We are a team of style experts in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and The Carolinas, dedicated to keeping you informed of the latest styles and trends in fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle for a better you.

The Style and Trend Report Team

Staci Rutherford, Editor-In-Chief

Style+Trend Report was born to keep you informed of the latest styles and trends in fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle for a better you. Growing up, my favorite magazines to read were Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue and VIBE. I was fascinated by the relationship between culture and style in different countries; the impeccable detail of couture designs; and, at the opposite end of the fashion spectrum, drawn to the expressive urban lifestyle. Today, I still love to research and report trends – the influences, those who create and follow trends and how trends can vary from one city and country to another.

Chantel Bivins, Senior Editor

Chantel Bivins was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She attended Hampton University and received her B.A. in Print Journalism. After graduating in 2000, she has worked in politics, communications, and business development. During her stint in politics she received a M.P.A from Bowie State University.  Ms. Bivins has written and edited for numerous publications including the Auto Game and VERGO magazine.

Chantel’s philosophy on fashion is that you don’t always have to stick with the trends. Wardrobe staples can help you save money and make you fashionable. Also mixing and matching should be your number one priority, because even if we are not in a recession, constantly spending money on clothes can make your wallet thin.

Alan Jay House, Lifestyle Contributor

I’m the guy that’s fascinated by the intricate tile and myriad colors used by Goudi in Barcelona. I can spend an entire afternoon in downtown LA viewing the incredible architecture the city has to offer (thank you Schultze & Weaver, George Wyman, John Parkinson, Claud Beelman, I.M. Pei, Bertram Goodhue, and Frank Gehry). I’m also that dude who will visit every showroom at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart before heading to the Taste of Chicago. You know the guy at the farmers market that has to touch all of the fruit and vegetables so he feels more connected to the earth and to the farmers that share their bounty? That’s me too. I can always find something interesting in every thing and everyone I encounter. I’ll share my experiences and views with you and hopefully offer a fresh perspective or two along the way.

Crystal Glover, Style Contributor

Crystal is a Style+Trend Report contributor residing in Chicago. Crystal gravitates toward clothes that she feels comfortable in and which express her individuality, usually through classic silhouettes in neutrals or trendy brights. Of all things fashion and beauty, she has the most pleasure shopping for cosmetics (including YSL, M.A.C., Dior, and Laura Mercier), shoes (anything platform and superhigh), and handbags (highlighting Marc Jacobs, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent. Crystal enjoys socializing, taking advantage of Chicago’s many shopping neighborhoods, and reading.

Alicia Smith, Style Contributor

I remember as a young girl playing dress-up in my mother’s heels and purses, putting on my sister’s red lipstick and my grandmother’s fur stole. It was then that my passion for fashion was awakened. Since then, I have always studied trends and found a way to incorporate what’s hip and new with classic timeless designs. However, anyone that knows me well, knows that I love accessories, in particular, handbags and belts. My taste in handbags ranges from rich bold colors to sumptuous classic black, but for me the most important aspect is quality and size because it does matter…lol. I am a sucker for an oversized Italian leather handbag. I look forward to sharing my favorite designers as well as styling and shopping tips.

Raeven Murphy, Style Contributor

A self-proclaimed budget fashionista and trend forecaster, I pride myself on being years ahead of trends almost to a fault. My love for vintage clothes began over 12 years ago. Determined to have my own style, I began frequenting thrift stores and rummaging through relatives’ clothing and accessories from decades past. Over time, I have amassed a huge collection of vintage originals and look forward to making them available for purchase in the near future. One of my favorite pastimes is recreating runway looks for less! When I’m not shopping, I am reading blogs and fashion magazines.