I just spent a glorious week at Kiawah Island, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina–A Holy City indeed.

Charm, style, and grandeur have never eluded Charlestonians, where gracious hospitality and sweet southern drawls instantly mesmerize. I love elegant Carolina girls, and I always look forward to discovering their fun boutiques and chic shops.

This trip did not disappoint. I was immediately intrigued by the savvy, inviting atmosphere at Holly & Brooks, a dream of a shop in John’s Island, where I found that ever-present grace and hospitality in abundance, and a whole lot more…

Beneath the live oaks at Holly & Brooks boutique.

Charming Brooke Coleman and Judy Pinkston showed us around.

Bestselling cowl neck dress, by Tyler Boe.

Easy to wear and so reminiscent of the Jackie “O” era.

Beautifully modeled by my very chic aunt.

Evocateur jewelry

A Stuart Weitzman boot with fringe detail.

A silk scarf by Suzi Roher, with a secret! Do you see Paul Newman?

Styles are not without their island influences.

Color in abundance by Tolani.

South Carolina–where 500 year-old mossy oaks live contentedly with palmettos and pines. And pralines, she-crab soup, and shrimp with grits truly soothe the soul.

Pat Conroy said it best when he wrote of Charleston, “… a town so pretty, it makes your eyes ache with pleasure just to walk down its spellbinding, narrow streets.”