall — their shoe selection is unbeatable! Nordstrom Rack for amazing deals. Online: Wolf & Badger and United Apparel Liquidators. Make it stop: Poorly fitting, pleated khakis and boxy striped polos with athletic sneakers (men). Crocs with charms and socks (women). Also, sneakers have their place, but there are plenty of stylish alternatives. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Elsa Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Hubert de Givenchy.
Anne Carter Smith, 52, retired from commercial real estate, community leader
Personal style:Fun, colorful with a touch of edge. Style icons: Stevie Nicks. Favorite pieces: Two of my favorites are in this shoot and 10 years old! My Dolce & Gabbana polka-dot skirt and Rosie Assoulin tie-dye dress. Where she shops: Capitol and Poole Shop, Neiman Marcus, Vermillion in Raleigh, Hampden in Charleston. But my favorite shopping day is all the boutiques stacked up in Soho NYC. Common denominator: I just buy what I love. I don’t think I have a consistent “through line,” but I do like looking different or having an accessory with me that stands out or is unique. Make it stop: Pajamas on airplanes. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Anna Wintour (with her guest, Roger Federer).
Denise Shirley, Brett Wagner, Melissa Herriott and Anne Carter Smith
Ione Rucker Jamison, 46, co-founder of Rucker Roots natural hair-care products, founder, Rucker Education Scholarship Fund
Personal style: Classic, fun, flirty. Fashion era: The 1920s, when everyone wore such proper attire — dresses and suits — even while traveling. Style icon: Jennifer Lopez. Favorite piece: My ostrich-skin Birkin bag. Fashion formula: Most days, I’m in athletic wear — I’m a basketball mom. When I have meetings for my business and nonprofit, I love dresses and classic looks. I love to purchase items I can pass down to my daughter.
Brandon Grate, 32, photographer
Personal style:Refined, authentic, tailored. Fashion era: The 1920s. One of my favorite wardrobe staples, the pinstripe suit, was becoming popular, and the silhouettes of menswear became bolder and unique. Superpower: I know how to listen better than most people do. It serves me well. Style icons: André Leon Talley. And arguably, my grandfather, who serves as an inspiration for me in many ways. Favorite pieces: Vintage Arnold Brant tuxedo, velvet Versace blazer and custom kimono by Tara Davis. Fashion formula: Having a “uniform” really makes getting dressed easy for me and steers my style. For example, I love black and white, so I’ve found mixing black blazers, quality white shirts and black trousers always works well for me. Make it stop: Khaki pants (men) and tiny purses (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Tom Ford, Law Roach and Anok Yai.
Sara Kulbersh, 38, finance and operations manager, Carolina Facial Plastics
Personal style: Intentional, confident, fashion-forward. Fashion era: Right now — I love that fashion today pulls the best from every decade and gives you the freedom to make it your own. Style inspiration: My mom — she introduced me to the art of clothes, the joy of dressing, and the idea that fashion can be both fun and empowering. Kelly Ripa — she’s chic, playful and always polished without taking herself too seriously. Favorite pieces: My designer bags. Fashion formula: Most of the time, you’ll find me overdressed. I would rather arrive feeling elevated than apologize for not making an effort. Where she shops: Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom at SouthPark Mall, but mostly online and while traveling. Make it stop: Tennis skirts off the court. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Anyone’s invited — as long as they’re bringing style and wearing a great outfit.
Hodges Willoughby Miller, 44, design concierge, Copper Builders
Personal style: Colorful, playful, street. Fashion era: Current day, because you can reference any past era or play with future style. Style inspirations: I love Tracee Ellis Ross and everything she wears. I also lust after vintage Cher in Bob Mackie. But mostly NYC streetwear. Favorite pieces: A silk, puff-sleeve, purple plaid blouse from the 1980s that belonged to my mom, and my big hoop earrings! Fashion formula: I’m lucky that my job allows me to be experimental with my clothes — I work with a lot of women who support each other in this endeavor. Regardless, my clothes are typically loud. Where she shops: JT Posh, 2nd Street and The RealReal. Vintage and consignment shops when traveling. Make it stop: Fast fashion. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Collina Strada, Siedrés and Viktor & Rolf.
Ann Mason Phillips, Sara Kulbersh, Dusty Snyder, Brandon Grate and Ione Rucker Jamison
Dusty Snyder, 55, vice president of Paul Simon Co.
Personal style:Comfortable, classic, confident. Fashion era: I appreciate parts of all fashion eras. Even the ’80s (preppy and grunge) have a place in my wardrobe. Style inspiration: Paul Simon and Chris Knott. Paul taught me how to sell fine men’s tailored clothing, and Chris taught me how to create a lifestyle around men’s clothing. Favorite pieces: My father gave me his 1967 iconic, patterned Emilio Pucci pincord dinner jacket. It is Ermenegildo Zegna fabric signed by Emilio Pucci and probably should be donated to the Mint Museum’s fashion collection one day. Where he shops: Paul Simon and the occasional Gucci store. Common denominator: Whatever I buy, I have at least two different ways to wear it. Make it stop: Crew-neck undershirts with an open collar shirt (men). The nice summer dress with the “worn-out” Golden Goose (women).
Ann Mason Phillips, 28, bridal and event personal stylist at Dressed by AMP
Personal style: Polished, modern, tailored. Fashion era: The “New Look” era of 1947 because it redefined femininity with elegant hourglass silhouettes, full skirts, cinched waists and luxurious fabrics. Superpower: I have a rare understanding of fabric, from raw material to finished garment and delivery to the consumer. Style inspiration: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Morgan Stewart McGraw, Leonie Hanne, Olivia Palermo, Hailey Bieber and Princess Diana. Favorite piece: My wedding dress by Elie Saab. Fashion formula: For day-to-day, I stick to a clean, modern and polished aesthetic with versatile pieces. For destination or event style, I incorporate bolder, more statement-driven looks. Common denominator: Fit, fabric quality and attention to detail. Where she shops: Capitol, Moda Operandi, Net-a-Porter and Shopbop. Make it stop: Fewer of those super colorful, oversized smock dresses — a little shape and structure can go a long way. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Coco Chanel, Virgil Abloh, Yves Saint Laurent, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Fisher.
Hill Rondero, 48, interior designer and owner of Ro House
Personal style: Tension, sexy, timeless. I love the juxtaposition of ripped jeans with a silk cami and heels, or a peek-a-boo moment for a barely there lace bra … add a blazer and I’m in! As I mature, my fashion choices are less about trends and more about dressing for me. Fashion era: Now — anything goes and I love that! Superpower: Building houses. I grew up in a real-estate and builder family with very strong women that could change faucets and fix anything. Style icons: Jenna Lyons and Gisele Bündchen. Favorite pieces: Vintage Levi’s. Fashion formula: It always comes back to balance — something slouchy, something sharp, something sexy. If the outfit doesn’t feel slightly inappropriate for a school pickup, I’m not interested, lol. Where she shops: Aritzia for basics, bodysuits, vests, linen. Nomad Vintage in East Village and Flower Moon Vintage in Exeter, New Hampshire. Make it stop: Jeans and flip-flops (men). Shirts with cut-out shoulders (women).
Will White, 39, habilitative care worker, paraprofessional and fashion designer/illustrator
Personal style: Ambiguous, classic, maximalist. Fashion era: The ’70s, because it really had this effortless sense of “cool” with how people dressed. Superpower: I know more about habilitation care than most, since a huge part of my life is geared toward caring for people with special needs. Style icons: Alexander McQueen. Favorite piece: A pair of red leather pants I made myself a few months ago. Fashion formula: My style fluctuates based on my mood and where I am going that day. Depending on my plans, I could stand out or simply choose to fade into the background. Where he shops: I honestly get some good thrifting done on Facebook Marketplace. Make it stop: Drab/boring clothing (men). Really skinny kitten heels (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Alexander McQueen, Daniel Roseberry, and Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared2.
Elizabeth Steinfels, 49, owner, Hong Kong Vintage, commercial wardrobe stylist
Personal style:Classic, effortless, unexpected. Fashion era: Present day, because I can bring together all my
influences into the best mix. Style icons: Caroline de Maigret and Chloë Sevigny. Favorite piece: No way I can pick just one. Fashion formula: I usually wear different versions of the same thing — maybe more jewelry or accessories if I’m out or at the shop. Usually still vintage, but less precious if I’m working or on set. Where she shops: I shop mostly vintage, but I have many favorite pieces, especially shoes from Capitol. I also think SSENSE is pretty amazing. Make it stop: I think you be you. Anything goes for me! Who’s in your designer hot tub? Dries Van Noten, agnes b., Kenzō Takada and YSL.
Chelsea “Chuck” Ashcraft, 35, hairstylist
Personal style: Eclectic, effortless, magnetic. Fashion era: The 1970s — they broke all the rules and looked damn good doing it! Style inspiration: The real-life legends I’ve been lucky enough to know. It started with my grandpa — I was obsessed with his grit, his burnt-orange aviators, the way he made simplicity look iconic. Every outfit I put on is a little love letter to the people who’ve shaped me. Favorite pieces: My patched leather jacket. Fashion formula: I let my mood lead the way — sometimes it’s playful or flirty, other days it’s masculine, grungy or something in-between. I don’t box it in — I just follow the feeling. Where she shops: Hong Kong Vintage, Thrift Pony, Found and 2nd Street. I love clothes with a past. Make it stop: Flip-flops.
Will White, Hill Rondero, Chelsea Ashcraft, Elizabeth Steinfels and Hodges Miller
Erin McDermott White, 42, founder Erin McDermott Jewelry
Personal style: Effortless, relaxed, whimsical. Comfortable and practical with an unexpected twist. Fashion era: The ’70s! I love the corduroy, bell bottoms and soft ringer tees. I have my mom’s embroidered denim shirt with pearl buttons that she wore at Woodstock — it’s one of my all-time favorite pieces. Superpower: Layering jewelry and mixing and matching high-low pieces to elevate an outfit. Style inspiration: Rocky Barnes is a go-to. But my biggest style icon is my grandmother. She was French and spent most of her life in Morocco, always layered in vintage pieces and treasures. Her style was full of color, texture and soul. Favorite piece: My chambray shirt. It’s been with me since eighth grade, through college farmers markets, selling grilled cheeses at Phish concerts, and now school pickups. It’s soft, perfectly worn-in, and the neckline is just right for layering necklaces. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Ralph Lauren and anyone channeling a Southern California beachy vibe.
Torrie Savage, 43, founder and co-owner of The Savage Way creative agency
Personal style: Playful, bold, elevated. I have an artist’s eye for color and shape. Fashion era: ’90s street fashion because it had such an effortlessly cool, laid-back vibe. It felt authentic and unpolished in the best way — gritty but stylish, with influences from hip-hop, skate and grunge culture. Style inspiration: Ashley Longshore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Aaliyah. Favorite pieces: All my sneakers. Fashion formula: At the studio I’m in styled athletic gear. When going to a friend’s house or chill hang I’ll still rock a sneaker with something funky. For a night out, a dress or heels. Where she shops: Nina’s Boutique, KK Bloom, Boris & Natasha, NoDa street vendors, Depop, thrift stores and local boutiques when traveling. Common denominator: I’m naturally drawn to green and nature-inspired tones. It’s partly a nod to my business, but also because I just love the color — it feels like a subtle, personal signature in my wardrobe.
Leigh Jenkins Goodwyn, 59, retired marketing executive and entrepreneur/co-founder of LeighDeux dorm-decor company
Personal style:Classic, colorful, eclectic. Fashion era: I love the fluid freedom of the ’70s, and I’ve always been drawn to bell-bottom denim with a platform sandal — I got my first pair in the third grade! Superpower: Decorating a dorm room. Style inspiration: My daughter, a talent agent in the fashion division at CAA in New York. She can do high-low better than anyone I’ve ever seen. Fashion formula: I live part-time in Palm Beach, so my style lately is very vibrant and polished. But I truly love Western fashion too! I have a great collection of cowboy boots and hats. Where she shops: Edit Sale, Capitol, Poole Shop and Five One Five. In Palm Beach: Hive, Fivestory and The Royal. In NYC: SoHo boutiques, Saks and Bergdorf’s. Make it stop: Athleisure and pajamas while flying. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Alexander McQueen, Thom Browne, Loewe, Gucci, Proenza Schouler, Johanna Ortiz and Nili Lotan.
Ashlyn Greer, 34, founder and CEO of Fashivly virtual-styling service
Personal style: Edgy, polished, modern. I love a lot of classic “edgy” pieces like chunky lug-sole shoes, all black, and lots of hardware, but in a more polished, corporate way with lots of tailoring. Fashion era: Early 1990s grunge. Superpower: Helping someone create a visual expression of who they are internally. Style inspiration: If Sandy from Grease (post cool-girl transformation), Audrey Hepburn and Wednesday Addams had a baby. Favorite piece: Black pinstripe culottes I bought at Uniqlo in Paris 10 years ago. Fashion formula: When I need to feel confident, I’m going to be in head-to-toe black most of the time. Where she shops: Thirty-One Jane, and the shops at Atherton Mill. COS is my go-to brand; basics from Abercrombie and Banana because they have petite sizing; Tanner Fletcher. Shopbop’s Fashion Finds Under $200 is a favorite scroll. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld and Rei Kawakubo.
Marie Cloud, 38, interior designer and founder of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio
Personal style:Layered, intentional, distinct. Fashion era: The 1970s — it was rich, expressive and fearless. Superpower: Knowing how your environment — whether a space or a style — impacts your emotional well-being. I’m always designing with beauty, identity and intention in mind. Style icons: Tracee Ellis Ross and the late Kyrzayda Rodriguez. Both embodied boldness and soul in their personal style — never afraid to take risks, always rooted in story. Favorite piece: A denim trench jacket. Where she shops: Nostalgia Hollow Co., Brown Sugar Collab, Boem and Disco Honey. I love finding unique local boutiques while traveling. Common denominator: Emotional resonance — I’m drawn to texture, intentional details and pieces that make me feel something. Make it stop: Collared golf shirts (men) and floral maxi dresses that look like walking wallpaper — but not the good kind (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Dapper Dan, Virgil Abloh, Ann Lowe, Pyer Moss and Willi Smith.
Alexis Warren, 34, owner and principal designer at Alexis Warren Designs and Warren Textiles
Personal style: Timeless, comfortable, colorful. Fashion era: Now! I love how everyone is mixing timeless pieces with unexpected pops of fun and color. Style inspiration: Interiors — when I design a room, I work with colors, scale and finding unexpected pieces that juxtapose the traditional elements. I do the same with my clothing. Favorite piece: Chanel flats — they go with everything and are so comfortable. Want to pull together and elevate a simple outfit? It’s as easy as slipping on a ballet flat! Where she shops: Thirty-One Jane, Poole Shop, Five One Five, La Vie Style House, Hampden Clothing in Charleston, Zara, Shopbop, Alemais. Common denominator: Color — I am very rarely wearing white or neutrals. Make it stop: Too-tight pants (men) and see-through clothing (women). Please leave something to the imagination!
Erin McDermott White, Leigh Goodwyn, Marie Cloud, Ashlyn Greer and Torrie Savage
Christina Kaye Murphy, 50, owner of The Pearl Pagoda
Personal style: Intentional, irreverent, evolving. Fashion era: The mod ’60s — miniskirts, boots and geometric shapes. Also the early to mid-’70s. Superpower: I know more about true-crime podcasts, raising twins (I’m a mom to two sets) and where to shop for vintage than most people. Style icons: Jane Birkin, Sharon Tate, Jenna Lyons, Cate Blanchett. Favorite pieces: Staples are a black turtleneck or perfect white shirt. My most prized piece would be one of my handbags or vintage coats. Fashion formula: 1. It caught my eye and it feels unusual and possibly a little weird, or 2. It’s something classic that I know is a real wardrobe workhorse. Where she shops: The Pearl Pagoda, Poole Shop and Thirty-One Jane. Bergdorf’s in New York. Palm Springs Vintage Market and Rose Bowl Flea Market in California. Online: Mytheresa, Shopbop and Wolf & Badger. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Daniel Roseberry, Paco Rabanne, Mary Quant, Halston, Tim Gunn.
Shumbriar “Sham” Ostapko, 58, AVP merchant services and customer specialist, Wells Fargo
Personal style:Elegant, diverse, fluid. Fashion era: The 1930s and 1940s. I love the elegance of silk, satin, crepe, culottes, wide-leg pants and open-shoulder, open-back gowns. Style inspiration: Diana Ross, Cicely Tyson, Michelle Obama and Naomi Campbell. Favorite pieces: A red patent-leather trench coat from Wolf & Badger and red, wide-leg back-pleat pants from Halston. Common denominator: I build my fashion around my shoes, not the other way around. I see shoes as an investment — I splurge here. Where she shops: Saks Off 5th, Anthropologie, Manière De Voir, COS, Bergdorf Goodman and Wolf & Badger. Make it stop: Skinny jeans and pleated pants (men) and leggings as pants (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Virgil Abloh, LaQuan Smith, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Gucci and Stella McCartney.
Renée Starke, 54, real-estate business owner
Personal style: Romantic and feminine for summer, classic-with-an-edge for winter. Fashion era: 1970s glamorous era — Halston, Yves Saint Laurent and Diane Von Furstenberg. Style icon: DVF — her wrap dress literally changed my life, as I was wearing one when I met my husband 19 years ago. The rest is history! Favorite pieces: Anything Gucci. Where she shops: Neiman Marcus Charlotte, Bal Harbour Shops in Miami and small boutiques in every town. Common denominator: I look for pieces with interest and color that have flattering lines. Make it stop: Tank tops (men). Ripped denim (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? It will probably be a little crowded: Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood and, last but not least, Coco Chanel.
Sydney Farris, 27, botanical, culinary and visual artist, server at Counter-
Personal style:Art, whimsical, edgy. Fashion era: I love how music shaped fashion during the 1980s. But I also have a soft spot for the silk dresses of the ’70s. Style inspiration: A flower. Favorite pieces: A black leather jacket with embroidered roses and padded shoulders, Doc Martens, baggy jeans, baby bangs, nostalgic trinkets, and a purple suit situation. Fashion formula: My energy and style will shift for certain spaces. Doing my makeup, especially my eyes, helps me get that character or mood. I think clothing can be a way to extend your energy into the world if you want, or protect your energy. I love jewel-tone colors and black, of course. Where she shops: FarReach Vintage. Common denominator: Good jeans and jackets are the bones of a look. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Issey Miyake, threeASFOUR, Daniel Gonzalez, By Liv Handmade, Virgil Abloh and Robert Wun.
Perrine DeShield-Jenkins, 37, professor of fashion marketing and management at SCAD, fashion event curator, stylist and owner of Eclecs Creative Agency
Personal style:Dandy, eclectic, glam. Fashion era: 1970s and 1990s. Superpower: I know 99.99% of the outfits and choreography from “Total Request Live” music videos from 1999-2006 (extensively). Style icons: Tracee Ellis Ross, Robin Givens and Janet Jackson. Favorite pieces: My suits and ties. Fashion formula: When I’m in Professor P mode, I’m tailored, layered and detailed. With my husband or friends, I incorporate more streetwear pieces like baseball caps and sneakers. When I’m out on the town, I’m full glam. Where she shops: Nouveau Chapeau, Thrift Pony, Buffalo Exchange, Etsy and any unique vintage or thrift store. Common denominator: I only purchase items I know will get a lot of wear. I also try to stay away from fast fashion and purchase investment pieces that are also sustainable. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Elsa Schiaparelli, Pharrell Williams, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Willi Smith, André Leon Talley and Hanifa.
Sydney Farris, Alexis Warren, Renée Starke, Perrine DeShield-Jenkins, Sham Ostapko and Christina Kaye Murphy
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