The Summer Solstice party at the Cleveland Museum of Art on June 20, was not only a celebration of the arts – featu
ring the unveiling of the Museum’s new East Wing, but also a chance for hundreds of people to attend a party. Cocktails flowed as guests mingled and enjoyed the various entertainment throughout the evening that included a Jazz band and a DJ from New York City who spun Bhangra infused electronica to a revved-up crowd. In the style department the majority of the attendees disappointed in uber-casual shorts, t’shirts, cropped pants, and breezy daytime sundresses – which is quite appalling actually for an event that took place after-five. However, the stylish couple here impressed that Clevelanders certainly deserve a spot on the style map. Casey Burry and her significant other Ike Karipides, Cleveland transplants from New York City, injected a city chic vibe to the event donning summer cocktail attire that was altogether eye catching, enviable, and well-styled.
Casey, President of Tagua, a line of organic handcrafted jewelry and handbags from South America, sashayed through the fete in a champagne toned silk frock by Elia Abuchaibe for Tagua that was embellished with over-sized baubles and coppery disks. Casey topped the whole look with a shrunken lightly quilted and shortsleeved black vintage jacket and punctuated her whole look with perforated black closed toe t-strap custom-made tango shoes that added a truly unique close to the entire look. Accessories? Beautiful antique-like chandelier earrings from Mexico and a vintage handbag. Casey’s look is a melange of old and new, custom-made and store bought, so, when she seeks a fabulous new find in Cleveland she can’t help but to dip into Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place to examine the potential wares. Those interested in checking out Tagua’s stylish wares should log onto: www.tagualife.com.
Ike looked fresh for summer in cherry red linen Ralph Lauren trousers topped with a modernized Etro seersucker jacket – that was cut slimmer than the classic counterpoint creating Euro-chic appeal. Ike’s white shirt was custom-made in Singapore and his shoes were cognac colored TOD’s driving mocs that kept the whole look in perspective. Ike’s eclectic wardrobe and style, has been cultivated as a result of travel abroad, however he has found some agreeable pieces at retailers like Kilgore Trout in Eaton Collection (Chagrin Blvd.) and at Cuffs in downtown Chagrin Falls. Check these retailers out for some fashionable, yet classic essentials.
So Akron, Cleveland, Canton, WHOEVER, take a few hints from this stylish couple:
1. Don’t “Play it safe” – forgo your favorite denim and wear a pair of pants like Ike in a fun color – keep everything else relatively neutral.
2. Save up a little for a on-of-a-kind custom-made piece like Casey’s fabulous Tango shoes – you’re sure to get compliments
3. Dress up! Even if you’re just going out to dinner it’s nice to throw on some extra-special – You’ll feel better if you look better and you may even earn a compliment or two.
4. Head to a vintage shop or website (check out my examiner page for a list of good sites) and purchase a unique piece that will help you stand out.
If any of you out there feel that your style deserves to be featured on my Ohio.com or Examiner.com page please send me a picture and you just might end up another Akron/Cleveland Style Setter!
