When one thinks of fashion, several names come to mind. Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, John Galliano, Nina Garcia, Rachel Zoe, June Ambrose and Andre Leon Talley are a few. How about the name Gwenolyn Stephens? Well, for those who are not familiar with the name, don’t fret. Ms. Stephens has set out on a mission to change that.

Gwenolyn Stephens hails from rural Mississippi and has had a lifelong obsession with fashion. Inspired by her mother, who was “always dressed to impress and always had on a pair of heels,” Stephens has created Rock.Paper.Heels., a boutique located in Ridgeland, Mississippi, Rock.Paper.Heels is “the basis of every woman.” The rock represents diamonds, a girl’s best friend, while paper represents money and heels are an accessory that all women love.

Though she is not formally educated in the field of fashion, Stephens has worked extensively in retail and has studied fashion in her own right—presumably with the aid of her favorite fashion publications, Elle and Vogue. One might expect her to feel inferior to those who hold degrees from world famous fashion institutions; however, she does not. She says that although “[my] creditability may be questioned [at times], that gives me the opportunity to show what I am capable of.”

Another issue that many may consider a hindrance to Stephen’s brand is her location. Needless to say, no one considers Mississippi one of the fashion capitals of the world. Still, she will not be deterred from pursuing her dreams on her own terms. “When you’re good at what you do and stay true to yourself, no good deed goes unnoticed,” she says. “No matter where you are from, you will have the ability to shine and make a positive impact in the lives of others.”

In addition to the physical location in Mississippi, Rock.Paper.Heels also has an online boutique. There are a number of things that separate this boutique from others. For starters, Stephens and her staff offer customers a variety of styles. The online store is geared more towards lovers of the urban genre, whereas the physical location offers more sophisticated pieces.

The company also offers customization. They have partnered with a Japan-based designer to customize pieces and hope to expand into national and global markets. The final component that separates this brand from the various others is personal styling. “I have yet to see a boutique that offers styling tips to their customers which includes hair, makeup and accessories,” Stephens states. “We offer the complete package, not just the garment.” Stephens is dedicated to giving her customers all of the necessary tools in order to feel comfortable and confident with their image.

Furthering her efforts to improve the image of her customers, Stephens seeks to open a consultation firm which will be an extension of Rock.Paper.Heels. She acknowledges that image is everything and that it is important to look your best at all times whether one is going on a job interview, first date or to a social gathering. Of course, Stephens has far bigger dreams than styling the everyday Mississippi woman and those dreams could be summed up in two words: Solange Knowles.

“She does everything so effortlessly,” she states of her dream client who she lists as a fashion icon alongside Rihanna, Audrey Hepburn and David Bowie. “She does not follow ‘fashion rules’ and she steps outside the box which is what I love about her. She is a style chameleon.”

Stephens is passionate about her brand and hopes that others will be able to identify and connect with what she is offering to the fashion community. Rock.Paper.Heels opened on September 1, 2012 and is located at 103 West Washington Street, Suite B4 in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Gwenolyn Stephens may be contacted via telephone at (601) 427-5472 or rockpaperheels@gmail.com. If interested in reading up more on Stephens’ fashion philosophy, feel free to view her Fashion Bomb Daily ‘Fashion Bombshell of the Day’ submission.

Image Courtesy of  Zvonimir Atletic / Shutterstock.com

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VH1 is celebrating two fascinating, career-driven women with a night dedicated to successful ladies looking to have it all. On Monday, March 19 the highly anticipated second season of ”La La’s Full Court Life” begins at 9PM* followed by VH1′s front row fashion show with the series premiere of ”Styled by June.”

“LA LA’S FULL COURT LIFE” SEASON TWO PREMIERES MONDAY, MARCH 19 AT 9:00 PM*

La La Anthony is back for an all new season of “ La La’s Full Court Life ” premiering March 19 at 9 PM ET/PT.  Since surviving her husband’s trade to the New York Knicks, La La Anthony is finally adjusting to life in the Big Apple. After spending the summer on stage in the show “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” La La’s passion for acting is skyrocketing.

With an upcoming role in the film “Think Like a Man” and the launch of a new make-up line, La La continues to balance motherhood, marriage and her flourishing career this season. Thanks to pals Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Monica and fan favorites, Po and Dice, it’s never all work and no play in “La La’s Full Court Life.”

“STYLED BY JUNE” SERIES PREMIERE MONDAY, MARCH 19 AT  9:30 PM ET/PT

Celebrity fashion stylist June Ambrose brings high-end fashion to VH1 with the new series “ Styled by June ,” premiering March 19 at 9:30 PM ET/PT. June is not only a go-to stylist for many big names in Hollywood including Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige, but is also the CEO of her own celebrity styling house, Mode Squad, Inc., Style Architect for the “The X-Factor USA,” and author of Effortless Style.

With her natural instinct and “no nonsense” attitude, June is giving viewers a sneak peek into her fabulous yet exclusive “Juniverse” as she works to  revamp the images and brands of celebrities Mischa Barton, Aubrey O’Day, Trina, Jaleel White, Shanna Moakler, Da Brat and Michelle Williams as they re-emerge into the spotlight.

For additional information on VH1 follow @VH1 on Twitter or “Like” VH1 on Facebook, and visit VH1.com for all the latest in music and celebrity news. For full episodes, clips and bonus content, visit StyledbyJune.vh1.com and Lala.vh1.com.

“La La’s Full Court Life” is executive produced by Cris Abrego and Angela Aguilera for 51 Minds Entertainment, La La Anthony and Carmelo Anthony for Krossover Entertainment and Steven Grossmanon behalf of The Collective. VH1 executive producers are Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Jeff Olde.

“Styled By June” is executive produced by Michael Hirschorn and Wendy Roth and co-executive produced by Stacey Altman for Ish Entertainment. June Ambrose is also co-executive producer. VH1 executive producers are Shelly Tatro, Brad Abramson, Danielle Gelfand and Jeff Olde.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with the TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

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