Brandi Meriweather Wallace

Brandi Meriweather Wallace embodies the spirit of spring.

The Pensacola native loves the season’s vision of fresh inspiration and pursuits in fashion and life.

Among her areas of new growth is a plan to use the camera her husband recently gifted her to create a digital diary of her big, beloved family.

“I think this might be the year for me to start that,” said the graduate of West Florida High School and the University of West Florida, whose Filipino grandparents settled in Pensacola after her grandfather retired from the Navy. Her mother grew up in Pensacola and met Wallace’s father here, where they in turn raised their daughters, whose extended families socialize together regularly.

Wallace makes the most of all her hometown has to offer.

“I love a good coffee or brunch at the local hot spots. I also enjoy planning our families’ activities, which usually involve attending all of the local, annual events and festivals. My favorite event to be a part of every year is Hangout Music fest,” said Wallace. “I like to travel, but I’m a weekender girl. I like staying close to home, so we frequently visit the surrounding cities like Gulf Shores, Destin, Fairhope and Biloxi for day trips or weekends. That’s a big reason I love Pensacola. We are neighbors to so many fun cities.”

Amateur detective work also stirs Wallace’s soul.

“My favorite pastime is going to escape rooms and murder mystery dinners. Ahh, I love the thrill of playing detective!”

Wallace doesn’t just embrace activities – she relishes fashion trends as well. Her current favorite is matching sets. Jackets have woven their way into her fashion heart, as have everyone’s shoe of choice – sneakers.

“I have at least two or three different styled jackets in my car with me at all times,” said Wallace, who manages Ciao Bella Boutique and Salon as well as supporting her husband’s business, Champion Construction.

Shopping list: Beach-to-bar sets are a hot trend this spring. Wear this whimsical set in verdant Kelly green over a swimsuit at the beach or pool, then transition to an evening out with simplicity. Butterfly sleeve front-tie crop kimono with matching wide-leg, high-waisted palazzo pants by Skies are Blue, $77.

Shopping list: Pink is the queen of colors this season, so indulge your femininity and take the pink plunge with this surplice wrap romper by Glam ($42) – easy to dress up or down as the occasion demands.

About The Location Fiore of Pensacola, 405 S. K St., Pensacola; 850-469-1930; fioreofpensacola.com.

Hair & Makeup

Dawn Hamil of 10th Avenue Hair Designs, 1000 East Cervantes St., Pensacola; 850-433-5207; 10thavenuehair.com; IG@dawn_ at_10th_avenue.

Clothes Compliments of Ciao Bella Boutique, 3014 E. Cervantes St., Suite B, Pensacola; 850-748-5787; shopthebella.com.

Shopping list: Mixing textures is getting air time this spring. Try your hand with this texture-rich outfit, perfect for March on the Gulf Coast. Pair this Glam high-low bell sleeved cream sweater ($39) with taupe Le Lis sweater shorts featuring leather detailing ($32).