It’s that time of year again where the St. Louis American Foundation recognizes the area’s leaders and trailblazers in education with the 28th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala. This year, we have featured some of St. Louis’ most dashing couples showcasing how they get cleaned up for the gala.
Marquita and Darius Chapman, Chauncey and Jermaine Tarrant, and Jessica Kinsey and Robert Little are all no strangers to the Salute scene.
Even though the latter two couples are transplants to the area, they all have been supporters of the St. Louis American Foundation’s efforts to celebrate success and they always seem to do it in style.
“I enjoy stepping out with my lady. I don’t consider her a trophy, but more like a reflection of myself,” said Robert Little. “If she looks and more importantly, feels good, I feel good.”
I love to see couples coordinate. The ones who do it successfully aren’t too “matchy-matchy,” but more a compliment to each other.
If one partner isn’t too keen on getting “suited and booted” and the other is, the couple should be able to come to a compromise on what to wear. When getting gussied up for the Salute, couples should definitely not overthink the style process.
“We like to keep true to our everyday style perspective, while still remaining chic and classic,” said Jermaine Tarrant.
And chic and classic is the name of the Salute style game. When it comes to some men, it’s pretty simple – tuxedo, bow tie and, if he’s feeling fancy, a cummerbund. Now don’t get me wrong, the men featured on our “Salute style” spread are more stylishly inclined than your average dude, but they also take a cue from their significant others.
As we all know, the ladies are really the star of the show when it comes to styling as a couple. Our options are endless. But complimenting one’s partner isn’t as easy as one might suspect. If one’s partner is a little on the “tacky” side – like wearing a red, three-quarter-length, pinstriped zoot suit with white gator shoes, “tacky” – it may be hard for a woman to aesthetically keep in step with her flamboyant boo. Instead of leaving the wardrobe selection to the guy, one should definitely take the style lead and choose the look for the evening.
But if one’s mate is the type to be hip to style trends, it should be easy to compliment his style.
“Darius is super conscious of his overall style aesthetic, which is definitely a good thing. And sometimes, he even tries (emphasis on tries) to get my look together,” Marquita Chapman said of her husband.
“But overall, we have a simple approach when it comes to our style as a couple. We like to look like a million bucks, but we also like to have a little edge. I love wearing a bright color, while Darius keeps it sleek but fly by incorporating different fabrics like velvet into his suits.”
Many couples also have the same approach to their “stepping out” style as they do to their grooming. When it comes to the ladies, we know it will be an all-day process, including hair, make-up and nails. With some men, after a fresh haircut, they’re ready to roll.
“I have had plenty of couples come to me for grooming purposes,” said Keisha Reece of Beauty by Reecey. “The man might need facial care and even a little blemish covering for a photo shoot or appearance purposes. And, of course, most women get a full beat.”
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 28th Annual Salute To Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 25 at America’s Center. For tickets or more information, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.
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