EventsFashion

Faces of Fashion: Barbara/Jean Ltd’s Melanie Dawson

Festival of Fashion promises to be the most stylish event of the season – featuring extraordinary looks that dazzle + delight. These boutiques share a commitment to our community and the CARTI mission of improved patient care. With insight for looking your best this fall, join the fun and celebrate the season in style.

Festival of Fashion | Friday, Nov. 18 | Hashtag Festival of Fashion #FOF with your favorite fall looks!

Inviting Arkansas: What motivates you to unlock the doors for business every day?
Melanie Dawson: 
We are just passionate about what we do! We love bringing the best of fashion to the ladies of Little Rock. We want everyone coming through our doors to feel welcomed and know we will have them looking their absolute best.

IA: What do clients enjoy most about the shop local movement?
MD:
 Our clients trust us because we have been doing this “shop local” thing for forty-four years! Our store was founded on the “shop local” concept in 1972. Barbara Baber and Jean Chaffin, our store founders, wanted to bring the fashions to Little Rock that ladies were having to travel to buy. We still want to carry on that mission today.

IA: What keeps you living + giving in Central Arkansas?
MD: Little Rock is a secret little gem. It’s a great place to live, we have great cultural things here. It’s easy to raise a family and this community really knows how to support one another.

IA: Why do you participate in CARTI’s Festival of Fashion?
MD: The work CARTI does, not only for Arkansans, but for people all over the world is amazing! They offer world class treatment in a caring environment. Whatever we can do to help in any small way is our privilege.

IA: What keeps you coming back?
MD: Just knowing that we can contribute in raising funds and awareness for CARTI is enough for us! Plus, it’s just so much fun!

IA: Favorite Fall Trend?
MD: We are loving all the new looks in pants. Leggings and skinny jeans are great, and there are so many new pant looks. One of our favorites is the cropped-flare.

IA: Must-have Accessory?
MD: 
A great pair of fashionable tennies. They aren’t just for casual wear. You can put them with a skirt or even a suit.

IA: Season’s Essential?
MD: A leather moto jacket

IA: Fashion Style/Icon?
MD: Katharine Hepburn, for me

IA: Fashion Mantra?
MD: Don’t try to force a trend if it doesn’t work for you. When in doubt, go with the looks and shapes that work for you – maybe with an updated twist.

Inviting Arkansas

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