Author name: Stephanie Smith

derek blanks photographer
Arts and Culture, People

Photographer Derek Blanks Brings a Little Mississippi Into Everything

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When the proficient and ingenious photographer Derek Blanks isn’t photographing Usher, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj or Regina Hall, he’s the creative director for Missy Elliott. I first worked with him on photoshoots for luxury magazines in Atlanta photographing the who’s who of the city’s socialites. His work was impeccable and… ooh lord, this man has style. He is always dressed like a champ whenever I see him and being in tip-top shape is so important to him. Just look at how he wears a suit! (Although he does enjoy the All-Star Special at Waffle House as much as a night out at Two Urban Licks).

Sarah Bray Bermuda sunhat
Arts and Culture, Fashion, Favorites, Food

6 of My Favorite Things Made by Southerners

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The South is filled with skilled artisans, crafty entrepreneurs and makers of all kinds. I love going into a boutique or hitting up an outdoor craft festival and discovering new creatives (usually with a thick drawl and impeccable manners) at work making incredible things. From candles to booze to prayer sticks (wha?), here are six things made by southerners I’m loving right now.

Liz Moore mcdermott atlanta nyc
Favorites, People

How Do You Describe a One-of-a-Kind Southern Lady? Meet Liz Moore Mcdermott.

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Liz Moore Mcdermott owns any room. Whether she’s in Atlanta, Tuscaloosa, New York City, Austin, Palm Beach or Nantucket. She holds court. She is joy personified. Liz Moore Mcdermott is a talented interior designer and entertainer, and she frankly (my dear), doesn’t care if you like her or not. She’s going to have a good time no matter what. And isn’t that part of her incredible Southern charm?

Barcelona Wine Bar Atlanta
Food

Can We Make Restaurant Hopping or Cluster Dining a Thing in Atlanta?

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Maybe it’s my ADD. Or how we’re all trying to maximize every experience these days. But I can’t stay at one restaurant for more than an hour or so anymore. My new habit? I call it restaurant hopping or cluster dining. And I want to make it a thing. Instead of a two drink minimum, I’m a two drink maximum.

Christy Plott Redd American tanning
Favorites, People

Christy Plott Invented Being Both Five-Star and Dive Bar

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Christy Plott Redd is a Southern girl. She is the creative director, head of global sales, and co-owner of American Tanning and Leather. I’ll let her tell you what that’s all about below. Let’s just say she’s a red-headed spitfire who knows her way around a gator farm in Louisiana, as well as the corporate offices of Oscar de La Renta, Ralph Lauren and other hoity-toity fashion designers who buy up her alligator skins like hot cakes. She is as Two-Sided Southern as they come and one of the funniest, most charming people I know. Read below and you’ll soon agree.

philip schutze house
Arts and Culture

Guilty. I’m a Southern Architecture Lover

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I know I’m Two-Sided Southern when I’m in my hometown of Atlanta, and the small turn-of-the-century bungalows of Decatur and Candler Park delight me as much as the ornate Victorians of Inman Park. The Greek revival homes with their stately white columns across Middle Georgia are as pretty to me as the smaller tudors with their sloping roofs that have been left untouched around my neighborhood of Lake Claire and Druid Hills.

Old Edwards Inn
Travel

Why Old Edwards Inn is as Two-Sided Southern as They Come

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I would argue that it’s this juxtaposition of country charm coupled with exquisite lodgings, white glove service and gourmet culinary offerings (Madison’s is a must-try), that is a significant reason Old Edwards Inn (OEI) has been so successful. It’s also the kind of place I personally love—where you can have the most opulent of experiences and yet no one is uppity, everyone is friendly and the millionaire standing next to you may be wearing flip flops or hiking boots.

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