Friday, February 3, 2012

Super Bowl shopping?

Posted by T. Strong on Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 10:36 AM

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There are some women who can roll with the best of them on Super Bowl Sunday and be the supportive, attentive, football loving wife or girlfriend. But if you're not that type and you don't want to pretend to be her this year, it's OK! No really, it is. Why not do something you would much rather enjoy, like ... oh, I don't know ... shop? If you want to spend your day amongst fabulous clothing, shoes and jewelry and enjoy the Q.C.'s biggest Super Bowl Sales, here's where you need to be.

Monarch will be open from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and is having a massive sale on all of their cold weather merchandise. This women's upscale consignment store is offering 75 percent off of all Fall and Winter items.

Just a few feet away, Cottage Chic puts a new spin on playing your cards right. The discounts here are all based on luck because you'll have to choose a card from the "Super bowl" for a chance to get up to 40 percent off of your purchase of any "in stock" items. I love this idea because it adds an element of surprise and hey, at the very least you could end up with a 10 percent off card. A savings is a savings, is what I like to say. Cottage Chic will be open from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Across the street at Petal, also from 1 p.m.-5 p.m., the party heats up because the first 20 customers will receive a free Petal gift bag. While you peruse their selection, you can grab a quick bite and a drink knowing it will all pay off in the end. You'll get 20 percent off your entire purchase and 30 percent off all sale merchandise.

If you're looking for a big sale with a discount on absolutely EVERYTHING, Sloan is the place to be. From 1 p.m.-5 p.m., all merchandise is 25 percent off! Yes, this includes sale items as well as jewelry. As a matter of fact, you will get an additional 25 percent off of the already reduced prices of the fall/winter collection.

And not too far away, in Phillips Place ... Via Veneto is offering light fare, wine and cheese, for the determined shopper. Stop by this boutique for 20 percent off regular priced items and 50 percent off sale. Open from 12 p.m.-4 p.m., this location is yet another stop in your four hour window of what I like to call "extreme shopping."

Keep in mind that all of these shopping events are for one day only and just for a few hours, so use your time wisely and like any other challenge, bring your A game and play to win!

To read up on more Super Bowl Sunday sales, check out this post on ScoopCharlotte.

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Backstage opens for the vintage-inspired

Posted by Allison Campbell on Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:45 AM

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Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a violinist in the Charlotte Symphony who has a knack for vintage fashion. Judith Beverly Craycraft is the owner of a new store called Backstage. It takes over the old Hong Kong Vintage space down on Central Avenue.

“The whole theme of Backstage is a tribute to the performing arts through vintage clothing, costumes, antiques and collectibles,” Craycraft proudly says. Opening on Jan. 1, Craycraft says she moved the store Asheville because it was bought out by developers. "This [place] has been a vintage location before," Craycraft says, "so, it made sense for us to move in here."

Upon entering the store, I'm reminded of the scenes and costumes in Fred Astaire's movie Top Hat. It helps that soft jazz music whispers in the background. It's apparent one can live out his or her Broadway or burlesque fantasies by shopping here.

What initially caught my eye was the jewelry. A stunning red coral necklace glistening like candy drew me to the center of the store. Craycraft says most of the bohemian and rhinestone jewelry is imported, but she designs red coral, turquoise, and quartz crystal pieces.

The racks overflow with Sergeant Pepper-inspired tailcoats, military jackets, tuxedo shirts with frilly-fronts, and classic smoking jackets. Craycraft says the store is a great outlet for her sewing — she transforms men's jackets into “tricked-out formalwear.” For accessories, she also has military hats, leather tap shoes, and antique shaving cups (a teacup with a mustache rest).

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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

GreenMarketGirl sale on Fab.com = Me geeked out

Posted by Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 1:37 PM

Yes! I finally found a way to use the phrase "geeked out" in the headline of one of my blog posts!

Maybe I'm late to the game on that catchphrase, and maybe I'm also late to the game on discovering Fab.com — but dammit, don't ruin this for me!

GreenMarketGirl, the creators of the cool eco cuff (an earth-friendly wood bracelet, if you're unaware), will have a three-day sale on Fab.com, starting tomorrow. Fab.com features daily designs for inspiration and sales up to 70 percent off. Here's the preview site for the GreenMarketGirl cuff sale.

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According to GreenMarketGirl's Facebook, they've recently designed seven new styles (six for women and one for men).

Sign up on Fab.com to be able to access the sale. It's going to be awesome.

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Lotus hosts ladies night

Posted by T. Strong on Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 1:12 PM

Spring has definitely sprung! In addition to the strangely warm weather we are having, in January no less, Lotus is inviting all of the fashionable ladies of the Queen City out this Thursday for an evening of shopping bliss. You'll have the opportunity to check out all of the fabulous new spring arrivals while you enjoy music and a nice glass of bubbly. What a great way to u wind after a long day at work! And, don't be selfish, bring along a friend or co-worker to join in the festivities.

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If you haven't purchased your look for the 4th Annual Care Ring Casino Night yet, this is the perfect time! Lotus is always giving back to the community with its philanthropic efforts, so they will be graciously donating 10 percent of all sales for the evening to Care Ring Charity. Come out on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. to support this wonderful cause and have a great time enhancing your spring wardrobe.

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.

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Monday, January 30, 2012

Living Social deal for Sobo Loft

Posted by Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 5:42 PM

How could I have possibly forgotten to tell you about this Living Social deal? Shame on me.

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Head to Sobo Loft and spend $20 to get $40 worth of cool merch, from jewelry (handmade and awesome — I have a couple of pairs from the Halo Handmade line myself) to baby gifts to scarves (also have two of these) to accessories and so much more.

Buy now, because the deal is only on for one more day.

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Spring is for color

Posted by T. Strong on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 5:34 PM

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Have you noticed the emergence of bright colors popping up in all the stores lately? That's right — I'm excited, too.

This spring, it's all about color: from pastels and sherbets to bright yellow and the color of the season, Tangerine. We went out to SouthPark Mall to get the expert opinion of Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction at Belk and to get caught up on what we can look forward to seeing from them this season.

Beautiful, vivid colors tops the list, and it is clearly a style statement. In so many ways, the color palettes made me feel quite girly and "lovely," which is exactly the feeling Belk wants its shoppers to have as they search for pieces to add to their spring wardrobe. All of the hip and trendy girls this season will surely have a pair of colored jeans or pants.

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This is a huge "must-have" and looks fabulous paired with contracting colors in tops and shoes. We saw silhouettes with feminine details like shirts with ruffles, skirts bearing perfect pleats, even floral prints and stripes. And when it comes to the trend of hemlines this Spring, Goldstein says we "can expect to see it all. Shorter hemlines as well as middi- and maxi - lengths."

Having choices and options are always great for those of you who may not be completely comfortable wearing a mini dress or skirt, and for the ladies who can't easily rock a long frock, the midi-length is right up your alley. Looks like Belk will be one of the first stops on my list of places to shop this season. How about you?

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Tonight: Miss Me denim party at Belle Ville

Posted by T. Strong on Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 3:42 PM

Are you looking for something to get into after work today? How about a new pair of jeans? Belle Ville's Promenade on Providence is hooting a $69 Miss Me Denim party tonight. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and will continue until 9 p.m. Bring a friend and you can compare "bums" as you try on a selection of $69 denim! You can also enjoy a glass of champagne and half off almost everything in the store and another 20 percent off the spring preview rack.

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You can even call ahead to reserve a pair at 704-847-5352 ... I got that tip from a little bird so I just thought I'd pass it off to you since the selection is limited. Don't miss out!

Belle Ville is located at 5341 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Suite 350.

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.

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Get inspired to redo your home at the Charlotte Spring Home Show

Posted by Allison Campbell on Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 3:26 PM

I’ve been trying for months to transform my drab apartment into a modern oasis. The only problem is, I have as much interior design ability as a 4-year-old finger-painter. This being said, I've decided to take some initiative and check out the displays at the Charlotte Spring Home Show. The home showcase happens Jan 20-22 at the Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road.

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Don’t get frustrated by your lack of home improvement skills, circling the home-improvement stores like a lost puppy — let professionals guide you through the process. Hundreds of on-site exhibitors have inexpensive and effective tips for creating your dream space. Product demonstrations are also available for the disinclined handy-workers like me. You can also browse through countless indoor and outdoor exhibits for ideas. Find everything from kitchen and baths, windows and doors, roofing and siding, flooring, hot tubs and pools, sunrooms, decks and fences, and even mattresses.

Admission and parking is free. For more information about the show, visit www.acshomeshow.com.

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Falling in love at Slate Interiors

Posted by Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 4:26 PM

Last week, I stopped by Slate Interiors to chat with Debbie, one of the owners. While I walked around the Plaza Midwood store, I fell in love with this:

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Now, if only I could get my boyfriend to agree to splashing some pink on our walls or buying those throw pillows. (He's an ex-Marine and gamer who rarely leaves the living room. Somehow, I don't think he'll agree. Sigh.)

Slate Interiors is like one very cool flea market, targeting the fashionable, creative, and weak-willed like me who are looking for pieces of art and other home furnishings. More than 50 artists, merchants, and designers offer a wide and ever-changing variety of quality merchandise. If you're looking to spruce up your living space — or just like looking at pretty things — head here.

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Friday, January 13, 2012

Are you a fan of Monarch?

Posted by Kimberly Lawson on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 11:26 AM

If you haven't fanned Monarch on Facebook, I highly recommend that you go ahead and do so now.

Each day, the "inspired collaborative boutique" offers a sale on a different item. Today, they're doing 20 percent off anything with one-shoulder. Yesterday, the deal was 20 percent off anything green.

They really stay true to that famous quote from Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you're gonna get."

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