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May 15, 2012

Southern Charm Party + Q&A

Tinsley Mortimer visited Charleston last week to kick off the book tour for her first novel, Southern Charm. Hampden Clothing & Leapfrog PR hosted a book signing party that I knew I wouldn't want to miss. And I was right, it was fabulous.

I read Southern Charm while I was traveling a couple of weekends ago and finished it in 24 hours. What can I say, I have a thing for girly novels. And this book hit all of my favorites - love, fashion, drama, southern based (Charleston, SC to be exact!)... And seeing as how it was written by an NYC Socialite the story was all the much more interesting.


So I thought it would be fun to get to know a little more about the girl behind the glitz and glamour. And happily, Tinsley was game for a little Q&A...

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Look Linger Love: What made you choose Charleston, SC as a setting for Southern Charm?
Tinsley: I have to be totally honest, I have never been to Charleston! But I've always thought of it as an iconic "Southern" city--there's so much history and beauty. It seems cosmopolitan without being intimidating, which is similar to my hometown of Richmond. I wanted a place that was similar to where I grew up.

LLL: When it comes to southern style, what are your favorite looks?
Tinsley: Always color to start (I can't remember the last time I wore black), and I gravitate toward feminine looks--skirts, dresses, ruffles, bows--which I think is very "southern." But I've lived in NYC for years, so I also like to add a bit of edge to an outfit, like some fringe or studs. Overall, the look is always "girly" though. I love my partner on this tour, HPNOTIQ Harmonie, because it is a lavender-colored liquor. We’ve done a lot with this color, I’ve had a lot of fun picking different dresses in shades of lilac and lavender and wore a custom made wide-brimmed  lavender hat to the derby inspired by Harmonie.

LLL: And are there any southern styles that you're not digging so much?
Tinsley: Southern women tend to be very "preppy," and even though I went to boarding school in the Northeast and there's certainly a preppy contingent in New York, I've never been a huge fan of the polo shirt and khakis look...for one, it's not that feminine and I just think there are so many ways to have fun with fashion and express yourself without looking like everyone else. That's how I first got noticed, after all!

LLL: When you visit Charleston which shops are you looking forward to visiting?
Tinsley: I'm looking forward to visiting King Street. I've heard great things about Hampden Clothing and also Bob Ellis shoes. I would love some suggestions!

LLL: We're going out for a girl's night in NYC. Where do you want to go?
Tinsley: Beauty + Essex is a fun restaurant on the Lower East Side that is fairly new. There's a "pawn shop" in the front where you can buy fun jewelry. In the back is the bar and restaurant which has big tables that are perfect for a fun group of girls. Le Bain in the Standard Hotel is a great place to go dancing! I also love Avenue and PHD at the Dream Hotel.

LLL: What is your greatest extravagance?
Tinsley: Like most New York City women, I love expensive shoes.

LLL: You're such a style maven. Do you have a style muse?
Tinsley: I really look to classic beauties like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly for inspiration.

LLL: What would you have been found doing on a Friday night in high school?
Tinsley: Nothing super exciting, probably hanging out with my friends or boyfriend. I went to a boarding school that was pretty strict!

LLL: Do you have any exciting summer plans (other than your book tour)?
Tinsley: I'd love to spend some time in the Hamptons (actually, I'm doing a party there for the book in June!) and maybe get over to the South of France. That said, I don't have anything set in stone yet, I've been so busy with work!

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{Tinsley signing for my gorgeous friend, Way Way.}

Tinsley's such a sweetie! And she can now add "badass author" to her list of accomplishments because I absolutely adored the book. If you're looking for a great summer read, pick up Southern Charm. Thanks for visiting us here in Charleston, Tinsley. It was great having you.

19 comments:

Alex {Things That Sparkle} said...

What a fun interview! And absolutely love her pink lace dress!

Kim @ keller-creative said...

What a great interview! I definetly need to pick up that book.

Amy Florez {Baby Mama Juice} said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sadie + Stella said...

No joke! Her house is nutso!

Tara {The Silver Lining} said...

So fun! I'll have to read her book now. That closet and vanity of hers looks amazing.

Morgan said...

Great interview! I think you've found a new career. :)

Becca | Lowlife Couture said...

I cant wait to read it, I was just looking for a new summer read!

Southern Styled Flair by Brandi said...

I'm gonna have to read this. Great interview. I'm a Charleston girl : )

http://flairbybrandi.blogspot.com

Lacy in the Sky with Diapers said...

Yay I new book to read! How fun that you were able to meet her! Charleston is my favorite place in the world!

Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home said...

aw super cute - I love this interview! and i die over her monogrammed pillows! great post!

AboveUrban said...

This is going on the summer reading list, which I'll probably get to this fall :)

And now I am craving cupcakes at 10am!

Natalie {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers} said...

Great interview. Sad I missed the party but heard it was fun! I just started the book too!

Anonymous said...

I really love Tinsley...she is so cute and very entertaining. Having said that, she wrote a book about Charleston without ever going there? Great interview!! xxo

Lindsey Suggs said...

Great q & a!!! Looks like she had a great turnout too. So fun!

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

Some people have all the fun...interviewing authors and attending launch parties is so fabulous, Chassity! (c: And she is absolutely stunning...as is her closet (c:

Nikki said...

AAH! I'm so jealous!! I just love Tinsley!! I've been obsessed for years!! I wish she was coming to Memphis for her book tour, but no. Great interview! Can't wait to get the book!

The Peak of Tres Chic said...

This looks like it was an amazing event! Such gorgeous photos. I will def have to check out her new book. :)

XO,

Sam
www.ThePeakofTresChic.com

Bud and Leo said...

It looks like such a great event. She is gorgeous!! Kelli

Kathryn {love, raleigh} said...

I just finished reading and loved it! She did a great job of depicting a smart, sassy and southern character! Bravo!